Dynamic Digital Road Map Segment Length Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital road maps used in road toll systems face inaccuracies in path length determination due to limitations in segment resolution, especially in areas like curves, intersections, and temporary changes such as construction sites or detours, which affect the accuracy of toll calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method to dynamically update digital road maps by equipping vehicles with onboard units to generate position readings, calculating average path lengths from multiple vehicles, and updating segment lengths in the map if they deviate from stored values, thereby adapting to local variances and improving accuracy for toll calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital road maps use fixed segment lengths for toll calculation, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision of path length is insufficient due to segment resolution limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic segment length adjustment by collecting actual path length data from multiple vehicles and updating the digital road map segment lengths accordingly. Instead of using fixed segment lengths, the system continuously adapts segment lengths based on real-world measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity by making the system dynamically responsive rather than statically fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where path length measurements from vehicles are collected, processed, and used to update the digital road map. The central unit receives position readings, calculates actual path lengths, compares them with stored segment lengths, and updates the map when deviations exceed thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables continuous improvement of measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the digital road map is updated frequently to reflect temporary changes, then the adaptability to road system changes improves, but the loss of time for data processing and map updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial updates by only modifying segment lengths when the deviation between measured and stored values exceeds a predetermined threshold. Instead of continuously updating the entire digital road map, the system performs selective updates only when necessary, reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability to genuine road system changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection and validation before executing map updates. Multiple vehicle measurements are aggregated and averaged beforehand, and threshold checks are performed in advance to determine whether updates are needed. This preliminary processing reduces the time required for actual map updates by preparing data in advance and filtering out unnecessary updates
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for updating a digital road map in which road segments having segment lengths are stored. At least two vehicles are equipped with at least one respective onboard unit generating position readings. If a first set of position readings of a first onboard unit can be associated with a road segment, a first path length is determined based on the position readings of the first set. If a second set of position readings of a second onboard unit can be associated with the road segment, a second path length is determined based on the position readings of the second set. An average path length is calculated based on at least the first and second path lengths. If the average path length deviates from the stored segment length, the average path length is stored as an updated stored segment length of this road segment in the digital road map.