Dynamic Flow Visualization in Distribution Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for visualizing flow direction in utility distribution networks require significant user concentration and are not effective in quickly identifying actionable events or network performance issues, as they rely on stationary arrow symbols that are difficult to interpret.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating commodity vectorized measurement data based on GIS data and sensor measurements, which is dynamically displayed on a geographic map using animations that represent flow direction, flow rate, pressure, and energy levels, allowing for easier identification of network performance and actionable events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stationary arrow symbols are used to indicate flow direction, then the visualization system is simple to implement, but user concentration is required and actionable events are difficult to identify quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static arrow symbols into dynamic animated visualizations that move along the distribution network pathways. The animation shows flow direction through moving graphical elements that traverse the network geometry, allowing operators to quickly perceive flow patterns without concentrating on stationary symbols. This dynamic representation makes actionable events immediately visible as the animation naturally highlights changes in flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic animation cycles to continuously refresh the flow direction visualization along the network. By periodically animating the flow path and direction indicators, the system maintains operator awareness of current flow states without requiring continuous visual fixation, thereby reducing concentration demands while enabling rapid identification of abnormal flow patterns that indicate actionable events.
2Loss of information
If detailed measurement data is displayed to show network performance, then information completeness is improved, but visual complexity increases and ease of interpretation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network performance information by separating flow direction visualization from detailed measurement data. The animated flow direction indicators provide intuitive visual interpretation, while comprehensive measurement data (pressure, temperature, flow rate) is organized into distinct data panels or layers. This segmentation allows operators to interpret flow direction easily through animation while accessing detailed measurement information when needed, without both types of information competing for the same visual space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions flow direction information from a two-dimensional static display into a dynamic temporal dimension through animation. The animated indicators add a time-based dimension that shows flow progression along the network, making direction interpretation intuitive through motion rather than requiring analysis of static symbolic representations. Detailed measurement data is presented in separate dimensional spaces (data tables, side panels) to avoid visual clutter.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing flow direction in a distribution network includes receiving, on a hardware device, Geographic Information System (GIS) data corresponding to the distribution network from a GIS database. The distribution network includes equipment to facilitate distribution of a commodity over a distribution area, and the GIS data includes information relating to distribution of the commodity. Commodity vectorized measurement data indicative of at least a flow direction of the commodity over the distribution area is generated based, at least in part, on a comparison of a current measurement value of the commodity to a reference measurement value of the commodity. The commodity vectorized measurement data is dynamically displayed on a geographic map display including imagery representative of the distribution network contained in the GIS data.