Reconfigurable Multi-Mode Camera with Pivotal Sensor Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices cannot switch between monoscopic and stereoscopic imagery using multiple optical sensors, limiting their operational capabilities to specific field of view configurations.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable imaging device with multiple platforms and a pivotal connector that allows optical sensors to be rearranged between different angles, enabling switching between monoscopic and stereoscopic modes by altering the sensor orientations to cover various field of views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical sensors are fixed in a specific arrangement to cover a three-hundred sixty degree field of view for monoscopic imagery, then the device can capture panoramic images, but it cannot switch to stereoscopic imagery mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical sensor arrangement reconfigurable rather than fixed. The platforms carrying optical sensors can be dynamically repositioned between different configurations: a first arrangement for monoscopic imagery covering three-hundred sixty degrees, and a second arrangement for stereoscopic imagery. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the imaging device to adapt between different operational modes while managing structural complexity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging device into multiple independent platforms, each carrying optical sensors. These platforms can be independently positioned and reconfigured. By dividing the sensor system into separable modules on different platforms, the device achieves versatility in capturing both monoscopic and stereoscopic imagery without requiring a completely fixed rigid structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical sensors are fixed in a specific arrangement to cover different fields of view for monoscopic imagery, then the device can capture wide-angle images, but it lacks the flexibility to capture images at different focal depths for stereoscopic imagery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability of the optical sensor platforms to switch between operational modes. The platforms can be moved to a first configuration for monoscopic wide-angle capture and to a second configuration for stereoscopic depth capture. This dynamic adjustment provides field of view configuration flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through automated or controlled repositioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging platform that can perform multiple functions: capturing monoscopic imagery with three-hundred sixty degree field of view and capturing stereoscopic imagery with different focal depths. By making the same physical platforms serve both monoscopic and stereoscopic purposes through reconfiguration, the device achieves operational capability switching without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable imaging apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and an imaging system are described. Generally, the apparatus includes platforms. Each platform houses one or more optical sensors. A pivotal connector is connected with at least two platforms and supports a relative movement of such platforms with respect to one another. Hence, the platforms can be arranged and switched between different arrangements based on the pivotal connector, thereby allowing a reconfiguration of the apparatus. In an example, arrangement, the optical sensors are pointed in different directions to cover different fields of views, thereby supporting monoscopic imagery. In another example arrangement, the optical sensors are pointed in substantially a same direction to cover substantially a same field of view, thereby supporting stereoscopic imagery.