3D Map Label Visibility via Occlusion Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geographic information systems face challenges in displaying labels associated with points of interest in three-dimensional environments, as they often become occluded by three-dimensional shapes, leading to visibility issues and confusion about the actual location of the points of interest.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to determine non-occluded candidate positions for labels based on the virtual camera viewpoint, allowing labels to be displayed at adjusted positions that maintain visibility and interactivity without undermining the three-dimensional environment, and if no positions are available, rendering the label with occlusion indicia such as greying out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If labels are rendered at initial positions corresponding to geographic locations of points of interest, then labels are displayed at correct geographic locations, but labels become occluded by three-dimensional shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving labels from their initial two-dimensional map positions into the three-dimensional space above the geographic area. Labels are repositioned along vertical trajectories to elevated positions where they are no longer occluded by three-dimensional shapes, allowing them to be displayed in multiple spatial dimensions while maintaining association with their geographic locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating occlusion relationships between potential label positions and three-dimensional shapes before rendering. The computing device determines which positions are occluded and proactively selects alternative positions, preventing the occlusion problem from occurring in the first place rather than attempting to resolve it after labels are placed.
2Loss of information
If labels are moved to avoid occlusion, then label visibility is improved, but the association with actual point of interest locations may be weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces trajectory lines as intermediary elements that visually connect relocated labels to their original geographic locations. These trajectories serve as mediators that maintain the association between labels and points of interest even when labels are positioned in three-dimensional space away from their initial two-dimensional positions, allowing users to understand the spatial relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dimensional transition to resolve the contradiction by moving labels vertically into three-dimensional space while maintaining their horizontal geographic correspondence. This allows labels to achieve visibility in the vertical dimension while preserving their association with ground-level points of interest through the use of trajectory indicators.
3Loss of information
If multiple candidate positions are evaluated for each label, then optimal label placement is achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the label placement problem by evaluating candidate positions independently for each label rather than attempting to optimize all labels simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to process each label's position determination as a separate, manageable task, reducing overall computational complexity while still achieving optimal placement for each individual label.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and evaluates only the most relevant candidate positions for each label based on predefined criteria such as proximity to the initial position and occlusion status. By extracting and considering only necessary candidate positions rather than all possible positions, the computational complexity is reduced while still achieving effective label placement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for displaying labels in conjunction with geographic imagery provided, for instance, by a geographic information system, such as a mapping service or a virtual globe application are provided. Candidate positions for displaying labels in conjunction with geographic imagery can be determined based at least in part on a virtual camera viewpoint. The candidate positions can be associated with non-occluded points on three-dimensional models corresponding to the labels. Adjusted positions for labels can be determined form the plurality of candidate positions. The labels can be provided for display in conjunction with the geographic imagery at the adjusted positions.