Head-Mounted Dual-Camera Layout for Inverted Vertical Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted devices (HMDs) with multiple cameras face limitations in adjusting the camera position and orientation, leading to undesirable offsets in the operator's view, mechanical weaknesses, and the inability to simultaneously capture multiple fields of view, especially in situations requiring both forward and inverted modes, such as surgery and remote assistance.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted device with two spatially separated imagers oriented at different polar angles, positioned in parallel vertical planes, allowing the device to be worn in two modes (top side facing up or down) and processed accordingly, with a gyroscope and accelerometer determining the orientation to combine images into a vertically elongated field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltable camera is provided to adjust the field of view, then the camera can achieve desired field of view in different orientations, but this requires a hinged connection which creates mechanical weakness and electronic complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two separate fixed imagers instead of one tiltable imager. Each imager is fixed in a specific orientation (one facing upward, one facing downward), eliminating the need for mechanical tilting mechanisms while achieving the same functional result of capturing different vertical fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting a single camera to change its orientation, the invention inverts the approach by using two cameras with fixed opposite orientations. The system captures images from both upward and downward facing imagers simultaneously, then combines them to achieve the desired field of view without mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltable camera is provided to adjust the field of view, then the camera can achieve desired field of view in different orientations, but this requires complex data and power supply accommodation for flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two separate fixed imagers instead of one tiltable imager. Each imager is fixed in a specific orientation (one facing upward, one facing downward), eliminating the need for mechanical tilting mechanisms while achieving the same functional result of capturing different vertical fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting a single camera to change its orientation, the invention inverts the approach by using two cameras with fixed opposite orientations. The system captures images from both upward and downward facing imagers simultaneously, then combines them to achieve the desired field of view without mechanical movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tiltable camera is positioned at the center of the HMD, then the field of view can be adjusted, but this creates an undesirable offset in the operator's vision
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two separate fixed imagers instead of one tiltable imager. Each imager is fixed in a specific orientation (one facing upward, one facing downward), eliminating the need for mechanical tilting mechanisms while achieving the same functional result of capturing different vertical fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from adjusting a single camera's orientation in three-dimensional space to using two cameras with fixed orientations positioned in parallel vertical planes. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous capture of upward and downward views without offset issues.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of the camera is allowed during a procedure, then the field of view can be optimized, but this is not possible due to hygienic reasons or other constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with two fixed imagers oriented to capture both upward and downward fields of view simultaneously. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual adjustment during procedures, as the desired field of view is already captured by the fixed imagers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting a single camera to change its orientation, the invention inverts the approach by using two cameras with fixed opposite orientations. The system captures images from both upward and downward facing imagers simultaneously, then combines them to achieve the desired field of view without mechanical movement.
5Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then the device is simple, but only a single field of view can be captured requiring constant choice between different views
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two separate fixed imagers instead of one tiltable imager. Each imager is fixed in a specific orientation (one facing upward, one facing downward), eliminating the need for mechanical tilting mechanisms while achieving the same functional result of capturing different vertical fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the outputs of two fixed imagers with opposite orientations into a single combined field of view. This combining of multiple image sources provides both upward and downward views simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between different single-camera views.
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 combined, vertically extending field of view with reduced parallax, enabling efficient image processing and display in both normal and inverted modes, suitable for applications like surgery and remote assistance, while minimizing mechanical and electronic burdens.
Implementation Method 1
the HMD comprises an orientation determination means, preferably a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer and/or a magnetometer, for determining whether the HMD is worn in the first or second mode
Implementation Method 2
the HMD comprises an orientation determination means, preferably a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer and/or a magnetometer, for determining whether the HMD is worn in the first or second mode
Implementation Method 3
provides for a combined, vertically extending field of view with reduced parallax
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a multi-camera head-mounted device. The device may be in the form of a headset, smart glasses, a modular device which can be attached to another headset or other headwear (such as a hard hat, a cap, headband, or others).