Stereoscopic Sensor Array Moving for Depth Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing systems lack the ability to capture depth information, which is essential for constructing stereoscopic images and determining distances to objects in a scene.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image capturing system with a sensor array that moves to capture images from multiple perspectives using both ranging and imaging photosensors, allowing for the calculation of depth information through an optical baseline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional image sensor is used to capture images, then the image can be constructed, but depth information and distance calculation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple distinct photosensor arrays (first array, second array, third array, fourth array) positioned at different locations. Each array captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the segmentation allows the system to reconstruct depth information by comparing the segmented views from different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single 2D image plane to a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement of photosensor arrays. By positioning arrays at different locations in space and capturing images from multiple perspectives, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the imaging process, enabling depth calculation through parallax effects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photosensor arrays are positioned at different locations to capture depth information, then stereoscopic imaging is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each photosensor array serves multiple functions: it captures images for stereoscopic visualization, provides data for depth calculation through parallax, and contributes to constructing the overall scene understanding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated depth sensors, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise depth measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary computational process that takes images from multiple photosensor arrays and calculates depth information through parallax analysis. This intermediary step transforms the complex multi-array configuration into usable depth data, mediating between the physical sensor arrangement and the final depth measurement output.
3Loss of information
If the sensor array is moved to capture images from multiple perspectives, then depth information can be calculated, but the imaging cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple photosensor arrays at predetermined locations before image capture begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need to physically move sensors during the imaging cycle, as all necessary viewpoint data is simultaneously available from the pre-configured arrays, thus reducing time loss while maintaining depth information capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic image capture cycles where each photosensor array captures images at regular intervals. This periodic action from multiple arrays simultaneously creates a time-efficient workflow where depth information can be calculated from overlapping temporal data, reducing the overall imaging cycle time compared to sequential capture methods.
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 construction of images with perception of depth and enhances the accuracy of depth sensors by capturing and calculating distance to objects in the scene.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first distance to an object in the scene using the plurality of ranging photosensors by way of time-of-flight calculations
Implementation Method 2
detect light emitted from an emitter array once it has reflected off of an object in a scene
Implementation Method 3
a first plurality of imaging photosensors positioned at a first side of the ranging photosensors; and a second plurality of imaging photosensors positioned at a second side of the ranging photosensors opposite from the first side. The first plurality of imaging photosensors and the second plurality of imaging photosensors can detect ambient light in the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic imager system, comprising: a sensor array comprising a first plurality of photosensors and a second plurality of photosensors spaced apart from the first plurality of photosensors by a gap, the first plurality of photosensors and the second plurality of photosensors being configured to detect ambient light in a scene; a moving component coupled to the sensor array and operable to move the sensor array between a first position and a second position within a full rotational image capturing cycle; and a system controller coupled to the sensor array and the moving component. The system controller can be configured to: move a field of view of a sensor array by instructing the moving component to capture a first image of an object in the scene with the first plurality of photosensors from a first perspective at the first position, and to capture a second image of the scene of the object in the scene with the second plurality of photosensors from a second perspective at the second position; and calculate, based on the first image and the second image, a distance to the object using an optical baseline defined by the gap.