Polarization Matrix 3D Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing apparatuses for three-dimensional imaging are complex and large, requiring multiple lenses and polarization filters, which complicates the capture of both three-dimensional and two-dimensional images and causes visual fatigue due to increased parallax and synchronization challenges.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing apparatus with a simple configuration featuring first and second polarization means arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form, where the polarization states of different regions allow for the capture of three-dimensional images using a single lens system, enabling easy switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two video cameras are used to capture three-dimensional images, then the three-dimensional imaging capability is improved, but the apparatus size increases and becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate video cameras into a single camera by integrating a polarization filter array with the image sensor. This allows one camera to capture both left-eye and right-eye images simultaneously through different polarization channels, eliminating the need for two separate cameras and reducing apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization dimension to separate left-eye and right-eye images. Instead of using two separate spatial channels (two cameras), the invention uses the polarization dimension of light to encode different eye images, allowing them to be captured through a single optical path and sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a base line length of about 65 mm is used between two video cameras, then the three-dimensional effect is improved, but parallax increases in zoomed-up images causing visual fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable baseline length that dynamically adjusts with the zoom ratio. When the lens is zoomed in, the effective baseline length automatically decreases, and when zoomed out, it increases. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal parallax levels across different magnifications, preventing visual fatigue while preserving the three-dimensional effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two video cameras are used to capture moving subjects, then the three-dimensional imaging is improved, but precise synchronization control becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image capture function for both eyes into a single camera system. Since only one camera is used, synchronization control is no longer needed - the left-eye and right-eye images are captured simultaneously through different polarization channels in the same exposure, completely eliminating the synchronization complexity associated with two separate cameras.
4Adaptability or versatility
If polarization filters are added to extract right eye and left eye images, then the three-dimensional image extraction is improved, but light loss increases and apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image sensor into regions with different polarization characteristics. By incorporating a polarization filter array directly at the sensor level, each pixel or pixel group is designed to respond to specific polarization angles, allowing direct separation of left-eye and right-eye images without requiring additional external polarization filters that would cause light loss.
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 provides a compact, monocular image-capturing apparatus that can capture natural three-dimensional images with a short base line length, reducing visual fatigue and allowing for easy switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional modes without displacement or difference in zoom, diaphragm, focus, or convergence angle.
Implementation Method 1
first polarization means for polarizing light from a subject; second polarization means is provided at a light incident side
Implementation Method 2
a lens system for condensing light from the first polarization means
Implementation Method 3
the image-capturing device array converts the light condensed by the lens system into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to capturing an image of a subject as a three-dimensional image using a single image-capturing apparatus. The image-capturing apparatus includes a first polarization means, a lens system, and an image-capturing device array having a second polarization means. The first polarization means includes first and second regions arranged along a first direction, and the second polarization means includes multiple third and fourth regions arranged alternately along a second direction. First region transmission light having passed the first region passes the third region and reaches the image-capturing device, and second region transmission light having passed the second region passes the fourth region and reaches the image-capturing device. Thus, an image is captured to obtain a three-dimensional image in which a distance between a barycenter BC1 of the first region and a barycenter BC2 of the second region is a base line length of parallax between two eyes.