Virtual Object Visualization with Dynamic Optical Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online visualization methods for products like coatings and glass are limited as they cannot accurately depict how the product appears in different lighting and environmental conditions, making it difficult for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, and existing image-based approaches are costly and inefficient for providing customizable visualizations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for visualizing virtual objects in a simulated environment, allowing users to interactively change the viewing angle and modify object characteristics such as reflectance and transmittance, enabling realistic rendering of products in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If image-based visualization methods are used to display products online, then users can view product images on websites, but the visualization cannot accurately represent the product appearance under different lighting and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical product with digitally representable properties (reflectance, transmittance, absorption coefficients). This virtual replica can be rendered in various simulated environments without needing physical copies, allowing accurate visualization of appearance under different lighting conditions while eliminating the need for multiple physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes environmental parameters (lighting conditions, viewing angles) and material parameters (reflectance, transmittance) to generate different visualizations of the same product. By mathematically rendering these parameter variations, the system accurately predicts product appearance under any condition without requiring new physical samples or photographs.
2Loss of information
If physical samples are provided to customers for accurate visualization, then customers can view products in different lighting conditions, but the cost and complexity of supplying samples increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex physical sample distribution system with a digital virtual sample system. The virtual samples contain all necessary optical properties and can be instantly delivered and viewed online, eliminating logistics, storage, and management complexity while maintaining accurate visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual product representation serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can be viewed from any angle, rendered under any lighting condition, and customized with different material properties. This single universal digital model replaces the need for multiple physical samples in different configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are provided for different angles and lighting conditions, then users can view the product from various perspectives, but the number of required images and data storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static images to a dynamic 3D virtual model that can be rendered from any viewing angle. Instead of providing separate images for each angle, the system generates views on-demand by mathematically rendering the virtual object from any perspective, reducing image quantity while maintaining infinite viewing angle adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves from 2D image collections to a 3D virtual representation. This dimensional transformation allows the product to be viewed from any angle in three-dimensional space without requiring multiple separate images, as the 3D model can be virtually rotated and rendered from any viewpoint.
4Ease of manufacture
If image-based approaches are used for product visualization, then implementation is simple, but customization and combination of materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows easy modification of material parameters (reflectance, transmittance, absorption coefficients) in the virtual model. Users can change material properties by adjusting numerical parameters and re-rendering, enabling extensive material customization and combination options without requiring new photographs or complex image manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for visualizing an object includes the steps of providing a simulated environment; rendering, with at least one processor, at least one virtual object based at least partially on the simulated environment, a viewable angle of the at least one virtual object, and object characteristics associated with the at least one virtual object, the object characteristics comprising at least one of the following: reflectance, transmittance, attenuation, or any combination thereof; and changing a viewable angle of the at least one virtual object in response to user input. A system and a computer program product for implementing the aforementioned method includes appropriately communicatively connected hardware components.