Multi-Camera Overlay Alignment for Jump-Free Target Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixed-reality systems face challenges in aligning images from multiple cameras, leading to visible latency and lagging effects due to movement of cameras between image generation and display, disrupting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for correcting overlay misalignment between external and system camera images by detecting camera movements and progressively transitioning a bounding element to its correct position based on relative movement, using visual alignment and IMU data to minimize observable corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If image content from multiple cameras is aligned and overlaid to provide accurate spatial relationships, then manufacturing precision of image alignment is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple cameras and alignment processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bounding element as an intermediary visual indicator that represents the spatial relationship between multiple camera views. This intermediary element mediates the alignment process by providing a visual reference that users can track, simplifying the perception of complex multi-camera alignment without requiring users to directly process multiple aligned images simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the spatial relationship through the bounding element, which replicates the relative positioning information from multiple camera feeds. This copying approach allows the system to convey alignment information without requiring users to directly process the raw aligned image data, reducing perceptual complexity while maintaining alignment precision
2Manufacturing precision
If image processing and overlay operations are performed to align camera content, then manufacturing precision of alignment is improved, but loss of time increases due to processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment processing and prepares the bounding element position in advance based on captured camera data. By pre-computing alignment parameters and preparing visual indicators before they are needed for display, the system reduces real-time processing delays while maintaining alignment accuracy during actual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements optimized processing that skips unnecessary intermediate steps in the alignment pipeline. By directly computing essential alignment parameters and rapidly generating the bounding element position without excessive processing iterations, the system rushes through the critical alignment computation phase to minimize latency while preserving accuracy
3Reliability
If camera movement is detected and correction is applied to maintain alignment, then reliability of image alignment is improved, but device complexity increases due to movement detection and correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously detects camera movement through image analysis and automatically adjusts the bounding element position to compensate for movement-induced misalignment. This feedback loop maintains alignment reliability by detecting deviations and applying corrections without requiring complex external stabilization hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment correction system serves itself by using the captured image data from the cameras to detect movement and generate correction parameters. The system self-adjusts the bounding element position based on internal image analysis without requiring separate sensors or external intervention, reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment stability
4Manufacturing precision
If bounding element is rapidly corrected to correct position to improve alignment accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to visible jumps and disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment to the bounding element transition, where the correction speed and trajectory are adaptively controlled based on detected camera movement characteristics. Instead of rigid instantaneous correction, the system dynamically modulates the transition parameters to smooth out movements and eliminate visible jumps while achieving the target alignment position
Solution Approach 2:
The correction process is implemented as a periodic or stepped transition rather than a single instantaneous jump. The bounding element moves to its correct position through multiple intermediate adjustments over time, creating a smooth periodic motion that avoids sudden visual disruptions while maintaining the ultimate alignment accuracy
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
The solution effectively 'hides' correction processes from user observation by adjusting transition speed proportionally to camera movement, improving image alignment and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
modifying a position of the bounding element in the overlaid image based on a detected movement of one or both of the HMD camera and the external camera, wherein the process of modifying the position is based on inertial measurement unit data received from the HMD inertial measurement unit and inertial measurement unit data received from an external inertial measurement unit associated with the external camera
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for correcting an overlay misalignment between an external camera image and a system camera image are disclosed. A first system camera image and a first external camera image are acquired. A first visual alignment is performed between those two images to produce an overlaid image. Some of the content in the overlaid image is surrounded by a bounding element. A position of the bounding element is modified based on movements of the system camera and/or the external camera. In response to performing a second visual alignment using new images, an update vector is computed. Relative movement between the two cameras is determined. Based on the movement and based on the update vector, the bounding element is progressively transitioned to a corrected position in the overlaid image. A speed by which the bounding element is progressively transitioned is proportional to the amount of movement.