METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR 3D IMAGING AND CUSTOM MANUFACTURING

摘要

The invention provides improved machines and systems for generating faithful 3D geometric models that correspond to the shape of an imaged 3D physical object, for storing, transmitting, and transforming those 3D models, and for manufacturing 3D objects based upon those models. The invention also provides improved processes for such capture, transmission, storage, and transformation of the 3D models and manufacturing of objects from those models.

主权项

1) A method of making a second 3-dimensional object that fits to a first 3-dimensional object to be fitted comprising:
a) a method of creating a 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object with an imaging device; and b) a method of transforming said 3-dimensional geometry model into said 3-dimensional object with a transforming device; c) wherein said transforming device is structured and arranged to select said second 3-dimensional object conforming to negative shape of first said 3-dimensional object or conforming to positive shape of said first 3-dimensional object; d) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object is provided with said imaging device comprising:
i) photogrammetry apparatus configured for creating more than one image from more than one known non-repeatable position; andii) landmarks structured and arranged for identifying more than one common reference point in multiple images using any combination of target coloring, background, pattern, and registration point markers relating to said first 3-dimensional object;iii) wherein not all identified said common reference points exist in each of said multiple images;iv) wherein scale of said first 3-dimensional object is calculated from said registration point markers said known non-repeatable 3-dimensional positions;v) whereby enabling using triangulation to find distance of each camera from selected registration points associated with said 3-dimensional object to be fitted; e) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object is provided with an illumination apparatus comprising:
i) selecting an indirect light source that is structured and arranged with selected multiple wavelengths to enhance transdermal diffusion of its light;ii) wherein said indirect light source is placed proximate to an area to be imaged of said first 3-dimensional object;iii) wherein said indirect light source is structured and arranged to transmit said selected multiple wavelengths of light for indirectly illuminating said area to be imaged through transdermal diffusion of light from said indirect light source;iv) whereby transmitted said selected multiple wavelengths of light diffuses into said area to be imaged; f) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object further comprises a method for capturing said 3-dimensional geometry model of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted comprising:
i) covering a first surface of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted with optically contrasting landmarks;ii) wherein said optically contrasting landmarks comprise applying light and shadow in a repeating pattern;iii) wherein said optically contrasting landmarks are structured and arranged for identifying more than one common reference point in said multiple images;iv) wherein not all identified said common reference points exist in each of said multiple images;v) whereby enabling registration points associated with said first surface of said first 3-dimensional object; g) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object further comprises a method for capturing said 3-dimensional geometry model of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted comprising:
i) covering a second surface of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted with said optically contrasting landmark;ii) wherein said optically contrasting landmark comprises contrasting particles structured and arranged to create random landmark points embedded within said optically contrasting landmarks;iii) whereby said random landmark points are introduced in otherwise featureless smooth regions;iv) wherein embedded said random landmark points are embedded at depths that are optically-thin relative to said selected multiple wavelengths' optical penetration into said 3-dimensional object to be fitted with said optically contrasting landmark;i) wherein said optically contrasting landmarks are structured and arranged for identifying more than one common reference point in said multiple images;ii) wherein not all identified said common reference points exist in each of said multiple images;iii) whereby enabling registration points associated with said second surface of said 3-dimensional object to be fitted; h) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object further comprises a method for capturing said 3-dimensional geometry model of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted:
i) wherein said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted is imaged against a patterned background of non-repeating and non-self-similar elements;ii) whereby said patterned background of non-repeating and non-self-similar elements are structured and arranged to provide a target rich environment for selecting said landmarks that can be accurately ranged; and i) wherein the method of creating said 3-dimensional geometry model comprising imaging said first 3-dimensional object further comprises a method for improving capture of said images of said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted by imaging said 3-dimensional object:
i) wherein said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted is imaged using said selected multiple wavelengths of light exhibiting varying bright spots and shadows;ii) wherein said optically contrasting landmarks are structured and arranged for identifying more than one common reference point in said multiple images;iii) wherein not all identified said common reference points exist in each of said multiple images;iv) whereby said multiple wavelengths of light exhibiting varying bright spots and shadows are structured and arranged to provide a target rich environment for selecting said landmarks that can be accurately ranged; j) whereby said second 3-dimensional object custom fits with said first 3-dimensional object to be fitted.