POI Mapping System with User-Updated Data and Segmented Geocoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current travel and business mapping programs face challenges in accurately locating points of interest (POIs) due to incomplete and fragmented data, inaccurate geocoding, and lack of dependability, making it difficult to find and display POIs on maps, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Innovation Solution
A user-updateable mapping system that allows for enhanced POI information integration, including qualitative data, and improved geocoding accuracy, allowing users to select and download personalized POI data sets without requiring constant geocoding, with features like file folder organization and customizable information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If address geocoding is used to locate POIs on digital maps, then the ability to view locations by proximity is improved, but geocoding accuracy deteriorates due to incomplete and fragmented data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geocoding process into multiple stages: initial address-to-coordinate conversion, subsequent matching against known POI databases, and iterative refinement using feedback from multiple data sources. This segmentation allows each stage to specialize in specific aspects of location accuracy while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary databases and matching layers between raw address data and final POI locations. These intermediaries include cross-referenced database tables, confidence score calculations, and multiple validation layers that mediate between incomplete address data and accurate POI positioning.
2Loss of information
If multiple information sources are searched to review qualifications and locations of POI candidates, then information completeness is improved, but search time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources into a unified POI database structure that pre-integrates qualifications, locations, reviews, and other attributes. By combining these previously separate data sources into a single searchable repository with standardized schemas, the system eliminates the need to flip between multiple information sources while maintaining complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and organizing POI data from multiple sources before user queries. This includes pre-validating qualifications, pre-calculating distances, pre-aggregating reviews, and pre-structuring data for rapid retrieval, so that when users search, the information is already synthesized and ready for immediate display.
3Quantity of substance
If aggressive address-matching strategies are used to find more addresses, then address coverage is improved, but matching accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes matching parameters based on context, data quality indicators, and confidence scores. Rather than using a fixed aggressive or conservative strategy, the system adjusts matching thresholds, validation requirements, and confidence level cutoffs based on the specific address being processed and the quality of available data, thereby maintaining both coverage and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where matching results are continuously evaluated and used to refine future matching behavior. Confidence scores from initial matches feed back into the matching process, allowing the system to learn from successful and unsuccessful matches, adjust strategies accordingly, and improve both coverage and accuracy over time through iterative refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and applications for updating, enhancing, organizing, and utilizing geographic maps, for locating points of interest and places of businesses, or POI's. Embodiments provide a method for collecting geo-coordinate data on POIs by eliciting participation of the business owners or designated employees to identify the specific locations of POI's on a map; a map program which synchronizes to a centralized database where POI and other more frequently changing and time-dependent map information is downloaded to individual users; a map program, where in addition to the standard contact information, “qualitative” information and website links are included in an POI information box to aid in pre-qualifying a POI before selection and in booking a reservation; a method for locating markers on an Internet-based search engine map; and an improved contact management system that allows locations of contacts to be viewed on a map while minimizing address geocoding.