Image stitching using an electrowetting-based liquid prism with a fabrication method

In this paper, we propose a new method for image stitching using an electrowetting-based liquid prism. Several images were obtained by adjusting the voltages applied to four sidewalls of the liquid prism, and a panoramic image was achieved through an image stitching algorithm. The relationship between the tilting angle of the liquid prism and the normal vector of the liquid-liquid interface was presented. Novel fabrication method has been proposed to improve the performance of the liquid prism, including the addition of a new structure to prevent oil isolation, plastic chamber material, plastic laser cutting, and oil selection. The fabricated liquid prism has a size of 5 x 5 x 8 mm, a maximum beam steering angle of +/- 10.5 degrees, a response time of 19.1 ms, and a resolution of 14.25 lp/mm. The required number of images according to the overlapping area was presented through the simulation, and the image stitching using two or three images was demonstrated. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

This paper introduces a new method of image stitching using an electrowetting-based liquid prism, adjusting voltages applied to obtain multiple images which are then stitched together to create a panoramic image. Novel fabrication methods are proposed to enhance the performance of the liquid prism, including additional structures and materials. Simulation results provide insights into the required number of images based on overlapping areas, demonstrating the image stitching process using two or three images.