3D Scanner GUI with Position Markers for Scan Path Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld 3D scanning devices face challenges in assisting users to efficiently collect sufficient information for accurate rendering of objects, as users may struggle to operate these devices effectively, leading to incomplete scans or errors in the 3D model due to insufficient image frames or improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A user device with a processor, scanner, and display is used to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a target marker and scanner position markers to guide the user in positioning the scanner correctly, along with visual boundaries to define a scan path, and adjusts the scan path based on real-time feedback and prior scan data to ensure comprehensive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users operate handheld 3D scanning devices without guidance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scanning quality and completeness deteriorate due to insufficient image frames and improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface (GUI) as an intermediary between the user and the scanning device. The GUI displays target markers on the object and scanner position markers indicating preferred positions, serving as a visual mediator that guides users without requiring them to understand complex scanning parameters or device operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously displaying the scanner position marker relative to the target marker as the user moves the device. This visual feedback loop allows users to immediately see whether they are positioned correctly, enabling self-correction and ensuring complete data collection without requiring expert knowledge.
2Ease of operation
If the scanning process is simplified without guidance, then the ease of operation improves, but the scanning time increases due to incomplete data collection and need for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The GUI acts as a visual intermediary that translates complex spatial positioning requirements into simple, intuitive marker alignment tasks. Users simply need to follow the scanner position marker to achieve proper positioning, dramatically reducing the cognitive load and time required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying the optimal scanner positions and scan paths before the user begins scanning. The target marker and scanner position markers are prepared in advance, allowing users to immediately begin efficient scanning without needing to understand scanning geometry or perform manual positioning calculations.
3Measurement precision
If visual guidance markers are displayed during scanning, then the measurement precision improves through accurate positioning, but the device complexity increases due to additional display and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a software-based intermediary (GUI with markers) rather than adding complex hardware components. The visual guidance system is implemented through software processing of image data and display of graphical overlays, achieving precise positioning guidance without significantly increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves multiple functions: it displays the real-time camera feed, overlays target and scanner position markers, provides visual feedback, and guides the scanning process. By making the display universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
4Productivity
If the scanner follows a predefined visual boundary path, then the productivity increases through systematic coverage, but the ease of operation decreases due to constrained movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The visual boundary acts as a soft intermediary constraint rather than a rigid physical guide. The GUI displays the visual boundary and scanner position markers that suggest the scan path, allowing users to follow the guidance naturally while maintaining freedom of movement. Users can deviate from the suggested path if needed, making the constraint flexible and easy to follow.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assisting a user in performing a three dimensional scan of an object. An example user device to assist with scanning may include a processor. The user device may further include a scanner coupled to the processor and configured to perform a three dimensional scan of an object. The user device may also include a display to display a graphical user interface, wherein the display is coupled to the processor. The user device may further include a memory coupled to the processor and the display, the memory including one or more instructions that when executed by the processor cause the graphical user interface to display a target marker for a three dimensional (3D) scan and display a scanner position marker to assist in moving the scanner to a preferred location and direction.