SOI Object Indexing via Map Tile Numbers for Spatial Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current geographic information retrieval systems are inadequate for effectively searching location or area-based information, as they primarily rely on keyword-based methods that fail to provide accurate spatial concepts and display only X, Y coordinates, lacking the ability to show area sizes or sub-facilities effectively.

Innovation Solution

An indexing system that uses a Tile Map Service (TMS) to map and index Space of Interest (SOI) objects by converting center point coordinates into map tile numbers, storing them in an inverted file database, and performing spatial operations to retrieve location information within a certain boundary, allowing for rapid and effective retrieval of SOI objects and their associated contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If keyword-based retrieval method is used, then search functionality is provided, but spatial accuracy and location-based search capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial accuracyVSAvoidsearch functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges keyword-based retrieval with map tile number-based retrieval into a unified search system. The indexing system simultaneously maintains keyword indexes and spatial index structures (using map tile numbers), allowing users to search by either method. This combination resolves the contradiction by providing both the ease of keyword search and the precision of spatial location-based search.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If only X, Y coordinates are displayed, then location positioning is provided, but area size and sub-facility information cannot be effectively shown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea size informationVSAvoidinformation display structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments location information into hierarchical levels: map tile numbers provide coarse-grained area identification, while individual SOI objects within tiles provide fine-grained facility details. This segmentation allows the system to display both area size information (through tile boundaries) and sub-facility information (through individual SOI objects) without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If traditional indexing methods are used, then data storage is achieved, but rapid retrieval of location information is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrieval speedVSAvoidindexing system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary spatial indexing by pre-calculating and storing map tile numbers for each SOI object during the indexing phase. When a search is performed, the system first retrieves the relevant map tile numbers and then only searches within those specific tiles, rather than scanning the entire database. This preliminary organization of spatial data dramatically accelerates retrieval speed while maintaining a manageable indexing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3150962B1Indexing and searching of a second SOI object with respect to a first SOI object
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3150962B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150962B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150962B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a search system of space of interest (SOI) which performs searching by using indexing of a second SOI object on the basis of a first SOI object. The system comprises a location-based service (LBS) indexer configured to perform indexing of information for a distance, direction, and relationship of the second SOI object with respect to the first SOI object, wherein the LBS indexer provides the information for a distance, direction, and relationship of the second SOI object with respect to the first SOI object together with a search result for the first SOI object when searching for the first SOI object is requested.