Single Sensor 3D Adapter for Arbitrary Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D video technology requires two cameras or a three-chip camera to produce 3D images, limiting the ability to convert a single image sensor's output into arbitrary 3D encoded formats without delay and restricts the use of commercially available cameras for 3D applications.
Innovation Solution
A 3D adapter divides the image from a single image sensor into left and right optical paths, allowing the output to be processed and encoded into any 3D format using a PC with a PCIe video capture card or USB converters, enabling the use of commercially available cameras for 3D imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two cameras are used to capture 3D images, then the quality and accuracy of 3D imaging is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single camera's image sensor output into two separate image streams (left and right eye views) through software processing. The image sensor captures a single view, which is then algorithmically segmented and processed to create stereoscopic pairs, eliminating the need for physical camera segmentation while achieving 3D imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the captured image to generate left and right eye views. By processing a single captured image through computational algorithms, the system produces multiple view perspectives that simulate what two physical cameras would capture, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
2Productivity
If in-camera 3D encoding processing is performed, then the processing speed is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PC serve multiple functions: it acts as both the processing unit for 3D encoding and the display control unit. By utilizing the PC's existing computational resources and display capabilities, the system avoids adding dedicated 3D encoding hardware to the camera, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PC as an intermediary between the camera and the display device. The camera captures images, the PC performs 3D encoding processing and format conversion, and then outputs to various display devices. This intermediary approach distributes processing loads and allows use of powerful general-purpose computing resources rather than requiring specialized embedded processing in the camera.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to capture 3D images, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to convert into arbitrary 3D encoded formats without delay is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary capture of the image scene using a single sensor, then processes and converts it into various 3D encoded formats on demand. By capturing the source image first and then performing format conversions as needed, the system avoids the complexity of real-time multi-format encoding hardware while minimizing delays through efficient software processing of the pre-captured image data.
Data Source
AI summary
Convert the output image signal of a single camera with a single imaging element into any 3D encoding format, record in that format, and use that format to display 3D videos and 3D photos on a video display. Aiming a 3D shooting lens with two light paths equivalent to the left eye and right eye at one imaging element of one camera; the left optical path image is formed on the left half divided centrally by the long side of the imaging element, and the right optical path image is formed on the right half. Set a light shield on the central boundary line to prevent the left optical path image from deviating to the right half, and the right optical path image from deviating to the left half, and convert the image formed on the imaging element into an undeformed or compressed image signal and output as it is.