3D Path Rendering with Height-Adjusted Polygons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional path display terminals struggle to effectively recognize turns in three-dimensional maps as the path becomes smaller with distance, making it difficult for users to determine the direction of turns.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate a three-dimensional path by assigning a height value to linear interpolation points, using polygon generation and conversion units to create left and right polygons, which helps in recognizing the heading direction of the path using the thickness of the 3D path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a 3D map is used to display the path, then the characteristic appearance of buildings can be displayed, but the path becomes smaller and harder to recognize as the distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different parts of the path. The path is rendered with varying thickness where it passes near or under buildings, making the path more visible and distinguishable from the building structures. This local differentiation allows the path to maintain recognizability throughout its entire length, regardless of distance from the terminal.
2Loss of information
If the path is displayed on a 3D map with buildings, then spatial information is provided, but turn directions become difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color variations to indicate turn directions. When the path makes a turn, the rendered path changes color or displays different visual characteristics at the turn location, allowing users to easily identify turn directions even in the complex 3D environment with buildings.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional 2D path display is used, then the path is clearly visible, but the characteristic appearance of buildings cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D to 3D visualization by rendering the path in three-dimensional space. The path is displayed as a 3D object that can be viewed from multiple angles, preserving building appearances while maintaining path visibility through appropriate rendering techniques that differentiate the path from the building structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) path are provided. The apparatus includes: a polygon generation unit to generate a left polygon and a right polygon on the left and the right of path data, respectively, based on a linear interpolation point of the path data; and a polygon conversion unit to apply a height value to the linear interpolation point based on the left polygon and the right polygon and to thereby generate the 3D path.