Movable Voxel Relief Map System for Collaborative 3D Terrain Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geographic map representation systems using 3D glasses face challenges such as difficulty in collaborative work, visual fatigue, and limited perception of the third dimension, especially when trying to understand high points or masked field parts.
Innovation Solution
A relief representation system that includes a set of mobile elements (voxels) positioned on a support, an actuator to move these elements along the elevation direction, and a positioning device to control the actuator, allowing for a three-dimensional perception of a geographic area without the need for 3D glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D glasses are used to display geographic maps, then three-dimensional perception is improved, but ease of operation and collaborative work become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical three-dimensional copy of the geographic map using movable elements (voxels) that can be positioned at different heights to represent terrain relief. This physical model allows multiple users to interact with and observe the geographic data simultaneously without needing 3D glasses, thereby maintaining three-dimensional perception while enabling collaborative work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional physical representation by moving elements vertically to create relief features. This dimensional change allows the map to convey elevation and terrain information physically, eliminating the need for optical aids like 3D glasses while preserving spatial understanding.
2Measurement precision
If 3D glasses are used for map display, then three-dimensional view is obtained, but visual fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a tangible three-dimensional physical model of the geographic terrain using movable elements, the system eliminates the need for users to wear 3D glasses. The physical relief structure directly presents three-dimensional information in a form that can be observed without optical aids, thereby preventing visual fatigue while maintaining accurate spatial representation.
3Device complexity
If a 2D screen is used for map display, then device complexity is reduced, but three-dimensional perception is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the display system by enabling movable elements to change height and form three-dimensional relief structures. This transforms a potentially simple planar display into a volumetric representation that physically embodies elevation data, allowing the system to maintain structural simplicity while achieving genuine three-dimensional perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically movable elements that can adjust their vertical positions to create and modify relief features. This dynamic capability allows the display to transition between flat and three-dimensional states, providing flexible three-dimensional perception without requiring permanently complex mechanical structures for each element.
4Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to move each mobile element, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the actuation function by using a single actuator that can sequentially position multiple movable elements along the relief. This shared actuator replaces what would otherwise require individual actuators for each element, significantly reducing the total number of mechanical parts while maintaining the ability to achieve precise positioning of each voxel through coordinated sequential movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or sequential action where a single actuator moves through different positions to adjust multiple movable elements in sequence. This time-based division of labor allows one actuator to perform the work of many, achieving the same positioning precision across all elements while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity through temporal multiplexing of the actuation function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A representation system (12) of a geographical area (21) includes a relief, the representation system (12) comprising a support (22) and a plurality of movable elements (24) in translation relative to the support (22) along an elevation direction (Z), each movable element (24) comprising a head (30) having at least one display face (31) forming a part of the relief, the representation system (12) further comprising at least one actuator and a positioning device configured to position the actuator relative to the movable elements (24) in a positioning plane perpendicular to the elevation direction (Z), the actuator being configured to move successively at least some of the movable elements (24) among the plurality of movable elements (24) along the elevation direction (Z).