Omnidirectional Camera Lens Orientation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture apparatuses struggle with effective image stabilization when generating images with a smaller field of view than omnidirectional images, particularly due to restrictions on rotation angles for pitch and yaw movements.
Innovation Solution
An image capture apparatus using multiple lenses, such as circular fisheye lenses, that enables dynamic switching between camera units based on orientation changes to maintain image stabilization across various angles, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple lenses are used to capture omnidirectional images, then the field of view is expanded, but the complexity of image processing and stabilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the omnidirectional image capture task into segments by using multiple dedicated lenses (front lens for -180 to 0 degrees, rear lens for 0 to 180 degrees) instead of processing a single complex omnidirectional image. Each lens captures a specific angular range, simplifying the image processing and stabilization operations for each segment while maintaining the overall wide field of view.
2Stability of the object's composition
If image stabilization is performed for all rotation angles, then the stability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of active lenses based on the camera's current orientation. The control unit determines which lens (front, rear, or both) should be active based on the detected rotation angle, enabling image stabilization only when and where needed. This dynamic approach maintains image stabilization performance while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuously processing all lens data regardless of orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all camera units are enabled continuously, then the image capture coverage is maximized, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically enables or disables specific lenses based on the camera's current orientation and the required image capture coverage. The control unit selects only the necessary lens(es) for the current shooting direction, maximizing capture coverage for the active orientation while minimizing power consumption by keeping inactive lenses in a low-power state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the camera system by switching between different lens configurations based on orientation. The control unit adjusts which lens is active (front, rear, or both) according to the detected rotation angle, optimizing both capture coverage and power consumption by matching the active lens configuration to the current operational requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An image capture apparatus (100) that generates an omnidirectional image using imaging lenses (103a, 103b) is disclosed. The apparatus detects an orientation of the image capture apparatus. The apparatus identifies, when the image capture apparatus is in an operation mode for generating a first image with a smaller field of view than an omnidirectional image, an area to be captured required to generate the image on a basis of a difference between a reference orientation and a current orientation of the image capture apparatus. The apparatus, when the image capture apparatus is in the operation mode, enables image capture using an imaging lens, from among the imaging lenses, required to capture the area to be captured and disables image capture using an imaging lens, from among the imaging lenses, not required to capture the area to be captured.