3D Map Object Transparency for Route Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional perspective elevation views in navigation devices can obscure route information, making it difficult to maintain visibility while providing intuitive navigation, as taller map objects may cover lower objects, and increasing the elevation angle to avoid obscuration reduces the amount of three-dimensional information displayed.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines whether map objects obscure the line of sight in a three-dimensional perspective elevation view and displays them in a partly transparent or wireframe format, with progressive changes in transparency to maintain visibility of route information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a three-dimensional perspective elevation view is used to provide intuitive navigation information, then the intuitiveness and visual cues for users are improved, but map objects may obscure route information in the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency changes to map objects (buildings, terrain features) to resolve the obscuration problem. When a map object would block the view of route information, its transparency is increased allowing users to see through it. This maintains the three-dimensional perspective view for intuitiveness while ensuring route information remains visible, directly addressing the technical contradiction between visual intuitiveness and information visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elevation angle is decreased to increase three-dimensional perspective information, then the intuitiveness of the view is improved, but map objects obscure more route information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the transparency parameter of map objects based on the elevation angle and their position relative to the route. At lower elevation angles where three-dimensional information is maximized, the system automatically adjusts transparency levels to prevent route obscuration. This allows the system to maintain optimal three-dimensional visualization while compensating for increased obscuration through adaptive transparency control.
3Loss of information
If the elevation angle is increased to reduce obscuration of route information, then the visibility of route information is improved, but the amount of three-dimensional information displayed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than fixing the elevation angle, the patent implements a dynamic system where transparency is continuously adjusted based on the current elevation angle and the spatial relationship between map objects and the route. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain lower elevation angles for better three-dimensional information while automatically increasing transparency where needed to preserve route visibility, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating a display image including a map view and route information, the map view being a three dimensional perspective elevation view, and the method characterised by: (a) determining (30), from height information associated with a map object to be displayed in the display image, whether the object obscures a line of sight to the route information in the three dimensional perspective elevation; and (b) displaying (32) the map object in a format that is dependent on whether the map object is determined to obscure the line of sight.