Hi-resolution three-dimensional imaging apparatus for topographic and 3d models

• US 20020138228A1
• Filed: 10/05/2001
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Solid Terrain Modeling
• Original Assignee: Solid Terrain Modeling
• Inventors: Fisher, Mark E., Faulkner, Lawrence Q., Luton, Justin
• Granted Patent: US 7,291,364 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/138
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/05 Geographic models
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 25/06 for surveying; for geography, e.g. relief models globes G09B27/00; maps G09B29/00

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an automated system that includes a hi-resolution three-dimensional imaging apparatus for topographic modeling that is electronically coupled with a computer. The system incorporates one or more algorithms for converting the complex and randomly-occurring contours found in natural terrain into an efficient series of adjacent and parallel coloring-agent imaging paths or swaths (comprised of inks, dyes, paints, and/or pigments). The swaths are defined in simplified 2-axis surface contour-following printer-head movements by the system'"'"'s CPU, printer driver software, driver circuitry and/or logic circuitry. This multi-axis control of the system assures that each of the swaths are seamlessly rendered next to one another while also maintaining an optimal proximity between the upper surface of the 3D model and the nozzle end of one or more hi-resolution printer. A single coloring-agent such as black ink, may be used solely, or in combination with a plurality of colors such as a Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black or “CMYK” combination. The system also incorporates algorithms for applying accurately registered indicia of a prescribed color, or colors, onto the surface of models including man-made boundaries such as property lines, easements, right-of-ways, land-development features; naturally occurring boundaries such as ridges and flow-lines, bodies of water, lakes, lake-beds, rivers, river-beds and forested areas including tree varieties; lettering including the accommodation of a variety of fonts; graphical embellishments; and cartographic elements.

Claims

1. An automated system for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

a data translator for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a plurality of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model so as to generate a series of adjacent two-dimensional contours within each of the cross-section planes;

at least one dispensing means for dispensing indicia onto an object based on said plurality of cross-sections so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model; and

a multi-axis driving device for driving the dispensing means so as to move in response to each of the two-dimensional contours of the plurality of cross-section planes.

2. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the data translator includes means for interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and means for generating motion control codes based on said grid data points.

3. An automated system according to claim 2, wherein the indicia includes pixel data associated with grid data points of the 3D grid.

4. An automated system according to claim 3, wherein the pixel data is separated into separate color data sets.

5. An automated system according to claim 3, wherein the separate pixel data sets include separate data for each of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

6. An automated system according to claim 3, wherein the pixel data is formatted for gray scale.

7. An automated system according to claim 1 further comprising a stabilization means for reducing air pressure interference in and around the dispensing means so as to increase accuracy of the dispensing means.

8. An automated system according to claim 7, wherein the stabilization means is a chamber enclosing the system.

9. An automated system according to claim 7, wherein the stabilization means is a vacuum chamber within which air is pumped out.

10. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means is formed to produce image resolutions between 100-1400 dpi.

11. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means dispenses at least one coloring-agent made from at least one of an ink, dye, paint and pigment, so as to apply the indicia.

12. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means include at least one nozzle, mechanical pen or marker.

13. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means include a CO₂ cutting laser for etching the model to create an image.

14. An automated system according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing means includes a plurality of dispensing elements, each element for dispensing a different coloring-agent.

15. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means is formed to dispense at least one of a fluorescent material, a magnetic material, a photo-reactive material, and an electrically conductive material.

16. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the photo-reactive material is a photo-sensitive emulsion to be coated on the surface of the model and exposed under an enlarger in a darkroom.

17. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the electrically conductive material is placed onto a three-dimensional surface in a precise pattern so as to be used as part of a display system.

18. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the electrically conductive material is placed onto a control grid in a precise pattern for sensing a touch onto a three-dimensional surface.

19. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the electrically conductive material is conductive ink.

20. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the fluorescent material contains Organic Light Emitting Diodes.

21. An automated system according to claim 15, wherein the magnetic material is magnetic -ink used in Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology.

22. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means includes a dispensing outlet, a dispensing reservoir for storing a fluid to be dispense via the dispensing outlet to the model, a dispensing pressure control means for maintaining fluid pressure in the reservoir so as to prevent uncontrolled variations in the dispensing means.

