Map Matching Centroid Approximation for Probe Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current map matching techniques for probe points to road segments are computationally expensive, leading to high execution time and costs, especially for large datasets, due to the need for separate spatial searches for each probe point, which limits their efficiency in real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves pre-processing to calculate areas of interest along road links, determining centroids for these areas, and approximating probe data points to these centroids for efficient matching, reducing the need for complex calculations and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate spatial searches are conducted for each probe point to identify the closest road segment, then map matching accuracy is improved, but execution time and computational costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores areas of interest and their centroids for all road segments before probe point matching. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex spatial searches during actual map matching, as probe points can be quickly matched to pre-computed centroids based on simple geometric tests, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing execution time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides road segments into multiple areas of interest with calculated centroids. Instead of searching the entire road segment for each probe point, the system segments the matching space into manageable regions with pre-determined reference points (centroids), enabling faster localized matching while preserving overall accuracy
2Reliability
If separate spatial searches are conducted for each probe point, then complete coverage of all probe points is achieved, but computational costs become prohibitive for large datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of areas of interest and centroids for all road segments before processing probe points. This pre-computation stores essential matching information in advance, transforming the complex computational problem into simple geometric comparisons during actual matching, thereby maintaining complete probe point coverage while reducing computational costs to manageable levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified representations (centroids) that copy the essential spatial characteristics of road segments. These centroid copies serve as surrogate matching targets, preserving the geometric relationships needed for accurate matching while requiring minimal computational resources to process
3Measurement precision
If complex spatial search calculations are performed for real-time map matching, then accurate location identification is achieved, but processing speed becomes insufficient for real-time applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates areas of interest and their centroids for all road segments before real-time processing. During real-time map matching, the system only needs to perform simple geometric tests against pre-computed centroids, achieving both high location identification accuracy and the processing speed required for real-time applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive spatial search calculations from the real-time processing pipeline and performs them in advance. By separating the pre-computation phase from the real-time matching phase, the system removes the computational bottleneck while preserving accuracy, enabling real-time processing speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to process probe data in accordance with an efficient map matching technique. Methods may include obtaining a road link within a geographic area from a database of a plurality of road links; calculating a plurality of areas of interest and a centroid for each; receiving a probe data point from a probe apparatus including one or more sensors and being onboard a vehicle, where the probe data point includes location information associated with the probe apparatus; determining that the probe data point location information corresponds to the geographic area; determining that the probe data point location corresponds to an area of interest disposed along the road link within the geographic area; and map matching the probe data point to a centroid of the area of interest determined to correspond to the probe data point location.