3D Traffic Flow Visualization via Height-Encoded Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic flow mapping technologies face challenges in effectively communicating complex traffic conditions due to poor resolution in color coding, making it difficult to distinguish between varying traffic flow levels.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a two-dimensional map with a perspective view, projecting traffic flow information as a line above the road, where the line's height represents the probability of being stopped versus moving, allowing for a three-dimensional representation of traffic flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If color coding is used to represent traffic flow on roads, then traffic flow information can be displayed, but the resolution is poor and it becomes difficult to distinguish varying traffic flow levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional color-coded road representation into a three-dimensional visualization by projecting traffic flow data as vertical lines above the road. The height of these lines corresponds to traffic flow intensity, adding a vertical dimension that enables precise differentiation of traffic conditions without relying solely on color variations.
2Ease of operation
If color modulation of roads is used to show traffic flow, then traffic information can be communicated, but greater resolution traffic flow is difficult to distinguish
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to traffic flow visualization by displaying traffic data as lines extending upward from the road surface. This third dimension (height) provides intuitive visual cues for traffic intensity, making it easier to distinguish between different flow levels while maintaining ease of interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines color modulation with vertical line projection, where colors represent different traffic flow categories and line heights represent the intensity or probability of stopped versus moving traffic. This dual encoding enhances both communication effectiveness and measurement precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Traffic flow is viewed in mapping or navigation. A processor generates a two- dimensional map from a perspective view. The perspective view is at an angle, which is not a normal to the map, looking down on the two-dimensional map. At least one road or pathway represented on the two-dimensional map is identified. Traffic flow information is obtained for a plurality of locations along the at least one road or pathway. Aline is projected along a third dimension on the two-dimensional map. The line is above the road or pathway from the perspective view. A height of the line is a function of the traffic flow information for the locations such that the height for a first of the locations is greater than for a second of the locations. The map is displayed with the line.