Virtual Camera for Seamless VR Content Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR applications require a built-in selfie function to enable photographing, which limits their functionality and can interrupt the user's experience, as they need a handheld controller to function like a selfie stick, disrupting the original VR process.
Innovation Solution
A method for photographing VR content that creates a virtual controller within the VR system, allowing users to set photographing parameters such as distance and angle, calculates the camera's position and rotation, and records image information without requiring a physical selfie stick, thus enabling photographing without affecting the normal use of VR applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a built-in selfie function is added to VR applications, then photographing capability is improved, but device complexity and user experience are worsened due to requiring handheld controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual camera object within the VR system that replicates photographing functionality without requiring physical camera hardware. This virtual camera is programmed to capture screenshots and record video frames, providing complete photographing capability through software simulation rather than physical device integration
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual camera system serves multiple functions: it can capture screenshots, record videos, adjust photographing parameters (distance, angle, focus), and integrate with various VR applications. This single virtual object replaces multiple potential physical devices and provides universal photographing capability across different VR contexts
2Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld controller is used for photographing in VR, then photographing function is achieved, but ease of operation is worsened as it interrupts the VR process
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual camera operates autonomously within the VR environment, automatically capturing images and videos based on programmed parameters. Users can initiate photographing through simple gestures or commands without needing to manipulate physical controllers, allowing the system to serve itself and maintain seamless operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handheld controller system with a purely software-based virtual camera control mechanism. Instead of physical buttons and joysticks that interrupt user flow, the system uses virtual space interactions and automated capture functions that maintain continuous immersion in the VR experience
3Measurement precision
If photographing parameters are manually adjusted in existing VR systems, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual camera system comes pre-configured with optimal photographing parameters including focus distance, angle of view, and capture resolution. These settings are established in advance through programming and can be quickly adjusted via virtual interfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual setup while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The photographing parameters of the virtual camera are made dynamically adjustable during VR operation. Users can modify distance, angle, and other parameters in real-time through intuitive virtual controls, allowing rapid adaptation to different shooting scenarios without permanent setup commitments or time loss
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a method for photographing VR content by a computing device. The method includes: obtaining first position and first rotation of a VR display device; obtaining a photographing parameter including a distance between a virtual camera and a target object displayed in the display device; calculating second position of the camera according to the first position and the photographing parameter, and second rotation of the camera according to the first rotation; calculating a real-time direction of the camera according to the second position and the second rotation; and recording, according to the real-time direction of the camera, image information including the target object photographed by the camera. The embodiments of this application further provide a computing device for providing a universal photographing manner in VR applications, and the photographing manner is not limited to photographing functions of the VR applications.