Rotatable Camera Rig for Interference-Free 3D Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional imaging systems face challenges in obtaining images from all points surrounding an object without other cameras appearing in the field of view and ensuring that lighting does not directly encompass cameras, which hinders efficient 3D reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A camera rig with a rotatable and translatable array of cameras and lighting arrangement that avoids direct overlap between camera and light fields of view, combined with a control system for precise image capture and stitching, allowing for efficient 3D image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are positioned on a rig surrounding the object to obtain images from all points, then complete 3D coverage is achieved, but other cameras appear in the field of view causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image capture to 3D spatial arrangement of cameras on a spherical rig, utilizing three-dimensional positioning to achieve complete object coverage while managing camera interference through spatial separation
2Illumination intensity
If lights are positioned to illuminate the object from all angles, then complete lighting coverage is achieved, but lights directly encompass cameras causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial characteristics to different components: cameras are positioned to capture images while lights are positioned to illuminate, with each component optimized for its specific function and location on the spherical rig
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses three-dimensional spatial separation on a spherical rig to resolve the conflict between lighting coverage and camera interference, positioning lights and cameras at different angular positions around the object
3Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from many angles, then complete 3D reconstruction data is obtained, but image stitching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images in a systematic spherical arrangement with known camera positions and orientations, which simplifies subsequent image stitching and 3D reconstruction processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a complete spherical copy of the visual environment around the object by positioning cameras to capture 360-degree coverage, enabling comprehensive 3D reconstruction
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described below provide for rapid imaging of an object and reconstruction of a 3D image of the object. The imaging system is configured to obtain numerous images of an object from many angles around the object. The imaging system includes a camera rig which supports several cameras, with the viewing angle of each camera directed to the object. The camera rig is rotatable about the object, or vice-versa, in order to obtain images around the entirety of the object. The location of each camera is used by an imaging processing system to match adjacent images to be stitched together, avoiding the need to compare edges of a number of images to match an image to an adjacent image.