Image Capture System Control for In-Camera VFX Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-camera VFX video capture using multiple cameras faces challenges due to mismatches in camera positions and orientations, leading to overlapping capture sessions or the need for post-production re-composition of background images.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus and method that assign non-overlapping capturing periods to each image capture apparatus, with the display apparatus displaying background images corresponding to each camera's position and orientation, allowing parallel image capture of in-camera VFX videos.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple image capture apparatuses perform image capture simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but mismatches in camera positions and orientations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel image capture capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision between virtual and live-action elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the image capture process into separate capturing periods for each image capture apparatus. By assigning different time intervals to each camera, the system enables simultaneous operation (improving productivity) while ensuring that each camera captures images at distinct moments, preventing overlap and maintaining precise alignment between virtual and live-action elements (resolving alignment precision issues).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic capturing periods for each image capture apparatus, where each camera operates in a time-division manner. This periodic action allows multiple cameras to function in parallel (boosting productivity) while the sequential timing ensures accurate position and orientation matching, eliminating alignment mismatches that would occur with simultaneous capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If capturing periods are assigned to multiple image capture apparatuses, then productivity is improved, but overlapping capture sessions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel capture efficiencyVSAvoidcapture session coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the capturing periods into non-overlapping time intervals assigned to different image capture apparatuses. This segmentation allows multiple cameras to operate in parallel (improving productivity) while the distinct time assignments prevent any overlap in capture sessions, ensuring reliable coordination and avoiding conflicts between multiple cameras.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary assignment of capturing periods to each image capture apparatus before the actual image capture begins. This preliminary scheduling ensures that no two cameras will overlap in their capture sessions, maintaining reliable coordination while enabling parallel operation and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If background images are displayed for all camera positions simultaneously, then device complexity is reduced, but image capture precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay control simplicityVSAvoidcamera position and orientation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display of background images by camera apparatus. Instead of displaying all background images simultaneously for all cameras, the system displays background images corresponding to specific camera positions during their designated capturing periods. This segmentation maintains simple display control (reducing device complexity) while ensuring precise position and orientation information is displayed for each camera at the appropriate time (preserving measurement precision).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic display of background images synchronized with each camera's capturing period. Each camera receives the corresponding background image at its designated time interval, which simplifies the display control mechanism while ensuring that position and orientation detection remains accurate by displaying the correct background image for each camera at the correct time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20230343064A1Control apparatus and control method executed by image capture system

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 CANON KK

AI summary

A control apparatus of an image capture system that performs image capture using an image displayed by a display apparatus as a background is provided. The control apparatus assigns capturing periods of different timings to respective image capture apparatuses of the image capture system and controls the image capture apparatuses so that each of the image capture apparatuses performs image capture during the capturing period assigned thereto. The control apparatus further causes the display apparatus to, during each of the capturing periods, display an image corresponding to a position and an orientation of the image capture apparatus to which the capturing period has been assigned.