Multi-Layer Map Label Deconfliction Before Rendering

Solution Overview

Problem

Labels on multi-layer maps often overlap, making it difficult to read and navigate, especially when labels from different layers are overlaid, and resolving conflicts after rendering can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A map generator performs deconfliction operations to determine candidate label locations for overlapping labels on different map layers, adjusting them before rendering to prevent overlap and improve readability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If labels are placed at pre-determined positions on multi-layer maps, then label placement is simple and fast, but label overlap occurs making the map difficult to read

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel placement speedVSAvoidmap readability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs deconfliction operations before rendering the map to determine candidate label locations. By resolving potential overlaps in advance through preliminary analysis of label positions across multiple layers, the system avoids the need for time-consuming post-rendering adjustments while ensuring readable output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate processing stage between label placement and rendering that analyzes and adjusts label positions. This intermediary deconfliction process evaluates candidate locations and resolves overlaps before the final map is generated, acting as a mediator between simple placement and readable output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If deconfliction operations are performed after rendering, then label readability is improved, but computational resources and time are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemap readabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs deconfliction operations before rendering the map to determine candidate label locations. By resolving potential overlaps in advance through preliminary analysis of label positions across multiple layers, the system avoids the need for time-consuming post-rendering adjustments while ensuring readable output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If deconfliction operations are performed after rendering, then label overlap is resolved, but computational resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel readabilityVSAvoidcomputational resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs deconfliction operations before rendering the map to determine candidate label locations. By resolving potential overlaps in advance through preliminary analysis of label positions across multiple layers, the system avoids the need for time-consuming post-rendering adjustments while ensuring readable output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12504295B2Label location adjustment for multi-layer map

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 BOEING DIGITAL SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A device includes one or more processors configured to perform one or more first deconfliction operations, for a first map layer, to determine first candidate label locations of first labels that identify first map locations. The one or more processors are also configured to perform one or more second deconfliction operations, for a second map layer, to determine first candidate label locations of second labels that identify second map locations. The one or more processors are further configured to perform one or more third deconfliction operations, for the first map layer and the second map layer, to determine an updated candidate label location of at least one of the first labels, an updated candidate label location of at least one of the second labels, or both.