Adaptive VR Camera Parameter Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual reality cameras with multiple component cameras face challenges in adapting image capture parameters quickly when the field of view changes, leading to discomforting image transitions and sub-par user experience due to delayed exposure and focus adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adaptive camera control that access and store image capture parameters at one time instant and apply them to component cameras whose field of view changes at a subsequent time instant, ensuring seamless transitions by transferring optimal settings directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera 3A algorithms are used to adjust exposure, focus and white balance independently for each component camera, then each camera adapts to its own scene, but the adaptation time is delayed causing image transitions that discomfort VR users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independent 3A parameter adjustments of multiple component cameras into a unified control approach. By detecting object transitions between cameras and transferring parameters from the source camera to the target camera, the system ensures consistent image quality across camera boundaries while eliminating the delay associated with independent adaptation of each camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing 3A parameters for each component camera based on its current scene. When an object transitions between cameras, the target camera can immediately apply the pre-computed parameters from the source camera, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time adaptation and ensuring seamless transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each component camera independently adjusts its exposure based on its own field of view, then each camera optimizes for its scene, but transitions between cameras cause sudden exposure changes and saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring object positions across multiple component cameras and using this information to regulate exposure parameters. When an object is detected in the source camera and then in the target camera, the system feeds back the exposure parameters from the source to the target, ensuring consistent image tone and preventing sudden exposure changes during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the exposure, focus, and white balance parameters of the target camera based on the parameters of the source camera. This ensures that the image tone remains consistent across camera transitions while still allowing each camera to adapt to its specific scene conditions.
3Speed
If the field of view of component cameras changes during movement, then new scenes are captured, but the 3A algorithms take time to converge causing overly bright or saturated images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by replicating the 3A parameters from the source camera to the target camera when an object transitions between them. This allows the target camera to immediately adopt proven parameters that are known to produce accurate exposure for the current scene, eliminating the convergence time required for independent algorithm adaptation while maintaining exposure accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If conventional video tolerates delayed correction of color and exposure, then simple algorithms can be used, but VR immersion requires immediate adaptation to avoid discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that monitors object positions across cameras and mediates the transfer of 3A parameters between them. This intermediary system enables rapid adaptation to new scenes in VR by sharing parameter information between cameras, avoiding user discomfort while maintaining algorithmic simplicity through the use of existing 3A algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example embodiment, method, apparatus and computer program product are provided. The method includes accessing image capture parameters of a plurality of component cameras at a first time instant, where the image capture parameters for a respective component camera of the component cameras are determined based on a scene appearing in a field of view (FOV) of the respective component camera. At a second time instant, a change in appearance of one or more objects of the scene from a FOV of a first component camera to a FOV of a second component camera is determined. Upon determining the change of the appearance of the one or more objects at the second time instant, image capture parameters of the second component camera are set based on image capture parameters of the first component camera accessed at the first time instant.