3D Building Model Visualization System for Optimal View Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D and 3D map technologies have limited texture resolution and geometry quality, and fail to provide users with optimal views of building models or integrate street-level imagery seamlessly into a full 3D scene.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for visualizing and navigating 3D building models by generating optimal views of building facades, which calculates and displays unobstructed or partially unobstructed views using a 3D building model visualization system, integrating street-level imagery into a full 3D scene, and allowing navigation through pre-calculated optimal views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If 2D maps presenting street level photographs are used, then ease of operation is improved, but texture resolution and geometry quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D map representations to 3D building models, adding a spatial dimension to the visualization. This allows users to view buildings from multiple angles and perspectives while maintaining ease of operation through the map interface, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and visual fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds high-resolution street-level photographs and 3D building models within the map interface structure. The 3D models are nested within the 2D map context, allowing users to access detailed views without leaving the familiar map environment, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving texture resolution and geometry quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If 3D maps displaying 3D building models are used, then texture resolution and geometry quality are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates 3D building models within the existing 2D map interface framework, allowing users to access enhanced visualizations without completely transitioning to a 3D environment. This selective addition of dimensionality improves texture resolution and geometry quality while preserving the operational simplicity of the familiar 2D map interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the 2D map interface as an intermediary between the user and the 3D building models. Users interact with the simplified 2D map for navigation and selection, while the system automatically generates and displays optimal 3D views, mediating between operational simplicity and visual fidelity.
3Loss of information
If dual data interfaces between aerial-derived 3D datasets and static panoramic street-level imagery are used, then completeness of information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges aerial-derived 3D datasets with street-level panoramic imagery into a unified 3D building model representation. By combining these data sources into a single integrated model rather than maintaining separate dual interfaces, the system achieves complete information representation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal 3D building model that serves multiple functions: it incorporates aerial perspective for geometric accuracy, integrates street-level imagery for texture detail, and provides a unified interface for both types of data. This multi-functional model eliminates the need for separate data interfaces and their associated complexity.
4Speed
If optimal views of building facades are pre-calculated and stored, then navigation speed is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal viewing angles and camera positions for building facades during map generation. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly display pre-determined optimal views during user navigation without performing real-time calculations, thereby improving navigation speed while managing memory requirements through efficient storage of only essential view parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Visualizing three dimensional content is complicated by display platforms capable of more degrees of freedom to display the content than interface tools have to navigate that content. Disclosed are methods and systems for displaying select portions of the content and generating virtual camera positions with associated look angles for the select portions, such as planar geometries of a three dimensional building, thereby constraining the degrees of freedom for improved navigation through views of the content. Look angles can be associated with axes of the content and fields of view.