Multi-layer Digital Elevation Model for Real-time Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital elevation models (DEMs) face challenges in processing multiple elevation data at the same location within a geographic region, particularly when dealing with different data sources at varying resolutions and formats, which can hinder the generation of high-resolution simulations in real-time, especially when a user is moving within the simulated environment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer digital elevation model (DEM) structure that identifies multiple elevation values for a given location, allowing for concurrent rendering of multiple surface types without accessing multiple data structures, and enabling efficient generation of additional DEM structures at different resolutions during simulation, using a combination of raster and vector-based data types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple different data sources are accessed to determine multiple elevations at the same location, then the simulation fidelity is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and organizing multiple elevation data sources into a unified multi-layer DEM structure before runtime simulation. During initialization, the system accesses multiple data sources, processes them through appropriate transformations, and stores the results in an organized multi-layer structure that can be quickly accessed during runtime without requiring repeated access to original data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate elevation data sources into a single unified multi-layer DEM data structure. This structure combines terrain, bathymetric, and water surface elevation data into one organized framework, allowing the simulation system to access all elevation information through a single unified interface rather than querying multiple separate data sources.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different data sources are accessed to determine multiple elevations at the same location, then the simulation fidelity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex multi-source elevation data into distinct layers within the DEM structure. Each layer (terrain, bathymetric, water surface) is separated and organized independently, allowing the system to manage complexity through structured segmentation rather than attempting to handle all data sources as a single undifferentiated mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified multi-layer DEM data structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores terrain elevation, bathymetric data, and water surface information; it provides a common interface for various simulation operations; and it supports multiple resolution levels. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate data handling mechanisms for different elevation types.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution simulation is provided in real-time while user is moving, then the simulation quality is improved, but the processor utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of multiple elevation data sources during initialization, organizing them into the multi-layer DEM structure before runtime. This pre-processing eliminates the need for complex real-time data fusion operations during simulation, significantly reducing processor utilization during runtime while maintaining high-resolution capability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple data structures are accessed concurrently for rendering multiple surface types, then the rendering accuracy is improved, but the memory utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate data structures for terrain, bathymetric, and water surface data into a single unified multi-layer DEM structure. This consolidation reduces memory overhead by eliminating redundant data and structures, while still providing all necessary information for accurate rendering of multiple surface types through the unified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer digital elevation model (DEM) structure is disclosed. A device may access a first structure that comprises a plurality of first elevation values and a plurality of location identifiers that may correspond to a geographic region. The first elevation values may be associated with a first layer in the geographic region and correspond to respective location identifiers. The device may access a second structure that identifies a second layer in the geographic region. Second elevation values that may correspond to at least some of the plurality of location identifiers may be determined. A multi-layer DEM structure may be generated that stores the first elevation values and the second elevation values in association with corresponding location identifiers.