Single Camera VR Interface Using Mirror for 3D Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR interfaces using a single camera face limitations in 3D control due to the need for separate equipment and complex calculation processing, restricting access to objects in different depths and orientations within a virtual space.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a single camera to estimate the 3D location of a user's finger and convert pointer coordinates into virtual coordinates suitable for VR devices, enabling 3D control by analyzing images frame-by-frame, tracking feature points, and performing inverse projection matrix calculations to display virtual pointer coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used to obtain 3D depth information, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of stereo vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element to create a virtual second camera view. The mirror reflects the scene captured by the single camera, generating a virtual stereo image that simulates depth information without requiring a physical second camera. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining single-camera simplicity while achieving stereo vision measurement precision through the mirror-mediated virtual view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the camera's field of view by reflecting it in a mirror. This virtual copy provides a second perspective that, when combined with the original view, enables 3D depth reconstruction. The copying principle allows the system to simulate multi-camera functionality using a single physical camera, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If gaze pointer interface is used, then ease of operation is improved for central objects, but adaptability deteriorates for objects at different depths and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D gaze pointer interface to a 3D virtual pointer interface by incorporating depth information from mirror-based stereo imaging. This dimensional enhancement allows the pointer to accurately represent spatial position in three dimensions, enabling users to interact with objects at various depths and orientations while maintaining ease of operation through natural pointing gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual pointer system that adapts its behavior based on the detected hand gesture and spatial context. The pointer dynamically adjusts its position, orientation, and interaction capabilities according to the user's hand movements and the three-dimensional layout of virtual objects, thereby enhancing adaptability while preserving ease of operation through intuitive gesture control.
3Measurement precision
If separate equipment is used for 3D location detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera system by combining the direct view from the camera with the reflected view from the mirror. This merging creates a unified imaging system that captures stereo information using only one physical camera, thereby maintaining measurement precision equivalent to multi-camera systems while significantly reducing device complexity and system configuration requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing a virtual reality (VR) interface based on a single camera. The method includes obtaining pointer coordinates based on an image obtained by a single camera attached to a VR device, converting the pointer coordinates into virtual pointer coordinates based on a distance factor between the single camera and the VR device and a user factor including an input range of a real space derived according to a body characteristic of a user, and displaying the converted virtual pointer coordinates on the VR device.