Virtual 3D Representation Extrusion from 2D Camera Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional (3D) graphics processing techniques for augmented and virtual reality applications require specialized hardware and complex setups, making real-time interaction expensive and difficult, and often necessitate participants to attach tags or markers to their bodies for accurate registration and depth perception.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single camera to capture images of participants, automatically determine their contours, associate depth data, and generate real-time virtual 3D representations, allowing interactions with other virtual objects within a virtual environment without the need for specialized hardware or markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized hardware components and complex hardware setups are used for capturing and registering 3D information, then measurement precision and depth perception are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the participant by extruding their 2D contour silhouette into three-dimensional space. This virtual model replicates the participant's movements and interactions without requiring physical 3D scanning hardware, thereby achieving depth perception through computational geometry rather than specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical 3D sensing systems (multiple cameras, time-of-flight sensors, laser range-finders) with a computational approach using a single camera. The system substitutes physical depth-measurement mechanisms with algorithmic depth inference based on 2D contour analysis and extrusion mathematics
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras or specialized sensors are deployed for accurate participant registration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential 2D contour silhouette of the participant from the video feed, discarding redundant visual information. This extracted contour serves as the minimal sufficient data structure for creating the 3D virtual model, eliminating the need for multiple cameras while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms 2D contour data into 3D virtual space through extrusion operations. By mathematically extending the 2D silhouette into the third dimension, the system achieves accurate participant registration in 3D environments using only 2D camera input, avoiding the complexity of 3D sensor arrays
3Measurement precision
If traditional 3D registration methods are used, then depth perception is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to marker attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures the participant's contour silhouette directly from video feed without requiring any active participation or preparation from the user. The participant simply needs to be visible in the camera frame, and the system autonomously extracts, processes, and extrudes their silhouette into a 3D virtual model, making the process entirely passive and markerless
4Measurement precision
If complex hardware setups with multiple cameras are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single standard video camera perform the function of multiple specialized 3D cameras. By using computational extrusion of 2D contours, the system enables one ordinary camera to achieve 3D position capture capabilities that would traditionally require stereoscopic camera rigs or time-of-flight sensors, greatly simplifying manufacturing and deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for incorporating a representation of a participant into a virtual 3D environment substantially in real-time is provided. An image including a participant is captured by a camera. A contour of the participant is automatically determined. Depth data is automatically associated with the participant contour. A first virtual 3D representation of the participant is automatically generated by extruding the participant contour based on the associated depth data. An interaction between the first virtual 3D representation of the participant and a second virtual 3D representation of a second object is displayed.