WO2013132111A1 - Procédés et systèmes pour la mise à jour d'une carte numérique - Google Patents

Procédés et systèmes pour la mise à jour d'une carte numérique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013132111A1
WO2013132111A1 PCT/EP2013/054916 EP2013054916W WO2013132111A1 WO 2013132111 A1 WO2013132111 A1 WO 2013132111A1 EP 2013054916 W EP2013054916 W EP 2013054916W WO 2013132111 A1 WO2013132111 A1 WO 2013132111A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
digital map
map update
centre
incremental
update
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/054916
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Joannes Van Essen
Hans-Ulrich Otto
Original Assignee
Tomtom Global Content B.V.
Tomtom Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tomtom Global Content B.V., Tomtom Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg filed Critical Tomtom Global Content B.V.
Publication of WO2013132111A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013132111A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/38—Electronic maps specially adapted for navigation; Updating thereof
    • G01C21/3885—Transmission of map data to client devices; Reception of map data by client devices
    • G01C21/3893—Transmission of map data from distributed sources, e.g. from roadside stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/38—Electronic maps specially adapted for navigation; Updating thereof
    • G01C21/3863—Structures of map data
    • G01C21/387—Organisation of map data, e.g. version management or database structures
    • G01C21/3878—Hierarchical structures, e.g. layering
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/20—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of structured data, e.g. relational data
    • G06F16/29—Geographical information databases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
    • G06Q30/0265—Vehicular advertisement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and systems for incrementally updating a digital map of a remote client device in a digital map update system.
  • the remote client device is one of a plurality of remote client devices having an existing digital map to be updated and being in communication with a digital map update server of the update system.
  • the client device might be a portable navigation device (PND) or other navigation device associated with a user, or could be a client server.
  • PND portable navigation device
  • One known technique for updating such a map involves the client device periodically downloading a complete new version of a digital map from the update server to replace a previous version of the map held by the client device.
  • the new version of the digital map will incorporate any updates, e.g. corrections or
  • Such incremental update systems provide greater flexibility, and enable the digital map of the client device to be kept more regularly updated, rather than being limited to periodic updating when a new version of the map is released.
  • the digital map may be updated once a week, or once a day, or at any desired interval.
  • incremental update systems are less demanding in terms of processing power and/or memory of the client devices, enabling updates to be implemented more easily, e.g. on the fly.
  • a method for incrementally updating an existing digital map of a client device in a digital map update system comprising a primary digital map update centre, at least one secondary digital map update centre and a plurality of remote client devices, the primary digital map update centre and the at least one secondary digital map update centre each being able to provide a set of one or more incremental updates for communication to one or more of one of the plurality of remote client devices for use in incrementally updating existing digital maps of the client devices, the method comprising at least one secondary digital map update centre providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to at least one of the plurality of remote client devices for use in incrementally updating an existing digital map of the device, and wherein the secondary digital map update centre additionally provides information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the present invention extends to a system for incrementally updating an existing digital map of a client device in a digital map update system in accordance with the methods of any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention described.
  • a system for incrementally updating an existing digital map of a client device in a digital map update system comprising a primary digital map update centre, at least one secondary digital map update centre and a plurality of remote client devices, the primary digital map update centre and the at least one secondary digital map update centre each being able to provide a set of one or more incremental updates for communication to one or more of one of the plurality of remote client devices for use in incrementally updating existing digital maps of the client devices, wherein the at least one secondary digital map update centre is arranged, when providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to at least one of the plurality of remote client devices for use in incrementally updating an existing digital map of the device, to additionally provide information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the present invention in this further aspect may include any or all of the features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, and vice versa, to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent.
  • the system of the present invention may comprise means for carrying out any of the steps of the method described, and vice versa.
  • the system may comprise processing means for carrying out any of the steps described.
  • the system may comprise a set of one or more processors configured, e.g. programmed, for doing so.
  • a given step may be carried out using the same or a different set of processors to any other step.
  • Any given step may be carried out using a combination of sets of processors.
  • the method is thus a computer implemented method.
  • a "digital map" as used herein in relation to the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments has a plurality of navigable segments representing elements of a network of navigable elements in a geographical area covered by the map.
  • the plurality of navigable segments may be road segments representing roads of a road network in a geographical area covered by the map.
  • the digital map may further comprise information concerning locations, such as Points of Interest (POI), e.g. in relation to their position on or relative to the network of navigable segments.
  • POI Points of Interest
  • a "digital map update” as used herein in relation to the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments refers to any change to an existing digital map, i.e. to the existing digital map data indicative of the existing digital map.
  • the update may be for providing the modification, deletion, addition, correction, extension or enhancement of one or more features of the existing digital map when implemented.
  • the update may be in relation to a segment or segments of the digital map and/or one or more attributes thereof.
  • an update may be in relation to the underlying structure of the digital map.
  • the update may be in relation to one or more features of the digital map, e.g. a data overlay layer, dynamic content associated with the map, the display of features of the map, etc.
  • a given update may involve one or more changes to the digital map.
  • the changes may be related changes.
  • an “incremental digital map update” as used herein in relation to the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments refers to an update that can be used to incrementally, i.e. partially update an existing digital map of a client device, i.e. without replacement of the entire existing digital map.
