3D Optical Adapter for 2D Digital Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D digital cameras are complex and expensive due to dual camera systems, and attempts to add 3D functionality to 2D cameras face issues like unsimultaneous image capture, unrealistic image ratios, and incompatibility with 2D image processing.
Innovation Solution
A 3D optical adapter combined with digital processes that convert 3D stereoscopic images into a 2CS3 format, allowing a 2D camera to capture, save, and transfer 3D images in a fully 2D compatible way, using a 3D optical adapter with view mirrors and a right-angle prism to maintain image aspect ratio and enable simultaneous image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dual digital camera system is used for 3D imaging, then 3D stereoscopic image capture is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
An optical adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the single camera and the 3D imaging function. The adapter contains dual lenses and optical elements that split the single camera's image path into two separate optical paths, each capturing left or right eye images. This mediator approach allows a simple single-camera system to achieve complex 3D stereoscopic imaging without building a dual-camera system from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter segments the single camera's imaging function into two separate optical channels. By dividing the light path through dual lenses positioned at different locations, the system captures left and right eye images simultaneously through a single camera sensor, thereby achieving 3D imaging functionality while maintaining the simplicity of a single-camera base system.
2Device complexity
If a single digital camera with single lens is used for 3D imaging, then device simplicity is maintained, but simultaneous image capture and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adapter serves as a mediator that enables a simple single-camera system to achieve simultaneous dual-eye image capture. By incorporating dual lenses and optical beam splitters within the adapter, the system divides the single camera's imaging function into two parallel optical paths that capture left and right eye images at the same time, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable simultaneous capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional imaging approach to a two-dimensional imaging approach by capturing both left and right eye images simultaneously on the same camera sensor. The optical adapter enables this dimensional expansion by creating separate optical paths that map to different spatial locations on the sensor, achieving simultaneous dual-eye capture without requiring a dual-camera system.
3Reliability
If traditional Tri-Delta optical mechanism is applied, then 3D image output is achieved, but aspect ratio becomes un-normal and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adapter employs parameter changes in lens positioning and optical element angles to correct the aspect ratio distortion inherent in traditional Tri-Delta mechanisms. By adjusting the positions of dual lenses and the angles of optical beam splitters, the system transforms the distorted wide panoramic aspect ratio into a normal aspect ratio, maintaining standard image proportions while achieving 3D stereoscopic output.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter incorporates adjustable optical elements that allow dynamic optimization of the optical path. By making the optical configuration adaptable, the system can adjust lens positions and beam splitter angles to achieve both proper aspect ratio and effective 3D image separation, thereby resolving the fixed-parameter limitations of traditional Tri-Delta designs.
4Ease of manufacture
If left and right images are located horizontally side by side, then saving and transferring is simplified, but image processing compatibility with 2D systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal side-by-side image arrangement to vertical stacking of left and right images. By arranging the dual-eye images vertically on the camera sensor, the system maintains compatibility with standard 2D image processing workflows while enabling 3D stereoscopic display. The optical adapter is designed to map the dual-eye capture to a vertical arrangement that preserves aspect ratio and compatibility with existing 2D software and hardware.
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 practical, inexpensive 3D functionality in 2D cameras without compromising existing 2D capabilities, with the 3D optical adapter and digital processes ensuring efficient image capture and compatibility with 2D image formats, enhancing usage and compatibility with existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D optical adapter with view mirrors and a right-angle prism
Implementation Method 2
a 3D optical adapter with view mirrors and a right-angle prism
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of a 3D optical adapter and corresponding digital process methods attached and updated to a conventional 2D digital camera so the digital camera can capture, save and transfer 3D stereoscopic digital images as well.