Terrain Mesh Watershed Segmentation via Saddle Point Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for civil engineering, such as CAD, CAE, and CAM systems, lack accuracy, robustness, and efficiency in terrain modeling and watershed segmentation, leading to unsatisfactory results and the need for improved methods for civil engineering applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for civil engineering that performs watershed segmentation by identifying saddle points on a terrain mesh, computing ascending and descending paths, and merging connected components to define drainage basins, which does not modify the input mesh and is robust and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for terrain modeling and watershed segmentation are used, then basic functionality is provided, but accuracy and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the terrain mesh into connected components through watershed segmentation. The method identifies saddle points and computes ascending/descending paths to partition the terrain into meaningful drainage basins, improving segmentation accuracy while maintaining robustness through topologically consistent division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first identifying all saddle points on the terrain mesh before computing watershed segmentation. This preliminary identification of critical points enables subsequent accurate segmentation without modifying the input mesh, thereby improving both accuracy and robustness of the watershed segmentation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If mesh modification is performed to improve segmentation, then segmentation quality may improve, but mesh quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the terrain mesh to perform watershed segmentation operations. By working on a copy rather than modifying the original mesh, the method achieves high segmentation quality while preserving the original mesh quality intact, directly resolving the contradiction between segmentation precision and mesh shape preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computation of watershed segmentation on a copied mesh structure, allowing accurate segmentation to be achieved without altering the input mesh. This preliminary action on a copy enables high manufacturing precision in segmentation while maintaining the original mesh's geometric integrity.
3Measurement precision
If detailed watershed segmentation is performed, then physical information accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terrain mesh into connected components using watershed segmentation based on saddle points and flow paths. This segmentation approach provides accurate physical information about drainage basins while optimizing processing time by efficiently traversing the mesh structure and avoiding unnecessary computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by computing ascending and descending paths from saddle points to define watershed boundaries. This parameter-based approach (using elevation gradients and flow directions) achieves high physical information accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency through systematic parameter traversal rather than exhaustive processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a computer-implemented method for civil engineering. The method comprises providing a mesh representing a terrain and a polyline on the mesh. The method further comprises computing a contributor of the polyline. The computing of the contributor comprises modifying the mesh by determining, based on the polyline, a trench below the polyline. The computing of the contributor further comprises computing a watershed segmentation of the terrain based on the modified mesh. The computing of the contributor further comprises, based on the computed watershed segmentation, identifying, on the modified mesh, a basin comprising the trench. The contributor corresponds to the identified basin.