Traffic Path Geometry Rendering for Accurate 2D Flow Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic data visualization systems struggle to render customizable traffic flow maps that integrate various traffic data feed formats, particularly when location reference information is not available in traditional map rendering services, leading to incomplete or inaccurate representations of traffic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic approach is employed to generate path geometries from baseline traffic feeds using envelope algorithms for bidirectional roads, associating speed values or jam factors, and converting one-dimensional representations into two-dimensional traffic maps by applying supplemental geometries based on envelope sizes and directions specific to right-hand or left-hand traffic norms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional map rendering services are used to visualize traffic data, then map display functionality is provided, but accurate representation of traffic conditions is lost because location reference information is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic condition representation accuracyVSAvoidlocation reference information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates path geometries from baseline traffic feeds and stores them in a database before actual traffic visualization is needed. This preliminary action ensures that when traffic data arrives, the geometric framework is already in place, enabling accurate mapping without requiring real-time location reference information from traditional map services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary geometric framework consisting of path geometries derived from baseline traffic feeds. This framework acts as a mediator between the incoming traffic data and the map display, providing the necessary spatial reference structure without relying on external map rendering services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If one-dimensional path geometries are used from traffic feeds, then data simplicity is maintained, but two-dimensional traffic map visualization cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing simplicityVSAvoidtraffic map dimensionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms one-dimensional path geometries from traffic feeds into two-dimensional traffic maps by calculating envelope geometries. This dimensionality change is achieved by computing left and right envelope paths at specified offsets from the centerline, creating a two-dimensional representation that preserves the simplicity of the original one-dimensional data source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If fixed path geometries are stored in database, then data storage efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different traffic data formats is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage efficiencyVSAvoidtraffic data format compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a universal geometric framework that can accommodate multiple traffic data formats. By storing path geometries as abstract geometric entities with start/end coordinates and associated attributes, the database structure becomes format-agnostic, allowing the same framework to work with different traffic data feeds while maintaining storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If envelope algorithms are applied to generate two-dimensional paths, then accurate road geometry is produced, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroad geometry accuracyVSAvoidcomputational algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope geometries and path calculations are performed in advance during data preprocessing and stored in the database. This preliminary computation eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during traffic visualization, reducing computational complexity while maintaining geometric accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3134710B1Dynamic traffic rendering
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3134710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3134710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3134710B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An initial geometry including one dimensional representation of a path is accessed. The initial geometry may be based traffic data. An envelope size is identified based on the path. The envelope size may be derived from a width, functional classification, or lane quantity associated with the path. A processor calculates a supplemental geometry based on the envelope size for the path and generates a two dimensional representation of the path based on the initial geometry, the supplemental geometry, and the envelope size.