3D Camera Convergence Angle Control During Zoom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional image pickup apparatuses using optical image stabilization mechanisms for varying convergence angles face issues where changes in focal length during zoom operations alter the convergence angle, leading to inconsistent stereoscopic effects.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional image pickup apparatus with a controller that adjusts the convergence angle changing unit based on a predetermined constant convergence angle tracking curve to maintain a constant convergence angle before and after focal length changes, using a combination of a variable magnification lens and an optical path compensation lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an optical image stabilization mechanism is used to vary the convergence angle, then the convergence angle can be adjusted, but the focal length change during zoom operation alters the convergence angle, causing inconsistent stereoscopic effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvergence angle adjustmentVSAvoidconvergence angle consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors the focal length changes during zoom operations and automatically adjusts the convergence angle changing unit accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that when the focal length changes, the convergence angle is compensated to maintain consistent stereoscopic effects, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the convergence angle parameter in response to focal length changes. By coordinating the adjustment of these optical parameters through the controller, the system maintains stable stereoscopic effects while allowing for flexible convergence angle adjustment, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the focal length is changed during zoom operation, then the magnification is adjusted, but the convergence angle changes, altering the stereoscopic effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoidstereoscopic effect consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller establishes a feedback loop that detects focal length changes and automatically compensates by adjusting the convergence angle changing unit. This ensures that zoom operations maintain consistent stereoscopic effects, addressing the reliability issue while preserving focal length adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations to determine the required convergence angle adjustment before the actual optical change occurs. By pre-calculating the compensation needed based on the focal length change, the system ensures smooth transition and maintains stereoscopic consistency throughout the zoom operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach minimizes changes in stereoscopic effects during focal length adjustments, allowing users to maintain consistent stereoscopic effects before and after zoom operations, enhancing user experience by ensuring consistent depth perception.

Implementation Method 1

the change in the focal length is accompanied by a change in the degree of optical axis deflection effect by the means for varying the convergence angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical axis deflection: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a focal length changing unit capable of optically changing a focal length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocal length variation: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS8160440B2Three-dimensional image pickup apparatus and three-dimensional image pickup method

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP

AI summary

A three-dimensional image pickup apparatus for capturing a three-dimensional image which includes a left-eye image and a right-eye image includes: a first imaging unit having a first optical system and operable to take the left-eye image; a second imaging unit having a second optical system and operable to take the right-eye image; and a controller operable to control the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The first optical system and the second optical system individually include a convergence angle changing unit capable of optically changing a convergence angle and a focal length changing unit capable of optically changing a focal length. The controller, when controlling the focal length changing unit to change the focal length, controls the convergence angle changing unit based on a predetermined constant convergence angle tracking curve to keep the convergence angle constant before and after the change of the focal length.