Multi-lens Camera Single Image Sensor Parallax Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras require multiple image sensors to capture 3D images, which necessitates complex calibration processes for color balance and gain, whereas a single image sensor camera with multiple lenses can simplify this by capturing multiple images simultaneously on a single plane.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-lens camera with a single image sensor, where the lenses are arranged to form multiple images on the same plane, allowing for adjustment of lens distance to control parallax, and a processor to process and transfer image data for 3D or 2D image composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to capture 3D images, then multiple images at different angles can be captured simultaneously, but complex calibration processes for color balance and gain are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image capture functions into a single image sensor by arranging multiple lenses to project images onto the same sensor plane. This eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated calibration processes, while still enabling 3D image capture through multiple viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images from different angles simultaneously, serving as both the detection and calibration reference point, and enabling both 2D and 3D imaging modes. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture 3D images, then stereoscopic vision can be achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens-sensor systems into a single integrated unit where multiple lenses focus onto one sensor. This merging approach achieves stereoscopic vision through optical arrangement rather than through multiple sensor arrays, significantly simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-sensor spatial arrangement to a multi-lens-to-single-sensor configuration, adding the dimensional aspect of angular viewing through lens positioning rather than through sensor positioning. This changes the problem from a 2D sensor array to a 3D optical system projecting to 2D.
3Productivity
If multiple image sensors are used, then more images can be captured simultaneously, but color balance and gain calibration between sensors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all image capture functions into a single sensor, the patent eliminates inter-sensor calibration requirements. The single sensor inherently provides consistent color balance and gain across all captured images, as there are no separate sensor responses to reconcile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures homogeneity in the imaging system by using a single sensor for all image capture tasks. This homogeneity in the detection element guarantees uniform color response, gain characteristics, and pixel response across all captured images, eliminating the heterogeneity that would exist between multiple different sensors.
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
Enables the capture of multiple images at different angles without the need for sensor calibration, facilitating the creation of 3D pictures and simplifying the image processing and transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
a camera having two or more imaging lenses capable of taking a plurality of images of the same scene at different viewing angles simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
The multiple images can be used to compose a 3D picture... a single image sensor to capture multiple images simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-lens camera has only one image sensor to capture a number of images at different viewing angles. Using a single image sensor, instead of a number of separate image sensors, to capture multiple images simultaneously, one can avoid the calibration process to calibrate the different image sensors to make sure that color balance and the gain are the same for all the image sensors used. The camera has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the image lenses, and a processor to receive from the image sensor electronic signals indicative of image data of the captured of images. The camera has a connector to transfer the processed image data to an external device or to an image display. The image display device is configured to display one of said plurality of images.