23. An automated system according to claim 22, wherein the dispensing pressure control means includes a pulse-shaped tube connected between the dispensing reservoir and the dispensing outlet so as to reduce or isolate the dispensing outlet from the fluid pressure fluctuation in the reservoir and thereby prevent uncontrolled variations in the dispensing means.

24. An automated system according to claim 23, wherein the tube made from metal.

25. An automated system according to claim 22, wherein the dispensing pressure control means includes a fluid pressure sensor in fluid communication with the dispensing reservoir for sensing the fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir, a primary reservoir connecting to the dispensing reservoir via a valve so as to maintain a constant fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir.

26. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means includes at least one sensor for sensing the surface of the model so as to prevent the dispensing means from colliding with the model.

27. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the data translator includes means for interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and the dispensing means is operatively connected with the multi-axis driving device so as to travel along a serpentine pattern in response to the grid data points of the 3D grid.

28. An automated system according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing means is operatively connected with the multi-axis driving device so as to travel along a serpentine pattern in response to the motion control codes.

29. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axis driving device includes at least one friction-reducing means for facilitating free movement in a single axis.

30. An automated system according to claim 29, wherein the friction-reducing means is at least one of tongue-in-groove guide, a guide bearing and a guide roller.

31. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axis driving device includes one horizontal guide means moving in a first direction and a second horizontal guide means moving in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

32. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the driving device includes means for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes.

33. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the driving device includes means for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to the motion control codes.

34. An automated system according to claim 33, wherein the determining means being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to input information including a size of the dispensing means, a material of the dispensing means and a material of the object to be cut.

35. An automated system according to claim 34, wherein the determining means being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to input information including a selected scale of the terrain to be made into the model.

36. An automated system according to claim 33, wherein the determining means being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to detect inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

37. An automated system according to claim 36, wherein the determining means being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to reconcile inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

38. An automated system according to claim 36, wherein said determining means is operatively connected to generate warning signals to a user in response to detected abnormalities and errors.

39. An automated system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-axis driving device includes at least one stepper motor.

40. An automated system according to claim 39, wherein the multi-axis driving device further includes at least one stepper motor-driven lead-screw per axis, and the dispensing means is affixed to and operative from one of the lead-screws.

41. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing means includes a plurality of print heads, each of the print heads being operatively connected to dispense a coloring-agent different from the other print heads.

42. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein each of the plurality of print heads includes a nozzle for dispensing a respective coloring-agent.

43. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein each of the plurality of print heads includes a plurality of nozzle for dispensing a respective coloring-agent.

44. An automated system for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

a data translator for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a three-dimensional grid including a plurality of grid intersection points;

at least one dispensing means for dispensing indicia on the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model; and

a multi-axis driving device for driving the dispensing means to move in response to the three-dimensional grid in a serpentine pattern along rows of the grid intersection points in the three-dimensional grid.

47. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the computer readable medium includes an algorithm for interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and an algorithm for generating motion control codes based on said grid data points.

48. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the dispensing machine is operatively controlled by operation of the computer readable medium so as to move the dispensing device along a serpentine pattern in response to the grid data points of the 3D grid.

49. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the dispensing machine is operatively controlled by operation of the computer readable medium so as to move the dispensing tool along a serpentine pattern in response to the motion control codes.

50. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the multi-axis dispensing machine includes one horizontal guide element moving in a first direction and a second horizontal guide element moving in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

51. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the computer readable medium includes an algorithm for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing machine in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes.

52. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the driving device includes means for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing machine in response to the motion control codes.

53. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the determining algorithm being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing machine in response to input information including a type of the dispensing device, a type of coloring-agent to be dispensed by the dispensing device and a material of the object.

54. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the determining algorithm being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing machine in response to input information including a selected scale of the terrain to be made into the model.

55. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the determining algorithm being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to detect inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

56. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the determining algorithm being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to reconcile inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

57. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said determining means is operatively connected to generate warning signals to a user in response to detected abnormalities and errors.

58. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device includes a plurality of print heads, each of the print heads being operatively connected to dispense a coloring-agent different from the other print heads.

59. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 58, wherein each of the plurality of print heads includes a nozzle for dispensing a respective coloring-agent.

60. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 58, wherein each of the plurality of print heads includes a plurality of nozzle for dispensing a respective coloring-agent.

61. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the indicia includes pixel data associated with grid data points of the 3D grid.

62. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the pixel data is separated into separate color data sets.

63. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the separate pixel data sets include separate data for each of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

64. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the pixel data is formatted for gray scale.

65. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46 further comprising a stabilization means for reducing air pressure interference in and around the dispensing device so as to increase accuracy of the dispensing device.

66. An automated system according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device is formed to produce image resolutions between 100-1400 dpi.

67. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device dispenses at least one coloring-agent made from at least one of an ink, dye, paint and pigment, so as to apply the indicia.

68. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device include at least one nozzle, mechanical pen or marker.

69. A dispensing apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device includes a plurality of dispensing elements, each element for dispensing a different coloring-agent.

70. An automated system according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device includes a dispensing outlet, a dispensing reservoir for storing a fluid to be dispense via the dispensing outlet to the model, a dispensing pressure control means for maintaining fluid pressure in the reservoir so as to increase accuracy of prevent uncontrolled variations in the dispensing device.

71. An automated system according to claim 70, wherein the dispensing pressure control means includes a pulse-shaped tube connected between the dispensing reservoir and the dispensing outlet so as to reduce or isolate the dispensing outlet from the fluid pressure fluctuation in the reservoir and prevent uncontrolled variations in the dispensing device.

72. An automated system according to claim 71, wherein the tube made from metal.

73. An automated system according to claim 70, wherein the dispensing pressure control means includes a fluid pressure sensor in fluid communication with the dispensing reservoir for sensing the fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir, a primary reservoir connecting to the dispensing reservoir via a valve so as to maintain a constant fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir.

74. An automated system according to claim 46, wherein the dispensing device includes at least one sensor for sensing the surface of the model so as to prevent the dispensing device from colliding with the model.

45. A hi-accuracy three-dimensional dispensing apparatus for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

a data translator for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two-dimensional contours along each of such cross-section planes;

at least one indicia printing device for printing onto an object so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model; and

a multi-axis driving device with the printing device being operatively mounted so as to move in response to the series of adjacent two-dimensional contours.

46. A hi-accuracy three-dimensional dispensing apparatus for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

a computer;

a multi-axis dispensing machine for dispensing indicia onto a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, the dispensing machine having a dispensing device for dispensing material onto the object and a driving device for driving the dispensing device in multiple axes in and around the object; and

a computer readable medium containing an algorithm for converting the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two dimensional contours in each of the cross-section planes, and an algorithm for controlling the multi-axis dispensing machine.

75. A computer program product for controlling a hi-accuracy three-dimensional dispensing apparatus for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

a data translating module for translating the elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the terrain to be modeled and sequentially to a series of adjacent two dimensional contours within each of the cross-section planes;

a dispensing module for controlling a dispensing device formed to dispense indicia onto an object so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model; and

a multi-axis driving module for controlling a driving device operatively connected to the dispensing device so as to move the dispensing device along the two-dimensional contour of each of the cross-section planes.

76. A computer program product according to claim 75, wherein the data translating module includes a module for interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and means for generating motion control codes based on said grid data points.

77. A computer program product according to claim 75, wherein the data translating module includes a module for interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and the dispensing module is operatively formed to drive the driving device to travel along a serpentine pattern in response to the grid data points of the 3D grid.

78. A computer program product according to claim 76, wherein the driving module is operatively formed to drive the driving device so as to travel along a serpentine pattern in response to the motion control codes.

79. A computer program product according to claim 75, wherein the driving module includes a module for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing device in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes.

80. A computer program product according to claim 75, wherein the driving module includes a module for determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing device in response to the motion control codes.

81. A computer program product according to claim 80, wherein the determining module being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing device in response to input information including a type of the dispensing device, a type of coloring-agent to be dispensed and a material of the object.

82. A computer program product according to claim 80, wherein the determining module being further for determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing device in response to input information including a selected scale of the terrain to be made into the model.

