Real-Time Video Augmentation for Digital Mock-Up Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for visualizing digital models in real environments are limited by scale differences and require costly and time-consuming mock-ups, making it difficult to assess and compare products with real objects or environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for real-time visualization of three-dimensional virtual objects in real environments, involving the reception and augmentation of video streams with two-dimensional representations, dynamic management of reflections, and dynamic viewing angles, allowing for the integration of virtual objects with real environments and objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a real mock-up is used to visualize the product, then the ability to manipulate a real representation and place it in a real environment is improved, but the cost and time for fabrication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital mock-up (virtual copy) instead of a physical mock-up to represent the product. This digital representation can be manipulated and placed in real environments through video projection without requiring physical fabrication, thus eliminating fabrication time while maintaining the ability to interact with a realistic product representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical mock-up fabrication and manipulation with a digital system. Video projectors and computers are used to project and manipulate digital representations in real environments, substituting physical manufacturing processes with digital processing and projection techniques.
2Loss of time
If a digital mock-up is used to reduce fabrication costs, then the cost and time for production are reduced, but the ability to place it in a real environment for assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces video projectors as an intermediary between the digital mock-up and the real environment. The projectors map the digital representation onto physical surfaces in the real world, allowing the virtual product to be assessed in its intended environment without requiring physical fabrication. This intermediary enables seamless integration of digital content into real-world contexts.
3Manufacturing precision
If enhancements are added to a real mock-up to improve realism, then the representation accuracy is improved, but delays and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically adding enhancements to a real mock-up, the patent applies digital enhancements to the digital mock-up through software. Textures, materials, and other visual properties can be modified instantly in the digital model and projected without any physical fabrication or assembly time, maintaining high representation accuracy while eliminating the delays associated with physical modifications.
4Loss of time
If a digital mock-up is used to reduce costs, then fabrication costs are reduced, but the comparison with real objects in the environment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video projectors as an intermediary to overlay the digital mock-up onto the real environment, allowing direct visual comparison between the virtual product and its real-world context including competing products. This spatial mapping preserves all contextual information needed for comparison while maintaining the cost benefits of using a digital rather than physical mock-up.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and devices for enabling a user to visualize a virtual model in a real environment. According to the invention, a 2D representation of a 3D virtual object is inserted, in real-time, into the video flows of a camera aimed at a real environment in order to form an enriched video flow. A plurality of cameras generating a plurality of video flows can be simultaneously used to visualize the virtual object in the real environment according to different angles of view. A particular video flow is used to dynamically generate the effects of the real environment on the virtual model. The virtual model can be, for example, a digital copy or virtual enrichments of a real copy. A virtual 2D object, for example the representation of a real person, can be inserted into the enriched video flow.