Point Cloud Data Display System for Real-Time Map Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point cloud data acquisition systems do not allow for real-time monitoring of data acquisition status on a map at a survey site, limiting the ability to track progress and respond to data deficiencies during the measurement process.

Innovation Solution

A point cloud data display system that includes a target unit with an encoder pattern, a scanner device, and a display device, which enables real-time conversion and display of point cloud data into a map coordinate system, allowing for the visualization of data acquisition status on a map.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If point cloud data are acquired using a ground-installed scanner device, then three-dimensional data of terrain and features can be obtained, but real-time monitoring of data acquisition status on a map is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition status informationVSAvoidtime for data processing and display
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-processes and displays point cloud data immediately after acquisition without waiting for complete data collection. The display device shows acquired points on a map in real-time, allowing operators to monitor progress and identify missing areas during the survey process rather than after completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying the status of point cloud data acquisition on a map. The display device shows which areas have been scanned and which require additional measurements, enabling operators to make real-time adjustments to the survey process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If point cloud data are processed and integrated in an office environment, then data accuracy can be ensured, but on-site monitoring and immediate response to data deficiencies are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint cloud data accuracyVSAvoidon-site data monitoring capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a spatial dimension to data monitoring by displaying point cloud acquisition status directly on a map at the survey location. This allows operators to visualize data coverage in the context of the actual measurement environment, combining the precision of processed data with the contextual awareness of on-site monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device acts as an intermediary between the scanner device and the operator, providing real-time visual information about data acquisition status. This intermediary enables on-site monitoring while maintaining the accuracy of processed point cloud data by displaying already-acquired points without requiring immediate re-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 real-time monitoring of point cloud data acquisition status on a map, facilitating on-site adjustments and preventing data deficiencies without the need for re-measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measuring unit for measuring a distance to a target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

scanning unit for rotationally irradiating laser pulsed light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

scanning unit for rotationally irradiating laser pulsed light through a scanning unit, scans a measuring object, and performs a distance measurement and an angle measurement by each pulsed light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3628967B1Point cloud data display system
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3628967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3628967B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3628967B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A point cloud data acquisition system that provides a technology to enable checking of a point cloud data acquisition status on a map in real time at a survey site, includes a target unit including a reflection target, a scanner device configured to perform a distance measurement by transmitting distance measuring light and receiving reflected distance measuring light reflected by a measuring object, scan a measurement range with the distance measuring light, and detect an angle of the distance measuring light to acquire point cloud data of the measurement range, a surveying device configured to measure a distance and an angle to the reflection target and calculate measured coordinates and a direction angle of the scanner device based on distance and angle measurement data of the reflection target, and a display device configured to display data output from the scanner device and the surveying device, wherein the scanner device outputs point cloud data to the display device in association with an observation point each time of acquisition of the point cloud data, the surveying device outputs coordinates and a direction angle of the scanner device at the observation point to the display device in association with the observation point, and the display device converts point cloud data into data in a map coordinate system when all of point cloud data and coordinates and a direction angle of the scanner device are obtained with respect to the observation point, and displays the converted data on a display unit in association with a map.