Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Graph generating
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-29
2001-03-13
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2779)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Graph generating
C345S420000, C345S427000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201546
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of computer modeling and, in particular, to systems and methods for generating three dimensional, textured models.
BACKGROUND
Computers are used in a wide variety of applications. For example, computers are used to automate time consuming, labor intensive processes. To this end, computers have been used to great benefit in the area of product design and testing. So-called “computer aided design” (CAD) packages have replaced the pencil and ruler in creating specifications for future products. These CAD packages use the processing power of the computer to work through complex mathematical equations to create three dimensional “wire-frame” models of objects based on user inputs. A wire-frame model is simply a group of related polygons that represent the surfaces of the object being modeled in three dimensional space. In today's economy, these CAD packages are invaluable in, for example, the automotive industry to allow designs to be substantially tested before an actual product is manufactured. However, one problem with conventional CAD programs is the requirement of detailed knowledge of the exact dimensions of the object being modeled. Thus, initial model creation with a conventional CAD program is still time consuming and tedious.
In the graphics industry, three dimensional models are used in conjunction with “texture,” e.g., color, lighting, that is placed on the model to represent the look of the object in its intended environment. Creating the texture for a three dimensional wire model is sometimes computationally prohibitive using conventional graphics techniques because of the complexity of the required rendering algorithms relating to photo-realistic rendering of complex lighting effects such as complex reflections, diffuse lighting, and hazy shadows all of which are commonplace in a real world setting. Thus, it is difficult, using conventional technology, to provide three dimensional, realistically textured models of real world objects.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for creating three dimensional, textured models.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above mentioned problems with three dimensional modeling and other problems are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. According to one embodiment, a system and method for generating a three dimensional, textured model is described which uses data from two dimensional images of an object, scene or environment to derive the structure of the model. This embodiment can be used advantageously to create three dimensional models of homes for the real estate market. The system and method can also be used to model any other appropriate object, scene or environment beginning only with two dimensional images of the object, scene or environment.
In another embodiment, a system and method for generating a three dimensional, textured model is described that uses a library of scalable wire-frame models. The wire-frame models are selectively scaled based on properties of the texture to be fitted to the models. This embodiment of the invention can be readily applied in a variety of applications such as the printing and packaging industries through the creation of three dimensional computer models of printed media, e.g., magazines, or packages, e.g., boxes, bags, and cans. This embodiment of the invention can be used to model other objects as well.
The three dimensional models created using these systems and methods can be advantageously viewed over the Internet. Thus, in the real estate market, potential customers can save hours of aggravation in traveling from home to home to find a suitable floor plan by simply viewing the interior of many homes on-line. Similarly, in the advertising industry, substantial savings in time and expense can be achieved by using these systems and methods to create three dimensional package models for viewing over the Internet rather than the conventional method of creating and shipping a prototype of the package. Further, these three dimensional models can also be stored or transmitted using any number of other storage or transmission technologies, e.g., CD ROM.
In one embodiment, a method for creating a three dimensional, textured model of at least one object from a number of two dimensional images is provided. The method includes loading an initial two dimensional image and identifying a region of the at least one object in the loaded, two dimensional image. The method stores data concerning the region, including its texture, in a data structure. Next, the method sequentially loads the remaining two-dimensional images. For each of the remaining two dimensional images, the method identifies a relationship between the two dimensional image and at least one other, loaded two dimensional image. The method further identifies a region of the at least one object in the two dimensional image, and stores data concerning the region, including information on its position with respect to other regions, and the texture of the region, in a data structure.
In another embodiment, a method for creating a three dimensional, textured model of at least one object is provided. The method includes identifying regions of the at least one object in a number of two dimensional images of the at least one object. The method further interrelates the regions identified from the two dimensional images and stores data concerning the region, including its texture, in a data structure that represents the model of the object.
In another embodiment, a method for generating a three dimensional, textured model of at least one object is provided. The method includes determining the dimensions, in pixels, of a source image. The method further performs a series of transformations on target polygons of a selected model to resize the model so that its dimensions match those of the source image. The method maps the texture from the image onto the correctly-sized polygons without having to distort or transform the image.
In another embodiment, a method for generating a three dimensional, textured model of at least one object from a single texture image is provided. The method includes selecting a wire-frame base model. The single texture image is loaded. The method detects the edges of the image to find an outline. The method sub-divides the image into multiple images based on the selected model and the outline. The method determines the size of the images and adjusts the dimensions of the model based on the dimensions of the images. The method applies the subdivided images to the adjusted model and outputs the model into a selected format.
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Bodor Robert
Myers Thomas B.
Havan Thu-Thao
Point Cloud, Inc.
Powell Mark R.
Schwegman, Lundberg, Woesnner & Kluth, P.A.
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