Virtual Stone Slab Visualization System for Accurate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting and visualizing stone slabs, such as granite and marble, for applications like countertops are inefficient as they rely on small samples and physical visits to stone yards, making it difficult to accurately predict the finished appearance due to variegated patterns and size limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system called Stone Boutique Technology System (SBTS) that includes Slab Image Acquisition System (SIAS), Manastone, Eyeslab, and Slab TV system, which acquires high-resolution images of slabs, stores them in a virtual warehouse, and allows users to visualize stone applications in 3D on a large format display, enabling realistic depictions and material comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If small samples are used for stone selection, then the selection process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of visualizing the finished appearance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (photograph) of the actual stone slab and displays it at full size on a monitor. This allows customers to view the complete slab pattern and characteristics without needing to handle physical samples, thereby improving visualization accuracy while avoiding the complexity of storing and managing multiple physical samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical 3D stone samples to a 2D digital representation displayed on a monitor. By photographing the actual slab and displaying it at full resolution, the system preserves all pattern details in a different dimension, allowing accurate visualization without the spatial constraints of physical samples.
2Area of stationary object
If physical samples are used for stone selection, then material variety can be displayed, but the ability to see full slab patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple physical samples to show variety, the system creates digital copies of multiple slabs and displays them on a monitor. This allows customers to view the full pattern of each slab and compare multiple options without needing physical samples for each variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor serves multiple functions: it can display full-size images of different slab varieties, show detailed patterns, allow comparison between options, and eliminate the need for separate physical samples for each stone type. One device replaces multiple physical samples.
3Measurement precision
If customers visit stone yards to select slabs, then they can see actual material, but time and travel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows customers to independently view full-size photographs of actual stone slabs in the store without requiring a trip to the stone yard. The dealer can show actual slab images on the monitor, enabling customers to make accurate selections during regular store hours, thereby eliminating travel time while maintaining selection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If full-size slab images are displayed on large monitors, then visualization accuracy improves, but hardware cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard photograph (digital copy) of the stone slab displayed on an existing monitor. This approach achieves full-size visualization accuracy without requiring specialized or expensive display hardware, as it leverages conventional photographic and display technology already available in the store.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system for acquiring images of real stone slabs, visualize them virtually them in a 1:1. ratio, and design and view the final installation in 2D and 3D with the actual slabs instead of sample photography. This feat is achieved by the combination of multiple systems. Which include: 1.- A process to take the photographies 2.- A computer system to store and manage a virtual warehouse of actual slab images. 3.- a 1:1 display system. 4.- a catalog application and 5.- a visualization tool.