Virtual Camera Collision Detection in 3D Volumetric Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

In three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models used for sports games, virtual cameras often collide with objects, resulting in close-up views that are undesirable and disrupt the viewing experience, as existing systems lack effective collision detection and automatic adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A virtual camera system that includes a collision detector capable of projecting the virtual camera into the 3D model, detecting overlaps with objects, and automatically selecting new camera locations to avoid collisions, thereby ensuring uninterrupted and immersive viewing experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual camera location is manually adjusted to avoid collisions, then collision avoidance is achieved, but operational costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidmanual intervention time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic collision detection and location adjustment mechanisms that enable the virtual camera system to self-regulate without manual intervention. The collision detection module continuously monitors camera positions against 3D model boundaries, and the location adjustment module automatically recalculates and repositions the virtual camera when collisions are detected, making the system self-sufficient in avoiding collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where collision detection results directly trigger location adjustment actions. The detection module provides real-time feedback about potential collisions to the adjustment module, which then modifies camera positions accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures continuous collision avoidance without requiring external manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If virtual camera location is manually adjusted to avoid collisions, then collision avoidance is achieved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic collision detection and location adjustment mechanisms that enable the virtual camera system to self-regulate without manual intervention. The collision detection module continuously monitors camera positions against 3D model boundaries, and the location adjustment module automatically recalculates and repositions the virtual camera when collisions are detected, making the system self-sufficient in avoiding collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated computational algorithms. Instead of human operators physically or manually adjusting camera positions, the system uses computer-based collision detection algorithms and automated location recalculation methods to determine and implement position changes, thereby eliminating labor costs associated with manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If virtual camera moves closer to objects for better viewing, then viewing quality improves, but collision risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing qualityVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary collision detection before the virtual camera actually moves to a new position. By checking for potential collisions in advance and adjusting the camera location proactively, the system allows the camera to approach objects closely for better viewing quality while preventing actual collisions from occurring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The collision detection and location adjustment modules act as intermediaries between the viewing quality requirements and the physical constraints of the 3D environment. These modules analyze the desired camera position, evaluate it against collision risks, and mediate by suggesting optimized positions that maintain close proximity to objects for good viewing quality while eliminating collision hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11257282B2Methods and apparatus to detect collision of a virtual camera with objects in three-dimensional volumetric model
Publication Date: 2022.02.22 INTEL CORP
  • US11257282B2 patent drawing
  • US11257282B2 patent drawing
  • US11257282B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus to detect collision of a virtual camera with objects in a three-dimensional volumetric model are disclosed herein. An example virtual camera system disclosed herein includes cameras to obtain images of a scene in an environment. The example virtual camera system also includes a virtual camera generator to create a 3D volumetric model of the scene based on the images, identify a 3D location of a virtual camera to be disposed in the 3D volumetric model, and detect whether a collision occurs between the virtual camera and one or more objects in the 3D volumetric model.