Map corrections via human machine interface

Abstract

A method is provided for user input of map corrections via voice controlled human machine interface (HMI). A navigation device ( 20 ) is voice control enabled to respond to a defined set of commands. The navigation device ( 20 ) further includes display screen shot functionality, together with a camera ( 28 ) for taking real-world snapshots and/or recording video segments. Using voice control, a driver can make map update corrections ( 32 ) which are associated with a screen shot ( 34 ) of the display screen ( 22 ) of the navigation device ( 20 ), together with the captured image ( 36 ) from the camera ( 28 ). This information, together with optional additional meta information, may be transmitted to a collection service or update center.

1 . A method for reporting perceived errors in a digital map in real time by the user of a mobile navigation device, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a digital road map having a representation of a road network corresponding to roads in reality;   providing a mobile navigation device interactive with the digital map, the navigation device capable of determining its instantaneous geo-position in the digital road network relative to a road in reality;   the navigation device including a display screen and being linked to a camera, the camera configured to capture at least one image of a surrounding road in reality;   the navigation device including a processor capable of executing an error report program wherein perceived errors in the digital map are noted for submission to an update center;   transporting the navigation device along a road in reality while simultaneously updating its corresponding geo-position in the digital road network;   encountering a perceived error in the digital map;   executing the error report program in the navigation device;   said executing step including recording a screen shot of the display screen;   said executing step further including capturing a road image of the surrounding road in reality with the camera; and   associating the screen shot and the road image with the corresponding instantaneous geo-position of the navigation device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further including transmitting the recorded a screen shot and captured road image to an update center. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of capturing a road image includes taking a generally forward looking image. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of capturing a road image includes taking a motion video of the surrounding road in reality. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of encountering a perceived error includes identifying a situation in reality that does not correspond to information contained in the digital map. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said executing step includes responding to a human voice activated command. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said executing step includes capturing a sound recording to store additional information. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said associating step further includes associating the screen shot and the road image ( 36 ) with the traveling direction of the navigation device. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said associating step further includes associating the screen shot and the road image with a corresponding time stamp. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said associating step further includes associating the screen shot and the road image with a unique Identifier (ID). 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said associating step further includes associating the screen shot and the road image with the street name or number on which the navigation device is traveling. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of capturing a road image includes affirmatively verifying the captured image by a method of human interaction. 
     
     
         13 . A method for reporting perceived errors in a digital map in real time by the user of a mobile navigation device, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a digital road map having a representation of a road network corresponding to roads in reality;   providing a mobile navigation device interactive with the digital map, the navigation device capable of determining its instantaneous geo-position in the digital road network relative to a road in reality;   the navigation device including a display screen and being linked to a camera, the camera configured to capture at least one generally forward looking image of a surrounding road in reality;   the navigation device capable of executing an error report program wherein perceived errors in the digital map are noted for submission to an update center;   transporting the navigation device along a road in reality while simultaneously updating its corresponding geo-position in the digital road network;   encountering a perceived error in the digital map caused by a non-corresponding situation in reality compared to information contained in the digital map;   executing the error report program in the navigation device by voice activated command;   said executing step including recording a screen shot of the display screen;   said executing step further including capturing a road image of the surrounding road in reality with the camera;   creating an error report comprising correction information at least in part by voice activated commands;   associating the screen shot and the road image with the corresponding instantaneous geo-position of the navigation device; and   transmitting map correction information along with the recorded a screen shot and captured road image to an update center.   
     
     
         14 . A navigation device configured to implement the method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A navigation device configured to implement the method according to  claim 13 .