Autostereoscopic Geographical Data Visualization Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for visualizing geographical data in three dimensions on standard unaided screens are inadequate, as they require special viewing apparatus or are not well-suited for large three-dimensional digital data sets, making it difficult to achieve autostereoscopic displays effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer-generated virtual autostereoscopic image creation by establishing two points of view with overlapping fields of view, capturing and storing images from these views, and displaying them alternately to create a three-dimensional illusion on standard displays, with metadata alignment to ensure critical convergence for optimal depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereoscopic imaging techniques are used to create three-dimensional geographical visualizations, then depth perception is improved, but special viewing apparatus is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential parallax information from multiple viewpoint images and separates it from the requirement for special viewing apparatus. By using square-wave switching to present alternating images from different viewpoints, the system delivers stereoscopic depth perception through standard displays without requiring glasses or specialized equipment, thus taking out the dependency on special apparatus while preserving the depth perception benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through square-wave switching, where images from different viewpoints are presented in alternating sequences at specific frequencies. This periodic presentation of left and right viewpoint images creates the autostereoscopic effect that provides depth perception while using only standard display technology, resolving the contradiction between improved depth perception and viewing convenience
2Area of stationary object
If traditional stereoscopic methods are applied to large three-dimensional digital data sets, then comprehensive geographical coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for special apparatus and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the visualization system universal by designing it to work with standard unaided displays rather than requiring specialized stereoscopic apparatus. The method can process and display large three-dimensional geographical data sets using conventional display technology, thus achieving comprehensive geographical coverage without increasing device complexity through special equipment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical system of traditional stereoscopic apparatus (glasses, special screens) with a computational approach using square-wave switching of images from different viewpoints. This replacement eliminates the need for complex mechanical or optical components while maintaining the ability to handle large geographical data sets, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving comprehensive coverage
3Measurement precision
If multiple viewpoints are captured and displayed alternately to create autostereoscopic images, then three-dimensional illusion is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing images from multiple viewpoints before the actual viewing session. This allows the autostereoscopic effect to be achieved during display without real-time computational overhead, as the multiple viewpoint images are prepared in advance and can be rapidly switched using simple square-wave modulation, thus improving three-dimensional perception while minimizing processing time during operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the effective visualization of geographical data in three dimensions on conventional screens without the need for special viewing apparatus, providing a realistic depth enhancement through manipulation of parallax information over time, suitable for large digital data sets.
Implementation Method 1
determining a second point of view offset some distance and along some vector from the first point of view... wherein said first and second points of view create a view plane with perpendicular orthogonal views of the subject volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a computer to generate virtual autostereoscopic images from a three-dimensional digital data set is provided. The method includes establishing a first point of view and field of view of a subject volume including a region of interest. The method also includes reading at least one scene parameter associated with the field of view of the subject volume. The method also includes determining a second point of view offset some distance and along some vector from the first point of view based on a value derived from at least one scene parameter. The method also includes generating and storing images and relevant metadata from said first and second points of view. The method also includes displaying the stored images by alternatingly displaying stored images from said first and second points of view. The method further includes performing one or more transformations on the alternatingly displayed images.