Hemispheric Camera Sensor Layout for Blind-Spot-Free 360° Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras have limited field of view (FOV) with blind spots, distorted images, or require multiple devices for full hemispheric coverage, which compromises security and surveillance effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A multisensor camera configuration with overlapping FOV using four image sensors in alternating landscape and portrait orientations, stitched together to provide a non-distorted panoramic hemispheric view without blind spots, incorporating a PTZ camera for enhanced surveillance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single camera is used to achieve wide field of view, then the field of view is expanded, but blind spots and distorted images occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple image sensors (first, second, third, and fourth sensors) arranged in an interleaved configuration. Each sensor captures a specific angular range, with the first and third sensors detecting below-horizon areas and the second and fourth sensors detecting above-horizon areas. This segmentation eliminates blind spots while maintaining image quality through specialized detection for each region.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are used to eliminate blind spots, then complete hemispheric coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image sensors into a single integrated camera device. The first, second, third, and fourth image sensors are positioned in an interleaved configuration within one camera housing, with their respective fields of view overlapping to cover the entire hemisphere. This consolidation achieves complete coverage while maintaining a unified device structure rather than requiring multiple separate cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (single sensor) or two-dimensional (multiple sensors in one plane) arrangement to a three-dimensional interleaved configuration. The sensors are positioned at different angular orientations and depths, creating a multi-dimensional detection network that achieves complete hemispheric coverage while eliminating blind spots that would exist in planar arrangements.
3Area of moving object
If fisheye lens is used to achieve 360 degree view, then field of view is maximized, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different detection functions to different sensors based on their optimal performance characteristics. The first and third sensors are configured for below-horizon detection where they can capture images without the severe distortion that affects above-horizon areas in fisheye lenses. The second and fourth sensors handle above-horizon detection. This localized functional assignment reduces overall distortion while maintaining wide coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method for generating a full hemispheric view with no blind spots are described. A plurality of image are positioned in an interleaved configuration. A first type of image sensor view is generated by a first type of the plurality of image sensors. A second type of image sensor view is generated by a second type of the plurality of image sensors. The first type of image sensor view and the second type of image sensor view are stitched together into a full hemispheric image sensor view. A visual obstruction from the full hemispheric image sensor view is removed based on the stitching into the full hemispheric image sensor view.