Image Capture for Physical-Virtual Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image transforming technologies face challenges in portability and privacy due to the need for fixed camera positions and susceptibility to environmental light interference, making them unsuitable for portable or wearable device systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a first image capturing device positioned outside the user's line-of-sight to capture physical distance references, generating epipolar lines and virtual distance references, with a computing unit determining the relationship between physical and virtual positions to enable accurate transformation between physical and virtual images, suitable for portable or wearable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed camera and projector are used to project structured light for distance calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened due to the requirement of a darkroom and fixed hardware structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source function from the traditional projector and assigns it to the user's own light source (such as a laser pointer or phone flashlight). This eliminates the need for a dedicated projector device and darkroom environment, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to project structured light for distance calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a polarization mask as an intermediary component that can be attached to the camera lens. This mask filters out ambient light interference and allows the camera to capture only the structured light pattern projected by the user's light source, enabling accurate distance measurement in general environments without requiring a darkroom
2Measurement precision
If a fixed camera with polarization mask is used to monitor LCD screen, then measurement precision is improved by blocking environmental light, but ease of operation is worsened due to the fixed camera position requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed camera system into a dynamic, mobile system by integrating the camera and light source into portable devices that users can carry and position freely. The camera is no longer fixed but can be moved to different locations while maintaining measurement capability through the polarization mask's ability to filter ambient light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the system universally applicable by using common portable devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) that users already possess. The light source and camera functions are integrated into devices people carry daily, eliminating the need for specialized fixed installations and enabling operation in various locations and scenarios
3Measurement precision
If colored laser light is used to facilitate camera capture of pointed position, then measurement precision is improved, but privacy is worsened as the pointed position becomes visible to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using invisible or less visible light wavelengths (such as infrared) for the structured light projection instead of visible colored laser light. The polarization mask is selectively applied only to the camera lens to filter and capture the specific light pattern, while the projection light remains invisible to the human eye, thus maintaining precision without compromising privacy
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
This solution allows for accurate transformation between physical and virtual images without the need for a fixed camera position, enhancing portability and privacy by using a fixed-position image capturing device to generate virtual images from physical references, suitable for wearable devices and eliminating interference from environmental light.
Implementation Method 1
capturing images of the at least three physical distance references by the first image capturing device so as to obtain an epipolar line formed by at least three virtual distance references corresponding respectively to the images
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transforming between physical and virtual images includes: disposing an image capturing device at a position that does not coincide with line-of-sight of a user; providing at least three physical distance references on the line-of-sight of the user at different distances from the user, and capturing images of the at least three physical distance references by the image capturing device so as to obtain an epipolar line formed by at least three virtual distance references corresponding respectively to the images; and obtaining a first relation by a computing unit according to a position corresponding relationship between the at least three physical distance references and the at least three virtual distance references. By using the image capturing device that is at a fixed position relative to the user and does not coincide with the line-of-sight of the user, the physical position of an object is obtained.