Multi-Source Illumination for Rapid BRDF Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring the reflection characteristic of an object using bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and spatially-varying bidirectional reflectance distribution function (SVBRDF) are time-consuming due to the need for image capturing in multiple incident directions of light.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a control unit that simultaneously turns on multiple light sources, ensuring a distance greater than a predetermined threshold, to derive the reflection characteristic of an object based on captured image data, reducing the time required for image capturing by synchronizing illumination and image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image capturing is executed in each incident direction of light to acquire reflection characteristic data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources at different incident directions into a single illumination unit that can simultaneously illuminate the object from multiple directions. By turning on multiple light sources simultaneously rather than sequentially, the system captures images from multiple incident directions in one shot, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining the ability to derive accurate reflection characteristic data for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing selective turning on and off of individual light sources based on measurement requirements. The control unit can dynamically configure which light sources are active, enabling flexible measurement of reflection characteristics from different incident directions without physically moving the illumination source or camera
2Productivity
If multiple light sources are turned on simultaneously to reduce image capturing time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to light source interference
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination unit is segmented into multiple independent light sources, each capable of being controlled individually. This segmentation allows the system to turn on specific light sources based on measurement needs, reducing mutual interference between light sources while maintaining high productivity. The control unit can select which light sources to activate, preventing overwhelming the camera sensor with excessive light from all sources simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different light sources are positioned at different locations with different incident directions, creating localized illumination zones. By selectively activating specific light sources, the system provides appropriate illumination quality for each measurement direction without the negative effects of all light sources being active simultaneously, thus maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity
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
This approach reduces the time needed for image capturing while maintaining the accuracy of reflection characteristic data, allowing for efficient acquisition of reflection characteristics with improved angular resolution and wider angular ranges.
Implementation Method 1
measurement data of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) representing a reflection characteristic, which changes depending on an illumination direction or an observation direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a control unit configured to control an illumination unit such that two or more light sources from among the plurality of light sources of the illumination unit are turned on when an image of an object is captured, and a derivation unit configured to derive a reflection characteristic of the object based on image data obtained by capturing the image of the object, wherein the control unit turns on the two or more light sources such that a distance between the two or more light sources is greater than a predetermined threshold value.