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The appearance of construction defects in buildings can arise from a variety of factors, ranging from issues during the design and construction phases to problems that develop over time with the lifecycle of a building. These defects require repairs, often in the context of a significant shortage of skilled labor. In addition, such work is often physically demanding and carried out in hazardous environments. Consequently, adopting autonomous robotic systems in the construction industry becomes essential, as they can relieve labor shortages, promote safety, and enhance the quality and efficiency of repair and maintenance tasks. Hereupon, the present study introduces an end-to-end framework towards the automation of shotcreting tasks in cases where construction or repair actions are required. The proposed system can scan a construction scene using a stereo-vision camera mounted on a robotic platform, identify regions of defects, and reconstruct a 3D model of these areas. Furthermore, it automatically calculates the required 3D volumes to be constructed to treat a detected defect. To achieve all of the above-mentioned technological tools, the developed software framework employs semantic segmentation and 3D reconstruction modules based on YOLOv8m-seg, SiamMask, InfiniTAM, and RTAB-Map, respectively. In addition, the segmented 3D regions are processed by the volumetric modeling component, which determines the amount of concrete needed to fill the defects. It generates the exact 3D model that can repair the investigated defect. Finally, the precision and effectiveness of the proposed pipeline are evaluated in actual construction site scenarios, featuring reinforcement bars as defective areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance of construction defects in buildings can arise from a variety of factors, ranging from issues during the design and construction phases to problems that develop over time with the lifecycle of a building. These defects require repairs, often in the context of a significant shortage of skilled labor. In addition, such work is often physically demanding and carried out in hazardous environments. Consequently, adopting autonomous robotic systems in the construction industry becomes essential, as they can relieve labor shortages, promote safety, and enhance the quality and efficiency of repair and maintenance tasks. Hereupon, the present study introduces an end-to-end framework towards the automation of shotcreting tasks in cases where construction or repair actions are required. The proposed system can scan a construction scene using a stereo-vision camera mounted on a robotic platform, identify regions of defects, and reconstruct a 3D model of these areas. Furthermore, it automatically calculates the required 3D volumes to be constructed to treat a detected defect. To achieve all of the above-mentioned technological tools, the developed software framework employs semantic segmentation and 3D reconstruction modules based on YOLOv8m-seg, SiamMask, InfiniTAM, and RTAB-Map, respectively. In addition, the segmented 3D regions are processed by the volumetric modeling component, which determines the amount of concrete needed to fill the defects. It generates the exact 3D model that can repair the investigated defect. Finally, the precision and effectiveness of the proposed pipeline are evaluated in actual construction site scenarios, featuring reinforcement bars as defective areas.

Although voxel models have been applied to address diverse problems in computer-aided design processes, their role in multi-domain data integration in digital architecture and planning has not been extensively studied. The primary objective of this study is to map the current state of the art and to identify open questions concerning data structuring, integration, and modeling and design of multi-scale objects and systems in architecture. Focus is placed on types of voxel models that are linked with computer-aided design models. This study utilizes a semi-systematic literature review methodology that combines scoping and narrative methodology to examine different types and uses of voxel models. This is done across a range of disciplines, including architecture, spatial planning, computer vision, geomatics, geosciences, manufacturing, and mechanical and civil engineering. Voxel-model applications can be found in studies addressing generative design, geomatics, material science and computational morphogenesis. A targeted convergence of these approaches can lead to integrative, holistic, data-driven design approaches. We present (1) a summary and systematization of the research results reported in the literature in a novel manner, (2) the identification of research gaps concerning voxel-based data structures for multi-domain and trans-scalar data integration in architectural design and urban planning, and (3) any further research questions.

Although voxel models have been applied to address diverse problems in computer-aided design processes, their role in multi-domain data integration in digital architecture and planning has not been extensively studied. The primary objective of this study is to map the current state of the art and to identify open questions concerning data structuring, integration, and modeling and design of multi-scale objects and systems in architecture. Focus is placed on types of voxel models that are linked with computer-aided design models. This study utilizes a semi-systematic literature review methodology that combines scoping and narrative methodology to examine different types and uses of voxel models. This is done across a range of disciplines, including architecture, spatial planning, computer vision, geomatics, geosciences, manufacturing, and mechanical and civil engineering. Voxel-model applications can be found in studies addressing generative design, geomatics, material science and computational morphogenesis. A targeted convergence of these approaches can lead to integrative, holistic, data-driven design approaches. We present (1) a summary and systematization of the research results reported in the literature in a novel manner, (2) the identification of research gaps concerning voxel-based data structures for multi-domain and trans-scalar data integration in architectural design and urban planning, and (3) any further research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric modeling for Railway Station Subgrade (RSS) is a complex task in applying BIM to railway stations. However, an effective method for handling RSS volumetric modeling, which is further complicated by heterogeneous data sources and geometric features, has been unavailable. To address this issue, this paper presents a BIM modeling method that generates layered microprisms to represent the volumetric information of an RSS. The proposed method is demonstrated with a real-world case, through which the modeling accuracy and the efficiency of spatial data retrieval are verified to be satisfactory. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by proposing a unified and accurate volumetric modeling method for the multi-layer structures. In the future, modeling efficiency can be further improved by introducing GPU-based parallel processing. • Comprehensive volumetric information of railway station subgrade (RSS) is expressed with a multi-layer semantic model. • Involved layers of filler, geology and terrain are depicted by the proposed unified modeling method. • Multi-layer 3D microprisms are generated to express the irregular spaces among the involved layers. • A grid-based spatial retrieval method is developed to achieve high-efficient spatial query. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coniacian–Santonian Matulla Formation is one of the important reservoirs in the July oilfield, Gulf of Suez Basin. However, this formation is characterized by uncertainty due to the complexity of reservoir architecture, various lithologies, lateral facies variations and heterogeneous reservoir quality. These reservoir challenges, in turn, affect the effectiveness of further exploitation of this reservoir along the Gulf of Suez Basin. In this work, we conduct an integrated study using multidisciplinary datasets and techniques to determine the precise structural, petrophysical, and facies characteristics of the Matulla Formation and predict their complex geometry in 3D space. To complete this study, 30 2D seismic sections, five digital well logs, and core samples of 75 ft (ft = 0.3048 m) length were used to build 3D models for the Matulla reservoir. The 3D structural model shows strong lateral variation in thickness of the Matulla Formation with NW–SE, NE–SW and N–S fault directions. According to the 3D facies model, shale beds dominate the Matulla Formation, followed by sandstone, carbonate, and siltstone beds. The petrophysical model demonstrates the Matulla reservoir's ability to store and produce oil; its upper and lower zones have good quality reservoir, whereas its middle zone is a poor quality reservoir. The most promising areas for hydrocarbon accumulation and production via the Matulla reservoir are located in the central, southeast, and southwest sectors of the oilfield. In this approach, we combined multiple datasets and used the most likely parameters calibrated by core measurements to improve the reservoir modeling of the complex Matulla reservoir. In addition, we reduced many of the common uncertainties associated with the static modeling process, which can be applied elsewhere to gain better understanding of a complex reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the representation of volumes within the field of geometric modeling (GM). While polygonal patches for surface modeling have been extensively studied, there has been little focus on the representation of polyhedral volumes. Inspired by the polygonal representation of the Generalized Bézier (GB) patch proposed by Várady et al. (2016) , this paper introduces a novel method for polyhedral volumetric modeling called the Generalized Bézier (GB) volume. GB volumes are defined over simple convex polyhedra using generalized barycentric coordinates (GBCs), with the control nets which are a direct generalization of those of tensor-product Bézier volumes. GB volumes can be smoothly connected to adjacent