Directed Image Capture for High-Quality 3D Building Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for generating 3D models of buildings from aerial imagery or camera-equipped vehicles face limitations in texture resolution, geometry quality, accurate geo-referencing, and are costly, time-consuming, and difficult to update, with no robust real-time image data analytics for consumer and commercial use cases.
Innovation Solution
A directed image capture system that includes image processing servers, capture devices, and viewer devices, which guide users to capture high-quality ground-level images of buildings using graphical overlay guides and real-time quality monitoring, enabling the creation of accurate 3D building models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If aerial imagery or camera-equipped vehicles are used to generate 3D models, then coverage area is improved, but texture resolution and geometry quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the image capture process into two distinct phases: aerial overview capture for large-area coverage and ground-level detailed capture for high-quality texture and geometry. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single aerial dimension to a multi-dimensional approach by combining aerial imagery with ground-level images captured at building bases. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous achievement of broad coverage and detailed quality by capturing data from multiple spatial perspectives.
2Area of stationary object
If aerial imagery methods are used, then coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary ground-level capture phase that acts as a bridge between aerial imagery and final 3D modeling. Ground-level images captured with precise positioning provide accurate geo-referencing data that complements and corrects aerial imagery, maintaining measurement precision while preserving broad coverage capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized camera-equipped vehicles are used, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal mobile computing devices (smartphones, tablets) that users already possess, rather than specialized camera-equipped vehicles. These multi-functional devices perform both aerial overview capture and ground-level detailed capture, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment while maintaining image quality through guided capture procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables ordinary users to perform the capture task using their own devices, eliminating the need for specialized equipment operators or complex vehicle systems. The graphical overlay guide and real-time feedback mechanisms allow users to self-correct and achieve professional-quality captures without specialized training or equipment.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing 3D modeling methods are used, then initial model creation is achieved, but update difficulty and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing comprehensive ground-level images and processing them into updated 3D models in advance. This preliminary capture and processing enables rapid updates whenever needed, as the system already possesses current image data and processing pipelines, significantly reducing update time and difficulty compared to traditional methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for directed image capture of a subject of interest, such as a physical building. Directed image capture can produce higher quality images such as content more centrally located within an image frame (or an associated viewing device or other display), higher quality images have greater value for subsequent uses of captured images such as for information extraction or model reconstruction. Graphical guide(s) overlaid within an image frame can facilitate quality assessments for the content or the image frame itself, such as for pixel distance of the subject of interest to a centroid of the image frame (or an associated viewing device or other display), or the effect of obscuring objects. Quality assessments can further include instructions for improving the quality of the image capture for the content of interest.