Depth-Aware Camera 3D Tracking Using Distinctive Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth-aware camera systems for human-computer interaction face limitations in processing speed and accuracy, particularly when tracking 3D objects with high precision and requiring minimal constraints on object design, as existing methods are computationally expensive and impose aesthetic constraints on passive objects.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a depth-aware camera and a controller to compute 3D coordinates of skeleton joints and a distinctive spot on a passive object, allowing for efficient 3D tracking with low design constraints, using a range gated time-of-flight camera or RGB sensor to produce depth and contrast images, and determining the object's hand location, enabling high-speed and accurate interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth data for multiple points are extracted from the depth image, then 3D tracking accuracy is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to computational expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts depth information for only the essential points (colored spots) rather than computing 3D coordinates for multiple points on the object. This selective extraction approach maintains tracking accuracy while significantly reducing computational expense and improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the object tracking problem by focusing on specific distinctive features (colored spots) rather than processing the entire object surface. This segmentation allows the system to achieve accurate 3D tracking with minimal computational resources by only processing the coordinates of these key feature points.
2Reliability
If multiple colored spots are placed on the passive object for tracking, then 3D tracking reliability is improved, but object design flexibility deteriorates due to aesthetic constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing distinctive colored spots only at specific locations on the passive object rather than requiring the entire object to have complex markings. This approach ensures reliable tracking while maintaining simplicity in object design and manufacturing, as only small localized features are needed rather than complex overall patterns.
3Measurement precision
If 3D coordinates of multiple points are computed from depth image, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary depth information for the colored spots rather than computing 3D coordinates for multiple points. This selective extraction simplifies the processing system while maintaining measurement accuracy for the tracked object position and orientation.
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 achieves high processing speed and reliability in interactive applications with minimal constraints on object design, enabling efficient 3D tracking and gesture recognition, suitable for applications like interactive entertainment and gaming.
Implementation Method 1
a depth-aware camera, said depth-aware camera being able to produce a depth-image of said interactive zone
Implementation Method 2
a range gated time-of-flight camera, said range gated time-of flight camera comprising an infrared illumination unit for illuminating the interactive zone and an infrared image sensor to measure the infrared light reflected in the interactive zone
Data Source
AI summary
System for interaction between a computer implemented interactive application and a user (1) located in an interactive zone (2) of said system, said system comprising:a passive object (3) comprising a grasping portion for receiving the hand of a user and a marked portion comprising a distinctive spot (4) having distinct visual property;a depth-aware camera (5);a controller (7) for receiving the images produced by said depth-aware camera (5) and being configured to compute two possibilities for the 3D coordinates of said distinctive spot (4) from the knowledge of (i) the 3D coordinates of the wrist joint (9) of said user, (ii) the 2D coordinates (M,N) of said distinctive spot (4) in a contrast image (6) received from said depth aware camera and of (iii) an estimated distance R between the wrist of the user's hand holding the passive object (3) and the distinctive spot (4) of said passive object (3).