System and method for data mapping and map discrepancy reporting

• US 7,706,971 B2
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Jaugilas, John, Hulet, Glade L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hellner; Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): Algahaim; Helal A
• Application Number:
  US11/187,382
• Publication Number:
  US 20070021908A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,741 Days
• Field of Search: 701/208, 340/995.1
• US Class Current: 701/208
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3841 Data obtained from two or more sources, e.g. probe vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3844 Data obtained from position sensors only, e.g. from inertial navigation
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/005 Map projections or methods associated specifically therewith
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/106 using electronic means

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for identifying and eliminating discrepancies in electronic maps. Embodiments of a method and system for correcting discrepancies in an electronic map includes receiving location information from one or more computing devices using the electronic map, identifying a discrepancy between the electronic map and the location information, and altering the electronic map to eliminate the discrepancy.

Claims

1. A computer-based method for removing discrepancies from an electronic map of a defined area, the electronic map stored within a database, said method comprising:

collecting and storing location data for a plurality of vehicles as they traverse the defined area;

determining an actual path of travel within the defined area for each of the vehicles from the stored location data;

combining the actual paths of travel into a mean travel path;

identifying discrepancies between the mean travel path for the vehicles and a vehicle travel path within the defined area previously defined and stored within the electronic map; and

updating the components within the database that constitute the electronic map such that an updated path of travel is defined to be proximate the mean travel path, should the identified discrepancies exceed a threshold.

2. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein identifying discrepancies comprises:

performing a statistical analysis on the location data; and

comparing at least one statistical value relating to the location data to the desired vehicle travel path stored in the electronic map.

3. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein collecting and storing location data for a plurality of vehicles comprises collecting GPS data from the vehicles as they traverse the defined area.

4. A computer-based method A method according to claim 3 wherein collecting GPS data from the vehicles as they traverse the defined area comprises includes applying an offset to the GPS data to compensate for a location of the GPS antenna with respect to a location of a center of a vehicle.

5. A computer-based method according to claim 1 further comprising identifying at least one of a positional, orientation, designation, or dimensional discrepancy between the actual paths of travel and the vehicle travel path defined and stored within the electronic map.

6. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein updating the components that constitute the electronic map comprises uploading discrepancy data to a creator of the electronic map.

7. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein updating the components that constitute the electronic map comprises alerting a user of the electronic map to connect a system that includes the electronic map to a creator of the electronic map for updating the map.

8. A computer-based method according to claim 1 wherein updating the components that constitute the electronic map comprises updating a position of at least one airport landmark on the electronic map based on the mean travel path.

9. A computer-based method according to claim 1 further comprising disbursing the updated electronic map to users of the electronic map.

10. A system for updating electronic maps, said system comprising a computer and a database, an electronic map stored within said database, said computer operable to:

receive and store location data for a plurality of vehicles, the location data relating to the vehicles as they traverse a defined area;

determine an actual path of travel within the defined area for each of the vehicles using the location data;

combine the actual paths of travel into a mean travel path;

identify discrepancies between the mean travel path for the vehicles and a vehicle travel path previously defined and stored within said database;

define an updated vehicle travel path based on the mean travel path, should the identified discrepancies exceed a threshold, the updated vehicle travel path proximate the mean travel path; and

update the electronic map within the database such that the updated vehicle travel path replaces the previously defined vehicle travel path.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein to identify discrepancies, said computer is programmed to:

perform a statistical analysis on the stored location data; and

compare at least one statistical value relating to the stored location data to at least one value relating to the desired vehicle travel path stored in said database.

12. A system according to claim 10 wherein said computer is operable to receive GPS location data from a plurality of vehicles.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said computer is operable to apply an offset to the received GPS data to compensate for a location of the GPS antenna with respect to a vehicle center location.

14. A system according to claim 10 wherein to identify discrepancies, said computer is operable to identify at least one of a positional, orientation, designation, or dimensional discrepancy between the mean travel path and the desired vehicle travel path.

15. A system according to claim 10 wherein to define an updated desired vehicle travel path based on the mean travel path comprises uploading differences between the mean travel path and the desired path of travel to a creator of the electronic map.

16. A system according to claim 10 wherein to update the database such that the updated desired vehicle travel path replaces the desired vehicle travel path, said computer is operable to alert a user to update the map.