Rotating Mirror for Wide Field of View Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing systems require multiple cameras and complex setups to achieve a wide field of view or varying angles while maintaining high resolution and quality, which is inefficient and economically costly, especially when dealing with moving objects or varying object heights.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing system utilizing a rotating mirror with a mirror driver and controller to adjust the reflection angle, allowing a single camera to capture images from both direct and reflected light paths, synchronizing rotational speed with the camera's frame rate to obtain consecutive images at different angles, and using a measuring unit to select focused light paths based on object distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are installed to achieve a wide field of view or varying angles, then the field of view and angle coverage are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating mirror that dynamically changes its reflection angle to redirect light from different directions to a single fixed camera. This dynamic adjustment allows one camera to capture images from multiple angles and achieve a wide field of view without installing multiple cameras, thereby resolving the contradiction between field of view and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mirror acts as an intermediary element between the object and the camera. It intercepts light from different directions and redirects it to the camera sensor, enabling a single camera to perceive a wider field of view. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for multiple cameras while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are installed to photograph objects at varying heights or angles, then the coverage range is improved, but the economic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mirror system enables a single camera to perform multiple functions by changing its effective viewing angle. The camera can photograph objects at varying heights and from different angles by adjusting the mirror's reflection angle, making one camera universal for multiple shooting scenarios and improving economic efficiency
3Speed
If the camera frame rate is increased to capture moving objects, then the frame rate is improved, but the economic efficiency deteriorates when frames do not overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mirror continuously changes its reflection angle during rotation, allowing the camera to capture images from different angles in sequence. This continuous angular scanning ensures that high frame rate captures are utilized effectively without waste, as each frame provides unique angular information about the object
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
Enables a single camera to capture images of wide objects and varying heights with adjustable field of view and focal length, increasing economic efficiency and image quality without the need for multiple cameras or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating mirror configured to change a path of light input to a camera or allow light to pass therethrough according to a reflection angle of a mirror surface of the rotating mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an image capturing system and method. In the image capturing system and method, a light path is changed by controlling a reflection angle of a mirror surface using a rotating mirror so that a single camera obtains consecutive images at various angles or at a wide photographing width.