Dynamic Deformation Reconstruction via Programmable Light Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional animated sculptures fail to realistically represent the dynamic deformation of objects, as they rely on schematic physical representations, making it difficult to create a convincing illusion of movement or deformation.

Innovation Solution

A method using a plurality of light sources positioned to correspond with characteristic points of an object during deformation, controlled by a programmer to accurately replicate the object's movement, creating a high-quality visual representation that can be viewed from various angles without the need for complex mechanical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If animated sculptures with solid elements are used to represent object shape, then the physical representation is recognizable when stationary, but the system cannot realistically represent deformations of the object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical representation of object shapeVSAvoidability to represent deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces solid mechanical elements with light sources that can be dynamically positioned and controlled. Instead of physically deforming solid sculpture elements, the system uses programmable light sources that emit light at positions corresponding to deformed points on the object surface, enabling realistic deformation representation without mechanical complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy of the object's deformation by positioning light sources at coordinates that match the deformed positions of characteristic points on the object. This optical copying approach allows the system to represent any deformation state without requiring physical analogs of all possible deformation configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If light sources are used to represent characteristic points during deformation, then the position of light sources corresponds precisely to the position of corresponding points of the object, but the system requires a programmer to control the light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition precision of light sourcesVSAvoidprogrammer control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves self-service by using the object's own characteristic points as reference markers for positioning light sources. The programmer controls light sources based on predetermined coordinates of these characteristic points, allowing the system to automatically maintain precise correspondence between light source positions and object point positions during deformation without requiring external measurement or adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a plurality of light sources are separated by mainly transparent space, then the physical system can be observed from many viewing angles, but the light sources do not represent the shape of the object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle flexibilityVSAvoidvisual representation of object shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating light sources at different positions corresponding to the object's deformation at successive instants. This temporal sequencing creates the visual perception of continuous deformation and shape representation, allowing the system to convey both shape information and multi-angle observability without requiring all light sources to be simultaneously visible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2047173B1Method for obtaining a three-dimensional physical system reconstructing the appearance of a three-dimensional object in reversible dynamic deformation, e.g. by using a motion capture process
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 BRUN(FR)
  • EP2047173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2047173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2047173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention concerns a three-dimensional physical system for reconstructing the appearance of at least one three-dimensional object in dynamic deformation. The system is composed of a plurality of light sources corresponding to points of said object which are characteristic of said deformations, separated by a mainly transparent space, said plurality of sources not representing the shape of the object, and a programming unit adapted for controlling the light sources so that the relative position of each light source corresponds to the relative position of the corresponding point of said object during the reversible dynamic deformation of same. The invention also concerns a method for reconstructing the appearance of at least one three-dimensional object in dynamic deformation using a three-dimensional physical system according to the first aspect of the invention.