Monocular Camera 3D Capture with Real-Time Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D scanning technologies using monocular cameras on smartphones lack real-time feedback and efficiency, resulting in low-quality 3D models with significant computational costs and limited performance in various lighting conditions and distances.
Innovation Solution
A software-based 3D camera system that processes image frames using a frequency-triggered key frame approach, providing depth maps at a constant rate, and utilizes motion-based key frame triggering and probabilistic depth measurements to enhance 3D modeling capabilities, allowing real-time feedback and efficient processing on standard smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If monocular camera approaches are used for 3D scanning, then device complexity is reduced and portability is improved, but measurement precision and 3D model quality deteriorate compared to hardware 3D cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware 3D camera systems with a software-based processing approach that uses a single monocular camera. Instead of relying on complex hardware stereo systems, the invention uses computational algorithms to process sequences of 2D images and generate 3D models, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software-based virtual 3D camera system that replicates the functionality of expensive hardware 3D cameras. By processing image sequences through algorithms like structure-from-motion and photogrammetry, the system generates 3D models that copy the measurement capabilities of hardware stereo systems using only a standard monocular camera
2Productivity
If real-time 3D reconstruction is implemented, then productivity and processing speed are improved, but computational power requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D reconstruction process into multiple independent stages: image capture, feature extraction, structure-from-motion, photogrammetry, and rendering. Each stage processes specific portions of the data separately, allowing the system to achieve real-time performance by processing only the necessary computational steps at each phase rather than performing all calculations simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational actions during the image capture phase by pre-processing images and extracting features before the main 3D reconstruction computation. This includes preliminary steps like detecting corners, edges, and key points, which reduces the computational burden during subsequent processing stages and enables real-time operation
3Measurement precision
If cloud-based processing or guided capturing approaches are used, then 3D model quality is improved, but loss of time occurs as models are only available after capture completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous 3D reconstruction that progresses in real-time during the capture process. Instead of completing all processing after capture, the system continuously generates 3D models as images are captured, providing immediate feedback and intermediate results. This allows the useful action of 3D modeling to continue uninterrupted throughout the capture process rather than waiting for completion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides real-time feedback by displaying intermediate 3D models and depth maps during the capture process. Users receive immediate visual feedback showing the current state of the 3D reconstruction, allowing them to adjust their positioning and capture strategy dynamically. This feedback mechanism eliminates the time delay inherent in cloud-based approaches where models are only available after processing completion
Data Source
AI summary
Forming a 3D representation of an object using a portable electronic device with a camera. A sequence of image frames, captured with the camera may be processed to generate 3D information about the object. This 3D information may be used to present a visual representation of the object as real-time feedback to a user, indicating confidence of 3D information for regions of the object. Feedback may be a composite image based on surfaces in a 3D model derived from the 3D information given visual characteristics derived from the image frames. The 3D information may be used in a number of ways, including as an input to a 3D printer or an input, representing, in whole or in part, an avatar for a game or other purposes. To enable processing to be performed on a portable device, a portion of the image frames may be selected for processing with higher resolution.