3D Globe Panning with Locked North Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating a three-dimensional geographic coordinate system representation of the Earth using existing mapping applications can be disorienting due to the drifting North-South and East-West orientation when using the pan function, which is not similar to the smooth navigation experience in two-dimensional Mercator projections.
Innovation Solution
The system computes spin and swing angles to rotate a three-dimensional object within a two-dimensional display, keeping the North pole orientation fixed during panning by determining these angles using cross-product calculations and moving the object along these axes, allowing for smooth and predictable transitions between views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a three-dimensional geographic coordinate system representation is used for navigation, then the map can display more comprehensive geographic information and provide smoother transitions between views, but the North-South and East-West orientation drifts during panning which causes user disorientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation movement into two independent components: panning movement (moving the camera viewpoint across the map surface) and rotation movement (rotating the map around the viewpoint). By separating these operations, the system can implement pan without causing orientation drift, while still allowing rotation when needed for comprehensive navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate transformation system that converts between the 3D geographic coordinate system and a 2D display coordinate system. This intermediary transformation layer maintains consistent North orientation during panning by adjusting the projection and rendering parameters, preventing orientation drift while preserving the benefits of 3D navigation.
2Ease of operation
If the North pole orientation is kept fixed during panning, then the navigation experience becomes similar to two-dimensional Mercator projections and user disorientation is reduced, but the three-dimensional navigation flexibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the map projection and rendering parameters based on the current camera viewpoint and navigation state. The system can switch between different projection modes (Mercator-like for stable orientation, 3D globe for maximum flexibility) and adjust the degree of freedom in navigation based on user needs, providing both predictability and flexibility as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an additional dimension of control by introducing a rotation parameter that operates independently from the pan movement. This allows the system to maintain fixed North orientation during panning (2D-like behavior) while still enabling 3D rotation when needed, effectively adding a new degree of freedom to the navigation interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to navigating around geographic maps within a map viewport display. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to navigating around a surface of a 3D, geographic coordinate system, representation of a globe using a pan feature while North is locked. In response to a user activating a pan feature of a navigation interface, a spin angle and, or a swing angle is calculated and the globe is revolved around a spin-axis and, or a swing-axis while revolution around a rotate-axis is locked.