3D Virtual Sensor Placement with Shadow Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional two-dimensional methods for camera placement in video surveillance are imprecise and computationally intensive, failing to account for elevation and occlusions, making it difficult to optimize camera coverage effectively, especially in complex infrastructure environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of three-dimensional models combined with shadow mapping technology allows for real-time interactive visualization and quantitative analysis of camera coverage, enabling precise evaluation and intuitive display of camera placement, including occlusion effects and resolution constraints, using pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities of video sensing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional geometry models with occlusion calculation are used, then measurement precision of camera coverage is improved, but computing time and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the camera and environment in a three-dimensional virtual space. This virtual model allows coverage analysis to be performed on the copy rather than requiring complex real-time calculations on the actual physical system, significantly reducing computing time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-computing coverage areas and occlusion effects in the virtual environment before actual camera installation. This advance preparation allows for optimized camera placement decisions without time-consuming computations during deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If three-dimensional models with real-time occlusion calculation are used, then manufacturing precision of camera placement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual environment as an intermediary between the physical camera and the analysis system. This virtual intermediary handles the complex three-dimensional geometry calculations and occlusion analysis, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high placement precision.
3Ease of operation
If two-dimensional floor plan methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of camera coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor plan analysis to three-dimensional virtual environment analysis. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to account for elevation, camera height, and vertical occlusions that are invisible in 2D plans, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive virtual visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
A process for sensor placement and analysis using a virtual environment includes receiving into a computer processor a model of an area, a position in the model that represents a placement of a virtual sensor, and an orientation of the virtual sensor. A shadow map of the area is generated as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor. The shadow map is used to determine one or more portions of the area that can be sensed by the virtual sensor. The area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is determined, and information relating to the area of the model that is covered as a function of the position and orientation of the virtual sensor is transmitted to an output device.