Vector Map Data Rendering via Modification Indications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current map rendering systems face inefficiencies in storage and manipulation of raster images, requiring large storage space and experiencing quality loss when zooming, due to the need for new raster image data or enlargement of existing data.
Innovation Solution
A method where a map server provides map data in a non-raster format, allowing client devices to generate and modify map images by interpreting vector data, including vector descriptors and style data, to render different map types or zoom levels using modification indications, reducing the need for redundant data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If raster image data is used for map rendering, then ease of rendering at client device is improved, but storage space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vector data (SVG format) as a compact representation that can be rendered into raster images at any resolution. Instead of storing multiple raster copies at different resolutions, the system stores a single vector source that serves as a template for generating raster images on-demand at the client device, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining rendering ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from storing two-dimensional raster pixel data to storing vector data with mathematical descriptions of map features. This dimensional transformation allows the same data to generate infinitely scalable raster representations without proportionally increasing storage requirements, resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and rendering capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If raster image data is enlarged for zooming, then the ability to zoom in is improved, but image quality deteriorates with noticeable loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rendering where vector data is converted to raster format at the moment of display based on the current zoom level and viewport. This allows the map to be rendered at any resolution without quality loss, as the vector source can be re-rendered indefinitely with full detail, eliminating the quality degradation that occurs when static raster images are enlarged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary preparation by storing complete vector data with all map feature details at full resolution. This pre-prepared vector data serves as a high-quality source that can be rendered at any zoom level without loss, avoiding the need to pre-generate and store multiple raster versions at different resolutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new raster image data is retrieved from server for zooming, then zoom functionality is improved, but data transfer time and network usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vector data universal by designing it to serve multiple functions: it can be rendered at any zoom level, for any viewport size, and in different styles or formats. This single multi-functional data source eliminates the need to transfer multiple specialized raster image sets for different zoom levels, reducing network traffic and data transfer time while maintaining full zoom functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential vector data needed for map representation and stores it locally at the client device. This extracted core data contains all necessary information to generate any required view, eliminating the need to continuously fetch additional raster data from the server during zoom operations, thus reducing network dependency and transfer time.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide map data for rendering two different map images corresponding to a selected geographic region at a client device, a map server generates vector descriptors, each of which indicates a geometry of a respective map element, in accordance with a non-raster format for rendering a first map image. The map server then provides the vector descriptors to the client device. Upon receiving an indication that a second map image for the selected geographic region is to be rendered at the client device, the map server generates a modification indication that indicates a set of one or more vector descriptors, each of which corresponds to a respective map element that is rendered in one but not both of the first map image and the second map image, and provides the modification indication to the client device, so that the client device can render the second map image using at least some of the vector descriptors and the modification indication.