Parametric Structural Design Model Generation from Point Clouds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating parametric structural design models from point clouds are manual, time-consuming, and prone to subjectivity, leading to inaccuracies and difficulties in sharing and coordinating models across disciplines, with issues such as occlusions, false positives, and computational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates a parametric structural design model by receiving a point cloud, determining relevant planes, retrieving properties from an IFC specification, and creating a streamlined model, which automatically handles occlusions and false positives, using techniques like normal estimation, planar object recognition, and Gaussian smoothing to produce a compact, accurate IFC formatted model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual 3D reconstruction methods are used to create design models from point clouds, then model creation is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming, tedious, and subjective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic plane detection, object identification, and model generation without requiring manual intervention. The algorithm independently processes point cloud data to create parametric models, eliminating the need for operators to manually trace points and define geometry, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical modeling operations with automated computational algorithms. Instead of operators manually creating models from point clouds, the system uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to automatically detect planes, identify structural objects, and generate IFC models, significantly reducing time while maintaining or improving accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If off-the-shelf 3D modeling software is used to generate design models from point clouds, then parametric models can be created, but the methodology becomes computationally expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric information needed for structural modeling by detecting planes and identifying structural objects directly from point clouds. Instead of processing entire point cloud datasets with heavy computational software, the system extracts key features (planes representing walls, floors, ceilings) and uses only the necessary computational resources to generate the model, reducing energy consumption while maintaining model versatility
3Reliability
If manual modeling techniques are used to create structural models, then model creation is possible, but coordination with other disciplines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates models in IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format, which is a universal standard used across multiple disciplines including architecture, structure, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and building controls. This universal format enables seamless coordination between different disciplines and software platforms, eliminating the complexity of inter-disciplinary model coordination while maintaining model reliability through standardized data exchange
4Shape
If point clouds are used for model generation, then 3D representation is achieved, but the technique requires substantial post-processing and subjective tracing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary automatic processing of point cloud data by detecting planes and identifying structural objects before model generation. The system pre-processes the raw point cloud to extract meaningful geometric information (planes representing structural elements) and organizes this data into a structured format, eliminating the need for operators to perform subsequent manual tracing and post-processing operations
5Manufacturing precision
If models are generated from point clouds using traditional methods, then model creation is possible, but modification of component parts becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates parametric models where geometric parameters (dimensions, positions, orientations) are defined as editable variables rather than fixed geometry. This dynamic structure allows users to modify model components by changing parameters without requiring complex geometric editing operations, making model modification as easy as adjusting numerical values while maintaining high precision through the parametric relationships
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a computer implemented method of generating a parametric structural design model from a built structure, a computer program product and an apparatus for performing the method. The computer implemented method comprises the steps of receiving a point cloud (PC) representation of the built structure and thereafter generating a plurality of planes from the PC. Planes that are representative of objects to be included in the model are stored in memory. Other planes that are not representative of objects to be included are discarded. The properties of the objects included in the parametric structural design model are retrieved from an Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard and the parametric structural design model is generated with the chosen planes and the properties of those objects from the IFC standard In this way, the generation of the model is more efficient and less computationally burdensome than was heretofore the case.