Multi-Camera Assembly Asymmetric Angles Blind Area Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera assemblies with a single or dual-camera configuration have limited shooting angles, which can result in poor shooting performance and fail to meet user requirements for broader coverage.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly comprising three cameras with strategically positioned light incident surfaces forming preset angles between them, allowing for increased shooting angles by capturing blind areas of each other, and a driving mechanism to adjust their positions for improved coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-camera or dual-camera mode is used, then the device complexity is low, but the shooting angle is limited and shooting performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting angleVSAvoidcamera configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system is divided into multiple independent camera modules (first camera, second camera, third camera) with different optical characteristics. Each camera captures a specific portion of the scene, and the results are stitched together to form a complete panoramic image, thereby increasing the shooting angle without requiring a single complex camera system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple camera modules are combined into a single camera assembly that functions as an integrated system. The first, second, and third cameras work together to capture overlapping fields of view, which are then merged through image processing to create a comprehensive panoramic view that exceeds the capability of any single camera

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are arranged in a linear sequence, then the structure is simple, but blind areas between cameras reduce overall coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcamera arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three cameras are arranged asymmetrically rather than in a symmetric linear sequence. The first camera is positioned at an angle relative to the second camera, which is positioned at an angle relative to the third camera. This asymmetric triangular arrangement ensures that the field of view of each camera overlaps with its neighbors, eliminating blind areas and achieving 360-degree coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The camera arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional linear sequence to a two-dimensional angular distribution. By positioning the cameras at different angles around a central point rather than in a straight line, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage and eliminates the blind spots that would exist in a linear arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3573324B1Camera assembly and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3573324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3573324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3573324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera assembly may include a first camera (11) including a first light incident surface (111), a second camera (12) including a second light incident surface (121), and a third camera (13) including a third light incident surface (131). The first camera (11), the second camera (12), and the third camera (13) may be spaced apart from each other in a same direction, and the second camera (12) may be located between the first camera (11) and the third camera (13). The first light incident surface (111) and the second light incident surface (121) may form a first preset angle in a range of 90° to 180°. The second light incident surface (121) and the third light incident surface (131) may form a second preset angle in a range of 90° to 180 °.