Prism-Coupled Multi-Camera Layout for Low-Distortion Survey Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wide-angle cameras suffer from distortion and reduced resolution in peripheral portions of images, which deteriorate the accuracy of combining these images with three-dimensional point cloud data.
Innovation Solution
A wide-angle camera device comprising multiple cameras with integrated prisms that deflect and overlap their optical axes, minimizing parallax and entrance pupil distance to enhance image overlap and resolution, and a survey system that integrates this camera with a surveying device to combine point cloud data with wide-angle images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a wide-angle lens is used to capture images at a wide angle of view, then the angle of view is increased, but distortion and resolution are reduced in the peripheral portion of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single wide-angle camera into multiple separate cameras, each with a narrower angle of view and better image quality. By segmenting the wide-angle imaging function across multiple cameras positioned at different locations, the system achieves both wide coverage and high image quality without the distortion problems of single wide-angle lenses.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cameras are used to reduce distortion, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cameras into a single integrated wide-angle camera device by bonding their prisms together. This combining approach maintains the image quality benefits of multiple cameras while reducing operational complexity by presenting a unified device interface and simplifying the integration process with the surveying device.
3Measurement precision
If the entrance pupil distance is reduced to minimize parallax, then measurement accuracy is improved, but optical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a prism as an intermediary optical element that enables the entrance pupil to be positioned very close to the object lens. The prism acts as a mediator that redirects light paths, allowing the entrance pupil distance to be minimized (10mm or less) while maintaining a practical and manageable optical design through the use of this intermediate component.
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 device achieves wide-angle images with minimal distortion and improved resolution, enabling precise integration of point cloud data and images with known relationships, facilitating high-quality panoramic imaging and data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
The prisms have a reflection surface, and the optical axes of the cameras are deflected by the reflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
Problem:To provide a wide-angle camera device having a wide angle of view with less distortion in a peripheral portion of an image, and with less deterioration in resolution, and a survey system capable of acquiring an image including three-dimensional point cloud data.Resolution means:A wide-angle camera device includes a plurality of cameras 2a and 2b. The cameras 2a and 2b respectively include imaging lens rear groups 10a and 10b as objective lenses, imaging lens front groups 11a and 11b as image forming lenses, prisms 6a and 6b that optically couple the imaging lens rear groups and the imaging lens front groups, and image sensors 8a and 8b that optically receive images formed by the imaging lens rear groups. The plurality of cameras are integrated by the prisms being bonded or brought into close contact with each other. Angles of view of adjacent ones of the cameras partially overlap each other. Entrance pupil positions Oa and Ob of the cameras are formed between the imaging lens front groups and the prisms, respectively. An intersection point of optical axes is a camera origin O.