Wearable Display Overlaying Camera Focus Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera operators in video production face challenges in determining focus and framing, especially with the advent of high-resolution video formats like UHD and 4K, as the human eye's limitations are exceeded by the resolution on conventional viewfinders, making it difficult to identify in-focus objects within the frame.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses wearable display devices with a clear lens to provide camera operators with a 360-degree view of the live scene, overlaying visual indicators to highlight in-focus objects and framing, allowing them to select and control video production cameras effectively, even in multi-camera setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional viewfinders with high resolution are used to match UHD and 4K production formats, then image resolution is improved, but the ability to determine focus is worsened due to exceeding human eye limitations on small screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable display device as an intermediary between the camera operator and the camera viewfinder. This wearable display captures the operator's field of view and overlays camera framing and focus information onto it, allowing the operator to see both the real-world scene and camera indicators simultaneously. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing focus determination capabilities without limiting the operator's natural viewing experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional viewfinder screen to a three-dimensional spatial overlay system. By projecting camera framing rectangles and focus indicators directly into the operator's field of view at the correct spatial positions, the system adds a dimensional layer of information that doesn't compete for the operator's attention like a flat screen would. This dimensional change allows high-resolution focus information to be presented without the constraints of small screen viewing.
2Device complexity
If a small monitor viewfinder is used to show the captured image, then device complexity is reduced, but the area available for judging framing and focus is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable display device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the operator's primary viewing interface for the live scene, a display for camera framing information, a focus indication system, and a multi-camera view selector. By consolidating these functions into a single wearable device rather than requiring separate viewfinders and monitoring equipment, the system reduces overall device complexity while providing extensive display area for all judgment tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video production cameras are used to capture the live scene from different angles, then versatility of coverage is improved, but the complexity of selecting and controlling the correct camera is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable display provides real-time feedback to the operator about which camera is currently active and what its framing is. By displaying the active camera's field of view rectangle and allowing the operator to see all available camera views simultaneously overlaid on their natural vision, the system creates immediate feedback loops that simplify camera selection and control. The operator can visually assess all camera angles and make informed selection decisions without complex control interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method that recognizes and highlights objects in a video frame for augmented video production workflow. Ae video production camera is provided to capture a video frame and generate frame data and object data relating to objects within the video frame that are in focus. Moreover, a display device is included that is wearable by the camera operator and includes a camera that captures field of view data that corresponds to a field of view of the camera operator. Furthermore, the display device can compare the video frame data with the field of view data captured by the camera to generate a visual indicator for the video frame, and can use the in focus object data to generate visual indicators for the in focus objects. As a result, the display device can provide the camera operator with a field of view having visual indicators of the video frame and the objects that appear as overlays over the operator's field of view.