Vector Image Occlusion in 3D Mapping via Depth Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rendering raw vector image data onto 3D images in mapping applications often results in aesthetically unpleasing occlusions, where thoroughfares and labels overlay physical structures, requiring complex infrastructure and extra bandwidth for manual modifications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that receives image data and depthmaps to determine height values for pixels, creating a mask to apply to vector image data, thereby omitting display of pixels with height values greater than a threshold, ensuring vector data does not occlude structures in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If raw vector image data is rendered onto 3D images, then mapping information (thoroughfares, labels) is provided along with images, but aesthetic quality deteriorates as vector data overlays physical structures that should occlude them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth information (z-dimension) from depthmaps to determine occlusion relationships. By comparing the depth values of vector elements with the depth values of image pixels at corresponding locations, the system determines whether vector data should be occluded by 3D structures, thereby resolving the aesthetic conflict while preserving mapping information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses depthmaps as an intermediary data structure to mediate between the 2D vector image data and the 3D scene representation. The depthmap provides intermediate depth information that enables the system to determine occlusion relationships without requiring complex 3D modeling or manual modifications, thus maintaining both aesthetic quality and information completeness.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual modification of vector image data is performed to remove thoroughfares from physical structures, then aesthetic quality improves, but device complexity and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic occlusion processing using algorithms that compare depth values from depthmaps with vector element positions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual modification infrastructure, operators, and associated complexity while achieving the same aesthetic improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter comparison from 2D spatial coordinates to 3D depth values. By comparing depth values (z-coordinates) of vector elements with the depthmap, the system automatically determines occlusion without manual intervention, thereby improving aesthetic quality while reducing infrastructure complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual modification of vector image data is performed to remove thoroughfares from physical structures, then aesthetic quality improves, but bandwidth requirements increase due to extra information transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth information processing and vector rendering operations into a single automated pipeline. By combining the depthmap data with the vector image data processing, the system achieves aesthetic improvement without requiring separate transmission channels or additional bandwidth for modification instructions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for rendering an image related to a target area is provided. Image data and an associated depthmap of the target area are received. Vector image data corresponding to the image data of the target area are further received. A height value for each of a plurality of pixels of the image data is determined based on the associated depthmap. A mask for the image data is created based on the determined height value for each of the plurality of pixels of the image data, and applied to the vector image data. An image of the target area comprising the received image data and the masked vector image data is rendered for display.