Indoor Outdoor Map Switching via Transition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic map technologies do not support navigation in indoor private areas and require manual switching between outdoor and indoor maps, lacking seamless transition capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method for switching electronic maps on a terminal that detects transitions between outdoor and indoor regions by acquiring and displaying appropriate map data, using remote and short-range positioning signals to switch between navigation modes, ensuring seamless navigation between indoor and outdoor maps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching between outdoor and indoor map software is used, then navigation in both outdoor and indoor areas can be achieved, but user operation complexity increases and seamless transition is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation coverageVSAvoidmanual switching operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects terminal location using positioning auxiliary devices and autonomously switches between outdoor and indoor electronic maps without requiring manual user intervention. The terminal itself performs the switching operation based on detected positioning signals, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between different map applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads indoor electronic map data into the terminal before the user actually needs to enter the indoor area. By detecting when the terminal approaches a target building through positioning signals, the system prepares the indoor map data in advance, enabling seamless transition without waiting or manual intervention when the user actually enters the building.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If separate indoor and outdoor navigation software are used, then specialized navigation functions for each area can be provided, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation function specializationVSAvoidsoftware switching system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single navigation application provides both outdoor and indoor navigation functions by dynamically loading different electronic map data types. The system uses positioning auxiliary devices to detect whether the terminal is in outdoor or indoor areas and automatically displays the appropriate map type (outdoor electronic map or indoor electronic map), eliminating the need for separate navigation software applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines outdoor electronic map data and indoor electronic map data into a unified navigation system. Both types of map data are integrated within the same application, with the system automatically selecting and displaying the appropriate map type based on the terminal's detected location, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining specialized navigation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If automated location-based switching is implemented, then seamless navigation transition is achieved, but positioning accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic map switchingVSAvoidlocation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into multiple components: outdoor positioning auxiliary devices (such as GPS satellites) for outdoor location detection, and indoor positioning auxiliary devices (such as base stations or beacons) for indoor location detection. The system uses different positioning methods for different environments, with outdoor positioning using satellite signals and indoor positioning using local infrastructure, thereby achieving accurate location detection across both environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning auxiliary devices serve as intermediaries between the terminal and the navigation system. These devices (both outdoor satellites and indoor base stations) provide positioning signals that the terminal uses to determine its location and trigger appropriate map switching. The intermediary positioning infrastructure enables automated switching without requiring the terminal itself to have high positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240175713A1Electronic map switching method, electronic map processing method, terminal, server, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.05.30 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A method for switching an electronic map includes: in the case that a terminal navigates outside a target building, when it is detected that the terminal enters a transition region outside the target building, determining that the terminal needs to enter a room from the outside, then obtaining second electronic map data, and displaying a second electronic map according to the second electronic map data, to implement switching from an outdoor first electronic map to the indoor second electronic map; and in the case that the terminal navigates inside the target building, when it is detected that the terminal enters the transition region of the outside from the inside, determining that the terminal needs to exit the room to the outside, and then displaying the first electronic map according to first electronic map data, to implement switching from the indoor second electronic map to the outdoor first electronic map.