Stereoscopic Camera Convergence Control for Accommodation-Conflict Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic imaging systems often cause conflicts between accommodation and convergence stimuli, leading to viewer discomfort due to the mismatch between focus and depth perception cues.
Innovation Solution
The system includes convergence control mechanisms that adjust the location of the converging depth plane by rotating cameras, adjusting lenses, shifting lens positions, or cropping image sensors to align the zero disparity position with the primary object in the scene, thereby minimizing conflicts between accommodation and convergence cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If convergence control is implemented to adjust the converging depth plane location, then the conflict between accommodation and convergence is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic convergence control where the converging depth plane location can be adjusted during operation. The system dynamically modifies the disparity between left and right images based on the detected focus distance, allowing the convergence point to move along with the accommodation focus. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between accommodation and convergence stimuli without requiring complex manual control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by detecting the focus distance through autofocus systems and using this information to automatically adjust the convergence point. The feedback loop ensures that the convergence control is continuously adapted to the current imaging conditions, reducing viewer discomfort automatically without adding complex user interface requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual convergence control is provided, then the converging depth plane location can be adjusted to align with primary objects, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the focus distance and computing the appropriate convergence point without requiring user intervention. The autofocus system and convergence control work together to automatically align the converging depth plane with the primary object in the scene, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining precise alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated computational control. Instead of requiring physical or manual adjustment of convergence parameters, the system uses image processing and focus detection algorithms to automatically calculate and apply the correct convergence settings, thereby maintaining precision while improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the converging depth plane is tied to lens zoom setting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static convergence-zoom coupling to a dynamic convergence control mechanism that operates independently of zoom settings. The convergence point is now determined by the detected focus distance rather than being rigidly tied to the zoom level, allowing flexible adaptation to various imaging scenarios while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter that determines convergence from lens zoom setting to focus distance. This parameter substitution allows the convergence point to adapt to different imaging conditions (different objects, distances, and zoom levels) without requiring complex control mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a stereoscopic camera module with left and right image sensors separated by a stereo base line. The camera module may have an adjustable convergence such that the position at which objects are captured by the left and right image sensors with zero horizontal disparity can be moved closer to and farther from the electronic device. The convergence of the camera module may be adjusted such that a region of interest or an object (i.e., subject) is captured with minimal horizontal disparity. With arrangements of this type, conflicts between accommodation (e.g., the location of a display) and convergence (e.g., the perceived location of the region of interest or subject either behind, on the plane of, or in front of a display) may be reduced.