Stereoscopic Camera Autofocus with Disparity and Sharpness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coordinating the focusing of multiple lenses in a stereoscopic imaging device, especially when assisted by a robotic system, is challenging due to differences in perspective, leading to reduced image quality if not properly synchronized.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic imaging platform with a controller that executes automatic focusing modes, including disparity and sharpness control, using disparity feedback and sharpness parameters to adjust the working distance of the lenses, leveraging a robotic arm for precise movement and image alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are used in a stereoscopic imaging device to capture left and right images, then stereoscopic vision capability is improved, but coordinating the focusing of multiple lenses becomes complex and image quality deteriorates if focusing is not synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lenses into a single lens assembly that is controlled by one focus motor, rather than having separate focus mechanisms for each lens. This merging approach simplifies the focusing coordination while maintaining stereoscopic imaging capability, as the single focus motor adjusts the working distance for both lenses simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens assembly serves multiple functions by capturing both left and right stereoscopic images while being controlled by a universal focus mechanism. The lens assembly is designed to handle both imaging paths (left and right eyes) with a single focus adjustment system, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic arm is used to move the stereoscopic camera during image acquisition, then imaging flexibility and adaptability are improved, but maintaining focus during movement becomes difficult and image quality reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by continuously monitoring disparity feedback during robotic arm movement and automatically adjusting the lens position to maintain focus. The system adapts to changing working distances in real-time, allowing the robotic arm to move freely while maintaining image quality through active focus control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disparity feedback from the stereoscopic images to detect focus status and automatically adjusts the focus motor accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that focus is maintained even when the robotic arm moves the camera to different positions, improving reliability during dynamic operation.
3Measurement precision
If automatic focusing modes using disparity feedback are implemented, then focus accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with a computational approach using disparity feedback. Instead of relying on mechanical sensors or complex optical systems to detect focus status, the system uses image processing algorithms to calculate disparity and determine focus accuracy, simplifying the physical system while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic imaging platform includes a stereoscopic camera configured to record left and right images of a target site. A robotic arm is operatively connected to the stereoscopic camera, the robotic arm being adapted to selectively move the stereoscopic camera relative to the target. The stereoscopic camera includes a lens assembly having at least one lens and defining a working distance. The lens assembly has at least one focus motor adapted to move the at least one lens to selectively vary the working distance. A controller is adapted to selectively execute one or more automatic focusing modes for the stereoscopic camera. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. The automatic focusing modes include a disparity mode and/or a sharpness control mode which are adapted to at least partially rely on disparity feedback to change the working distance in order to achieve focus.