Map Database Generating System with Automated Feature Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional map database generating systems are inefficient and costly due to the need for manual interpretation and comparison of aerial photographs, leading to inaccurate and outdated maps, with a high workload required for updates and data duplication.

Innovation Solution

A system that stores feature information with unique identification symbols, including disposition, form, accuracy, and acquisition timing, allowing for efficient generation and updating of map databases by automatically associating and updating road network attributes based on feature information from a feature database.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual interpretation and comparison of aerial photographs is used to update map databases, then attribute information can be obtained, but the workload increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of attribute informationVSAvoidupdate efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation of aerial photographs with automated image processing and pattern recognition systems. The attribute setting portion automatically extracts attribute information from aerial photographs by comparing image patterns against stored patterns in the pattern database, eliminating the need for manual interpretation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the map database to update itself automatically. The attribute setting portion continuously compares current aerial photograph data with existing map database information, automatically detects changes, and updates the database without human intervention, making the system self-maintaining.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive attribute information is extracted from aerial photographs, then map database accuracy improves, but the time required for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap database accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing various image patterns and their corresponding attribute information in the pattern database before actual map updates are needed. When updating the map database, the system only needs to match current aerial photograph patterns against these pre-prepared patterns, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive attribute extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the attribute extraction process into distinct pattern recognition tasks. Different image patterns (road signs, lane markings, intersections) are identified separately through pattern matching, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall processing time while ensuring comprehensive attribute information is captured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the map database is updated frequently to maintain up-to-date information, then data currency improves, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata currencyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by automatically updating the map database at scheduled intervals or when triggered by specific conditions (such as detection of significant changes). The attribute setting portion periodically compares current aerial photograph data with the existing database, updating only when necessary, thereby maintaining data currency while reducing unnecessary processing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual comparison methods are used to determine information variation, then updates can be made, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary - the pattern database - that mediates between aerial photograph data and the map database. The attribute setting portion uses this intermediate pattern database to automatically compare and detect variations, simplifying the update process and reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability to various update scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9142147B2Map database generating systems, methods, and programs

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 AISIN AW CO LTD

AI summary

Systems, methods, and programs store feature information relating to features existing on a road and on the periphery of the road, each piece of feature information being associated with a unique identification symbol, each piece of feature information including disposition information expressing a spatial disposition of each feature independently of the road network, form information expressing a form of each feature, accuracy information expressing an accuracy of the information, and acquisition timing information expressing an acquisition timing of the information. The systems, methods, and programs (1) output the feature information stored in the feature database and input map information constituting the map database, the map information being generated based on the output feature information, or (2) generate map information constituting the map database on the basis of the feature information stored in the feature database.