3D Modeling Device Boundary Extraction for Hidden Surface Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional modeling techniques struggle to generate accurate models of indoor spaces when objects are partially hidden by large objects or thermally insulating materials, leading to incomplete or inaccurate measurements due to noise and small obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A modeling device and method that uses a 3D laser scanner to obtain measurement data, extracts mathematical formulas representing flat surfaces, and eliminates deviated measurement points by determining boundaries and redetermining surface formulas using extracted points within a predetermined width from these boundaries, allowing for the generation of shape models even when parts of the object are hidden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If measurement is performed in indoor spaces with objects installed, then structural lines can be recovered stably even with noise or small obstacles, but regions are partially lacked due to presence of large objects that block measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of structural line recoveryVSAvoidmissing measurement regions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into multiple stages: initial measurement to detect visible surfaces, boundary determination to identify regions obscured by large objects, and virtual extension to reconstruct hidden regions. This segmentation allows the system to handle both visible and hidden areas systematically, resolving the contradiction between reliability in visible regions and completeness in hidden regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary measurement and boundary determination before attempting to reconstruct hidden regions. By first establishing the boundaries of visible surfaces and identifying where large objects block measurement, the system can then virtually extend surfaces to recover structural lines in hidden regions, ensuring reliable reconstruction based on predetermined boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If measurement is performed with objects installed in the indoor room, then structural lines can be detected, but accurate measurement for replacement of cloth or installation of thermally insulating material cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of structural linesVSAvoidapplicability to different measurement purposes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adapts the measurement process based on the measurement purpose. When the purpose is structural line detection, the system utilizes visible surfaces and detected boundaries. When the purpose requires complete surface measurement (such as for cloth replacement or insulation installation), the system virtually extends surfaces to reconstruct hidden regions, providing adaptability to different measurement needs while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If all measurement points on a surface are used to determine mathematical formula, then noise and deviated points affect accuracy, but excluding points reduces measurement completeness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of surface representationVSAvoidexclusion of measurement points
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining boundaries and using only measurement points within predetermined widths from these boundaries for mathematical formula determination. This local approach ensures that points are selected based on their proximity to verified surface boundaries, improving accuracy by excluding deviated points while maintaining completeness by systematically selecting points from the valid boundary regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3226212B1Modeling device, three-dimensional model generating device, modeling method, and program
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3226212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3226212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3226212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention would be to determine an accurate shape model even if measurement points of only part of a surface are obtained. The modeling device (10) according to the present invention includes a data obtainer (11), a surface extractor (12), and a modeler (13). The surface extractor (12) determines, by use of mathematical formulae representing a first surface (3) and second surfaces (3) surrounding the first surface (3), of the three-dimensional object (30), boundaries surrounding the first surface (3). The surface extractor (12) extracts, from measurement points belonging to the first surface (3), measurement points relating to a region (D1) inside the first surface (3) and having a predetermined width (W1) from the boundaries.