3D Modeling Using Stochastic Shape Distribution Invisible Ink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating 3D models of objects, especially transparent or reflective ones, face inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to the difficulty in mapping visual information from images taken without and with structured light patterns, requiring object coating and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system using stochastic distributions of invisible ink applied to objects, captured under multiple lighting modes, allows for accurate geometry and texture mapping without object movement, enabling efficient generation of 3D models by correlating images with visible and invisible ink conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are used to determine object geometry, then measurement precision is improved, but the method becomes inaccurate for transparent or reflective objects
Solution Approach 1:
A coating layer comprising light-absorbing particles is applied to the object surface as an intermediary substance. This coating absorbs structured light patterns, enabling accurate geometry determination for transparent or reflective objects that would otherwise be incompatible with this measurement technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the object surface are changed by applying a coating with different light interaction characteristics. The coating material has high light absorption properties that contrast with the reflective or transparent properties of the original object surface, enabling reliable structured light pattern capture.
2Measurement precision
If a coating is applied to the object for structured light imaging, then geometry determination accuracy is improved, but the process complexity increases due to multiple imaging steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines geometry imaging and visual information imaging into a single integrated imaging step. The translucent display overlay shows both the structured light pattern for geometry extraction and the visual appearance simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate imaging processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating with stochastic shape distribution is applied beforehand to the object surface before imaging. This pre-application of the optical pattern enables both geometry determination and visual information capture in a unified process, rather than requiring sequential coating and imaging steps.
3Loss of information
If visual information is captured without coating, then color and texture information is preserved, but geometry determination becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different regions or aspects of the imaging process for different purposes: the structured light pattern interaction with the coating provides geometry information, while the visual capture through the translucent display preserves color and texture information. Each imaging modality optimizes for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating comprises light-absorbing particles that create a composite surface structure. This composite material properties enable dual functionality: the particle distribution provides geometric information through structured light interaction, while the coating's optical properties allow visual information to be captured and displayed translucently.
4Loss of information
If multiple imaging sessions are conducted with and without coating, then both geometry and visual information are obtained, but time loss increases due to mapping and repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges geometry imaging and visual information imaging into a single simultaneous capture process. The translucent display overlay technology allows both types of information to be visualized and processed together, eliminating the time required for separate imaging sessions and the subsequent mapping between different image sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a unified digital representation that copies and integrates both geometric data from structured light patterns and visual appearance data from color imaging. This integrated digital model eliminates the need for time-consuming manual or computational mapping between separate geometry and texture datasets.
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 provides more accurate and efficient 3D modeling by simultaneously capturing geometry and texture information without the need for object coating or precise repositioning, effectively addressing limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a stochastic distribution of shapes is applied upon an object using invisible ink such that the stochastic distribution of shapes is visible under a first lighting condition and invisible under a second lighting condition
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are a system and methods for generating 3D models using imaging data obtained from an array of camera devices. In embodiments, a stochastic shape distribution may be applied upon an object to be modeled in invisible ink. The system activates a first lighting mode which causes the stochastic shape distribution to be visible and captures a first set of images that depict the stochastic shape distribution on the object. The system then activates a second lighting mode that causes the stochastic shape distribution to be hidden and captures images of the object as it would normally appear (without the stochastic shape distribution). The images having the stochastic shape distribution may be used to determine alignment information for the images within the set of images. That alignment information may then be attributed to the second set of images and used to generate the 3D model.