Hemispherical Camera Rig for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional imaging systems face challenges in obtaining images from all points surrounding an object without other cameras appearing in the field of view, and ensuring that the field of illumination does not directly encompass cameras, which hinders efficient imaging and 3D reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A camera rig system that supports multiple cameras in an arcuate arrangement conforming to a spherical surface, allowing for rotation around the object to capture images from all angles. The system includes a camera support structure with diffuser-covered lighting panels that illuminate the object without directly entering the cameras' field of view, facilitating comprehensive imaging without camera interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are positioned on a rig surrounding the object to obtain images from all angles, then the completeness of 3D image reconstruction is improved, but other cameras may appear in the field of view causing imaging interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions cameras on a hemispherical rig structure, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement to surround the object. This dimensional configuration allows cameras to capture images from multiple angles simultaneously while maintaining proper spacing and orientation to prevent cameras from appearing in each other's fields of view, thus resolving the contradiction between completeness and interference.
2Illumination intensity
If lights are positioned to illuminate the object from all directions, then the illumination completeness is improved, but the field of illumination may directly encompass cameras causing glare and imaging degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized lighting control where lights are positioned and directed to illuminate specific regions of the object without directly entering camera fields of view. The hemispherical rig configuration allows for spatial separation between light sources and camera sensors, enabling complete illumination while preventing glare through careful angular positioning of each light-camera pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hemispherical rig is used to surround the object for 3D imaging, then the ability to capture images from all points is improved, but the rig size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hemispherical rig structure that provides comprehensive 3D imaging capability. The curved hemispherical geometry naturally distributes cameras and lights across a compact volume, allowing complete angular coverage while maintaining a space-efficient configuration. This spherical arrangement is more compact than planar alternatives while providing superior multi-angle imaging capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described below provide for rapid imaging of an object and reconstruction of a 3D image of the object. The imaging system is configured to obtain numerous images of an object from many angles around the object. The imaging system includes a camera rig which supports several cameras, with the viewing angle of each camera directed to the object. The camera rig is rotatable about the object, or vice-versa, in order to obtain images around the entirety of the object. The location of each camera is used by an imaging processing system to match adjacent images to be stitched together, avoiding the need to compare edges of a number of images to match an image to an adjacent image.