Remote Communication System Using Multi-Camera Body Image Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote communication systems fail to provide a realistic sensation of close proximity between participants, as the distance between the projection plane and the person limits the capture of the entire body image, reducing the immersive experience during remote interactions.
Innovation Solution
A remote communication system employing multiple image capturing units, an extraction unit, and a combining unit to capture and combine images, allowing for the projection of a realistic, full-body image, thereby simulating a face-to-face interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single camera is used to capture the entire body image, then the field of view must be increased, but the camera cannot be positioned close enough to the screen to create a realistic sensation of close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture function into multiple cameras positioned at different locations. Each camera captures a portion of the body image, and the images are then combined to form a complete full-body image. This segmentation allows each camera to be positioned optimally for capturing specific body portions while collectively achieving comprehensive coverage and realistic proximity sensation.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is positioned close to the screen, then the realistic sensation is improved, but only part of the body image can be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines images from multiple cameras to create a complete full-body image. By merging the captured images through image processing and synthesis, the system recovers the complete body information that would be lost if only a single camera positioned close to the screen were used.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are used to capture the entire body image, then the complete body image can be obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cameras that serve universal functions - each camera can capture different portions of the body image, and any combination of cameras can contribute to the final full-body image. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve complete body coverage while maintaining flexibility in camera positioning and configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a scheme that allows a person to communicate with another person at a remote site while giving the realistic sensation as if the persons faced each other in close proximity by capturing the images of the person using a plurality of image capturing units.A remote communication system includes a projector configured to project, on to a screen, an image transmitted from a remote site. The screen has a plurality of the front cameras disposed thereon. A CPU performs an extraction process to extract a person part from each of images captured by the front cameras and a combining process to combine the images captured by the front cameras. The remote communication system further includes a projector that projects the image subjected to the extraction process and the combining process onto a screen set in the remote site.