Virtual and Physical Camera Alignment with Ultra-Wideband Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to effectively synchronize and align virtual and physical cameras in computer-generated reality environments, leading to misalignment and poor integration of virtual and physical imagery.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed to facilitate positional synchronization of virtual and physical cameras by aligning the position and perspective of virtual cameras within a computer-generated environment with physical cameras in the real world, using techniques such as ultra-wideband ranging and computer vision to ensure accurate alignment of image frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional camera synchronization methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but alignment precision between virtual and physical cameras deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate components including synchronization markers placed in the physical environment and computer vision algorithms that detect these markers. These intermediaries mediate between the physical camera and virtual camera systems, enabling precise alignment through marker detection and coordinate transformation without requiring direct complex communication between the camera systems themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical synchronization methods (such as physical coupling or direct mechanical linkages between cameras) with optical and computational approaches. Specifically, it uses ultra-wideband radio frequency signals for positioning and computer vision for detection, substituting mechanical systems with electromagnetic field-based and algorithmic solutions that achieve higher precision with reduced mechanical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual synchronization methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization accuracy and integration quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service synchronization through automated detection of synchronization markers by computer vision algorithms. The physical camera automatically detects markers in the scene, calculates its position and orientation relative to the virtual environment, and adjusts accordingly without manual intervention. This automated feedback loop achieves high synchronization accuracy while reducing the need for complex manual calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the alignment between virtual and physical cameras through marker detection and makes real-time adjustments. The computer vision system provides continuous feedback on the camera's position and orientation, enabling dynamic correction of synchronization errors and maintaining high accuracy throughout the recording process.
3Manufacturing precision
If simple alignment techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but integration quality and realism of composite imagery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-placing synchronization markers in the physical environment before recording begins. These markers are positioned in advance to establish known reference points for coordinate transformation. This preliminary setup simplifies the operational process during recording, as the system can automatically detect and utilize these pre-positioned markers without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for positional synchronization of virtual and physical cameras may include a processor configured to determine a first position of a physical camera relative to another electronic device in a physical environment. The processor may be configured to initiate positioning of a virtual camera in a second position within a computer-generated environment, wherein the second position relative to a representation of the person in the computer-generated environment coincides with the first position. The processor may be configured to receive an image frame captured by the physical camera and a virtual image frame generated by the virtual camera. The processor may be configured to generate a computer-generated reality image frame that includes at least a portion of the image frame composited with at least a portion of the virtual image frame.