Spherical Depth Camera Sub-Assemblies for 360-Degree VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems face challenges in capturing high-quality 360-degree images and depth maps due to the configuration of cameras, which affects the realism and seamlessness of the reconstructed virtual environment.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising a plurality of depth camera sub-assemblies arranged in a spherical configuration around a center point, with projectors emitting structured light patterns and cameras capturing images to generate 360-degree depth maps, allowing for the creation of 3D 360-degree content for virtual reality applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional camera configuration is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of depth maps and image quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple depth camera sub-assemblies, each independently capturing depth information from specific directions. Each sub-assembly projects structured light patterns and captures images, with the controller integrating data from all sub-assemblies to construct a comprehensive 360-degree depth map, thereby improving measurement precision through distributed sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional 2D image capture to 360-degree three-dimensional depth mapping by arranging cameras and projectors in a spherical configuration. This spatial dimensionality change enables comprehensive environmental reconstruction with accurate depth information from all directions simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If multiple depth camera sub-assemblies are arranged in spherical configuration, then 360-degree depth map quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple depth camera sub-assemblies are merged into a unified spherical system where each sub-assembly projects structured light patterns and captures images. The controller integrates depth information from all sub-assemblies to construct a single comprehensive 360-degree depth map, combining individual contributions into a cohesive whole
Solution Approach 2:
Each depth camera sub-assembly serves multiple functions: projecting structured light patterns, capturing images, and contributing to both depth map construction and plain image capture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components while maintaining system capabilities
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 enables the capture of high-quality 360-degree images and depth maps, enhancing the realism and immersion of virtual reality experiences by providing accurate depth information and seamless reconstruction of virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each projector faces away from the center point and is configured to project a structured light pattern over a field of view of the local area
Implementation Method 2
The one or more cameras of each depth camera sub-assembly are positioned facing away from the center point, and are configured to capture images of at least a portion of the structured light pattern projected by the projector of the depth camera sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system configured to generate depth information for a local area. The camera system comprises a plurality of depth camera sub-assemblies arranged in a substantially spherical arrangement. Each sub-assembly comprises a projector that projects a structured light pattern onto a portion of the local area, such that the projected light patterns of the plurality of sub-assemblies form a tiled light pattern covering 360 degrees of the local area. Each sub-assembly further comprises at least one camera is configured to capture images of the local area. A controller of the camera system is configured to receive the captured images and to construct a 360 degree depth map of the scene, based upon the structured light patterns projected by the projectors of the plurality captured in the received images.