Survey Data Processing Using Panoramic Image Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining correspondence relationships between point cloud data obtained from multiple instrument points using laser scanners are inefficient, requiring manual operation and extensive calculations, and often result in low accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A survey data processing device and method that includes a panoramic image data receiving unit, point cloud data receiving unit, similar part designation unit, correspondence relationship determining unit, and assisting indication controlling section, which facilitates easy determination of correspondence relationships by designating similar parts between panoramic images and using known positional and attitude relationships of cameras to align and merge point cloud data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual designation of corresponding points is performed between two pieces of point cloud data, then accuracy of correspondence relationship can be achieved, but work efficiency in finding corresponding points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of correspondence relationshipVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces panoramic images as an intermediary medium between two point cloud datasets. The panoramic image provides a visual reference that operators can use to easily identify corresponding points between different instrument positions without directly manipulating complex point cloud data, thus maintaining accuracy while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of directly identifying corresponding points in 3D space with a visual-based system using panoramic images. This substitution allows operators to leverage human visual processing capabilities rather than manually searching through coordinate data, significantly improving work efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If exterior orientation parameters are obtained to merge multiple pieces of point cloud data, then merging accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate due to required operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemerging accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically calculates exterior orientation parameters using the panoramic image and corresponding point cloud data without requiring manual intervention. The automated processing reduces operational complexity while maintaining merging accuracy through systematic computation of position and attitude information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If software processing is performed to match shapes of point clouds, then correspondence relationship can be determined, but unnecessary calculations increase and accuracy decreases unless approximate matching is performed in advance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of matchingVSAvoidmatching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by generating panoramic images that provide pre-processed visual information about the scene. This preliminary visualization helps operators identify corresponding points more easily before detailed matching is performed, reducing the need for extensive approximate matching calculations while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3628968B1Survey data processing device, survey data processing method, and survey data processing program
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3628968B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3628968B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3628968B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A survey data processing device includes a panoramic image data receiving unit, a point cloud data receiving unit, a similar part designation receiving unit, and a correspondence relationship determining unit. The panoramic image data receiving unit receives first and second panoramic images that are respectively obtained at a first point of view and a second point of view. The point cloud data receiving unit receives first point cloud data that is obtained by a first laser scanner and receives second point cloud data that is obtained by a second laser scanner. The similar part designation receiving unit receives designation of a part that is the same or similar between the first and second panoramic images. The correspondence relationship determining unit determines a correspondence relationship between the first and second point cloud data on the basis of the first and second point cloud data corresponding to the same or similar part.