Folded Optical Imaging Layout for Wide-Angle Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in achieving wide-angle image capturing while maintaining high resolution and accuracy of distance data without increasing device size, as methods like increasing baseline length or focal length lead to undesirable device enlargement or difficulty in capturing wide-angle images.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus employs a configuration with multiple optical elements and a controller to form and invert images on adjacent light-receiving regions, allowing for wide-angle image capturing and improved resolution and accuracy of distance data without increasing device size by using optical elements to fold light paths and perform conversion processing on superimposed images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If baseline length is increased to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements to fold the light path, effectively increasing the baseline length in the optical path dimension while keeping the physical device footprint compact. The light travels a longer distance through folded optical paths within the same device envelope, resolving the contradiction between baseline length and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested optical elements and folded light paths where optical components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The light path is folded back on itself multiple times within the device housing, effectively nesting the optical trajectory within a small physical volume while maintaining a long effective baseline.
2Manufacturing precision
If focal length is increased to improve image resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves long focal length optical performance through folded optical paths rather than physically long lenses. By folding the light path using mirrors and optical elements, the system obtains the resolution benefits of a long focal length while keeping the physical device dimensions compact.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide-angle image capturing is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple optical channels with different optical elements, each capturing images from different angular perspectives. This segmentation allows the system to maintain wide-angle coverage while preserving measurement precision through multi-view disparity calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures images from multiple angular dimensions simultaneously using multiple optical elements positioned at different locations. By capturing images from these different angular perspectives and calculating disparities between them, the system achieves both wide-angle coverage and accurate distance measurement.
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 enables the imaging apparatus to capture images with the resolution of a long-focus optical system while maintaining a wide angle, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of distance data without enlarging the device.
Implementation Method 1
The third optical element reflects at least part of light traveling from the first optical element toward outside the first light-receiving region such that the at least part of the light travels toward inside the first light-receiving region
Implementation Method 2
The fourth optical element reflects at least part of light traveling from the second optical element toward outside the second light-receiving region such that the at least part of the light travels toward inside the second light-receiving region
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a first optical element, a second optical element, a third optical element, a fourth optical element, and a controller. The first optical element forms, as a first image, an image of light coming from a subject on a first light-receiving region of an imaging element. The second optical element forms, as a second image, an image of the light coming from the subject on a second light-receiving region of the imaging element, the second light-receiving region being adjacent to the first light-receiving region. The third optical element reflects at least part of light traveling from the first optical element toward outside the first light-receiving region such that the at least part of the light travels toward inside the first light-receiving region. The fourth optical element reflects at least part of light traveling from the second optical element toward outside the second light-receiving region such that the at least part of the light travels toward inside the second light-receiving region. The controller performs conversion processing including at least inversion and combination on a superimposed image of the first light-receiving region and on a superimposed image of the second light-receiving region, and calculates disparity of the subject by comparing the superimposed images having undergone the conversion processing.