Photographing the paddle and its use

Abstract

The present invention provides a capturing paddle and a process for using the same. The capturing paddle is used to capture the interior of a target vehicle or close-up features of an exterior area of ​​the vehicle, and quickly produce high-quality images without reflection and glare. The capturing paddle is capable of producing wide-angle high-quality images and stereoscopic three-dimensional images without reflection and glare. The capturing paddle is further used to capture the interior and close-up features of an exterior area of ​​a target vehicle in situ in densely arranged inventory batches without having to move the vehicle to or from a staging area. The capturing paddle can also be used in a general process, where the capturing paddle can quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions as it moves relative to the vehicle features to be captured, thereby ensuring that high-quality, reflection-free and glare-free images are captured and produced without having to set up the camera before each image capture.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 836,383, filed on April 19, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to vehicle photography; and more particularly to a photography paddle and use thereof in which a series of images of features of a vehicle interior or close-up of areas outside the vehicle are captured and blended into a single image that is free of reflections and glare. Background Art

[0004] Online car buying is becoming increasingly popular and plays an important role in the automotive sales market. As a result of this trend, sellers often post photos of their inventory vehicles online in an effort to attract buyers. In the physical vehicle dealership market, it is increasingly rare for a buyer to arrive at a dealership ready to purchase a vehicle without first conducting an online search of the dealership's inventory. This initial online search often leads the buyer to visit the dealership to purchase another vehicle. Therefore, in order to thrive in the current vehicle sales market, it is becoming increasingly important for sellers to generate many high-quality images of all vehicles in their inventory. These high-quality images often include multiple views of the vehicle's interior and exterior features.

[0005] Online car auctions are also becoming increasingly popular. One of the most popular online auction sites for buying vehicles is exist Motors TM On the site, users can create an account and post their vehicles for auction. Other popular sites include cars.com TM and autotrader.com TM Typically, online vehicle sales are based solely on images of the vehicle, as the buyer is located in a remote area and is often unable to view the vehicle under consideration in person. Therefore, as in the case of selling a vehicle from a physical dealership, many high-quality images of the vehicle's interior and exterior features from multiple viewing angles are required to allow the buyer to understand the condition and appearance of the target vehicle. These high-quality images are an important factor directly related to the seller's ultimate success in the current car sales market.

[0006] High-quality vehicle image capture also allows vehicles to be processed for automobile condition assessments by rental agencies, fleet management companies, public safety agencies, municipal and government agencies, insurance companies, and more.

[0007] Producing high-quality vehicle images from multiple viewpoints is time-consuming. The photographer must physically visit the target vehicle, physically move around the target vehicle, open and close the target vehicle's doors, trunk or liftgate, and hood, and maneuver the camera within the tight spaces of the vehicle's interior, while stopping at numerous intervals to set up the camera and capture images throughout the process.

[0008] This problem is magnified in situations where dealers have a large inventory of vehicles for sale. Due to space constraints, or in order to maximize the number of vehicles available for sale at any given time, dealers typically arrange their vehicle inventory tightly into a dense configuration on the dealership floor. This arrangement hinders the ability to produce high-quality vehicle images from multiple perspectives while the vehicles are in situ. As a result, many dealerships often require a dedicated employee to move the target vehicle to be photographed from its location on the floor to a staging area away from the rest of the inventory. The vehicle photography process described above is then carried out. Once the process is completed, the employee must return the vehicle to its original location among the remaining inventory on the floor. This process must be repeated for every vehicle in the inventory. This process is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task and becomes increasingly resource-intensive for dealerships with larger inventories.

[0009] Further amplifying the above-mentioned obstacles to generating high-quality vehicle images is the need for acceptable lighting conditions. It is particularly difficult to obtain vehicle images that are free of unwanted reflections of the photographer or the surrounding environment and free of glare from the sun or other light sources. However, non-reflection and non-glare images are essential for identifying surface defects, scratches and dents on the vehicle surface. Therefore, high-quality non-reflection and non-glare images are more likely to attract potential buyers who can be confident that the images they rely on provide an accurate portrayal of the vehicle's condition. As a result, vehicles can usually only be photographed during a small portion of the day, where the ambient lighting conditions in dedicated staging areas at this time minimize glare and reflections and can produce high-quality images. Further exacerbating this problem is the fact that multiple viewing angles of various vehicle features are required. Likewise, the potential for glare and reflections is variable as the photographer moves around the target vehicle. This problem can be even more acute when photographing interior features of the target vehicle. The interior of a vehicle is characterized by abrupt changes in surface materials and surface angles from one feature to the next. For example, a vehicle dashboard typically includes a high-gloss surface that can reflect or diffract light from multiple angles, resulting in distorted and low-quality images full of unwanted reflections and glare. Wide angle, high quality images of the vehicle interior are also difficult to achieve due to the tight space and short distance between the camera and the interior features to be photographed. Thus, many images of various vehicle interior features are required to provide the buyer with a complete understanding of the condition of each interior feature, and therefore a wide angle view of multiple vehicle interior features in a single image cannot be provided to the potential buyer.

