Non-collinear Aperture Optical System for Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging systems, such as stereo and triplet imaging, face challenges in accurately determining object feature displacement between images due to high computational costs and the need for multiple camera systems, with a requirement for improved optical trains to enhance data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional imaging system utilizing a single primary optical lens with three non-collinear apertures to create offset optical channels, each captured by an optical sensor, incorporating a rotating aperture element and refocusing facility to sample and redirect optical channels for efficient image registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple camera systems are used for three-dimensional imaging, then depth information accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera systems into a single integrated imaging device with multiple imaging units arranged in a specific geometric configuration. This merging approach maintains the depth measurement capabilities of multiple cameras while reducing system complexity through integration and shared processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs multiple functions including depth mapping, three-dimensional reconstruction, and multi-view imaging using a single integrated system. The multiple imaging units serve both individual camera functions and collective stereo/triplet imaging functions, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple camera systems are used for three-dimensional imaging, then depth information accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image rectification and coordinate transformation to align images from multiple imaging units before depth calculation. By pre-processing images to establish known geometric relationships and reduce disparities to one dimension, the computational burden of subsequent depth mapping is significantly reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the imaging geometry through rectification to change the parameters of image disparities. By converting two-dimensional disparities into one-dimensional disparities through coordinate transformations, the complexity of depth calculation is reduced while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If triplet imaging with three cameras is used, then processing ambiguity is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three imaging units into a single device with a shared processing system, maintaining the triplet imaging capability for ambiguity elimination while reducing device complexity through common structural support, power supply, and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging units are arranged in an equilateral triangle configuration with equal spacing, creating geometric symmetry that simplifies the processing mathematics. This equipotential arrangement ensures that all three cameras have equivalent viewing angles and distances to the target, facilitating uniform depth calculation across all image pairs.
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 approach simplifies image registration and enhances depth resolution by allowing separate processing of distinct optical channels, reducing computational complexity and improving accuracy in three-dimensional data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the apertures selectively transmitting a portion of an optical wave front of the primary optical facility, thereby providing three optical channels
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor positioned to capture data from each of the three optical channels
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three non-collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.