Dual Anamorphic Lens Camera for Teleconferencing VFOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 360-degree cameras for teleconferencing often have insufficient vertical field of view (VFOV) and depth of field, particularly when participants are seated at low heights or standing, and are hindered by high costs, limiting the adoption of advanced teleconferencing capabilities like person identification and video-assisted speech recognition.
Innovation Solution
A camera system utilizing two imaging sensors and lenses with anamorphic designs, where the lenses are oriented in opposing directions and arranged coaxially to reduce stitching errors and increase angular pixel density, allowing for a 360-degree composite image frame with improved VFOV and depth of field, while being more cost-effective than multi-sensor designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single sensor wide angle fisheye lens designs are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but vertical field of view and depth of field are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single imaging task into two separate imaging sensors, each capturing a 180-degree horizontal field of view in opposite directions. This segmentation allows each sensor to have optimized optical parameters, achieving sufficient vertical field of view and depth of field that would be impossible with a single wide-angle sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point optical center to a multi-point optical arrangement by positioning two imaging sensors at different locations facing opposite directions. This dimensional change in the optical system enables coverage of vertical fields of view that cannot be achieved by a single sensor, while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If catadioptric designs are used, then vertical field of view is improved, but depth of field becomes too limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function across two sensors with separate optical paths, allowing each optical system to be optimized for its specific requirements. This avoids the depth of field limitations inherent in catadioptric designs while maintaining the improved vertical field of view.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Microsoft RoundTable or Polycom CX5500 designs are used, then vertical field of view is sufficient, but cost increases and impedes adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two standard imaging sensors with conventional lenses rather than specialized multi-sensor arrays or catadioptric systems found in expensive commercial solutions. This segmentation approach with off-the-shelf components significantly reduces manufacturing cost while achieving adequate vertical field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard imaging sensors and lenses that can be copied from commercial off-the-shelf components, avoiding the need for custom-designed expensive optical systems. This copying of proven, mass-produced components drives down cost while maintaining performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If two imaging sensors with opposing lenses are used, then vertical field of view and depth of field are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two independent but symmetric optical paths, which simplifies the design of each individual path while achieving the desired vertical field of view. The symmetry of the segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to asymmetric multi-sensor arrangements.
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 provides a cost-effective 360-degree camera system with enhanced VFOV and depth of field, enabling seamless panoramic image stitching and real-time high-resolution video capture, supporting advanced teleconferencing features without the high costs associated with previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens arranged to guide a first image formation light flux toward the first imaging surface
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system including a first imaging sensor having a first imaging surface with a first diagonal length, a first lens arranged to guide a first image formation light flux toward the first imaging surface with the first image formation light flux having at the first imaging surface a width equal to or greater than the first diagonal length, a second imaging sensor having a second imaging surface with a second diagonal length, a second lens arranged to guide a second image formation light flux toward the second imaging surface with the second image formation light flux having at the second imaging surface a width equal to or greater than the second diagonal length. The first lens and the second lens are oriented in opposing directions, and the first imaging sensor, the first lens, the second imaging sensor, and the second lens are each mounted partially within an enclosure.