Multi-Sensor Camera for Real-Time AR Environmental Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital cameras, especially those integrated into smartphones, face limitations in processing power and sensory inputs, leading to crude positioning and characteristics of virtual objects in augmented reality applications due to limited hardware and computational capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A digital camera system equipped with advanced input processing capabilities, including a motion sensor subsystem, imaging sensor subsystem, sound sensor subsystem, and environmental sensor subsystem, capable of real-time audio/visual processing and augmented reality enhancements, using techniques like Doppler imaging, Structure from Motion, and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping to develop 3D models of the ambient environment without requiring external computing power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If digital cameras are integrated into smartphones with limited hardware, then device portability and accessibility are improved, but processing power and sensory input capabilities deteriorate, leading to crude AR positioning and characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidprocessing power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (imaging sensor, sound sensor, motion sensor, environmental sensor) into an integrated sensor system within the digital camera. This merging of diverse sensing capabilities allows the system to overcome the limitations of individual sensors in smartphones while maintaining device portability, enabling sophisticated AR positioning and environmental modeling through fused multi-sensor data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The digital camera system is designed with multi-functional sensor subsystems that can perform multiple tasks. The imaging sensor subsystem not only captures visual data for AR positioning but also contributes to environmental modeling. The sound sensor subsystem serves both audio recording and acoustic environment characterization. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve advanced AR capabilities without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor subsystems are integrated for advanced AR capabilities, then measurement precision and environmental modeling accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor system into distinct functional subsystems: imaging sensor subsystem, sound sensor subsystem, motion sensor subsystem, and environmental sensor subsystem. Each subsystem is independently structured with its own sensors, signal conditioners, and processing circuits. This segmentation allows for modular design, independent optimization of each subsystem, and simplified integration through standardized interfaces, thereby managing overall system complexity while achieving high measurement precision through coordinated multi-subsystem operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables advanced augmented reality capabilities with improved accuracy and realism by integrating multiple sensor data for real-time environmental modeling and simulation, enhancing both visual and auditory experiences, and providing predictive modeling for improved user interaction with the environment.

Implementation Method 1

a sound sensor subsystem, each capable of independent operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a motion sensor subsystem...capable of measuring relative inertial motion and inclinometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement:

Implementation Method 3

an imaging sensor subsystem...capable of capturing visual data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3465391B1Digital camera with audio, visual and motion analysis
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 ACOUSTIC KNOWLEDGE LLC
  • EP3465391B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3465391B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3465391B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A digital camera with audio, visual and motion analysis includes a digital processor, an input processing system, and one or more imaging sensors, sound sensors, and motion sensors. In a non-limiting embodiment, the input processing system including non-transitory computer readable media including code segments, executable by the digital processor, for real-time audio, visual and motion analysis to develop a digital model of an ambient environment of the digital camera from data derived from the imaging sensor(s), sound sensor(s) and motion sensor(s),