IMU Video Synchronization via Metadata Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing inertial measurement unit (IMU) data with video frames from video recording devices are complex and require direct access to internal control functions, making them impractical for widespread use, especially with consumer devices like mobile phones, where timing and start/stop relationships vary significantly across different models and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method to embed IMU motion data into video files using metadata at predefined time intervals, allowing synchronization without modifying the video recording device's internal processes, using a remote control to coordinate start and stop commands and adjust timing offsets to align IMU data with video frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct access to internal control functions of video recording device is obtained for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control device as an intermediary that coordinates between the video recording device and IMU. Instead of directly accessing internal control functions of either device, the remote control sends separate commands to both devices to start and stop recording at coordinated times, achieving synchronization without complex internal access
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization process is segmented into independent start and stop commands sent separately to each device. Rather than implementing a unified control system that accesses internal functions, the method divides the synchronization task into discrete, independent operations that can be executed without deep device integration
2Measurement precision
If direct access to internal control functions is obtained for synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control serves as a user-friendly intermediary that handles the complexity of synchronization internally while presenting a simple interface to the user. The user only needs to trigger the remote control, which then manages the coordinated timing of both devices without requiring the user to understand or access internal control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service synchronization by automatically coordinating start and stop times between devices through the remote control. Once the remote control is triggered, it autonomously manages the timing coordination without requiring continuous user intervention or complex user configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization method is adapted to different video recording devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed as a universal intermediary that can work with multiple different types of video recording devices and IMUs. Instead of creating device-specific synchronization solutions that would increase complexity, a single multi-functional remote control handles coordination across different device models and manufacturers
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control acts as a universal mediator that translates user intent into device-specific commands for different video recording devices. This intermediary layer provides adaptability to various devices without requiring the synchronization system itself to become complex or device-specific
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for reading out contents of a video file having a predefined video file format. The contents include video frames of an object in motion captured by a video recording device, and motion data of an object collected by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is attached to the object. The motion data is stored as metadata in one or more time intervals of the video file. Parsing instructions are stored in a computer memory. The parsing instructions indicate how the metadata is parsed into motion data for one or more video frames that are associated with the respective motion data. The contents of the video file are read out using the stored parsing instructions, thereby identifying specific video frames with their respective correlated motion data.