Map Database Update via Probe Data Probability Validation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems rely on static map databases that may not accurately reflect real-time changes in geographic regions, leading to outdated route information and navigation errors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize probe data from navigation devices to determine the validity of differences between a map database and the actual geographic region, updating the database with probabilities based on change requests and probe data to create a conflated map, which identifies and validates changes such as new streets or traffic restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If map databases are updated frequently to reflect real-time changes, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data validation reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of incorporating invalid changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoiddata validation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where probe data from navigation devices is continuously collected and used to validate map changes. Multiple independent reports of the same geographic change are required before updating the map database, creating a feedback loop that ensures accuracy while maintaining reliability through verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects excessive probe data beyond what is minimally required, using statistical analysis to determine when sufficient evidence has been gathered. This approach allows the system to update maps with high confidence by accumulating multiple partial observations before committing to a change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If probe data collection is expanded to cover more geographic regions, then map database accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to data processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap database accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the geographic region into multiple zones and processes probe data independently for each zone. This modular approach allows parallel processing of data from different regions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage and high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces intermediary processing layers including data filtering modules, validation rules, and aggregation mechanisms that simplify the processing of raw probe data. These intermediaries transform complex multi-source data into standardized, validated map updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple change requests are validated before updating the map database, then data reliability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of change requests using predefined criteria and automated checks before full processing. This preliminary action filters out obviously invalid changes early, reducing the time required for comprehensive validation while maintaining high data reliability through multi-layer verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2370785B1Systems and methods for processing information related to a geographic region
Publication Date: 2017.05.03 TOMTOM NORTH AMERICA INC
  • EP2370785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2370785B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2370785B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Methods and systems for processing information related to a geographic region are disclosed. A method includes determining a probability that at least one difference between a map database and a geographic region represented by the map database is valid based on probe data from the geographic region and at least one change request, the change request being associated with the at least one difference, and storing the probability and the at least one difference in memory. A system includes a processor configured to determine a probability that at least one difference between a map database and a geographic region represented by the map database is valid based on probe data from the geographic region and at least one change request, the change request being associated with the at least one difference, and memory operable coupled to the processor to store the probability and the at least one difference.