Holographic Camera Apparatus for Spatially Representative Image Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating spatially representative image data, such as stereoscopic or photogrammetric images, are costly and inefficient, especially when capturing moving scenes, as they require multiple cameras and large spaces, or are slow due to the need for a single camera to be displaced for different perspectives.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus using a single image acquisition device with multiple spatially offset coupling regions on a light-guiding carrier medium, such as a glass plate, to acquire light from different perspectives via optical gratings, allowing for the generation of spatially representative image data without the need for multiple cameras or large spaces, and enabling the capture of moving scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurement cameras are used to capture different perspectives simultaneously, then spatially representative image data can be generated, but costs increase and large space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light path from the object into multiple spatially separated acquisition regions using optical elements (prisms or mirrors). Each region captures light from a different perspective, effectively segmenting the single camera's field of view into multiple virtual perspectives without requiring multiple physical cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (prisms, mirrors, or beam splitters) between the object and the camera sensor. These intermediaries redirect light from different spatial angles to the same sensor, enabling multi-perspective capture through a single camera system
2Device complexity
If a single measurement camera is displaced to capture different perspectives, then costs are reduced, but the method becomes slow and repetition accuracy suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic optical system where the effective viewing direction changes based on which acquisition region receives light. By using movable or switchable optical elements (prisms/mirrors), the system can rapidly switch between different perspectives without physically moving the entire camera, enabling fast sequential capture of multiple views
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different acquisition regions to capture multiple perspectives in rapid succession. This periodic activation of different optical paths allows the system to gather data from multiple angles within a single scene, maintaining temporal coherence while achieving multi-perspective coverage
3Measurement precision
If measurement cameras are placed at different positions for stereo width, then depth information is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the angular dimension by capturing light from different incidence angles and directing it to the same sensor plane. This angular multiplexing creates virtual baseline separation equivalent to having cameras at different positions, achieving stereo depth information without the physical space requirement of traditional stereo setups
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
This solution reduces costs and allows for the efficient generation of sharp, undistorted three-dimensional images by using a single camera to acquire light from multiple perspectives, improving the accuracy and speed of image capture while minimizing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier medium is designed to transmit the light coupled in via the coupling region by internal reflection to the decoupling region
Implementation Method 2
The coupling region has a deflection structure for coupling in the light. This can be designed, for example, in the form of an optical grating, also called a diffraction grating. The deflection structure is designed to couple light which is incident from the environment on the coupling region into the carrier medium
Implementation Method 3
The decoupling region also has a deflection structure by which light from the environment can be coupled into or decoupled from the carrier medium, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Cost-effective, spatially representative image data is recording in a stereoscopic or photogrammetric image of an environment by a camera apparatus having three holographic-optical elements arranged as coupling regions at different positions on a carrier medium to capture the environment from different perspectives. Light from the environment is coupled by the coupling regions into the carrier medium which provides a light guide that transfers the light to an additional holographic-optical element which provides a decoupling region to decouple the light from the carrier medium. An image capture device captures the decoupled light and produces image data therefrom. A separating device produces the spatially representative image data from the image data by capturing the light incident on the coupling regions in a manner separated temporally or by color.