Stereo Imaging Device for 3D Field View Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic movable objects, such as vehicles and robots, require effective monitoring of their surroundings to safely navigate and recognize stop positions, but existing imaging systems lack the capability to efficiently capture a three-dimensional field of view and accurately determine distances to subjects.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising a first imaging section with a standard lens and a second imaging section with a wider-angle lens, capturing first and second image data respectively, and acquiring image data with parallax to enable three-dimensional field view capture and distance measurement, which is used to control the vehicle's driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single imaging section with a standard lens is used, then the image quality and resolution are maintained, but the field of view is limited and three-dimensional distance measurement capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple imaging sections: a first imaging section with a standard lens for high-resolution imaging and a second imaging section with a wide-angle lens for broad field of view coverage. Each section performs specialized functions, and their data are integrated to achieve both wide coverage and precise three-dimensional measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional field of view capture by combining images from multiple imaging sections with different focal lengths and angles. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate distance measurement and spatial understanding.
2Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle lens is used to expand the field of view, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the image resolution and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging task between a wide-angle lens for coverage and a standard lens for precision. The wide-angle imaging section captures the broad scene, while the standard lens imaging section captures detailed views of specific regions, eliminating the need to compromise between field of view and resolution in a single lens.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the monitoring scene are captured with different quality levels appropriate to their purpose. The wide-angle lens provides adequate quality for distant objects and broad coverage, while the standard lens provides high quality for nearby objects requiring precise measurement and recognition.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to expand the field of view, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging sections with different lens characteristics are merged into a single integrated imaging device. The control unit combines image data from both sections, processing them together to generate comprehensive three-dimensional information, thereby managing complexity through unified control rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both standard and wide-angle lenses in one unit, enabling it to perform both wide-area monitoring and precise distance measurement tasks simultaneously, replacing what would otherwise require separate specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a first imaging section, a second imaging section and an image data acquiring section. The first imaging section includes a first lens. The second imaging section includes a second lens. The second lens has an angle of view wider than the first lens. The image data acquiring section acquires first image data of a subject captured by the first imaging section, second image data of the subject captured by the second imaging section, and a pair of image data having parallax based on the first image data and the second image data.