tensor-product Bézier or GB volumes with G 1 or G 2 continuity. Besides, when the parametric polyhedron becomes a prism, the GB volume also degenerates into a tensor-product form. We provide some practical examples to demonstrate the advantages of GB volumes. Suggestions for future work are also discussed. • We propose a novel polyhedral volumetric representation method, called Generalized Bézier (GB) volume. • A GB volume behaves as a tensor-product Bézier volume along each quadrilateral boundary surface and a tensor-product GB volume along each multi-sided boundary surface. • A GB volume can be easily connected to adjacent tensor-product Bézier or (tensor-product) GB volume with high order geometric continuity (G 1 or G 2). • A GB volume will reproduce a tensor-product GB volume when the domain polyhedron becomes a prism. • We also present a polyhedral Bézier extraction algorithm that enables the construction of a globally smooth volume from any input hexmesh with arbitrary irregularities or from input simple-convex-polyhedral meshes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In layered manufacturing (LM), slicers are employed to convert input geometric models into G-codes. Conventional slicers accept only surface models as input data. Thus, volumetric models have to be converted into polygonal representations to fit the data format of the slicers. This results in extra computational costs and geometric errors. In this article, we present an efficient slicer aiming to generate G-codes for volumetric models. At first, our slicer computes the printing direction by exploring the inertia tensor of the input model to enhance the stability of the printed part and to decrease the build time. Then, it detects and classifies overhangs in the input model and generates necessary support structures by using a pattern-based method. Thirdly, the proposed slicer divides the input model into the skin and internal regions and cuts the model into 2D images. Subsequently, these images are transformed into toolpaths by utilizing texture mapping and graph traversal methods. Finally, the resultant toolpaths are smoothed to reduce staircases and encoded into G-codes. Test results verify that the proposed slicer produces decent G-codes for volumetric models. Scanned objects hidden in volume data can be directly manufactured without generating intermediate polygonal representations. LM processes become more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The static and dynamic mechanical properties of standard industrial robots differ strongly from common CNC-machines. For robot-based machining operations, these properties have to be considered. In this paper, a method for the optimal placement of the workpiece within the workspace, the design of the machining process and the compensation of toolpath deviations during the machining process of metallic workpieces is presented. The method is based on a coupled machine-process-model and the derivation of performance, accuracy and reliability indicators. The method was validated by the machining of aluminum workpieces and the evaluation of the accuracy improvement due to the multi-axis compensation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling and computing of trivariate parametric volumes is an important research topic in the field of three-dimensional isogeometric analysis. In this paper, we propose two kinds of exact conversion approaches from Bézier tetrahedra to Bézier hexahedra with the same degree by reparametrization technique. In the first method, a Bézier tetrahedron is converted into a degenerate Bézier hexahedron, and in the second approach, a non-degenerate Bézier tetrahedron is converted into four non-degenerate Bézier hexahedra. For the proposed methods, explicit formulas are given to compute the control points of the resulting tensor–product Bézier hexahedra. Furthermore, in the second method, we prove that tetrahedral spline solids with C k -continuity can be converted into a set of tensor–product Bézier volumes with G k -continuity. The proposed methods can be used for the volumetric data exchange problems between different trivariate spline representations in CAD/CAE. Several experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a convenient methodology for the modeling and analysis of aircraft compressor blades. To meet this goal, IsoGeometric Analysis is put to good use, as it allows for an exact representation of the geometry, especially for the analysis. This work aims at developing numerical tools to handle mechanical analysis, and later on shape optimisation, of 3D aircraft engine compressor blades using IGA. More precisely, our final goal is to carry out shape optimisation of one precise patch belonging to a complex multipatch structure, while having other patches to follow automatically the geometric changes. To meet this goal, work on geometric and modeling aspects are needed, which is the objective of this paper. Using the proposed techniques to perform gradient-based shape optimisation constitutes a work in itself and is therefore not presented here, but will be detailed in a follow-up paper. In our case, the complete blade assembly is represented using several volumetric patches: the airfoil, the platform, the tenon and the fillet. In order to ensure the geometric compatibility between the different patches, we propose an embedded solid element formulation. A mortar method is