Multi-View Image Capture System for Occlusion-Free Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image capturing apparatuses face challenges in acquiring object distance information due to the generation of occlusion areas resulting from differing viewpoint positions between main and sub image capturing systems, which limits the ability to perform autofocus and image combination processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a main image capturing system with a variable magnification optical system and multiple sub image capturing systems arranged on both sides of the main optical system's sectional plane, allowing for the acquisition of object distance information across the entire image capturing view angle by using a processor to combine main and sub images and calculate parallax amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sub image capturing system with a different viewpoint position is used to acquire object distance information, then parallax information can be obtained for autofocus, but occlusion areas are generated that prevent acquisition of object distance information in certain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing apparatus divides the image capturing view angle into multiple regions and assigns different sub image capturing systems to cover specific regions. The processor determines which regions are covered by which sub image capturing systems and selectively uses appropriate parallax information from different systems for different regions, ensuring complete object distance information acquisition without occlusion gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple sub image capturing systems at different spatial positions (left and right of the main optical system) to create multiple viewpoint dimensions. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that occlusion areas from one viewpoint are covered by other viewpoints, allowing comprehensive object distance measurement across the entire field of view.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sub image capturing systems are added to eliminate occlusion areas, then complete object distance information can be acquired, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sub image capturing system is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing images for wide-angle viewing, providing parallax information for autofocus, and covering specific regions to eliminate occlusion areas. The processor intelligently selects and combines information from these multi-functional systems, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub image capturing systems capture images that simultaneously serve both as wide-angle captured images for viewing and as parallax information sources for object distance calculation. The same captured images are used for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This configuration enables accurate object distance calculation and image combination over the entire view angle, preventing occlusion areas and ensuring effective autofocus and image processing, while also allowing for various image capturing modes such as high dynamic range and stereo imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a processor configured to acquire, using a main image produced by the main image capturing system and multiple sub images produced by the multiple image capturing systems, object distance information in an image capturing view angle of the main image capturing system
Data Source
AI summary
The image capturing apparatus includes a main image capturing system configured to capture an object image formed by a main optical system whose magnification is variable, and multiple sub image capturing systems configured to respectively capture multiple object images respectively formed by multiple sub optical systems. The multiple optical systems are arranged on both sides across a sectional plane including an optical axis of the main optical system. The apparatus further includes a processor configured to acquire, using a main image produced by the main image capturing system and multiple sub images produced by the multiple image capturing systems, object distance information in an image capturing view angle of the main image capturing system.