Light Reflecting Unit for 3D Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging devices face challenges in producing depth information efficiently and cost-effectively, particularly in compact forms suitable for integration into pre-existing 2D imaging systems, due to the complexity and expense of stereoscopic lens systems and dedicated micro-optical components.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising a light receiving unit, a light reflecting unit that reflects light along predetermined paths with a specific number of reflections, and a light output unit to produce multiple images with focal lengths associated with those reflections, allowing for 3D image creation using a single compact optical device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereoscopic lens system is used to produce depth information, then 3D imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aperture into multiple segments, with each segment corresponding to a specific light path through the light reflecting unit. This segmentation allows a single lens to capture multiple perspectives that are then separated and processed into 3D images, replacing the need for multiple objective lenses while maintaining depth information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The light reflecting unit acts as an intermediary component that receives light from the single objective lens and redirects it along multiple predetermined paths to different image sensors. This intermediary mechanism enables 3D imaging functionality without requiring a complex stereoscopic lens system, thus reducing device complexity while preserving depth measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a stereoscopic lens system is used to produce depth information, then 3D imaging capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple objective lenses into a single objective lens combined with a light reflecting unit. This consolidation reduces the number of precision optical components that need to be manufactured and aligned, significantly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to capture multiple perspectives for 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The light reflecting unit creates multiple copies of the light path from a single objective lens, directing each copy along a predetermined path to a corresponding image sensor. This copying approach allows the system to achieve stereoscopic imaging functionality using one objective lens instead of multiple expensive, precision-aligned lenses.
3Measurement precision
If a single objective lens is used with dedicated micro-optical components, then 3D imaging is achieved, but device cost substantially increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light reflecting unit serves multiple functions: it separates light from different aperture segments, directs light along predetermined paths, and enables 3D imaging capability. This multi-functional component replaces the need for expensive dedicated micro-optical components, reducing device cost while maintaining depth information capability.
4Measurement precision
If a stereoscopic system with multiple objective lenses is used, then depth information is captured, but device size exceeds physical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses another dimension (the light path dimension) to achieve 3D imaging. By directing light along multiple predetermined paths through the light reflecting unit rather than using multiple spatially separated objective lenses, the system captures depth information within a compact form factor that fits within the physical constraints of the imaging device.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective production of depth information and 3D images without significantly increasing the size or cost of the imaging device, facilitating integration into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflecting unit configured to reflect the light received by the light receiving unit along a number of paths having a predetermined number of reflections within the light reflecting unit
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device for converting a first image into a plurality of second images, the imaging device comprising a light receiving unit having a first aperture configured to receive light of the first image, a light reflecting unit configured to reflect the light received by the light receiving unit along a number of paths having a predetermined number of reflections within the light reflecting unit according to a portion of the first aperture from which the light originated, and a light output unit configured to output at least a subset of the paths of light reflected by the light reflecting unit as a plurality of second images, the second images having a focal length associated with the predetermined number of reflections experienced by the corresponding paths of light through the light reflecting unit.