3D Modeling Scanner Using Coded Targets for Non-Rigid Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generating accurate 3D models of non-rigid objects, such as human body parts, is challenging due to the complexity of data collection and the need for sophisticated and expensive equipment, as well as the difficulty in capturing and processing images of dynamic or textured surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing coded targets and multiple cameras to capture 2D images, which are then processed to generate 3D models, including characteristics like scale, texture, and color, using algorithms like Structure from Motion and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform, allowing for efficient and accurate 3D model creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sophisticated and expensive equipment such as various sensors is used to capture and generate 3D models, then model accuracy is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, sophisticated sensors with inexpensive coded targets that can be easily printed and disposed of. The coded targets serve as temporary calibration objects during the scanning process, eliminating the need for costly specialized equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes physical sophisticated sensing equipment with a computational approach using standard cameras and coded targets. Instead of relying on complex mechanical or optical sensors, the system uses image processing algorithms to extract 3D information, replacing the need for expensive specialized hardware.

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

2Measurement precision

If traditional 3D scanning methods are used for non-rigid objects, then model accuracy may be improved, but data collection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoiddata collection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces coded targets as intermediary objects placed on or near the non-rigid object being scanned. These targets serve as stable reference points that facilitate the 3D reconstruction process, providing known geometric features that help algorithms accurately determine spatial relationships even when the object itself is deformable or difficult to capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If traditional 3D scanning methods are used for dynamic subjects, then model accuracy may be improved, but capture time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidcapture time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple cameras operating in synchronization to capture images simultaneously from different angles. This periodic, coordinated capture approach allows the system to freeze dynamic motion across multiple viewpoints at once, reducing capture time while maintaining accuracy through the use of coded targets that provide stable reference information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used to capture 2D images for 3D model generation, then model accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the coded targets serve multiple functions: they provide calibration information for camera parameters, serve as reference points for 3D reconstruction, and act as markers for tracking object position and orientation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10650584B2Three-dimensional modeling scanner
Publication Date: 2020.05.12 KONICA MINOLTA SYSTEMS LABORATORY INC
  • US10650584B2 patent drawing
  • US10650584B2 patent drawing
  • US10650584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a target object. The method includes obtaining one or more image capture settings and capturing, using the one or more image capture settings, a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images each including at least a portion of a coded target and at least a portion of the target object. The method further includes transmitting the plurality of 2D images to a model generation server and generating, by the model generation server based on the plurality of 2D images, the 3D model of the target object and one or more model characteristics of the 3D model.