implemented in order to guarantee the coupling between the various parts of the assembly. The results show a great potential for the proposed approach for blades design, while concurrently offering broad perspectives in terms of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In layered manufacturing (LM), slicers are employed to convert input geometric models into G-codes. Conventional slicers accept only surface models as input data. Thus, volumetric models have to be converted into polygonal representations to fit the data format of the slicers. This results in extra computational costs and geometric errors. In this article, we present an efficient slicer aiming to generate G-codes for volumetric models. At first, our slicer computes the printing direction by exploring the inertia tensor of the input model to enhance the stability of the printed part and to decrease the build time. Then, it detects and classifies overhangs in the input model and generates necessary support structures by using a pattern-based method. Thirdly, the proposed slicer divides the input model into the skin and internal regions and cuts the model into 2D images. Subsequently, these images are transformed into toolpaths by utilizing texture mapping and graph traversal methods. Finally, the resultant toolpaths are smoothed to reduce staircases and encoded into G-codes. Test results verify that the proposed slicer produces decent G-codes for volumetric models. Scanned objects hidden in volume data can be directly manufactured without generating intermediate polygonal representations. LM processes become more efficient.

In this paper, we present a novel approach for a tighter integration of 3D modeling and physically-based simulation. Instead of modeling 3D objects as surface models, we use a volumetric subdivision representation. Volumetric modeling operations allow designing 3D objects in similar ways as with surface-based modeling tools, while automatic checks and modifications of inner control points ensure consistency during the design process. Encoding the volumetric information already in the design mesh drastically simplifies and speeds up the mesh generation process for simulation. The transition between design, simulation and back to design is consistent and computationally cheap. Since the subdivision and mesh generation can be expressed as a precomputable matrix-vector multiplication, iteration times can be greatly reduced compared to common modeling and simulation setups. Therefore, this approach is especially well suited for early-stage modeling or optimization use cases, where many geometric changes are made in a short time and their physical effect on the model has to be evaluated frequently. To test our approach, we created, simulated and adapted several 3D models. We measured and evaluated the timings for generating and applying the matrices for different subdivision levels. Additionally, we computed several characteristic factors for mesh quality and mesh consistency. For comparison, we analyzed the tetrahedral meshing functionality offered by CGAL for similar numbers of elements. For changing topology, our implicit meshing approach proves to be up to 70 times faster than creating the tetrahedral mesh only based on the outer surface. Without changing the topology and by precomputing the matrices, we achieve a speed-up of up to 2800, as all the required information is already available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce multiscale vector volumes, a compact vector representation for volumetric objects with complex internal structures spanning a wide range of scales. With our representation, an object is decomposed into components and each component is modeled as an SDF tree, a novel data structure that uses multiple signed distance functions (SDFs) to further decompose the volumetric component into regions. Multiple signed distance functions collectively can represent non-manifold surfaces and deliver a powerful vector representation for complex volumetric features. We use multiscale embedding to combine object components at different scales into one complex volumetric object. As a result, regions with dramatically different scales and complexities can co-exist in an object. To facilitate volumetric object authoring and editing, we have also developed a scripting language and a GUI prototype. With the help of a recursively defined spatial indexing structure, our vector representation supports fast random access, and arbitrary cross sections of complex volumetric objects can be visualized in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling of volumetric objects is still a difficult problem. Solid texture synthesis methods enable the design of volumes with homogeneous textures, but global features such as smoothly varying colors seen in vegetables and fruits are difficult to model. In this paper, we propose a representation called diffusion surfaces (DSs) to enable modeling such objects. DSs consist of 3D surfaces with colors defined on both sides, such that the interior colors in the volume are obtained by diffusing colors from nearby surfaces. A straightforward way to compute color diffusion is to solve a volumetric Poisson equation with the colors of the DSs as boundary conditions, but it requires expensive volumetric meshing which is not appropriate for interactive modeling. We therefore propose to interpolate colors only locally at user-defined cross-sections using a modified version of the positive mean value coordinates algorithm to avoid volumetric meshing. DSs are generally applicable to model many different kinds of objects with internal structures. As a case study, we present a simple sketch-based interface for modeling objects with rotational symmetries that can also generate random variations of models. