3D Model Stitching with Projector Visual Cues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D modeling techniques face challenges in efficiently capturing and processing data to create accurate, complete models of real-world objects, particularly in aligning and stitching scan passes from varying orientations, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming for users.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a computing device with a projector to provide visual cues and real-time model updates, enabling users to capture and process 3D scan data by projecting orientation information and stitching incremental scans together to create a comprehensive 3D model, either manually or automatically, using a scanning device connected via interface modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple scan passes from varying orientations are captured and stitched together to create a complete 3D model, then the completeness and accuracy of the model is improved, but the time and complexity of the capture process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidcapture time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a real-time preview of the 3D model being constructed as scan passes are captured and stitched. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor model completeness and accuracy in real-time, enabling them to determine when sufficient scan data has been collected, thereby optimizing capture time while maintaining model quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic alignment and stitching of scan passes as they are captured, rather than requiring post-processing of all scans. This preliminary action reduces the overall capture time by continuously building the model during the scanning process rather than after all scans are complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual alignment and stitching of scan passes is performed, then flexibility and control over model creation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of model creationVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs alignment and stitching of scan passes using computational algorithms, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the user experience while maintaining the flexibility to capture scans from varying orientations, as the system handles the complex alignment process autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automatic alignment algorithm as an intermediary between scan capture and model generation. This intermediary component handles the complex task of aligning and stitching scan passes from varying orientations, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining high model accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If real-time model updates are provided during scanning, then user guidance and model verification is improved, but the processing speed and efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel verification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system updates the model preview with partial results from completed scan passes rather than waiting for all scans to be processed. This partial action approach provides timely feedback for model verification while maintaining processing efficiency by continuously building the model incrementally rather than performing exhaustive processing after all scans are complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3257026B1Generating three dimensional models
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3257026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3257026B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3257026B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Examples relate to capturing and processing three dimensional (3D) scan data. In some examples, 3D scan data of a real-world object is obtained while the real-world object is repositioned in a number of orientations, where the 3D scan data includes 3D scan passes that are each associated with one of the orientations. A projector is used to project a visual cue related to a position of the real-world object as the real-world object is repositioned at each of the orientations. The 3D scan passes are stitched to generate a 3D model of the real-world object, where a real-time representation of the 3D model is shown on a display as each of the 3D scan passes is incorporated into the 3D model.