Laser Projector Aligns Virtual Objects on MoCap Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote collaborative activities in computer simulations, such as motion capture, face challenges in visualizing virtual objects in the real world, leading to coordination issues and difficulties in maintaining visibility of MoCap markers for accurate movement capture.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor to correlate virtual object locations in a computer simulation space with real-world locations on a stage, controlling a laser device to project visible geometric shapes onto the stage, ensuring accurate alignment and providing warning markers for actors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If laser devices are used to project visible geometric shapes indicating virtual object locations, then visualization and coordination are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser devices as intermediary tools that project visible geometric shapes (mediators) to represent virtual objects in the real world. This allows actors to visualize virtual object locations without directly interacting with the complex virtual environment, resolving the contradiction by adding a simple visual indication layer that bridges the virtual and physical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of virtual objects by projecting geometric shapes that represent their locations in the real world. These laser-projected shapes are simplified copies that convey essential spatial information without requiring actors to understand the full complexity of the virtual environment, thus improving visualization while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If coordinate systems are correlated between laser device, stage, and virtual simulation space, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coordinate correlation system that works across multiple domains (laser device, stage, and virtual simulation space) using a single unified approach. The processor correlates coordinate systems through shared reference points and transformation matrices, allowing the same mathematical framework to handle all three coordinate systems simultaneously, thus improving alignment precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If warning markers are projected onto the stage, then coordination safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by only projecting warning markers when specific conditions are met (when actors approach or enter restricted zones). The processor monitors actor positions and triggers laser projection only during these critical moments rather than continuously, thereby improving coordination safety while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to constant projection.
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
Enhances visualization and coordination by clearly indicating virtual object locations and preventing actors from encroaching on virtual object spaces, improving the accuracy and safety of motion capture and virtual environment alignment.
Implementation Method 1
control at least one laser device to project, onto the real world location on the stage, a visible geometric shape
Implementation Method 2
at least one movable mirror configured to reflect light from the laser emitter at demanded angles
Implementation Method 3
Plural IR reflectors also may be configured to be attached to at least one actor on the stage. At least one IR detector can be configured to detect reflections of IR light from the IR reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A laser emitting visible light is used to project geometric shapes onto the floor of a stage or set at locations corresponding to locations of virtual objects in a computer simulation. The stage or set may be a motion capture (MoCap) set with IR reflectors on the set and actors. The visible laser light does not interfere with the MoCap and allows a real world actor to visually understand where objects in a computer simulation are emulated to be.