Background Reproduction Device with Markers for Camera Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a camera in a virtual image recording studio are complex, costly, and inefficient, particularly when dealing with three-dimensional virtual backgrounds, as they often require multiple high-resolution cameras and complex image analysis.
Innovation Solution
A background display device that displays optically detectable position markers, allowing the camera's position to be determined by identifying these markers in an image, using triangulation or image analysis, without altering the virtual background representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple high-resolution cameras are arranged to determine camera position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position markers as an intermediary element between the camera and the determination system. These markers are displayed on the background reproduction device and serve as reference points that the camera captures. By analyzing the positions of these markers in the captured image, the camera position can be determined without requiring multiple complex cameras or sophisticated sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copying approach by displaying position markers that represent known spatial references. Instead of using multiple expensive high-resolution cameras to directly measure position, the system creates a visual copy of position information through the markers, which the single camera then captures and analyzes for position determination.
2Measurement precision
If multiple high-resolution cameras are used for position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive position markers displayed on the background reproduction device instead of expensive permanent camera systems. These markers are essentially visual elements that can be rendered digitally, requiring minimal physical infrastructure. The approach replaces costly hardware (multiple high-resolution cameras) with a software-based solution that uses standard camera capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a cost-effective solution by using visual copies (position markers) that can be captured by a standard camera. Instead of investing in multiple expensive cameras, the patent uses a single camera to capture images containing position information encoded in the markers, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional virtual backgrounds are reproduced on two-dimensional surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position markers as intermediary reference elements that bridge the two-dimensional display surface and the three-dimensional virtual background. These markers provide known spatial references on the 2D surface that correspond to positions in the 3D virtual environment, enabling accurate camera position determination despite the dimensional reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific position markers at strategically chosen locations on the two-dimensional background display. These markers have distinct visual characteristics that make them easily identifiable in captured images, and their known positions on the 2D surface allow for precise calculation of camera position and orientation relative to the virtual background.
Data Source
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AI summary
A background playback device for a virtual image capture studio is designed to display a virtual background behind or above a real subject for a photograph taken with an associated camera. Furthermore, the background playback device is designed to display several predetermined, optically detectable position markers to enable the determination of the associated camera's position relative to the background playback device.