Adaptive 3D Imaging System with Compound Eye Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D imaging technologies are either expensive or have limited resolution and restricted depth perception, and current plenoptic cameras can only capture light field images in one direction.
Innovation Solution
A plenoptic camera system with a reflective unit and a compound eye lens that captures light field images from multiple angles, using an internal reflection unit to decompose and refract images into secondary images with different angular offsets, allowing for the generation of 3D images and depth maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two identical cameras are used to simulate human eyes for 3D imaging, then depth perception is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light field capture function into multiple segments by using a single camera with a microlens array that captures light from different directions. This segmentation of the optical path allows one camera to perform the function of multiple cameras, reducing cost while maintaining depth perception capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single camera system perform multiple functions: capturing intensity information, direction information, and depth information simultaneously. The microlens array enables the camera to capture light field data from multiple angles, making one device serve the purpose of multiple cameras would otherwise be needed
2Device complexity
If reflector boxes are added in front of the camera to create 3D images, then the cost is reduced, but the resolution and depth range are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a fourth dimension to the imaging system by capturing not only the spatial position (x, y) but also the direction (θ, φ) of light rays through the microlens array. This dimensional expansion allows the system to extract depth information and achieve higher resolution without requiring multiple cameras or reflector boxes
3Loss of information
If a microlens array is used to capture light field images, then direction information is recorded, but the camera only captures images in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array segments the incoming light field into multiple directional components, with each microlens capturing light from a specific direction. This segmentation allows the single camera to record direction information from multiple angles simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of capturing only one direction
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array acts as an intermediary optical element that redirects light from different directions to different regions of the sensor. This intermediary structure enables the camera to capture multi-directional light field information without requiring multiple cameras or complex mechanical movements
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 system provides cost-effective, high-resolution 3D imaging capabilities from multiple angles, making it easy to convert an ordinary camera into a 3D camera with improved user interface and depth perception.
Implementation Method 1
an internal reflection unit positioned between the first camera lens and the entrance pupil plane and matching device being and configured to decompose the captured light field images and refract them into a plurality of secondary images with different angular offsets
Implementation Method 2
an imaging part comprising a sensor and a reflector configured to transmit a plurality of captured light field images to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive 3D imaging system comprising an imaging part and a lens part detachably connected thereto; the imaging part comprising a sensor and a reflector configured to transmit a plurality of captured light field images to the sensor; wherein the lens part comprising a first camera lens positioned at a first end of the lens part, a second camera lens positioned at a second end of the lens part, an entrance pupil plane and matching device positioned between the first camera lens and the second camera lens and being adaptive to different focal lengths of the second camera lens, an internal reflection unit positioned between the first camera lens and the entrance pupil plane and matching device and configured to decompose the captured light field images and refract them into a plurality of multiple secondary images with different angular offsets. Methods and uses involving the 3D imaging system are included.