Beam Splitter Optical Arrangement for Parallax Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic imaging systems using two video cameras face challenges such as large size, lack of mobility, optical axis deviation, and imbalanced image brightness, leading to deteriorated image quality and visual fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus that splits light from a subject into two components, using a splitter and optical arrangement to disperse light into right and left components, and employs imaging elements and a processor to generate high-quality parallax images by transforming base images based on detection images captured at different angles, ensuring uniform image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mirror is used to separate light into right and left components, then stereoscopic imaging is achieved, but beam thickness changes and brightness becomes imbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light flux from the subject into multiple separate light fluxes using beam splitters, with each flux directed to different imaging elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each imaging path, preventing brightness imbalance that would occur with a single mirror-based separation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitter components as intermediary elements between the subject and imaging elements. These beam splitters act as mediators that evenly distribute light to multiple paths, solving the brightness imbalance problem caused by direct mirror reflection while maintaining reliable stereoscopic imaging.
2Reliability
If two video cameras are used to capture right and left images, then stereoscopic view is obtained, but device size increases and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single integrated system. By using beam splitters to divide light from a single subject into multiple fluxes that are captured by imaging elements within one device, it achieves stereoscopic imaging without requiring two separate video cameras, thereby reducing overall system size and improving mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial arrangement of two separate cameras to a dimensional solution where multiple imaging paths coexist within a single device volume. By utilizing light flux separation in optical space rather than physical camera separation, it achieves stereoscopic capability with compact form factor.
3Speed
If zoom operation is performed with individual lenses, then magnification is achieved, but optical axis deviation occurs between right and left cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single lens that serves multiple imaging functions simultaneously. This universal lens captures light that is then split into multiple fluxes, ensuring that all imaging elements share the same optical axis and focal characteristics. This eliminates the optical axis deviation and lens individual difference problems that occur when multiple separate cameras with individual lenses are used.
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 solution enables the generation of high-quality stereoscopic images with uniform image quality, improving mobility and reducing visual fatigue by accurately aligning optical axes and balancing image brightness.
Implementation Method 1
a splitter configured to split light received from at least one subject into at least first and second components of light
Implementation Method 2
an optical arrangement configured to disperse the second component of light into at least a right component of light and a left component of light
Implementation Method 3
a first imaging element configured to convert the first component of light into a first electrical signal representing a base image
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for splitting light received from at least one subject into at least first and second components of light, converting the first component of light into a first electrical signal representing a base image of the at least one subject, dispersing the second component of light into at least a right component of light and a left component of light; converting the right component of light into a second electrical signal representing a right detection image at a first angle; and converting the left component of light into a third electrical signal representing a left detection image at a second angle different from the first angle. Additionally, the right detection image may be used to transform the base image into a right parallax image, and the left detection image may be used to transform the base image into a left parallax image.