Pixel Beam Data Representation for Cross-Camera Light-Field Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-field data acquisition systems produce heterogeneous data formats that are proprietary and require high computational load for processing, limiting interoperability and efficiency in post-processing operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating data representative of pixel beams by computing their conjugates through a second optical system, using a grid to sort and accumulate radiance values, reducing computational load and enabling interoperability across different camera systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary file formats are used for each camera system, then each camera can store its own light-field data, but interoperability between different camera systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light-field data representation that can be used across different camera systems. By defining a common coordinate system and data structure that works with plenoptic cameras, camera arrays, and focal plane sweeping systems, the invention enables interoperability without requiring proprietary formats for each system type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary representation layer between different camera systems and post-processing operations. This intermediate data format acts as a mediator that translates various proprietary formats into a unified structure, enabling seamless processing without direct compatibility between original formats.
2Productivity
If Fourier domain algorithms are used for refocusing, then refocusing can be performed, but computational load is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex Fourier domain computational mechanisms with simpler spatial domain operations. By using direct geometric relationships and linear interpolation in the spatial domain instead of Fourier transforms, the invention achieves refocusing with significantly reduced computational load while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the computational approach from frequency domain parameters to spatial domain parameters. By working directly with ray coordinates and geometric relationships in space rather than transforming to frequency space, the invention simplifies the computational process while achieving the same refocusing effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light-field data is acquired using different optical systems, then diverse data can be collected, but processing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments light-field data into discrete rays with defined coordinates and properties. By representing the continuous light field as a collection of individual rays with specific attributes, the invention enables efficient processing of diverse data types through uniform ray-based operations that work across different optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms light-field data representation by adding explicit ray coordinate dimensions. By organizing data in a standardized multi-dimensional ray coordinate system rather than camera-specific formats, the invention enables efficient processing across different optical systems through dimensionally consistent operations.
Data Source
AI summary
There are several types of plenoptic devices having their proprietary file format. At present there is no standard supporting the acquisition and transmission of multi-dimensional information for an exhaustive over-view of the different parameters upon which a light-field depends. As such acquired light-field data for different cameras have a diversity of formats. The notion of pixel beam, which represents a volume occupied by a set of rays of light in an object space of an optical system of a camera is thus introduced. The method according to the invention enables to provide data representative of a collection of pixel beams describing a first optical system that is agnostic since these data are obtained by imaging the collection of pixel beams through a second optical system. Such data representative of a collection of pixel beams enable the generation of parameterized output images from which post-processing.