Multi-Device Image Capture With Variable Baseline for 3D Scenes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D image capture techniques using multiple cameras on a single device often fail to achieve desired stereoscopic effects due to insufficient distance between cameras, which is fixed and cannot accommodate variable or large inter-device distances.
Innovation Solution
A computing device communicates with a second device to capture images from different perspectives, determining and adjusting the variable distance between them to generate high-quality stereoscopic images and videos, even when the distance is initially unknown and changing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple cameras are positioned close together on a single device, then device integration is improved, but the desired 3D effect is reduced due to small difference in viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function across multiple separate devices (e.g., smartphone and XR device) rather than consolidating all cameras on one device. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized independently and enables larger inter-camera distances while maintaining ease of use through wireless coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication interface acts as an intermediary between the first and second devices, enabling them to coordinate image capture operations without direct physical connection. This intermediary allows the devices to maintain optimal positioning for 3D effects while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between cameras is increased to improve 3D effects, then stereoscopic quality is improved, but the system becomes more complex and harder to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the actual distance between devices using sensors (e.g., depth sensors, cameras, or other sensing components) during operation. This dynamic distance measurement allows the system to adapt to varying positions and maintain optimal stereoscopic quality without requiring fixed, complex mechanical positioning structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of inter-device distance from a fixed design constraint to a variable parameter that can be measured and adapted during operation. By using wireless communication and dynamic distance sensing, the system achieves high stereoscopic quality without being constrained by rigid manufacturing tolerances or fixed geometries.
3Ease of manufacture
If camera positions are fixed to simplify device design, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to accommodate variable distances and achieve desired 3D effects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed camera positions with dynamic positioning capabilities. Each device can be independently positioned by the user, and the system dynamically measures and adapts to the actual distance between devices through wireless communication and sensing, maintaining simplicity in device design while achieving adaptability in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement of the distance between devices using onboard sensors and wireless communication, eliminating the need for complex external measurement systems or pre-configured fixed positions. Each device essentially measures its own position relative to the other, simplifying manufacturing while enabling variable distance adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described techniques capture a first image of a scene using a first device and cause a second device to capture a second image of the scene. A distance between the first device and the second device may be determined, and a spatial image of the scene may be generated using the first image, the second image, and the distance.