Multiaperture Device Interlaced Optical Channels Depth Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera systems face limitations in depth resolution due to miniaturization constraints and the accuracy of depth information, particularly when using single-aperture or array cameras with small focal lengths, which reduces the ability to distinguish object distances effectively.

Innovation Solution

A multi-aperture device with interlaced optical channels arranged alternately to capture overlapping partial areas of an object, allowing for increased lateral distance between channels and improved depth resolution, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the base length between cameras is increased to improve depth resolution, then depth resolution is improved, but the overall camera structure size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth resolutionVSAvoidcamera structure size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent optical channels (at least four channels), each capturing a partial area of the object. This segmentation allows the system to achieve improved depth resolution through multiple viewing angles while keeping each individual channel compact, thus resolving the contradiction between base length and overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges optical channels in an interlaced pattern where channels capture overlapping partial areas of the object. This creates a multi-dimensional sampling approach where depth information is extracted from spatial relationships between multiple partial images, effectively achieving long-base stereo vision in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the focal length is reduced to decrease camera height, then camera height is reduced, but angular resolution is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera heightVSAvoidangular resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the field of view into multiple partial areas, each captured by a dedicated optical channel. This segmentation allows the use of short focal lengths for each channel (reducing camera height) while maintaining overall angular resolution through the combined information from multiple channels viewing different partial areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent compensates for reduced angular resolution from short focal lengths by introducing spatial diversity across multiple optical channels. Each channel captures a partial area with its own viewing angle, and the combination of these multi-dimensional视角 restores the effective angular resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If optical channels are arranged with larger lateral distance to improve depth resolution, then depth resolution is improved, but the coverage of object areas becomes less overlapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth resolutionVSAvoidoverlap area of partial areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the object field into multiple partial areas that are captured by different optical channels. The segmentation is designed so that adjacent partial areas overlap, ensuring that each region of interest is viewed from multiple angles while maintaining adequate lateral separation between channels for depth resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an interlaced arrangement of optical channels where channels are positioned to capture overlapping partial areas. This creates a multi-dimensional sampling pattern that ensures sufficient overlap for image matching while maintaining adequate lateral distance between channels for accurate depth measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances depth resolution and compensates for reduced focal length effects, enabling accurate object distance determination and creating a high-resolution depth map without the need for complex illumination or structured lighting.

Implementation Method 1

the same parallax effect occurs and information about object distances can be obtained using image processing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP3066830B1Multiaperture device and method for capturing an object area
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3066830B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3066830B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3066830B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-aperture device (10) for detecting an object region, comprising at least two optical channels (12-1 - 12-9) for detecting a first sub-region of the object region and at least two optical channels (12-1 - 12-9) for detecting a second sub-region of the object region. The optical channels (12-1 - 12-9) for detecting the first and the second sub-regions are interlaced in a single-line structure, the first and the second sub-regions at least partly overlapping.