Multiple Viewshed Analysis Using Segmented Elevation Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viewshed analysis techniques are limited in their ability to perform multiple viewshed analysis efficiently, particularly in determining interest zones that are visible or not visible from multiple object positions, which is crucial for applications such as military surveillance and urban planning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of computer-implemented systems and methods that utilize elevation data to evaluate lines of sight between object positions and points within a relevant area, allowing for the determination of interest zones with clear or blocked lines of sight, and providing graphical user interfaces for input and visualization of multiple viewshed analysis results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard viewshed analysis is used to determine visibility from a single viewpoint, then the analysis is computationally simple and fast, but it cannot determine interest zones visible from multiple object positions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis by creating individual viewshed layers for each object position, where each layer represents the visible area from that specific position. These segmented layers are then overlaid to determine the interest zone that is visible from all positions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction by maintaining computational simplicity at each segment while achieving multi-position analysis capability through layer integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the analysis by processing viewsheds sequentially for different object positions and combining them through layer overlay. This dimensional approach allows the system to handle multiple viewshed analyses without increasing the complexity of individual analysis steps, as each layer is computed independently using standard algorithms
2Measurement precision
If multiple viewshed analyses are performed to determine interest zones visible from multiple positions, then comprehensive visibility assessment is achieved, but computational time and processing resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing viewshed layers for each object position before determining the final interest zone. These pre-computed layers can be cached and reused, eliminating redundant calculations when analyzing multiple object positions, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing computational time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual viewshed analyses by overlaying their respective layers to produce a single composite interest zone. This combining approach allows comprehensive visibility assessment from multiple positions to be achieved through systematic layer integration rather than separate independent analyses, improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy
3Area of stationary object
If viewshed analysis is performed over large relevant areas with multiple object positions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the complexity of evaluating lines of sight between all points and objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large relevant area into manageable viewshed layers, each corresponding to a specific object position. By dividing the comprehensive coverage task into smaller spatial segments that can be processed independently and then overlaid, the system achieves large-area coverage without proportionally increasing the complexity of line of sight evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex multi-dimensional problem of evaluating all possible lines of sight between numerous points and objects into a series of simpler two-dimensional layer operations. Each viewshed layer represents visibility from one object position across the entire area, and the final interest zone is derived through layer overlay, reducing computational complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Viewshed intersection analysis and usage is disclosed. A plurality of object positions is obtained. Each object position is associated with a range. A relevant area is determined. Elevation data is obtained for a plurality of points in the relevant area. Lines of sight are evaluated between the plurality of points and the object positions within the associated ranges based on the elevation data. An interest zone comprising a subset of the plurality of points within the relevant area is determined.