Physical Map Augmentation for Offline Local Navigation Overlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer navigation systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate locally customized information from physical maps, particularly in areas with poor wireless connectivity, and physical maps are static and difficult to adapt without defacement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines digital and physical maps by identifying features in a physical map image, obtaining augmentation information, and generating an augmented map for display or projection, allowing users to overlay digital information onto physical maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital maps are used for navigation, then navigation information and POI data are easily accessible, but locally customized information from physical maps cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges digital map data with physical map information by capturing images of physical maps and overlaying digital navigation information, POI data, and routing instructions onto the physical map visualizations. This combination allows both digital accessibility and local customization to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical map serves as an intermediary carrier that holds locally customized information, while the digital system processes images of these physical maps and overlays relevant navigation data. This intermediary approach enables information integration without requiring direct digital storage of customized maps.
2Area of stationary object
If physical maps are used for navigation, then larger geographic areas can be viewed and multiple people can simultaneously view the same map, but the printed information is static and cannot be easily adapted without permanently defacing the map
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static physical map into a dynamic visualization by overlaying digital information such as navigation routes, POI markers, and event information onto the physical map image. This allows the map to be dynamically updated with current information without physically modifying the original map.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical map image and overlays navigation information onto this copy, rather than modifying the original physical map. This copying approach preserves the original map while enabling adaptive information layers.
3Reliability
If manual transfer of navigation information onto physical maps is performed, then navigation information can be viewed during travel in areas with poor wireless connectivity, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by capturing images of physical maps and pre-overlaying navigation information, POI data, and routing instructions before travel. This preparation ensures navigation information is ready for immediate use during travel without requiring manual transfer at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service navigation by automatically processing physical map images and overlaying relevant navigation information without requiring manual intervention. Users simply need to provide the physical map, and the system autonomously generates the enhanced navigation visualization.
4Ease of operation
If digital maps are displayed on mobile devices, then navigation information is easily accessible, but battery life, screen size, and memory constraints limit functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from displaying maps solely on the mobile device screen to a multi-dimensional approach where the physical map serves as a display surface, and digital information is overlaid through image processing. This reduces the reliance on device screen real estate and computational resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method by a computing device obtains a digital image of a physical map, identifies features in the digital image, and obtains map augmentation information based on the identified features. The method then generates an augmented map based on the map augmentation information, and provides the augmented map for display. Related mobile devices and computer program products are disclosed.