  • the update modifies the existing digital map.
  • a set of incremental digital map update data refers to data indicative of a set of one or more such incremental digital map updates that can be used to incrementally update an existing digital map of a client device. Where the set of incremental digital map updates comprises data indicative of a plurality of incremental updates, the plurality of incremental updates of the set thus constitute, as a whole, data for only the partial or incremental updating of an existing digital map.
  • the data indicative of the set of incremental digital map updates does not comprise an entire updated version of the digital map.
  • the existing digital map of a client device is a version of a digital map that may be incrementally updated using data indicative of a set of one or more digital map incremental updates provided by the digital map update server to provide a newer version of the digital map.
  • the data indicative of a set of digital map incremental updates provided by digital map update server is used or usable to incrementally update the existing map of the client device without complete replacement of the existing digital map.
  • the incremental update data is data for use in only partially updating the existing digital map.
  • a digital map of a given client device may be updatable using updates obtained from more than one different digital map update centre.
  • a main digital map provider e.g. a navigation system or map provider who may provide an initial digital map and subsequent updates for communication to the client device, it may be
  • an automotive industry provider may wish to supplement or amend the digital map held by a client device which is a navigation device provided for their users in order to customise it those users' needs.
  • the provider may, for example, wish to highlight relevant POI (points of interest) for their users, e.g. service points, etc.
  • the present invention provides a method and system which enables incremental updating of the digital map of one or more given client device by a plurality of different digital map update centres, i.e. the primary and at least one secondary digital map update centre.
  • the secondary digital map update centre when a secondary digital map update centre provides data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to a client device of the system for use in updating an existing digital map of the device, the secondary digital map update centre additionally provides information relating to the provided set of one or more updates to a primary digital map update centre.
  • the primary digital map update centre is kept informed as to the nature of updates provided. This enables the primary digital map update centre to, for example, maintain a record of the state of a digital map of a given client device, ensuring that the digital map of the client device may remain consistent subsequent to further updates made by either the primary digital map update centre or a secondary update centre.
  • the present invention allows updates to be provided to client devices emanating from a primary map update centre and one or more secondary map update centres, without compromising the consistency of the resulting map of the client device.
  • the present invention relates to a system for providing data indicative of incremental digital map updates for communication to any one of a plurality of remote client devices from either of a primary digital map update centre or at least one secondary digital map update centre.
  • the secondary digital map update centre provides data indicative of a set of incremental updates to at least one client device.
  • the or each remote client device for communication to which the secondary digital map update centre provides data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates in accordance with the invention may be of any suitable type, and may be in accordance with any of the aspects of the invention described above in relation to the earlier aspects of the invention.
  • the client device may be a mobile device.
  • the mobile device is a device that may be carried by a user.
  • the mobile device may be, for example, a tablet, mobile phone, or PDA or the like, but is preferably a mobile navigation device.
  • the navigation device may be associated with a vehicle.
  • the navigation device may be a portable navigation device (PND) or an integrated in-vehicle navigation device.
  • the client device may have a fixed location.
  • the client device may be a personal computer, server or other computing resource.
  • the navigation device may comprise a processor, memory, and digital map data stored within said memory.
  • the processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established.
  • One or more additional software programs may be provided to enable the functionality of the apparatus to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.
  • the navigation device may preferably include global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as GPS (Global Positioning System), signal reception and processing functionality.
  • GNSS global navigation satellite systems
  • the device may comprise one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user.
  • the output interface(s) may include a speaker for audible output in addition to the visual display.
  • the apparatus may comprise input interfaces including one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the apparatus.
  • the client device is selected from: a server; portable navigation device (PND); mobile phone; computing device; and an in-vehicle integrated navigation device.
  • PND portable navigation device
  • the plurality of client devices to which the primary and secondary digital map update centres are able to provide incremental digital map update data may be of any of these types, and may include more than one type of client device.
  • the present invention is described by reference to "at least one said secondary digital map update centre" performing the steps of the method described, or being arranged to carry out the steps defined, e.g. in relation to providing update data for communication to at least one client device and additionally providing data to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the system comprises a plurality of secondary digital map update centres
  • at least one of the plurality of secondary digital map update centres may be arranged to perform, or performs, the steps described in accordance with the method in any of its aspects or embodiments.
  • each, or a secondary digital map update centre may be arranged to perform, or performs, the steps.
  • the system comprises a plurality of secondary digital map update centres, and each of the secondary digital map update centres provides data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to at least one client device for use in incrementally updating an existing digital map of the device, wherein the secondary digital map update centre additionally provides information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates to the primary digital map update centre.
  • each secondary digital map update centre provides information indicative of a different set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to at least one client device.
  • the client devices for communication to which the different secondary digital map update centres provide the data may be the same or different.
  • a plurality of secondary digital map update centres provide data indicative of a respective set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to the same given at least one client device, and additionally provide information relating to the provided set of incremental digital map updates to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the centres are different centres, i.e. they are situated at different locations.
  • the present invention enables incremental updating of the digital map of a given client device using update data provided by multiple secondary digital map update centres while maintaining consistency of the digital map of the client device, as the primary digital map update centre is kept informed of the updates provided for communication to the device by each secondary digital map update centre.
