Wireless Multi-Camera Platform for Markerless 4D Motion Capture

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 4D motion capture systems are expensive, complex, and limited in their ability to capture diverse physical interactions due to the need for multiple synchronized cameras, which is costly and difficult to calibrate, especially for applications like building physically intelligent AI systems that require data on human and robot interactions.

Innovation Solution

A modular, wireless multi-camera platform with a novel camera calibration technique using software-based synchronization and a Vision Transformer model for markerless calibration, reducing costs and complexity while enabling ubiquitous capture of human interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple synchronized cameras are used for 4D motion capture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion capture precisionVSAvoidcamera system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual cameras generated by a Vision Transformer model to replicate the functionality of physical cameras. Instead of requiring actual multiple synchronized cameras, the system creates virtual camera representations through AI-generated images, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical camera synchronization system with a software-based approach using Vision Transformer models. The mechanical complexity of synchronizing multiple cameras is substituted by using AI-generated virtual camera images, eliminating the need for hardware synchronization while maintaining capture precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple synchronized cameras are used for 4D motion capture, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion capture precisionVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual cameras generated by a Vision Transformer model to replicate the functionality of physical cameras. Instead of requiring actual multiple synchronized cameras, the system creates virtual camera representations through AI-generated images, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical camera synchronization system with a software-based approach using Vision Transformer models. The mechanical complexity of synchronizing multiple cameras is substituted by using AI-generated virtual camera images, eliminating the need for hardware synchronization while maintaining capture precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If hardware triggers or software synchronization tools are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual cameras generated by a Vision Transformer model to replicate the functionality of physical cameras. Instead of requiring actual multiple synchronized cameras, the system creates virtual camera representations through AI-generated images, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical camera synchronization system with a software-based approach using Vision Transformer models. The mechanical complexity of synchronizing multiple cameras is substituted by using AI-generated virtual camera images, eliminating the need for hardware synchronization while maintaining capture precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240378738A1System for spatiotemporal audiovisual capture

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 BROWN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A system for 3D and 4D capture comprises a stage including a multi-sided stage frame and frame defining a stage capture volume with a plurality of first sensor modules supported by frame. Each first sensor modules include a module frame with a translucent front panel attached to which is mounted an RGB camera, a depth camera, an IR camera and a microphone, and a back panel attached to the opposite side of the module frame from the front panel, the back panel supporting a lighting array. The stage further comprises a plurality of second sensor modules mounted that include an elongated frame having a translucent elongated front panel attached to said front side of said elongated frame, that supports at least one RGB camera.