Virtual Occluder for Immersive Content Framing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality and augmented reality systems fail to provide an immersive experience due to the visibility of image data edges, which detract from the sense of immersion by revealing the limitations of the captured environment.
Innovation Solution
The system generates virtual views by using image data from a tiled array of cameras, positioning a virtual occluder within the capture volume to conceal edges, allowing for an extended or infinite viewing volume and a larger field-of-view, with the occluder's shape and size determined by the selected virtual viewpoint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a tiled array of cameras is used to capture image data, then the field-of-view and coverage area are improved, but the edges of the captured image data become visible and detract from immersion
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual occluder is introduced as an intermediary element positioned within the capture volume to block the line of sight to the edges of the captured image data. This virtual occluder acts as a mediator between the user and the captured scene, preventing direct viewing of the image boundaries while maintaining the expanded field-of-view provided by the tiled camera array.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional image plane problem to a three-dimensional spatial solution by positioning the virtual occluder within the capture volume. This dimensional transition allows the occluder to strategically block edge visibility from multiple viewing angles while preserving the immersive experience across the expanded coverage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the capture volume is extended to provide a larger field-of-view, then the immersion is improved, but the viewing volume becomes bounded and edges are revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual occluder serves as a mediator that allows the system to maintain an extended field-of-view while preventing the revelation of bounded edges. By strategically positioning this intermediary element within the capture volume, the system preserves the continuity of the virtual environment and prevents users from perceiving the limitations of the captured scene.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a virtual occluder is positioned within the capture volume to conceal edges, then immersion is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding physical occluding structures, the system uses a virtual copy or representation of an occluder rendered in the display. This virtual occluder is computationally generated and positioned within the capture volume, achieving the edge-concealing effect without the complexity of physical modifications to the camera array or display hardware.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing volume is extended to allow infinite viewing, then the user experience is improved, but the edge perception becomes more likely without proper framing
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual occluder acts as a framing intermediary that defines the boundaries of the visible scene within the extended viewing volume. By positioning this virtual element strategically, the system allows users to explore a larger viewing volume while the occluder prevents perception of the actual edges, creating the illusion of an infinite or continuous environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual view of a scene may be generated through the use of various systems and methods. In one exemplary method, from a tiled array of cameras, image data may be received. The image data may depict a capture volume comprising a scene volume in which a scene is located. A viewing volume may be defined. A virtual occluder may be positioned at least partially within the capture volume such that a virtual window of the virtual occluder is between the viewing volume and the scene. A virtual viewpoint within the viewing volume may be selected. A virtual view may be generated to depict the scene from the virtual viewpoint.