Compact 3D Imaging via Converged Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical arrangements for capturing images of a three-dimensional space from different divergent perspectives are not efficient in converging optical paths from multiple perspectives onto a camera sensor, leading to a need for improved compact designs that can effectively capture and combine images from various angles.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple optical arrangements with prisms and focusing lenses that converge optical paths from different divergent perspectives onto a single camera sensor, where each optical arrangement provides an optical path defined by its perspective, utilizing shared refractive optical elements to create a compact and efficient imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cameras are used to capture images from different divergent perspectives, then the ability to capture three-dimensional space from multiple viewpoints is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical arrangements with different fields of view (wide-angle and telephoto) into a single camera body. The optical paths from these different optical arrangements are converged onto a single image sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate camera devices while maintaining the ability to capture images from different divergent perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple optical arrangements with different characteristics (wide-angle and telephoto). This universal design allows the camera to capture images from different perspectives and focal lengths using one device rather than requiring separate specialized cameras for each function.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple optical arrangements are integrated into a single camera to capture images from different perspectives, then the device compactness is improved, but the difficulty of optical path convergence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter or dichroic mirror as an intermediary optical element that facilitates the convergence of optical paths from multiple optical arrangements onto a single image sensor. This intermediary component directs light from different optical paths in a controlled manner, simplifying the overall optical design and making the integration of multiple optical arrangements more manageable.
3Volume of moving object
If optical paths from different perspectives are converged onto a single image sensor, then the device size is reduced, but the precision of spatially resolved sensing from different perspectives may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into different regions or zones, with each region receiving light from a specific optical arrangement or perspective. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness. The segmented approach ensures that spatially resolved sensing precision is maintained for each perspective without requiring separate large sensors.
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 solution allows for spatially resolved sensing of images from different perspectives, enabling the creation of panoramic images with a compact design that effectively captures and combines multiple images from various angles, enhancing the ability to capture three-dimensional spaces in virtual or augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of the multiple optical arrangements comprises a prism having two facets on an input side and a focusing lens on an output side
Implementation Method 2
a focusing lens on an output side, wherein the apparatus is configured such that optical paths from two, different perspectives are incident on different faces of a respective prism and converge towards a respective single focusing lens
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: multiple optical arrangements for focusing images of a three-dimensional space from different divergent perspectives onto one or more camera sensors configured for spatially resolved sensing of respective images from different perspectives, wherein each optical arrangement is configured to provide an optical path from a respective perspective, defined by the optical arrangement, to a target optical area such that optical paths from different divergent perspectives converge towards the target area..