Map Generation Using Common Landmarks to Correct GPS Distortions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map generation methods face challenges in achieving high accuracy with a small number of GPS samples due to large variations in coordinates, requiring a large number of samples to improve accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires segments with dividing lines and landmarks, sets common landmarks across segments, and uses these landmarks to correct orientation, size, and linear distortions, allowing for accurate map generation with a small number of samples by identifying dividing lines on the map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If GPS coordinates are used for map generation, then the method is simple to implement, but the accuracy deteriorates due to large variations in coordinates with a small number of samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces common landmarks as intermediary reference points between GPS coordinates and map data. Instead of directly using GPS coordinates for map generation, the system uses landmarks (such as signboards or distinctive features) as mediators to establish accurate spatial relationships. The common landmark setting unit identifies landmarks that appear in multiple segments and uses them as reference points to correct and align GPS-based segment positions, thereby improving map accuracy without completely discarding GPS data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical reliance on GPS coordinate measurements with a landmark-based reference system. Rather than trusting GPS coordinates directly for precise map generation, the system substitutes them with landmark observations that provide more stable and accurate spatial references. This substitution involves detecting landmarks in images, matching them across different segments, and using them to establish precise geometric relationships for map generation.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of GPS samples are used to improve accuracy, then the map accuracy improves, but the data processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on the most informative elements from the large amount of GPS sample data, which are the common landmarks. Instead of processing all GPS samples equally, the system identifies and extracts landmark information that provides the highest value for accuracy improvement. The common landmark setting unit filters and selects landmarks that appear consistently across multiple segments, extracting only the critical reference points needed for accurate map generation, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the map generation process into distinct functional units: segment acquisition, common landmark setting, dividing line setting, and map data generation. Each segment handles specific tasks independently. The common landmark setting unit operates as a separate module that processes landmark identification and matching, while the dividing line setting unit separately handles the geometric processing. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex data processing in manageable chunks, improving efficiency and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If common landmarks are used to set dividing lines, then the map accuracy improves with fewer samples, but the requirement for landmark detection and matching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the landmark detection and matching system universal by using the same image processing techniques for both landmark detection and dividing line detection. The dividing line setting unit uses the established landmark references to detect and set dividing lines in the same image data, making the system multi-functional. This universality allows the system to leverage the same computational resources and processing pipelines for multiple detection tasks, reducing the overall difficulty despite the added complexity of landmark-based processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a map includes: acquiring a segment including a dividing line and a landmark on a road using a segment acquisition unit, setting a common landmark common with another segment, in the segment acquired by the segment acquisition unit using a common landmark setting unit, setting a dividing line in the segment using the common landmark set by the common landmark setting unit using a dividing line setting unit, and identifying the dividing line in the segment set by the dividing line setting unit, as a dividing line on a map and generates map data using a map data generation unit.