83. A computer program product according to claim 80, wherein the determining module being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to detect inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

84. A computer program product according to claim 83, wherein the determining module being further for determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to reconcile inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

85. A computer program product according to claim 83, wherein said determining means is operatively connected to generate warning signals to a user in response to detecting abnormalities and errors.

86. A computer program product according to claim 76, wherein the indicia includes pixel data associated with grid data points of the 3D grid.

87. A computer program product according to claim 86, wherein the pixel data is separated into separate color data sets.

88. A computer program product according to claim 86, wherein the separate pixel data sets include separate data for each of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

89. A computer program product according to claim 86, wherein the pixel data is formatted for gray scale.

90. A computer-implemented method for dispensing indicia of a terrain on a hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model, comprising:

providing a computer and a multi-axis dispensing device;

translating via the computer elevation data of the terrain into a series of adjacent and parallel vertical cross-section planes of the topographical model and sequentially to a series of adjacent two-dimensional contours within each of the cross-section planes; and

driving a multi-axis dispensing device to dispense indicia onto an object in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes so as to duplicate the terrain into the hi-accuracy three-dimensional topographical model.

91. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of translating includes interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and generating motion control codes based on said grid data points.

92. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of translating includes interpolating the elevation data of the terrain into grid data points of a predetermined 3D grid, and the step of driving the dispensing device includes dispensing indicia onto the object along a serpentine pattern in response to the grid data points of the 3D grid.

93. A method according to claim 91, wherein the step of driving the dispensing device includes dispensing indicia onto the object along a serpentine pattern in response to the motion control codes.

94. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of driving the dispensing device includes determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to the two-dimensional contours of the cross-section planes.

95. A method according to claim 91, wherein the step of driving the dispensing device includes determining motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to the motion control codes.

96. A method according to claim 95, wherein the step of determining includes determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing device in response to input information including a type of the dispensing device, a type of coloring-agent to be dispensed by the dispensing device and a material of the object.

97. A method according to claim 95, wherein the step of determining includes determining the motion paths and speeds for the dispensing means in response to input information including a selected scale of the terrain to be made into the model.

98. A method according to claim 97, wherein the step of determining includes determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to detect inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

99. A method according to claim 97, wherein the determining step includes determining at least one of abnormalities and errors in the motion control codes and in input information so as to reconcile inconsistent parameters, radical changes in data or data errors.

100. A method according to claim 99, wherein said determining step includes generating warning signals to a user in response to detected abnormalities and errors.

101. A method according to claim 91, wherein the indicia includes pixel data associated with grid data points of the 3D grid.

102. A method according to claim 101, wherein the pixel data is separated into separate color data sets.

103. A method according to claim 101, wherein the separate pixel data sets include separate data for each of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

104. A method according to claim 101, wherein the pixel data is formatted for producing gray scale when dispensing indicia.

105. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of driving the dispensing device to dispense indicia includes reducing air pressure interference in and around the dispensing device so as to increase accuracy of the indicia dispensing.

106. A method according to claim 90, wherein in the step of driving the dispensing device includes dispensing at least one coloring-agent made from at least one of an ink, dye, paint and pigment, so as to apply the indicia.

107. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of providing a dispensing device includes providing a plurality of dispensing elements, each element for dispensing a different coloring-agent.

108. A method according to claim 90, wherein the step of providing a dispensing device includes providing a dispensing reservoir for storing a fluid to be dispensed, and maintaining fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir so as to prevent uncontrolled variations in the indicia dispensing.

109. A method according to claim 108, wherein the step of maintaining fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir includes providing a pulse-shaped tube connected between the dispensing reservoir and a dispensing outlet so as to reduce or isolate the dispensing outlet from fluid pressure fluctuations in the dispensing reservoir and thereby prevent uncontrolled variations in the indicia dispensing.

110. A method according to claim 108, wherein the step of maintaining fluid pressure includes sensing fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir for sensing the fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir, and controlling fluid flow from a primary reservoir to the dispensing reservoir via a valve so as to maintain a constant fluid pressure in the dispensing reservoir.