Single-Lens Camera 3D Image Creation via Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating stereoscopic 3-D images require specialized cameras with two lenses and two image sensors, making 3-D image creation inaccessible and expensive for average users, as well as providing insufficient 'true' 3-D information.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use a single lens and image sensor to capture an initial image, determine a target displacement for a desired stereoscopic effect, and automatically capture a candidate image while moving the camera, performing an acceptability analysis to ensure the candidate image has acceptable quality and similarity to the initial image, before creating a stereoscopic image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specialized camera with two lenses and two image sensors is used to create stereoscopic 3-D images, then the image quality and true 3-D information are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stereoscopic imaging task into two separate 2-D images captured by a single camera at different positions. Instead of using a complex multi-lens camera, the system divides the 3-D reconstruction into sequential image capture steps, where each step uses a simple single-lens camera to capture one perspective, and the brain or processor reconstructs the 3-D effect from these segmented 2-D views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the 3-D scene by capturing two separate 2-D images from different viewpoints. Rather than directly recording true 3-D information with multiple lenses, the system makes multiple copies (images) of the scene from different perspectives and then synthesizes the 3-D effect computationally from these copies, accepting that it's a pseudo-3-D representation rather than true optical 3-D.
2Reliability
If a specialized camera with two lenses and two image sensors is used to create stereoscopic 3-D images, then the stereoscopic effect is improved, but the cost and accessibility for average users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable or inexpensive single-lens camera (even a smartphone camera) to capture the necessary images. Instead of requiring users to invest in expensive specialized stereoscopic cameras, the system enables anyone with a basic camera to create 3-D images by capturing two photos from different positions, making the technology accessible to the average user without significant financial barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera universal by showing that any standard single-lens camera can perform the stereoscopic imaging function when used in a specific two-step process. The camera isn't specialized for 3-D but can be made multi-functional through software processing, allowing one device to serve both 2-D and 3-D imaging purposes.
3Device complexity
If a single lens and image sensor are used to capture images for stereoscopic effect, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the image quality and similarity requirements increase the processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating whether the two captured images meet the required quality and similarity criteria for successful 3-D reconstruction. The processor autonomously assesses image characteristics, determines if the images are suitable for stereoscopic processing, and only proceeds with 3-D creation when the images pass the acceptability test, eliminating the need for manual quality assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the processor continuously evaluate the captured images against predetermined criteria (image quality and similarity to the original). Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to proceed with 3-D image creation or request new images, creating a closed-loop control process that ensures only suitable images are used for stereoscopic reconstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and non-transitory computer readable media that relate to stereoscopic image creation. A camera captures an initial image at an initial position. A target displacement from the initial position is determined for a desired stereoscopic effect, and an instruction is provided that specifies a direction in which to move the camera from the initial position. While the camera is in motion, an estimated displacement from the initial position is calculated. When the estimated displacement corresponds to the target displacement, the camera automatically captures a candidate image. An acceptability analysis is performed to determine whether the candidate image has acceptable image quality and acceptable similarity to the initial image. If the candidate image passes the acceptability analysis, a stereoscopic image is created based on the initial and candidate images.