Hybrid Map Rendering for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing devices face processing demands issues when rendering map applications due to the high interactivity requirements of hybrid map data, which can lead to poor user experiences or application failures if not managed effectively.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating hybrid map data by determining whether features should be rendered using vector or raster graphics based on the number of geometric primitives necessary, with features exceeding a complexity threshold being rendered as raster graphics, and sending this data to client devices for efficient rendering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid map data with high interactivity is rendered on mobile devices, then map functionality and user interaction are improved, but processing demands and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap functionalityVSAvoidprocessing demands

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments map data into two distinct formats: vector graphics for interactive elements and raster graphics for static background elements. This segmentation allows the mobile device to process only the necessary vector data for interactivity while rendering raster data as pre-processed images, thereby reducing overall processing demands while maintaining full map functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing map data into hybrid format with rasterized background layers before transmission to the mobile device. This pre-processing reduces the computational burden on the mobile device during runtime, as the raster portions are already optimized and only vector portions require real-time processing for user interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If vector graphics are used for all map features, then interactivity and scalability are improved, but rendering complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteractivityVSAvoidrendering complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different graphic representations to different map features based on their specific requirements. Interactive elements such as roads, buildings, and points of interest are rendered using vector graphics to maintain interactivity and scalability, while static background elements like terrain and water bodies are rendered using raster graphics to reduce rendering complexity. This localized application of graphic types optimizes both interactivity and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If raster graphics are used for all map features, then rendering speed is improved, but interactivity and scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverendering speedVSAvoidinteractivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments map features into interactive vector elements and static raster elements, allowing the system to achieve high rendering speed for the raster portions while preserving interactivity for the vector portions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate graphic type to each feature category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-rendering static background elements as raster graphics before transmission to the device. This pre-processing achieves high rendering speed for these elements while the vector portions maintain full interactivity for user operations such as zooming, panning, and feature selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If complex vector graphics are used for detailed map features, then map detail and precision are improved, but processing load and battery consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap detailVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using vector graphics with high detail precision for interactive map features such as roads, buildings, and landmarks, while using raster graphics for static background elements. This approach maintains map detail and precision where needed while reducing battery consumption by avoiding complex vector processing for non-interactive elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9064341B2Method, system and apparatus for rendering a map according to hybrid map data

Publication Date: 2015.06.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods, systems and apparatus are described to render a map according to hybrid map data. A map may be generated by a map service and sent to a client device. Hybrid map data composed of raster graphics data and vector graphics data may be generated by a map service to be sent to and rendered on a client device. A client device obtains hybrid map data, renders the vector graphics data using vector graphics, renders the raster graphics data using raster graphics, and displays the map view. A client device may receive input modifying the zoom level of the displayed map. In response a client device may render the vector graphics data at the modified zoom level and scale the raster graphics data to the zoom level. Some embodiments may obtain update raster graphics data.