Automobile Virtual Display Imaging for Faster Remote Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of purchasing a vehicle is often time-consuming and complex, requiring in-person inspections that may result in unsatisfactory outcomes, leading to lost time for both buyers and sellers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating virtual displays of vehicles using a photo studio equipped with a camera, lights, and a robotic arm to capture and annotate images, which can be displayed on a computing device, allowing for automated image capture and animation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-person inspection is used to evaluate the vehicle, then the buyer can assess the vehicle condition, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the vehicle through systematic photography and 360-degree imaging. Multiple cameras capture images from different angles, which are then assembled into a virtual model that buyers can inspect remotely. This virtual copy replicates the visual inspection experience without requiring physical presence, thus maintaining assessment reliability while eliminating time loss from travel and in-person meetings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary vehicle documentation by capturing comprehensive images and creating virtual models before the purchasing decision is made. This preliminary visual assessment allows buyers to evaluate vehicle conditions in advance, filtering out unsuitable options remotely and only requiring in-person visits for vehicles that meet their criteria, thereby reducing overall process time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and lights are used to capture comprehensive vehicle images, then image quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photo studio is segmented into functional zones: a raised platform for vehicle positioning, surrounding trenches for camera and light placement, and structured mounting positions. This segmentation allows multiple cameras and lights to be distributed systematically around the vehicle, each capturing specific views or lighting angles, thereby achieving comprehensive high-quality imaging while organizing system complexity into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point photography to multi-dimensional imaging by positioning cameras at various heights, angles, and locations around the vehicle (on trenches, raised platforms, and surrounding structures). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables comprehensive vehicle capture without requiring a single complex camera system, distributing the complexity across simpler, distributed components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient generation of virtual vehicle displays, reducing the time required for image capture from hours to minutes and providing a detailed, interactive tour of the vehicle, enhancing the purchasing experience.
Implementation Method 1
positioning the one or more lights to indirectly illuminate the automobile
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable virtual displays of an item, such as automobile, to be generated. A photo studio can be used to capture a series of images of the item for annotation. The series of images of the item can then be sent to a computer system for display.