[0010] Additionally, the photographer must manually organize the images, name and upload the files, and if required, perform image stitching or otherwise further process and edit the images until they are in an acceptable form as high-quality images ready for online publication.

[0011] While prior art solutions can produce high quality vehicle images, they are often characterized as being too time consuming and labor intensive to be suitable for the high throughput required for higher volume vehicle sales, and particularly where large amounts of inventory are densely arranged on a dealership floor.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to be able to quickly capture and produce high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare images of exterior and interior features of target vehicles from multiple viewing angles. There is also a need to be able to quickly capture and produce such high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare images from target vehicles in situ on the dealership floor, thereby eliminating the need to move each target vehicle to and from a staging area. Summary of the invention

[0013] A capture paddle for creating photos of vehicle interiors is provided. The capture paddle includes: a track on a capture paddle face; a first wing and a second wing coupled to the track; at least two cameras, each independently mounted to the first wing, the second wing, or the track; and at least two light sources, each independently positioned on the track, the face, one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, or the second wing. The capture paddle also includes: a reader adapted to identify a set of vehicle-specific information and positioned on the track, the first wing, the second wing, or one of the at least two cameras; a shutter release adapted to initiate capture of a plurality of images; and a power source electrically coupled to at least one of the track, at least one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, at least one of the at least two light sources, and combinations thereof.

[0014] A process for photographing a vehicle interior with a disclosed capture paddle is provided. The process includes: using the capture paddle to read a VIN or dealer stock number; accessing a vehicle-specific information set associated with the VIN or dealer stock number, the vehicle-specific information set including at least one of a vehicle make, model, year, body style, trim, vehicle exterior color, vehicle interior color scheme, vehicle interior material scheme, and combinations thereof; and actuating the shutter release to initiate the capture of multiple images of vehicle features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shooting paddle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a capture paddle according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing at least two light sources as at least two light arrays and showing at least one of the two light arrays having a plurality of multi-color lights;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the camera paddle of the present invention with an optional handle in a vehicle interior use context;

[0019] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The circle shown Figure 3 an enlarged view of a portion of

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transfer of images and vehicle identification from the capture paddle of the present invention to a computer having a display and graphical user interface for subsequent manipulation and association with vehicle marketing materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention provides a shooting paddle and a process for using the same. The present invention is used for a process of using the present invention to shoot the interior of a target vehicle or close-up vehicle exterior area features to quickly produce a high-quality image without reflection and glare. The present invention is also used to produce wide-angle high-quality images without reflection and glare. The present invention is also used to shoot the interior and close-up vehicle exterior area features of a target vehicle in situ in a densely arranged inventory batch without having to move the target vehicle to and from a staging area. The present invention is also used for a general process that can quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions when the shooting paddle moves relative to the vehicle features to be photographed, thereby ensuring the capture and generation of high-quality, reflection-free and glare-free images without having to set up the camera before each image capture. The present invention is also used to produce stereoscopic three-dimensional images of the interior features and close-up exterior area features of the target vehicle.

[0022] Thus, there has been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject of the claims which follow.

[0023] Many of the attributes of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0024] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced and executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting.

[0025] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts upon which the present disclosure is based can be readily used as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that where numerical ranges are provided herein, the ranges are intended to include not only the endpoints of the range, but also the intermediate values ​​of the range, which are explicitly included in the range and vary with the last significant digit of the range. For example, the range listed from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4 and 1-4.

[0027] The present invention differs from the prior art in that the present invention process of photographing the interior and exterior features of a target vehicle using the present invention's shooting paddle allows for the rapid capture and production of high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare vehicle images. The processing capacity of the present invention is significantly faster and more efficient than the prior art and is achieved without degrading image quality. On the contrary, the image quality of the images produced by the present invention is superior to the prior art, at least high-quality wide-angle photos can be produced with minimal distortion, and there are no unwanted reflections and glare. The present invention further represents a difference from the prior art, and the shooting paddle of the present invention is modular and therefore very versatile and can quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions to ensure the highest quality images. As described in further detail below, the elements of the shooting paddle of the present invention are independently adjustable, thereby allowing various orientations and configurations of the elements relative to each other, the shooting paddle and the vehicle features to be photographed. This flexibility allows the capture and production of high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare images as the photographer moves the shooting paddle of the present invention in and around the target vehicle during the shooting process of the present invention as various shooting conditions change.

