Multi-Camera Beam-Splitter Alignment for Synchronized Image Sets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for gathering image sets from multiple cameras face challenges such as optical axis misalignment, lack of synchronization, and limited applicability to dynamic scenes, leading to unsuitable training data for neural networks in image quality enhancement tasks.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting device with N digital cameras optically coupled via beam splitters, mounted on adjustable mounts, synchronized and controlled by a processor to align images using keypoints or virtual targets, enabling precise spatial alignment without complex post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are optically coupled via beam splitters, then image alignment is improved, but optical characteristic differences cause depth of field and aberration mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustment of camera positions and orientations using adjustable mounts before image capture. This preliminary alignment compensates for optical characteristic differences between cameras, enabling precise image matching without requiring identical camera models or extensive post-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of camera mounting positions and angles using adjustable mounts. By modifying these spatial parameters, the system compensates for differences in optical characteristics between various camera types, achieving alignment across diverse camera configurations.
2Reliability
If image capture is synchronized, then temporal correlation is improved, but complex synchronization control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from image capture timing information to adjust and maintain synchronization. By monitoring the temporal correlation of captured images and adjusting capture timing accordingly, the system achieves reliable synchronization without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If post-processing is used to align images, then alignment accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment adjustments in advance using adjustable mounts before image capture. This preliminary physical alignment eliminates the need for extensive post-processing, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and addresses alignment issues in the physical domain before capture, removing the need for complex computational post-processing. By solving alignment problems preliminarily through mechanical adjustment, the system minimizes subsequent digital processing requirements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If cameras are fixed in position, then alignment stability is improved, but adaptability to different camera combinations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable mounts that allow dynamic repositioning of cameras. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different camera combinations while maintaining stable alignment through controlled adjustment, rather than requiring fixed positions that would limit versatility.
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 provides versatile image sets suitable for various scenarios, including dynamic scenes, supporting diverse camera types and eliminating the need for post-processing, thus enhancing image quality through neural networks effectively.
Implementation Method 1
N digital cameras being optically coupled via N−1 beam splitters
Data Source
AI summary
A device for gathering image sets includes: N digital cameras including one or more ground truth cameras for capturing high quality ground truth images and one or more target cameras for capturing low quality target images, the N digital cameras being optically coupled via N−1 beam splitters, at least N−1 cameras of the N digital cameras being mounted on automatically adjustable mounts; and at least one computer readable storage device storing instructions executable by at least one processor. The instructions cause the at least one processor to adjust the at least N−1 cameras by actuating the automatically adjustable mounts on which the at least N−1 cameras are mounted; synchronize image capture by the digital cameras; and control the digital cameras to gather sets of N images. The at least N−1 cameras are adjusted based on at least one set of N images of the scene.