  • the or each client device is a device having an existing digital map.
  • the existing digital map is associated with the client device.
  • the client device stores the existing digital map.
  • the client device may comprise a memory storing the existing digital map.
  • both the primary and the at least one secondary digital map update centre are able to provide data indicative of a set of one or more incremental map updates for communication to at least one of the remote client devices of the digital map update system for use in incrementally updating an existing digital map of the device, and preferably for communication to a plurality of the client devices.
  • incremental digital map update data emanating from a plurality of different digital map update centres, i.e. sources may be communicated to a client device or devices of the system.
  • the primary and secondary digital map update centres may be able to provide data for communication to the same client device or devices of the system, or to each client device of the system.
  • the system may be arranged such that incremental update data from certain secondary digital map update centres, or for example from the primary digital map update centre, may only be provided to certain devices and so on. This may be achieved using multiple digital map incremental update depositories arranged to received digital map incremental update data from different ones of the secondary digital map update centres, and/or from the primary and secondary digital map update centres as described in relation to the earlier embodiments.
  • the method may further comprise the primary digital map update centre providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to the at least one client device for use in updating the existing digital map thereof. This step may be carried out before, after, or at the same time as a secondary digital map update centre provides the data indicative of a set of incremental updates for communication to the client device.
  • the set of incremental updates in relation to which the primary digital map update centre provides data is preferably a different set of incremental updates to that to which the data provided by the at least one secondary digital map update centre relates.
  • an incremental digital map update refers to an update that can be used to incrementally, i.e. partially, update an existing digital map of a client device, i.e. without replacement of the entire existing digital map.
  • the update modifies the existing digital map.
  • a set of incremental digital map update data refers to data indicative of a set of one or more such incremental digital map updates that can be used to incrementally update an existing digital map of a client device.
  • the set of incremental digital map updates comprises data indicative of a plurality of incremental updates
  • the plurality of incremental updates of the set thus constitute, as a whole, data for only the partial or incremental updating of an existing digital map.
  • the data indicative of the set of incremental digital map updates does not comprise an entire updated version of the digital map.
  • a set of incremental digital map updates provided for communication to the or a at least one client device by the secondary map update centre or the primary map update centre may comprise one or more, and preferably a plurality of incremental digital map updates.
  • the existing digital map of the client device is a version of a digital map that may be incrementally updated using data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre, and, in embodiments, the primary digital map update centre, to provide a newer version of the digital map.
  • the data indicative of a set of incremental digital map updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre, or, in embodiments, the primary digital map update centre is used to incrementally update the existing map of the client device without complete replacement of the existing digital map.
  • the incremental update data is data for use in only partially updating the existing digital map.
  • the or each secondary digital map update centre (and optionally the primary digital map update centre) provides data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates for
  • the method further comprises communicating, e.g. transmitting, the data indicative of the set of one or more incremental digital map updates provided by the at least one secondary digital map update centre (and optionally the primary digital map update centre) to the client device or devices.
  • data from the primary and at least one secondary digital map update centre is communicated to the same at least one client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update centre may be arranged to transmit the data to the at least one client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update centre may directly transmit the data to the or an at least one client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update centre may each be in direct communication with the at least one client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update centre provides, e.g. transmits, the data indicative of the set of one or more incremental digital map updates to a digital map update server for communication to the or an at least one client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the first digital map update centre may then submit the data to the update server for communication to the at least one client device.
  • the data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates provided by the or each secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update server is used to provide a data feed to the digital map update server.
  • the secondary digital map update centre and optionally the first digital map update centre, may make the data accessible to the digital map update server in any suitable manner.
  • the method comprises storing the data indicative of the set of one or more incremental updates in a digital map data repository system for communication to at least one client device by the digital update server.
  • the digital map update server may transmit data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates received from the or each secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update server, to the or an at least one client device.
  • the incremental update data is communicated to the or an at least one client device from the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update server, via a digital map update server.
  • the system further comprises a digital map update server in communication with each of the plurality of remote client devices for communicating incremental digital map updates received from the primary digital map update centre and the or each secondary digital map update centre to the client devices.
  • the digital map update server may be arranged to access such data from a digital map update data repository of the digital map update system.
  • the digital map update server is preferably arranged to automatically transmit data indicative of a set or sets of one or more incremental map updates to the at least one client device. In other embodiments, this may be carried out in response to a request from the client device.
  • the at least one secondary digital map update centre and/or the primary digital map update server provide the data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates to a digital map compiler.
  • the compiler may consolidate the data from the or each secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the primary digital map update centre, and optionally convert the data to a standard digital map format before the data is provided to a digital map update server, or in embodiments, digital map data repository from which the server obtains data.
  • the standard format may be the
  • NDS Navigation Data Standard
  • the method extends to the step of the client device implementing a received set of one or more incremental digital map updates.
  • the set of one or more incremental digital map updates is provided by the secondary digital map update centre (or, in embodiments, by the primary digital map update centre).
  • the data may be received directly from the secondary (or optionally primary) digital map update centre, or may be received from a digital map update server.
