Map Data Updating System Region Boundary Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing map data update techniques in navigation systems face issues with road continuity at mesh boundaries and require extensive processing time, especially in mobile terminals with limited resources, due to the need for frequent updates in mesh units.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves updating map data in predetermined regions, using differential updating data to maintain road connections across adjacent regions, allowing for quick updates and preventing road discontinuity by managing map data in region units rather than mesh units, thereby reducing processing time and maintaining navigation system functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If map data is updated in mesh units sequentially, then the latest map data can be reflected, but road continuity is lost at mesh boundaries when adjacent meshes have different update timings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap data accuracyVSAvoidroad continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the map data into mesh units for independent update management, while introducing boundary mesh identification to handle continuity issues. Each mesh can be updated independently, but boundary meshes are specially tracked to maintain road connections across mesh boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by identifying boundary meshes before updates and pre-processing differential update data to ensure continuity. When a mesh is updated, the system checks adjacent boundary meshes and applies differential updates to maintain road connections, preventing discontinuity before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If map data is updated sequentially in units of changed figures, then update accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases significantly on mobile terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by updating only the necessary differential data for changed regions rather than sequentially processing all changed figures. The system identifies the minimal set of differential update data required for a region and applies only that, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the update parameter from sequential figure-by-figure processing to region-based differential update. By switching to a parameter-driven approach where updates are based on region boundaries and differential data rather than sequential figure indices, the processing efficiency is significantly improved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If frequent mesh unit updates are conducted, then map data reflects current state, but navigation system functionality is impaired due to road connection discontinuities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate frequencyVSAvoidnavigation functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring boundary mesh updates and adjusting subsequent updates based on the state of adjacent meshes. The system checks road connection status after updates and uses this feedback to determine whether additional differential updates are needed to maintain continuity, ensuring navigation functionality remains intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces boundary meshes as intermediary elements that mediate between adjacent regions. These boundary meshes are specially managed to ensure smooth transitions and maintain road connections across region boundaries, acting as buffers that prevent discontinuities from propagating through the navigation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1832990B1Computer readable medium storing a map data updating program
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HITACHI LTD
  • EP1832990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1832990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1832990B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In order to quickly update map data in region units without generation of contradiction to adjacent non-updated regions after the updating, under map data updating, time and date of updating of update region of a terminal is obtained with designation of a region as the update object used as a trigger, a mesh ID on the external boundary of the partial update region is obtained, and the differential updating data ID of the updated differential updating data is also obtained from the terminal. The partial updating data and differential updating data required for updating of the designated region of the terminal are selected from the information obtained above and these selected data are applied to the map data of terminal. When updating is conducted using the partial updating data and differential updating data, the time and date of updating of the relevant partial update region ID are changed and the differential updating data ID is registered to the differential management data.