3D Multi-Aperture Imaging Device Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-aperture imaging systems face challenges in achieving high lateral resolution and a wide field of view while simultaneously generating depth information, as parallax issues arise due to finite channel distances, leading to artifacts in composite images.
Innovation Solution
A 3D multi-aperture imaging device with a first and second plurality of optical channels, laterally offset, projects overlapping partial fields of view onto an image sensor, using disparities from images captured by the second channels to fuse images and reduce parallax, allowing for high lateral resolution and depth information derivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-aperture imaging systems use several juxtaposed imaging channels to capture partial images, then the field of view is covered, but parallax occurs due to finite channel distances resulting in artifacts in composite images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam-deflecting device as an intermediary component that deflects the optical paths of multiple imaging channels. This device enables the channels to be laterally offset while maintaining overlapping fields of view, thereby serving as a mediator between the need for wide field of view coverage and the requirement to minimize parallax artifacts in the composite image
2Reliability
If imaging channels are arranged closer together to reduce parallax, then artifacts are reduced, but the ability to capture wide field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional transformation by laterally offsetting the imaging channels in the lateral dimension while using a beam-deflecting device to manage optical paths. This allows the system to achieve wide field of view coverage without sacrificing image quality, as the channels can be positioned at optimal distances for depth information capture
3Area of stationary object
If lateral distance between channels is increased to capture more scene information, then field of view coverage improves, but parallax artifacts increase in composite images
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-deflecting device acts as an intermediary that enables the imaging channels to be laterally offset for wide field of view coverage while controlling the optical paths to maintain overlapping regions. This mediator component allows the system to capture comprehensive scene information without generating excessive parallax artifacts
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
The device effectively achieves high lateral resolution and wide field of view with reduced parallax artifacts, enabling accurate depth information across the total field of view by utilizing disparities from overlapping images captured by laterally offset channels.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of optical channels (141) for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view (3011-3014) of a total field of view (28) on first image sensor areas (1211-1214) of an image sensor (12)
Implementation Method 2
Due to the finite distance of the imaging channels to one another, parallax occurs, which is in particular noticeable in short object distances and results in artifacts in the composite total images
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D multi-aperture imaging device that is, on the one hand, able to provide 3D information on a scene and, on the other hand, allows obtaining high lateral resolution and/or a wide total field of view, is described. The 3 D multi-aperture imaging device is provided with a first plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view of a total field of view on first image sensor areas of an image sensor of the 3D multi-aperture imaging device, as well as with a second plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping second partial fields of view of the total field of view on second image sensor areas of the image sensor.