Virtual Reality Data File Generation from 3D Point Clouds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point cloud display systems limit user immersion in virtual reality environments as they are represented on two-dimensional displays, making it difficult to visualize three-dimensional data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a virtual reality data file by converting point cloud data into a format compatible with virtual reality devices, allowing users to insert and view user-defined content within the point cloud data in a three-dimensional virtual environment, using a service provider computer and coordinate measurement devices like laser scanners to measure three-dimensional coordinates and integrate user-defined content such as text, images, videos, and audio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If point cloud data is displayed on two-dimensional displays, then the display system is simple and easy to operate, but user immersion and three-dimensional visualization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the display from two-dimensional screens to three-dimensional virtual reality environments. The system converts point cloud data into formats compatible with VR devices, enabling users to immerse themselves in the three-dimensional scanned scene and view data from multiple angles and perspectives, thereby resolving the limitation of 2D displays while maintaining ease of operation through standardized VR interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If point cloud data is converted to virtual reality format, then user immersion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service provider system that acts as an intermediary between the point cloud data and the user's VR device. This service provider computer performs the complex tasks of converting point cloud data to VR-compatible formats, managing data storage, and handling device compatibility, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the user's end while maintaining high user immersion
3Loss of information
If user-defined content is inserted into point cloud data, then information representation is enhanced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges user-defined content (such as annotations, measurements, or additional data layers) with the original point cloud data during the conversion process. The service provider system integrates these elements into a unified VR-compatible format, allowing enhanced information representation without requiring separate processing steps, thereby managing data processing complexity efficiently
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
Enables users to visualize and interact with point cloud data in a more immersive and realistic three-dimensional virtual reality environment, enhancing user experience by incorporating user-defined content and improving data representation beyond traditional two-dimensional limitations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a beam of light onto the objects and collecting the reflected or scattered light to determine the distance, two-angles (i.e., an azimuth and a zenith angle), and optionally a gray-scale value
Implementation Method 2
A 3D laser scanner TOF device steers a beam of light to a non-cooperative target such as a diffusely scattering surface of an object. A distance meter in the device measures a distance to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a virtual reality scene from scanned point cloud data having user defined content is provided. The system includes a coordinate measurement device operable to measure three-dimensional coordinates. A computing device having a processor is operably coupled to the coordinate measurement device, the processor being operable to generate a point cloud data and insert user defined content into the point cloud data in response to an input from a user, the processor further being operable to generate a virtual reality data file based at least in part on the point cloud data with the user defined content. A virtual reality device is operably coupled to the computing device, the virtual reality device being operable to display the virtual reality data file to the user.