Three Channel Reflector Imaging System for Stereo Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-view imaging systems struggle to generate stereo images and image-plus-depth from a single imager, and switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views is difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A three-channel reflector system with left, center, and right light paths, using reflective surfaces to converge light at a nodal point, allowing for the capture of a single image that can provide stereo images, image-plus-depth, and conversion between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-channel multi-view imaging systems are used, then two virtual cameras can be provided from a single imager, but the capacity to generate stereo images and image-plus-depth is limited and switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the light paths into three separate channels (left, center, right) using distinct reflective surfaces, allowing each channel to capture views from different virtual camera positions. This segmentation enables the system to generate multiple view types (stereo, image-plus-depth, 2D, 3D) from a single physical imager by processing light from each channel separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-channel imaging to a three-channel configuration, adding an additional dimension of light path separation. This third channel provides the central view necessary for generating image-plus-depth and enabling seamless switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views, thereby expanding the system's adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mirrors are used to define light paths, then two virtual cameras can be created, but the ability to alter viewing angles and switch between view types is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs swiveling reflective surfaces that can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the virtual camera viewing angles. This enables the system to switch between different view types (stereo, image-plus-depth, 2D, 3D) by altering the mirror angles, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple fixed mirror configurations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imagers are used to obtain images from different angles, then depth calculation is possible, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses reflective surfaces (mirrors) as intermediaries to redirect light from the scene to a single imager from multiple virtual camera positions. These mirrors create virtual images that appear to come from different spatial locations, allowing the single imager to capture multiple views simultaneously. This intermediary approach enables depth measurement capabilities without requiring multiple physical imagers.
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 generation of stereoscopic images and image-plus-depth from a single imager, facilitating seamless switching between two-dimensional and three-dimensional views, improving upon existing multi-view imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the left light path and the right light path comprise opposed reflective surfaces for redirecting light through the corresponding light path
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a three-dimensional representation from a single image includes a reflector apparatus for providing an image of a scene comprising three adjacent views of the scene. The apparatus defines a left light path, a center light path, and a right light path, wherein each of the left light path and the right light path comprise opposed reflective surfaces for redirecting light, whereby light passing through the left light path, light passing through the right light path, and light passing through the center light path converge at a nodal point of an imager to create an image of the scene providing three adjacent views of the scene arrayed in a three-by-one rectangular grid. A client computing device receives data from the imager and transforms the data into a stereoscopic image or an image-plus-depth rendering, and/or converts or switches back and forth between two-dimensional and three-dimensional images.