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through various DSs models with simple non-photorealistic rendering techniques enabled by DSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tripod mounted laser scanning provides the means to generate high-resolution volumetric measures of vegetation structure and perennial woody tissue for the calculation of standing biomass in agronomic and natural ecosystems. Other than costly destructive harvest methods, no technique exists to rapidly and accurately measure above-ground perennial tissue for woody plants such as Vitis vinifera (common grape vine). Data collected from grapevine trunks and cordons were used to study the accuracy of wood volume derived from laser scanning as compared with volume derived from analog measurements. A set of 10 laser scan datasets were collected for each of 36 vines from which volume was calculated using combinations of two, three, four, six and 10 scans. Likewise, analog volume measurements were made by submerging the vine trunks and cordons in water and capturing the displaced water. A regression analysis examined the relationship between digital and non-digital techniques among the 36 vines and found that the standard error drops rapidly as additional scans are added to the volume calculation process and stabilizes at the four-view geometry with an average Pearson''s product moment correlation coefficient of 0.93. Estimates of digital volumes are systematically greater than those of analog volumes and can be explained by the manner in which each technique interacts with the vine tissue. This laser scanning technique yields a highly linear relationship between vine volume and tissue mass revealing a new, rapid and non-destructive method to remotely measure standing biomass. This application shows promise for use in other ecosystems such as orchards and forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a system that can reconstruct a photorealistic 3D object model from an image sequence captured at arbitrary viewpoints. The whole system consists of four steps: camera calibration, volumetric modeling, polygonal model formation and texture mapping. We adopt the shape-from-silhouette approach for volumetric modeling. There are two common types of object surface that are difficult to reconstruct-textureless surface and concave surface. To tackle the problems, we propose to perform the volumetric modeling based on the constraints of viewpoint proximity and photometric consistency in the volume space. The volumetric model is converted to the mesh model for efficient manipulation. Finally, the texture map is generated from the image sequence to give the 3D model a photorealistic appearance. Some reconstructed object models are presented to demonstrate the superior performance of our system as compared with the conventional modeling technique based on the photo-consistency in the image space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a method to reconstruct inhomogeneous single-scattering participating media, which could preserve fine high-frequency details of density field. Volumetric data and the ratio of absorption coefficient to scattering coefficient are used to describe the spatial-varying density distribution and optical properties of certain participating media, and a function between the above parameters and captured pixel values is built. Thus the problem of how to find solutions to these parameters is formulated into a nonlinear numerical optimization problem. In order to reduce large time overheads and numerical instability brought by simultaneously solving large numbers of voxels, we propose an initialization algorithm for enabling the assigned density values to satisfy the regularity of brightness distribution in captured images approximately as well as a progressive refinement algorithm for multi-resolution volumetric data. Besides, we propose a parallel multi-voxel gradient computation algorithm of utilizing hardware acceleration to reduce time overheads in gradient computation for large numbers of voxels. Experiment results indicate that our method is well suited for reconstructing thin smoke, retaining high-frequency details from images captured from multiple viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various blending functions can be applied in the volumetric modelling of clouds. This paper analyzes the impact of five different blending functions (linear, cubic, Wyvill-1, Wyvill-2, and cosine) on cloud shape, structure, and area. We have found that there are only negligible differences among them. Therefore, we can conclude that the simple linear blending function satisfies all the desired properties for generating cloud images by volumetric modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Some clinical applications, such as surgical planning, require volumetric models of anatomical structures represented as a set of tetrahedra. A practical method of constructing anatomical models from medical images is presented. The method starts with a