Apple inc. (20240161401). Representing Traffic Along a Route simplified abstract

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Representing Traffic Along a Route

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Christopher D. Moore of San Francisco CA (US)

Aroon Pahwa of Palo Alto CA (US)

Yaohua Hu of Mountain View CA (US)

Representing Traffic Along a Route - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240161401 titled 'Representing Traffic Along a Route

Simplified Explanation

Some embodiments of a mapping application provide a unique way of displaying traffic congestion along roads in the map. The application defines a traffic congestion representation to run parallel to its corresponding road portion at a specific zoom level and to be placed over the road portion at another zoom level. It differentiates between heavy and moderate traffic congestion representations and does not generate representations for uncongested areas.

  • Mapping application displays traffic congestion along roads in a novel way
  • Traffic congestion representation runs parallel to road at one zoom level and placed over road at another zoom level
  • Differentiates between heavy and moderate traffic congestion
  • Does not generate representations for uncongested areas

Potential Applications

The technology could be used in navigation apps to provide real-time traffic updates and help users choose the best route to avoid congestion. It could also be integrated into smart city systems to monitor and manage traffic flow efficiently.

Problems Solved

This technology helps users visualize traffic congestion levels easily on a map, allowing for better decision-making when planning routes. It also helps city planners and transportation authorities identify areas with chronic congestion and implement targeted solutions to alleviate traffic problems.

Benefits

- Improved navigation experience for users - Efficient traffic management in urban areas - Reduced travel times and fuel consumption - Enhanced safety on the roads

Potential Commercial Applications

- Integration into navigation apps - Traffic management systems for smart cities - Transportation planning software for urban development projects

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of color-coded traffic overlays on maps to indicate congestion levels, but the specific method of displaying congestion representations parallel to roads at different zoom levels may be a unique innovation in this technology.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology impact user engagement with mapping applications?

This article does not delve into the user experience aspect of the technology and how it may affect user engagement with mapping applications.

What are the potential privacy implications of using this technology for traffic monitoring?

The article does not address any potential privacy concerns that may arise from the use of this technology for traffic monitoring purposes.


Original Abstract Submitted

some embodiments provide a mapping application that has a novel way of displaying traffic congestion along roads in the map. the mapping application in some embodiments defines a traffic congestion representation to run parallel to its corresponding road portion when the map is viewed at a particular zoom level, and defines a traffic congestion representation to be placed over its corresponding mad portion when the map is viewed at another zoom level. the mapping application in some embodiments differentiates the appearance of the traffic congestion representation that signifies heavy traffic congestion from the appearance of the traffic congestion representation that signifies moderate traffic congestion. in some of these embodiments, the mapping application does not generate a traffic congestion representation for areas along a road that are not congested.