Virtual Gemstone Scintillation Rendering via Look-Up Tables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time rendering techniques for jewelry with gemstones fail to accurately depict the shimmer and sparkle of real gemstones, leading to a limited online shopping experience for customers and inefficient processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that render real-time views of reflective and refractive objects by determining and displaying scintillation factors at facets of 3D representations of gemstones based on light source angles, using look-up tables to simulate fiery and flash scintillation effects, enhancing the online shopping experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex rendering steps are used to show scintillation, then the visual quality of gemstones is improved, but the processing efficiency and real-time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores scintillation factors in look-up tables during an offline preparation phase. These tables contain pre-computed lighting and extinction values for different facet orientations and light source positions. During real-time rendering, the system simply queries these pre-computed values based on the current view angle and light position, avoiding complex calculations and achieving both high visual quality and real-time performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-divides gemstone facets into virtual facets and pre-computes their scintillation characteristics. This preliminary processing creates a data structure that enables rapid real-time rendering by simply looking up pre-computed values rather than performing complex optical simulations during interactive sessions.
2Ease of operation
If environment mapping is used for real-time rendering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual realism of gemstone scintillation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different rendering approaches to different parts of the gemstone model. Individual facets are treated with specific scintillation calculations based on their orientation and the viewer's angle. The look-up table provides facet-specific lighting and extinction values that capture the unique optical behavior of each facet, creating locally accurate scintillation effects that collectively produce realistic overall appearance.
3Device complexity
If still pictures are used for online representation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the customer experience and interactivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the physical gemstone that can be manipulated interactively online. This virtual representation includes geometric models of the gemstone facets and embedded look-up tables containing optical properties. Customers can rotate and view the virtual gemstone from different angles, experiencing interactivity comparable to handling physical stones while keeping the system relatively simple by using pre-computed data structures.
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 solution improves the customer experience by providing a more lifelike interaction with virtual gemstones, increasing conversion rates and facilitating upselling, while reducing the complexity and inefficiency of existing rendering systems.
Implementation Method 1
determining a scintillation at facets of the 3D representation of the RAR by loading a scintillation factor, from a look-up table stored in memory, corresponding to an angle of incidence of a light source to a facet of the RAR object
Implementation Method 2
render a real-time view of a reflective and refractive (RAR) object
Implementation Method 3
render a real-time view of a reflective and refractive (RAR) object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Current real-time rendering techniques of virtual representations of jewelry with gemstones do not address the shimmer and sparkle of real gemstones. Embodiments of the present invention use real-time rendering methods and systems that enable flash scintillation and fiery scintillation on the facets of virtual representations of gemstones as they are manipulated online by the customer. A 3D representation of a gemstone is displayed. In response to user input corresponding to the manipulation of the displayed 3D representation of the gemstone, scintillations at facets of the 3D representation of the gemstone are determined. The scintillations are determined by loading a scintillation factor from a look-up table corresponding to an angle of incidence of a light source to a facet of the gemstone. The determined scintillations at the facets of the gemstone are displayed for the user in real-time.