Computer Vision Database Platform for Geospatial Facade Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D maps have limited texture resolution and geometry quality, are difficult to update, and lack robust real-time image data analytics for consumer and commercial use cases.
Innovation Solution
A system for managing geospatial imagery that processes images to create accurate 3D building models, allowing users to upload facade images for real-time updating and registration, using computer vision techniques to refine textures and remove obstructions, and manage images geospatially through a database platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional 3D mapping methods using aerial imagery or specialized vehicles are used, then 3D maps can be generated, but the texture resolution and geometry quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service updating by allowing users to upload their own facade images directly to the platform. The automated processing pipeline then handles registration, alignment, and integration of these user-provided images into the existing 3D building models, eliminating the need for specialized surveying equipment or expert intervention for updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional aerial/top-down 3D mapping to ground-level facade-based 3D modeling. By capturing and processing images from the ground plane looking upward at building facades, the system achieves superior texture resolution and geometric accuracy for building exteriors compared to aerial imagery methods.
2Productivity
If traditional 3D mapping systems are used, then 3D maps can be created, but they lack robust real-time image data analytics
Solution Approach 1:
The platform serves multiple functions within a single system: it stores and manages 3D building models, processes and registers user-uploaded facade images, performs automated image analytics, and updates the database in real-time. This multi-functional approach enables robust real-time analytics without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where user-uploaded images are processed through computer vision algorithms that detect changes, register new facades, and update the 3D models. This continuous feedback mechanism enables real-time detection and incorporation of building facade changes, providing robust image data analytics.
3Loss of time
If user-uploaded images are processed for real-time updating, then near real-time photographic representations are achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and pre-registering user-uploaded images against the existing 3D building models immediately upon upload. This preliminary processing includes automated feature detection, alignment, and validation, which prepares the data for rapid integration and minimizes subsequent processing time and computational overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and related software are disclosed for processing imagery related to three dimensional models. To display new visual data for select portions of images, an image of a physical structure such as a building with a façade is retrieved with an associated three dimensional model for that physical structure according to common geolocation tags. A scaffolding of surfaces composing the three dimensional model is generated and regions of the retrieved image are registered to the surfaces of the scaffolding to create mapped surfaces for the image. New image data such as texture information is received and applied to select mapped surfaces to give the retrieved image the appearance of having the new texture data at the selected mapped surface.