Synchronized 2D/3D Scene Visualization for Remote Inspection Detail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methodologies for remote review of previously captured image and sensor data are limited by the quality and fidelity of the data, leading to lossy point clouds and insufficient detail for accurate visualization and analysis, especially when magnification is required, which can result in incomplete information and the need for onsite visits.
Innovation Solution
A method that synchronizes sensor data into a single coordinate system, allowing for concurrent display of 2D and 3D information on a user's display with synchronized viewports that mimic real-time positioning and orientation of a scene camera, enabling navigation and updating of 3D renderings and 2D images to provide detailed insights from any perspective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote review of previously captured image and sensor data is conducted, then safety and speed of inspection tasks are improved, but the quality and fidelity of data are insufficient leading to lossy point clouds and inadequate detail for accurate visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing comprehensive sensor data (images, point clouds, metadata) during the initial data acquisition phase, storing multiple views and high-resolution information before remote review is needed. This preliminary capture of excess detail ensures that when remote inspection occurs, sufficient quality data is available for accurate visualization without requiring onsite visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical inspection environment by generating 3D point clouds and rendering scenes from captured sensor data. These digital replicas allow remote users to interact with and examine objects in virtual space with high fidelity, maintaining measurement precision while enabling safe, fast remote inspection. The copying process preserves detailed geometric and visual information that can be magnified and examined without degradation.
2Measurement precision
If magnification of captured data is applied to obtain detailed information, then inspection detail is improved, but the data quality becomes insufficient resulting in lossy point clouds and incomplete information
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures multiple images and sensor data from various angles and distances during the initial acquisition phase, performing preliminary action to gather comprehensive detail information before remote review. This includes capturing high-resolution images and dense point cloud data that can be later magnified without information loss, as the detailed data already exists in the captured dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D images to 3D point cloud representations, adding a dimensional aspect that preserves spatial relationships and enables magnification without information loss. The 3D structure allows users to examine objects from multiple virtual angles and zoom in on details while maintaining geometric accuracy, preventing the information degradation that occurs with simple 2D image magnification.
3Measurement precision
If concurrent display of 2D and 3D information with synchronized viewports is implemented, then visualization quality and contextual relevance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a scene camera as an intermediary element that mediates between the captured sensor data and the user's viewports. The scene camera's position and orientation serve as a reference frame that synchronizes multiple viewports, allowing concurrent display of 2D images and 3D point clouds from consistent perspectives. This intermediary approach manages complexity by providing a unified coordinate system and view management mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewport system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single viewport framework can display multiple data types (2D images, 3D point clouds, rendered scenes) simultaneously from synchronized perspectives. This universal viewport architecture reduces overall system complexity by using a single coordinated display mechanism rather than separate independent display systems for each data type.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods herein provide improved methodologies for visualization on a user's display of sensor data (e.g., 2D and 3D information obtained from or derived from sensors) for objects, components, or features of interest in a scene. The previously acquired sensor data is processable for concurrent display of objects/features/scene or location visualizations to a user during their real-time navigation of a scene camera during a variety of user visualization activities. Sensor data can be acquired via the operation of vehicles configured with one or more sensors, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, or from other methodologies, or from any other suitable sensor data acquisition activities. Objects etc. for which acquired sensor data can be visualized by a user on a display includes buildings, parts of buildings, and infrastructure elements, among other things. The improved display of information to a user for visualization and information generation therefrom provides significant benefits over prior art display methodologies and exhibits notable utility for user activities such as, inspection, condition assessment, performance assessment, insurance applications, construction, inventorying, building information modeling, asset management and the like. Information derivable from the methodologies herein can be used for machine learning libraries and digital twin processes.