Pinhole Camera 3D Imaging System Optical Path Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for capturing, transmitting, and reconstructing three-dimensional images are complex and require significant space and resources, limiting the generation and transmission of realistic images and films.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that record and reproduce three-dimensional images using an optical axis, aperture, and angle-resolving detector and emitter, eliminating the need for imaging optics like mirrors, thereby simplifying the optical path and reducing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mirror systems are used to capture and reconstruct three-dimensional images, then true three-dimensional reconstruction is possible, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the mirror components from the optical system. Instead of using convex mirrors to capture and reconstruct three-dimensional images, the invention uses a pinhole camera approach with a curved negative support surface that directly records the three-dimensional light field information, removing the complex mirror arrangement while maintaining reconstruction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based optical system with a pinhole camera system that uses a curved negative support surface. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment of mirrors and reduces the overall system complexity while achieving the same three-dimensional reconstruction function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If two convex mirrors are used for three-dimensional reproduction, then true three-dimensional image reconstruction is achieved, but the space requirements and component costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional image reconstructionVSAvoidsystem space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of the two convex mirrors into a single pinhole camera system with a curved negative support surface. This consolidation integrates the light field capture and reconstruction functions into one compact unit, significantly reducing the space requirements while maintaining the three-dimensional reconstruction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the curved negative support surface is positioned within the pinhole camera housing. This nesting allows the three-dimensional reconstruction function to be embedded within a compact form factor, reducing the overall system footprint compared to the external mirror arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of information

If multiple images are captured at different angles to record angular distribution, then complete three-dimensional information is obtained, but the number of image elements and processing effort increase proportionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular distribution information completenessVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from capturing multiple two-dimensional images at different angles to capturing a single three-dimensional light field distribution using a curved negative support surface. This dimensional transformation allows all angular information to be recorded simultaneously in one exposure, eliminating the need for multiple images and reducing processing effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution enables the generation and transmission of more realistic three-dimensional images and films, reducing complexity and space requirements while allowing for flexible component arrangement and cost-effective implementation using planar detectors.

Implementation Method 1

The aperture opening is designed such that the spatial distribution of the passing light in the region of the aperture differs due to the propagation angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 2

the detector is an angle-resolving detector configured to detect the intensity of the light emitted by the three-dimensional object across the angle around the aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The emitter is an angle-resolving emitter configured to emit light, corresponding to a known intensity distribution of the light emitted by a three-dimensional object, across an angle to the aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3553590B1Device and method for recording, transmitting and spatial reconstruction of images of three-dimensional objects
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3553590B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3553590B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3553590B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention relates to devices (1; 101) for recording, transmitting, and reconstructing images of a three-dimensional object (5), as well as a method for recording, transmitting, and reconstructing images of a three-dimensional object (5), and furthermore to a system comprising the recording device (1) and the transmission device (101), and comprising: an aperture (3, 103), a detector (4), a transmission medium (700), and an emitter (120). First, the angular distribution of the light emitted by a three-dimensional object (5) in front of an aperture (3) is detected behind the aperture (3) by a detector (4) and transmitted to an emitter (120) by means of a suitable transmission medium (700). The emitter then emits light onto a second aperture (103) according to the angular distribution, thereby creating a virtual object (105) behind the second aperture (103).