Unified RSS Map Update Protocol for Waterway Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing map readers lack a unified data communications protocol to support both user-controlled and automatic update processes, requiring multiple proprietary methods and systems that are cumbersome to maintain and adapt to new environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single data communications protocol using RSS feeds to push map updates to remote devices, allowing for automatic data retrieval and application, with metadata for prioritization and bandwidth management, and user notification options for manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proprietary update methods are used to support both user-controlled and automatic update processes, then both update modes can be supported, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines user-controlled and automatic update processes into a single unified system that uses one proprietary data communication method. The map reader device integrates both update modes, allowing it to receive push notifications and perform automatic updates while still supporting user-initiated updates through the same communication protocol, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data communication method serves multiple functions: it supports both push notifications for automatic updates and user-controlled updates, and can adapt to different network environments (WiFi, cellular, satellite). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate proprietary methods for different update scenarios
2Ease of operation
If manual update process is used for periodic updates, then user control over update timing and content is improved, but real-time accuracy for fast-changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the map reader device receives push notifications from the update server about available updates. The device can then automatically retrieve and install updates based on pre-configured parameters, providing real-time accuracy for changing conditions while still allowing user oversight and control through the same unified interface
3Reliability
If automatic update process is used for fast-changing conditions, then real-time accuracy is improved, but user control and ability to evaluate update applicability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between automatic and user-controlled update modes based on the situation. Users can pre-configure parameters such as update frequency, file size thresholds, and geographic regions of interest. The system then automatically evaluates incoming updates against these parameters, performing automatic updates when appropriate while maintaining user control over the overall update strategy and ability to intervene when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a navigational map updating system. Map readers provide users with a map corresponding to a location along a waterway for use when transiting thru the location. Conditions of the location being displayed within a map may change over time requiring map data used within a map reader to requiring updating. These updates may be applied periodically for conditions that change slowly over time. When conditions are changing rapidly and when critical conditions change at a location, updates are needed rapidly to enable users to maintain current representations of the location in the maps. RSS feeds provide an efficient technique to provide notification of an update to a map quickly following its publishing without imposing a significant overhead for remote servers and map readers.