Stereo Camera Foreground Distance Sensor Disparity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereographic camera systems face challenges in maintaining a comfortable illusion of depth due to excessive disparity between images, which can lead to disconcerting and disruptive viewing experiences, especially when foreground objects intrude into the field of view, causing high and displeasing disparity in captured stereographic images.
Innovation Solution
A stereographic camera system with adjustable interocular distance and convergence angle, equipped with a foreground object distance sensor, dynamically adjusts its parameters to limit disparity by setting the interocular distance based on the distance to the closest foreground object, potentially switching to 2D mode when necessary, to maintain a pleasing stereoscopic effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the interocular distance is increased to enhance the apparent depth of the stereographic image, then the depth perception is improved, but the disparity between images becomes excessive causing disconcerting and disruptive viewing experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interocular distance adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the interocular distance based on the distance to the primary object being captured, allowing optimization of depth perception for different shooting scenarios while avoiding excessive disparity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of interocular distance based on object distance. When the primary object is closer, a smaller interocular distance is used; when the object is farther, a larger interocular distance is used. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient depth and avoiding excessive disparity.
2Device complexity
If a fixed interocular distance is used to simplify the camera system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to foreground objects causing high disparity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed interocular distance to a dynamic adjustable one. The interocular distance can be modified in real-time based on detected foreground objects, enabling adaptability without significantly increasing system complexity through the use of distance sensors and control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using a distance sensor to detect the position of foreground objects and automatically adjusting the interocular distance accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to varying shooting conditions without manual intervention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the interocular distance is decreased to reduce disparity for closer objects, then the discomfort from excessive disparity is reduced, but the apparent depth of the stereographic image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interocular distance parameter based on the distance to the primary object. For closer objects, a smaller interocular distance is selected to reduce disparity discomfort; for farther objects, a larger interocular distance is used to maintain apparent depth, thus resolving the contradiction through context-dependent parameter optimization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If automatic adjustment of interocular distance based on foreground object distance is implemented, then the adaptability to different shooting conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting foreground objects and adjusting the interocular distance without requiring manual input from the operator. The distance sensor and control system work autonomously to optimize stereographic parameters, reducing the operational burden while managing complexity through automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a stereographic camera system and a method of operating a stereographic camera system. The stereoscopic camera system may include a left camera and a right camera having respective left and right lenses and an IOD mechanism to set an interocular distance between the left and right cameras. A foreground distance sensor may provide an output indicative of a distance to a closest foreground object. A controller may causes the IOD mechanism to set the interocular distance based on, in part, the output of the foreground distance sensor.