  • the method may comprise the client device using the data of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates provided by the primary and/or the secondary map update centre to incrementally update the existing digital map of the device. This is carried out without replacement of the entire existing digital map.
  • the client device may comprise a digital map update management system for receiving and implementing received update data. This may comprise suitable client update module.
  • the incremental update data is used to modify the existing digital map.
  • the existing digital map of the device refers to the digital map of the device in its form prior to the relevant set of incremental updates being implemented.
  • the client device is preferably arranged to use the received data indicative of a set of one or more incremental digital map updates to automatically incrementally update the existing digital map thereof.
  • the client device may or may not immediately update the existing map of the device using incremental digital map data provided by the secondary digital map update centre and/or the primary digital map update centre.
  • the method may comprise the client device storing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental map updates provided by the primary digital map update centre and/or the secondary digital map update centre. This may allow updating of the existing map at a later time.
  • the client device may comprise a digital map update management system comprising means for receiving digital map incremental update data.
  • the digital map update management system may additionally comprise means for causing the data to be implemented and/or means for storing received incremental update data.
  • the digital map update management system is arranged to handle, e.g.
  • the digital map update management system may be arranged to cause received incremental digital map update data (or other digital map data) to be stored.
  • the digital map update management system may be arranged to cause such data to be stored in a digital map database of the client device. The data may be stored in such a manner to result in updating of existing digital map update data.
  • the digital map update management system may be arranged to communicate with the digital map update server in order to receive the incremental update data.
  • the communication is preferably two way.
  • the digital map update a management system may be arranged to transmit data to the digital map update server, for example, to request incremental update data and/or to specify an update profile for the data in certain embodiments, etc.
  • An update management system may comprise suitable client update module.
  • a digital map "update” as used herein refers to any change to the existing digital map.
  • the update may be for providing the modification, deletion, addition, correction, extension or enhancement of one or more features of the existing digital map when implemented.
  • the update may be in relation to a segment or segments of the digital map and/or one or more attributes thereof.
  • an update may be in relation to the underlying structure of the digital map.
  • the update may be in relation to one or more features of the digital map, e.g. a data overlay layer, dynamic content associated with the map, the display of features of the map, etc.
  • the update results in a modified version of the existing digital map, based upon the existing digital map.
  • a given update may involve one or more changes to the digital map. The changes may be related changes.
  • a secondary digital map update centre may not be permitted to provide all possible incremental digital map updates for communication to a client device. However, in embodiments the secondary digital map update centre is constrained in relation to the type of incremental update that it may provide for communication to a client device. In some embodiments the secondary digital map update centre is only able to provide data indicative of incremental digital map updates of one or more given types to the client device.
  • the constraints or types of incremental update that are or are not permitted may be set as desired, and are pre-specified.
  • the permissions or constraints may be imposed at the secondary digital map update centre, e.g. preventing the submission of certain updates for communication to a client device, whether directly or via an update server.
  • a secondary digital map update centre may be permitted to provide data indicative of only a subset of all possible incremental digital map updates for communication to a client device.
  • the method may further comprise specifying one or more constraints in relation to the type of incremental update that the secondary digital map update centre is permitted to provide to a client device.
  • the primary digital map update centre is permitted to provide data indicative of a greater number of possible incremental updates, e.g. types of incremental updates, than the at least one secondary digital map update centre.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be constrained to a greater degree than the primary digital map update centre in relation to the type of incremental update that the secondary digital map update centre is permitted to provide for
  • the primary digital map update centre may or may not be constrained in this regard.
  • the primary digital map update centre may be permitted to provide data indicative of any possible incremental digital map update for communication to a client device.
  • the primary digital map update centre may therefore be unconstrained in relation to the type of incremental update that it may provide.
  • the primary digital map update centre is able to provide data indicative of incremental digital map updates of any given type to the client device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be constrained such that it may only provide data indicative of incremental updates for communication to a client device that are by way of customisation of the existing digital map of the device. Customisation herein refers to tailoring the content of the digital map, e.g. to a given user's requirements.
  • the secondary digital map update centre is associated with a provider of services or goods
  • the client device is associated with a user of the services or goods.
  • the set of incremental updates in respect of which data is provided by the secondary digital map update centre to the user device may be for customising the existing digital map of the client device to incorporate data relevant to the services or goods of the service provider.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be associated with a vehicle provider.
  • the incremental update data may be for customising the digital map of the client device with data indicative of the location of retail or service premises of the vehicle provider.
  • the method may comprise the secondary digital map update centre providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates that the centre is not permitted to provide for communication to a client device to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the primary digital map update centre may then be able to implement the updates due to the lesser constraints imposed upon it.
  • the set of incremental updates in respect of which indicative data is provided by the secondary map update centre is a set of updates that do not affect the underlying structure, e.g. segments of the digital map.
  • the set of incremental updates in respect of which the secondary digital map update centre provides indicative data to the client device does not include updates in respect of the geometry of the segments of the digital map and/or the attribute(s) of the segments of the digital map.
  • the secondary digital map update centre is not permitted to provide data in relation to incremental updates relating to the geometry of the segments of the digital map and/or the attribute(s) of the segments of the digital map for communication to the client device.
  • the primary digital map update centre is preferably permitted to provide data in relation to such updates to the client device.
