Monocular 3D Object Localization Using Root Position Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monocular camera systems struggle to accurately estimate the three-dimensional location of objects, particularly human bodies, due to their two-dimensional image representation, which hinders applications such as tracking and generating augmented reality features.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a monocular camera system that estimates the three-dimensional root position of an object by combining scale estimation, ground position estimation, and feature estimation engines, leveraging reference data and homography to calculate the root position with multiple methods to reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monocular camera system is used to capture images, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of three-dimensional object location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional image data from a monocular camera into three-dimensional localization information by introducing a virtual camera model and homography matrix. This dimensionality transformation allows the system to estimate depth and three-dimensional positions without adding physical cameras, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (virtual camera and homography matrix) that mediates between the two-dimensional image input and three-dimensional localization output. This intermediary framework enables accurate three-dimensional estimation by mathematically bridging the gap between 2D image coordinates and 3D spatial positions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple estimation methods are combined to improve three-dimensional localization accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple estimation approaches (scale estimation, ground position estimation, and feature estimation) into a unified framework. By combining these methods and aggregating their results, the system achieves higher measurement precision while managing complexity through integrated processing rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual camera model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables scale estimation, ground position estimation, and feature estimation all within a single computational framework. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional triangulation using synchronized multi-view systems is used to reconstruct objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential computational functions of a multi-view system and implements them virtually through a single camera. By taking out the depth estimation and three-dimensional reconstruction capabilities from the physical multi-camera system and implementing them through virtual camera models and homography calculations, the system achieves similar measurement precision with dramatically reduced device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a communications interface to receive raw data. The raw data includes a representation of an actual object in two-dimension. The apparatus further includes a memory storage unit to store the raw data and reference data. In addition, the apparatus includes a scale estimation engine to receive the raw data and the reference data. The scale estimation engine is to calculate a first root position of the actual object in a three-dimensional space based on an analysis of the raw data with the reference data. Furthermore, the apparatus includes an aggregator to generate output data based on the first root position. The output data is to be transmitted to an external device.