Method for placing names for point-features on a map based on a plane sweeping technique
First Claim
1. A method, for use in an automatic mapping system, for placing a plurality of names on a map in association with a plurality of corresponding point-features with minimized overlapping among the names, comprising the steps of:
- (a) arranging the point-features based on x-y coordinate data on the map;
(b) selecting one of the point features located at a predetermined uppermost position from the point-features as a target point;
(c) placing a minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) on a predetermined position of the target point, wherein the MBR is selected to represent a name corresponding to the target point;
(d) determining whether the MBR is overlapped with at least one of a plurality of previously assigned MBRs;
(e) locating the MBR and a current position of the MBR and placing the name on the MBR if the MBR is not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs;
(f) determining whether it is possible to continuously shift the MBR around the target point to locate the MBR on one of a plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs if the MBR is overlapped with at least one of the previously assigned MBRs;
(g) locating the MBR on the one of said plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs and placing the name on the MBR; and
(h) assigning another point feature located on a new predetermined uppermost position from the remaining point-features as the target point and repeating the steps (c) to (h) until all of the point features contained on the map are processed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In an automatic mapping system, a plurality of names are placed on a map in association with a plurality of corresponding point-features with minimized overlapping among the names. First a minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) is placed on a predetermined position of a target point located on a predetermined direction-uppermost position from point-features, where the MBR is selected for representing a name corresponding to the target point. Next, it is determined whether the MBR is overlapped with at least one of previously assigned MBRs and if the MBR is not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs, the current position of the MBR is determined and the name is placed on the MBR. If the MBR is overlapped with at least one of the previously assigned MBRs, it is determined whether it is possible to continuously shift the MBR around the target point so that the MBR located on one of shifted positions is not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs and, if possible, the MBR is located on the shifted position and the name is placed on the MBR. Another point-feature is assigned and located on a predetermined direction-uppermost position from the remaining point-features as a target point and the above steps are repeated until all of the point features contained on the map are processed.
51 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method, for use in an automatic mapping system, for placing a plurality of names on a map in association with a plurality of corresponding point-features with minimized overlapping among the names, comprising the steps of:
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(a) arranging the point-features based on x-y coordinate data on the map; (b) selecting one of the point features located at a predetermined uppermost position from the point-features as a target point; (c) placing a minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) on a predetermined position of the target point, wherein the MBR is selected to represent a name corresponding to the target point; (d) determining whether the MBR is overlapped with at least one of a plurality of previously assigned MBRs; (e) locating the MBR and a current position of the MBR and placing the name on the MBR if the MBR is not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs; (f) determining whether it is possible to continuously shift the MBR around the target point to locate the MBR on one of a plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs if the MBR is overlapped with at least one of the previously assigned MBRs; (g) locating the MBR on the one of said plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs and placing the name on the MBR; and (h) assigning another point feature located on a new predetermined uppermost position from the remaining point-features as the target point and repeating the steps (c) to (h) until all of the point features contained on the map are processed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method, for use in an automatic mapping system, for placing a plurality of names on a map in association with a plurality of corresponding point-features arranged on the map with minimized overlapping among the names, comprising the steps of:
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(a) selecting one of the point features as a target point and placing a minimum bounding rectangle (MBR) on the target point, wherein the MBR is selected to represent a name corresponding to the target point; (b) determining whether the MBR is overlapped with at least one of a plurality of previously assigned MBRs; (c) locating the MBR and a current position of the MBR and placing the name of the MBR if the MBR is not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs; (d) determining whether it is possible to continuously shift the MBR around the target point to locate the MBR on one of a plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs if the MBR is overlapped with at least one of the previously assigned MBRs; (e) locating the MBR on the one of said plurality of shifted positions not overlapped with any of the previously assigned MBRs and placing the name on the MBR; and (f) assigning another point feature located on a new predetermined uppermost position from the remaining point-features as the target point and repeating the steps (a) to (e) until all of the point features contained on the map are processed.
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Specification