Bayer Camera Color Reference for Multi-Camera Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-camera systems face challenges in generating unitary color images with accurate color information, particularly when foreground objects occlude distant backgrounds, leading to incomplete color information due to the need to combine data from multiple cameras, which can result in color artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a Bayer type camera as a color reference to generate a unitary color image, where color information is derived exclusively from the Bayer type camera, ensuring that any feature in the unitary color image is present in at least two images, enabling accurate depth calculation through triangulation, and incorporating additional cameras sensitive to different spectral ranges to cover the spectral range of the Bayer type camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different vantage points, then depth information and spatial resolution are improved, but color information completeness deteriorates due to occlusion and the need to combine data from multiple cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging function by assigning specific roles to different cameras: one camera (the Bayer type camera) is dedicated exclusively to capturing color information, while other cameras are dedicated to capturing depth and spatial information. This segmentation ensures that color information is not lost due to occlusion, as the Bayer camera captures the complete color scene without being compromised by the depth-mapping process
Solution Approach 2:
The Bayer type camera serves a dual purpose: it provides color information for the unitary color image and also serves as a reference for registering and aligning the images from other cameras. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain complete color information while achieving accurate depth calculation through triangulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If color information is combined from multiple cameras, then spectral coverage is improved, but color artifacts are introduced due to occlusion and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts color information exclusively from the Bayer type camera, separating the color capture function from the depth capture function. By taking out the color information extraction task and assigning it to a single dedicated camera, the system eliminates the color artifacts that would otherwise be introduced by combining data from multiple cameras with different viewpoints and spectral sensitivities
Solution Approach 2:
The Bayer type camera acts as an intermediary reference for the entire multi-camera system. Its color image serves as the base layer to which depth information from other cameras is mapped, ensuring that color information remains consistent and artifact-free while still benefiting from the spectral capabilities of the complete system
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional cameras are added to capture spectral information, then spectral range coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the spectral sensing capabilities of multiple specialized cameras with the color reference function of the Bayer camera. By combining these different camera types into a coordinated array where each camera has a specific spectral sensitivity, the system achieves broad spectral coverage without proportionally increasing complexity, as the processing leverages the Bayer image as a unified reference
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
This approach prevents color artifacts by assigning color exclusively from the Bayer type camera, ensuring complete color information and enabling robust depth calculation for features in the unitary color image, improving spatial resolution and reducing occlusion-induced errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one color camera with a Bayer type color filter array
Implementation Method 2
If the cameras are spaced apart from each other by a known distance, the three-dimensional location of objects in the scene relative to the stereo camera can be determined from the captured images by triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing a plurality of images of a scene recorded from different vantage points, where the plurality of images includes a color reference image captured by a Bayer type camera and at least one additional image, the method including (a) registering at least a portion of the plurality of images, and (b) generating a unitary color image from the plurality of images, wherein color information of the unitary color image is determined exclusively from the color reference image.