Fisheye Multi-Camera Layout for Accurate 3D Capture in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D capturing and reconstruction systems are unsustainable in terms of time and cost for complex environments like tunnels, narrow staircases, and underground utilities, suffer from error propagation, and require redundant data collection, making them unreliable and difficult to use in small and narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera system with at least five fisheye cameras arranged at specific angles and distances, synchronized and calibrated, allowing for 360-degree digitization with high accuracy and reduced error propagation, enabling fast and autonomous operation by a single operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dynamic capture scanner systems are used for 3D surveying, then measurement capability is provided, but error propagation occurs along the measurement direction leading to significant deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple simultaneous measurements taken by five cameras positioned at different locations and angles. Instead of sequential scanning, all cameras capture the entire scene at once, eliminating error propagation along a measurement path. Each camera provides an independent measurement perspective, and the combined data creates a robust 3D reconstruction without cumulative errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-direction linear scanning to multi-dimensional simultaneous capture. By positioning cameras at various spatial locations (front, rear, left, right) and angles, the system measures the environment from multiple dimensions simultaneously, preventing error propagation that occurs in single-direction scanning systems.
2Productivity
If classic measurement techniques are used, then surveying is possible, but capturing time and time spent on site are excessive and often not physically or economically possible
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into five simultaneous captures by distributed cameras rather than a single sequential scan. This parallelization of measurement tasks dramatically reduces the time required to survey an environment, as all cameras capture their respective fields of view at the same moment rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous surveying by eliminating the sequential nature of traditional scanning. Multiple cameras operate simultaneously and continuously capture the environment, allowing for rapid documentation of sites without the time losses associated with moving a single scanner through the space.
3Reliability
If redundant data collection is performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement reliability improves, but post-processing becomes borderline feasible due to data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data collection into five distinct camera viewpoints, each capturing a specific portion of the environment. This structured segmentation provides natural constraints for photogrammetric processing, as each camera's field of view and known position create geometric relationships that simplify the reconstruction algorithm compared to unstructured redundant data from single-point scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
By collecting data from multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously rather than sequentially, the system creates a more constrained and manageable data structure. The multi-camera geometry provides inherent spatial relationships and constraints that reduce the computational complexity of post-processing compared to validating and correcting sequential scan data.
4Measurement precision
If conventional scanning systems are used in narrow environments, then measurement is possible, but the systems are not sufficiently agile to be moved in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across five cameras mounted on a portable structure, eliminating the need for a single large stationary scanner. This segmentation allows the measurement system to be broken into smaller components that can be easily transported and positioned in narrow spaces, while still providing comprehensive coverage through the distributed camera array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a distributed multi-point measurement system. By positioning cameras at multiple locations on a portable structure, the system achieves comprehensive detection capability in narrow spaces without requiring the structure itself to be complex or difficult to move.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-camera three-dimensional capturing and reconstruction system comprising: a mechanical structure (10); at least five cameras (11-15) are placed on said structure (10); characterised in that said at least five cameras (11-15) are cameras each using a fisheye optic; said at least five cameras (11-15) are configured so that, compared to a forward direction of said system: a first front camera (11) is directed with the options pointed at 0°±10°; a second front-right camera (12) is directed with the optics pointed at +45°±10°; a third front-left camera (13) is directed with the optics pointed at −45°±10°; a fourth rear-right camera (14) is directed with the optics pointed at 60°±20°; a fifth rear-left camera (15) is directed with the optics pointed at −60°±20°; x defines the distance between said second front-right camera (12) and said third front-left camera (13), the distance y between said third front-left camera (13) and said fifth rear-left camera (15) is equal to or greater than the distance x, with y being greater than or equal to 10 cm.