3D Imaging Device Light-Transmitting Section Parallax Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D image capturing technologies using color filters for parallax generation face challenges in efficiently utilizing incoming light, leading to reduced image quality and increased device size and cost due to the need for mechanical driving or multiple color filters, which complicates parallax calculation.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image capture device with a light-transmitting section having areas with different transmission wavelength ranges, a solid-state image sensor, and a signal processing section that generates and estimates parallax using cyan, yellow, and magenta filters, along with a transparent area, to produce three color mixture signals and calculate parallax efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color filters are used for light beam confining plate to generate parallax images, then multiple images with parallax can be obtained, but the quantity of light received by the image sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam confining plate is divided into multiple regions, each containing color filters of different wavelength ranges (first wavelength range, second wavelength range, third wavelength range). This segmentation allows different portions of the spectrum to be captured simultaneously, improving light utilization while maintaining parallax measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength range parameters of the color filters from traditional single-range filters to multiple ranges (first, second, and third wavelength ranges). This parameter change enables broader spectral coverage and improved light reception while preserving the ability to generate parallax images for depth measurement
2Measurement precision
If multiple color filters are arranged to increase parallax effect, then parallax measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple color filters with different wavelength ranges are integrated into a single light beam confining plate structure. This merging approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate filter assemblies, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to capture parallax images across multiple wavelength ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam confining plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it confines light beams, provides color filtering across multiple wavelength ranges, and enables parallax image generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving accurate parallax measurement
3Use of energy by moving object
If color filters with different wavelength ranges are used, then light utilization efficiency improves, but parallax calculation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color filters with specifically designed wavelength ranges (first, second, and third wavelength ranges) that are optimized to capture different portions of the light spectrum. This parameter optimization improves light utilization efficiency by capturing a broader range of wavelengths while the signal processing section handles the corresponding parallax calculations through coordinated processing of the multiple wavelength channels
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 efficient use of incoming light, enabling high-quality parallax generation and accurate parallax estimation even with chromatic subjects, while maintaining optical efficiency and reducing device complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmitting section having first, second and third transmitting areas C1, C2 and C3 with mutually different transmission wavelength ranges. At least one of the first, second and third transmitting areas C1, C2 and C3 is made of either a member that transmits a light ray that falls within one of cyan, yellow and magenta wavelength ranges or a transparent member
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state image sensor 1 with a photosensitive cell array 120, which is arranged to receive the light that has been transmitted through the light-transmitting section 2
Data Source
AI summary
This 3D image capture device includes an image capturing section 100 and a signal processing section 200. The image capturing section 100 includes a light-transmitting section 2 with first, second and third transmitting areas that have mutually different transmission wavelength ranges, a solid-state image sensor 1 that is arranged to receive the light transmitted through the light-transmitting section, and an optical system 3 that produces an image on an imaging area of the solid-state image sensor. The signal processing section 200 includes an image generating section 7 that generates three image signals, representing the quantities of light rays that have been incident on the first, second and third transmitting areas, based on the output signal of the solid-state image sensor 1, and a parallax estimating section 40 that estimates parallax based on the three image signals.