Inward-Looking Depth Scanning for VR Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth scanning technologies are inefficient in capturing high-quality depth data within a scan zone, as they often waste resources by scanning beyond the zone's boundaries, leading to incomplete and time-consuming data collection.
Innovation Solution
A system of depth scanning devices positioned around the perimeter of a scan zone performs inward-looking depth scanning, where each device scans only within a specific angle that includes the zone, using techniques like snap rotation and reverse rotation to efficiently capture depth data from multiple vantage points simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth scanning devices scan beyond the scan zone boundaries, then complete coverage is achieved, but scanning time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning task into multiple segments by positioning multiple depth scanning devices around the perimeter of the scan zone. Each device is assigned to scan only a specific angle that includes the scan zone, rather than performing complete 360-degree scans. This segmentation reduces the scanning time for each device while collectively achieving complete coverage of the scan zone through coordinated operation of multiple devices.
2Reliability
If depth scanning devices perform full 360-degree scans, then all directions are covered, but efficiency decreases due to scanning unnecessary areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring each depth scanning device to perform scanning operations with different angular ranges tailored to its specific position relative to the scan zone. Devices positioned at different locations scan different angles that collectively cover the entire scan zone, avoiding unnecessary scanning of areas outside the zone. This localized scanning approach maintains complete coverage while significantly improving scanning efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple depth scanning devices are used, then data collection is faster, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning operations of multiple depth scanning devices by coordinating them to scan different angular segments that collectively cover the scan zone. The devices operate simultaneously but with divided responsibilities, merging their individual partial scans into a complete depth map of the scan zone. This combining approach achieves fast data collection while managing system complexity through coordinated operation.
4Measurement precision
If scan heads rotate continuously, then all areas are scanned, but time is wasted scanning outside the scan zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by configuring each depth scanning device to perform only the portion of scanning necessary to cover the scan zone from its specific position. Instead of performing excessive 360-degree scans, each device scans a specific angle that includes the scan zone, performing just enough scanning to achieve complete coverage without wasting time on unnecessary areas. This partial scanning approach maintains depth data accuracy while maximizing useful scanning time.
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 approach allows for the generation of high-resolution, four-dimensional depth maps in a shorter time, enhancing the immersion of virtual reality experiences by enabling users to dynamically select viewpoints within the scanned environment.
Implementation Method 1
a depth scanning device performs a sequence of depth scanning operations by rotating a scan head to sweep a scan field across an angle
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary depth scanning system includes first and second depth scanning devices disposed, respectively, at first and second locations on a boundary of a scan zone where segments of the boundary meet to form respective first and second angles that include the scan zone. The first device performs a first sequence of depth scanning operations where the first device detects depth data for surfaces included in the scan zone by sweeping a scan field across the first angle and in which the first device abstains from detecting depth data for surfaces outside the first angle. Concurrently, the second device performs a second sequence of depth scanning operations where the second device detects depth data for the surfaces in the scan zone by sweeping a scan field across the second angle and in which the second device abstains from detecting depth data for surfaces outside the second angle.