Map Version Control for Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map version control techniques for mobile communication devices in wireless networks face issues with map data inconsistencies and high bandwidth usage when new versions of map data are rolled out simultaneously, leading to inconsistent map rendering and unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for mobile communication devices to receive, cache, and manage map data versions, allowing users to accept or decline updates, thereby controlling when new map data is downloaded, reducing network traffic and user costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full map data update is pushed to all mobile devices simultaneously, then map data consistency across the network is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential update information (version number and availability indication) from the full map data set and transmits it to mobile devices. The actual map data update is downloaded only when users explicitly accept it, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve consistency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by notifying devices of available updates in advance without forcing the full data download. This allows users to make informed decisions about when to update, reducing immediate network load while preparing for potential future updates when bandwidth conditions are more favorable.
2Productivity
If alternative version of map data replaces previous version in network database, then updated map information is made available, but map rendering inconsistency occurs on mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic update mechanism where mobile devices can operate with different map data versions based on user acceptance. The system adapts to individual device states rather than enforcing uniform updates, allowing faster deployment of new versions while managing consistency through version awareness and selective synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by having devices report their current map data version status to the network server. This enables the server to track which devices have updated and which are still using older versions, allowing for targeted follow-up updates and better management of rendering consistency across the network.
3Reliability
If mobile devices automatically download alternative version of map data, then map data is kept current, but user bandwidth costs increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers mobile devices to self-manage their map data updates by presenting update availability information to users and allowing them to make informed decisions. Users control when and whether to download updates based on their own bandwidth considerations and needs, eliminating unnecessary automatic downloads while ensuring devices can update when desired.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing full automatic updates for all devices, the system takes a partial action approach by only notifying devices of available updates and transferring data only when users explicitly accept. This reduces overall data transfer volume in the network while maintaining the option for devices to update when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a mobile device for use in receiving updates of network-maintained map data sets is described. The mobile device receives, through a wireless network, map data for rendering a map. The map data has a plurality of layers, where each of the plurality of layers includes a version number and a plurality of data entries associated therewith. Each of the plurality of data entries indicates a plurality of data points for rendering one or more artifacts or labels within an area of interest of the map. The mobile device stores the map data, and displays the area of interest from the plurality of layers of the stored map data. The mobile device then receives, through the wireless network, an indication of an alternative version of one of the layers of the stored map data. When the version number of the alternative version is greater than the version number of the stored version, the mobile device causes one or more requests for the alternative version of said layer for the area of interest to be sent through the wireless network. The mobile device also receives the alternative version of said layer for the area of interest through the wireless network in response to the one or more requests. The mobile device also then causes the map of the area of interest to be rendered in the display in accordance with the combined plurality of layers of the stored map data, but with use of the alternative version of said layer.