Line-of-Sight Generation Using Virtual Shadows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining line-of-sight information are time-consuming and costly, particularly when applied to large scales such as entire cities or neighborhoods, as they rely on LiDAR and high-resolution imagery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize shadows in imagery to generate line-of-sight information by measuring the angle of the sun from object shadows, creating virtual shadows, and determining intersections with other objects, allowing for accurate line-of-sight determination without the need for LiDAR or high-resolution imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods using LiDAR and high-resolution imagery are used to determine line-of-sight, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming and costly processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual shadows as simplified copies of real shadows from imagery. These virtual shadows contain the essential geometric information needed for line-of-sight determination without requiring the full complexity of LiDAR point clouds or high-resolution imagery processing, thus achieving accurate results with lower computational overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard raster imagery that can be obtained from common sources (satellite images, aerial photography) instead of expensive LiDAR surveys. The method processes readily available image data to generate line-of-sight information, making the process more accessible and efficient for large-scale applications
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods using LiDAR and high-resolution imagery are used to determine line-of-sight, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual shadows as simplified copies of real shadows from imagery. These virtual shadows contain the essential geometric information needed for line-of-sight determination without requiring the full complexity of LiDAR point clouds or high-resolution imagery processing, thus achieving accurate results with lower computational overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the input data parameter from high-resolution imagery or LiDAR point clouds to standard raster imagery. By processing lower-resolution image data that still contains sufficient shadow information, the method significantly reduces processing time while maintaining adequate accuracy for line-of-sight determination
3Area of stationary object
If conventional methods are applied to large scales such as entire cities, then coverage area is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes imagery by identifying individual objects and their shadows separately within the larger scene. This segmentation approach allows the method to handle large areas by processing discrete objects independently, making the computational task more manageable and scalable to city-wide applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal method that works with standard raster imagery regardless of the scale or location. The same shadow-based algorithm can be applied uniformly across small neighborhoods or entire cities, providing a scalable solution that maintains consistent performance across different coverage areas
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient and accurate generation of line-of-sight information from any imagery, including low-resolution images, and is scalable and automated, reducing costs and time required for large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a shadow of the at least one object in the raster image; determining an angle of the sun from the shadow of the at least one object
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product are provided for generating line-of-sight information using imagery. In some aspects, the method includes receiving a raster image depicting at least one object in a region of interest, and measuring a shadow of the at least one object in the raster image. The method also includes determining an angle of the sun from the shadow of the at least one object, and creating a plurality of virtual shadows for the at least one object using the angle of the sun. The method further includes generating line-of-sight information for the at least one object based on an intersection of the plurality of virtual shadows with objects in the region of interest.