Quad Diamond Display for Stereoscopic Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aligning cameras in a two-camera rig to produce stereoscopic images are cumbersome and lack precision in matching signal levels, color balance, and geometric alignment, making it difficult to eliminate mismatches without reference to specific image segments.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Quad Diamond display system, where corresponding pixels from left and right images are plotted as 2D histograms to facilitate precise registration and color balance evaluation, allowing for adjustments to achieve optimal geometric alignment and quality stereoscopic video signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional split-screen comparison or checkerboard pattern methods are used for camera alignment, then the process is simple to implement, but the precision of matching signal levels, color balance, and geometric alignment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the alignment evaluation from traditional 2D split-screen or checkerboard patterns into a 3D vector display space. By mapping RGB component differences into a three-dimensional coordinate system with origin at (0,0,0) and axes representing red, green, and blue components, the system provides intuitive spatial representation of color balance and signal level mismatches, enabling precise measurement while maintaining visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes display parameters based on the measured differences between left and right camera signals. The vector display adapts its visualization parameters (such as vector length, direction, and color intensity) to reflect the magnitude and nature of mismatches in RGB components, allowing operators to precisely assess and adjust alignment quality.
2Measurement precision
If waveform monitor or vector display is used to precisely match signal levels and color balance, then the matching precision is improved, but the ease of operation and understanding is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded vector display where different colors represent different RGB component mismatches. The vector display dynamically changes colors to indicate which color channel (red, green, or blue) has the largest discrepancy, providing intuitive visual guidance to operators for rapid adjustment while maintaining precise measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary visual representation layer between the raw camera signals and the operator's adjustment decisions. The vector display acts as a mediator that translates complex signal level and color balance data into intuitive visual vectors, making it easier for operators to understand and adjust camera alignment without directly interpreting raw waveform data.
3Ease of operation
If side-by-side picture monitor comparison is used for camera alignment, then the method is easy to understand, but the precision of geometric and color matching is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional 2D picture comparison by adding a 3D vector dimension that quantifies the magnitude and direction of mismatches. While the picture monitor provides intuitive visual comparison, the overlaying vector display adds precise measurement capability by representing RGB differences as vectors in 3D space, combining ease of understanding with measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a stereoscopic image registration and color balance evaluation display enables a user to align two cameras used to produce a stereoscopic video signal or to analyze a received stereoscopic video signal. Left and right images from the cameras are converted into desired video signal components. Corresponding pixels from the left and right images are compared for each of the video signal components, and plotted as x and y inputs to a Cartesian plot to produce respective two-dimensional (2D) histograms. The multiple 2D histograms are presented as a Quad Diamond display so a user may align the two cameras or analyze the received stereoscopic video signal.