Spatial Indexing for XML Map Data Using Tracing Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems face inefficiencies in processing and retrieving map data due to the inflexible mesh-based indexing method, which requires large amounts of memory and processing power, especially when handling detailed information within administrative regions or zoomed-in views, and struggles with extracting data based on jurisdictional boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for spatially indexing map cells into small units using XML format data, where two-dimensional X-Y axis data is combined into one-dimensional data using tracing curves like N-shapes or U-shapes to efficiently assign index numbers, allowing for improved retrieval and processing of necessary map data within limited resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If map data is divided into large administrative regions using traditional mesh indexing, then the data structure is simple to implement, but the memory consumption and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides administrative regions into smaller map cells using a hierarchical structure where each region is segmented into multiple cells. This segmentation allows the system to process only relevant cells rather than entire administrative regions, reducing processing time and memory consumption while maintaining data organization simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial indexing dimension by combining traditional mesh indexing with a hierarchical administrative region structure. This creates a multi-dimensional indexing system that enables efficient retrieval by allowing queries to operate on both regional and cellular levels simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mesh indexing is used for map data, then the indexing method is easy to implement, but the amount of memory required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting administrative regions into smaller map cells and implementing hierarchical indexing, the system loads only necessary cells into memory rather than entire regions. This reduces memory consumption while keeping the indexing implementation straightforward through the hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system loads only the necessary portion of map data (specific cells) into memory rather than the entire administrative region. This partial loading approach reduces memory requirements while maintaining ease of implementation through the predefined hierarchical structure.
3Ease of operation
If map data is indexed by administrative regions, then jurisdictional data extraction is difficult, but the data organization is simple
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical segmentation of administrative regions into map cells creates a structured organization where jurisdictional boundaries are preserved at the regional level while detailed data is organized at the cellular level. This enables easy extraction of jurisdictional data by simply querying the relevant administrative region without complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to traditional mesh indexing, creating a multi-level structure where administrative regions and map cells coexist. This enables flexible data extraction at any hierarchical level, simplifying jurisdictional queries while maintaining organized data structure.
4Measurement precision
If detailed map information is stored for zoomed-in views, then the map data accuracy is high, but the processing power required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing detailed map information into discrete map cells within a hierarchical structure, the system loads only the specific cells needed for the current zoom level and view area. This maintains high map data accuracy for displayed regions while reducing processing power by avoiding loading of unrelated detailed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes only the partial set of map cells relevant to the current display requirements rather than processing all detailed map data. This selective processing maintains high accuracy for visible areas while reducing overall processing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus efficiently assigns the spatial index numbers to map cells that divide an area which is a unit of administrative region into a plurality of small units. The method includes the steps of: establishing a plurality of map cells that divide an administrative region expressed by XML map data which is configured in a multiple-layered structure; determining a layer in the XML map data on which the map cells are established; selecting a type of tracing curve for sequentially indexing the plurality of map cells; assigning index numbers consecutively to the map cells with the sequence of the tracing curve; and repeating foregoing steps for all of the map cells in all of the layers of the XML map data, thereby creating a map database in the XML format with the spatial indexes for all of the map cells.