Server Device Map Update System for Mobile Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating map data in dynamic work areas, such as construction sites, are inefficient and require manual processing by operators, making it difficult to keep map data current with changes in the environment.

Innovation Solution

A server device and terminal device system that allows remote operation of mobile objects, such as vehicles, to acquire and update map data by imaging surroundings and receiving user inputs through an operation screen, enabling efficient processing and updating of map data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual processing by operators is used to update map data, then map data can be updated, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap data update efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for map data processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile object autonomously acquires images of its surroundings using its imaging unit and automatically processes them to update map data without requiring manual operator intervention. The system enables the mobile object to serve itself in the map updating process, transforming a previously manual task into an automated self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processing by operators with an automated image processing system. The imaging unit captures visual data, and computational algorithms automatically process these images to generate and update map data, substituting human manual operations with automated mechanical and computational systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If operators manually collect and process sensor information, then map data can be updated, but the process becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of map data processingVSAvoidcomplexity of map processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the map data processing function from the operator and relocates it to an automated system within the mobile object. By taking out the processing complexity from human operators and embedding it in the mobile object's imaging and processing units, the system simplifies operation while managing complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that automatically bridges the mobile object's imaging unit and the map data storage. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of image processing and map updates, shielding operators from the complex underlying mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If map data is updated manually in accordance with daily changes, then map data reflects current state, but the process is time-consuming and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of map dataVSAvoidspeed of map data update

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile object continuously acquires images of its surroundings during regular operations and automatically processes these images to continuously update map data. This continuous action ensures that map data is constantly maintained and updated without interruption, achieving both high reliability and productivity through ongoing automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary image acquisition and processing actions during the mobile object's normal operation cycles. By preparing and processing images in advance as part of routine operations, the system ensures map data is updated promptly and accurately without requiring separate dedicated time for manual updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250021587A1Server device, control method therefor, map creation system, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A management server includes a storage device for storing map data of an area in which a mobile object moves. The management server acquires, from the mobile object that is an operation target of the terminal device, a captured image by the mobile object. The management server provides, to the terminal device, screen data of an operation screen including a map based on the map data stored in the storage device and the captured image acquired, the operation screen being for receiving a user operation for processing the map. The management server acquires, from the terminal device, input data indicating an input by a user through the operation screen displayed based on the screen data in the terminal device, and updates the map data stored in the storage device according to the input data.