Attachable 3D Scan Module with Adjustable Baseline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional scan modules with fixed image sensing units and large profiles are not suitable for mobile devices, as they require multiple cameras and generate only monochromatic scans, limiting their portability and scanning resolution.
Innovation Solution
An attachable three-dimensional scan module with two image sensing units that can be swung or have a varying baseline to maintain object alignment at the intersection of their centers, capturing color images and generating depth maps for improved scanning resolution, regardless of object movement or rotation, and can be attached to any mobile device or user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereo scanner uses fixed image sensing units with a predetermined light source, then scanning resolution is improved, but the scan result is limited to monochromatic and the device profile becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baseline between the two image sensing units adjustable rather than fixed. The baseline can be dynamically varied with the corresponding distance between the attachable three-dimensional scan module and the object, allowing the system to adapt to different scanning scenarios and maintain high resolution without requiring a permanently large device profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of baseline distance dynamically. By varying the baseline between image sensing units according to the distance from the object, the system optimizes scanning resolution for different ranges while keeping the device compact. This parameter adjustment allows the same hardware to achieve high resolution without requiring a large fixed profile.
2Measurement precision
If a stereo scanner uses a circular camera ring or multi-camera dome, then scanning resolution is improved, but the device profile becomes huge and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function into two separate image sensing units instead of using a complex circular camera ring or multi-camera dome. This segmentation allows the system to achieve three-dimensional scanning capability with a much more compact profile, as only two cameras are needed rather than multiple cameras arranged in complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the baseline between the two image sensing units dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to compensate for the reduced number of cameras by optimizing the baseline distance according to the object distance. This dynamic adjustment enables high resolution scanning with a compact two-camera configuration rather than requiring a large multi-camera structure.
3Device complexity
If the baseline between image sensing units is fixed, then device structure is simplified, but scanning resolution deteriorates when object distance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic baseline mechanism where the distance between the two image sensing units can be adjusted according to the distance from the object. This allows the system to maintain optimal scanning resolution across varying object distances without requiring an overly complex fixed-structure design, achieving a balance between structural simplicity and measurement precision.
4Length of moving object
If the attachable three-dimensional scan module is made smaller for portability, then it can be attached to mobile devices, but maintaining scanning resolution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the small module size by implementing a dynamic baseline mechanism. The two image sensing units can adjust their separation distance according to the object distance, allowing the compact module to achieve high scanning resolution that would normally require a much larger fixed-structure scanner. The dynamic adjustment enables a small form factor to maintain measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachable three-dimensional scan module includes an attachable unit, at least two image sensing units, a depth map generation unit, and an output interface. The attachable unit fixes the attachable three-dimensional scan module on a mobile device. When the mobile device is moved around an object, a first image sensing unit and a second image sensing unit of the at least two image sensing units capture a plurality of first images including the object and a plurality of second images including the object, respectively. A plurality of depth maps generated by the depth map generation unit, the plurality of first images, and the plurality of second images are used for generating a color three-dimensional scan result corresponding to the object. The output interface outputs the color three-dimensional scan result, or the plurality of first images, the plurality of second images, and the plurality of depth maps.