Rapid 3D modelling: Clustering method based on dynamic load balancing strategy

• Published in: Photogrammetric record Vol. 39; no. 185; pp. 67 - 86
• Main Authors: Ge, Yingwei, Guo, Bingxuan, Xu, Guozheng, Liu, Yawen, Jiang, Xiao, Peng, Zhe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nottingham Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Central processing units; cluster system; Clustering; Computer networks; Computer vision; CPUs; distributed computing; Distributed processing; Dynamic loads; Graphics processing units; Image reconstruction; load balancing strategy; Model accuracy; Modelling; Nodes; Photogrammetry; Resource allocation; Three dimensional models; three‐dimensional reconstruction; UAV images; Unmanned aerial vehicles; Utilization
• ISSN: 0031-868X; 1477-9730
• DOI: 10.1111/phor.12473

Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction is a pivotal research area within computer vision and photogrammetry, offering a valuable foundation of data for the development of smart cities. However, existing methods for constructing 3D models from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images often suffer from slow processing speeds and low central processing unit (CPU)/graphics processing unit (GPU) utilization rates. Furthermore, the utilization of cluster‐based distributed computing for 3D modelling frequently results in inefficient resource allocation across nodes. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel approach to 3D modelling in clusters, incorporating a dynamic load‐balancing strategy. The method divides the 3D reconstruction process into multiple stages to lay the groundwork for distributing tasks across multiple nodes efficiently. Instead of traditional traversal‐based communication, this approach employs gossip communication techniques to reduce the network overhead. To boost the modelling efficiency, a dynamic load‐balancing strategy is introduced that prevents nodes from becoming overloaded, thus optimizing resource usage during the modelling process and alleviating resource waste issues in multidevice clusters. The experimental results indicate that in small‐scale data environments, this approach improves CPU/GPU utilization by 35.8%/23.4% compared with single‐machine utilization. In large‐scale data environments for cluster‐based 3D modelling tests, this method enhances the average efficiency by 61.4% compared with traditional 3D modelling software while maintaining a comparable model accuracy. In computer vision and photogrammetry, research enhances 3D reconstruction for smart cities. To address slow UAV‐based methods, the study employs dynamic load balancing and ‘gossip’ communication to minimize network overhead. In small data tests, the approach improves CPU and GPU utilization by 35.8% and 23.4%, respectively. In large data settings, it outperforms existing methods by 61.4% while maintaining accuracy.