Satellite Navigation Data Channel for Map Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital maps used in navigation and driver assistance systems are often outdated, and current update methods, such as distribution on storage media or via radio stations, are inefficient in disseminating timely and widespread updates, especially for safety-critical information like traffic conditions and road changes.

Innovation Solution

A satellite-based update system that uses a data channel of a satellite navigation system, like Galileo, to transmit update data directly to vehicles, allowing for quick dissemination of safety-critical and dynamic information, including position information and map updates, using sub-channels and dynamic points of interest, enabling continuous and regional updates without requiring full functionality of the update device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If update data is transmitted via radio stations or storage media distribution, then the update mechanism is established, but the dissemination speed and coverage area are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate dissemination speedVSAvoidtimeliness of map data
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a satellite navigation system as an intermediary carrier to transmit map update data. Instead of using traditional radio stations or storage media distribution, the system leverages the satellite's existing data channel infrastructure to deliver updates directly to vehicles globally, achieving rapid and timely dissemination without being constrained by terrestrial communication limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional update methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the coverage area and reach are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate coverage areaVSAvoidupdate system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the multi-functionality of satellite navigation systems, which already provide positioning and timing services. By adding the capability to transmit map update data through the same satellite infrastructure, the system achieves global coverage without building a separate dedicated update transmission network, thus expanding coverage area while keeping the additional system complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If full functionality is required for receiving updates, then update accuracy is ensured, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reception reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption for update reception
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reception of positioning signals and map update data into a single satellite communication process. The vehicle's satellite navigation receiver, which must already be fully functional for positioning, simultaneously receives update data transmitted through the same data channel. This merging eliminates the need for separate reception mechanisms, maintaining update reliability while avoiding additional power consumption and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2193338B1Safety-critical updating of maps via a data channel of a satellite navigation system
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2193338B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2193338B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for updating a digital map for a vehicle, in which a master station sends updates to the individual receivers via a satellite navigation system. The receivers receive the updates in parallel with the positional data of the satellites. A subchannel is provided for this purpose, thus allowing the updates to be supplied to large parts of the population in the whole world.