Graphical Overlay Guidance for Directed Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D modeling of buildings via aerial imagery or specialized camera-equipped vehicles faces challenges such as limited texture resolution, geometry quality, high cost, time consumption, and lack of robust real-time image data analytics, making it difficult to update and impractical for consumer and commercial use cases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for guided image capture using graphical overlays and machine learning algorithms to ensure high-quality ground-level images are taken from multiple angles, which are then processed to create accurate 3D building models, incorporating real-time quality monitoring and image processing techniques to improve image capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aerial imagery or specialized camera-equipped vehicles are used to generate 3D building models, then coverage area and speed are improved, but cost, time consumption, and difficulty to update increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical overlay guides that replicate the final 3D model structure in 2D space, allowing users to capture images that directly map to the desired 3D output. This copying approach simplifies the capture process by providing a visual template that guides image acquisition without requiring complex aerial equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces graphical overlay guides as an intermediary between the user and the 3D modeling process. These overlays serve as a mediator that translates complex 3D geometry requirements into simple 2D visual instructions, enabling users to capture suitable images without understanding the underlying 3D modeling complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If aerial imagery is used for 3D modeling, then large area coverage is achieved, but texture resolution and geometry quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D aerial imagery to 3D ground-level capture by using graphical overlays that guide users to capture images from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional change enables acquisition of geometrically rich data that cannot be obtained from top-down aerial views alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the building into multiple capture zones using graphical overlays, requiring users to capture images from different segments (front, back, sides, corners). This segmentation approach ensures comprehensive geometric coverage by systematically capturing all building facets from ground level.
3Speed
If specialized camera-equipped vehicles are used, then image capture speed is improved, but cost and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service image capture by providing users with graphical overlay guides that automatically adapt to the captured images. The system self-corrects and guides users through the capture process without requiring specialized equipment or expert operation, making the process accessible to ordinary users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through graphical overlays that update based on captured images, showing users exactly what to capture next. This feedback mechanism accelerates the capture process by eliminating trial-and-error, allowing users to efficiently capture all necessary images without specialized training.
4Loss of information
If traditional 3D modeling methods are used, then real-time image data analytics are limited, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing multiple ground-level images from different angles before 3D model generation. This preliminary image acquisition from multiple perspectives provides rich data for subsequent real-time analytics, enabling comprehensive building analysis without requiring complex post-processing systems.
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.