Navigation System Hidden Point Detection and Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems using three-dimensional map images struggle to alert users to hidden points where route visibility is obstructed by large buildings or natural features, potentially leading to accidents due to lack of anticipation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting hidden points on a three-dimensional map image by examining the visibility of road segments' start and end points relative to obstructions, using techniques like ray tracing or collision detection, and providing a warning tag with distance and estimated time to the hidden point, along with a hidden route maneuver screen showing the road's shape in the vicinity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a three-dimensional map image is displayed to provide realistic views similar to actual surrounding images, then the user experience and realism are improved, but the visibility of the route is obstructed by large buildings or natural objects, causing hidden points where the user cannot see ahead on the road
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of hidden points on the route before the user reaches them. By calculating visibility obstruction in advance using three-dimensional map data and the user's current position, the system identifies points where the route becomes invisible due to obstructions like buildings or mountains, and provides warnings before the user actually loses visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary warning mechanism that mediates between the three-dimensional map display and the user's visibility. When a hidden point is detected, the system displays a warning tag or icon at the hidden point's location on the map, and may show additional information about the obstruction, serving as an intermediary indicator that compensates for the visual obstruction caused by the realistic three-dimensional rendering
2Illumination intensity
If the navigation system provides detailed three-dimensional views of buildings and natural features, then the map's realism and user orientation are improved, but the complexity of detecting hidden points increases due to the need for ray tracing or collision detection algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the route into discrete route segments and identifies specific hidden points at critical locations along the route. Rather than analyzing the entire route continuously, the system focuses detection on specific segments where obstructions occur, dividing the complex detection problem into manageable discrete points that can be evaluated independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified computational model or copy of the three-dimensional map data specifically for visibility analysis. Instead of performing complex ray tracing on the full detailed three-dimensional map, the system uses a derived visibility model that captures the essential obstruction relationships, reducing computational complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
3Reliability
If the navigation system continuously monitors and detects hidden points on the route, then user safety is improved, but the processing time and computational resources required are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs hidden point detection in advance as the user approaches potential obstruction zones, rather than continuously monitoring the entire route. By calculating visibility obstruction before the user actually needs the information and updating warnings at appropriate intervals, the system provides timely safety alerts while avoiding unnecessary continuous processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies enhanced detection and monitoring only in local areas where obstructions are detected or suspected, rather than uniformly across the entire route. When a hidden point is identified in a specific segment, the system focuses computational resources on that local area, providing detailed warning information only where needed rather than maintaining constant high-level monitoring everywhere
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a navigation system detects a hidden point on a route on a monitor screen showing a three-dimensional map when visibility of the route begins to be lost, and provides a warning message including relevant information that is helpful to navigate the hidden point. The method includes steps of displaying a three-dimensional map image which includes an image of a route on which a user or user's vehicle is travelling, detecting a hidden point of the route on the three-dimensional map image at which the route becomes invisible by an obstruction object when viewed from a current position of the user, and notifying the user about the hidden point on the route thereby enabling the user to know the hidden point on the route in advance.