Chart Display Device Using Depth-Based Alpha Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for overlaying aerial photographs on charts in survey applications result in information overload, making it difficult to recognize information items other than the travel route due to inconsistent display techniques.
Innovation Solution
The method involves blending aerial or satellite photographs and chart layers with variable transparency values using alpha blending technology, where transparency is adjusted based on pixel data associated with depth or altitude, allowing for clear recognition of information items by optimizing visibility based on depth values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aerial photographs and chart information are displayed together using conventional overlay methods, then comprehensive navigational information is provided, but information overload occurs making it difficult to recognize information items other than the travel route
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transparency values to different regions of the display based on depth information. In shallow water areas, the aerial photograph is made more transparent to allow chart information to be visible, while in deep water areas, the photograph is made less transparent. This local variation in transparency resolves the contradiction by making information recognizable in each specific region without uniformly reducing the amount of displayed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transparency parameter of the aerial photograph based on depth values. By dynamically adjusting the transparency parameter according to the depth data associated with each pixel, the system optimizes the recognizability of information items in different regions while maintaining comprehensive display of navigational information.
2Ease of operation
If the travel route is displayed prominently on the photograph, then navigation guidance is improved, but other information items become difficult to recognize due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective transparency adjustment to different regions. The travel route maintains its prominence through coloring or line display, while other regions adjust transparency based on depth. This allows navigation guidance to remain effective while preventing information overload in other areas, as the transparency adjustment is applied locally rather than globally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional overlay methods are used to display aerial photographs on charts, then both photo and chart information are displayed, but the display technique is inconsistent and information recognition is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth-based transparency adjustment as an additional parameter to control the display. Instead of using a fixed overlay technique, the system dynamically changes the transparency parameter based on the depth value associated with each pixel, creating a consistent and adaptive display method that improves information recognition while maintaining display flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses perform image processing for blending image and/or data layers. The method according to one embodiment accesses data representing a first layer and data representing a second layer; and generates a blended layer by adjusting a transparency of said first layer relatively to said second layer based on data associated with said first or second layer.