Tom Tom International B.v.

Tomtom Navigation B.v.

Ewoud Van Raamsdonk

Simone Francine Tertoolen

A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating a display image including a map view and linepiece information for example legible text and/or characters (e.g. alphanumeric) such as road names superposed on the map view. In at least one embodiment, the technique selects linepieces that are easy to read, by (i) selecting from a first subset of alphanumeric linepieces associated with information on the map, a second sub-set of the alphanumeric linepieces satisfying predetermined criteria including display angle; and (ii) including in the display image the second sub-set of alphanumeric linepieces. The first sub-set may be selected according to distance criteria.

Generating a map display image

A method is disclosed for generating a display image including a map view and a road, the map view being a three dimensional perspective elevation view of a portion of a digital map as viewed from a viewing position. In at least one embodiment, the method includes determining, from information associated with the distance of the road that is to be displayed in the display image from the viewing position, whether a map object obscures a line of sight from said viewing position to the road in the three dimensional perspective elevation; and displaying an element of the road in a format that is dependent on whether the map object is determined to obscure said line of sight. An apparatus and a computer program are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Utrecht, Netherlands

Ewoud Van Raamsdonk