3D Map Feature Rendering via GPU Sample Point Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital mapping systems face challenges in efficiently rendering digital maps, particularly in handling rooftop features across multiple map tiles, which leads to computational bottlenecks and inaccurate graphical representations.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device receives map tiles and terrain data from a mapping server, determines if all vertices of a map feature are within a single map tile, and uses GPU processing to render the map feature by selecting a sample point, determining sample and vertex elevation values, and rendering the map feature in three dimensions with a top surface graphical component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CPU-based rendering techniques are used to calculate elevation values for each point on building footprints, then comprehensive and accurate rooftop rendering is achieved, but computational expense and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces CPU-based computational rendering with GPU-based parallel processing. The GPU's architecture is better suited for the parallel calculations required in rendering, allowing elevation values to be calculated simultaneously for multiple points across building footprints. This substitution maintains comprehensive rooftop rendering accuracy while significantly reducing computational expense and processing time.
2Speed
If map tiles are loaded asynchronously to improve responsiveness, then user interaction speed improves, but rendering accuracy deteriorates due to incomplete data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-calculating elevation values and storing them in the map tile data during the tile generation phase. When map tiles are loaded asynchronously, the elevation data is already prepared and available, eliminating the need to wait for complete data sets before rendering. This allows both fast asynchronous loading and accurate rooftop rendering to coexist.
3Reliability
If detailed building features are rendered at all zoom levels, then map feature completeness is improved, but processing time increases due to unnecessary calculations at coarse zoom levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by rendering detailed building features selectively based on the zoom level and user viewport. At coarse zoom levels where buildings occupy small screen areas, simplified representations are used. At finer zoom levels where buildings are more prominent, comprehensive detailed rendering is applied. This ensures map feature completeness is maintained where needed while avoiding unnecessary processing time at levels where details are not visually significant.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for 3D rendering of map features on a client device receives adjacent map tiles and terrain data from a mapping server. Each map tile includes subsets of vertices defining portions of a map feature with a geometric base and height value. The system determines that the subsets represent the same map feature based on vertex proximity along tile boundaries. The system identifies a sample point on the map feature, and determines a top surface elevation based on the sample point. The map feature is rendered in three dimensions with a continuous top surface and vertical edges connecting the top surface to the ground.