Stream Processing Routing System Hierarchical Map Segmentation

The road network map is divided into multiple hierarchical layers, where each layer represents a different level of detail. The routing process segments the overall path computation into multiple stages: first computing routes at coarse levels (inter-city), then progressively refining at finer levels (intra-city street level). This segmentation allows the system to handle detailed maps without processing all details simultaneously, reducing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.

The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the routing problem by organizing maps into multiple layers with varying levels of detail. Instead of processing a single detailed map at once, the system traverses through multiple dimensional levels of abstraction, computing routes at each level and then refining them. This dimensional approach transforms the polynomial complexity problem into a manageable multi-stage process.

The system performs preliminary route computation at coarse hierarchical levels to establish potential paths between major locations. These preliminary routes serve as a framework that guides subsequent refinement at finer levels. By preparing the routing structure in advance at higher levels, the system maintains scalability while ensuring that all routing alternatives at detailed levels are explored within the established framework, preventing suboptimality.

The hierarchical routing approach adds a dimensional layer to route exploration, allowing the system to consider routes at multiple levels of abstraction simultaneously. This dimensional approach enables scalability by processing routes at coarse levels first, while the same framework naturally accommodates detailed alternatives at finer levels, maintaining both scalability and routing versatility.