Head Tracking via Color-Refracting Lenticular Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more robust and cost-effective head tracking technologies in video games that can accurately determine the distance and orientation of a user's head using existing equipment, particularly for 3D effects and body tracking applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of markers with lenticular lenses or mini prisms that refract or reflect different colors at various angles, coupled with a color camera, allows for the determination of head orientation and distance by analyzing the apparent color and angular distance between markers, enabling robust and inexpensive head tracking solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional head tracking methods are used, then tracking capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses markers that change color based on their orientation relative to the camera. By analyzing these color changes, the system determines head orientation and position without requiring complex sensors or multiple cameras. This color-based approach simplifies the overall system while maintaining accurate tracking capability.
2Measurement precision
If markers with color orientation detection are used, then head orientation and distance can be determined, but the markers and lenses add manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the physical property that light refracts and reflects at different angles depending on the orientation of lenticular lenses or mini-prisms. By changing the viewing angle parameter, the marker displays different colors, enabling distance and orientation measurement. This physical parameter change approach is cost-effective and manufacturable.
3Device complexity
If existing camera equipment is used for tracking, then cost is reduced, but the ability to determine both orientation and distance simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces color-changing markers with lenticular lenses or mini-prisms as intermediaries between the camera and the user's head. These markers encode both orientation and distance information through their color output, allowing a standard camera to extract multiple pieces of information simultaneously without requiring complex processing or additional sensors.
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 provides accurate and robust head tracking that can be integrated into existing systems without significant upgrades, reducing costs and enhancing the immersion of 3D gaming experiences by accurately determining head position and movement.
Implementation Method 1
The markers can include a lenticular lens that refracts and reflects different predetermined colors at different angles
Implementation Method 2
They can include a mini prism that refracts and reflects different predetermined colors at different angles
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems are presented for determining a distance to an object using a color camera and special markers mounted on the object that refract or reflect different colors depending on the angle at which they are viewed. Different colors can be refracted or reflected using lenticular lenses or other technologies. The color received by the camera reveals the orientation of the markers. The orientation information can be combined with the perceived angular distance between the markers and the known distance between the markers to determine the actual distance to the object.