Photogrammetry Mat with Distinguishable Markers for 3D Model Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photogrammetry methods are complex, require a large number of images, and often necessitate specialized equipment to achieve accurate 3D modeling, especially for objects with complex geometry.

Innovation Solution

A mat with a scanning surface featuring distinguishable markers that serve as a reference system for photogrammetry, allowing for the creation of a 3D model using traditionally available cameras and simplifying the image alignment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional photogrammetry methods are used, then 3D models can be created, but the process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of creating 3D modelVSAvoidcomplexity of photogrammetry process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mat with markers as an intermediary element between the object and the photogrammetry process. This mat serves as a reference system that mediates the alignment and scaling of multiple images, eliminating the need for complex specialized equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mat with pre-arranged markers is prepared in advance before the photogrammetry process begins. This preliminary setup establishes a known reference framework that simplifies subsequent image processing and 3D model creation, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If more images are captured to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the quantity of images and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of 3D modelVSAvoidnumber of photographs required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The markers on the mat act as intermediaries that provide clear, easily detectable reference points in images. This allows for accurate alignment and scaling with fewer images, as the markers serve as unambiguous features for the photogrammetry software to track across multiple views.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The markers are designed with distinct visual characteristics (different colors, patterns, or shapes) that make them easily distinguishable from the object and background. This visual differentiation enables reliable automatic detection and tracking of markers across images, improving measurement precision while reducing the number of images needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Measurement precision

If specialized supplementary technology is used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of digital 3D modelVSAvoidspecialized equipment required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mat with markers serves as a simple intermediary reference system that can be used with standard cameras and photogrammetry software. This eliminates the need for specialized supplementary technology while maintaining high measurement precision through the provision of a stable, known reference framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mat is a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component compared to specialized photogrammetry equipment. This low-cost reference system achieves high precision without requiring expensive, complex, or specialized technology, making photogrammetry accessible with traditionally available means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If markers are added to provide a reference system, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of the setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of image alignmentVSAvoidcomplexity of mat with markers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The markers are merged with the mat to form a single integrated reference system. This combination eliminates the need for separate marker placement and setup procedures, as the markers are permanently attached to the mat in fixed positions, simplifying the overall setup process while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12313403B2Mat for carrying out a photogrammetry method, use of the mat and associated method

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 ROOOM AG

AI summary

A mat for carrying out a photogrammetry method, having an upper side with a scanning surface, on which an object to be captured by means of the photogrammetry method can be placed, wherein a plurality of markers which can preferably be distinguished from one another is arranged on the scanning surface, said markers being detectable when carrying out the photogrammetry method, so as to be used during the creation of a 3D model of the object being captured by means of the photogrammetry method. The invention further specifies the use of the mat for carrying out a photogrammetry method, a computer-implemented method for the photogrammetric creation of a 3D model of an object, and a computer-readable storage medium.