3D Capture Telepresence System for Immersive VR Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication and collaboration platforms in virtual reality lack immersive telepresence capabilities, particularly in 3D environments, due to limitations in 2D rendering and the absence of non-verbal communication cues like eye contact and spatial positioning, and the use of standard flat screen monitors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for immersive telepresence using 3D capture devices, processing units, and rendering engines to create photorealistic 3D representations of users in a virtual environment, with 360-degree display and audio capture, allowing for real-time interaction and orientation within a shared virtual space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard flat screen monitors are used for display, then device complexity is reduced, but immersion and presence in virtual environment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D flat screen displays to 360-degree immersive display environments, adding spatial dimensionality to the visual experience. This allows users to view virtual content from multiple angles and creates a more realistic sense of presence in the virtual environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system embeds multiple display layers and processing stages within the overall virtual reality system, including 3D capture devices, processing units, rendering engines, and display devices working together in nested configurations to achieve photorealistic telepresence.
2Power
If 2D rendering is used for telecommunication, then processing requirements are reduced, but non-verbal communication cues such as eye contact and spatial positioning are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates photorealistic 3D copies of remote participants using 3D capture devices and advanced rendering, preserving all visual details including facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and spatial positioning. This copying approach maintains authenticity while enabling immersive telepresence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the representation parameters from 2D flat images to 3D volumetric data, changing fundamental properties such as depth, orientation, and spatial coordinates. This allows for realistic portrayal of non-verbal communication cues while maintaining processing efficiency through optimized rendering techniques.
3Reliability
If photorealistic 3D representations are created, then immersion and non-verbal communication are enhanced, but processing power and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D capture and processing at the source location before transmission, preparing photorealistic representations in advance. This reduces real-time processing demands at the receiving end while maintaining high immersion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is divided into multiple specialized components including 3D capture devices, processing units, rendering engines, and display devices. Each segment handles specific tasks efficiently, distributing processing power requirements across the system architecture.
4Ease of operation
If 360-degree immersive display is implemented, then user interaction and presence are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal processing units and rendering engines that can handle multiple functions including 3D capture processing, real-time rendering, and various display configurations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capture-based telepresence in a virtual environment session, comprises 3D capture devices to continuously capture image data of a first user. A processing unit comprises: an image processor for continuously producing a first 3D representation of the first user based on the image data, the first 3D representation having at least punctually a user specific position in a virtual environment. A data transmitter transmits the first 3D representation for remote use in the virtual environment session. A data receiver continuously receives a second 3D representation of a second user, image data for the virtual environment, and at least punctually receiving user specific position of the second 3D representation relative to the virtual environment. A rendering engine outputs for display the 3D representation of the second user positioned relative to the first user as inserted in the virtual environment based on said user specific positions. A method for participating in a virtual environment session is also provided.