Sight Distance Evaluation Using Virtual Camera Transparency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining sight distances in civil engineering projects fail to accurately account for intervening objects and their transparency, limiting the ability to assess visibility in virtual reality models.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that analyze the difference in images rendered with and without intervening objects to determine sight distance, taking into account the transparency of these objects, allowing for the calculation of visibility zones and invisibility zones in virtual reality settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GIS systems are used to calculate sight distance, then basic visibility assessment is possible, but the accuracy is insufficient due to failure to account for intervening objects and their transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual camera as an intermediary tool within the GIS environment to simulate human visual perception. This virtual camera captures images from specific viewpoints and allows for the analysis of intervening objects between the observer and target, enabling accurate sight distance measurement while maintaining integration with existing GIS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the human visual system through the virtual camera, which replicates the line-of-sight assessment process. By rendering images from the virtual camera position and comparing them with and without intervening objects, the system accurately determines sight distance without requiring physical surveying equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality models are used to represent civil engineering projects, then detailed visualization is achieved, but the ability to evaluate sight distance considering transparency of objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic evaluation process where the virtual camera can be positioned at multiple viewpoints along the sight line, and intervening objects can be selectively enabled or disabled to assess their impact on visibility. This dynamic approach allows for comprehensive sight distance evaluation that accounts for the transparency and positioning of various objects in the virtual environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the visual field into distinct components: the virtual camera position, the target object, and intervening objects. By analyzing the relationship between these segmented elements and their interactions (occlusion, transparency), the system reliably determines sight distance in complex virtual environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sight distance analysis comprising: acquiring a scene-graph representation comprising three dimensional entities; acquiring at least one three dimensional object representation within the scene graph environment; acquiring a target object representation; selecting at least one camera position; positioning the acquired target object representation in the scene graph representation at a distance from the selected at least one camera position; and determining a visibility factor for the positioned target object representation.