Animated 3D Map Views Using Shader-Based Element Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current map-based applications lack immersive and interactive three-dimensional (3D) satellite viewing modes that effectively animate map elements, failing to provide dynamic and user-responsive visual experiences.
Innovation Solution
A novel mapping application that animates 3D views of maps in satellite mode using camera-captured images, animating map elements like bodies of water, buildings, and foliage differently based on various inputs such as touch, gesture, audio, and motion, employing shaders for rendering and texture mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map-based applications provide static 3D views with basic rendering, then device complexity and processing requirements are reduced, but user engagement and visual realism are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static 3D map views to animated 3D views where map elements move and respond to user interactions. The animation system dynamically updates visual representations based on user inputs such as touches, gestures, and device motions, creating a living, responsive map environment that maintains visual realism without requiring permanently complex rendering systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying visual parameters of map elements in response to user inputs. Different shader programs are applied to animate various elements (water ripples, foliage movement, building reflections) by changing their visual parameters dynamically. This allows the system to achieve high visual realism by adjusting parameters on-demand rather than maintaining permanently complex rendering states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If map elements are animated with different shaders for various inputs, then user engagement and interactivity are improved, but processing power and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the map into distinct element types (water bodies, foliage, buildings, roads) and assigning specific shader programs to each type. This segmentation allows the system to process only the necessary elements for each user interaction rather than animating the entire map, thereby reducing overall processing energy while maintaining high adaptability to different input types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating animated visual copies of map elements through shader programs rather than physically moving or transforming the base map data. The shaders generate visual effects (ripples, swaying foliage, reflections) that appear as animated copies overlaid on the static map structure, reducing processing energy by avoiding complex geometric transformations while maintaining input responsiveness.
3Reliability
If multiple animation types are provided for different map elements, then visual engagement is enhanced, but device resource requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified animation system that handles multiple map element types through a common framework. A single animation engine manages diverse elements (water, foliage, buildings, roads) using different shader programs, allowing the system to provide rich visual engagement through multiple animation types without proportionally increasing system complexity. The universal animation framework reuses common processing logic across different element types.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a mapping application for generating views of a three-dimensional (3D) map. The mapping application includes a geographic data module for identifying a set of geographic data that represents a portion of the 3D map. The set of geographic data includes a set of camera captured images that correspond to the portion of the 3D map. The mapping application includes an image processing module for rendering the view of the 3D map based on the geographic data by animating a type of map element in the view of the 3D map.