3D Network Planning Tool for Outside Plant Asset Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network planning tools are limited to two-dimensional representations, which hinder the effective visualization and management of telecommunication assets in their actual environments, lacking the ability to provide a meaningful view of existing and proposed outside plant assets in three-dimensional space.
Innovation Solution
A network planning tool that utilizes highly accurate 3D position coordinates synchronized with visually rich images, leveraging point cloud data from technologies like LIDAR to visualize and manage outside plant assets, allowing for the differentiation of existing and proposed assets, measurement of metrics, and visualization of coverage areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional 2D network planning tools are used, then the tools are simple to operate and understand, but they cannot provide a meaningful view of outside plant assets in their actual three-dimensional environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D map representations to 3D visualizations by integrating point cloud data with photographic images. This dimensionality change allows network planning tools to display outside plant assets in their actual three-dimensional environments, providing depth, scale, and spatial context that were lost in traditional 2D views while maintaining ease of operation through the familiar photographic interface.
2Measurement precision
If 3D point cloud data is integrated into network planning tools, then accurate visualization of outside plant assets in three-dimensional space is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of the actual physical environment by capturing photographs and overlaying processed point cloud data. These 3D visual representations serve as accurate digital twins of outside plant assets, enabling precise measurement and visualization without requiring physical site visits. The copying approach maintains measurement precision while managing system complexity through software-based processing rather than hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces point cloud processing as an intermediary between raw LIDAR data and the final 3D visualization. This intermediary step separates the complex data acquisition process from the user interface, allowing accurate 3D measurements to be achieved while keeping the network planning tool relatively simple to operate. The point cloud acts as a mediator that translates physical space into digital representations.
3Productivity
If traditional 2D GIS data is used for mapping outside plant assets, then the data processing is simple and fast, but the ability to visualize assets in their actual environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional 2D GIS data with 3D point cloud visualizations and photographic images. This combination allows the system to maintain the processing speed and structural organization of 2D data while adding rich environmental context through 3D elements. The merged approach enables network planners to work with familiar 2D interfaces enhanced by 3D visual overlays, preserving productivity while reducing information loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate visualization and management of telecommunication assets in three-dimensional space, facilitating better planning, measurement, and reporting of outside plant assets, improving efficiency and reducing the need for physical site visits.
Implementation Method 1
highly accurate point cloud data, produced by light-based radar (LIDAR) or another suitable imaging technology, indicating 3D coordinates of points on the surfaces of objects
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunication network planning method, system, and computer readable medium support accessing point cloud data and a corresponding image of a location. The point cloud data indicates positions of physical objects visible in the image. A network planning function may be performed. The network planning function may include modifying an outside plant asset object visible in the image, obtaining a metric of an outside plant asset object visible in the image, and adding a virtual outside plant asset to a location. The point cloud data may be associated with the image within an interface that depicts the image to facilitate visualization of the outside plant assets in the surrounding environment.