Tunnel Convergence Detection Apparatus and Method

A non-transitory computer-readable medium for detecting tunnel convergence, comprising instructions stored thereon, that when executed on a processor, perform one or more steps selected from:

• inputting 3D point cloud data of an interior of a tunnel;
• determining a set of one or more indicators from the 3D point cloud data for the tunnel acquired at a first time;
• identifying a set of one or more indicators in the 3D point cloud data for the tunnel acquired at at least a second time;
• amalgamating the sets of one or more indicators;
• comparing the indicators in the amalgamated sets at the first and at least second times;
• and
• outputting a result indicative of a change or no change in one or more indicators since the first time.

A method for detecting tunnel convergence;

• comprising:
• acquiring 3D point cloud data of an interior of the tunnel;
• using a processor to:
• determine a set of one or more indicators from 3D point cloud data for the tunnel acquired at a first time;
• identify the set of one or more indicators in 3D point cloud data for the tunnel acquired at at least a second time;
• amalgamate the sets of indicators;
• compare the indicators in the amalgamated sets at the first and at least second times;
• and
• output a result indicative of a change or no change in one or more indicators since the first time.