Radial Camera Array with Overlapping Elevation Angles for Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems struggle to capture wide-angle images seamlessly using multiple cameras without parallax and blind spots, especially when trying to photograph the entire surroundings without interruptions in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Innovation Solution
The camera system consists of multiple cameras arranged radially with their principal-axis directions directed upward at predetermined elevation angles, overlapping vertical and horizontal angles of view, and using a line-exposure successive readout system with alternating camera orientations to minimize parallax and install external devices in blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are arranged radially with principal-axis directions directed upward at predetermined elevation angles, then blind spots in vertical directions are reduced and horizontal coverage is improved, but parallax distortion increases between adjacent camera images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the elevation angle of camera principal axes and the angular intervals between adjacent cameras. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves continuous coverage while managing parallax distortion through mathematical modeling and computational correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image processing unit receives images from multiple cameras, calculates their positional relationships, and performs stitching while compensating for parallax. The system continuously adjusts processing parameters based on the captured images to maintain coverage continuity and minimize distortion.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are arranged to overlap vertical angles of view, then horizontal coverage is improved, but the complexity of coordinating multiple camera views increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into distinct fields of view for each camera, with defined overlap regions. The image processing unit handles each camera's input separately and then integrates them systematically, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple views by breaking down the overall task into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal image processing unit that handles all cameras uniformly, applying the same processing workflow to each camera's input. This multi-functional approach simplifies coordination by using consistent processing logic across all cameras rather than camera-specific handling.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If line-exposure successive readout system is used with alternating camera orientations, then parallax is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a line-exposure successive readout system where cameras are activated in alternating sequences. This periodic readout pattern minimizes parallax by ensuring that adjacent cameras capture images at overlapping time intervals, creating a rhythmic capture sequence that reduces geometric distortion while managing system complexity through structured timing.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an excellent photographing apparatus including a plurality of cameras and capable of photographing a wide angle image with less parallax.View point positions (camera positions) of video cameras 101 to 106 are radially arranged at predetermined angular intervals on a horizontal concentric circle about a vertical reference axis that passes a predetermined reference point. The video cameras are fixed in such a manner that camera principal-axis directions of the video cameras are individually directed outward and upward from a horizontal plane by a predetermined elevation angle Tvu, with the result that upper end portions of a vertical angle of view overlap. Therefore, photographing can be performed uninterruptedly even in an overhead direction without providing a camera that is directed right above.