Motorized Camera Platform for Dynamic Background Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photo booths have limitations due to fixed cameras, requiring users to position themselves within a specific focus area, leading to a lack of variety in captured images and requiring manual intervention for background changes, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automated interactive system with a motorized platform and control unit that includes sensors and a camera, capable of moving along multiple degrees of freedom, and an environment rules engine for dynamic image modification using AI-enabled background removal techniques and Chroma Keying, allowing for real-time adjustment of backgrounds and foregrounds based on user position and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera is used in the photo booth, then the camera structure is simple and stable, but the user must position themselves within a specific focus area and the background cannot be changed, leading to a lack of variety in captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transforming the fixed camera system into a dynamic one where the camera can move along multiple degrees of freedom (horizontal, vertical, and rotational movements) controlled by motorized actuators. This allows the camera to automatically track users regardless of their position and dynamically change backgrounds by capturing different scenes, thereby achieving background variety without requiring users to maintain specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as intermediaries between the user and the camera system. The sensors detect user position and movement, and this information is transmitted to the control unit which then adjusts the camera position and selects appropriate backgrounds. This intermediary sensing mechanism enables automatic adaptation to user movements and dynamic background changes without direct user manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical backdrops are installed in the environment for background changes, then background variety is achieved, but manual intervention is required to change backdrops which is costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical backdrops with a digital imaging system. Instead of physically installing and changing backdrop materials, the system uses the camera to capture different real-world scenes as backgrounds. The motorized camera movement and sensor-controlled scene selection substitute for manual backdrop changes, achieving both background variety and operational efficiency automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting user position through sensors and autonomously selecting and capturing appropriate backgrounds without human intervention. The control unit processes sensor data in real-time and automatically adjusts camera positioning and background selection, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual backdrop changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users edit captured images using post processing applications, then image modification is possible, but the process is cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing image modification during the capture process itself rather than requiring post-processing. The system dynamically composites the user image with selected backgrounds in real-time based on sensor input, automatically adjusting the final image as it is being captured. This eliminates the need for subsequent editing operations by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic image composition and modification without user intervention. The control unit automatically processes the captured images, applies appropriate backgrounds based on sensor-detected user position and movement, and generates the final composite image. This self-service image processing eliminates the need for users to manually edit images using complex software applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dynamically modifying a live image of a subject using an automated interactive system is provided. The system includes a motorized platform including at least one actuator, a control unit including a processor and a storage device, and a payload including one or more sensors and a camera. The method includes (i) collecting sensor data about at least one of the subject and an environment, (ii) moving the camera along or around at least one degree of freedom, (iii) capturing the live image of the subject in at least one position from with the camera, (iv) storing the live image of the subject in the data storage device, (v) sending instructions to physically move the payload, (vi) applying at least one environment modification rule to modify the live image of the subject, and (vii) displaying a modified live image of the subject on a display unit.