Solid-State Imaging Element Stereo Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stereo imaging devices with independent left and right cameras struggle to accurately fix the positional relationship between images, leading to inaccuracies in three-dimensional image capture due to tilts and positional deviations.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves imaging each image light from a subject at different positions of a single lens means as multiple images in various regions of a solid-state imaging element, eliminating the need for correcting tilts and positional deviations by separating left and right image lights into distinct regions on a single imaging element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two independent cameras are placed on the left and right to capture stereoscopic images, then stereoscopic imaging capability is achieved, but the positional relationship between left and right images cannot be accurately fixed due to tilts and positional deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic imaging capabilityVSAvoidpositional relationship accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two independent cameras into a single camera by using a single imaging element with multiple imaging regions. This integration eliminates the positional deviations and tilts that occur between separate cameras while maintaining stereoscopic imaging capability through directional sensitivity differences in the merged structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging element is segmented into multiple imaging regions, each with different directional sensitivities. This segmentation allows each region to capture images from specific directions, enabling accurate stereoscopic imaging by dividing the imaging function across specialized regions rather than using separate cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If two independent cameras are used for stereoscopic imaging, then left and right image capture is achieved, but correction means for tilts and positional deviations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic imaging functionVSAvoidcorrection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stereoscopic imaging function and the correction function into a single integrated structure. By merging the two camera functions into one imaging element with directionally sensitive regions, the need for separate correction mechanisms is eliminated as the positional relationship is inherently fixed by the single structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If two independent cameras are placed close together to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but accurate fixing of positional relationship becomes even more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidpositional relationship fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two camera systems into one, which naturally reduces the overall device size while eliminating the need for precise positioning between separate cameras. The single imaging element structure inherently maintains accurate positional relationships without requiring high-precision mounting of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach allows for accurate three-dimensional image capture without the need for correcting tilts and positional deviations, reducing costs by aggregating multiple cameras into a single camera while maintaining image resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a solid-state imaging element 2 for photoelectric conversion and imaging of image lights from a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2797312B1Imaging device and electronic information device
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 SHARP KK
  • EP2797312B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2797312B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2797312B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A means for correcting tilts and positional deviations from a stereo image is rendered unnecessary. The present invention has a solid-state imaging element 2 on which a plurality of light receiving sections for photoelectrically converting and imaging an image light from a subject are arranged in a matrix pattern and a lens means 3 with a single focal point on an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging element 2. The present invention is configured to simultaneously or chronologically expose and image each imaging light from a subject entering different positions of the lens means 3 as a plurality of images in a plurality of imaging regions for each predetermined imaging regions of the solid-state imaging element 2.