Virtual Meeting Viewpoint Synthesis via Multi-Camera Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual meeting platforms are limited in providing diverse viewpoints during virtual meetings, as client devices can only capture and transmit image data from specific angles, leading to incomplete views for participants and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows user-selected viewpoint rendering by obtaining and synchronizing image data from multiple client devices to generate and provide image data from requested perspectives, using machine learning models to predict characteristics and render images from vantage points not captured by any single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple client devices capture image data from different angles, then viewpoint diversity is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses machine learning models to generate synthetic image data that copies and synthesizes viewpoints not directly captured by physical devices. The system creates virtual representations of scenes from angles not physically present, effectively copying the visual information needed without requiring additional physical cameras at every possible position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of deploying multiple physical cameras with computational methods. Instead of physically positioning devices to capture all desired viewpoints, the system uses AI algorithms to synthesize images from requested angles based on data from fewer physical devices, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing.
2Loss of information
If image data is captured from multiple client devices, then viewpoint coverage is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces machine learning models as intermediaries between the raw image data from multiple devices and the final synthesized output. These models process and integrate data from multiple sources, transforming complex multi-device inputs into coherent synthesized images from requested viewpoints, thereby managing data processing complexity through intelligent mediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters dynamically by adjusting which image data to capture and how to process it based on specific requests. Rather than continuously processing all data from all devices, the system selectively processes data based on requested viewpoints, changing processing parameters to match user needs and reduce unnecessary computational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If viewpoints are generated through synthesis, then adaptability to requested angles is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of image data from multiple devices, preparing and pre-processing the input data before synthesis is requested. By pre-processing and organizing the source data in advance, the system reduces the computational burden during actual viewpoint synthesis, thereby reducing processing time when adaptability is needed.
4Loss of information
If more client devices are used to capture diverse viewpoints, then information completeness is improved, but system resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by enabling a small number of physical devices to serve multiple functions - capturing images from various angles that would otherwise require many dedicated cameras. The machine learning synthesis capability allows the same hardware to generate multiple virtual viewpoints, making each physical device perform the work of several devices and improving resource efficiency while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for user-selected viewpoint rendering of a virtual meeting are provided herein. First image data generated by a first client device during a virtual meeting and second image data generated by a second client device during a virtual meeting is obtained. The first image data depicts object(s) captured from a first vantage point and the second image data depicts the object(s) captured from a second vantage point. A request is received from a third client device for third image data depicting the object(s) captured from a third vantage point. The third image data depicting the object(s) corresponding to the third vantage point is generated based on the first image data and the second image data. A rendering of the third image data is provided for presentation via a graphical user interface (GUI) of the third client device during the virtual meeting in accordance with the request.