3D Image Capture Using Striped Filter and Mirror Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D image capturing technologies using a single lens face challenges in efficiently receiving sufficient light while generating multi-viewpoint images, often requiring mechanisms to remove polarizing components or color filters from the optical path to enhance light transmission, which complicates the simultaneous capture of high-quality images and depth information.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image capture device incorporating a light transmitting section with a striped color filter whose spectral transmittance varies in a specific direction, an image sensor, and an image processing section that extracts subject edges and estimates depth based on lightness or hue patterns, allowing for efficient light use and simultaneous image and depth information capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If polarizers and polarization filters are used to capture multi-viewpoint images, then depth information can be obtained, but the quantity of light received by the image sensor decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the polarization filter from the optical path entirely, replacing it with a reflective mirror arrangement that directs light from different angles to the image sensor. This extraction of the problematic polarization filter eliminates the 50% light loss while preserving the ability to capture multi-viewpoint images and depth information through the mirror-based light routing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical polarization filter system with a static reflective mirror arrangement. Instead of using mechanical rotating filters or multiple polarizers that block half the light, the system uses mirrors to redirect light beams from different angles, achieving the same functional outcome with significantly improved light transmission efficiency.
2Loss of information
If mechanical driving mechanisms are used to rotate polarization filters for capturing images at different positions, then multi-viewpoint images can be captured, but the device complexity increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical driving mechanism and rotating polarization filter from the system. By extracting these complex mechanical components, the design achieves multi-viewpoint image capture through a simpler static arrangement of reflective mirrors and fixed polarizers, thereby reducing device complexity and improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating filter system with a static optical arrangement using reflective mirrors. This substitution eliminates moving parts entirely, achieving the same multi-viewpoint capture functionality through fixed optical elements that are inherently more reliable and simpler to manufacture.
3Loss of information
If two cameras are used to capture right-eye and left-eye images, then 3D image capture is achieved, but the overall size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate cameras into a single camera system. By using a single image sensor that captures multiple images at different positions simultaneously through the reflective mirror arrangement, the system achieves 3D image capture capability without requiring two separate camera units, thereby reducing overall device size and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single camera system universal by enabling it to perform the function of multiple cameras. The single image sensor, combined with the reflective mirror arrangement, captures multiple viewpoint images simultaneously, making this one camera capable of providing the same 3D capture functionality that would traditionally require two dedicated cameras.
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 enables the capture of high-sensitivity images and depth information without the need for mechanical mechanisms, improving light transmission efficiency and enabling the simultaneous generation of high-quality images and depth data.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting section with a transmitting area, of which the spectral transmittance characteristic varies in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor which is arranged to receive light that has been transmitted through the light transmitting section and which outputs a photoelectrically converted signal representing the light received
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D image capture device according to an embodiment includes: a light transmitting section 1 with a transmitting area 1a, of which the spectral transmittance characteristic varies in a first direction; an image sensor 2a which is arranged to receive light that has been transmitted through the light transmitting section 1 and which outputs a photoelectrically converted signal representing the light received; and an image processing section which extracts an edge of a subject in the first direction, which is included in an image that has been generated based on the photoelectrically converted signal supplied from the image sensor 2a, and which estimates information about the depth of the subject based on a lightness or hue pattern of a background in the vicinity of the edge extracted.