Virtual Camera Synchronization for Aligned Mixed-Reality Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to synchronize the positions of virtual and physical cameras in computer-generated reality systems, leading to misalignment and suboptimal integration of physical and virtual environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for positional synchronization of virtual and physical cameras, enabling alignment of virtual camera positions with physical camera positions through techniques such as ultra-wideband ranging and computer vision, allowing for the composition of aligned images and videos from both environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional camera synchronization methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and measurement precision deteriorate due to inability to accurately align virtual and physical camera positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization system that includes a controller receiving position data from both virtual and physical cameras, processing this data to calculate alignment transformations, and outputting corrected position information. This intermediary component mediates between the two camera systems, enabling precise alignment without requiring direct complex integration between the camera systems themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical synchronization methods with computational approaches using ultra-wideband ranging and computer vision algorithms. Instead of physically coupling the camera systems through mechanical linkages, the system uses electromagnetic signal processing and visual data processing to achieve precise positional alignment, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.
2Productivity
If manual synchronization methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming alignment processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service synchronization mechanism where the system automatically detects camera positions, calculates alignment transformations, and applies corrections without requiring manual intervention. The controller continuously monitors position data from both cameras and autonomously adjusts the synchronization parameters, enabling rapid adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where the controller receives continuous position information from both virtual and physical cameras, processes this data to determine alignment status, and adjusts synchronization parameters in real-time based on the calculated deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables rapid correction of misalignment and maintains high synchronization speed throughout operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for positional synchronization of virtual and physical cameras may include a processor configured to determine a first position of a physical camera relative to another electronic device in a physical environment. The processor may be configured to initiate positioning of a virtual camera in a second position within a computer-generated environment, wherein the second position relative to a representation of the person in the computer-generated environment coincides with the first position. The processor may be configured to receive an image frame captured by the physical camera and a virtual image frame generated by the virtual camera. The processor may be configured to generate a computer-generated reality image frame that includes at least a portion of the image frame composited with at least a portion of the virtual image frame.