Non-Occluding Map Overlay Using Segmented Rendering Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Map rendering systems often occlude relevant elements with additional user interface or information elements, making it difficult for users to view important map features, and existing solutions either reduce the rendering area or diminish the usability of the map by rendering elements smaller.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine relevant map elements based on location and context data, generating an overlay area using techniques like bit masking or signed distance fields to place user interface or information elements without occluding relevant map elements, ensuring the map remains usable and uncluttered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional user interface or information elements are overlaid on the map, then information completeness is improved, but map element visibility deteriorates due to occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the map rendering area into multiple zones (first rendering area and second rendering area) with different rendering thresholds. The first rendering area uses a first threshold while the second rendering area uses a second threshold, allowing information elements to be displayed in one area without occluding map elements in the other area, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and map element visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different rendering thresholds are applied to different spatial regions of the map. The first rendering area has a first rendering threshold while the second rendering area has a second rendering threshold, creating local quality differences that allow information elements to be rendered in specific zones without affecting the visibility of map elements in other zones
2Loss of information
If the rendering area is reduced to display additional elements outside the rendering area, then map element occlusion is prevented, but rendering area size deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by introducing a dimensional solution where information elements are rendered in a second rendering area that is distinct from the first rendering area. This allows both map elements and information elements to coexist in the same overall rendering space without occlusion, maintaining full rendering area size while preventing map element occlusion
3Area of stationary object
If elements are rendered smaller to accommodate additional information, then rendering area is maintained, but usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rendering space into distinct areas with different rendering thresholds, allowing information elements to be rendered at their full size in the second rendering area without requiring map elements to be rendered smaller. This maintains both rendering area size and usability by providing dedicated spaces for different types of content
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for non-occluding overlay of user interface or information elements on a contextual map. A method is provided for receiving map data and location data, determining, using a processor, relevant map elements based on the location data; and determining an information element overlay area based on the relevant map elements. The overlay areas do not occlude the relevant map elements.