Multi-Camera Field of View Stitching for Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for videoconferences, especially in conference rooms, face challenges in capturing high-quality wide field of view images without distortion, especially when digitally zooming in on specific participants.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using plural cameras that cooperatively define a boundary for overlap between their fields of view, allowing for the consolidation of captured visual images into a single high-quality image with a wide field of view, which is then communicated to an information handling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single camera with wide field of view (fisheye lens) is used to capture all participants, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the image quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide field of view capture task into multiple segments by using multiple cameras, each with a narrower field of view but higher image quality. Multiple cameras are positioned to cover different portions of the conference room, and their images are stitched together to form a comprehensive wide-angle view without sacrificing individual image quality.
2Ease of operation
If digital zoom is applied to highlight a speaker, then the focus on specific participant is improved, but the image quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of digitally zooming a single low-resolution image, the system uses multiple cameras positioned to provide overlapping fields of view. When a speaker needs to be highlighted, the system can select the high-resolution portion from the appropriate camera's image that already contains the speaker, avoiding digital zoom degradation entirely.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with different lenses are used to provide wide and narrow field of view, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple cameras with fixed lenses (all wide-angle or all standard), but achieves dynamic field of view adjustment through software-controlled image stitching and selection. The system can dynamically compose wide, medium, and narrow views by selecting and combining portions from multiple camera feeds, providing versatility without requiring physical lens changes or multiple specialized cameras.
Data Source
AI summary
Plural cameras cooperate to define an overlap of fields of view that consolidate to provide an extended field of view communicated to an information handling system. The plural cameras stitch the non-overlapping portions into a consolidated visual image by reference to a landmark captured by both cameras in the overlapping portion, such as a reference marker placed in the extended field of view. The plural cameras coordinate through a wireless interface or with a daisy chain of communication cables to share the overlap boundary, resolution compatibility and an architecture for communicating the consolidated field of view with the information handling system.