Depth Camera Sensor Re-orientation for Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth cameras face challenges in properly orienting the field of view to capture targets, such as humans, especially when they are partially or completely outside the camera's field of view, limiting their effectiveness in applications like motion capture systems.
Innovation Solution
The depth camera system automatically adjusts its field of view by re-orienting sensors based on depth image analysis, using a motor to position the light transmitter, light sensor, and RGB camera, ensuring the target remains within the view by determining potential targets and re-orienting until the target is properly aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the depth camera uses a fixed field of view, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track targets outside the field of view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The sensor can be re-oriented based on the position of candidate objects detected in the depth image, allowing the field of view to adapt dynamically to track targets that move outside the original view while maintaining a manageable device structure through controlled adjustability.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is re-oriented frequently to track moving targets, then the tracking accuracy is improved, but the loss of time increases due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously analyzing the depth image to determine the position of candidate objects and using this information to control sensor re-orientation. The system monitors whether targets remain within the field of view and automatically adjusts the sensor orientation based on this feedback, maintaining tracking accuracy while minimizing unnecessary adjustments through intelligent decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is expanded to cover more area, then the ability to detect potential targets is improved, but the measurement precision of individual targets decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring task into two phases: initially using a wider field of view to detect potential targets and identify candidate objects, then switching to a focused, narrow field of view centered on the selected candidate for precise tracking. This segmented approach allows the system to benefit from both wide coverage for detection and narrow focus for precision measurement at different stages.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for re-orienting a field of view of a depth camera having one or more sensors. The depth camera may have one or more sensors for generating a depth image and may also have an RGB camera. In some embodiments, the field of view is re-oriented based on the depth image. The position of the sensor(s) may be altered to change the field of view automatically based on an analysis of objects in the depth image. The re-orientation process may be repeated until a desired orientation of the sensor is determined. Input from the RGB camera might be used to validate a final orientation of the depth camera, but is not required to during the process of determining new possible orientation of the field of view.