Mobile Device Data Exchange for Real-Time Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently generating and exchanging data between mobile devices to create accurate maps of indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly in dynamic environments where traditional mapping methods are costly and outdated.

Innovation Solution

Mobile devices equipped with position-aware capabilities and signal strength measurement systems exchange data to infer geographical positions and environmental conditions, forming ad-hoc networks to generate real-time maps and alerts, leveraging satellite and cellular signals for triangulation and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mapping methods are used, then mapping accuracy can be maintained, but infrastructure cost increases and real-time capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping accuracyVSAvoidinfrastructure cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables mobile devices to autonomously collect their own position data using built-in sensors (GPS, accelerometer, compass) and exchange this data peer-to-peer without requiring centralized mapping infrastructure. Each device serves itself and contributes to the collective map generation, eliminating the need for expensive traditional mapping infrastructure while maintaining accuracy through multiple independent measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repurposes existing mobile device components (position sensors, communication modules, processors) originally designed for navigation and communication to also perform map generation and exchange functions. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without additional specialized equipment, reducing overall system cost while maintaining mapping capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If real-time map generation is implemented, then currency of data is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata generation speedVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the map generation task into independent segments handled by individual mobile devices. Each device independently collects position data, processes it locally, and exchanges segmented data packets with nearby devices. This segmentation distributes processing complexity across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in a central system, enabling real-time generation without overwhelming any single processor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous data collection and exchange at a higher rate than strictly necessary for basic mapping, gathering excessive position samples from multiple devices. This partial redundancy provides multiple data points that can be selectively processed, allowing the system to generate real-time maps with current data while filtering out unnecessary information to manage processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If mobile devices exchange position data continuously, then map accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoiddevice energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous data exchange, the system implements periodic position data collection and exchange at optimized intervals. Mobile devices update their position information at regular cycles rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption from constant transmission and processing. The periodic rate is calibrated to maintain position accuracy while allowing devices to enter low-power states between updates, balancing precision with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables cost-effective, real-time generation of accurate maps and environmental data, facilitating crowd-sourced navigation and emergency response by leveraging existing mobile device infrastructure without the need for extensive infrastructure investment.

Implementation Method 1

a signal strength of a transmission is measured. The geographical location of the mobile device is determined based on the signal strength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal strength measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a first mobile device generates a first set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the first mobile device has been located. A second mobile device wirelessly receives the first set of data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS8818721B2Method and system for exchanging data
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LTD
  • US8818721B2 patent drawing
  • US8818721B2 patent drawing
  • US8818721B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for exchanging data. A first mobile device configured to generate a first set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the first mobile device has been located and configured to exchange the first set of data with a second mobile device wherein the first mobile device receives a second set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the second mobile device has been located. A mapping system configured to receive the first set of data and the second set of data and to generate a map based on the first set of data and the second set of data.