Decentralized 3D Model Generation via Cloud Photogrammetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for digitizing physical objects for virtual realities like VR, AR, and the Metaverse are often centralized and costly, requiring significant technical resources and expertise, especially for locations that want to create 3D models of everyday items like food and tableware.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized digitalization system that uses a cloud-based digitalization engine to coordinate the processing of 2D image data into 3D models. This system employs local scanning rigs and image capture devices to create image files with depth information and identifiers, which are then processed by remote image processing resources, distributing the workload and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized digitalization processing is used, then digitalization quality and model accuracy are improved, but processing cost and technical resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized digitalization process into distributed components: local scanning rigs capture images at multiple locations, cloud-based services perform photogrammetry processing, and individual consumers receive their 3D models. This segmentation allows high-quality digitalization without requiring each location to have complex processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cloud-based intermediaries (cloud computing services, photogrammetry processing services) that mediate between local image capture and final 3D model delivery. These intermediaries handle the complex processing tasks, allowing local devices to remain simple while maintaining high digitalization quality.
2Productivity
If each location performs its own image processing, then processing speed and control are improved, but cost burden and technical expertise requirements increase for each consumer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges processing resources across multiple consumers by using shared cloud infrastructure. Multiple locations can simultaneously utilize the same photogrammetry processing services and storage resources, achieving parallel processing speed while distributing costs across many users rather than each bearing the full burden independently.
3Manufacturing precision
If photogrammetry processing is performed locally, then model accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity and initial investment increase at each location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex photogrammetry processing functionality from local devices and relocates it to cloud-based services. Local scanning rigs only need to perform simple image capture, while the computationally intensive 3D reconstruction is performed remotely, maintaining model accuracy without requiring complex local equipment.
4Productivity
If centralized processing resources are consolidated, then processing efficiency is improved, but accessibility and distribution across multiple locations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cloud-based processing platform that serves multiple locations and purposes. The same photogrammetry services can be accessed by any consumer with a local scanning rig, making the system adaptable to different locations while maintaining centralized processing efficiency through shared resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments implement decentralized digitalization of physical objects. A digitalization engine in the cloud, receives two dimensional (2D) image data of a physical object (e.g., pizza slice) located at a first remote location (e.g., restaurant). A local scanning rig in conjunction with an image capture device (e.g., mobile phone), creates an image file comprising the 2D image, depth information, and an identifier. The digitalization engine receives the 2D image file, stores it, and forwards the 2D image file to an image processing resource also remote from the digitalization engine. The digitalization engine then receives from the image processing resource, a three dimensional model file (e.g., created by photogrammetry) of the 2D images. The digitalization engine communicates the 3D model file for consumption (e.g., incorporation of the 3D pizza slice into a virtual menu). By distributing image processing resources across multiple image consumers, embodiments avoid one consumer having to shoulder digitalization costs.