Embedding Map Data in Raster Graphics Files
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting digital maps and geospatial data to portable devices face limitations due to the inefficiency of pre-rendered raster graphic files, which lack additional useful information, making it difficult to customize map styles, support varying device sizes, and provide turn-by-turn navigation, while also requiring significant storage and processing power.
Innovation Solution
Embedding non-visual data into the pixels of pre-rendered map image files, allowing for simultaneous transmission of visual and non-visual data, using techniques such as altering pixel data channels or utilizing the transparency channel to encode additional map information, which can be decoded by the device to enhance navigation and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-rendered raster graphic files are used to transmit map data, then transmission speed and compatibility are improved, but the files contain no additional useful information for customization and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual raster image data with non-visual map data (such as vector data, metadata, and navigation information) into a single composite raster graphic file. This merging allows the file to serve dual purposes: providing fast visual display while simultaneously encoding additional map information that can be extracted for customization and navigation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds additional map data structures within the pixel data of the raster image, similar to how nested dolls contain smaller dolls within larger ones. The non-visual data is nested within the visual data structure, allowing both layers of information to coexist in the same file format without requiring separate transmission channels.
2Quantity of substance
If pre-rendered raster graphic files are used, then device storage requirements are reduced, but customization and turn-by-turn navigation capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data types (visual raster data, vector map data, metadata) into a single file structure, eliminating the need for separate storage of multiple data files on the device. This reduces storage requirements while maintaining the ability to extract and utilize various data types for customization and navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite raster graphic file serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual display, contains navigation data for turn-by-turn directions, stores metadata for customization, and maintains compact storage. This multi-functionality allows a single file type to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate files or data structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-rendered raster graphic files are used, then internet streaming is simplified, but intermediate zoom levels and continuous zooming are not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pre-rendered raster image data with vector-based map data in a single file. The vector data component contains geometric information that can be dynamically scaled and transformed, enabling intermediate zoom levels and continuous zooming while maintaining the simplicity of streaming pre-rendered files.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing map data composed of providing geospatial map data pre-rendered into a plurality of raster graphic files, where each of the raster graphic files comprising a plurality of image pixels each having pixel data information Additional map data is embedded into at least one of the raster graphic files by altering the pixel data information The additional map data is then delivered simultaneously with the raster graphics files.