3D Digital Painting System Using Virtual Canvas Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 2D painting and drawing techniques lack the capability to create three-dimensional images, as traditional canvases are inherently two-dimensional, making it difficult to achieve the illusion of depth and 3D visual representation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for digital recording of 3D hand-painted and hand-drawn images using an electronic canvas, 3D digital vision means, and multi-axis input control devices to create virtual positions of the canvas, allowing for simultaneous painting or drawing on multiple virtual layers that can be viewed stereoscopically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional 2D canvases are used for painting, then the painting process is simple and accessible, but the ability to create three-dimensional visual images is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create 3D visual imagesVSAvoidcomplexity of painting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from traditional 2D canvases to a 3D virtual canvas within a computer-generated environment. The system creates a virtual three-dimensional space where paintings can be positioned at different depths, allowing artists to create genuine 3D visual images rather than relying on 2D perspective illusions. This is achieved through computer graphics rendering that maps 2D brush strokes onto 3D virtual surfaces positioned in virtual space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the artist and the final visual output. The computer generates and renders the 3D virtual canvas, processes brush stroke data, and creates the stereoscopic image pairs. This intermediary enables the transformation of simple 2D painting inputs into complex 3D visual outputs without requiring the artist to manually create three-dimensional structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If stereo photography is used to create 3D images, then depth perception is achieved, but the ability to freely paint and draw is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree-hand painting capabilityVSAvoidbinocular disparity information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stereo photography system with a digital computer-based painting system. Instead of using two physical cameras to capture stereoscopic images, the system uses a single digital painting interface that directly generates stereoscopic image pairs through software rendering. This substitution maintains ease of free-hand painting while preserving binocular disparity information in the digital domain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the painting system from 2D coordinates to 3D virtual coordinates. The painting interface allows artists to specify not only x-y positions but also z-depth positions for brush strokes. This parameter expansion enables direct creation of stereoscopic images with proper binocular disparity, eliminating the need for post-processing while maintaining artistic freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a 3D virtual canvas is created, then genuine three-dimensional painting is enabled, but the complexity of the painting system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D painting capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of painting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating 2D representations of 3D virtual canvas states. The system captures the virtual 3D painting at different depth planes and renders them as 2D image pairs for display on standard screens. This copying approach allows the complex 3D painting capability to be accessed through familiar 2D display interfaces, reducing the perceived complexity for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal painting system that can operate in multiple modes: 2D painting mode for traditional artwork, 3D virtual canvas mode for stereoscopic artwork, and hybrid modes combining both. This multi-functionality allows the same system to serve both traditional artists and those interested in 3D painting, reducing the barrier to entry despite the enhanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If multiple virtual canvas positions are used, then depth perception is enhanced, but the difficulty of painting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth perception accuracyVSAvoidpainting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 3D virtual canvas into multiple discrete depth planes or layers. Each plane can be independently painted upon, and the system automatically manages the spatial relationships between planes. This segmentation approach simplifies the painting process by allowing artists to work on one depth plane at a time while maintaining awareness of the overall 3D composition, reducing the cognitive load despite enhanced depth perception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8817017B23D digital painting
Publication Date: 2014.08.26 VAGANOV VLADIMIR
  • US8817017B2 patent drawing
  • US8817017B2 patent drawing
  • US8817017B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides method and system for 3D hand-painting and 3D hand-drawing. The system corresponding to the invented method comprises: an electronic monitor and computer, means for 3D digital vision, multi-axis input control device allowing digital painting or drawing on the canvas, additional input control device for virtual changing the position of the canvas between the painter and the monitor, means for 3D image presentation. The system and method provide painting or drawing on the electronic canvas for each of the virtual positions of the canvas by changing this position with the input control device and verifying it with the means for 3D digital vision. The system provides complete digital 2D images of the painting for the right and the left eyes, which are used for presentation of 3D painting by available means for 3D vision.