3D Image Device Using Intermittent Occluder and Optical Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging techniques, such as stereoscopy and holography, often rely on additional viewing aids like glasses or limited viewer movement, and do not fully replicate the depth perception of real three-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
A device that shifts and alternately occludes two or more image pathways horizontally and vertically to create a composite three-dimensional image without the need for additional viewing aids, using optical elements like wedges and a coincidence mirror to form a coincident superimposed image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stereoscopic methods present two offset images separately to the left and right eye using special glasses, then the three-dimensional illusion is created, but the device complexity and requirement for additional viewing aids increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for special viewing glasses by using a single-lens camera system that captures three-dimensional information directly. The occluder mechanism is introduced as an alternative component to replace the function of polarized or anaglyph glasses, allowing the system to achieve 3D imaging without requiring the viewer to wear additional aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermittent occluder as an intermediary element between the single lens and the film plane. This occluder alternately blocks portions of the lens to create separate image pathways for left and right eyes, mediating the three-dimensional effect without requiring separate lenses or special glasses for the viewer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If binocular imaging technique uses two cameras disposed eye distance apart, then the three-dimensional impression is produced, but the device complexity and information content is limited to the sum of two two-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate cameras into a single camera system. By using one lens with an intermittent occluder mechanism, the system combines the capabilities of capturing both left-eye and right-eye perspectives simultaneously, reducing the number of imaging elements from two cameras to one while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the intermittent occluder that alternately blocks different portions of the lens during the exposure period. This periodic blocking creates distinct image pathways for left and right eyes from a single lens, enabling binocular imaging without requiring two separate cameras.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holographic imaging uses laser beams and interference patterns, then the three-dimensional impression is more complete with ability to go round the object, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional, readily available camera components (single lens, film plane, occluder mechanism) instead of complex holographic equipment requiring laser beams and precise interference pattern control. This approach uses simpler, more manufacturable components to achieve three-dimensional imaging without the manufacturing complexity of holographic systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional film uses computer-generated imagery to generate two perspectives, then the three-dimensional effect is created, but the loss of information from actual three-dimensional scene occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing both left-eye and right-eye perspectives simultaneously through the intermittent occluder mechanism during a single exposure. This preliminary capture of complete three-dimensional scene information from multiple viewpoints preserves all spatial data without requiring subsequent computer-generated synthesis, thereby preventing information loss.
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
Enhances the natural three-dimensional effect by creating a composite image that can be recorded and displayed without special glasses, providing improved depth perception similar to real three-dimensional objects.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical imaging-shifting component for shifting the two image pathways upward and downward along a vertical axis, and comprising an upward image-shifting element and a downward image-shifting element
Implementation Method 2
an angularly adjustable coincidence mirror positioned to receive one of the two image pathways after the image pathways are shifted by the first or second set of optical elements and having a forward reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for creating more natural three-dimensional image effects which may be recorded, for example, by video cameras. The device has an intermittent image pathway occluder for receiving at least two image pathways which alternately and intermittently occludes the two image pathways, a horizontal imaging-shifting component for shifting at least one of the image pathways leftward or rightward, a vertical imaging-shifting component for shifting the image pathways upward and downward, and an image pathway compositing component which forms a coincident superimposed composite three-dimensional image after the image pathways have been shifted by the horizontal and vertical imaging-shifting components, and after passing through the intermittent image pathway occluder. Also, a device for enhancing the more natural three-dimensional effect of such images which are created and which may be recorded and/or displayed.