IMU-Based Avatar Animation for Immersive Telecommunications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking user or object movement in real-time for communication purposes require depth sensors and image-based cameras, limiting mobility and increasing latency and computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A system using inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, and gyroscopes attached to users or objects to track movement without the need for depth cameras or optical sensors, enabling real-time animation of avatars for immersive telecommunications in virtual, augmented, or mixed reality environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth sensors and image-based cameras are used to track user movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensing systems (depth cameras, image-based cameras) with inertial measurement units (IMUs) that use mechanical sensors to detect acceleration, rotation, and orientation. This substitution maintains measurement precision for movement tracking while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for complex optical processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical sensing components (depth sensors, image-based cameras, structured light projectors) from the system, retaining only the essential movement tracking function through simpler IMU-based inertial sensors. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while preserving the core functionality of tracking user movement for avatar animation
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors and structured light are used for movement tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and computational resources are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with mechanical inertial sensors that directly measure acceleration and rotation without requiring complex image processing. This substitution reduces the computational time required to process movement data, thereby reducing latency in real-time avatar animation while maintaining measurement precision through direct physical measurement
3Measurement precision
If depth cameras and fixed external reference points are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for fixed external reference points and depth cameras, extracting only the essential movement tracking capability through portable IMU sensors. This allows users to move freely without being constrained by fixed tracking infrastructure, significantly improving mobility and ease of operation while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for avatar animation through inertial measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the movement tracking system to be self-contained within the user's device (smartphone, tablet, or wearable), eliminating the need for external reference points or fixed cameras. The device itself provides all necessary sensing capabilities, allowing users to operate the system anywhere without requiring external infrastructure setup
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 reduces latency and enhances communication efficiency by allowing true mobility and nuanced nonverbal communication without the need for optical systems, using a binary protocol for efficient data transmission and supporting mobile communication.
Implementation Method 1
The IMU measures linear acceleration and angular velocity
Implementation Method 2
The IMU measures linear acceleration and angular velocity
Implementation Method 3
The IMU measures linear acceleration and angular velocity
Implementation Method 4
The IMU creates a clean real-time digital stream of quaternions, through sensor fusion
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for immersive telecommunications communication by tracking the movement of objects and/or persons with sensors. Movement tracking is then used to animate an avatar that represents the person or object. Movement may be tracked in real time, which at least reduces latency of communication. The sensors comprise any type of movement sensor which may be attached to a person and/or object for tracking motion, including but not limited to, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), an accelerometer, a gyroscope or other such sensors.