Visualization Technique for Ground-Penetrating Radar
OwnerJustin LaBarca, Matthew Keysinventors
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Abstract
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology enables the detection of hidden objects that are underground or behind walls or other such surfaces. Embodiments of the present invention provide a realistic visualization of the hidden objects through so-called augmented reality techniques. Thanks to such visualization, interaction with hidden objects that are hazardous or delicate is easier and less prone to errors. Also, GPR-based data collection can be performed in non-real time, with object visualization occurring at a later time based on stored data that can also comprise annotations. This capability provides greater flexibility for scheduling activities related to the hidden objects.
Claims36
A system based on ground-penetrating radar (GPR) that visually depicts objects hidden by a surface, the system comprising:
- a GPR unit that is moved along a path on the surface, wherein the GPR unit transmits a first radio signal and receives a second reflected radio signal, wherein the second reflected radio signal comprises one or more reflections of the first radio signal caused one or more of the objects hidden by the surface;
- a first processor that receives a representation of the second reflected radio signal and, based on the representation, generates a description of at least one of the hidden objects, wherein the description comprises an indication of a position of the at least one hidden object;
- a second processor that receives the description of the at least one hidden object and generates a visual specification of the object relative to an environment, wherein the visual specification comprises a specification of the position of the object relative to the environment;
- and
- a display subsystem that receives the visual specification and generates a composite image that combines an image of the environment and an image of the object, wherein the image of the object is placed, relative to the image of the environment, in accordance with the specification of the position of the object provided by the visual specification.
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A method for visually depicting objects hidden by a surface and detected via ground-penetrating radar (GPR), wherein the GPR unit is moved along a path on the surface, the method comprising:
- transmitting, by the GPR unit, a first radio signal;
- receiving, by the GPR unit, a second reflected radio signal, wherein the second reflected radio signal comprises one or more reflections of the first radio signal caused one or more of the objects hidden by the surface;
- receiving, by a first processor, a representation of the second reflected radio signal;
- generating, by the first processor, a description of at least one of the hidden objects, wherein the description comprises an indication of a position of the at least one hidden object, and wherein the description is based on the representation of the second reflected radio signal;
- receiving, by a second processor, the description of the at least one hidden object;
- generating, by the second processor, a visual specification of the at least one hidden object relative to an environment, wherein the visual specification comprises a specification of the position of the object relative to the environment;
- receiving, by a display system, the visual specification;
- and
- generating, by the display system, a composite image that combines an image of the environment and an image of the object, wherein the image of the object is placed, relative to the image of the environment, in accordance with the specification of the position of the object provided by the visual specification.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.