Variable Field of View Multi-Imager Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Panoramic cameras lack zooming capabilities, resulting in image breakage during zoom-out or overlap during zoom-in, as they stitch together video outputs from multiple imagers without adjustable fields of view.
Innovation Solution
A multi-imager assembly with optical zoom capability, where each imager has a variable field of view, supported by a chassis and driven by a coordinated movement system to maintain a seamless composite image across zoom functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panoramic cameras stitch together video output from multiple individual imagers with fixed fields of view, then a wide aspect ratio panoramic image is produced, but the camera lacks zooming capabilities causing image breakage during zoom-out or overlap during zoom-in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the field of view of each imager variable through optical zoom capability. Each imager can dynamically adjust its field of view angle, allowing the system to maintain seamless panoramic images during zoom operations. The controller coordinates these dynamic adjustments across multiple imagers to prevent image breakage or overlap, thus achieving both adaptability (zooming) and reliability (image continuity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the field of view angle of each imager through optical zoom. The controller adjusts the field of view parameter of individual imagers based on the desired panoramic field of view, enabling smooth transitions between different zoom levels while maintaining image continuity. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between having fixed fields of view and achieving zooming capability.
2Shape
If multiple individual imagers are positioned side-by-side with fixed fields of view, then a panoramic image with wide aspect ratio is created, but the image breaks apart when field of view decreases in zoom-out function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the dynamics principle by enabling each imager to dynamically adjust its field of view angle through optical zoom. This allows the system to maintain the panoramic aspect ratio while preventing image breakage during zoom-out operations. The controller coordinates the dynamic field of view adjustments to ensure seamless image stitching across all imagers at any zoom level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the field of view angle parameter of each imager based on the desired panoramic field of view. This parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain both the wide aspect ratio and image continuity during zoom operations, resolving the contradiction between fixed shape and image reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual imagers are positioned side-by-side with fixed fields of view, then a panoramic image is produced, but images overlap as field of view increases in zoom-in function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the field of view angle of each imager dynamically adjustable through optical zoom. This allows the system to adapt to different field of view requirements while the controller maintains precise image alignment by coordinating the adjustments across all imagers, preventing overlap during zoom-in operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the field of view angle of each imager based on the desired panoramic field of view. This parameter adjustment enables flexible field of view control while maintaining precise image alignment and preventing overlap, thus achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical zoom capability is added to each imager with variable field of view, then seamless panoramic images with zooming are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by implementing optical zoom capability in each imager unit. This multi-functional approach allows each imager to independently adjust its field of view while the controller coordinates them to achieve seamless panoramic images with zooming capability, managing the increased complexity through standardized multi-functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes as a software-controlled solution to manage complexity. By adjusting the field of view angle parameter of each imager based on desired panoramic field of view, the system achieves zooming capability without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thus managing device complexity through intelligent parameter control.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-imager assembly including a plurality of imagers, a chassis, a drive assembly, and a controller. The plurality of imagers is operable to produce a composite image, with each of the plurality of imagers having optical zoom capability such that each of the plurality of imagers has a variable field of view. The chassis movably supports the plurality of imagers, and the drive assembly is operable to move the plurality of imagers while supported by the chassis. The controller is operable to coordinate movement of the plurality of imagers based at least in part upon the variable field of view of each of the plurality of imagers to produce the composite image.