3D Point-Cloud Model Reconstruction Using Rotating Platform and Asymmetric Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Many users lack the ability to create virtual 3D objects necessary for 3D printing, as they are unable to use 3D modeling software, leading to decreased interest in utilizing 3D printers.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that uses a rotatable platform, asymmetric patterns, a background curtain, and an image capturing unit controlled by a microprocessor to capture images from different angles, allowing for the reconstruction of a 3D point-cloud model from a physical object, enabling users to easily create virtual 3D models for printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users download virtual 3D objects from the Internet, then they can obtain pre-established models, but their willingness to purchase and utilize 3D printers decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of obtaining virtual 3D objectsVSAvoidwillingness to utilize 3D printers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently create their own virtual 3D models by scanning physical objects with a mobile device. The automated point-cloud processing and mesh generation allow users to produce custom 3D models without relying on pre-established models from the Internet, thus maintaining motivation to use 3D printers for personalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates accurate digital copies of physical objects through scanning and point-cloud processing. By capturing the geometric features of real-world objects and converting them into 3D digital models, users can replicate physical objects virtually and then print them, bridging the gap between physical and digital domains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If users establish virtual 3D objects using 3D modeling software, then they can create custom models, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to create custom virtual 3D objectsVSAvoiddifficulty of using 3D modeling software
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual 3D modeling operations with automated image processing algorithms. Instead of requiring users to manually manipulate 3D modeling software, the system uses computer vision and automated algorithms to generate 3D models from 2D images, substituting complex mechanical interaction with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating point-cloud data and mesh structures from captured images before the user needs them. The automated processing of geometric features, coordinate system establishment, and model generation occur in advance, eliminating the need for users to perform these complex tasks manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple image capturing units are used to scan objects, then scanning completeness improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of object scanningVSAvoidnumber of image capturing units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic rotating platform to change the relative position between the single image capturing unit and the object during scanning. By rotating the platform, the system achieves multiple viewing angles and complete object coverage without requiring multiple fixed capturing units, thus maintaining scanning completeness while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds the time dimension through rotation to achieve complete object scanning. Instead of using multiple capturing units simultaneously (spatial dimension), the system uses a single unit that captures images at different angles over time as the platform rotates, converting a spatial problem into a temporal solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3477254B1Apparatus for producing 3D a point-cloud model of a physical object and producing method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 XYZPRINTING
  • EP3477254B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3477254B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3477254B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus (1) for producing 3D point-cloud model of physical objects includes a rotatable platform (11), multiple patterns asymmetrically arranged on the rotatable platform (11), a background curtain (13), and an image capturing unit (12) arranged facing toward the background curtain (13). A producing method includes: placing an object (2) to be scanned on the rotatable platform (11); setting a capturing amount during one-time rotation operation; controlling the rotatable platform (11) to perform the rotation operation, and controlling the image capturing unit (12) to capture corresponding images during the rotation operation according to the capturing amount, wherein each image includes the entire object (2) and multiple of the patterns, and records corresponding global coordinates; and, performing matching on multiple features of each of the images, and constructing a 3D point-cloud model of the object (2) according to a matching result of the features and the global coordinates of each of the images. Disclosed there is also a method for producing 3D point-cloud model of physical object, adopted by the producing apparatus (1).