3D Traffic Display System Using Virtual Camera Fly-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying traffic conditions on television fail to accurately convey detailed, multi-dimensional information about an entire road system, limiting the ability to show traffic flow and incidents in a way that is easily understandable to viewers, and do not effectively utilize three-dimensional technology for a more engaging and informative presentation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that creates a 3D graphical map of a road system, integrating traffic data to display traffic conditions in a geo-spatially correct virtual road network, allowing for animated and non-animated billboards, and enabling viewers to 'fly-through' the display to understand traffic conditions relative to landmarks and direction of travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 2D static or animated displays are used to show traffic conditions, then the system is simple to implement, but the ability to convey detailed multi-dimensional information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D map displays to a 3D virtual environment that allows viewers to see traffic conditions from multiple angles and perspectives. The virtual camera can fly through the road network, providing depth and spatial context that flat maps cannot convey, thereby reducing information loss about traffic conditions.
2Loss of information
If traditional 2D maps are used to display traffic conditions, then the display is easy to understand, but the viewer cannot perceive traffic conditions relative to landmarks and direction of travel
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a 3D virtual representation of the road network with landmarks and enabling fly-through navigation, the system preserves spatial context information while maintaining viewer understanding through familiar camera movements and perspectives that mimic real-world viewing experiences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical road network environment, including roads, landmarks, and traffic conditions, allowing viewers to explore this replicated space from multiple angles without leaving their viewing position, thus preserving spatial relationships while easing interpretation.
3Loss of information
If 3D fly-through displays are used to show traffic conditions, then the presentation is more engaging and informative, but the system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual environment system serves multiple functions: it displays traffic conditions, incorporates landmarks for context, enables various camera angles and fly-through paths, and can show both real-time and historical data, thereby justifying the increased complexity through enhanced information delivery capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of displaying traffic conditions on a road system includes creating a 3D graphical map of the road system that includes one or more segments. The status of at least one of the segments on the 3D graphical map is determined. The status of the segment corresponds to traffic data associated with that segment. A 3D model of the road system is created by combining the 3D graphical map and the status of that segment.