CONVERTING A MONOCULAR CAMERA INTO A BINOCULAR STEREO CAMERA

Number: 20200045294
Published: 2020-02-06
Filed: 2019-10-15
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: HASELTINE; Eric C., OLSON; Joseph L.
CPC: G03B35/00; H04N13/128; H04N13/344; H04N13/296; G02B13/0065; G02B27/0172; G03B17/565; H04N13/218
Verdict: Medium Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Monocular-to-stereo camera conversion hardware.

Abstract

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

BACKGROUNDField of the Disclosure

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

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.

Claims

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 surface; and 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, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the camera. 10. 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; and 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, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an object and the single camera. 18. 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: 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 a first surface of the mount, the respective convex surfaces providing respective optical paths between an 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.