Crowdsourced Route Scan-Line Mapping for Up-to-Date Digital Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital maps lack detailed and up-to-date route information due to the limitations of satellite and mobile mapping vehicles, which are costly and time-consuming, while third-party data is unreliable and infrequently updated.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for continuously generating route data by receiving positional data and capturing images along a route, extracting scan line data, and storing it with positional information, using devices like smartphones or PNDs to efficiently collect and share visual route data through a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite imagery is used to capture route data, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices to capture images that copy the visual appearance of routes, storing these images to recreate realistic views digitally. This copying approach eliminates the need for expensive satellite imagery while maintaining visual accuracy for map rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) instead of expensive satellite systems to capture route images. These disposable, low-cost devices can be widely distributed to collect data continuously without the high operational costs of satellite imagery.
2Loss of information
If mobile mapping vehicles are used to capture route data, then detailed roadside views are obtained, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes ordinary mobile devices perform the specialized function of route data collection. These multi-functional devices serve both as consumer electronics and as mapping data collectors, eliminating the need for dedicated mobile mapping vehicles while maintaining detailed image capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Users of mobile devices automatically contribute route images during their normal travel, without requiring specialized mapping missions. The devices self-service the data collection function by capturing and uploading images during routine use, greatly improving productivity compared to organized mapping expeditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If third-party data sources are used to update maps, then data availability improves, but reliability and update frequency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where mobile device users continuously upload new route images to update the digital map. This ongoing feedback loop ensures maps remain current and accurate, with reliability improving as more users contribute data over time rather than relying on static third-party sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided to extract scan lines data from images of a route, said scan line data comprising only a portion of the an image that extends along a scan line, and to store this data in memory together with respective positional data pertaining to the position of the device traveling along the route in a navigable network. This scan line and positional data can be obtained from a plurality of devices in a network and transmitted to computing apparatus, for example, for use in a production of a realistic view of a digital map.