Semi-transparent mirror calibration for stereoscopic camera alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for recording three-dimensional images with multiple cameras face challenges in aligning beam paths without interference, requiring complex and heavy positioning mechanisms, which can introduce vibrations and limit the wide angle of lenses, especially when cameras have different geometric properties and cannot be positioned closely due to physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device with a semi-transparent mirror firmly installed in a vibration-free mirror box, allowing horizontal or vertical translation, and adjustable at corners with ball joints or motorized drives, along with adjustable optical elements and sensors to compensate for calibration, enabling precise alignment without geometric distortions and allowing partial image reading to conserve bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cameras are positioned side by side to achieve stereoscopic recording, then two separate views can be obtained, but the camera bodies and lenses are too large to position them close enough, preventing the beam paths from overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a semi-transparent mirror to redirect one camera's beam path through a different spatial dimension (vertical direction), allowing the two cameras to be positioned at different heights rather than side by side. This enables the beam paths to overlap while keeping the cameras physically separated to avoid housing interference.
Solution Approach 2:
A semi-transparent mirror is introduced as an intermediary element between the two cameras. This mirror allows one camera to capture the scene directly while the other camera captures the scene through the mirror, enabling beam path overlap without direct physical proximity between cameras.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of cameras and lenses are used to suit specific tasks, then recording flexibility is improved, but the geometric properties (e.g., optical axes) never match exactly, requiring alignment adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable mounting mechanisms for both cameras and the semi-transparent mirror, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions and orientations. This enables precise alignment of optical axes and beam paths after the cameras are installed, accommodating different camera types while achieving accurate stereoscopic calibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If a positioning device is used to adjust the camera itself for alignment, then beam path alignment is achieved, but a very expensive, robust, precise and complex positioning mechanism is required, increasing overall weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the heavy camera itself, the patent uses a semi-transparent mirror as an intermediary that can be adjusted more easily. The mirror's adjustment mechanism is lighter and less complex than a camera positioning device, achieving the same beam path alignment goal with reduced weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is segmented into separate adjustable components: the camera mounting and the mirror mounting. This allows the lighter mirror adjustment mechanism to handle the precision alignment task, while the camera remains relatively fixed, reducing the need for heavy positioning mechanisms on the camera itself.
4Manufacturing precision
If the mirror is rotated about a fixed axis in a mirror box, then beam path alignment is possible, but a very robust, precise, heavy and complicated mechanism is required to install the mirror in a vibration-free manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed-axis rotation mechanism to a multi-degree-of-freedom adjustable mounting system. The mirror can be adjusted in multiple directions (horizontal, vertical, and angular) using simpler mechanisms, eliminating the need for a complex fixed-axis rotation system while achieving the same alignment precision.
5Manufacturing precision
If a fixed-axis mirror rotation mechanism is used, then alignment is possible, but a lot of valuable space on the sides of the mirror box is wasted, severely limiting the wide angle of the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the mirror vertically above the cameras rather than horizontally in a mirror box. This vertical arrangement eliminates the need for lateral space in the mirror box, allowing lenses to have wider angles without being constrained by the mirror box's side space requirements.
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
This solution simplifies the calibration process, reduces the need for complex mechanisms, minimizes vibrations, and allows for wider lens angles by enabling precise alignment and adjustment of camera positions and optical elements, resulting in improved three-dimensional image quality and reduced weight and cost.
Implementation Method 1
brings together the beam paths of at least two cameras via a semi-transparent mirror
Implementation Method 2
semi-transparent mirror in such a way that the beam paths of both cameras can overlap
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for positioning and calibrating at least two cameras, said device comprising a semi-transparent mirror for three-dimensional image recording, and wherein calibration is achieved by a displaceable mirror box, by a movably mounted mirror or by an image converter, the data from which can be read in image parts.