Concave Reflector Markers for Wider-Angle Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion capture technologies using protruding or flat markers face issues such as interference with object usage, reduced visibility, and narrow viewing angles, which affect the natural interaction and tracking accuracy of subjects.
Innovation Solution
Employing concave reflector structures on tracking markers, such as concave reflector structures integrated into props or clothing, to enhance visibility and allow for natural object interaction without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If protruding markers are used for motion capture, then tracking visibility is improved, but object usage and natural interaction are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking marker is nested within a cavity in the object surface rather than protruding outward. The cavity contains the reflective material or light source, allowing the marker to be visually detected by cameras while remaining physically integrated into the object surface, thus eliminating interference with natural object handling and interaction.
2Ease of operation
If flat markers are used for motion capture, then object usage is maintained, but tracking visibility and viewing angles are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The marker uses a curved reflective surface (concave reflector) within the cavity that reflects light back toward the camera over a wider range of angles compared to a flat marker. This curvature enhances the viewing angle and tracking visibility while maintaining the marker's integration into the object surface.
3Ease of operation
If markers are integrated into object surface, then natural interaction is maintained, but tracking accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The object surface is modified locally by creating a cavity at the specific marker location, while the rest of the object surface remains unchanged. This localized modification allows the marker to be detected with high accuracy through the cavity's optical properties while maintaining the natural appearance and handling characteristics of the overall object.
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
Concave reflector structures provide improved visibility and tracking accuracy, enabling natural object handling and reduced interference during motion capture, enhancing the usability of motion capture systems.
Implementation Method 1
Motion capture using concave reflector structures
Data Source
AI summary
A system may perform motion capture using motion capture targets with concave reflector structures. For example, the motion capture target include a target body and a plurality of tracking markers located on respective portions of the surface of the target body. At least one tracking marker of the plurality of tracking markers may be a concave reflector structure including a tapered hole in the surface of the target body and at least a portion of a surface of the tapered hole may be reflective.