3D Camera Mirror Optics Bidirectional Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D cameras have a limited field of view, typically less than 180°, which restricts their application in capturing comprehensive three-dimensional environments, especially in mobile and industrial settings, and existing solutions for expanding the field of view are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera design utilizing mirror optics with two mirror surfaces, forming a bidirectional field of view, allowing for a simplified construction and efficient expansion of the camera's field of view, suitable for retrofitting conventional cameras, and optimized for use on vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mirror optics to capture light from directions that would otherwise be outside the camera's direct field of view. By using mirrors positioned at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees), the system effectively adds dimensional coverage to the field of view without adding multiple camera units, thus expanding the observable area while maintaining single-camera simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mirrors serve as intermediary optical elements that redirect light paths into the camera lens. Instead of using multiple cameras to capture different directions, the patent employs mirrors as mediators to bounce light from side and rear directions into the single camera, thereby expanding the field of view without increasing hardware complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional mirror optics are used to achieve 360° imaging, then the field of view is improved, but the construction height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex omnidirectional mirror system that would require significant space, the patent segments the field of view expansion into multiple discrete mirror elements positioned at different locations and angles. Each mirror handles a specific directional range, and together they provide comprehensive coverage without requiring a tall or complex single structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes mirror elements across different spatial positions and orientations rather than stacking them vertically. By utilizing horizontal and angular distribution of mirrors, the system achieves wide-angle coverage without increasing construction height, effectively using spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to solve the height constraint.
3Area of stationary object
If fisheye lenses are used to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on fisheye lenses that inherently introduce distortion, the patent uses mirrors as intermediary optical elements to expand the field of view. Mirrors reflect light geometrically without the radial distortion characteristic of fisheye lenses, thereby maintaining image accuracy while still achieving wide-angle coverage through multiple mirror positions.
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
The solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient means to capture a bidirectional field of view, enhancing three-dimensional environment detection and navigation capabilities while minimizing hardware complexity and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
mirror optics for dividing a field of view of a camera into a first partial field of view, which extends over a first angular range, and a second partial field of view, which extends over a second angular range
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A 3D camera (10) is described, comprising at least one image sensor (16, 16a-b) for capturing three-dimensional image data from a monitored area (12, 34, 36) and a mirror optic (38) arranged in front of the image sensor (16, 16a) to extend the field of view (44). The mirror optic (38) has a front mirror surface (40) and a rear mirror surface (42) and is arranged in the field of view (44) of the image sensor (16, 16a-b) such that the front mirror surface (40) generates a first partial field of view (34) over a first angular range and the rear mirror surface (42) generates a second partial field of view (36) over a second angular range, wherein the first angular range and the second angular range do not overlap and are separated from each other by unmonitored angular ranges.