Dual Aperture 3D Camera Using Adjustable Apertures for Depth Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cameras for recording 3D images lack simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, particularly in providing accurate spatial information for objects in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with adjustable aperture elements and an evaluation device that compares images generated with different aperture settings to determine the depth and position of objects, utilizing converging elements and spatial light modulators to enhance depth perception and image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors and complex optical paths are used to achieve 3D imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera divides the sensor array into multiple independently controllable sensor groups, where each group can be selectively activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary number of sensors for a given measurement task, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining depth measurement precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera employs dynamic control of sensor groups, where the activation state of each sensor group can be changed in real-time based on measurement requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between simple and complex modes, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and device complexity for different application scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple sensor groups are activated simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active sensor groups based on the required measurement speed and energy constraints. When high productivity is needed, more sensor groups can be activated simultaneously; when energy conservation is prioritized, fewer sensor groups remain active, allowing flexible trade-off between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera activates only the necessary number of sensor groups required for the current measurement task rather than always using the full sensor array. This partial activation approach maintains adequate measurement productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption by keeping unnecessary sensors in a low-power state.
3Reliability
If all sensor groups are always active, then reliability is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic sensor group management where sensors are activated only when needed for measurements. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring sensors are fresh and calibrated when used, while reducing energy loss by keeping sensors in a low-power state between measurements rather than maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system automatically manages the activation and deactivation of sensor groups based on measurement requirements, eliminating the need for continuous operation. This self-service approach ensures reliability is maintained through proper sensor management while minimizing energy loss by avoiding unnecessary continuous activation.
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 camera system provides reliable and cost-effective 3D imaging capabilities, enabling precise spatial information acquisition and extended visual range, improving object tracking and recognition applications.
Implementation Method 1
the optical sensor exhibits at least one sensor region. Herein, the optical sensor is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region. According to the so-called 'FiP effect ', the sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is hereby dependent on a geometry of the illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A camera (110) for recording at least one image of at least one object (112) is proposed. The camera (110) comprises: —at least one converging element (128), wherein the converging element (128) is adapted to converge a light beam (132) passing through the converging element (128) to travel along a beam path to be received by at least one optical sensor (114); —at least one first aperture element (130) having a first adjustable area (136), wherein the first aperture element (130) is located in the beam path between the converging element (128) and the optical sensor (114); —at least one second aperture element (134) having a second adjustable area (138), wherein the second aperture element (134) is located in the beam path between the first aperture element (130) and the optical sensor (114); —the at least one optical sensor (114) being adapted for receiving the light beam (132), wherein the optical sensor (114) is further adapted to generate at least one first picture in a first setting comprising the first aperture area (136) exceeding the second aperture area (138) and to generate at least one second picture in a second setting comprising the second aperture area (138) exceeding the first aperture area (134); and —at least one evaluation device (142) designed to generate at least one three-dimensional image of the at least one object (112) by comparing the at least one first picture and the at least one second picture. Thereby, a simple and, still, efficient three-dimensional camera (110) for an accurate recording of an image of at least one object (112) in space is provided.