Free-Fall Object Acquisition and 3D Reconstruction System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reconstructing three-dimensional objects with volume are limited as they typically only allow for partial reconstruction, often relying on support surfaces that restrict the object's movement and visibility, preventing the capture of the entire external surface.
Innovation Solution
A device with distributed image capturing sensors and a volume surface with entry and exit apertures allows objects to fall freely, enabling comprehensive image capture from multiple angles without obstruction, facilitating full volume and surface reconstruction using computer equipment and algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the object is placed on a support surface for reconstruction, then the object is stable and can be viewed from multiple angles, but the support surface hides parts of the object and prevents complete surface acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the object on a support surface, the patent inverts the approach by having the object fall freely through the sensor array. The object passes through the detection volume without contact, allowing all surfaces to be visible to the sensors throughout the fall trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static object placement to dynamic free-fall movement. The object moves through the sensor field during free fall, enabling continuous surface capture from multiple angles without the need for support surfaces that would obstruct visibility
2Productivity
If the object moves on a conveyor belt for scanning, then the object can be viewed longitudinally by structured light, but only one face of the object can be viewed at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds vertical dimension to the scanning process by having the object fall through a three-dimensional sensor array. Instead of linear conveyor belt movement capturing one face at a time, the object traverses the entire detection volume vertically, allowing simultaneous multi-angle capture of all surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple copies of the object from different angles simultaneously during free fall. The sensor array records the object's position and surface information at multiple points along its trajectory, creating comprehensive surface data without sequential scanning
3Loss of information
If cameras are distributed on a closed surface around the object, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but the object cannot pass through the sensor array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closed sensor surface into discrete sensor positions arranged in a grid or array pattern. This segmentation creates open spaces between sensors, allowing the object to pass through while maintaining sufficient sensor coverage to capture complete surface information
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor distribution is optimized locally at different positions within the detection volume. Sensors are strategically placed to ensure that every point on the object's surface is visible to at least one sensor during its fall, achieving complete coverage without requiring a continuous closed surface
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 the acquisition and reconstruction of objects' entire external surfaces, providing a complete three-dimensional representation, overcoming the limitations of partial reconstructions and restricted visibility.
Implementation Method 1
the object under analysis to be passed in a free fall movement through the interior volume, from an entry aperture to an outlet aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of this invention is a device and a method which will permit the acquisition and subsequent reconstruction of objects with volume throughout the total external surface. This invention is characterised in that it has a particular mode of acquisition on the free fall object in such a way that there is no support surface which prevents acquisition of the surface which would be hidden by said support. The invention is also characterised by special modes of distribution of the cameras which optimise image capturing and provide useful information in the subsequent reconstruction of the volume through computer means.