Abstract: A system initializes a set of calibrated images with known 3D pose relative to a 3D building information model (BIM) to be anchor images, detects features within images of unknown position and orientation, and determines matches with features of the calibrated images. The system determines a subset of the images that have at least a threshold number of matching features, selects an image from the subset of the images having the largest number of matching features, and executes a reconstruction algorithm using the image and the anchor images to calibrate the image to the BIM and generate an initial 3D point cloud model. The system repeats the last steps to identify a second image from the subset and perform, starting with the initial 3D point cloud model and using the second image, 3D reconstruction to generate an updated 3D point cloud model that is displayable in a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system initializes a set of calibrated images with known 3D pose relative to a 3D building information model (BIM) to be anchor images, detects features within images of unknown position and orientation, and determines matches with features of the calibrated images. The system determines a subset of the images that have at least a threshold number of matching features, selects an image from the subset of the images having the largest number of matching features, and executes a reconstruction algorithm using the image and the anchor images to calibrate the image to the BIM and generate an initial 3D point cloud model. The system repeats the last steps to identify a second image from the subset and perform, starting with the initial 3D point cloud model and using the second image, 3D reconstruction to generate an updated 3D point cloud model that is displayable in a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for, using structure-from-motion techniques, projecting a building information model (BIM) into images from photographs taken of a construction site, to generate a 3D point cloud model using the BIM and, when combined with scheduling constraints, facilitates 4D visualizations and progress monitoring. One of the images acts as an anchor image. Indications are received of first points in the anchor image that correspond to second points in the BIM. Calibration information for an anchor camera is calculated based on the indications and on metadata extracted from the anchor image, to register the anchor image in relation to the BIM. A homography transformation is determined between the images and the anchor camera using the calibration information, to register the rest of the images with the BIM, where some of those images are taken from different cameras and from different angles to the construction site.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for, using structure-from-motion techniques, projecting a building information model (BIM) into images from photographs taken of a construction site, to generate a 3D point cloud model using the BIM and, when combined with scheduling constraints, facilitates 4D visualizations and progress monitoring. One of the images acts as an anchor image. Indications are received of first points in the anchor image that correspond to second points in the BIM. Calibration information for an anchor camera is calculated based on the indications and on metadata extracted from the anchor image, to register the anchor image in relation to the BIM. A homography transformation is determined between the images and the anchor camera using the calibration information, to register the rest of the images with the BIM, where some of those images are taken from different cameras and from different angles to the construction site.

Abstract: A method for monitoring construction progress may include storing in memory multiple unordered images obtained from photographs taken at a site; melding the multiple images to reconstruct a dense three-dimensional (3D) as-built point cloud model including merged pixels from the multiple images in 3D space of the site; rectifying and transforming the 3D as-built model to a site coordinate system existing within a 3D as-planned building information model (“as-planned model”); and overlaying the 3D as-built model with the 3D as-planned model for joint visualization thereof to display progress towards completion of a structure shown in the 3D as-planned model. The processor may further link a project schedule to the 3D as-planned model to generate a 4D chronological as-planned model that, when visualized with the 3D as-built point cloud, provides clash detection and schedule quality control during construction.