Multi-Camera Control Apparatus for High-Definition Panoramic Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional omnidirectional camera systems fail to generate wide-view-angle images with high definition as they require separate cameras for wide-view-angle and high-definition imaging, leading to areas that cannot be imaged when optical zoom is applied, resulting in incomplete coverage.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that adjusts the view angles of multiple cameras by deriving and controlling the view angles of slave cameras relative to a main camera, allowing for synchronized imaging and combining of images to generate a wide-view-angle image with high definition, using a PC to manage camera settings and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate cameras are used for wide-view-angle imaging and high-definition imaging, then high-definition imaging capability is achieved, but complete coverage of wide-view-angle image is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of wide-view-angle imaging and high-definition imaging into a single camera system by coordinating multiple cameras around a central imaging unit. The central camera captures high-definition images while surrounding cameras capture wide-angle views, and these are combined to produce a complete wide-view-angle image with high definition in the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into a central camera for high-definition imaging and multiple surrounding cameras for wide-angle coverage. Each camera has a specific function, and their images are processed separately before being combined, allowing the system to achieve both high definition and complete coverage.
2Measurement precision
If optical zoom is applied to image an object with high definition, then image resolution is improved, but view angle becomes small causing areas to be excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The central camera performs multiple functions: it provides high-definition imaging when zoomed in on specific objects, and simultaneously contributes to wide-view-angle coverage when combined with surrounding cameras. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different imaging needs without sacrificing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrounding cameras act as intermediaries that capture the areas excluded by the central camera's narrow view angle. Their images fill in the gaps, ensuring complete coverage while allowing the central camera to focus on high-definition imaging of specific objects.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are coordinated to image the same object, then high-definition wide-view-angle image is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus uses feedback from the imaging results to automatically adjust and optimize the coordination between cameras. By deriving view angles based on actual imaging data and continuously refining the coordination, the system reduces the need for complex manual control while maintaining high-definition wide-view-angle imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-coordination through automated view angle derivation and image synthesis. The control apparatus automatically calculates the optimal view angles for each camera based on the central camera's imaging parameters, eliminating the need for complex external control and allowing the system to manage itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus of the present embodiment controls the view angles of a plurality of cameras directed from a center position toward different directions. The control apparatus includes: a changing unit configured to change a view angle corresponding to at least one camera out of the plurality of cameras to a first view angle; a deriving unit configured to derive a second view angle corresponding to another camera different from the at least one camera out of the plurality of cameras by using the first view angle; and an imaging controlling unit configured to cause the plurality of cameras to perform imaging by using the first view angle and the second view angle.