Single Sensor Stereo Camera for Volumetric Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereo cameras are expensive and inefficient due to the need for precise synchronization and high computational power to process 3D data, leading to false positives and the requirement for multiple high-end processing units, making them unsuitable for widespread use in video analytics, especially in dynamic and crowded environments.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera system using a single imaging sensor with an optical apparatus that captures side-by-side images, eliminating the need for synchronization between sensors and enabling efficient processing of volumetric data using a single sensor, which can be retrofitted onto existing mono cameras, reducing costs and improving data resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual sensor stereo camera systems are used to capture 3D data, then depth information and volumetric data quality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to synchronization requirements and the need for multiple high-end processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate imaging sensors into a single sensor system where the first aperture captures a first image and the second aperture captures a second image, both on the same sensor. This merging eliminates synchronization complexity between sensors while preserving stereo depth information capability through the separated aperture design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path by providing first and second apertures separated by an interocular distance on the same sensor. This segmentation allows independent capture of left and right perspective images without requiring synchronized operation of separate sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If dual sensor stereo camera systems are used to capture 3D data, then volumetric data quality is improved, but cost increases due to multiple sensors and high-end processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate sensors into a single sensor that captures both left and right perspective images simultaneously. This reduces hardware costs by eliminating the need for two expensive sensors and their associated high-end processing units, while still delivering high-quality volumetric data through the segmented aperture approach.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional 2D video analytics are used, then processing infrastructure costs are reduced, but false positive identification increases in dynamic and crowded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D video analytics to 3D volumetric analysis by capturing images through separated apertures on the same sensor. This addition of depth information provides another dimension for object detection and analysis, improving reliability in crowded environments while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a single sensor rather than expensive dual-sensor systems.
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 allows for cost-effective, high-resolution 3D video capture and processing, reducing false positives and enabling real-time video analytics with lower infrastructure costs, suitable for use in dynamic environments and PTZ cameras.
Implementation Method 1
an optical apparatus including first and second apertures separated by an interocular distance and configured to focus first and second images on the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
optical apparatus including first and second apertures separated by an interocular distance and configured to focus first and second images on the imaging sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera, including an imaging sensor, and an optical apparatus comprising first and second apertures separated by an interocular distance and configured to focus first and second images on the imaging sensor in a side by side arrangement. An imaging system including the stereo camera, and at least one image processor, configured to receive first and second frames of image data from a stereo camera, and construct volumetric image data based on binocular disparity between the first and second frames.