Single Camera 3D Imaging via Dynamic Parallax Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D modeling techniques require large-scale or special equipment to acquire high-precision 3D models, as they necessitate multiple cameras or a camera with multiple imaging units to achieve the desired parallax.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus and method that includes an imaging unit, a movement distance acquirer, a determining unit, and a three-dimensional image generator, which allows for high-precision 3D model acquisition by determining if the imaging unit has moved a calculated distance and generating a 3D image using images taken before and after this movement, without the need for large-scale equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras or a camera with multiple imaging units are used to acquire images with desired parallax, then 3D modeling precision is improved, but device complexity and scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the imaging unit movable instead of using multiple fixed cameras. The single imaging unit is moved to different positions to capture images from multiple viewpoints, dynamically creating the parallax effect that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous cameras. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining 3D modeling precision through controlled movement while avoiding the complexity of multiple imaging units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension to the imaging process. Instead of capturing multiple images simultaneously with multiple cameras (spatial arrangement), the system captures images sequentially by moving a single camera through different positions (temporal arrangement). This dimensionality change from spatial to temporal multi-viewpoint acquisition eliminates the need for multiple cameras while maintaining the required parallax for 3D modeling.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used instead of multiple cameras, then device complexity is reduced, but acquiring sufficient parallax for accurate 3D modeling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the required movement distance based on the subject's distance and the desired parallax angle. Before capturing images, the system determines the exact displacement needed, then executes this predetermined movement. This ensures that the single moving camera achieves the precise parallax required for accurate 3D modeling, compensating for the simplicity of using only one camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detection units to monitor the actual movement of the imaging unit and comparing it against the predetermined movement distance. If the movement deviates from the target, the system can adjust subsequent actions to compensate. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with a simple single-camera setup, the required parallax is accurately achieved, maintaining 3D modeling precision despite reduced device complexity.
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 the acquisition of high-precision 3D models using a single digital camera without the need for multiple cameras or special equipment, by calculating and translating the camera to achieve the necessary parallax for accurate 3D modeling.
Implementation Method 1
the distance between the object and the cameras (i.e., the depth) is computed from spacing between the two cameras as well as the difference in appearance (i.e., the parallax) between specific sites in images of the object respectively imaged by the two cameras
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a first imaging controller configured to control imaging by an imaging unit; a movement distance acquirer configured to acquire movement distance of the imaging unit required to generate a three-dimensional image of the imaged subject after imaging by the first imaging controller; a first determining unit configured to determine whether or not the imaging unit has moved the movement distance acquired by the movement distance acquirer; a second imaging controller configured to control imaging with respect to the imaging unit in the case where it is determined by the first determining unit that the imaging unit has moved the movement distance; and a three-dimensional image generator configured to generate a three-dimensional image from the image acquired by the first imaging controller and the image acquired by the second imaging controller.