Patent · US Active

Updating map data from camera images

US9429438B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
15References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 23, 2010
Grant dateAug 30, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 14, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01C21/3837
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.