An Accurate and Efficient Quaternion-Based Visualization Approach to 2D/3D Vector Data for the Mobile Augmented Reality Map

Abstract

Increasingly complex vector map applications and growing multi-source spatial data pose a serious challenge to the accuracy and efficiency of vector map visualization. It is true especially for real-time and dynamic scene visualization in mobile augmented reality, with the dramatic development of spatial data sensing and the emergence of AR-GIS. Such issues can be decomposed into three issues: accurate pose representation, fast and precise topological relationships computation and high-performance acceleration methods. To solve these issues, a novel quaternion-based real-time vector map visualization approach is proposed in this paper. It focuses on precise position and orientation representation, accurate and efficient spatial relationships calculation and acceleration parallel rendering in mobile AR. First, a quaternion-based pose processing method for multi-source spatial data is developed. Then, the complex processing of spatial relationships is mapped into simple and efficient quaternion-based operations. With these mapping methods, spatial relationship operations with large computational volumes can be converted into efficient quaternion calculations, and then the results are returned to respond to the interaction. Finally, an asynchronous rendering acceleration mechanism is also presented in this paper. Experiments demonstrated that the method proposed in this paper can significantly improve vector visualization of the AR map. The new approach, when compared to conventional visualization methods, provides more stable and accurate rendering results, especially when the AR map has strenuous movements and high frequency variations. The smoothness of the user interaction experience is also significantly improved.