18545501. Smooth and Jump-Free Rapid Target Acquisition simplified abstract (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)

Smooth and Jump-Free Rapid Target Acquisition

Organization Name

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Inventor(s)

Raymond Kirk Price of Redmond WA (US)

Michael Bleyer of Seattle WA (US)

Christopher Douglas Edmonds of Carnation WA (US)

Smooth and Jump-Free Rapid Target Acquisition - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18545501 titled 'Smooth and Jump-Free Rapid Target Acquisition

Simplified Explanation

Techniques for correcting an overlay misalignment between an external camera image and a system camera image are disclosed. A first system camera image and a first external camera image are acquired. A first visual alignment is performed between those two images to produce an overlaid image. Some of the content in the overlaid image is surrounded by a bounding element. A position of the bounding element is modified based on movements of the system camera and/or the external camera. In response to performing a second visual alignment using new images, an update vector is computed. Relative movement between the two cameras is determined. Based on the movement and based on the update vector, the bounding element is progressively transitioned to a corrected position in the overlaid image. A speed by which the bounding element is progressively transitioned is proportional to the amount of movement.

• Techniques for correcting overlay misalignment between external and system camera images
• Acquiring and aligning images to produce an overlaid image with a bounding element
• Modifying the position of the bounding element based on camera movements
• Computing an update vector for progressive transition of the bounding element
• Determining relative movement between cameras and adjusting the position accordingly

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in augmented reality systems, video conferencing software, and surveillance systems to ensure accurate alignment of multiple camera feeds.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of misalignment between external and system camera images, which can distort the overlaid content and affect the overall quality of the image.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved accuracy in overlay alignment, enhanced visual quality in merged images, and a more seamless user experience in applications utilizing multiple camera feeds.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include AR/VR devices, security systems, teleconferencing software, and entertainment platforms that rely on synchronized camera feeds for immersive experiences.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be image stabilization algorithms used in digital cameras and video recording devices to compensate for camera shake and movement.

How does this technology handle sudden and rapid movements of the cameras?

The technology adjusts the position of the bounding element based on the update vector and the amount of movement detected between the cameras, but it is unclear how it handles sudden and rapid movements that may occur.

Can this technology be integrated into existing camera systems or does it require specialized hardware?

It is not specified in the abstract whether this technology can be easily integrated into existing camera systems or if it requires specialized hardware for implementation.

Original Abstract Submitted

Techniques for correcting an overlay misalignment between an external camera image and a system camera image are disclosed. A first system camera image and a first external camera image are acquired. A first visual alignment is performed between those two images to produce an overlaid image. Some of the content in the overlaid image is surrounded by a bounding element. A position of the bounding element is modified based on movements of the system camera and/or the external camera. In response to performing a second visual alignment using new images, an update vector is computed. Relative movement between the two cameras is determined. Based on the movement and based on the update vector, the bounding element is progressively transitioned to a corrected position in the overlaid image. A speed by which the bounding element is progressively transitioned is proportional to the amount of movement.