Network Buffer Generation via Offset Cost Path Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network models in GIS, Social Sciences, and Life Sciences struggle to accurately represent buffer zones in terms of network distance, as spatial representations may not accurately reflect cost-associated distances, particularly in applications with constrained motion along nodes and links.
Innovation Solution
The development of a network buffer system that generates a set of network elements within a given offset cost relative to a center network element, using a network data model that includes node and link tables with directional and cost-associated information, allowing for the determination of reachable nodes and links within a specific cost threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial representation (circle or polygon) is used to represent buffer zones, then the buffer can be generated around geographic features, but it does not accurately represent network distance (cost) for applications with constrained motion along nodes and links
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer generation process is segmented into distinct phases: identifying network elements within the buffer distance, computing paths to those elements, and calculating costs. This segmentation allows the system to handle the complexity of network distance calculations by breaking them into manageable steps rather than attempting a monolithic spatial calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate data structures and algorithms as mediators between the spatial buffer concept and the network cost calculation. Specifically, it uses network elements (nodes and links) as intermediaries to bridge the gap between geographic space and network space, allowing accurate cost-based distance representation while maintaining computational feasibility.
2Measurement precision
If network elements and paths are computed to accurately represent buffer zones, then network distance accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of network elements that fall within the buffer distance before computing the actual paths and costs. This preliminary action filters out elements that are clearly outside the buffer zone, reducing the number of path computations required and thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent computes paths and costs for network elements that are candidates for inclusion in the buffer, even if some computations may ultimately be pruned. This partial action approach ensures that all potentially relevant elements are considered, maintaining buffer zone accuracy while allowing for optimization in the path computation phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with generating a network buffer are provided. A network data model is input that includes a set of network elements, such as nodes and links, and respective costs associated with respective network elements. A center network element around which to generate the network buffer and an offset cost to define a boundary of the network buffer are also input. A network buffer is generated by determining a buffer coverage and cost. The network buffer is made up of a set of buffer network elements located within the offset cost with respect to the center network element. The cost for each buffer network element is determined as the cost associated with travelling a path with minimum cost from the center network element to the corresponding buffer network element. The buffer coverage and costs are output for subsequent analysis.