Virtual Camera Synchronization for Video Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Virtual Studio Technologies are expensive and logistically complex, limiting their use due to the need for large studios, sophisticated camera systems, and skilled personnel, and are mainly reserved for high-value television events, as they require precise synchronization of real-world and virtual camera movements within confined physical spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system that inserts a source video feed into a master 3D scene, allowing real-world and virtual elements to be seamlessly combined, with a processor configured to automatically determine and synchronize real-world movements of the source video feed with the master scene's point of view changes, enabling flexible placement and occlusion within the 3D environment, potentially using movable devices like drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Virtual Studio Technology is used to combine real-world and virtual video feeds, then seamless video generation is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and logistically complex requiring large studios and sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual camera representations that copy the optical characteristics and movement trajectories of real-world cameras. Instead of requiring physical camera tracking equipment, the system creates digital copies of camera behavior to synchronize virtual scene rendering with real-world video feeds, thereby achieving seamless integration without complex physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical camera tracking and physical studio infrastructure with computational methods. By substituting mechanical synchronization systems with algorithmic point-of-view matching and virtual camera positioning, the patent eliminates the need for expensive physical tracking equipment while maintaining seamless video generation
2Measurement precision
If real-world cameras are used as master cameras in Virtual Studio Technology, then synchronization with virtual cameras is achieved, but the system is constrained to fixed physical spaces and limited camera movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional master-slave camera relationship by making the virtual camera the master and the real-world camera the slave. Instead of constraining virtual cameras to follow real camera movements, the system allows virtual cameras to define their own trajectories and points-of-view, which then guide the rendering and synchronization process, thereby enabling unlimited movement flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional video overlay to three-dimensional spatial integration by embedding real-world video feeds into virtual 3D scenes. This dimensional shift allows camera movements to occur in virtual space without physical constraints, enabling flexible positioning and perspective changes that are impossible in traditional physical studio setups
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional Virtual Studio Technology is implemented with tracking systems and calibration equipment, then accurate point-of-view synchronization is achieved, but setup time and preparation intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of camera trajectory data and optical characteristics from real-world video feeds before the actual video generation process. By pre-calculating camera movement paths, focal lengths, and positioning parameters, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time calibration and tracking setups, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining synchronization precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service synchronization by automatically extracting camera parameters and trajectories from the real-world video feeds themselves. Instead of requiring external calibration equipment or manual configuration, the video feeds themselves provide the synchronization data through embedded metadata and visual analysis, thereby eliminating complex setup procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a processor configured to: provide a master Three-Dimensional (3D) scene; insert at least one source video feed into at least one position within the master 3D scene, allowing a configuration in which at least a first part of the master 3D scene is in front of the source video feed and at least a second part of the master 3D scene is behind the source video feed; and generate a combined video of the master 3D scene with the at least one source video feed inserted therein.