Overlaying 3D Building Models on Printed Maps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printed maps are limited to 2D representations, making it difficult for users to understand the topography and location of places, leading to confusion and potential getting lost during travel.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus method that captures a printed map, defines a block area using image processing, queries a map service to find corresponding electronic map areas, and overlays 3D models of buildings onto the map, aligning them with the printed map's scale and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If printed maps are used for navigation, then portability and accessibility are improved, but spatial understanding and topography visualization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and accessibilityVSAvoidspatial understanding and topography visualization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms 2D printed map information into 3D visual representations by overlaying three-dimensional building models onto the flat map surface. This dimensional transformation allows users to maintain the portability of printed maps while gaining enhanced spatial understanding through 3D building height representations, roof structure visualizations, and topographical depth perception that were impossible in traditional 2D format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If 2D map representations are used, then simplicity and ease of production are improved, but user comprehension and navigation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and ease of productionVSAvoiduser comprehension and navigation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer of 3D building models that are superimposed onto the 2D printed map. This intermediary visualization layer acts as a bridge between the simple 2D map representation and the user's need for accurate spatial comprehension. The 3D models provide building height, volume, and structural information that enhance navigation accuracy without requiring the user to abandon the simplicity of printed maps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional printed maps are used, then cost-effectiveness and accessibility are improved, but visual information richness and environmental understanding deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectiveness and accessibilityVSAvoidvisual information richness and environmental understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a third dimension to traditional printed maps by overlaying 3D building models, thereby transforming flat 2D representations into visually rich three-dimensional visualizations. This approach maintains the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of printed maps while dramatically enhancing visual information richness through building height representations, spatial depth, and environmental context that help users better understand their surroundings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9437047B2Method, electronic apparatus, and computer-readable medium for retrieving map
Publication Date: 2016.09.06 HTC CORP
  • US9437047B2 patent drawing
  • US9437047B2 patent drawing
  • US9437047B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention discloses a method, an electronic apparatus, and a computer readable medium for retrieving a map. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, a picture of a printed map is obtained. A block area surrounded by a road outline in the picture is defined. A map service is queried to find an electronic map having a map area corresponding to the block area according to contents of the printed map. A plurality of 3-D models of a plurality of buildings located in the map area is retrieved. The 3-D models are mapped on the picture.