Map Segment Alignment To Global Reference Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large and complex sites such as hospitals and airports often lack a single coherent detailed floor plan, as existing detailed floor plans are not aligned to each other or to larger maps, requiring the processing of numerous separate plans to generate a comprehensive map.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method aligns multiple map segments with local reference frames to a global reference frame by generating candidate alignments, evaluating cost functions, and determining optimal solutions using algorithms like shape matching and discrete global optimization, allowing for the creation of a single detailed floor plan covering the entire site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple separate detailed floor plans are used to cover large areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the alignment coherence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large area into multiple map segments, each with its own detailed floor plan. These segments are then independently processed and aligned to a common reference frame using node points and edges, resolving the contradiction by allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining coherence through systematic segmentation and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate detailed floor plans into a single coherent comprehensive map by aligning them to a common reference frame. The system combines information from multiple segments while maintaining alignment coherence through cost function evaluation and optimization algorithms that ensure consistent spatial relationships across all segments.
2Measurement precision
If detailed floor plans are generated for specific areas, then the mapping precision is improved, but the overall alignment between plans deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by extracting node points and edges from each detailed floor plan before alignment. These extracted features serve as reference markers that enable precise alignment between segments. The system evaluates candidate alignments using cost functions that incorporate the precision of these preliminary extractions, ensuring both high mapping precision and reliable alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through cost function evaluation that continuously monitors and adjusts alignment quality. The system evaluates candidate alignments based on the degree of alignment between node points and edges, and uses this feedback to optimize the final alignment, ensuring both precision and reliability are maintained throughout the mapping process.
3Quantity of substance
If numerous separate floor plans are processed, then the coverage completeness is improved, but the processing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing task into independent modules: extracting node points and edges from each floor plan, generating candidate alignments for each segment independently, evaluating alignments using cost functions, and merging results. This segmentation reduces overall processing complexity by allowing parallel processing of multiple segments while maintaining coverage completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures including node points, edges, and a common reference frame that mediate between individual floor plans and the final comprehensive map. These intermediaries simplify the processing by providing standardized alignment references and enabling systematic integration of multiple segments without direct complex interactions between all plans.
4Loss of information
If existing floor plans are used without alignment, then the data availability is improved, but the map coherence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of node points and edges from existing floor plans before alignment processing. This preliminary action preserves all original data information while preparing the data for systematic alignment. The extracted features serve as the basis for generating candidate alignments that maintain both data availability and map coherence through rigorous evaluation and optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of aligning a plurality of map segments having a local reference frame to a reference map having a global reference frame, each map segment overlapping a portion of the area represented by the reference map, the method comprising: for each map segment, independently generating one or more candidate alignments, aligning the map segment to the reference map; for each candidate alignment evaluating a cost function representing the likelihood that the candidate alignment is correct; based on the candidate alignments and associated cost functions, generating one or more candidate solutions, each candidate solution comprising a single candidate alignment for each map segment; for each candidate solution, evaluating a cost function based on at least the cost functions for each candidate alignment included in the candidate solution; and based on evaluation of the cost functions, determining alignment of the plurality of map segments.