Flow-Rate Information Output with Directional Marks for Object Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not provide a straightforward method for visualizing the flow of objects, focusing instead on congestion degree visualization.

Innovation Solution

A flow-rate information output apparatus that computes the number of objects passing through a surveillance location in multiple directions and generates a flow rate mark to superimpose on an image, allowing easy recognition of object flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If congestion degree visualization techniques are used, then crowd recognition capability is improved, but flow direction recognition capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion degree recognitionVSAvoidflow direction information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the crowd flow information into two distinct components: congestion degree (density) and flow direction. By separating these measurements and providing them through different visualization modes (congestion map and flow direction marks), the system preserves both types of information without one compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a directional dimension to the traditional congestion visualization by superimposing flow direction marks (arrows) on the congestion degree map. This transforms a scalar visualization into a vector field visualization, enabling simultaneous perception of both magnitude (congestion) and direction (flow).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If detailed flow analysis is performed, then flow recognition accuracy is improved, but ease of recognition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow recognition accuracyVSAvoidease of flow recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color coding in the congestion degree map (e.g., green for low congestion, red for high congestion) to provide intuitive visual cues. Combined with directional arrows, this allows users to quickly grasp both the magnitude and direction of crowd flow without complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes crowd movement data to extract flow direction and congestion degree before visualization. By preparing this information in advance and presenting it in ready-to-interpret visual forms, the system eliminates the need for users to perform complex analysis themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12380549B2Flow-rate information output apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 NEC CORP

AI summary

A flow-rate information output apparatus (2000) computes the number of objects (20) passing through a surveillance location (30) included in a target image (10) with respect to each of a plurality of surveillance directions (34). The flow-rate information output apparatus (2000) generates, with respect to one or more surveillance directions (34), a flow rate mark (40) relevant to the number of objects (20) passing through the surveillance location (30) toward the surveillance direction (34). The flow-rate information output apparatus (2000) generates a result image (60) by superimposing the flow rate mark (40) on an image including the surveillance location (30).