Relightable Holograms for 3D Printed Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies are limited in capturing the true reflectance properties of objects, such as complex light-reflectance behaviors, resulting in models that fail to resemble real objects accurately, despite advancements in resolution and material usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and affixing relightable holograms to 3D printed models, which encode lighting information using holographic pixels, allowing the models to reflect light in a manner similar to the original objects by capturing and applying Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) data, thereby enhancing the realism of the printed models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional 3D printing is used to create models, then the model structure and depth information can be reproduced, but the light reflectance properties and realism of the original object are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the object surface into multiple regions and captures lighting information for each region separately using multiple images taken from different viewpoints. This segmentation allows the system to process and store complex reflectance data in manageable holographic pixels, resolving the contradiction by enabling detailed light property capture without overwhelming the printing system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 3D spatial representation to 4D information encoding by incorporating lighting conditions as an additional dimension. Multiple images captured under different lighting conditions and viewpoints are integrated into holographic pixels that encode both spatial and optical properties, allowing the model to reproduce not just shape but also light interaction characteristics
2Loss of information
If multiple images are used to capture lighting information, then the light interaction properties can be accurately recorded, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified holographic pixel representations that copy the essential lighting information from multiple complex images. Instead of printing all original images, the system generates condensed holographic pixels that encode the same light interaction data in a compact format, reducing printing complexity while preserving lighting information accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms multiple images with varying lighting parameters into standardized holographic pixels with encoded reflectance properties. By changing the representation parameters from raw image data to processed holographic data, the system simplifies the printing process while maintaining the ability to reproduce accurate light interaction properties
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 enables 3D printed models to accurately replicate the light interaction properties of the original objects, making them appear more realistic by incorporating both depth and light reflectance attributes, surpassing the limitations of conventional 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
A method is disclosed for printing a physical model of an object from a three dimensional image of the object. A series of printed holograms are received, each hologram comprising at least one holographic pixel that encodes lighting information of one of a plurality of regions of an object surface
Implementation Method 2
each printed hologram comprises at least one holographic pixel that encodes lighting information... allowing the models to reflect light in a manner similar to the original objects
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting information comprising at least the reflectance data of a plurality of regions of an object surface is generated and printed out as a series of relightable holograms. Each of the printed holograms comprises the reflectance data of a corresponding region of the object. A model of the object is generated such that the model also comprises a plurality of portions corresponding to the regions of the object surface. The series of holograms are each affixed to a portion of the model such that a particular hologram of the series which encodes the reflectance data of a particular region of the object is affixed to the corresponding portion of the model. In an embodiment, the model of the object is generated from a metal. The series of holograms is engraved directly onto the metallic model such that a particular hologram of the series which encodes the reflectance data of a particular region of the object is engraved onto the corresponding portion of the metallic model.