3D Distortion Detection on Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining image distortions on reflective surfaces, such as car windows and facades, are inefficient and fail to accurately assess distortions caused by irregularities in the surface curvature, leading to aesthetic issues due to unacceptable image reproduction.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the three-dimensional shape of the reflective surface using deflectometry or mechanical measurements, allowing for the calculation of refractive powers and distortion effects from different viewing angles, enabling the assessment of three-dimensional distortions with minimal time and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to measure distortions from different viewing angles, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual camera model that replicates the optical behavior of physical cameras. By using ray tracing algorithms, the system simulates how light would travel through multiple viewing angles without requiring actual multiple cameras. This virtual copy approach maintains measurement completeness while eliminating the need for complex multi-camera hardware setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical cameras with a computational model. Instead of physically positioning multiple cameras to capture reflections from different angles, the system uses a single camera combined with ray tracing algorithms to calculate what the image would look like from any desired viewing angle. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are deployed to capture different viewing angles, then distortion coverage is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the three-dimensional surface shape of the reflecting object using deflectometry. This pre-acquired geometric data serves as a foundation that allows rapid computation of distortion from any viewing angle without requiring actual multi-camera measurements. The preliminary surface characterization enables fast virtual simulations later.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating virtual camera views through computational rendering, the system can instantly generate distortion assessments for any number of viewing angles without the time penalty of physical camera repositioning or sequential measurements. The virtual copying process is computationally efficient compared to physical measurement setups.
3Measurement precision
If reference marks are used for surface measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and applicability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deflectometry, a technique where the reflecting object itself serves as the measurement target without requiring external reference marks. By analyzing how the object's own surface reflects light patterns, the system extracts three-dimensional shape information directly from the reflection geometry. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual application of reference marks, greatly simplifying preparation while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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
This approach allows for rapid and flexible assessment of distortions in reflective objects, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and minimizing production errors by determining distortions in a single measurement, applicable to various reflective surfaces with any degree of reflection.
Implementation Method 1
When an object is reflected in an object provided with a reflective surface, distortions such as changes in shape, reduction, enlargement or changes in curvature arise particularly due to irregularities on the surface of the object.
Implementation Method 2
the three-dimensional shape of the surface of the reflecting object, and thus also the curvatures of the surface at each point, are determined using a camera using deflectometry
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the distortion of the image of an object (5) formed by reflection from a reflecting object (1). For a simple and cost-effective determination of the distortion, the three-dimensional shape of the surface (2) of the object (1) is first determined. Subsequently, based on the known three-dimensional shape of the surface (2), the distortion of the image of the object (5) from different viewing directions is calculated, and a three-dimensional distortion is determined from this. A corresponding apparatus is also described.