3D Imaging Using Directional Lighting for Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monochrome objects without surface markings pose challenges for 3D imaging systems, as they lack identifiable features, leading to inaccurate initial 3D models and final images due to uniform lighting, which reduces the effectiveness of stereoscopy.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging system that illuminates an object in multiple directions, capturing single-direction images which are then combined computationally to form a combined-direction stereo pair, utilizing variations in brightness caused by surface roughness as features for stereoscopic imaging, rather than relying on diffuse lighting, to enhance imaging accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If diffuse lighting is used to illuminate the object, then all sides of the object are well lit and shadows are minimized, but the imaging system requires additional lighting sources and the initial 3D model accuracy deteriorates due to lack of brightness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination task by using multiple directional light sources positioned at different locations around the object, each illuminating from a specific direction. This creates controlled brightness variations in different regions of the object surface, providing sufficient features for stereoscopic matching while maintaining good overall illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that different regions of the object receive differentiated illumination characteristics. Each directional light source creates specific lighting patterns on particular surfaces, generating local brightness variations that serve as features for 3D reconstruction without requiring uniform diffuse lighting across the entire scene.
2Illumination intensity
If directional light sources are positioned close to the camera for bright field imaging, then all visible areas are well lit, but shadows are created in certain regions and additional lighting complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination task among multiple directional light sources positioned at different locations, so that each light source illuminates specific portions of the object from its particular direction. This segmentation distributes the shadow formation problem across multiple light sources, ensuring that while individual shadows may exist, overall coverage remains excellent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions light sources in three-dimensional space around the object rather than confining them to a single plane or location. This spatial distribution in multiple dimensions allows each light source to illuminate different facets of the object, reducing the impact of shadows while maintaining bright field conditions.
3Reliability
If monochrome objects without surface markings are imaged, then the object maintains its original appearance, but feature detection becomes difficult leading to inaccurate stereoscopic models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively creates artificial brightness variations (analogous to color changes) by using directional lighting on monochrome objects. The variations in light intensity and direction create perceivable differences across the object surface, providing sufficient features for detection and measurement while maintaining the object's original monochrome appearance without adding physical markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters (direction, intensity, position) to create sufficient contrast and features on the monochrome object surface. By varying these lighting parameters across multiple views and angles, the system generates detectable features without altering the object's fundamental appearance or adding surface markings.
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 allows for the creation of accurate 3D models by using directional light sources to create brightness variations, improving feature detection and image quality, especially for objects with minimal or no surface markings, while reducing the need for additional lighting sources and minimizing shadow issues.
Implementation Method 1
The 3D surface is illuminated by light (or other electromagnetic radiation), and the two-dimensional images are created using the light reflected from it
Implementation Method 2
the two-dimensional images are created using the light reflected from it
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D imaging system is proposed in which an object is successively illuminated in at least three directions and at least three images of the object are captured by one or more energy sensors. A set of images is produced computationally showing the object from multiple viewpoints, and illuminated in the at least three directions simultaneously. This set of images is used stereoscopically to form an initial 3D model of the object. Variations in the brightness of the object provides features useful in the stereoscopy. The initial model is refined using photometric data obtained from images in which the object is illuminated in the at least three directions successively.