Virtual Camera Positioning for MR Game Spectator Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MR game systems generate spectator-viewing-intended images that include relative positions of players and the environment, which are not necessary for all types of games, and do not effectively represent the progress of a game's story to a third person.
Innovation Solution
An image generating device that creates a third-person viewpoint image of a virtual space containing virtual objects and either the user or their avatar, allowing for dynamic arrangement and display of images based on the game's progress, without the need for an objective viewpoint imaging camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an objective viewpoint imaging camera is used to generate spectator-viewing-intended images representing relative positions of players and environment, then the image accurately represents the real-world spatial relationships, but the system complexity increases and the image effectiveness for viewing game progress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the game space with virtual cameras positioned to simulate spectator viewpoints. Instead of using physical cameras to capture real-world images, the system generates synthetic images from virtual camera positions in the virtual space, eliminating the need for complex physical imaging equipment while maintaining accurate representation of game progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of physical cameras and image processing with a computational approach using virtual cameras and rendering. The physical imaging device is substituted by software-based virtual camera positioning and image synthesis, reducing hardware complexity while achieving the same functional goal of providing spectator views.
2Loss of information
If an objective viewpoint imaging camera is used to capture real-world images for spectator viewing, then the image includes actual player positions and environment, but the effectiveness for representing game story progress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual camera positioning that automatically adjusts camera positions, angles, and focal points based on the current game state and story progression. The virtual camera system can dynamically reposition to highlight important game events, character interactions, and narrative moments, making the spectator view adaptable to different story scenarios rather than being fixed to a single physical viewpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the viewing system by allowing virtual camera position, orientation, zoom level, and field of view to be adjusted based on game progress. This enables the system to optimize the spectator view for different story moments, such as zooming in on critical actions or panning to show relevant environmental context, thereby improving effectiveness for representing game story.
3Device complexity
If conventional MR systems generate images with fixed camera positions, then the system is simpler to implement, but the spectator experience deteriorates due to inability to adapt to game progress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple virtual camera positions and viewpoints in the virtual space before the game begins. These predetermined camera positions are strategically placed to capture important game areas and angles. During gameplay, the system selects and switches between these pre-configured viewpoints based on the current game state, providing adaptability without requiring complex real-time camera control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A more effective image is presented to a third person in accordance with the progress of a prescribed story of a game in which a virtual object is generated. An MR game device (3) includes a spectator-viewing-intended image synthesis unit (353) that generates a spectator viewpoint image of a virtual space containing an image of the virtual object and an image of a competitor as viewed from a virtual space viewpoint of a spectator in accordance with the progress of the prescribed story.