Stationary Electronic Beacon With Local Map Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems relying on stationary electronic beacons require pre-obtained maps from external sources, which are often outdated or unavailable, and lack the ability to maintain and update maps locally, especially in environments with rapidly changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A stationary electronic beacon equipped with electronic storage and processing units to store and transmit maps, allowing mobile devices to navigate using the beacon's navigational signal while maintaining and updating the map locally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maps are obtained from external publishing authorities, then initial map availability is provided, but map accuracy and currency deteriorate over time due to outdated information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the map storage and update functionality into the beacon system itself. The beacon now contains both the navigational signal transmission capability and the map data storage, allowing it to serve as both a position reference and a map source. This integration enables real-time map updates to be pushed to mobile devices without relying on external publishing authorities, thus maintaining map accuracy and currency while eliminating update delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon system performs self-service by maintaining its own map data locally and autonomously updating mobile devices with current map information. The processing unit in the beacon detects when a mobile device enters the coverage area and automatically transmits the stored map data, eliminating the need for devices to periodically check external sources for updates. This self-service mechanism ensures maps remain current without external intervention.
2Ease of operation
If maps are stored in mobile devices in advance, then navigation can occur without Internet connection, but map currency and local accuracy deteriorate due to inability to update
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing accurate map data in the beacon's electronic storage unit before mobile devices need it. When a device enters the beacon's coverage area, it receives the already-prepared map data, enabling immediate navigation without Internet connection. The beacon continuously maintains this pre-stored map data in its local storage, ensuring it is current and ready for transmission at any time.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon acts as an intermediary between the external world (where map data is obtained and maintained current) and the mobile device (which needs current map data for navigation). The beacon's processing unit receives and processes map data, stores it locally, and then mediates the transfer of this current map information to entering mobile devices. This intermediary role allows devices to obtain current maps without direct connection to external sources.
3Area of stationary object
If detailed maps are maintained for broad coverage areas, then comprehensive navigation is enabled, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the broad coverage area into multiple overlapping coverage areas, each served by a separate beacon. Instead of one system maintaining detailed maps for thousands of locations, each beacon independently maintains detailed map data only for its local coverage area. This segmentation reduces the map maintenance burden on each individual beacon while collectively providing comprehensive coverage across the entire region.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates mainly to An electronic Beacon placed stationary in a known location, said Beacon having a stored Map pertaining to a Covered Area, said Map comprising coordinates of said known location with reference to said Map, said Beacon being configured to transmit at least a Navigational Signal, said Beacon having radio transmission means for communicating said Map to at least a moving device in said Covered Area.