Automated Symbol Counting in Construction Drawings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for searching and counting symbols in electronic drawings often result in false positives due to variations in symbol appearance and identifiers, leading to inaccurate counting of similar symbols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a refined search process that filters initial search results using specific identifiers associated with the symbols, allowing for precise identification and counting of desired symbols by specifying pixels within the identifiers, and optionally conducting an expanded search with a defined search area around the symbol and its identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automated search is performed to count symbols in a drawing, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false positives from similar symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the symbol identification process into multiple stages: initial automated search to locate candidate symbols, followed by refined secondary search using identifier pixels to filter results. This multi-stage segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity while improving measurement precision by eliminating false positives through progressive filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces identifier pixels as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between automated search and accurate identification. By using specific pixels within identifiers (such as unique pattern recognition points) as mediators, the system can automatically distinguish between similar symbols without requiring manual verification, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
2Measurement precision
If a refined secondary search is performed using identifier pixels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and storing identifier pixel locations and characteristics before the search process begins. This preparation work is done in advance, allowing the refined secondary search to efficiently filter results without adding significant complexity during the actual counting operation. The system pre-processes identifier information to create a reference framework that simplifies subsequent filtering.
3Quantity of substance
If similar symbols with variations are included in search results, then completeness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unwanted symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing the refined search on specific local characteristics - the identifier pixels within each symbol. Rather than requiring complete symbol matching which would reduce completeness, the system examines local identifier regions to distinguish between similar symbols. This local-focused approach maintains completeness by capturing all instances while improving precision by filtering based on distinctive local features.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides the ability to count symbols within drawings in an automated fashion using a computer processor. This may be accomplished by identifying a particular symbol (representing a drawing part) and then permitting the computer to search for the identified symbol in the drawing. Following the initial search, a secondary search may be performed to increase the accuracy of an initial automated count, and obtaining refined searches results representing similar parts (represented by the same symbol) but being a part type as indicated by an identifier associated with the initial symbol.