3D Surface Inspection Interface for Precise Location Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inspecting three-dimensional objects in graphical user interfaces are inefficient as they require indirect interaction with two-dimensional images, lacking precision and visibility in selecting locations for measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows direct interaction with a three-dimensional representation, enabling user inputs to be translated into corresponding actions in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional views, using graphical objects to indicate selections and measurements on the target surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-dimensional image is used for inspection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and location selection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D image inspection to a hybrid 2D-3D interface where a three-dimensional representation is overlaid on the 2D image. This allows users to interact with 3D spatial data while maintaining the familiar 2D display format, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a two-dimensional image is used for interaction, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the user interaction effectiveness and location selection precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system overlays a 3D point cloud representation on the 2D image, enabling users to perform precise 3D location selections while maintaining the intuitive 2D interface. This dimensional enhancement allows for more accurate point selection and measurement without sacrificing operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D point cloud acts as an intermediary layer between the 2D image and the measurement system. Users interact with the 3D overlay to make precise selections, and the system translates these interactions into accurate measurements on the underlying 2D image, thereby improving location selection precision while maintaining ease of use.
3Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional representation is added to the interface, then the measurement precision and interaction effectiveness improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a 3D point cloud overlay on the existing 2D image interface. This approach adds three-dimensional measurement capabilities without requiring a complete system redesign, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains compatibility with existing 2D imaging infrastructure while adding 3D interaction capabilities. The same interface handles both 2D display and 3D measurement functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Productivity
If direct interaction with three-dimensional representation is enabled, then the productivity and inspection efficiency improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By overlaying a 3D point cloud on the 2D image, the system enables direct 3D interaction for point selection and measurement. This allows inspectors to work more efficiently with spatial data while maintaining the existing 2D display framework, thereby improving productivity with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving data characterizing a target surface extending in three dimensions. The method also includes rendering in a graphical user interface display space, a first visual representation including a two-dimensional image of a first portion of the target surface, and a second visual representation including a three-dimensional representation of at least a subset of the first portion of the target surface included in the first visual representation. The method further includes receiving, based on a first user interaction with the three-dimensional representation via a cursor configured to move over the three-dimensional representation, a first user input indicative of selection of a first location of the target surface. The method also includes rendering a first graphical object at a first target position in the three-dimensional representation and a second graphical object at a second target position in the two-dimensional image. The first and the second target positions are indicative of the first location of the target surface.