Patent ID: 8525848
Filing Date: 2013-09-03
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method for visualizing a point cloud dataset comprising: mapping, in a computer, a grid over points in the point cloud dataset, wherein the grid comprises one or more cells; sorting the points in each cell; computing a contribution factor for each cell on a per cell basis, wherein the contribution factor comprises a relative density of the points in each cell; storing each cell and the cell's contribution factor; determining a viewing area and total viewing points; intersecting the one or more cells with the viewing area to determine one or more visible cells; accumulating the contribution factors for the one or more visible cells; dividing the total viewing points by the accumulated contribution factors to determine a point extraction value; calculating a number of points to read from each visible cell on a per cell basis by multiplying the contribution factor of each visible cell by the point extraction value; reading the number of points from each visible cell; and displaying the number of points that are read on a display device.