Map Updating via Geographical Partitioning and Location Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating electronic maps on navigational devices are inefficient, requiring manual intervention and often result in out-of-date map data, leading to sub-optimal user experiences due to the need for updating the entire map at once, which can be time-consuming and disrupt navigation functions.
Innovation Solution
A method that partitions the map into geographical areas, uses location information to determine frequently traveled regions, and automatically updates map data for these areas using the most accessible communication means, prioritizing key regions to ensure they remain up-to-date with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual map update methods are used, then users can update their maps, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs map updates by monitoring location data, determining which geographical areas need updating, and executing downloads and installations without user intervention. The navigation device autonomously manages the entire update process from detection to completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively checks for map updates before the user needs them by continuously monitoring location information and comparing it against available map data, initiating the update process in advance to ensure map data is current when needed.
2Reliability
If the entire map is updated at once, then all map data becomes current, but navigation functions are disrupted during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The map is divided into multiple geographical areas or regions. The system identifies and updates only the specific segments (geographical areas) that contain outdated map data, while leaving the rest of the map and navigation functions operational. This allows partial updates without disrupting overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete map update, the system applies partial updates only to the necessary geographical areas that require updating, based on the user's location history and current position. This minimizes the scope of the update operation and reduces disruption to navigation functions.
3Reliability
If frequent manual updates are performed, then map data remains current, but user convenience is reduced due to the involved process
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors location information from the navigation device and uses this feedback to automatically determine when and where map updates are needed. By analyzing travel patterns and current location, the system intelligently initiates updates only when necessary, maintaining map accuracy without requiring frequent user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation device autonomously manages update frequency by monitoring its own usage patterns and location data, automatically initiating updates when outdated map data is detected in the user's current or recent travel areas, eliminating the need for users to manually determine update timing.
4Productivity
If the map is partitioned into geographical areas and updates are automated, then update efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The map data is organized into discrete geographical areas or regions, allowing the system to independently manage and update each segment. This segmentation enables efficient targeted updates where only specific areas are processed based on user location, improving update productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system and computer program for updating a map. In operation, an apparatus updates stored map data for a map partitioned into a set of geographical areas. The apparatus first receives location information representative of one or more journeys of a user (i.e., past, present, and/or future journeys). The apparatus then uses the location information to determine a first set of one or more of the plurality of geographical areas and defines a first region of the map based on the first set. The apparatus next determines whether stored map data for the geographic areas of the first region is up-to-date. Responsive to determining that the stored map data is not up-to-date, the apparatus selects a first communication means for receiving updated map data for the at the least one of the geographic areas of the first region.