3D Imaging Device Multi-Viewpoint Capture via Spectral Matrix Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D image capturing technologies using primary color (RGB) based color filters face inefficiencies in light usage and increased device size and manufacturing costs, limiting the effective capture of multi-viewpoint images.

Innovation Solution

A 3D image capture device with a light transmitting section featuring multiple areas with distinct spectral transmittance characteristics and an image sensor with unit elements comprising photosensitive cells and filters, where the image processing section modifies an n×m matrix by adjusting column vectors to generate multi-viewpoint images without mechanical driving, optimizing light usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If primary color (RGB) based color filters are used to capture multi-viewpoint images, then multiple images with parallax can be obtained, but light usage efficiency decreases and device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-viewpoint image capture capabilityVSAvoidlight usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor surface is segmented into multiple regions, each equipped with different spectral transmittance filters. This allows simultaneous capture of multi-viewpoint images with different spectral characteristics, improving light usage efficiency while maintaining the multi-viewpoint capture capability without requiring mechanical movement or additional camera modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If primary color (RGB) based color filters are used to capture multi-viewpoint images, then multiple images with parallax can be obtained, but device size and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-viewpoint image capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple camera modules into a single image sensor by integrating multiple spectral transmittance filters on the same sensor surface. This consolidation achieves multi-viewpoint image capture in a compact form factor, reducing device size and manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability for various imaging scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If mechanical driving is used to adjust filter positions for capturing multi-viewpoint images, then light usage can be optimized, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight usage efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical filter adjustment systems with a fixed filter array integrated directly on the image sensor. Different spectral transmittance filters are positioned at specific locations on the sensor surface, eliminating the need for mechanical driving components while optimizing light usage for multi-viewpoint capture. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient capture of multi-viewpoint images with improved light usage and reduced mechanical complexity, thereby minimizing device size and manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor which is arranged to receive light rays that have been transmitted through the m transmitting areas and in which a plurality of unit elements are arranged. Each unit element includes n photosensitive cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

n transmitting filters with mutually different spectral transmittance characteristics which are arranged so as to face the n photosensitive cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS9154770B2Three-dimensional imaging device, image processing device, image processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A 3D image capture device includes: a light transmitting section 2 with m transmitting areas (where m is an integer and m≧2) that have different spectral transmittance characteristics; and an image sensor 1 which is arranged to receive light rays that have been transmitted through the m transmitting areas and in which unit elements are arranged. Each unit element includes n photosensitive cells (where n is an integer and n≧m) and n transmitting filters with mutually different spectral transmittance characteristics which are arranged so as to face the n photosensitive cells. The image capture device further includes an image processing section which modifies an n×m matrix that is defined by the respective spectral transmittance characteristics of the m transmitting areas and the n transmitting filters by changing the angle between at least two out of m column vectors of the n×m matrix and which generates multi-viewpoint images using the modified n×m matrix.