Apple Inc.
Simulated overhead perspective images with removal of obstructions

Abstract:

A method includes obtaining a three-dimensional model that represents a natural environment and identifying ground-level surfaces from the three-dimensional model, wherein the ground-level surfaces from the three-dimensional model represent ground-level features from the natural environment. The method also includes identifying overhanging features from the three-dimensional model, wherein the overhanging features from the three-dimensional model block visibility of the ground-level surfaces from the three-dimensional model when the ground-level surfaces are viewed from an orthographic perspective. The method also includes rendering a simulated image of the natural environment that includes at least some of the ground-level surfaces from the natural environment using a rendering system that generates the simulated image of the natural environment according to the orthographic perspective and ignores the overhanging features from the three-dimensional model so that the overhanging features from the three-dimensional model are omitted from the simulated image of the natural environment.