Automated Image-Textured Digital Surface Model Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating topographical models, especially for urban areas with many man-made objects, are either labor-intensive and costly or fail to capture detailed features effectively, as they require manual selection and rendering of building vertices and shapes, which is not feasible for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system that generates image-textured digital surface models by using a computer to create a digital elevation model and selectively superimpose oblique optical images onto the model, based on obscuration levels, to include both buildings and terrain, using a high-resolution grid and polygonal shapes for accurate texture mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual rendering and texturing of DSM is used, then realism and detail accuracy are improved, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated copying of texture information from source images to the DSM through computer processing. The system extracts texture data from aerial or satellite images and automatically applies it to corresponding terrain features, eliminating the need for manual painting or rendering while maintaining high detail accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (manual rendering and texturing) with automated computer-based processing. The system uses algorithms to automatically identify terrain features, extract texture information, and apply it to the DSM, substituting human labor with computational processes.
2Productivity
If automated texture mapping is used, then labor cost is reduced, but texture accuracy for manmade objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different terrain features differently. The system identifies whether a feature is natural terrain or manmade structures and applies appropriate texture mapping techniques to each. For manmade objects, the system uses building footprint data and 3D models to ensure accurate texture placement, while natural features receive standard texture mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DSM into different categories of features (natural terrain, buildings, vegetation, water bodies) and applies specialized texture mapping algorithms to each segment. This allows automated processing to maintain high accuracy for manmade objects by using category-specific processing techniques.
3Device complexity
If single nadir image texture mapping is used, then processing simplicity is improved, but completeness of building features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data sources including nadir images, oblique images, building footprint data, and 3D models into an integrated texture mapping system. By combining these multiple sources, the system achieves complete building feature representation while maintaining processing efficiency through automated integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D nadir image mapping to 3D texture mapping by incorporating oblique images and building footprint data. This dimensional expansion allows the system to map textures on building surfaces and slopes, completing the 3D representation while using automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for generating an image-textured digital surface model (DSM) for a geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain may include using a computer to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) of both the buildings and terrain for the geographical area of interest. The method may further include providing a collection of optical images including oblique optical images for the geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain. The computer may also be used to selectively superimpose oblique optical images from the collection of optical images onto the DEM of both the buildings and terrain for the geographical area of interest and to thereby generate the image-textured DSM for the geographical area of interest including both buildings and terrain.