Collaborative Camera Network 3D Image Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for capturing a three-dimensional (3D) image of an object using multiple cameras face challenges in synchronizing photographing times and collecting accurate location and direction angle information, leading to difficulties in accurately representing the object in 3D space.

Innovation Solution

A method involving synchronization of camera times within a collaborative photography group, collection of direction angle and location information using ad hoc networks and sensors, and processing of image information to generate a 3D image, enabling simultaneous photography and accurate 3D representation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras photograph an object separately, then each camera can capture the object, but the photographing times cannot be synchronized and accurate 3D representation cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D representation accuracyVSAvoidTime synchronization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary time synchronization before the actual photography operation. Each camera's clock is adjusted to match a reference time source, ensuring that when the photographing command is issued, all cameras are ready to capture simultaneously. This preliminary preparation resolves the time synchronization issue without affecting the actual photography timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple cameras photograph an object separately, then each camera can capture the object, but location and direction angle information cannot be collected simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLocation and direction angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidInformation collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines location information collection and direction angle measurement into a single integrated process that occurs simultaneously with the photographing operation. The camera apparatus integrates GPS receivers and accelerometers/gyroscopes to capture both position and orientation data in one unified measurement action, eliminating the need for separate collection processes and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a single camera is used to photograph a 3D object, then the device is simple, but the view is limited and the 3D object cannot be accurately represented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D space representation accuracyVSAvoidCamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each camera in the network perform multiple functions: capturing images, measuring location data, and measuring direction angles. By equipping each camera with both imaging sensors and sensing components (GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes), the system achieves comprehensive 3D data collection without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thus managing complexity while improving representation accuracy.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8810632B2Apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional image using a collaborative photography group
Publication Date: 2014.08.19 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8810632B2 patent drawing
  • US8810632B2 patent drawing
  • US8810632B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication network comprising a collaborative photography group including a plurality of cameras having synchronized photographing times, is provided. The plurality of cameras may share location information, direction angle information, and image information generated by photographing an object, and generate a three-dimensional (3D) image of the object.