  • the set of one or more incremental updates in respect of which the secondary digital map update centre provides indicative data for communication to the client device includes one or more updates providing additional information or enhancements to one or more features of the existing digital map of the client device.
  • the set of incremental updates may include updates in relation to the addition, removal and/or modification of one or more of the following digital map features: points of interest (POI); junction views; data overlay layers or dynamic content associated with, or to be associated with, the map.
  • the set of incremental updates may include updates in relation to the display of one or more features of the existing digital map, e.g. POI, map textures, etc.
  • each may provided different types of incremental update data to the client devices, or at least different update data for customising the existing digital map of the client device in different manners.
  • the data indicative of the set of one or more incremental updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre, and optionally the first digital map update centre, may be indicative in any manner of the relevant change.
  • the primary digital map update centre and the or each secondary digital map update centre may be of any suitable type provided that they comprise means for providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates for communication to the client devices.
  • the primary digital map update centre and the secondary digital map update centres are located at different geographic locations.
  • the primary and secondary digital map update centres are preferably associated with different entities. Where multiple secondary digital map update centres are provided, each may be associated with a different entity.
  • the primary digital map update centre is preferably able to provide data indicative of an entire digital map for communication to the one or more client devices in addition to being able to provide data for incrementally updating an existing digital map of a client device.
  • the entire digital map may be referred to as a baseline map as described in relation to the earlier embodiments. This may be via a digital map update server as described above.
  • the primary digital map update centre may comprise a database comprising digital map data indicative of one or more entire digital maps.
  • the centre may be arranged for providing an entire digital map for communication to a client device, e.g. for set up, or to completely replace an existing digital map as well as being able to provide data for incrementally updating an existing digital map of the device.
  • the primary digital map update centre may further comprise a database comprising digital map incremental update data.
  • the primary digital map update centre is preferably a centre associated with an entity which provided at least a part of the data of the existing digital map of the or each client device that is to be updated, and preferably at least a majority of the data.
  • the primary digital map update centre is a centre associated with the entity that provided the existing digital map of the or each client device.
  • the method may further comprise communicating data indicative of an entire digital map to the or each client device from the primary digital map update centre to provide the existing digital map. This step is carried out before the secondary digital map update centre provides the data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates for communication to the device for incrementally updating the existing map.
  • the primary digital map update centre may comprise means for providing data indicative of a set of one or more incremental updates for communication to a client device for incrementally updating an existing digital map of the client device, and means for providing data indicative of a complete digital map for communication to the client device, e.g. initially or to replace an existing map.
  • the data may be communicated via a digital map update server as previously described in relation to the incremental update data.
  • the primary digital map update centre is preferably associated with a digital map supplier, e.g. a supplier of the existing digital map of the client device that is to be updated.
  • the digital map provider may be a navigation system provider.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be a centre that is only able to provide data for incrementally updating an existing digital map of a client device and is not able to provide data indicative of a complete, i.e. baseline, digital map to a client device. This may be achieved, for example, by setting permissions, etc for the update centre appropriately.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may not have access to data indicative of the entire existing digital map of the at least one client device to be updated.
  • the primary digital map update centre may be arranged to be able to transmit an entire digital map to the secondary digital map.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be associated with a provider wishing to customise the existing digital map of a client device.
  • the update centre may be associated with a provider of goods or services.
  • the provider may be associated with a vehicle manufacturer.
  • the client device is a navigation device associated with a vehicle.
  • the device may be an integrated navigation device.
  • the primary digital map update centre is associated with the provider of the existing digital map of the client device, e.g. a navigation system provider, and the secondary digital map update centre is associated with the vehicle manufacturer.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may then provide data indicative of updates to customise the existing digital map in a manner specific to the needs of the vehicle user.
  • the secondary digital map update centre additionally provides information relating to the set of one or more incremental updates to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the secondary digital map update centre is therefore in communication with the primary digital map update centre and may transmit the information thereto in any suitable manner.
  • the information may be transmitted to the primary digital map update centre by the secondary digital map update centre before, during or after communication of the data indicative of the set of one or more incremental updates to the or each client device.
  • the data is submitted to the primary digital map update centre at substantially the same time that the data is communicated to the device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre directly provides the information to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the information relating to the set of one or more updates may correspond to the data indicative of the set of one or more updates, i.e. being the same data that is transmitted to the client device by the secondary digital map update centre, and/or may be in any manner indicative of at least a part of the data indicative of the set of one or more updates that is provided for transmission to a client device.
  • the information may be metadata describing the one or more updates.
  • the information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre to the primary digital map update centre is associated with data identifying the (or each) client device to which it is to be communicated.
  • the method may comprise the primary digital map update centre storing the information received from the secondary digital map update centre.
  • the information stored comprises the information relating to the set of one or more incremental changes, and the data indicative of the identity of the (or each) client device to which the updates are communicated.
  • the primary digital map update centre may then be able to determine the state of the digital map of the client device using the data. This may facilitate the primary digital map update centre in providing future digital map updates to the device, and ensuring their consistency with updates previously provided by the secondary digital map update centre.