set of contours segmented from the medical images by a clinician and produces a model that has high fidelity with the contours. Unlike most modeling methods, the contours are not restricted to lie on parallel planes. The main steps are a 3D Delaunay tetrahedralization, culling of non-object tetrahedra, and refinement of the tetrahedral mesh. The result is a high-quality set of tetrahedra whose surface points are guaranteed to match the original contours. The key is to use the distance map and bit volume structures that were created along with the contours. The method is demonstrated on computed tomography, MRI and 3D ultrasound data. Models of 170,000 tetrahedra are constructed on a standard workstation in approximately 10s. A comparison with related methods is also provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The focus of this paper is on the volume integral representations to be used in constructing integral equations for composite volume media. The major thrust of the paper is to identify where derivatives of a discontinuous function arise in the derivation of the volume representation. Three different derivation methods are presented, resulting in identical representation independent of the derivation method. These representations agree with some in the existing literature and disagree with others. When an electric field formulation is considered, the source of disagreement manifests itself only when magnetic materials are present. Likewise, for the dual situation, the inconsistency appears for a magnetic field formulation of dielectric materials. This paper identifies the sources of error in the incorrect representations and its major contribution is the rigorously correct derivation of the representations to be used in volume integral equations. We also present numerical results for an integral equation derived from our representation. The numerical results employ only the E-field as the unknown and the singularity is handled in a manner analogous to a standard numerical treatment of the electric field integral equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an interactive system for designing and browsing volumetric illustrations. Volumetric illustrations are 3D models with internal textures that the user can browse by cutting the models at desired locations. To assign internal textures to a surface mesh, the designer cuts the mesh and provides simple guiding information to specify the correspondence between the cross-section and a reference 2D image. The guiding information is stored with the geometry and used during the synthesis of cross-sectional textures. The key idea is to synthesize a plausible cross-sectional image using a 2D texture-synthesis technique, instead of sampling from a complete 3D RGB volumetric representation directly. This simplifies the design interface and reduces the amount of data, making it possible for non-experts to rapidly design and use volumetric illustrations. We believe that our system can enrich human communications in various domains, such as medicine, biology, and geology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current biomechanical interpretation of the chimpanzee's bipedal walking argues that larger lateral and vertical displacements of the body center of mass occur in the chimpanzee's 'side-to-side' gait than in the human striding gait. The evolutionary hypothesis underlying this study is the following: during the evolution of human bipedalism one of the necessary changes could have been the progressive reduction of these displacements of the body center of mass. In order to quantitatively test this hypothesis, it is necessary to obtain simultaneously the trajectories of the centers of mass of the whole body and of the different body parts. To solve this problem, a new method of three-dimensional analysis of walking, associated with a volumetric modelling of the body, has been developed based on finite-element modelling. An orthogonal synchrophotographic device yielding four synchronous pictures of the walking subject allows a qualitative analysis of the photographic sequences together with the results of their quantitative analysis. This method was applied to an adult man, a 3-year-old girl and a 9-year-old male chimpanzee. Our results suggest that the trajectory of the body center of mass of the human is distinguished from that of the chimpanzee not by a lower movement amplitude but by the synchronization of the transverse and vertical displacements into two periodic curves in phase with one another. The non-human primate uses its repertoire of arboreal movements in its bipedal terrestrial gait, provisionally referred to as a 'rope-walker' gait. We show that the interpretation of a 'side-to-side' gait is not applicable to the chimpanzee. We argue that similarly this interpretation and the initial hypothesis presuppose a basic symmetric structure of the gait, in relation to the sagittal plane of progression, similar to the human one. This lateral symmetry of the right and left displacements of the center of gravity, in phase with the right and left single supports of walking, is probably a very derived feature of the human gait. We suggest that low lateral and vertical displacements of the body center of mass are not indicative of a progressive bipedal gait and we discuss the new evolutionary implications of our results. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]