Low Parallax Imaging System Using Internal Space Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Panoramic multi-camera devices face challenges in capturing complete 360-degree images with low parallax errors, as existing systems suffer from significant parallax differences and image overlap, leading to complex image stitching and reduced image quality due to mechanical variations and large seams between cameras.
Innovation Solution
The design of a low-parallax panoramic multi-camera capture device with improved optical and opto-mechanical designs, featuring cameras with reduced seams and optimized lens systems that minimize parallax errors, using a combination of compressor lens elements and inner lens groups to achieve high-resolution, low-parallax images, and an internal space frame for precise camera mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cameras are sparsely populated on the outer surface to capture complete 360-degree panoramic images, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the parallax differences and image overlap between adjacent cameras increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is segmented into multiple polygonal cameras arranged in a polyhedral configuration, where each camera captures a specific portion of the panoramic scene. This segmentation allows complete 360-degree coverage while controlling parallax by positioning cameras at vertices rather than sparsely on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional spherical surface to a three-dimensional polyhedral structure, with cameras positioned at vertices. This dimensional change enables precise geometric control of camera positions and orientations, reducing parallax errors while maintaining complete field of view coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are arranged with widened fields of view to capture gaps between adjacent cameras, then complete panoramic coverage is achieved, but the image overlap increases complicating the stitching process
Solution Approach 1:
Each polygonal camera is designed with a specific field of view optimized for its position in the polyhedral arrangement, rather than all cameras having identical widened fields of view. This local optimization minimizes overlap in specific regions while maintaining complete panoramic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical systems are pre-designed with specific focal lengths and field of view angles that account for the predetermined camera positions and orientations in the polyhedral configuration. This preliminary optimization reduces the overlap between adjacent cameras and simplifies the subsequent image stitching process.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical variations and large seams between cameras are present in existing systems, then device assembly is simplified, but image quality and alignment precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular polygonal camera units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains precisely positioned optical components, allowing standardization that simplifies assembly while maintaining high alignment precision through repeated modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera positions and orientations are defined by precise geometric parameters of the polyhedral structure, allowing for controlled manufacturing tolerances. By changing from arbitrary camera placements to parameter-defined positions on a regular polyhedron, assembly is simplified while alignment precision is maintained through the mathematical regularity of the structure.
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 enables high-quality, low-parallax panoramic images with reduced residual parallax errors and image overlap, facilitating efficient image stitching and improved image quality by minimizing mechanical variations and seam widths between cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a camera lens or lens system consisting of a plurality of lens elements which direct incident light from a polygonal shaped field of view to provide a polygonal shaped image
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for a low parallax imaging device includes a plurality of interconnected faces configured to mount cameras. The faces are mounted along peripheral edges using kinematic connections. The frame provides a structure on which the mounted cameras provide a combined field of view of up to about 360-degrees with minimal parallax between adjacent cameras.