Omnidirectional Camera Layout for Pixel-Aligned Distance Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing omnidirectional cameras face challenges in measuring distances omnidirectionally due to the limited angle of view and pixel count of distance measurement sensors, requiring precise alignment and coordinate correspondence between camera and distance sensors.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus with two camera devices and two distance measurement devices installed at specific positions for omnidirectional imaging and measurement, using coordinate conversion to align image and distance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a general distance measurement sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the angle of view and number of pixels are insufficient to cover the subject omnidirectionally
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional distance measurement function is segmented across multiple distance measurement sensors positioned at different locations around the camera apparatus. Each sensor covers a specific angular range, and together they provide complete 360-degree coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-point distance measurement to multi-point spatial distribution of sensors. By adding the spatial dimension of sensor arrangement, the system achieves omnidirectional coverage through coordinated measurement from multiple positions rather than relying on a single sensor with excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the camera sensor and distance measurement sensor are arranged to not enter each other's fields of view, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial arrangement segments the measurement functions by directing camera and distance sensors to different angular zones. This segmentation allows both sensors to operate in their optimal ranges without mutual interference, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic spatial organization.
3Area of stationary object
If the camera sensor and distance measurement sensor are positioned at different locations, then omnidirectional coverage is achieved, but coordinate correspondence between image data and distance data becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives data from both camera and distance measurement sensors, performs coordinate transformations, and aligns the data sets. This intermediary processing layer manages the coordinate correspondence complexity centrally, allowing the physical sensors to be positioned optimally for omnidirectional coverage without direct mechanical coupling.
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 accurate omnidirectional distance measurement and data storage corresponding to image data, allowing users to recall imaging situations with distance information.
Implementation Method 1
there is known a time of flight (TOF)-type distance measurement sensor that optically measures a distance to an imaged subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a camera apparatus capable of measuring a distance to a subject omnidirectionally while capturing an image of the subject omnidirectionally, and storing data of the image and the distance in correspondence therebetween. The camera apparatus includes two camera devices installed at positions that enable omnidirectional imaging; and two distance measurement devices installed at positions that enable omnidirectional distance measurement. Image data of each of pixel positions captured by the camera devices and distance data of each of the pixel positions measured by the distance measurement devices are stored in a memory in association with the pixel positions. The two camera devices are installed on surfaces that face each other with respect to a principal surface of the camera apparatus, and the two distance measurement devices are installed on surfaces that face each other with respect to a surface orthogonal to the principal surface of the camera apparatus.