Multi-View Object Imaging Using Internal Mirror Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for copying objects, such as keys, require physical possession and transportation, which can be impractical for quick and covert duplication, especially when removing the object from its environment is infeasible.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held device with a housing, camera, and adjustable mirrors that captures multiple views of an object by reflecting them towards a camera, allowing for image capture and subsequent data transformation to reproduce the object using machining devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If physical possession and transportation of the object is used to create a copy, then the copying process can be completed, but it is time-consuming and impractical for quick and covert duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of the object from multiple angles using a camera system with mirrors. Instead of physically transporting the object, the system creates visual copies through photography, dramatically reducing the time required for duplication while maintaining accuracy of the object's shape and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical object transport with an optical system. Using mirrors and a camera, the system captures multiple views of the object without requiring physical movement of the object itself, substituting mechanical transportation with optical imaging to achieve faster copying.
2Ease of manufacture
If the object is removed from its home environment for copying, then the copy can be made, but it may be infeasible for various security and practical reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (mirrors and camera) that allows copying of the object while it remains in its original location. The mirrors act as intermediaries to capture multiple angles without requiring the object to be removed from its secure environment, eliminating security risks associated with object transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies through optical imaging rather than physical possession. By capturing images with a camera system, the object can be replicated without being removed from its secure location, maintaining security while enabling duplication.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple views of the object are captured to ensure accuracy, then the copying precision improves, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mirror surfaces within a single integrated housing structure. Instead of using separate devices for each angle, the mirrors are merged into one compact system that captures multiple views simultaneously or in quick succession, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high copying precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mirrors arranged in three-dimensional space to reflect light from multiple angles onto a two-dimensional camera sensor. This dimensional approach allows capturing multiple views without requiring complex mechanical movement, simplifying the device structure while achieving high accuracy through spatial arrangement of mirrors.
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 quick and accurate duplication of objects without physical removal, facilitating covert copying and improving efficiency in acquiring and reproducing complex key shapes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of mirrors in the cavity configured to reflect at least three views of the object towards the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A device for capturing at least three views of an object with a camera includes a housing having a cavity. A slot in the housing communicates with the cavity and is adapted to accept an object. A plurality of mirrors in the cavity reflects at least three views of the object towards the camera, allowing the camera to capture an image of the views. A system for capturing multiple views of an object includes a housing having a cavity. A slot in the housing communicates with the cavity and is adapted to receive an object. A camera, a light source, and a plurality of mirrors in the cavity reflect at least three views of the object towards the camera, allowing the camera to capture an image three views.