Monocular-to-stereo camera conversion hardware (granted).
Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a mobile computing device comprising a camera, and a mount removably attached with the mobile computing device to arrange the camera in a first position. The mount comprises a first surface, and two reflective elements spaced apart from each other and having a predefined disposition relative to the first position. The two reflective elements comprise respective convex surfaces extending from the first surface, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the camera.
BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure (1) The present disclosure generally relates to computer-based entertainment, and more specifically to optical arrangements suitable for acquiring stereo imagery using a monocular camera. Description of the Related Art (2) To accurately register virtual stereoscopic imagery with real, physical objects of an environment, augmented reality (AR)-capable display devices require a stereoscopic image capture capability to suitably perform depth estimation and/or object detection and tracking for the environment in three dimensions. However, for certain implementations of an AR and/or VR (virtual reality)-capable display device, it can be desirable to have a reduced size and/or minimized costs. For compact and/or low-cost implementations, including multiple cameras can be prohibitive, thus making native stereoscopic image capture impractical.
1. An apparatus comprising: a mobile computing device comprising a camera; and a mount removably attached with the mobile computing device to arrange the camera in a first position, the mount comprising: a first mount element to which the mobile computing device is removably attached; a second mount element comprising a first surface, wherein the second mount element is coupled with the first mount element at a proximal end of the first surface; two reflective elements spaced apart from each other and having a predefined disposition relative to the first position, wherein the two reflective elements comprise respective convex surfaces extending from the first surface at a distal end thereof, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the camera; and a fold mirror included in the respective optical paths between the object and the camera. ||
9. An augmented reality (AR)-capable headset comprising: a display arranged in a first position; a single camera arranged in a second position relative to the first position; a first surface facing the single camera and extending away from the single camera; two reflective elements spaced apart from each other and having a predefined disposition relative to the second position, wherein the two reflective elements comprise respective convex surfaces extending from the first surface at a distal end thereof, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the single camera; and a fold mirror included in the respective optical paths between the object and the camera. ||
16. A system comprising: a mobile computing device comprising: a camera; and one or more computer processors; and a mount removably attached with the mobile computing device to arrange the camera in a first position, the mount comprising: a first surface facing the camera and extending away from the camera; two reflective elements spaced apart from each other and having a predefined disposition relative to the first position, wherein the two reflective elements comprise respective convex surfaces arranged at a distal end of, and extending from, the first surface, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the camera; and a fold mirror included in the respective optical paths between the object and the camera, wherein the one or more computer processors are configured to determine, using light received via the respective optical paths, at least one of depth information and positional information of the object.