Partial Spherical Ball Lens for Wide Angle Video Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems require multiple video capture devices to achieve a wide field of view, leading to increased costs and space requirements, as each device needs a lens assembly and significant space for deployment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a partial spherical ball lens that redirects light rays along an alternate axis using a flat surface, either with a reflective coating or through total internal reflection, allowing a single image capture device to cover a larger field of view with fewer devices and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple video capture devices are used to achieve a wide field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the equipment cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single video capture device by integrating a spherical lens with the image sensor. This merging allows one device to perform the work of multiple devices, achieving wide field of view coverage while reducing the quantity of equipment needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical lens redirects light rays from a wide angular field onto the image sensor plane, effectively mapping a three-dimensional wide-angle scene onto a two-dimensional sensor. This dimensional transformation enables a single device to capture what would otherwise require multiple devices positioned at different locations.
2Area of moving object
If multiple video capture devices are deployed to cover a wide field of view, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple imaging functions into a single device with a spherical lens, the patent eliminates the need for multiple devices spread across space. The single device maintains compact form factor while achieving wide field of view coverage that would otherwise require significant deployment space.
3Area of moving object
If a spherical lens is used to redirect light rays for wide angle imaging, then the field of view is expanded, but optical distortions are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful optical distortion introduced by the spherical lens into a beneficial computational task. By capturing the distorted wide-angle image and applying computational correction algorithms, the system transforms the initial distortion into an opportunity for flexible image processing and correction, ultimately achieving accurate wide-field imaging.
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 solution enables wider fields of view with fewer devices, reducing equipment costs and space needs while maintaining image quality through computational correction of distortions caused by the spherical lens.
Implementation Method 1
a partial spherical ball lens having a flat surface from which light rays of a field of view are reflected along an axis
Implementation Method 2
The system may also involve at least one image sensor disposed along the axis to receive the reflected light rays
Data Source
AI summary
Wide angled image generation may be facilitated by directing light rays of a field of view through a partial spherical ball lens along an original axis. The light rays may be redirected off of a flat surface of the partial spherical ball lens along a different axis to at least one image sensor. The at least one image sensor is operable converts the light rays into digital data representing the redirected light rays. Wide angled images may be generated from the digital data.