Time-Synchronized Street-Level Image Comparison Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying panoramic images do not effectively allow users to view and compare images of the same location at different points in time, limiting the ability to visualize changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that selects and displays time-distributed panoramas, allowing users to view and transition between images captured at different times while maintaining the same location and orientation, with supplementary images that correspond to the selected time period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems display panoramic images sequentially or independently, then users can view images from different locations, but users cannot effectively compare images of the same location at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panoramic image display into multiple time-based views. A timeline interface divides the temporal range into discrete time points, allowing users to select specific moments to compare. Each time point presents a segmented view of the location as it appeared then, enabling systematic time-comparison without overwhelming the user with all images at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the traditional spatial navigation of panoramic images. Instead of only navigating through space (different locations), users can now navigate through time (different dates) while viewing the same location. This dimensional addition is achieved through a timeline interface that overlays temporal information onto the spatial viewing experience, allowing simultaneous comparison of location and time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system displays multiple time-distributed images simultaneously, then users can compare changes over time, but the interface complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The timeline interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a navigation tool for selecting time points, a comparison mechanism for viewing changes over time, and an organizational structure for managing multiple panoramic images. By making the timeline multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate interfaces for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added temporal comparison capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-organizes panoramic images by time and location before user interaction. The timeline interface is pre-configured with available time points and corresponding images are pre-loaded and indexed. This preliminary organization allows users to quickly navigate and compare images without the system needing to process and sort images in real-time during interaction, reducing processing requirements and interface complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the system maintains synchronized orientation across time-distributed images, then comparison accuracy improves, but image selection and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs orientation alignment and synchronization of panoramic images as a preliminary action during the indexing and storage phase. When images are uploaded and cataloged, the system pre-processes them to establish consistent orientation references and metadata. This preliminary alignment ensures that when users view images at different times, they are automatically oriented correctly for comparison without requiring real-time processing or adjustment during user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses orientation metadata and reference frames as copies of the original image orientation information. Instead of physically transforming or re-processing images to maintain synchronization, the system stores orientation data as metadata copies that point to the correct regions and orientations of the original images. This allows the system to maintain synchronized orientation across time-distributed images through data references rather than computational processing, reducing time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to selecting and displaying images captured at different points in time. As an example, a user of a computing device may view a first street level image as viewed from a particular location and oriented in a particular direction. The user may select other time periods for which similar images are available. Upon selecting a particular time period, a second street level image may be displayed concurrently with the first street level image, wherein the second street level image was captured on or around the selected time period. If the user changes the perspective of the first image an automatic change in perspective of the second image may occur.