Method and apparatus for generating texture in a three-dimensional scene

An apparatus that includes a stereoscopic or other type of multi-view imaging system and is configured to perform 3D imaging, said apparatus comprising one or more processing circuits configured to:

• capture multi-view image data for a field of view of the multi-view imaging system;
• evaluate the multi-view image data to identify any regions in the field of view lacking sufficient texture for determining corresponding 3D range data, which regions are regarded as low-texture regions;
• in the case that one or more low-texture regions are identified, generate output data or signals to control a texture tool or to guide a user controlling the texture tool, for projecting synthetic texture into the field of view for the one or more low-texture regions;
• capture multi-view image data at least for the one or more low-texture regions while illuminated with the synthetic texture;
• and
• determine whether sufficient texture has been provided for 3D ranging of the low-texture regions and, if so, update the corresponding 3D range data for the low-texture regions;
• wherein the apparatus includes at least one of:
• a computer interface for transferring guidance information to an external computer, for guiding a user in projecting the synthetic texture where needed;
• and
• a user interface for providing the guidance information.

An apparatus that includes a stereoscopic or other type of multi-view imaging system and is configured to perform 3D imaging, said apparatus comprising one or more processing circuits configured to:

• capture multi-view image data for a field of view of the multi-view imaging system;
• evaluate the multi-view image data to identify any regions in the field of view lacking sufficient texture for determining corresponding 3D range data, which regions are regarded as low-texture regions;
• in the case that one or more low-texture regions are identified, generate output data or signals to control a texture tool or to guide a user controlling the texture tool, for projecting synthetic texture into the field of view for the one or more low-texture regions;
• capture multi-view image data at least for the one or more low-texture regions while illuminated with the synthetic texture;
• and
• determine whether sufficient texture has been provided for 3D ranging of the low-texture regions and, if so, update the corresponding 3D range data for the low-texture regions;
• wherein the user rather than the apparatus controls the texture tool, and wherein, in the case that one or more low-texture regions are identified, the apparatus is configured to generate the output data or signals to guide the user controlling the texture tool based on generating output data or signals causing a representation of the field of view to be displayed, and further causing the one or more identified low-texture regions to be indicated within said representation;
• and
• further wherein the apparatus is configured to indicate to the user when sufficient texture has been obtained, for individual ones of said identified low-texture regions.