Map Server Meta-Data Filtering for Indoor Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in managing and distributing indoor maps due to the lack of a central repository for indoor location information and difficulties in selecting the most suitable map for specific applications, as multiple maps with varying qualities are available for the same location, making it hard for developers to create effective Location-Based Services (LBS) applications.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a map server provides map meta-data to user devices, allowing users to select the most suitable maps based on location data and criteria, by retrieving and filtering map meta-data from a database, and enabling users to interactively or automatically choose maps that match their requirements, using a common data format and meta-data associated with each map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple maps are made available for the same location from different sources, then the variety and quality of map options increase, but the difficulty of selecting the most suitable map increases
Solution Approach 1:
A map server acts as an intermediary between multiple map sources and user devices. The server receives map data from various providers, stores it in a centralized database with standardized formats, and manages the selection logic. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining map variety while simplifying user access through a single interface that automatically selects appropriate maps based on pre-defined criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of map selection from user-based subjective choice to system-based objective selection. The map server uses parameters such as map quality metrics, relevance to current location, and application-specific requirements to automatically determine which map to provide. This transforms the selection process from a complex user task to an automated decision-making process.
2Device complexity
If a central repository for indoor location information is established, then map management and distribution is simplified, but the complexity of integrating multiple proprietary formats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the format conversion and standardization process from the user device and places it at the map server level. When map data is ingested from various proprietary sources, the server automatically converts it to a standardized internal format, storing both the original and converted versions. This extraction approach simplifies the central repository structure while handling integration complexity centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The map data storage is segmented into multiple layers: raw proprietary formats, standardized intermediate formats, and processed display formats. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - raw data maintains source fidelity, intermediate formats enable efficient processing, and display formats optimize for specific applications. The layered structure reduces overall system complexity by organizing data transformation processes systematically.
3Ease of operation
If map meta-data is provided to user devices for selection, then the ability to choose suitable maps improves, but the amount of data transmission and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by providing only the essential meta-data needed for map selection rather than complete map data. The map server transmits condensed information such as map identifiers, quality scores, relevance metrics, and brief descriptions. User devices use this partial information to make selection decisions, then request only the specific map data needed. This approach maintains good selection capability while minimizing data transmission volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for retrieving maps from a map server is disclosed where, as an intermediate step, map meta-data is requested on the basis of which one or more map can later be selected. Map meta-data on the basis of location data, indicating the location of the user device, and map criteria, specifying at least one condition for selecting maps which may be entered manually or automatically into a user device. The request is sent to a map server where a search for map meta-data matching the received location data and map criteria is executed. In case of at least one match between the map meta-data, the location data and the map criteria, map meta-data associated with at least one map is provided to the user device, such that the user device can select at least one map, which can be acquired from the map server, at least partly on the basis of the retrieved map meta-data.