  • the primary digital map update centre may comprise a database storing information relating to update data provided by each of the one or more secondary digital map update centres to different client devices, preferably in association with data indicative of the identity of the client device to which each set of incremental update data has been transmitted.
  • the primary digital map update centre will have record of updates that have been made by one or more, and preferably each, secondary digital map update centre of the system, to each client device.
  • the method may further comprise the primary digital map update centre using the information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates obtained from the secondary digital map update centre in providing data indicative of a further set of one or more incremental digital map updates for communication to the client device.
  • the data indicative of the further set of updates may be provided directly by the primary digital map update centre to the client device, or more preferably, via an update server.
  • the information may be used to provide a further set of one or more incremental digital map updates that will be consistent with the set of incremental digital map updates previously provided by the secondary digital map update centre.
  • the data indicative of the set of one or more updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre for communication to the client device is communicated to the client device, e.g. via an update server, without the data first passing through the primary map update centre.
  • the information relating to the set of one or more incremental digital map updates provided to the primary digital map update centre by the secondary digital map update server is in addition to the data provided by the secondary digital map update centre for communication to the client device, e.g. that is transmitted by the secondary digital map update centre to the device via an update server or otherwise.
  • the digital map data and digital map incremental update data referred to herein in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention may be of any suitable form.
  • the data is of a standardized format.
  • the digital map data and digital map update data is in the NDS (Navigation Data Standard) format.
  • the primary and secondary digital map update centres may both be arranged to provide digital map update data, and where appropriate, digital map data, in such a format.
  • a given digital map incremental update in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments may be comprise one or more operations in relation to existing digital map data e.g. in relation to the digital map data of the digital map to be modified.
  • An operation may involve the addition, modification or deletion of existing digital map data.
  • An update may be referred to as a transaction.
  • Digital map incremental update data may comprise data indicative of one or more transactions to be performed in relation to existing digital map data.
  • the one or more transactions may be in the NDS or otherwise standardised format for implementation in relation to digital map data according to the same standardized format.
  • the client devices, and the primary and secondary digital map update centres comprise communication means for transmitting information to, and receiving information from, the other components of the system.
  • the communication means can be of any type as desired.
  • the devices may comprise one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device.
  • the communication means comprises one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example WiFi, GSM, GPRS and the like.
  • the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments may be implemented at least partially using software. It will thus be seen that, when viewed from further aspects, the present invention extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions adapted to carry out any or all of he methods described herein when executed on suitable data processing means, such as a server.
  • the invention also extends to a computer software carrier comprising such software.
  • a software carrier could be a physical (or non-transitory) storage medium or could be a signal such as an electronic signal over wires, an optical signal or a radio signal such as to a satellite or the like.
  • references to data being "associated" with other data may refer to the data being in any manner associated therewith, e.g. using an appropriate pointer, etc.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary digital map update system for providing incremental update data for provision to client devices
  • Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary system for providing the data to the client devices
  • Figure 3 illustrates a digital map update system allowing incremental updating of digital maps by two centres in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • digital map update database 2 which stores details of validated digital map updates.
  • the validated map updates e.g. transactions, may include all digital map updates made to the baseline or core digital map database, or a subset of such updates, e.g. in relation to only certain map attributes.
  • the digital map updates may be received from one or more sources, as described later in more detail, and may be in accordance with different map formats.
  • the digital map update database may comprise separate databases in relation to full map updates and incremental updates and/or in relation to data received from different sources.
  • An NDS update compiler 4 is used to translate the map updates received from the digital map update database 2 into changes to be performed on NDS objects, i.e. elements of a NDS map database.
  • the update compiler 4 converts map update data received from the database 2 to convert it into a standard format.
  • the update compiler reads current NDS objects, changes them according to the received map updates, and provides the data to the NDS data repository 6.
  • the update compiler can operate an any frequency as needed, e.g. once or week or once a day.
  • the NDS data repository 6 includes a digital map incremental update data repository 3 and a digital map full update data repository 5.
  • Update data received from the update compiler 4 is stored as part of the NDS repository 6, in association with the latest version of the NDS map database.
  • the NDS repository 6 may store updates obtained from the update compiler 4 in a particular data feed as groups, i.e. as data layers. For example, where a data feed is provided at given intervals e.g. daily, the updates received in a given feed for a particular time may be associated together as a group. It will be appreciated that the NDS repository 6 therefore stores baseline full map data and sets of incremental updates for particular times, which may be used together to provide an updated full map current for a particular time.
  • map updates generated in the above described process are published, i.e. sent to client devices, via an update server using a suitable update protocol.
  • An exemplary architecture of an NDS update platform for use in embodiments of the invention is shown in Figure 2.
  • full maps and incremental updates are delivered to client devices 14 by means of a digital map update server system 8.
  • the server system 8 includes an incremental update sub server 10 and a full map, i.e. baseline map, update sub server 12.
  • the incremental update sub server 10 is in communication with the incremental update data repository 3 of the NDS data repository 6, and the full map update sub server 12 is in communication with the full map update data repository 5 for providing either full map data or incremental update data to the server.
  • Updates from the full map update sub server 12 or the incremental map update sub server 12 are served by the update server 8 using an update client 16 on the client device 14.
  • the update client 16 is in communication with a navigation application 18 and a digital map database 20 of the device 14 via an update API.
