Bowl-Shaped Photo Stage for Shadow-Free 360° Object Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photographic systems struggle to provide consistent diffused lighting without shadows for small objects, making it difficult to create efficient 360-degree rotational views.
Innovation Solution
A concave circular bowl-shaped photographic stage with a light diffusing screen and an array of cameras, where the stage is uniformly lit from above to eliminate shadows and glare, allowing for seamless 360-degree image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting is used for photographing objects from multiple angles, then the lighting setup becomes complex, but shadow-free uniform illumination is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bowl-shaped photographic stage with a curved reflective surface that redirects light uniformly across the object from all angles. This curvature transforms directional light sources into omnidirectional illumination, achieving shadow-free uniform lighting without complex multi-point lighting arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light diffuser as an intermediary element between the light source and the object. This diffuser scatters direct light into diffuse illumination, eliminating harsh shadows and creating uniform lighting conditions across all viewing angles while simplifying the lighting configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture 360-degree views, then image coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from capturing images in a two-dimensional plane to utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of cameras around the bowl-shaped stage. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of the object from multiple angles and elevations, achieving comprehensive 360-degree coverage with a manageable number of cameras positioned in vertical and horizontal arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal photographic system where a single bowl-shaped stage with strategically positioned cameras can capture objects of various sizes and shapes from all angles. The system serves multiple functions including top-down, side, and angled views simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate lighting and camera setups for different viewing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If objects are photographed from multiple angles sequentially, then complete coverage is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous omnidirectional illumination through the bowl-shaped reflective surface that maintains uniform lighting across all angles simultaneously. This allows all cameras in the array to capture images at the same moment without sequential positioning or relighting, achieving complete angular coverage in a single continuous action rather than multiple sequential steps.
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
The system provides virtually shadow-free, evenly lit images of objects from multiple angles, enabling quick and efficient generation of three-dimensional perspectives.
Implementation Method 1
a light diffuser positioned in between the photographic stage and the one or more lights
Data Source
AI summary
A photographic stage and photographic system is provided that produces consistent diffused lighting of an object or subject that is virtually shadow free for obtaining rotational views of the object in a time efficient manner. The photographic stage may be used with a camera array, or a single camera may be moved around the circumference of the photographic stage to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject. Alternatively, the photographic stage may be rotated to pass by a single fixed camera to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject.