Mobile Object Circumnavigation for 360-Degree Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing a 360-degree view of an object are limited by the need for expensive machinery that can only accommodate certain product sizes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that identifies an object, determines a bounding box and path around it, and captures images at fixed distances along the path, allowing for a 360-degree view without the need for specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive specialized machinery is used to capture 360-degree views, then image capture quality and completeness are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions including imaging, navigation, and object circumnavigation using standard components already present in consumer smartphones or tablets. The device uses its existing camera, GPS, accelerometer, and processor to accomplish 360-degree object capture without requiring specialized equipment, thereby achieving multi-functionality with universal device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive specialized imaging equipment, the system creates a digital copy or model of the object by capturing multiple images from different angles around the object and reconstructing a 360-degree view. This virtual representation replicates the visual information that would otherwise require specialized photography equipment to obtain.
2Measurement precision
If expensive specialized machinery is used, then 360-degree view accuracy is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, durable specialized imaging equipment with inexpensive, readily available mobile devices that can be easily replaced or updated. The mobile device's camera and processing capabilities are sufficient for the task, and the low cost of these devices makes the overall system highly cost-effective compared to specialized machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves accurate 360-degree views by changing operational parameters such as the number of images captured, the angular intervals between shots, and the processing algorithms used to stitch images together. By optimizing these software and procedural parameters rather than relying on expensive hardware, the system maintains high measurement precision while keeping costs low.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-distance image capture along a determined path is used, then consistency of object representation is improved, but navigation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device continuously monitors its position, orientation, and distance from the object using sensors such as GPS, accelerometer, and distance sensors. This feedback information is used to adjust the navigation path in real-time, ensuring that images are captured at consistent distances and angles around the object, thereby maintaining stable and consistent object representation throughout the circumnavigation process.
Solution Approach 2:
Before beginning the circumnavigation, the system pre-calculates the optimal capture path and determines the sequence of positions and orientations needed to achieve complete 360-degree coverage. This preliminary planning ensures that the device follows a consistent trajectory around the object, capturing images at predetermined intervals and distances, which simplifies the actual execution phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, computer readable medium, and methods for image capturing while circumnavigating objects using mobile devices are disclosed. Example methods include capturing an image, processing the image to identify an object within the image, determining a path around the object and a number of images to capture of the object, dividing the path by the number of images to determine a number of waypoints, and navigating the mobile device to the waypoints and capturing an image of the object at each waypoint of the waypoints. Examples include a person pointing at an object and the mobile device identifying the object based on the person pointing at the object. The mobile device determines a bounding box and a geometric center of the bounding box to determine the path to circumnavigate the object. The mobile device determines a height above a ground to assist in navigation.