Transreflective Device for Single-Camera Multi-View Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-view or autostereoscopic camera systems that use a single camera face issues with light intensity reduction and image resolution when employing beam splitters or mirrors for multiplexing distinct images, resulting in suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-view image system utilizing a single camera in conjunction with a transreflective device, which switches between transparent and reflective states to capture distinct images from different perspectives, potentially aided by an electrically switchable transreflective mirror or microshutter array, allowing full resolution capture without the need for multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter is used to multiplex distinct images to a single camera, then multiple views can be captured, but the light intensity received by the camera is reduced by half
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic transreflective device that can switch between transparent and reflective states based on temporal multiplexing. During different time periods, the device alternates between allowing light to pass through (transparent state) and reflecting light (reflective state), enabling multiple views to be captured sequentially rather than simultaneously. This dynamic switching resolves the light intensity problem by ensuring that at any given moment, the full light intensity reaches the camera, while still achieving multi-view capture through time-based separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors are used to provide a split image to a single camera, then multiple perspectives can be captured, but each image has half the resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic switching of the transreflective device between transparent and reflective states to alternately direct different perspectives to the camera. By capturing images from multiple perspectives at different time periods rather than simultaneously splitting the image spatially, each captured image utilizes the full resolution capability of the camera sensor. This periodic temporal multiplexing approach maintains full image resolution while achieving multi-perspective capture.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different perspectives, then full resolution for each view is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera perform multiple functions by using a transreflective device to direct images from different perspectives to the same camera sensor at different time periods. This universal approach allows one camera to capture multiple views with full resolution, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and reducing system complexity, cost, and synchronization requirements while maintaining high image quality.
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 autostereoscopic or panoramic images with reduced system costs by alternating images during different time periods, maintaining full camera resolution and eliminating the need for multiple cameras, while providing enhanced functionality for applications like vehicle object detection and gesture recognition.
Implementation Method 1
The transreflective device is operable to a transparent-state where light passes through the transreflective device to provide the camera a first image of an area from a first perspective. The transreflective device is also operable to a reflective-state where light is reflected by the transreflective device to provide the camera a second image of the area from a second perspective distinct from the first perspective.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A multi-view image system (10) comprising a single camera (26) configured to capture an image, and a transreflective device (30). The transreflective device (30) is operable to a transparent-state where light passes through the transreflective device (30) to provide the camera (26) a first image (18) of an area (16) from a first perspective (20). The transreflective device (30) is also operable to a reflective-state where light is reflected by the transreflective device (30) to provide the camera (26) a second image (22) of the area (16) from a second perspective (24) distinct from the first perspective (20). The system (10) may also include a mirror arrangement (32) that cooperates with the transreflective device (30) to provide the camera (26) the first image (18) when the transreflective device (30) is in the transparent-state, and the second image (22) when the transreflective device (30) in in the reflective-state.