Stereo Panorama Capture with Selective Light Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing horizontal disparity stereo panoramas are either limited to static scenes with single moving cameras or require expensive, large, and computationally intensive multi-camera rigs for dynamic scenes, lacking a compact and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A panoramic stereo optical system incorporating a multi-surface selective light reflector unit and a computing unit with a camera, which processes warped images to create left and right eye panoramas, allowing for compact and efficient capture of horizontal disparity stereo panoramas in both static and dynamic scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single moving camera is used to capture horizontal disparity stereo panorama, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system can only work with static scenes and requires significant computational overhead for pose correction and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the panoramic capture into multiple overlapping images taken at different positions, then segments and stitches them together computationally to create the final stereo panorama, enabling dynamic scene capture with a single camera
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational processing as an intermediary step between image capture and final output, using pose correction and alignment algorithms to combine multiple images into a coherent stereo panorama that works for both static and dynamic scenes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple synchronized cameras are used to capture horizontal disparity stereo panorama, then the system can capture dynamic scenes, but the device complexity, size, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple synchronized cameras into a single camera system by sequentially capturing images at different positions and combining them computationally, achieving multi-camera capabilities with single-camera hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates computational copies of the imaging process by capturing multiple images from different positions and synthesizing them into a final stereo panorama, replacing physical multi-camera hardware with computational image synthesis
3Area of stationary object
If multiple images are stitched together to create horizontal disparity stereo panorama, then the field of view is expanded, but stitching artifacts increase and computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary pose correction and alignment on individual images before stitching, pre-processing the images to minimize misalignment and reduce stitching artifacts in the final panorama
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes stitching parameters and alignment algorithms to minimize artifact generation while expanding the field of view, adjusting computational parameters to balance panorama quality with artifact reduction
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
Enables the capture of high-resolution horizontal disparity stereo panoramas for both static and dynamic scenes with reduced computational overhead and cost, using a compact setup that can be integrated into devices like smartphones, improving field of view and minimizing stitching artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a multi surface selective light reflector unit adapted to obtain light rays from a three dimensional (3D) scene and reflect the light rays
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for capturing horizontal disparity stereo panorama is disclosed. The system includes a multi surface selective light reflector unit (104), a secondary reflector (106) and a computing unit (102). The multi surface selective light reflector unit (104) (a) obtains light rays from a 3D scene of outside world that are relevant to create (i) a left eye panorama and (ii) a right eye panorama and (b) reflects the light rays without internal reflections between the light rays. The secondary reflector (106) (a) obtains the reflected light rays from the multi surface selective light reflector unit (104) and (b) reflects the light rays through the viewing aperture (116). The computing unit (102) captures (i) the reflected light rays from the secondary reflector (106) and (ii) the upper part of the 3D scene from a concave lens (116) as a warped image and processes the warped image to (a) the left eye panorama and (b) the right eye panorama.