3D Image Capture Device Light-Transmitting Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D image capturing technologies using polarizers or color filters face significant challenges in efficiently utilizing incoming light, resulting in low light quantity for multi-viewpoint image generation, even when mechanisms are employed to maximize light usage for normal images.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image capture device employing a light-transmitting section with first and second light-transmitting areas, each transmitting specific wavelength ranges within the blue, green, and red spectrums, and an image sensor that captures images twice with the light-transmitting areas rotating between positions to optimize light usage for multi-viewpoint image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polarizers or color filters are used to capture multi-viewpoint images, then multi-viewpoint image generation is enabled, but the quantity of light reaching the image sensor decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple regions, each corresponding to a different viewpoint. A light-transmitting plate with multiple light-transmitting areas is positioned in front of the sensor, where each area transmits light for a specific viewpoint. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple viewpoints without requiring mechanical rotation or sequential filtering, thereby maintaining high light quantity while enabling multi-viewpoint image generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation of polarization filters is used to capture images at different positions, then multi-viewpoint images can be captured, but the light quantity decreases due to multiple filtering layers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the polarization filters from the optical path, replacing them with a light-transmitting plate that has multiple light-transmitting areas with different spectral characteristics. This extraction eliminates the light loss associated with multiple polarization filtering layers while maintaining the capability to capture multi-viewpoint images through spatial and spectral separation.
3Illumination intensity
If color filters are used instead of polarizers, then multi-viewpoint images can be generated with better light efficiency, but the spectral information for each viewpoint is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the light-transmitting plate are assigned different spectral transmission characteristics optimized for specific viewpoints. Each light-transmitting area has tailored spectral properties that allow it to transmit light efficiently for its corresponding viewpoint while minimizing interference from other viewpoints. This local optimization of spectral characteristics enables both high light efficiency and preservation of spectral information for each viewpoint.
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 allows for the efficient use of incoming light to generate multi-viewpoint images, improving light utilization compared to traditional methods while maintaining high sensitivity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmitting section (1) including first and second light-transmitting areas (1L, 1R); The first light-transmitting area (1L) has a property to transmit light falling within a first wavelength range that is included in a color blue wavelength range and light falling within a second wavelength range that is included in a color green wavelength range. The second light-transmitting area (1R) has a property to transmit light falling within a third wavelength range, which is included in the color green wavelength range and of which the wavelength is longer than the second wavelength range, and light falling within a fourth wavelength range that is included in a color red wavelength range.
Data Source
AI summary
This 3D image capture device includes: a light-transmitting section 1 including first and second light-transmitting areas 1L and 1R; an image sensor 2a arranged to receive the light transmitted through the light-transmitting section 1; an imaging section 3 that produces an image on an imaging area of the image sensor 2a; and an image capturing driving section that drives the image sensor so as to perform image capturing sessions at least twice in a row and drives the light-transmitting section so that the first and second light-transmitting areas change their positions every image capturing session. The first light-transmitting area 1L transmits light falling within a first wavelength range included in a color red wavelength range and light falling within a second wavelength range included in a color green wavelength range. The second light-transmitting area 1R transmits light falling within a third wavelength range, included in the color green wavelength range and shorter than the second wavelength range, and light falling within a fourth wavelength range included in a color blue wavelength range.