Smartphone Multi-View Scanning for 3D-Printable Object Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones are not typically used to create 3D representations of objects that can be printed by a 3D printer, requiring specialized hardware and software applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a smartphone or portable electronic device to scan an object from multiple orientations, combining image frames to generate a 3D representation, processing structural and texture information, and modifying it for 3D printing compatibility, including removing unprintable surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specialized hardware and software applications are used to create 3D representations, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes smartphones multi-functional by enabling them to perform both standard mobile operations and 3D scanning/printing operations. The smartphone's existing camera and processor are repurposed to capture multiple images from different angles and reconstruct 3D models, eliminating the need for specialized 3D scanning hardware while maintaining acceptable precision for consumer applications
2Measurement precision
If specialized hardware and software applications are used to create 3D representations, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic 3D model reconstruction and processing without requiring user intervention in the complex computational steps. The smartphone automatically captures multiple images, processes them through image recognition algorithms, generates 3D models, and prepares printable files, making the sophisticated measurement process as easy to use as taking a photograph
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple image frames are acquired and processed to generate 3D representations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and pre-aligning image frames during the capture phase, and by generating preview 3D models during image acquisition. This allows the final high-precision 3D model to be generated faster since much of the computational work is already completed or partially completed before the user finishes capturing all required images
Data Source
AI summary
A smartphone may be freely moved in three dimensions as it captures a stream of images of an object. Multiple image frames may be captured in different orientations and distances from the object and combined into a composite image representing an three-dimensional image of the object. The image frames may be formed into the composite image based on representing features of each image frame as a set of points in a three dimensional depth map. Coordinates of the points in the depth map may be estimated with a level of certainty. The level of certainty may be used to determine which points are included in the composite image. The selected points may be smoothed and a mesh model may be formed by creating a convex hull of the selected points. The mesh model and associated texture information may be used to render a three-dimensional representation of the object on a two-dimensional display. Additional techniques include processing and formatting of the three-dimensional representation data to be printed by a three-dimensional printer so a three-dimensional model of the object may be formed.