View-Dependent Textures for 3D GIS Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geographic information systems (GIS) face issues with visual artifacts and loss of three-dimensional appearance when rendering three-dimensional models due to the use of single base textures optimized for multiple viewpoints, leading to anomalies and loss of detail in small or thin objects.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for rendering three-dimensional models that uses view-dependent textures optimized for specific reference viewpoints, switching between view-dependent and base textures based on the virtual camera viewpoint, with view-dependent textures generated for canonical viewpoints and base textures for non-canonical views, to provide a more realistic and detailed representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single base texture optimized for multiple viewpoints is used, then the three-dimensional model can be viewed from various angles, but visual artifacts and anomalies appear in the rendering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewpoint adaptabilityVSAvoidvisual accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the texture selection process by creating multiple view-dependent textures, each optimized for specific viewpoint ranges. Instead of using a single base texture for all viewpoints, the system divides the viewing space and assigns different textures to different segments, thereby maintaining visual accuracy for each specific viewpoint while preserving overall viewpoint adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selecting different texture qualities and types for different viewing conditions. View-dependent textures are used for canonical viewpoints where high visual accuracy is needed, while a single base texture is used for non-canonical viewpoints. This allows each local viewing condition to have the optimal texture representation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If a single base texture optimized for multiple viewpoints is used, then memory requirements are reduced, but small or thin objects lose their three-dimensional appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory usageVSAvoidgeometric detail fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic texture selection system that adapts the texture representation based on the current viewpoint. The system dynamically switches between view-dependent textures (for canonical views where geometric detail is critical) and single base texture (for other views), thereby maintaining geometric detail fidelity for small objects when needed while optimizing memory usage for other viewpoints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If view-dependent textures optimized for specific reference viewpoints are used, then visual realism and uniformity are enhanced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual realismVSAvoidtexture management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal texture management system that handles both view-dependent textures and single base texture through a unified selection mechanism. The system uses viewpoint analysis to automatically determine which texture type to apply, making the complex multi-texture system as easy to manage as a single texture system while achieving enhanced visual realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If view-dependent textures are rendered for canonical viewpoints, then the appearance of small objects and complex geometries is improved, but rendering time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detail representationVSAvoidrendering speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using view-dependent textures only for canonical viewpoints where geometric detail is most important, rather than for all viewpoints. This selective application maintains high object detail representation for critical views while avoiding the rendering overhead for viewpoints where such detail is less critical, thereby balancing quality and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9626790B1View-dependent textures for interactive geographic information system

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for rendering a view-dependent texture in conjunction with a polygon mesh to provide a textured three-dimensional model of a geographic area are provided. The view-dependent texture can be optimized for viewing the three-dimensional model from a single reference direction. When a user navigates to a camera viewpoint of the three-dimensional model associated with the single reference direction, the view-dependent texture can be rendered in conjunction with the three-dimensional model to provide a more realistic representation of the geographic area to the user. When a user navigates to a camera viewpoint of the three-dimensional model that is not associated with the single reference direction, a base texture can be rendered in conjunction with the three-dimensional model. The base texture can be optimized based on viewing the three-dimensional model from a plurality of differing viewpoints.