Frameless Stereo Camera Using Rotating Line Scan Sensors
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional omni-directional stereo imaging using area scan cameras is not optimal for high-speed environments, as it struggles with obtaining clear, high-resolution images and efficient data processing and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A frameless omni-directional stereo imaging system utilizing one or more line scan image sensors that capture image line data at defined time instances, integrating the data to generate stereo images, with sensors arranged diametrically opposed to provide stereo disparity, enabling efficient data processing and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If area scan cameras are used for omni-directional stereo imaging, then 360-degree panoramic imaging can be achieved, but image resolution and processing efficiency deteriorate in high-speed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional area scan camera into line scan sensors that capture only one line at a time. Multiple line scan sensors are arranged to capture different portions of the image, and these segmented line data are then stitched together to form the complete image. This segmentation enables high-resolution imaging by capturing fine details in each line while maintaining the ability to construct full 360-degree panoramic views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing complete 2D frames simultaneously (area scan) to capturing 1D line data sequentially (line scan). By adding the time dimension to the capture process and using multiple line scan sensors at different positions, the system achieves both high resolution and omni-directional coverage without the trade-off present in traditional area scan methods.
2Ease of operation
If frame-based cameras are used, then complete image capture is achieved, but data processing and transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of capturing and processing complete frames as a single unit, the system segments the image into individual lines captured by line scan sensors. This segmentation allows for more efficient processing as each line can be handled independently, reducing the data volume that needs to be processed simultaneously and enabling faster transmission to display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The line scan sensors continuously capture line data as the sensor array rotates, creating a continuous stream of image information rather than discrete frames. This continuous capture mode improves processing efficiency by eliminating frame-based overhead and enabling smoother, more efficient data transmission while maintaining complete image coverage.
3Productivity
If line scan sensors are used, then data processing efficiency is improved, but image quality and resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple line scan sensors capture data from different positions and angles, and these individual line measurements are merged through computational stitching to reconstruct high-quality images. The merging process combines the efficiency benefits of line scanning with the quality benefits of multiple capture points, achieving both improved processing efficiency and maintained image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The line scan sensors perform preliminary capture of individual lines at high speed, and then the complete image is constructed by combining these pre-captured line segments. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high processing efficiency during capture while achieving high image quality through the subsequent merging of the line data.
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 system achieves high-resolution, 360-degree panoramic stereo imaging with reduced data redundancy and processing demands, facilitating efficient data transmission to stereo vision devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more line scan image sensors... capture, with the one or more line scan image sensors, image line data of an object
Implementation Method 2
the one or more processors cause the sensor mount to rotate relative to the support... selectively rotate the sensor mount relative to the support
Data Source
AI summary
A frameless image data capturing system comprises a sensor mount including one or more line scan image sensors, the sensor mount couplable to a support and a control system operatively coupled to the sensor mount and the one or more line scan image sensors, the control system comprising one or more processors and at least one memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: selectively rotate the sensor mount relative to the support; capture, with the one or more line scan image sensors, image line data of an object at defined time instances; integrate the image line data to generate stereo image data of the object; and transmit the stereo image data to a stereo image device. Each line scan image sensor may operate with a fast shutter for high-speed capture. Alternatively, each sensor includes multiple vertical lines that accumulate light in a time-sliced manner, enabling a longer effective exposure without traditional blurring.