3D Building Model Materials Auto-Populator Using Hybrid Imagery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating 3D building models from aerial imagery are limited by low texture resolution, geometry quality, and are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to update, while also lacking robust real-time image data analytics for consumer and commercial use cases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for auto-populating a materials ordering system by analyzing multi-dimensional building models using ground-level images, which involves image processing servers, capture devices, and a network channel to create accurate 2D/3D models, identify architectural elements, calculate dimensions, and estimate material needs, enabling efficient scaling and rescaling of building models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aerial imagery methods are used to generate 3D building models, then model generation is achieved, but texture resolution and geometry quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aerial imagery with ground-level images to create hybrid 3D building models. The system captures images from both aerial and ground perspectives, then merges these datasets to generate models that leverage the broad coverage of aerial imagery while incorporating the high-detail texture information from ground-level captures, thereby resolving the contradiction between limited texture resolution and model accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from purely 2D aerial imagery to multi-dimensional modeling by incorporating ground-level 360-degree images. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to capture texture information from multiple perspectives and depths, significantly improving texture resolution and geometry quality beyond what single-perspective aerial imagery can provide
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized camera-equipped vehicles are used for 3D mapping, then model accuracy improves, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional imaging system that can capture both aerial and ground-level images using standard equipment rather than specialized camera-equipped vehicles. The system uses smartphone cameras and tripods for ground-level 360-degree imaging, making the technology accessible and eliminating the need for expensive specialized vehicles while maintaining model accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image capture and processing by generating 3D building models in advance from ground-level images. These pre-generated models and their associated material databases are stored and can be quickly updated or queried, reducing the time needed for on-demand analysis while maintaining high geometry quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 3D mapping methods are used, then models are generated, but updating difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic updating system where the 3D building model database can be continuously updated by capturing new ground-level images and regenerating models as needed. The system maintains a database of building models that can be dynamically refreshed without requiring complete re-mapping, enabling easy updates while managing system complexity through automated workflows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of building models from ground-level images and stores them in a database. These digital copies can be updated by regenerating from newly captured images, allowing the system to maintain accurate representations of buildings without physically accessing or altering the structures, thereby simplifying the updating process
4Measurement precision
If detailed material analysis is performed on building models, then material ordering accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis by pre-processing ground-level images to extract building model data, material information, and dimensions during the initial model generation phase. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-use database that can be quickly queried for material ordering without requiring time-consuming re-analysis, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy while improving processing speed for subsequent operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated material analysis where the system independently processes building model data to generate material take-offs and ordering information without requiring manual measurement or analysis. The automated system extracts material types, quantities, and specifications directly from the 3D models and ground-level images, maintaining high accuracy while significantly reducing processing time compared to manual methods
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for automatic building material ordering that includes directing capture of building images of the building at a location, building a scaled multi-dimensional building model based on the building images, extracting, based on the scaled multi-dimensional building model, dimensions of at least one architectural feature from the scaled multi-dimensional building model, identifying a set of possible manufacturer products matching the dimensions of the at least one architectural feature, receiving user preferences related to the set of possible manufacturer products, auto-populating, based on the user preferences, a select list of the manufacturer products, auto-ordering manufacturer products from the select list of the manufacturer products and auto-tracking the ordered manufacturer products until delivery to the location.