3D PATH ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING

• US 20110153208A1
• Filed: 12/18/2009
• Published: 06/23/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jewel Pathway LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC (Allied Inventors Management, LLC)
• Inventors: Kruglick, Ezekiel
• Granted Patent: US 8,818,711 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/209
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3841 Data obtained from two or more sources, e.g. probe vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3867 Geometry of map features, e.g. shape points, polygons or for simplified maps
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3889 Transmission of selected map data, e.g. depending on route
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/004 Map manufacture or repair; Tear or ink or water resistant maps; Long-life maps printing processes for maps B41M3/02; by permanently attaching map sections to sheets B42B7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/006 Representation of non-cartographic information on maps, e.g. population distribution, wind direction, radiation levels, air and sea routes

Abstract

Techniques for constructing a path analysis in an area are provided. Data are received from a mobile device in an area. The data is based on a path that is traversed by the mobile device. A traversable path is then determined from the data received from the mobile device. The traversable path is superimposed on a map and the map, including the traversable path, is packaged for delivery or display to requesting devices.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a path analysis in an area, the method comprising:

receiving a first set of data from a first mobile device that is based on a first path, wherein the first path is traversed by the first mobile device;

determining a first traversable path based on the first set of data;

superimposing the first traversable path onto a map; and

packaging the map for delivery or display of the map at a device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first path avoids physical obstacles in the area.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the physical obstacles include man-made structures or flora, further comprising identifying the physical obstacles based on the first path in the area.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a less traversable path than the traversable path.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the less traversable path includes a construction area.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising polling a second mobile device for a second set of data, wherein the traversable path is further based on the second set of data.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising superimposing the traversable path on a map.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the map is a three-dimensional map.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the map is a traffic map or a walking map.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a first set of data further comprises:

assigning a anonymous identification number to the first mobile device; and

tracking the first path of the first mobile device using the anonymously generated identification number.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of data is batched by the first mobile device.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of data includes at least one of accelerometer data or GPS data indicating when the first mobile device is used in at least one of a vehicle or when the first mobile device is used on a person.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when establishing the traversable path, rejecting outlier data, wherein the outlier data is inconsistent with the first set of data.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

rating the traversable path for an intended purpose; and

receiving at least one of picture data or video data from the first mobile device, wherein the first traversable path includes at least one of the picture data or the video data.

15. A method for determining traversable paths in an area, the method comprising:

receiving location data from each of a plurality of mobile devices operating in the area, wherein each mobile device traverses a path in the area;

determining traversable paths from the location data in the area, wherein the traversable paths avoid obstacles in the area; and

delivering a map of the area that includes the traversable paths in the area to a requesting device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising evaluating the location data to identify the obstacles in the area.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising interpolating the location data of each of the plurality of devices independently to identify the path of each mobile device in the area, wherein the path of each mobile device contributes to the determination of the traversable paths.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the traversable paths are determined according to a density distribution of the location data received from each of the plurality of mobile devices.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising superimposing the traversable paths into the map of the area.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the traversable paths includes a known path in the area, further comprising:

receiving at least one of picture data or video data from at least one of the mobile devices, wherein the at least one of picture data or video data is incorporated into the traversable path in the map.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving location data further comprises collecting the location data from the plurality of mobile devices, wherein each mobile device logs its location data at intervals.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the map is informed by the traversable paths.

23. A system for modeling traversable paths in an area, the system comprising:

a location module that collects location data from mobile devices in an area, wherein the mobile devices providing location data are location-enabled to provide the location data;

a database that stores the location data collected from the mobile devices, wherein the location data identifies paths traversed by the mobile devices in the area;

a processor that determines traversable paths in the area based on the paths of the mobile devices; and

a map module that packages a map for display on a device, the map including the area and the traversable paths.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor identifies obstacles in the area based on the location data, wherein the traversable paths avoid the obstacles in the area.

25. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor adapts the traversable paths over time to changes that occur in the area.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor anonymizes the location data.

27. The system of claim 23, wherein the processor determines secondary data from the location data and wherein the map modules packages the secondary data for display on the device.

28. The system of claim 23, wherein the secondary data determines at least one of a popularity of the traversable paths, a density of people anticipated on the traversable paths, or amenities on the traversable paths.