Stereo Camera Synchronized Zoom Parallax Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo camera systems face challenges in accurately measuring distance to obstacles due to the lack of synchronized focal length control between cameras, which affects the zoom function and parallax calculation, leading to inaccurate distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera apparatus with synchronized focal length control between two imaging units, utilizing a focal length controller to output driving signals to actuators in both units, ensuring precise synchronization of focal lengths and enabling accurate distance measurement through synchronized zoom function and parallax calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If focal length is changed in stereo camera systems, then zoom function is achieved, but focal length synchronization between cameras becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focal length control of the left and right cameras into a single integrated control system. The control unit receives a single zoom instruction and simultaneously drives both cameras to change their focal lengths in sync, merging what would otherwise be two independent control systems into one unified operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each camera's actual focal length is detected and fed back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected focal lengths with the target focal length and adjusts the driving signals accordingly to maintain synchronization, ensuring accurate focal length coordination during zoom operations.
2Ease of operation
If focal lengths of cameras are not synchronized, then zoom operation is flexible, but parallax calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual focal lengths of both cameras through detection units and uses this feedback information to adjust driving signals. This ensures that during zoom operations, both cameras maintain synchronized focal lengths, preserving parallax calculation accuracy while allowing flexible zoom operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or independent mechanical focal length adjustment with an automated electronic control system that uses detection and feedback mechanisms. This substitution ensures precise focal length synchronization without compromising zoom operation flexibility, as the system automatically maintains coordination between cameras.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent focal length control is used for each camera, then individual adjustment is possible, but distance measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the independent focal length control systems into a unified controlled system where both cameras receive coordinated driving signals from a single control unit. This ensures that while cameras can be adjusted, they do so in synchronization, maintaining the focal length relationship needed for accurate distance measurement through parallax calculation.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera apparatus includes a first imaging unit including a first imaging optical system provided with a plurality of lens groups, and a first actuator configured to change a focal length by driving at least one of the plurality of lens groups of the first imaging optical system; a second imaging unit including a second imaging optical system provided with a plurality of lens groups, and a second actuator configured to change a focal length by driving at least one of the plurality of lens groups of the second imaging optical system; a focal length controller configured to output synchronized driving signals to the first and second actuators; and an image processing unit configured to calculate a distance to a subject by using images captured by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit.