Map Generating Method Using GPS Data Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The vast amount of GPS coordinate values required for precise map information poses a challenge in storage and efficient processing, particularly in autonomous vehicular technologies where precise road shape information is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to divide road shape information from GPS data into segments, model these segments, and adjust the number of GPS data points based on error ranges, using quintic equations and Hermite curves to ensure continuity and minimize errors, thereby optimizing storage and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS coordinate values are stored to represent precise map information, then map precision is improved, but storage requirements and processing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap precisionVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the road shape information into multiple linear segments, where each segment is defined by start and end coordinates rather than storing all individual GPS points. This segmentation reduces the quantity of data while maintaining map precision through piecewise linear approximation of the road geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the representation parameters from storing all GPS coordinate values to storing only segment definition parameters (start and end coordinates). This parameter change reduces data quantity while preserving essential map information through mathematical modeling of road shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If all GPS data points are retained for accurate road shape representation, then map accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the road shape into linear sections with defined start and end points, the patent reduces the number of data points that need to be processed while maintaining accurate road geometry representation. This segmentation enables faster processing compared to handling all individual GPS coordinates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed to define road segments (start and end coordinates) from the complete GPS data set, discarding redundant intermediate points. This extraction process reduces processing time while preserving the essential geometric characteristics of the road.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Quantity of substance

If GPS data is reduced to minimize storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but map precision and continuity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidmap precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses Hermite curves to smoothly connect linear segments, ensuring continuity and preserving the curved nature of roads. This approach maintains map precision by accurately representing road geometry with smooth transitions between segments, even though the underlying data structure uses simplified linear approximations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs error range determination to validate that segmented representations maintain sufficient accuracy. By checking whether the difference between original GPS data and segmented representation falls within acceptable error ranges, the system ensures map precision is preserved while achieving storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If linear segments are used to approximate road shapes, then processing efficiency is improved, but continuity and smoothness between segments may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsegment continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Hermite curves to connect linear segments, introducing smooth curvature transitions that maintain visual and geometric continuity. This approach preserves the stability of the road shape composition by ensuring smooth transitions between segments, eliminating abrupt angular connections while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10416317B2Vehicle and map generating method for the vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.09.17 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10416317B2 patent drawing
  • US10416317B2 patent drawing
  • US10416317B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A map generating method includes: modeling a predetermined amount of global positioning system (GPS) data as linear segments; determining whether a difference between the modeled segments and the GPS data is within a predetermined range; and determining an amount of GPS data forming the modeled segments based on whether the difference is within the predetermined range.