Multi-view Optical System Using Polarization Separation for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wide-field imaging systems rely on fisheye lenses, which limit the ability to capture a wide-angle view from multiple directions efficiently, and do not effectively separate and combine polarization components from different visual fields.
Innovation Solution
A multi-view optical system using a polarization separation optical system that directs and separates different polarization components from multiple visual fields, allowing a wide-field image to be captured by guiding these components to a common imaging lens and area sensor, enabling the combination of images from various angles without the need for fisheye lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a fisheye lens is used to obtain a wide-field image, then the field of view is expanded, but the ability to capture images from multiple directions efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide-field imaging function into multiple separate imaging units, each capturing a specific visual field direction. Instead of using a single fisheye lens to capture all directions, the system segments the imaging task across multiple lenses (e.g., front, rear, left, right directions), with each lens optimized for its specific direction. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining wide field of view in each direction while enabling efficient multi-directional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional wide-angle approach (fisheye lens capturing all directions in one image) to a multi-dimensional approach where multiple imaging units capture different visual field directions separately. By adding the dimension of spatial distribution across multiple imaging units, the system achieves both wide field of view and efficient multi-directional imaging capability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging units are used to capture images from different directions, then multi-directional imaging capability is improved, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging units into a single integrated optical system with a unified control unit and signal processing chain. The multiple imaging units share common components such as the control unit, synchronization mechanism, and image processing pipeline, which reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate imaging systems. This merging approach maintains multi-directional imaging capability while managing optical system complexity through shared architecture.
3Productivity
If polarization separation is used to direct light from multiple visual fields, then image capture efficiency is improved, but the optical element complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization separation optical system as an intermediary component that efficiently directs light from multiple visual fields to corresponding imaging units. This intermediary uses polarization properties of light to route different visual field information through beam splitters and polarizing beamsplitters, achieving high image capture efficiency. The complexity is managed by using well-established polarization optics components rather than designing custom complex optical pathways.
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 a wide-field image with a continuous viewing angle of over 180° by separating and combining polarization components from multiple visual fields, providing a method distinct from traditional fisheye lens systems and allowing for efficient image processing and display.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element configured to direct, in a predetermined direction, a first polarization component of a light beam coming from a first visual field, and a second polarization component, which is different from the first polarization component, of a light beam coming from a second visual field
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-view optical system includes an optical element. The optical element is configured to direct, in a predetermined direction, a first polarization component of a light beam coming from a first visual field, and a second polarization component, which is different from the first polarization component, of a light beam coming from a second visual field different from the first visual field.