Reverse Geo-coding for Track Path Landmark Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GPS tracking systems lack the ability to effectively associate non-geographical information, such as memorable events or points of interest, with geographical track paths, limiting the ability to create engaging and informative trip narratives.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that receives images and their acquisition times, identifies landmarks along a track path, and associates selected images with those landmarks, generating a trip-descriptor that includes trip statistics and meaningful labels based on user input and criteria like interest, mode of transportation, and time spent at each location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If GPS tracking devices are used to record track paths, then geographical route data is captured, but the ability to associate non-geographical information (images, events) with specific locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a server and database to bridge GPS track data and non-geographical information. The server receives track path data, identifies landmarks along the path, and matches images to these landmarks, thereby preserving associations that would otherwise be lost in simple GPS tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the track path into discrete locations or landmarks, then associates specific images and non-geographical information with each segment. This segmentation allows detailed information to be attached to specific geographical points without overwhelming the entire system.
2Loss of information
If landmarks are identified and images are matched to track paths, then meaningful trip narratives are created, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying landmarks along track paths and organizing them in databases before actual image matching occurs. This pre-processing enables faster association of images with locations during the narrative creation phase, reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual, mechanical processes of matching images to locations with automated computational systems. The server automatically identifies landmarks, compares image metadata with track path data, and creates associations without human intervention, significantly reducing processing time despite increased computational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for associating non-geographical information to track paths. Among other things, meaningful labels for the track paths can be formulated. In one aspect, a method performed by an application executing on a computer system includes receiving a set of images taken during a trip, a corresponding set of acquisition times, and a track path of the trip. The method further contains identifying landmarks near the received track path. Furthermore, the method includes receiving from a human user of the application a landmark selection from the identified landmarks and one or more image selections from the received set of images. In response to receiving the human user's selections, the method can associate the one or more selected images with the selected landmark. Additionally, the method included matching the received set of images to the received track path based on the association.