3D Model Positioning via Embedded Camera Parameters

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional modeling tools face challenges in accurately positioning geographic structures using user-supplied photographic images, as they require precise camera parameters which are often missing or inaccurate, hindering the creation of realistic and accurate three-dimensional models.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that reads embedded camera parameters from user-supplied images to estimate the location of a geographic structure by calculating a centroid from these parameters, allowing for automatic determination of initial camera positions and refining them using photogrammetry algorithms, even when parameters are not available in image headers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user-supplied photographic images are used for three-dimensional modeling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of camera parameters deteriorates because camera parameters are often missing or inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically extracts camera parameters from embedded metadata in user-supplied photographic images without requiring manual input. The processor reads GPS coordinates, camera orientation, and other positional data directly from the image files, allowing the system to self-configure for three-dimensional modeling while maintaining high measurement precision through automated parameter extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary extraction and validation of camera parameters from image metadata before the actual three-dimensional modeling process begins. By pre-processing the images to extract embedded camera parameters, orientation data, and positional information, the system prepares accurate measurement data in advance, eliminating the need for manual parameter entry and ensuring high measurement precision from the start

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual camera parameter input is required, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming parameter entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically extracts camera parameters from embedded metadata in user-supplied photographic images without requiring manual input. The processor reads GPS coordinates, camera orientation, and other positional data directly from the image files, allowing the system to self-configure for three-dimensional modeling while maintaining high measurement precision through automated parameter extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering camera parameters with an automated digital extraction system. The processor automatically reads and extracts camera parameters, GPS coordinates, and orientation data from image metadata using software algorithms, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If camera parameters are not embedded in image headers, then the ease of operation is improved as users can use any camera, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring camera parameters increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting and measuring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that extracts camera parameters from embedded metadata in photographic images. The system uses a processor to read and interpret metadata fields within the image files, serving as an intermediary between the user-supplied images and the three-dimensional modeling software, automatically obtaining camera parameters without requiring manual input or specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering camera parameters with an automated digital extraction system. The processor automatically reads and extracts camera parameters, GPS coordinates, and orientation data from image metadata using software algorithms, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9396577B2Using embedded camera parameters to determine a position for a three-dimensional model

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

Embodiments relate to selecting textures for a user-supplied photographic image in image-based three-dimensional modeling. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes a method positioning a geographic structure using user-supplied photographic images of a geographic structure. In the method, a user-supplied photographic images inputted by a user are received. Embedded camera parameters that specify a position of the cameras when each user-supplied photographic image was taken and are embedded in each user-supplied photographic image are read. An estimated location of the geographic structure is automatically determined based on the embedded camera parameters in each user-supplied photographic image. Each user-supplied photographic image to be texture mapped to the three-dimensional model is enabled.