UPDATING MAP DATA FROM CAMERA IMAGES
First Claim
1. A method of updating map data, the method comprising:
- capturing an image using a camera of a wireless communications device;
determining a location of an object in the image;
creating new map data to represent the object in the image; and
updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of updating map data entails capturing an image using a camera, determining a location of an object in the image, creating new map data to represent the object in the image, and updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image. This method may be implemented on a GPS-enabled wireless communications device having an onboard camera which can transmit the new map data to a map server for updating its map database. Determining the position of the object in the image relative to the wireless device may be accomplished using a rangefinder and compass, triangulation of multiple images of the object, or a stereoscopic camera. The accuracy of the GPS position fix may be improved by capturing images of recognizable objects for which location coordinates are available.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of updating map data, the method comprising:
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capturing an image using a camera of a wireless communications device; determining a location of an object in the image; creating new map data to represent the object in the image; and updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions in code which when loaded into memory and executed on a processor of a wireless communications device is adapted to update map data in a map database by:
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capturing an image using a camera; determining a location of an object in the image; creating new map data to represent the object in the image; and updating a map database to include the new map data for the object in the image. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A wireless communications device for updating map data, the device comprising:
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a camera for capturing an image; a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for determining a current location of the wireless communications device; and a memory for storing the image, the memory being operatively coupled to a processor for determining a location of an object in the image, wherein the processor is configured to cause new map data representing the object in the image to be created. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification