Optical Deflection Arrangement for Multi-Directional Spatial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic image analysis systems require substantial computing power to determine position in unknown spaces, especially when there are no defined characteristics, and suffer from positional drift due to sensor errors.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement using a single camera with multiple optical deflection elements to capture and analyze three or more partial images, reducing computational complexity and eliminating positional drift by combining camera and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereoscopic camera arrangement with multiple cameras is used to capture images from different directions, then measurement precision of spatial position is improved, but device complexity and computing power requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single camera's field of view into multiple partial images captured from different directions using optical deflection elements. Instead of using multiple cameras simultaneously, the system segments the imaging task by deflecting light rays from different angles to a single camera sensor, achieving multi-directional capture without the complexity of multiple camera systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical deflection elements (mirrors or prisms) as intermediaries between the environment and the camera. These deflection elements redirect light rays from different directions onto the camera sensor, enabling the single camera to capture images that would otherwise require multiple cameras positioned at different locations
2Ease of operation
If sensor-based positional determination is used to track movements through space, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accumulating drift errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses camera images as feedback to correct and recalibrate the positional determination. By capturing images from multiple directions and analyzing their geometric relationships, the system can detect deviations from expected spatial patterns and adjust the positional calculation, thereby compensating for sensor drift and improving long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous sensor-based mechanical tracking with periodic optical measurement. Instead of relying on continuous sensor data that accumulates errors, the system uses discrete camera images to establish geometric constraints, substituting the mechanical sensor approach with an optical measurement approach that provides periodic correction
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture partial images from different directions, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to synchronization requirements and processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple cameras into a single camera system by using optical deflection elements to redirect light from different directions onto one sensor. This consolidation reduces the energy consumption associated with operating and synchronizing multiple camera devices while maintaining the ability to capture images from multiple directions through the single camera
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 precise spatial positioning with low computing power and minimizes positional drift, allowing for efficient and accurate determination of the camera's position in space.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical deflection elements for dividing the recorded image into three or more partial images
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes an arrangement for optically capturing a space from a plurality of directions, having first deflection elements for deflecting optical rays, a second deflection element, and a camera arranged downstream from the second deflection element, wherein at least three first deflection elements are provided that are arranged so as to be mutually spaced apart on a plane and are aligned such that they direct optical rays, referred to as partial images, that are incident in parallel from different directions to the second deflection element, referred to as a splitter, and wherein the splitter is embodied such that it deflects the partial images back substantially in their original direction of radiation and into the capture range of the camera.