3D Terrain Visualization Level of Detail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigational systems face challenges in efficiently managing the level of detail for 3D objects and terrain based on the user's viewpoint, often overloading users with unnecessary information, especially in dynamic environments like urban areas, where different objects and terrain require varying levels of detail for effective visualization.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a range metering device to determine distances to 3D objects and terrain, selecting appropriate Level of Detail (LoD) representations from a plurality of LoDs based on these distances, and adjusting geometric representations dynamically to balance detail and rendering speed, adhering to standards like Navigation Data Standard and CityGML for seamless integration and upgradeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the number of polygons is reduced to accelerate rendering, then rendering speed is improved, but visualization quality and detail accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering speedVSAvoidvisualization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scene is segmented into multiple objects, each independently assigned its own level of detail. This allows selective simplification of individual objects based on their importance and distance, rather than uniformly reducing all polygons. Critical objects maintain high detail while less important ones are simplified, resolving the contradiction between rendering speed and visualization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different level of detail representations are assigned to different objects based on local requirements. Each object can have its own LOD setting, allowing high-detail representation for important nearby objects and low-detail for less important distant objects. This local differentiation enables optimized rendering performance without sacrificing critical visualization quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If detailed information is provided for all objects in the scene, then visualization completeness is improved, but information overload occurs and user attention is diluted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization completenessVSAvoidinformation overload
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The level of detail parameter is dynamically adjusted for each object based on its distance from the user and its importance. This parameter change enables selective information presentation: critical objects receive detailed representation while less important objects are simplified. This resolves the contradiction by adapting information density to user needs rather than providing uniform detail to all objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If uniform level of detail is applied to all objects, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different viewing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to viewing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of detail for each object based on real-time viewing conditions such as distance and object importance. Rather than using a static uniform LOD setting, the system adapts its representation strategy to current scene conditions, improving visual quality and rendering efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2555166B1Space error parameter for 3D buildings and terrain
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • EP2555166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2555166B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A method for visualization of 3D objects and/or 3D terrain using a mobile device having a display and a range metering device, comprising visualizing the 3D objects and/or the 3D terrain based upon their respective distances from the mobile device and based upon a respective parameter measuring the detailedness of the 3D object and/or the 3D terrain.