Multi-Camera Parallax Distance Measurement with Variable Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image pickup systems using stereo cameras face challenges in accurately measuring a wide distance range from ultra-short to long distances due to limitations in baseline length, leading to measurement errors and high computational loads, while also being costly and difficult to calibrate.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup apparatus comprising multiple compound-eye cameras with varying lens arrays and sensors, allowing for flexible baseline length combinations and parallax computation to measure distances from ultra-short to long ranges with high accuracy, while reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereo camera with a long baseline length is used to measure long distances, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and it becomes difficult to measure ultra-short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the distance measurement function by providing multiple camera pairs with different baseline lengths (first camera pair with longer baseline for long distances, second camera pair with shorter baseline for ultra-short distances). Each camera pair is optimized for specific distance ranges, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision across the entire distance spectrum without requiring a single complex camera configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stereo cameras with different baseline lengths are used to cover wide distance ranges, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple camera pairs with different baseline lengths into a single integrated image pickup apparatus. By combining the first camera pair (optimized for long distances) and the second camera pair (optimized for ultra-short distances) into one unified device with a single sensor, the system achieves wide distance range coverage while avoiding the high costs associated with producing and calibrating separate multi-camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor serves multiple functions by receiving images from both the first camera pair and the second camera pair. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to process images for different baseline lengths and distance ranges, achieving versatility in distance measurement without requiring separate sensors or cameras for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are individually moved to increase baseline length for long distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to movement and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing multiple camera pairs with different baseline lengths that are pre-configured and fixed in position. The first camera pair with longer baseline is pre-configured for long distance measurement, while the second camera pair with shorter baseline is pre-configured for ultra-short distance measurement. This eliminates the need for time-consuming camera movement and recalibration when switching between distance ranges, as the appropriate camera pair is already in position.
4Device complexity
If a single stereo camera is used to measure both ultra-short and long distances, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates across the full distance range
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by optimizing different parts of the camera system for specific functions. The first camera pair with longer baseline length is optimized for long distance measurement precision, while the second camera pair with shorter baseline length is optimized for ultra-short distance measurement precision. Each camera pair has local quality tailored to its specific distance range, ensuring high measurement precision across the entire distance spectrum while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
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 system efficiently measures distance ranges from millimeters to over 100 meters with high accuracy and low cost, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by using compound-eye cameras with different lens arrays and sensors to compute baseline lengths for precise distance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cameras (1A, 1B, and 1C) having different angles of view and different focus distances arranged in the case (5)
Implementation Method 2
each of which has a lens and a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image pickup apparatus for use in measuring a distance from an observer to a target. The image pickup apparatus includes a case; and a plurality of cameras configured to capture images of the target is fixed in the case. In the image pickup apparatus, the distance from the observer to the target is measured based on the images of the target captured by altering baseline lengths for parallax computation obtained by combining any two of the cameras.