Real-Time Building Visualization with Pre-Computed Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for computer-generated visualization of building and renovation projects struggle to create natural and realistic images in real-time, particularly in simulating realistic illumination and matching the perspective and illumination of photographic images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves pre-computing illumination characteristics for virtual building-surface elements and storing them in a database, allowing for real-time generation and manipulation of rendered images that appear natural and realistic. Additionally, a virtual 3D model is used to simulate the placement of surface-finishing elements, and the rendered image is merged with real images to match the actual image capture conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-computation of illumination characteristics is performed, then realism of rendered images is improved, but computational time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes illumination characteristics (direct illumination, indirect illumination, shadows) for virtual building-surface elements before real-time rendering. This preliminary computation stores illumination data in a database, enabling fast retrieval and application during interactive visualization without performing complex real-time physics calculations.
2Manufacturing precision
If merged images are generated to match actual image capture conditions, then natural appearance is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts rendering parameters (illumination intensity, shadow strength, color temperature) to match the actual capture conditions of the photographic image. By dynamically changing these parameters based on the source image's lighting characteristics, the rendered elements blend naturally with the photograph without requiring complex manual adjustment.
3Speed
If real-time interactive visualization is enabled, then user interaction speed is improved, but illumination simulation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides illumination simulation into separate pre-computed components (direct illumination, indirect illumination, shadows) that are calculated offline and stored. During real-time interaction, only the assembly and rendering of these pre-computed components is required, maintaining visual accuracy while enabling fast interactive performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for real-time visualization of building structures are disclosed. A computing system may calculate physical illumination characteristics for each of a plurality of predefined virtual external building-surface elements layered in simulation at specified surface locations of a virtual three-dimensional (3D) model of a building structure, wherein the virtual 3D model is constructed based on data descriptive of the building structure. Each of the plurality of predefined virtual external building-surface elements may be associated with its calculated illumination characteristics in a database. A spatially-manipulable rendered image of the building structure may displayed on an interactive display in real-time based on the virtual 3D model. On the interactive display device, one or more of the plurality of the predefined virtual external building-surface elements may be rendered in real-time at respectively specified locations on the rendered image. On the interactive display device, illumination of each of the one or more of the plurality of the predefined virtual external building-surface elements may be simulated in real-time based on its associated calculated illumination characteristics, its respectively specified location on the rendered image, and a specification of environmental illuminati on conditions.