Multiple Camera Imaging With Light Redirection for Low-Distortion Wide Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices face challenges in generating wide-angle images with large fields of view due to lens curvature-induced distortions and computational inefficiencies in distortion compensation, and camera-movement panoramic stitching introduces distortions and artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A multiple camera system is used to capture images with light redirection elements, allowing virtual overlap of camera lenses without physical overlap, enabling distortion-free wide-angle image generation through image alignment and stitching.
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 image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple separate camera units, each with its own lens and image sensor. Instead of using a single lens with high curvature that causes distortion, the system segments the wide-angle imaging task across multiple cameras with lower curvature lenses, reducing individual lens distortion while achieving a combined wide field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-lens optical solution to a multi-camera spatial arrangement. By positioning multiple cameras at different locations and angles, the system achieves wide-angle coverage through spatial distribution rather than optical curvature, effectively moving the solution from the optical domain to the spatial arrangement domain.
2Manufacturing precision
If computational distortion compensation is applied, then image accuracy is improved, but computational expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs distortion compensation in advance during the image capture and processing stage, rather than requiring real-time correction during playback or editing. By pre-calculating and applying distortion correction parameters when the images are first captured by the multiple cameras, the system reduces the computational burden for subsequent operations.
3Area of moving object
If camera movement is used for panoramic stitching, then field of view is improved, but stitching distortions and artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panoramic imaging task into multiple static camera captures rather than requiring continuous camera movement. Each camera captures a portion of the panorama from its fixed position, and these segmented views are then stitched together computationally, avoiding the motion-induced distortions that occur with moving camera panoramic photography.
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
The system achieves a wider field of view with reduced computational expense and accuracy, minimizing distortions and artifacts, and supports both still image and video capture.
Implementation Method 1
means for redirecting light located on a primary light re-directing plane positioned to intersect a midpoint along the line passing through the virtual center of projection and the means for capturing an image, the primary light re-directing plane further positioned at an angle orthogonal to the line, wherein the means for redirecting light comprises a refractive prism
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and techniques are described for large field of view digital imaging. A device's first image sensor captures a first image based on first light redirected from a first path onto a redirected first path by a first light redirection element, and the device's second image sensor captures a second image based on second light redirected from a second path onto a redirected second path by a second light redirection element. A virtual extension of the first path beyond the first light redirection element can intersect with a virtual extension of the second path intersect beyond the second light redirection element. The device can modify the first image and second image using perspective distortion correction, and can generate a combined image by combining the first image and the second image. The combined image can have a larger field of view than the first image and/or the second image.