Converging Independently-Captured Depth Maps for VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for capturing depth data in virtual reality applications are often inaccurate, imprecise, or suboptimal due to reliance on a single fixed position and depth capture technique, which may not be ideal for representing all surfaces of objects in a real-world scene.
Innovation Solution
A system that converges independently-captured depth maps from different positions and techniques to generate more accurate and comprehensive depth data, assigning confidence values to each depth point to optimize the representation of physical points on surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed position and depth capture technique is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of depth data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the depth capture process into multiple independent depth maps captured from different fixed positions and using different depth capture techniques. Each depth map captures specific surfaces or objects from its optimal viewpoint, and these segmented depth maps are then converged to form a comprehensive depth representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independently-captured depth maps into a single converged depth map. By combining depth data from multiple positions and techniques, the system achieves higher measurement precision while managing device complexity through systematic integration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple depth maps from different positions and techniques are converged, then the measurement precision of depth data is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal depth capture system that can operate with multiple depth capture techniques (e.g., structured light, time-of-flight, stereo vision) and multiple fixed positions. The convergence mechanism serves as a multi-functional processor that handles different depth map formats and integrates them into a unified depth representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a convergence process as an intermediary between multiple depth capture sources and the final depth map. This intermediary systematically processes, aligns, and integrates depth data from different positions and techniques, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple capture systems.
3Loss of information
If depth data is captured from multiple fixed positions, then the comprehensiveness of surface representation is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing depth maps from multiple fixed positions beforehand, each optimized for specific surfaces or objects. The convergence process then efficiently integrates these pre-captured depth maps, reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining comprehensive surface representation.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary depth data generation system accesses first and second depth maps of a real-world scene, the depth maps independently captured using first and second depth map capture techniques, respectively. The first and second depth maps include, respectively, first and second depth data points both representative of a same physical point on a surface of an object in the real-world scene. Based on the first and second depth map capture techniques and based on an attribute of the surface of the object, the system assigns a first confidence value to the first depth data point and a second confidence value to the second depth data point. Based on the first and second confidence values, the system converges the first and second depth maps to form a converged depth map of the real-world scene that includes a third depth data point representing the physical point on the surface of the object.