Floorplan Generation from Large Area Scans Using Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating floorplans of large indoor spaces are limited by computational intensity, leading to small scanning areas, incongruities, and inaccuracies when combining multiple scans, and struggle with recognizing architectural features and objects accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves scanning a space in segments, using a reference point to combine scan data, and employing a scanning device with sensors, display, and processor to generate and edit floorplans, including prompts for user guidance and automatic corrections for inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If concurrent scanning and real-time floorplan generation is performed on mobile devices, then floorplan generation speed is improved, but the scanning area is limited to small areas due to computational intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large area scanning task into multiple segments by pausing the scan at reference points and creating multiple scan segments. Each segment is processed and stored separately, allowing the system to handle large areas without overwhelming computational resources. The scan data is segmented into manageable portions that can be processed incrementally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing reference points and scan data segments as they are captured, preparing the data for later combination. The reference points are identified and stored in advance to facilitate efficient merging of multiple scan segments without requiring real-time processing of the entire large area.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple scanned rooms are combined to generate floorplan of large area, then coverage area is improved, but incongruities and gaps appear in the overall floorplan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference points as intermediary elements to connect and align multiple scan segments. These reference points serve as common markers that appear in multiple segments, enabling the system to accurately position and merge scans relative to each other, thereby reducing incongruities and gaps in the combined floorplan.
3Extent of automation
If automatic identification and annotation of room features is performed, then floorplan generation automation is improved, but false positives and identification errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automatically generated floorplan is reviewed and corrected. The patent mentions providing an editor interface for editing scan data and allowing user input to correct misidentifications. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from errors and improve accuracy over time while maintaining automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning device and methods for generating floorplans by combining different scans of a large area are provided. During scanning, a preview of the scanned area is shown on a display of the scanning device to assist a user to orientate the scanning device to scan the space. The scanning device is further configured to display instructions/prompts to the user to assist in scanning. For example, the device may prompt the user to pause scanning when device memory becomes depleted. A method for generating a floorplan from multiple scans comprises pausing a first scan a reference point and commencing a second scan at the reference. The reference point is used to combine the first scan data and the second scan data to generate an overall floorplan of the scanned space.