Automated Venue Map Digitization via Optical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online event ticket purchasing systems face challenges in generating detailed, interactive venue maps automatically, as manual encoding of venue data, such as section, row, and seat locations, is time-consuming and costly, especially for large venues.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted method for generating vectorized venue maps, which includes automatically determining section outlines, row locations, and seat positions, using data from various formats like bitmap images, vector graphics, and spreadsheets, with user input assistance to create a detailed and interactive map for ticket purchasing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual encoding is used to create detailed venue data, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical scanning to create a digital copy of the venue map from a physical or printed map. This copying process automatically captures section outlines, row locations, and seat positions without manual transcription, thereby maintaining detail accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption compared to manual encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of encoding venue data with an automated optical scanning and image processing system. The system uses computer vision algorithms to automatically extract spatial information from scanned images, substituting human labor with automated computational processes that achieve both high precision and high productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If manual encoding is used to create detailed venue data, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by scanning and processing the venue map image before any data extraction is needed. The system pre-processes the image to enhance features, automatically detects section boundaries and row patterns, and extracts spatial coordinates in advance, making the subsequent data retrieval instantaneous and eliminating time-consuming manual encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital replica of the venue map through optical scanning, preserving all spatial relationships and details in the copied image. This digital copy serves as the foundation for automated analysis, allowing rapid extraction of accurate venue data without the time loss associated with manual transcription while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If automated generation is used to create venue maps, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously refines its automated extraction process. The image processing algorithms analyze the scanned venue map, detect features, and validate extracted data against expected patterns. If discrepancies are found, the system adjusts its processing parameters and re-extracts data, ensuring high accuracy while maintaining automated generation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual encoding with sophisticated automated image processing and computer vision systems that use algorithms to detect and extract venue data with high precision. The system substitutes human expertise with automated computational methods that can accurately identify section boundaries, row patterns, and seat positions while operating at high speed
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods provide for the automatic and computer-assisted generation of vectorized venue maps for event venues, including the outline, location, and label of each section in the venue, each row within each section, and in some cases, each individual seats in each row.