Display Controller Intermittent Indicia for Camera Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the precise position and orientation of a video camera in a studio, especially outdoors or without a ceiling, are impractical due to the need for optical markers, which can be inconvenient and difficult to set up.
Innovation Solution
A display controller that intermittently displays a map of unique indicia on a display wall between frames of the main presentation, allowing a locating device to determine its location without being captured by the video camera, using a synchronized system to ensure the indicia are only visible to the locating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical markers are positioned around a studio to determine camera location, then the location and orientation of the video camera can be determined, but it becomes inconvenient and impractical especially for outdoor settings or studios without ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical optical markers with a digital map of indicia displayed on a display wall. The locating device captures images of the display wall and processes the digital map to determine camera position and orientation, eliminating the need for physical marker placement while achieving the same localization function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/optical system of physical markers with an electronic display system. The display controller intermittently displays frames containing map indicia on the display wall, and the locating device uses image processing of these displayed frames to determine camera location, replacing physical marker-based optical tracking
2Measurement precision
If the display wall shows the map of indicia continuously, then the locating device can easily determine its location, but the video camera may capture the indicia which interferes with the main presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The display controller intermittently displays frames containing the map of indicia on the display wall rather than continuously. This periodic display ensures that the locating device captures the indicia during its exposure period while the video camera captures the main presentation during its exposure period, eliminating interference between the two systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates the display refresh rate with the exposure periods of both the locating device and video camera. The display controller adjusts when to show indicia frames versus main presentation frames based on the timing requirements of both imaging devices, allowing both to function simultaneously without interference
Data Source
AI summary
A display controller configured to cause a display to show successive frames of a main presentation and to intermittently display a predetermined map of indicia between the frames of the main presentation, whereby a device can determine its location.