Camera Orientation Using Ranging Sensors and Visual Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor automatic camera orientation systems for high-quality video recording lack accuracy and convenience, as they rely on GPS signals that are unreliable indoors, and known indoor positioning methods such as Wi-Fi, magnetic, and dead reckoning systems are prone to errors and require cumbersome calibration and setup.
Innovation Solution
A mobile camera system using a ranging scheme with sensors to determine the distance between a transmitter tag and sensors, allowing the camera to be accurately aimed at a target without permanent fixtures or calibration, and employing advanced editing methods for enhanced video quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS-based systems are used for automatic camera orientation, then outdoor video recording quality is improved, but the system becomes unreliable indoors due to signal unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into two independent segments: GPS receivers for outdoor positioning and visual markers for indoor positioning. Each segment operates autonomously in its suitable environment, with the system switching between them based on availability. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability in both indoor and outdoor settings without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual markers serve as an intermediary positioning mechanism that bridges the gap between GPS-unavailable indoor environments and the camera orientation system. These markers provide a reliable reference framework indoors, while GPS receivers handle outdoor positioning, creating a seamless transition between environments through the intermediary role of visual markers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi based positioning systems are used indoors, then indoor positioning capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates to 2-4 meters which is insufficient for high-quality video recording
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on imprecise Wi-Fi signal strength measurements, the system uses visual markers that create precise geometric copies or representations of known positions. The markers' fixed positions and known dimensions allow the system to calculate accurate target locations through visual triangulation, achieving centimeter-level precision compared to meter-level Wi-Fi accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the electromagnetic field-based Wi-Fi positioning mechanism with a visual-optical mechanism using markers and camera imaging. This substitution leverages the precision of optical detection and geometric calculation, achieving significantly higher measurement accuracy than radio frequency-based methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grid layout systems or RFID sensors are deployed for indoor positioning, then indoor tracking capability is achieved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase due to multiple sensors in known locations
Solution Approach 1:
The visual markers are designed to be self-identifying and self-localizing within the system framework. Each marker contains visual features that allow the camera system to automatically detect and recognize it without requiring external calibration or known position databases. The markers serve themselves by providing inherent reference information that the system can process immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual markers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide positioning references, define the playing area boundaries, and serve as tracking targets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration infrastructure or additional sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full indoor tracking capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional indoor positioning systems with permanent fixtures are used, then positioning stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome calibration and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static permanent fixtures requiring calibration to dynamic visual markers that can be freely placed and immediately used. The markers' positions are determined dynamically through visual detection rather than pre-established through calibration procedures, allowing the system to adapt to different venues without setup complexity while maintaining positioning stability through continuous visual tracking.
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
The system provides accurate and convenient high-quality video recording indoors and outdoors, maintaining tracking without line-of-sight dependency and allowing camera movement, with minimal setup and no calibration required, while reducing errors and drift.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile camera system using a ranging scheme with sensors to determine the distance between a transmitter tag and sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Current indoor tracking methods are inadequate to accurately and reliably point a pointer or camera at an object or a person doing an activity. An apparatus and method are provided for cooperative tracking that is operable both indoors and outdoors. The system works using ranging technology without the need for placing radiation sources and/or sensors in set locations around the location where tracking takes place. The apparatus and method may be used for automatic filming, allowing free movement of both the subject of the filming and that of the camera with a compact design, and providing easy setup at any location.