Split-Plate Camera Array Layout for Overlap and Parallax Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera array systems suffer from significant parallax errors and insufficient overlap, leading to distorted and incomplete images when capturing multiple directions simultaneously, particularly in cinematography and photography applications.
Innovation Solution
A camera array system with a plate structure featuring outward-facing camera clusters arranged every 90 degrees around a center, including an upward-facing camera, ensuring substantial overlapping angles and panoramic coverage by intersecting view angles, reducing parallax errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are arranged in a rosette formation with all cameras facing out and away from each other, then the camera array can capture multiple directions simultaneously, but this results in considerably less overlap and increased parallax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging cameras in a split-plate configuration where cameras on opposite sides face opposite directions rather than all facing outward. This asymmetric arrangement allows adjacent cameras to capture overlapping views of the same scene, reducing parallax while maintaining multi-directional capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional rosette arrangement to a three-dimensional split-plate configuration where cameras are distributed across two separate plates positioned at different spatial locations. This dimensional change enables cameras to capture views from multiple depths and angles, achieving both overlap and multi-directional coverage.
2Volume of moving object
If cameras are placed further apart to reduce material depth requirements, then device compactness is improved, but objects positioned at angles between camera views may be entirely absent from the shots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fields of view of cameras positioned on opposite sides of the split-plate configuration by having them face opposite directions. This merging of perspectives ensures that objects at various angles are captured by at least one camera, preventing complete omission while maintaining compact device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic coverage system where the split-plate configuration allows cameras to capture different spatial zones. By positioning cameras to face opposite directions, the system dynamically covers a broader angular range, ensuring objects at various positions are captured without requiring cameras to be placed far apart.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera array system featuring a plurality of camera clusters attached to a plurality of multi-prong stabilized mounting plates arranged in a split-rig configuration, with the mounting plates configured for mounting the camera clusters onto a moving vehicle.