Road Zone Matching for Detecting Cross-Map Position Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differences in positional information between navigation maps and location-estimating maps due to map updates can hinder safe automatic vehicle control, as existing systems struggle to accurately match and assess road information across these maps.
Innovation Solution
A map information assessment device that matches road zones from a location-estimating map with road links from a navigation map by setting corresponding zones based on proximity and length, calculates zone adjacent distances, and determines positional differences when these distances exceed a threshold, allowing for safe automatic control by detecting and addressing discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map updating timing differs between navigation map and location-estimating map, then map information is kept current, but positional information discrepancies arise between maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the road into multiple zones (first zones in location-estimating map, second zones in navigation map) and performs matching zone by zone. This allows detecting positional discrepancies at specific segments rather than requiring complete map synchronization, resolving the contradiction between keeping maps current and maintaining positional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary assessment process that compares positional information between the two maps by matching corresponding zones. This intermediary mechanism detects discrepancies without requiring simultaneous map updates, allowing both maps to be kept current while identifying where positional accuracy diverges.
2Ease of operation
If existing systems attempt to match road links and road zones between maps, then route navigation is enabled, but accurate detection of positional differences becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary matching of zones between maps before actual navigation occurs. By pre-establishing correspondence between first zones and second zones using starting points and lengths, the system prepares the foundation for accurate positional difference detection during navigation, enabling both easy operation and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical matching processes with a systematic zone-based comparison method. Instead of attempting to match entire road links and zones simultaneously, the system substitutes a simpler approach of comparing corresponding zones using calculated starting points and lengths, achieving both operational ease and detection precision.
3Extent of automation
If map positional information is used for automatic vehicle control, then navigation automation is achieved, but safety is compromised when map discrepancies exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously assesses positional information consistency between maps during vehicle navigation. When discrepancies are detected through zone comparison, the system can adjust or alert operators, maintaining automation while ensuring safety through continuous verification of map accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs beforehand assessment of map positional consistency before critical navigation decisions are made. By detecting zone mismatches in advance through the comparison process, the system prepares cushioning measures such as alerts or control adjustments, maintaining both automation extent and control safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A map information assessment device has a processor configured to match a plurality of first zones representing a first road in a first map, with second zones representing a second road in a second map, the matching being made by using locations on the second road that are closest to the starting points of the first zones as the starting points, and using zones having the same lengths as the first zones, as the second zones corresponding to the first zones, to calculate zone adjacent distances between the end points of the second zones and the starting points of other second zones adjacent to those second zones, and to determine that positional information for the first road in a first zone is different from positional information for the second road in a second zone corresponding to that first zone, when the zone adjacent distance is greater than a threshold.