3D Imaging via Virtual Images from Optical Instruments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D imaging techniques are prohibitively expensive, limiting their adoption in clinical environments due to the high cost of depth cameras, which hinders widespread implementation for monitoring devices and individuals in these settings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single 2D camera configured to capture images with the aid of optical instruments that reflect and refract light, generating virtual images to create a 3D representation of a space, allowing for enhanced field-of-view and cost-effective 3D imaging by overcoming the limitations of a single camera's perspective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 3D imaging techniques (depth cameras) are used, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but cost increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 2D camera to capture images that contain virtual images reflected from optical instruments, creating a copied representation of the 3D space. Instead of using expensive depth cameras for direct 3D measurement, the system captures 2D images with embedded optical information and processes them to reconstruct 3D data, significantly reducing hardware cost while maintaining 3D imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical instruments (mirrors, lenses) as intermediaries between the 2D camera and the 3D space. These optical instruments reflect and refract light to create virtual images that contain depth and spatial information, allowing the 2D camera to indirectly capture 3D data without requiring expensive specialized sensors
2Ease of manufacture
If a single 2D camera is used, then cost is reduced, but field-of-view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical instruments to redirect light paths, effectively adding another spatial dimension to the camera's field-of-view. Mirrors and lenses create virtual images from different spatial perspectives, allowing a single 2D camera to capture a expanded 3D space that would otherwise require multiple cameras or a mechanically complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the field-of-view expansion function into separate optical instruments (mirrors, lenses) positioned at different locations. Each optical instrument captures light from a specific direction and creates a virtual image, collectively providing comprehensive coverage of the 3D space while keeping the camera system simple and cost-effective
3Area of stationary object
If optical instruments are added to expand field-of-view, then field-of-view increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses passive optical instruments (mirrors, lenses) that naturally reflect and refract light without requiring complex electronic control systems. These optical elements create virtual images through physical optical principles rather than active sensing, reducing the need for complex processing hardware and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard optical instruments (mirrors, lenses) that are commonly available and well-understood, allowing the system to achieve field-of-view expansion using off-the-shelf components. These optical elements serve multiple purposes: expanding field-of-view, creating virtual images, and providing passive light redirection without requiring specialized or complex devices
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 accurate 3D imaging and tracking of subjects within a space, including patients and medical devices, while reducing costs by using a single 2D camera with optical instruments to expand the field-of-view and generate 3D images, thereby improving monitoring capabilities in clinical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical instruments are configured to reflect and/or refract light, thereby generating virtual images of the 3D space
Implementation Method 2
The optical instruments are configured to reflect and/or refract light, thereby generating virtual images of the 3D space
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving a 2D image of a 3D space from an optical camera, identifying, in the 2D image. A virtual image generated by an optical instrument refracting and/or reflecting the light is identified. The example method further includes identifying, in the 2D image, a first object depicting a subject disposed in the 3D space from a first direction extending from the optical camera to the subject and identifying, in the virtual image, a second object depicting the subject disposed in the 3D space from a second direction extending from the optical camera to the subject via the optical instrument, the second direction being different than the first direction. A 3D image depicting the subject based on the first object and the second object is generated. Alternatively, a location of the subject in the 3D space is determined based on the first object and the second object.