Map Data Correction Validation via Navigation Device Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current map data validation processes are costly and time-consuming, and vulnerable to false corrections introduced by users, which can lead to inaccurate map data and inconvenience for users relying on unverified updates.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for validating map data corrections using a server that selects and contacts multiple navigation devices that have traveled through the affected location, generating user requests for validation and analyzing responses to determine the validity of corrections, thereby reducing the reliance on manual verification and minimizing the impact of false submissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual verification of map corrections is used, then accuracy of map data is improved, but time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of map dataVSAvoidtime for validation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables map corrections to validate themselves automatically by having navigation devices that have passed through the affected location confirm whether the correction is accurate. Multiple devices independently verify the correction, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining high accuracy through crowd-sourced validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where navigation devices report back whether they have encountered the corrected location and whether the correction appears accurate. This feedback mechanism allows automatic validation of map corrections by aggregating responses from multiple devices that have traversed the affected geographic area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If user-submitted corrections are accepted quickly, then productivity of map updates is improved, but reliability decreases due to false corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of map updatesVSAvoidaccuracy of corrections
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation by automatically checking user-submitted corrections against data from multiple navigation devices before accepting the correction. Navigation devices that have already passed through the affected location provide preliminary confirmation, allowing the system to quickly filter out false corrections while maintaining high update speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary validation process where navigation devices act as mediators between users and the central map database. Instead of directly accepting user submissions, the system routes corrections through multiple independent navigation devices for verification, ensuring reliability while maintaining productivity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple navigation devices are contacted for validation, then reliability of correction verification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages the existing multi-functionality of navigation devices, which already possess GPS location tracking and map data storage capabilities. By repurposing these existing functions for validation purposes, the system achieves high reliability through multiple devices without adding significant complexity, as the devices are already performing similar navigation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Navigation devices automatically participate in the validation process using their own stored map data and location history, requiring minimal additional complexity. The devices self-verify corrections by comparing against their own data and communicating results back to the central system, reducing the need for complex external validation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3029421B1Validating map data corrections
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 TOMTOM NAVIGATION BV
  • EP3029421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3029421B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3029421B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A server (150, 160) configured for use in the validation of a correction to map data for a geographic location is in communication via a transmitter (162) and a receiver (164) with a plurality of navigation devices (200). The server comprises a route log (304) configured to store navigation routes travelled by the plurality of navigation devices (200). A set of one or more navigation devices (200) is selected for which a route is stored in the route log (304) that includes a location within a predetermined distance from a geographic location associated with a correction to map data, and a user request to validate the correction is generated for transmission by the transmitter (162) to the selected set of navigation devices (200). The user responses received by the receiver (164) are analysed to validate the correction.