  • PND portable navigation device
  • the system illustrated in Figure 1 may be referred to as a "transaction-based map system", in which full maps or incremental updates may be released to client devices on a continual basis.
  • the present invention relates to certain techniques which provide improved implementation of such incremental map update type systems.
  • the Applicant has realised that it is advantageous for digital map incremental update data to be provided to client devices from multiple sources.
  • digital map incremental update data may be provided to client devices from multiple sources.
  • data relating to different portions of a digital map in terms of geographical area may be provided from different sources.
  • Each data provider would then be responsible for providing updates relating to their portion of the map.
  • digital map data may comprise data from multiple digital map suppliers.
  • the present invention in accordance with a further aspect provides methods which can facilitate provision of incremental update data from multiple sources while maintaining consistency of the overall map data.
  • the present invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the case in which an automotive supplier wishes to provide incremental updates to integrated navigation devices associated with their vehicles.
  • the incremental updates are intended to customise digital maps provided to the client devices from another source, i.e. a navigation system or digital map supplier, to render them more relevant to the users.
  • the update system includes a primary digital map update centre 20 which is associated with the navigation system or digital map provider.
  • the system also includes a secondary digital map update centre 30, which is associated with the automotive supplier. Both the primary and secondary digital map update centres are arranged to provide incremental update data to a distribution system 40, for disseminating the data to client devices.
  • the primary digital map update centre 20 is also able to provide full map update data to the distribution system.
  • a client device 50 is illustrated as being in communication with the distribution system.
  • the distribution system 40 will also be arranged to provide such data to the client device 50.
  • the distribution system 40 may include the components shown in Figures 1 and 2 required to take a digital map update data feed and distribute it to one or more client devices.
  • the incremental update data provided by the primary and secondary digital map update centres 20, 30 may be provided to a digital map update database, which may provide update data to an NDS repository via an NDS update compiler.
  • a digital map update server may be arranged to serve data from the repository to the client devices. It is envisaged that incremental update data from the primary and secondary update centres may be stored in different incremental update data repositories by using appropriate update profiles.
  • the secondary digital map update centre 30 is arranged to send data indicative of an incremental update or updates provided to the distribution system to the primary digital map update centre. This is illustrated by the 2 way communication link in Figure 3. In this way, the primary digital map update centre 20 is kept informed of incremental updates provided by the secondary digital map update centre to the distribution system for serving to client devices.
  • the method therefore allows the secondary digital map update to autonomously provide incremental update data directly to the distribution system, but ensures that the primary digital map update centre is advised of any updates sent. It will be appreciated that multiple secondary digital map update centres may be provided, each able to send incremental update data to the distribution system, and also to provide data indicative thereof to the primary digital map update centre.
  • the data that the secondary digital map update centre 30 provides to the primary digital map update centre 20 regarding submitted incremental updates may be the data itself, and/or meta information describing the update.
  • the secondary digital map update centre sends this data to the primary digital map update centre 20 in association with data indicative of the identity of the client device(s) to which the data is to be sent.
  • the primary digital map update centre is able to determine the exact state of the digital map of a client device at any time, and is able to ensure that any updates that it subsequently sends will be consistent with the existing state of the device.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be able to publish incremental updates which are outside its customization scope such that they may be considered by the primary digital map update centre and subsequently published through its own update capabilities in due course.
  • the primary digital map update centre is able to submit any type of update to the distribution system.
  • the secondary digital map update centre may be able to provide by submitting appropriate updates: add/remove/modify any or all of: car dealer POIs; advertisements for dealer options to car dealer POIs; advertisements for dealer events to car dealer POIs; 3rd party POIs; icons for POIs; junction views. It is also envisaged that the secondary digital map update centre may be able to submit incremental changes for: replacing 3D city map textures; adding/deleting/modifying data overlay layers, e.g. location based advertisements, images, videos for POIs; linking editorial information with map features, e.g. guided tours; linking dynamic content with map features, e.g. parking garage occupancy; integration of local maps.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)
  • Instructional Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé pour la mise à jour progressive d'une carte numérique existante d'un dispositif client dans un système de mise à jour de cartes numériques. Le système de mise à jour de cartes numériques comprend un centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques principal, un centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques secondaire et une pluralité de dispositifs clients distants. Le centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques principal et le centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques secondaire sont chacun en mesure de fournir un ensemble d'une ou plusieurs mises à jour progressives à communiquer à un ou plusieurs dispositifs parmi la pluralité de dispositifs clients distants et servant à la mise à jour progressive de cartes numériques existantes des dispositifs clients. Le centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques secondaire fournit des données indiquant un ensemble d'une ou plusieurs mises à jour progressives de carte numérique à communiquer à au moins l'un de la pluralité de dispositifs clients distants et servant à la mise à jour progressive d'une carte numérique existante du dispositif. Le centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques secondaire fournit en outre au centre de mise à jour de cartes numériques principal des informations relatives à l'ensemble d'une ou plusieurs mises à jour progressives de carte numérique.
