Optical Data Visualization Using Transparent Sheets and Camera Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for visualizing and exploring three-dimensional or layered two-dimensional data are complex and time-consuming, requiring sophisticated software and hardware tools, and often provide limited access to the data.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine an image by projecting an imaging element onto a representation of the data, using sensory data from sensors like accelerometers or electromagnetic sensors to obtain the position and orientation of the imaging element within a virtual volume, allowing for intuitive and easy visualization of complex multi-dimensional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sophisticated software and hardware tools are used to visualize three-dimensional or layered two-dimensional data, then the visualization capability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture optical images of transparent sheets containing data, creating a visual copy of the three-dimensional or layered information. This optical copying approach replaces complex software visualization tools with simple optical hardware, maintaining visualization capability while dramatically reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and software-based visualization systems with an optical system using transparent sheets and camera imaging. This substitution eliminates the need for sophisticated control software and complex hardware interfaces, achieving simple and intuitive data exploration
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated software and hardware tools are used to explore data, then the data access capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing optical images of transparent data sheets with a camera, the system provides versatile data access through simple photography. Users can explore data by taking pictures at different angles and positions, replacing complex software navigation with intuitive optical capture, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining data access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent sheet system allows data to be self-explanatory through its optical properties. The data structure itself serves as the interface, with transparency and spatial arrangement providing natural navigation cues, eliminating the need for complex user interface controls and instructions
3Measurement precision
If multiple two-dimensional extracts are created and switched between for data inspection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple two-dimensional data extracts into a single three-dimensional transparent sheet structure. Instead of creating and switching between separate images, all data layers are physically combined in one transparent object that can be viewed from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating time loss from switching while maintaining inspection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image switching to three-dimensional transparent sheet viewing. By adding the third dimension (depth/transparency), users can inspect multiple data layers within a single object without switching between separate two-dimensional extracts, dramatically reducing exploration time while maintaining precision
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 intuitive and effective visualization of complex data by determining a subset of data corresponding to the projection of the imaging element, providing an illustrative and user-friendly approach to exploring multi-dimensional data structures.
Implementation Method 1
determining a projection of an imaging element on the first representation, the imaging element being arranged to at least partly overlap with the first representation
Data Source
AI summary
A method, an apparatus, an arrangement and a computer readable storage medium for determining an image based at least in part on first data having a first representation is provided. The approach comprises determining a projection of an imaging element on the first representation, the imaging element being arranged to at least partly overlap with the first representation, determining a first subset of data as the subset of the first data corresponding to the projection of the imaging element on the first representation, and determining the image based at least in part on the first subset of data.