Verged Camera Array for Panoramic Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera devices struggle to capture panoramic images effectively, especially when the position or orientation of the device changes, as they often result in cut-off or obscured views of objects due to fixed camera angles, limiting the ability to maintain objects of interest within the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A camera device with multiple verged cameras, where each camera is inclined at a nonzero angle relative to the horizontal plane, allowing for a wider field of view and the ability to adjust angles dynamically to maintain objects of interest within the frame, even when the device is moved or rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional fixed-angle cameras are used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and objects may be cut off or obscured when device position or orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple independent camera modules (at least two cameras) positioned at different spatial locations and orientations. Each camera captures a portion of the panoramic scene, and the images are subsequently stitched together to form a complete panoramic image, thereby expanding the overall field of view while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The camera arrangement transitions from a single fixed-angle viewpoint to a multi-dimensional spatial configuration where cameras are positioned at different heights, angles, and locations. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of wide horizontal and vertical fields of view, enabling effective panoramic imaging that adapts to various device orientations
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed camera angles are used, then the device is easy to operate, but objects of interest may fall outside the field of view when the device is moved or rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system incorporates dynamic image stitching and rendering capabilities that automatically adjust to device movement and orientation changes. The system processes images from multiple cameras in real-time, dynamically composing panoramic images that maintain objects of interest within the field of view regardless of device position or rotation, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring complex manual operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple verged cameras are used for panoramic capture, then the field of view and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-camera system is designed with universal image processing capabilities that handle various device orientations, mounting positions, and scanning scenarios through a unified panoramic stitching algorithm. The same camera arrangement and processing pipeline effectively serve multiple functions including wide-angle panoramic capture, real-time object tracking, and adaptive rendering across different operational contexts, thereby managing complexity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
A camera device having verged cameras is disclosed. A camera device may include a housing and four cameras disposed in the housing. The housing may define a horizontal plane passing through the center of the housing. Each of the four cameras may be verged at an angle defined by a longitudinal center axis of the camera and the horizontal plane. Each camera may include a vertical field of view verged at the same angle. The camera device may produce a panoramic image (e.g., a panoramic still image or panoramic video) using two or more of the cameras. Systems and processes including the camera device are also disclosed.