3D Camera Horizontal Alignment via Vertical Image Shifting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical errors between cameras in 3D image-capturing systems often result in horizontal misalignment of left-eye and right-eye images, leading to poor 3D image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for horizontally aligning 3D images by comparing and shifting left-eye and right-eye images based on similar columns and rows, using a control module and level-alignment machine to adjust the images vertically and achieve alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two cameras are used to capture left-eye and right-eye images, then 3D image generation is enabled, but horizontal misalignment occurs due to mechanical errors between cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing column and row comparison operations before final 3D image generation. The system pre-processes the left-eye and right-eye images by identifying similar columns and rows, calculating shift parameters in advance, and determining the vertical shift amount needed for alignment. This preliminary analysis enables the system to compensate for mechanical alignment errors between cameras before the actual 3D image is constructed, resolving the contradiction between enabling 3D generation and maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with computational image processing methods. Instead of relying on precise mechanical mounting of cameras to achieve horizontal alignment, the system uses software-based column and row comparison algorithms to detect misalignment and calculate corrective vertical shift parameters. This substitution of mechanical precision requirements with computational correction methods enables 3D image generation while compensating for mechanical errors between cameras
2Manufacturing precision
If vertical shifting is applied to align images, then horizontal alignment is achieved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image alignment process into distinct stages: first comparing columns to identify similar columns and calculate initial shift parameters, then comparing rows within those columns to refine the alignment and determine final vertical shift amounts. This segmented approach breaks down the complex alignment task into manageable steps, making the processing systematic and controllable while achieving precise horizontal alignment through sequential column-based and row-based comparisons
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D image-capturing method, a 3D camera and a level-alignment machine for a 3D camera are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: capturing a left- and a right-eye image by a left- and a right-eye camera, respectively; comparing the left- and right-eye images to observe similar columns between the left- and right-eye images; comparing the left- and right-eye images once again over the similar columns to observe similar rows between the left- and right-eye images; and, referring to the similar columns between the left- and right-eye images, vertically shifting the left- and right-eye images to horizontally align the left- and right-eye images to generate a 3D image.