PCT/EP2013/054916 2012-03-09 2013-03-11 Procédés et systèmes pour la mise à jour d'une carte numérique WO2013132111A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1204239.6A GB201204239D0 (en) 2012-03-09 2012-03-09 System to update a map from two different centres
GB1204239.6 2012-03-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013132111A1 true WO2013132111A1 (fr) 2013-09-12

Family

ID=46026325

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/054916 WO2013132111A1 (fr) 2012-03-09 2013-03-11 Procédés et systèmes pour la mise à jour d'une carte numérique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB201204239D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013132111A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10191919B2 (en) 2015-03-17 2019-01-29 Here Global B.V. Method and apparatus for presenting point of interest changes
CN111159326A (zh) * 2020-01-02 2020-05-15 中国航空工业集团公司西安航空计算技术研究所 一种机载数字地图局部数据增量更新方法和装置
JP2021073481A (ja) * 2020-12-15 2021-05-13 パイオニア株式会社 送信装置、端末装置、送信方法、送信プログラム、地図データ更新方法および地図データ更新プログラム

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020174360A1 (en) * 2000-06-29 2002-11-21 Kiyokazu Ikeda Service providing system
US20070260628A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-08 Tele Atlas North America, Inc. System and method for providing a virtual database environment and generating digital map information
US20090164110A1 (en) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-25 Basir Otman A Vehicle communication system with destination selection for navigation

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020174360A1 (en) * 2000-06-29 2002-11-21 Kiyokazu Ikeda Service providing system
US20070260628A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-08 Tele Atlas North America, Inc. System and method for providing a virtual database environment and generating digital map information
US20090164110A1 (en) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-25 Basir Otman A Vehicle communication system with destination selection for navigation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
FLAMENT M: "RESULTS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE ACTMAP INCREMENTAL MAP UPDATES FOR ADVANCED IN-VEHICLE APPLICATIONS", INTERNET CITATION, June 2005 (2005-06-01), XP007901268, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.ertico.com/download/actmap_public_documents/2005-06%20ActMAP_implementation&validation_ITSinEurope.pdf> [retrieved on 20061102] *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10191919B2 (en) 2015-03-17 2019-01-29 Here Global B.V. Method and apparatus for presenting point of interest changes
CN111159326A (zh) * 2020-01-02 2020-05-15 中国航空工业集团公司西安航空计算技术研究所 一种机载数字地图局部数据增量更新方法和装置
JP2021073481A (ja) * 2020-12-15 2021-05-13 パイオニア株式会社 送信装置、端末装置、送信方法、送信プログラム、地図データ更新方法および地図データ更新プログラム
JP7011028B2 (ja) 2020-12-15 2022-01-26 パイオニア株式会社 送信装置、端末装置、送信方法、送信プログラム、地図データ更新方法および地図データ更新プログラム
JP2022058600A (ja) * 2020-12-15 2022-04-12 パイオニア株式会社 送信装置、端末装置、送信方法、送信プログラム、地図データ更新方法および地図データ更新プログラム

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201204239D0 (en) 2012-04-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9864766B2 (en) Methods and systems for updating a digital map
JP7095094B2 (ja) 位置情報サービスの提供ための分散処理システムと方法
US8374777B2 (en) GPS equipped devices that utilize geographical navigation bundles
US20140195663A1 (en) Method and System for Providing Cloud-Based Common Distribution Applications
US20140180585A1 (en) Navigation system application for mobile device
US10028086B2 (en) Techniques for implementing location based device services
EP4276648A1 (fr) Procédé et appareil de mise à jour d&#39;une tuile de carte
EP1443402A1 (fr) Systeme de controle d&#39;informations, serveur et terminal d&#39;informations destines a un tel systeme
CN112115217A (zh) 高精地图的数据处理方法、装置、电子设备及存储介质
CN110990038B (zh) 用于应用局部更新的方法、装置、电子设备和介质
WO2013132111A1 (fr) Procédés et systèmes pour la mise à jour d&#39;une carte numérique
US20240011782A1 (en) Generation and Provision of Control Data for Vehicle Automated Driving Systems
JP2010237444A (ja) 地図配信装置、地図配信方法及びコンピュータプログラム
KR101736993B1 (ko) 내비게이션 지도 갱신 방법 및 장치
JP4380097B2 (ja) 地図情報更新システム、地図情報処理装置及び地図情報提供装置
US10887738B2 (en) Vehicular information processing system, vehicular information processing program, and mobile communication terminal the suppresses excessive increase in traffic between mobile communication terminal and in-vehicular device
CN110620808A (zh) 用于推送信息的方法和装置
JP4706783B2 (ja) 地図情報更新システム、地図情報処理装置及び地図情報提供装置
CN112181675A (zh) 卫星实时数据处理方法、装置、计算机设备、存储介质
CN111240657A (zh) 用于生成sdk的方法、装置和电子设备
JP2018040593A (ja) 情報処理装置、情報処理システム、及び情報処理方法
CN110727562A (zh) 一种错误信息的处理方法、装置、介质和电子设备
CN115098735A (zh) 一种数据处理方法、装置、设备及介质
Grzejszczyk Control of coordinated systems traffic lights. Cloud computing technology
JP2020162058A (ja) 通信装置、コンテンツ取得方法及び通信システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13710345

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13710345

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1