3D Rangefinder Measurement Interface with Multi-Format Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying and interacting with 3D range data sets from rangefinders can be complex and confusing, making it difficult for users to identify and specify features for measurement, particularly when features are not apparent in all display formats, such as reflectance images obtained using infrared 3D laser rangefinders.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing methods and apparatus for representing 3D range data sets in multiple display formats, allowing users to select and display measurements within 2D and 3D images, enabling the identification of features in one format and computing measurements based on these features, which can be displayed in various ways across multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-format display methods are used for 3D range data sets, then the display system remains simple, but user productivity decreases and feature identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D range data set into multiple display formats (2D images, 3D visualizations, cross-sections) that can be independently selected and combined. This allows users to view specific aspects of the data in the most appropriate format for each task, improving productivity without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to universally support multiple viewing formats and interaction modes within a single interface. Users can switch between 2D range images, 3D point clouds, and various measurement modes, making the system versatile for different application needs while maintaining a unified user experience.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple display formats are provided for 3D range data sets, then feature identification improves, but the interaction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement specification interface that mediates between the user and the multiple display formats. This interface provides standardized tools for selecting features across different formats and automatically computing measurements, reducing interaction complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to transition between different dimensional representations (2D to 3D, cross-sections to full views) to identify features that may not be apparent in a single format. This multi-dimensional approach makes feature detection easier by providing complementary perspectives without requiring complex manual operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurements are computed across multiple display formats, then measurement versatility increases, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the measurement specification across different display formats. When a user specifies a measurement in one format, the system automatically projects and computes the corresponding measurement in other formats using the underlying 3D range data, providing versatile measurement capabilities without requiring separate processing for each format.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation of measurements based on the display format. The same measurement request is translated into appropriate parameters for each format (e.g., 2D coordinates for 2D images, 3D spatial parameters for point clouds), enabling versatile measurements across formats while keeping the core processing logic unified and manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances user productivity by simplifying the interaction with 3D range data sets, allowing for more intuitive measurement and display of features across different formats, thereby increasing user understanding and enabling new applications for 3D rangefinder technology.
Implementation Method 1
A typical apparatus may in some manner measure the round trip time-of-flight of the beam from the apparatus's emitter to the target, or the reflector, and back to the apparatus's receiver
Implementation Method 2
measure the range from the apparatus to a surface from which the laser beam is reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and apparatus for specifying, making, and displaying measurements within a 3D range data set obtained using a 3D rangefinder device. A 3D range data set is provided and represented as a first 2D displayed image and a second displayed image. The second displayed image is selected from the group consisting of a second 2D displayed image and a 3D displayed image. At least one feature is identified in the first 2D displayed image and the second displayed image, such that a measurement can be computed based on the identified features. The computed measurement is displayed in at least one of the first 2D displayed image and the second displayed image.