METHOD FOR CREATING, STORING, AND PROVIDING ACCESS TO THREE-DIMENSIONALLY SCANNED IMAGES
A method is provided for creating, storing, and providing access to three-dimensional (3D) image files for subsequent use in virtual world environments. The method includes receiving 3D data generated through scanning of a person or object; recording and formatting the data into a digital image file; storing the digital image file in a 3D digital image file library located in a machine readable storage; providing access to the 3D digital image file library; retrieving the digital image file from the 3D digital image file library; and uploading the digital image file into an interactive virtual world environment.
1 . A method of creating, storing, and providing access to a 3D image using a computer connected to a network, said computer having a machine readable storage, having stored thereon a computer program comprising a plurality of code sections executable by a machine, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving 3D data generated through scanning of a person or object;
recording and formatting said data into a digital image file;
storing said digital image file in a 3D digital image file library located in said machine readable storage;
providing access to said 3D digital image file library;
retrieving said digital image file from said 3D digital image file library;
and uploading said digital image file into an interactive virtual world environment.
2 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of electronically protecting said digital image file from public access through said network.
3 . The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of creating a unique digital key to access said 3D digital image file library and providing said digital key to a user authorized to access said 3D digital image file library.
4 . The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of transmitting a copy of said digital image file to said authorized user via said network upon presentation of said unique digital key.
5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of limiting access to said network only to users who are subscribing members of said network.
6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of recording said digital image file on an electronic card.
7 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of formatting the digital image file by modifying or enhancing geometry and texture of said file.
8 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of generating data related to mesh, color, texture, and rigging.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning of a person or object comprises applying laser and/or stereo-matching technology to obtain full body color data.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning of a person or object comprises photo capturing of close-up facial detail data.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the scanning of a person or object comprises recording movement data corresponding to movement of person for a period of time; and further includes the step of storing said movement data in said digital image file.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein recording movement data comprises storing 3D point clouds of each frame per second during movement of the person.
13 . A system for processing images comprising:
a plurality of devices for capturing an image or sequence of images of a target user or object;
a plurality of computers, electronically connected to said plurality of devices, for processing said image or sequence of images in parallel to compute a three-dimensional model of said target user or object; and
a module for receiving scanning requests and directing the operation of said plurality of computers.
a plurality of built-in texture flash projects for capturing an image or sequence of images of a target user or object;
14 . The system of claim 13 , further comprising:
a plurality of columns spaced around a platform, wherein each said column is used to position at least one device from said plurality of devices and
a frame bridge ring for connecting said columns and for optionally positioning cameras or lighting devices.
15 . The system of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is configured to capture motion of said target user or object.
16 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of devices capture said image or sequence of images through a synchronized click mechanism.
17 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of devices comprise at least one high digital photo capturing camera.
18 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said requests comprise scan job commands.
19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein said module comprises a parallel processing module for parsing said scan job commands and directing a scanning job in accordance with said commands.
20 . The system of claim 13 , wherein the scanning requests are received from a client system.
21 . The system of claim 18 , wherein said module comprises a parallel processing module for retrieving one or more files corresponding to the three-dimensional model of said target user or object and completing alignment of said model.
22 . The system of claim 1 , where in said three-dimensional model includes movement data.
23 . The system of claim 15 , wherein said three-dimensional model includes movement data.
24 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of computers control a capture sequence of said plurality of devices and turn lighting sources on or off individually or collectively when capturing an image or sequence of images of a target user or object.
25 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of devices comprises a plurality of cameras.
26 . The system of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of devices comprises a plurality of pattern projectors with built-in texture flashes.