Multi-Ranging Camera Zoom Control for Consistent Point Clouds
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-ranging camera systems, inconsistencies in the angle of view and point cloud data due to varying distances and zoom levels among cameras result in visual discomfort when generating volumetric images, especially when cameras have different focal lengths and distances from the subject.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that calculates distances from each camera to a subject's center and adjusts the zoom of non-reference cameras to match the focal length of a reference camera, ensuring consistent point cloud data by setting the focal length of other cameras proportionally based on their distance to the subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ranging cameras are arranged at different distances from the subject, then the coverage area increases, but the point cloud amounts vary causing visual discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the focal length parameter of each ranging camera based on its distance from the subject. Specifically, cameras farther from the subject use longer focal lengths, while closer cameras use shorter focal lengths. This parameter adjustment ensures that all cameras capture images with consistent point cloud amounts, resolving the visual discomfort caused by varying distances while maintaining the benefit of expanded coverage area.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dedicated studio with controlled distances is used, then point cloud amounts coincide, but the cost increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each ranging camera to have different focal length settings according to its specific position relative to the subject. Instead of requiring all cameras to be at identical distances (as in a dedicated studio), each camera's focal length is individually adjusted to compensate for its unique distance, achieving point cloud consistency without the need for expensive controlled environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If zoom lenses are used with different zoom amounts, then flexibility increases, but point cloud amounts vary causing visual discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the focal length of each ranging camera is determined based on its measured distance from the subject. The system calculates the appropriate focal length using the ratio of distances between the reference camera and other cameras, then adjusts each camera's zoom accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that zoom flexibility is utilized while maintaining consistent point cloud amounts across all cameras.
Data Source
AI summary
An arithmetic unit calculates a distance from each ranging camera of a plurality of ranging cameras arranged to surround a subject to a center of the subject. One of the plurality of ranging cameras is set as a reference ranging camera. The zoom controller controls a focal length of the zoom when the ranging camera other than the reference ranging camera photographs the subject, thereby controlling the zoom of the ranging cameras other than the reference ranging camera to a focal length by multiplying the focal length of the zoom when the reference ranging camera photographs the subject by a value obtained by dividing the distance from the reference ranging camera to the center of the subject by a distance from the ranging camera other than the reference ranging camera to the center of the subject.