Lidar Data Visualization Without Interpolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems are inadequate for handling fundamentally discrete data distributions, such as LIDAR data, and fail to effectively convert irregular matrix data into regular matrix data without interpolation, which leads to inaccuracies in object and feature extraction, especially when combined with generic image data.

Innovation Solution

A system that captures and visualizes data by overlaying a control grid on irregular data matrices, processing characteristics without interpolation, and applying parameter-specified rule sets for object and feature extraction, while allowing for dynamic pixel resolutions and geoimage registration without altering original data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If interpolation algorithms (IDW, linear interpolation) are used to convert irregular LIDAR data to regular matrix format, then image generation is achieved, but measurement precision and object extraction accuracy deteriorate due to logical discrepancies in estimating discrete values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage generation capabilityVSAvoidobject height measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the interpolation step from the conventional LIDAR processing pipeline. Instead of using IDW or linear interpolation to convert irregular LIDAR data to regular matrices, the system directly processes irregular data points to generate images, eliminating the source of measurement precision deterioration while maintaining image generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by not transforming irregular data into regular data through interpolation. Instead, it processes the irregular data directly and only transforms the final extracted features into regular matrix format for visualization, reversing the traditional sequence and eliminating premature approximation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If conventional image processing software packages use TIN interpolation to generate images from LIDAR data, then image visualization is achieved, but reliability of object and feature extraction deteriorates due to inappropriate interpolation of discrete data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage visualization capabilityVSAvoidobject and feature extraction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the interpolation step from the conventional pipeline and replaces it with direct processing of irregular LIDAR data points. The system generates images by directly analyzing the spatial distribution and characteristics of discrete LIDAR points without applying TIN interpolation, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving visualization capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data representation from interpolated continuous values to discrete original LIDAR point values. By maintaining the discrete nature of LIDAR data throughout the processing pipeline and only converting to regular matrix format for final visualization, the system preserves extraction reliability while achieving operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If interpolation is applied to convert irregular matrix data to regular matrix data, then data format compatibility is improved, but loss of information occurs due to estimation of missing data points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata format compatibilityVSAvoidoriginal data point accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the interpolation step that causes information loss. Instead of estimating missing data points through IDW or linear interpolation, the system processes irregular data points directly and only converts the final extracted features to regular matrix format, preserving all original information without approximation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis and feature extraction on the irregular data in its original form before any conversion to regular matrix format. This preliminary action captures all original data characteristics and relationships, preventing information loss that would occur if interpolation were applied earlier in the process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8139863B1System for capturing, characterizing and visualizing lidar and generic image data

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 HSU SHIN YI

AI summary

A system that offers a method of capturing, analyzing, and visualizing a matrix of data for object and feature extraction. This is accomplished by reading a matrix of data represented by a plurality of data types into a processor via a data capture system. The matrix of data is overlaid by a control grid to form a regular matrix having a plurality of cells. A data search spatial radius is created from a point in each cell. Data is then processed from the matrix and certain characteristics are captured and represent each variable in each cell of the matrix, and then output, respectively.