3D Editing Tools for Point Clouds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D image editing tools fail to effectively edit three-dimensional data due to their inability to account for the z-coordinate positional element, leading to undesirable effects when editing 3D data across only two dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The development of 3D editing tools that utilize x, y, and z coordinate positioning values to dynamically manipulate 3D data points, allowing for refined control and manipulation in 3D space, including tools like the 3D brush tool, 3D cloning tool, 3D sculpting tool, and 3D density tool, which selectively edit non-positional elements based on z-coordinate positional values and other positional commonalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If 2D image editing tools are used to edit three-dimensional data, then the editing process can be performed using existing tools, but the z-coordinate positional element is not accounted for leading to undesirable effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends 2D image editing tools into 3D space by incorporating the z-coordinate dimension. The editing tools now operate on volumetric data by selecting data points based on their x, y, and z positions, allowing precise 3D editing while maintaining the familiarity of 2D tool interfaces. This resolves the contradiction by adding dimensional capability without sacrificing the ease of use of existing tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If 3D editing tools selectively edit data points based on z-coordinate positional values, then visual integrity is maintained, but the complexity of the editing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different editing operations to be applied to different z-coordinate ranges. Users can selectively edit data points within specific depth ranges while leaving other regions unchanged, enabling precise control over which portions of the 3D data are modified. This maintains visual integrity by ensuring edits are applied only where intended, without requiring complex system-wide changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If editing is applied across all three dimensions, then complete control over 3D data is achieved, but the risk of affecting unintended regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allowing users to apply editing operations to only specific portions of the 3D data volume. Through z-coordinate-based selection, users can target only the necessary data points for editing while leaving surrounding regions unaffected. This prevents unintended effects by restricting the scope of editing to exactly where needed, rather than applying edits globally across the entire 3D dataset.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are editing tools for manipulating a three-dimensional (“3D”) data file or point cloud. An editing application may generate a visualization of the 3D data file or point cloud, and a user may invoke an editing tool over a particular region of the visualization that is rendered based on the positional and non-positional values of a first data point set and a second data point set from the 3D data file or point cloud. The editing tool may differentiate the first data point set from the second data point set based on unique commonality in the positional and/or non-positional values of the first data point set, and may edit less than all of the particular region by adjusting one or more of the positional and/or non-positional values of the first data point set while retaining the positional and non-positional values of the second data point set.