Open Area Map Generation Using Grid Overlay for Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems are inadequate for areas without defined paths, such as building floors and parks, where users lack efficient routing due to confusion or unfamiliarity with the layout.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generates open area maps from user-drawn or scanned layouts, using a grid or mesh overlay to create routable maps, allowing for navigation in unconstrained geographic areas by distinguishing navigable and non-navigable tiles and incorporating connection points for multi-level routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If navigation systems use predefined roads and paths, then routing efficiency is improved, but coverage is limited to areas with defined paths
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous open area is segmented into a grid of discrete tiles, allowing the system to process and navigate large unconstrained areas by dividing them into manageable units that can be individually evaluated for navigability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimension by incorporating elevation data and multi-level connectivity to the traditional 2D map, enabling navigation across floors and levels in buildings while maintaining the grid structure for route calculation
2Measurement precision
If detailed layout information is collected for open areas, then navigation accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms continuous spatial data into discrete tile states (navigable/non-navigable) and represents multi-level structures through elevation parameters, simplifying the data structure while preserving essential navigation information
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes uploaded layout images by detecting walls, openings, and spatial relationships to generate the tile grid and connectivity information without requiring manual digitization, reducing processing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If manual map creation is required for open areas, then map accuracy is improved, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of physical layouts by processing photographs or scanned images of floor plans, automatically extracting spatial information to generate navigable maps without requiring manual tracing or digitization
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic feature detection and grid generation system processes user-uploaded images autonomously, converting them into structured navigation data without requiring users to manually create or annotate the maps
4Ease of operation
If open area maps are made publicly available, then accessibility is improved, but security and privacy control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where map data can be selectively shared - fully public, partially restricted, or completely private - allowing building owners to control accessibility based on security requirements while maintaining system functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, applications, and methods for generating an open area map are disclosed. For example, a software application is configured to run on a computing platform of an end user. The end user generates an image of a layout of a walkable area. The software application performs a method of generating an open area map based on the image. The method includes applying an array of uniformly spaced objects on the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the array. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.