Physical Map Image Synchronization for Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining location-based information, such as using mobile devices or physical maps, face limitations in providing real-time data and accurate navigation without address information, especially in areas like woods or amusement parks where addresses are not available, and struggle with limited screen size and annotation storage.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that utilize image recognition to match captured images of physical maps with stored map information, allowing users to annotate and retrieve location-based data, including driving directions and points of interest, by integrating features of both physical and digital maps, using image processing algorithms and network communication to correlate user positions with map data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices are used to provide real-time navigation information, then real-time data and dynamic updates are improved, but the ability to provide comprehensive location lookup and annotation storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines physical map advantages (comprehensive location coverage, annotation capability) with digital map advantages (real-time updates, dynamic navigation) into a unified system. The mobile device captures images of physical maps, synchronizes them with digital map data, and enables both real-time navigation and comprehensive location lookup through the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image recognition technology as an intermediary to bridge physical and digital maps. By capturing and recognizing physical map images, the system enables the mobile device to access comprehensive location information from physical maps while maintaining real-time navigation capabilities through digital map synchronization.
2Ease of operation
If mobile device screens are used to display maps, then portability and real-time access are improved, but screen size and resolution limitations deteriorate map detail and overview quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the physical map within the mobile device's display system through image capture and recognition. The physical map image is nested within the digital interface, allowing the user to view comprehensive map details on the mobile device screen while maintaining the ability to access full-map overview through the physical map's inherent large-area advantage.
3Speed
If GPS devices are used to provide real-time information, then real-time navigation and location tracking are improved, but the ability to look up addresses and obtain location information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing images of physical maps before navigation begins. This pre-captured map data contains comprehensive location and address information that can be referenced during real-time navigation, eliminating the need for separate address lookup operations while maintaining real-time navigation speed.
4Area of stationary object
If physical maps are used to provide comprehensive location overview, then map detail and area coverage are improved, but real-time updates and interactive lookup capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously synchronizing the physical map image data with digital map data during navigation. The system compares the captured physical map features with real-time digital map information, providing feedback to ensure both comprehensive coverage and real-time accuracy are maintained throughout the navigation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Advantages of both conventional and digital maps can be obtained by utilizing a physical map as a type of input to any of various processing devices. In various embodiments, a user can capture an image of a physical map that includes at least one location of interest. The captured image can be matched with stored map information to obtain location information corresponding to the captured image. The location information can be used to provide any of a variety of types of functionality to the user, such as providing navigation directions to that location, displaying information about attractions around that location or statistics about that location, etc. The user in some embodiments can annotate the map to provide additional input, such as areas of interest, exclusion regions, and/or proposed driving routes.