3D Road Height Generation from 2D Stacking Orders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS navigation systems provide only two-dimensional road maps, making it difficult for users to determine road heights and terrain, especially at intersections, which can lead to confusing navigation directions.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate road height values based on road network data, including location information and stacking order at junctions, using optimization of a cost function with constraints such as minimum height separation, to create a three-dimensional map representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only two-dimensional road map information is used, then the navigation system is simple and cost-effective, but the user cannot determine road heights and terrain, leading to confusing navigation directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from two-dimensional road map data to three-dimensional road height representation. The system generates height values for road segments by analyzing stacking orders at junctions and propagating height information through the road network, enabling 3D visualization without requiring expensive LiDAR or photogrammetry equipment. This resolves the contradiction by adding the height dimension computationally from existing 2D data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model that copies and extends existing 2D road network data into 3D space. By inferring height relationships from stacking orders at intersections and propagating these relationships along road segments, the system generates a virtual 3D representation that mirrors the physical road structure without requiring direct 3D measurement equipment.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional road maps are created using measured road heights or gradients, then accurate height information is obtained, but the cost becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by using its own existing 2D road network data and stacking order information to generate 3D height values without requiring external measurement equipment. The computational model automatically infers height relationships from the topology and stacking orders at junctions, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for expensive LiDAR, photogrammetry, or GPS elevation data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (LiDAR, photogrammetry, elevation GPS) with a computational algorithm. Instead of using physical sensors to measure road heights, the system uses mathematical optimization and constraint propagation based on stacking orders at junctions to infer height values, substituting computational processing for physical measurement equipment.
3Loss of information
If two-dimensional road views are displayed at intersections, then the navigation display is simple, but drivers cannot determine which road passes over another road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by adding vertical dimension information to the intersection display. The system renders roads at different heights based on computed height values, allowing drivers to visually perceive which roads pass over others. The 3D visualization shows elevated roads higher on the display and depressed roads lower, providing intuitive spatial understanding without adding complex hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If height values are generated using optimization of cost function with constraints, then plausible three-dimensional road maps are created from existing data, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the road network into discrete segments with associated height variables. The optimization problem is formulated by segmenting the continuous road network into manageable units (road segments between junctions), each with its own height variable. This segmentation makes the computational problem tractable while maintaining the ability to generate plausible 3D representations across the entire network.
Data Source
AI summary
Road height values for a road network area are generated based on locations of junctions and stacking orders of roads in junctions in which at least one road passes over another road. A cost function can be optimized to obtain height values for each road of each junction. The cost function can be constrained such that roads of the grade separated crossings satisfy the stacking order designated for the roads and to have a minimum distance between roads having consecutive stacking order values. The obtained height values can be used for rendering a three-dimensional map of a part of the road network area.