Multi-Sensor Wide Angle Imaging System Reducing Lens Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capture devices face challenges in generating wide angle images or videos without introducing distortions, such as barrel distortion, pincushion distortion, ghosting, and stitching distortions, especially when increasing the field of view by curving camera lenses or using software panorama modes that require sequential frame capture.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple image sensors positioned to capture frames concurrently, allowing for the generation of a combined image with a wider field of view than any single sensor, thereby reducing or eliminating distortions associated with lens curvature and sequential frame capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If lens curvature is increased to widen the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but distortion (barrel distortion, pincushion distortion) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function across multiple image sensors (first image sensor, second image sensor, third image sensor) positioned at different orientations. Each sensor captures a portion of the scene with its own lens, avoiding the need for a single lens to cover an excessively wide angle which would require extreme curvature and cause distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single lens with extreme curvature to achieve wide field of view, the patent transitions to a multi-sensor arrangement where sensors are positioned at different spatial orientations (e.g., angled relative to each other). This dimensional arrangement allows wide coverage without requiring any single lens to have excessive curvature.
2Area of moving object
If software panorama mode is used to capture wide angle scenes, then the field of view is improved, but sequential frame capture introduces ghosting and stitching distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide-angle scene capture task across multiple image sensors positioned at different orientations. Each sensor captures its portion of the scene simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential frame capture and the associated ghosting and stitching problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple image sensors (first image sensor, second image sensor, third image sensor) into a single combined image. This merging happens at the hardware level through concurrent capture, rather than through software stitching of sequential frames, thereby avoiding ghosting and stitching distortions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple image sensors are used to capture concurrent frames, then distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple image sensors that can serve dual purposes: each sensor can capture images independently for standard photography, or work together in a coordinated arrangement to produce wide-angle images. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve wide-angle capability without requiring completely separate dedicated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by arranging sensors in a compact three-dimensional configuration with specific angular relationships. This spatial arrangement allows the system to achieve wide-angle coverage through geometric positioning rather than requiring complex optical elements or large physical footprints.
4Device complexity
If sequential frame capture is used for panorama, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to rotation and capture sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scene capture function across multiple image sensors positioned at different orientations, allowing simultaneous capture of different scene portions. This eliminates the time required for sequential frame capture and device rotation while keeping the device stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple image sensors are pre-positioned at specific orientations before capture begins, allowing the system to capture the entire wide-angle scene in a single concurrent operation rather than requiring time-consuming sequential capture and rotation during the imaging process.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to digital imaging. An example method includes receiving a first image frame of a scene captured by a first image sensor. The method also includes receiving a second image frame of the scene captured by a second image sensor. The second image frame is captured concurrently with capture of the first image frame. The method also includes receiving a third image frame of the scene captured by a third image sensor. The third image frame is captured concurrently with capture of the first image frame. The method also includes generating a combined image from the first image frame, the second image frame, and the third image frame. The combined image includes a first field of view that is wider than a field of view of the first image frame.