Partial 3D Model Transfer for BIM Bandwidth Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building information modeling (BIM) systems face challenges with large model sizes, network and storage burdens, registration issues of depth and image data, and 'blind spots' due to fixed mounting requirements, which limit their online and wireless usage and data stitching efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that transfer only partial updates of 3D models between an external data store and a local storage, using imaging and depth information collection systems to stitch and match data, allowing for reduced bandwidth and storage needs, improved data stitching, and enabling operation in mounted, roaming, and drone/vehicle modes to capture obscured areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the modelling system stores complete 3D models locally, then data access speed is improved, but storage requirements and network bandwidth consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complete 3D model into multiple parts or components, storing only the necessary portions locally in the modelling system while keeping other parts in external storage. This segmentation allows faster access to critical model elements without requiring the entire model to be stored locally, thus improving data access speed while reducing storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and stores only the essential or frequently accessed portions of the 3D model data locally in the modelling system, while the complete model remains in external storage. This extraction approach enables the system to access critical data quickly without bearing the full storage burden, resolving the contradiction between access speed and storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the system is securely fixed on a tripod for stable imaging, then data collection stability is improved, but the ability to capture obscured areas and adapt to different locations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection stabilityVSAvoidability to capture obscured areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the modelling system to operate in both static (tripod-mounted) and dynamic (mobile) modes. The system adapts its operational characteristics based on the mounting state, allowing stable data collection when fixed and flexible movement when mobile. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability and versatility by making the system's behavior context-dependent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the modelling system to perform multiple functions: it can be securely mounted on a tripod for stable, precise imaging when needed, or moved to different locations to capture obscured areas and blind spots. The system's ability to function effectively in both fixed and mobile configurations provides the versatility needed to overcome the stability-versus-adaptability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If the system is moved to collect additional data from different locations, then coverage of obscured areas is improved, but stitching accuracy of depth and image data decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidstitching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference features or markers that serve as intermediaries between different data sets collected at various locations. These reference points facilitate accurate alignment and stitching of depth and image data even when the system moves between positions, maintaining stitching accuracy while enabling expanded coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration and establishes reference frameworks before moving the system to collect data from different locations. By setting up reference points and calibration data in advance, the system ensures that subsequent stitching operations can accurately align data from multiple locations, preserving stitching accuracy while expanding coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3287988B1Modelling system and method
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 NCTECH LTD
  • EP3287988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3287988B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~3
  • EP3287988B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for generating or updating a virtual 3D model (77) of a structure or environment using a modelling system (5). The modelling system (5) includes at least one imaging system 915), at least one processor (65) and data storage (70). The method involves transferring a part (90) but not all of a model (77) of a structure or environment from an external data store (80) to the data storage (70) of the modelling system (5); using the at least one imaging system (15) to collect at least one image (95) of the structure or environment; determining or collecting depth information (100) for the structure or environment; and updating the part (90) of the model in the data storage (70) with the at least one image (95) and the depth information (100) to form an updated part (90) of the model. Also included are a corresponding modelling system (5), processing system (60), computer program product and drone system.