Adjustable Parallax Stereoscopic Camera System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic imaging systems face challenges in adjusting parallax distance dynamically and capturing wide field-of-view images effectively, leading to limitations in immersive experiences and depth estimation, particularly in dynamic scenes and applications like live event capture.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic camera system with adjustable parallax distance and wide field-of-view capabilities, utilizing a support structure with multiple arms and digital cameras, along with an image processor that compensates for obscuration and adjusts optical settings to create immersive 3D experiences, allowing for dynamic parallax adjustment and simultaneous capture from multiple perspectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed parallax distance is used in stereoscopic imaging, then the system configuration is simple and compact, but the stereo performance cannot be optimized for different viewing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable parallax distance by making the camera separation distance variable rather than fixed. The camera mounting structure allows dynamic adjustment of the distance between left and right cameras, enabling the system to adapt to different viewing conditions and applications while maintaining a relatively compact base configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parallax parameter (camera separation distance) to optimize stereo performance for different scenarios. By allowing the parallax distance to be adjusted, the system can adapt to various viewing distances, field of view requirements, and depth estimation needs without requiring multiple complete system configurations.
2Volume of stationary object
If cameras are arranged to minimize parallax distance for compact configuration, then the system is more compact, but obscuration occurs between neighboring cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mounting configurations to different camera pairs based on their specific viewing directions and requirements. Each camera superset can be positioned and oriented to minimize obscuration for its particular field of view, allowing the system to maintain compact overall volume while addressing obscuration issues locally for each camera pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system arranges camera supersets in three-dimensional space with vertical separation in addition to horizontal positioning. By utilizing the vertical dimension for camera placement and allowing different elevation angles, the system reduces obscuration between neighboring cameras while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard camera configurations are used, then the system is easier to manufacture, but wide field-of-view capture and immersive 3D experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent camera supersets, each capable of capturing a portion of the overall field of view. This segmentation allows each camera to be a standard off-the-shelf unit while the collective array achieves wide field-of-view and immersive 3D capabilities through coordinated operation and stitching of multiple views.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting structure serves multiple functions: it positions cameras at precise parallax distances, provides adjustable angles for wide field of view, enables vertical and horizontal arrangement flexibility, and allows for easy reconfiguration. This multi-functional design maintains ease of manufacture while achieving advanced imaging capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system and methods for using an imaging system where the operator is able to variably adjust the parallax distance for enhanced stereo performance are disclosed. In addition, by coordinating the parallax distance with the optical settings of the camera, artificial 3D experiences can be created that give a user the perception of observing a scene from a distance different than that actually employed. The imaging system may also include a plurality of stereo camera supersets, wherein a first one or more stereo camera supersets are positioned at a different height relative to a first stereo camera superset. Novel specific uses of the camera system, such as in capturing events of interest are described. Useful techniques for extracting or encoding wide field of view images from memory are also disclosed.