Flow-Rate Image Overlays for Directional Object Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not effectively visualize the flow of objects, focusing primarily on congestion degree rather than the actual flow dynamics.

Innovation Solution

A flow-rate information output apparatus and method that computes the number of objects passing through surveillance locations in multiple directions and generates flow rate marks on images to represent this flow, allowing easy recognition of object movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If congestion degree is visualized using existing techniques, then congestion information is provided, but flow direction and movement patterns cannot be recognized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow informationVSAvoidvisualization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments flow information by direction, dividing the surveillance area into multiple directional regions (e.g., north, south, east, west flows). Each direction is analyzed and visualized separately using directional flow rate marks, allowing users to understand movement patterns in each direction without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded flow rate marks to represent different flow conditions. Flow rate marks are displayed in different colors based on the number of objects detected in each directional region, enabling intuitive visual recognition of flow intensity and patterns without complex numerical data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If detailed flow data is computed for multiple directions, then flow recognition accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow measurement precisionVSAvoidcomputation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computation is segmented by dividing the surveillance area into multiple directional regions. The computation unit calculates flow rates independently for each direction (e.g., north, south, east, west), which simplifies the overall computation by breaking it down into manageable directional segments rather than analyzing all movements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent computes flow rates for predetermined directional regions rather than analyzing every possible movement angle. This partial action approach focuses computational resources on the most relevant directional flows, providing sufficient precision for practical purposes without the excessive complexity of omnidirectional analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250336055A1Flow-rate information output apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 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).