3D Model Construction from Door-Angle Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage containers, especially refrigerators, face issues where obstructed items within the container cannot be inspected without opening the door, leading to inconvenience and unnecessary energy wastage due to temperature fluctuations, and remote inspection limitations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use an image sensor attached to a hinged door to capture images at various angular positions, constructing a 3D model of the contents using photogrammetry, allowing for obscured items to be viewed without opening the container and reducing energy consumption by maintaining the interior temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display unit shows an image of the interior volume of the storage container, then the user can inspect contents without opening the container, but obscured items cannot be viewed and the user must open the container which causes temperature rise and energy wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D images to a 3D model of the storage container contents. By constructing a three-dimensional model from multiple images captured at different angular positions, the system enables users to view obscured items from different perspectives and angles, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the inspection capability that resolves the visibility problem of obscured items.
2Loss of information
If the user opens the storage container to inspect obscured items, then all items become visible, but the interior temperature rises and electrical energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different angular positions and constructing a 3D model in advance, before the user needs to inspect the contents. This preparatory work enables complete visibility of all items through the digital model, eliminating the need for the user to open the container and thereby preventing energy wastage from temperature fluctuations.
3Loss of information
If multiple images are captured at different angular positions to create a 3D model, then obscured items become visible in the model, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (3D model) of the storage container contents rather than requiring complex mechanical or optical systems to physically reveal all items. By capturing images at different angular positions and processing them into a 3D model, the system uses software-based copying to achieve complete visibility, which is simpler than alternative physical solutions.
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
Enables users to inspect contents without opening the storage container, reducing energy wastage and allowing remote inspection, with the 3D model providing a clear view of all items, including those obscured by others.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a plurality of images from an image sensor attached to a side of a hinged door facing an interior of a storage container, wherein each of the plurality of images is captured when the hinged door is at a corresponding one of a plurality of angular positions
Implementation Method 2
constructing a three-dimensional, 3D, model of contents within the storage container from the plurality of images and the corresponding plurality of angular positions. The 3D model may be constructed using photogrammetry.
Data Source
AI summary
A modelling method comprising receiving a plurality of images from an image sensor attached to a side of a hinged door facing an interior of a storage container, wherein each of the plurality of images is captured when the hinged door is at a corresponding one of a plurality of angular positions (θ) relative to the storage container, constructing a three-dimensional, 3D, model of contents within the storage container from the plurality of images and the corresponding plurality of angular positions.