Voxel Data Structure for 3D Spatial Information Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software models are disconnected from the physical world, making it challenging to efficiently store and process geographic, spatial, geometric, and material datasets, particularly in synchronizing computable models with their intended representations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for efficient storage and processing of geographic and geometric datasets using recursively structured voxel data, indexed by x, y, and z coordinates, with a distinction between location and material voxels, allowing for hierarchical composition and decomposition, and incorporating temporal and spatial information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional 2D software models are used to represent geographic and spatial data, then software compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but the ability to accurately model and process 3D spatial information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D software models to a 3D voxel-based data structure, adding the z-dimension (depth) to the conventional x-y plane. This dimensional expansion enables accurate representation of geographic, spatial, and material datasets in three-dimensional space, resolving the contradiction by prioritizing spatial accuracy while accepting increased structural complexity as a necessary trade-off for realistic modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments continuous 3D space into discrete volumetric units called voxels, each identified by x, y, z coordinates. This segmentation allows complex 3D spatial information to be broken down into manageable, addressable units that can be efficiently stored and processed, mitigating the complexity issue while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If detailed 3D spatial data is stored with high resolution, then measurement precision and model accuracy are improved, but data storage requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs quantized coordinates for voxels, transforming continuous spatial parameters into discrete values. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high measurement precision within defined quantization intervals while reducing the overall data volume by storing discrete coordinate values rather than continuous floating-point numbers for every point in space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical voxel structure where voxels can be nested at different levels of detail. Coarse-grained voxel structures can represent large geographic areas with lower resolution, while fine-grained nested voxels provide high-resolution detail for specific regions of interest. This nesting approach enables the system to maintain high measurement precision where needed while reducing overall data volume through selective detail
3Adaptability or versatility
If static 3D models are used, then data storage is simplified, but the ability to represent dynamic material changes and temporal evolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temporal dynamics to the voxel model by allowing material voxels to change their properties and positions over time. Material voxels can be created, moved, transformed, and destroyed, with their states recorded across multiple time points. This dynamic capability enables the representation of material evolution, resource extraction, and environmental changes while maintaining a relatively simple underlying data structure that builds upon the static voxel framework
4Ease of operation
If a unified voxel structure is used for both location and material data, then data organization is simplified, but the ability to handle distinct spatial and material properties is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between location voxels and material voxels within the unified voxel framework. Location voxels store spatial reference information and remain static, while material voxels store material properties and can change dynamically. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain simple unified data organization while preserving the distinct characteristics and behaviors of spatial versus material properties through voxel-type-specific attributes and operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for handling 3 dimensional spatial information, the system including: a specialised application layer for the production of visual interactive applications associated with the 3 dimensional spatial information; a generic foundation client layer providing 3 dimensional spatial information interrogation routines, including a message passing interface; and a voxel server for interconnected to said generic foundation client via said message passing interface for the storage of 3 dimensional spatial information as a voxel data base.