[0028] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 11 is a perspective view of a camera paddle of the present invention, generally indicated at 10. A track 12 is attached to a face 14 of the camera paddle 10. A first wing 18 and a second wing 20 are coupled to the track 12. At least two cameras 16 are each independently mounted on the first wing 18, the second wing 20, or the track 12. At least two light sources 22 are each independently located on the track 12, one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, or the second wing 20. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, and the at least two light sources 22 are independently oriented relative to the track 12. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, the at least two light sources 22, and combinations thereof are slidable along the track 12. It should also be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, the at least two light sources 22, and combinations thereof are mounted on a telescopic arm (not shown) coupled to the track 12. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the angle α of the first wing 18 relative to the track 12 and the angle α' of the second wing 20 relative to the track are independently adjustable. In other embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first wing 18, the second wing 20, and combinations thereof are independently adjusted to an angle between 30 degrees and 60 degrees relative to the track 12. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first wing 18 is located at a first end of the track 12, the second wing 20 is located at a second end of the track 12 opposite to the first end, and at least two cameras 16 are located on the track 12 between the first wing 18 and the second wing 20. A reader 24 adapted to identify a set of vehicle-specific information is located on the track 12, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, or one of the at least two cameras 16. It should be understood that the reader 24 is at least one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a QR code reader, an alphanumeric reader, a barcode reader, and combinations thereof. It should also be understood that the VIN or dealer stock number 62 (see Figure 3-5) may be encoded in an RFID tag, a QR code, or a barcode. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the VIN or dealer stock number 62 is identified by the reader 24, thereby allowing access to a vehicle-specific information set associated with the VIN or dealer stock number. It should be understood that the vehicle-specific information set associated with the VIN or dealer stock number 62 illustratively includes at least one of a vehicle make, model, year, body style, trim, vehicle exterior color, vehicle interior color and material scheme, and combinations thereof. It should also be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, further information that may be associated with the VIN or dealer stock number 62 read by the reader 24 includes dealership settings, which may also indicate which dealer the vehicle is being photographed for, and may also illustratively incorporate specific preferences for that dealer, such as lighting style, file size and format, and desired number of vehicle images. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the VIN or dealer stock number 62 read by the reader 24 is also used in some embodiments of the present invention to project text related to a particular vehicle associated with the VIN or dealer stock number 62 onto the background of various images, or to overlay text onto images during processing, such as Figure 5 64 in the figure; the text illustratively includes price, dealer name, vehicle specifications, mileage, etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, the resulting high-quality image 66 is automatically associated with a vehicle associated with a VIN or dealer stock number 62 read by the reader 24, and the high-quality image 66 or multiple such images are collected by the paddle 10. It should be understood that this automatic association of the resulting high-quality image 66 with the VIN or dealer stock number 62 further speeds up image generation and vehicle processing time, because the high-quality image can be automatically uploaded to an online list of vehicles associated with the VIN or dealer stock number 62 via a computer display 68 associated with the processing computer. It should be understood that a graphical user interface is provided to allow the user to modify the image, the alphanumeric data overlaid thereon, or a combination thereof. It should also be understood that the rapid image capture and vehicle processing time provided by the present invention allows new business models, such as the creation of virtual or network dealerships, where wholesale customers never take possession of the target vehicle and the vehicle is shipped directly to the final retail consumer. Photos generated using the present invention can be sold with the target vehicle for use by retailers purchasing automobiles.

[0029] A shutter release 26 is also provided that is adapted to initiate the capture of one or more images of the target vehicle when actuated. In some embodiments of the present invention, the photographer actuates the shutter release 26 by tapping the touch-sensitive portion 46 of the shooting paddle 10 of the present invention. In other embodiments of the present invention, the photographer remotely and wirelessly actuates the shutter release via the communication interface 44. In other embodiments of the present invention, the handle 48 extends from the face 14 of the shooting paddle 10. In other embodiments of the present invention, the shutter release 26 is a physical button embedded in the handle 48 and protruding from the handle. The power source 28 is electrically coupled to the track 12, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, at least one of the at least two light sources 22, or at least one of a combination thereof.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, wherein the same reference numerals have Figure 1As given, a paddle 10' is provided wherein the at least two light sources 22 are at least two light arrays 30. As shown in this embodiment, a first of the at least two light arrays 30 is located on the first wing 18 and a second of the at least two light arrays 30 is located on the second wing 20. It is to be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the at least two light arrays 30 has a plurality of multi-color lights 32. It is also to be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of multi-color lights 32 are polarized. It is further to be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the lens 15 of at least one of the at least two cameras 16 is polarized. In other embodiments of the present invention, a motor 34 is electrically coupled to the power source 28 and mechanically coupled to at least one of the track 12, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, at least one of the at least two light sources 22, and combinations thereof. It is to be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the motor 34 mechanically drives positional adjustments to at least one of the track 12, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, at least one of the at least two light sources 22, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 36 is located on the track 12, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, or one of the at least two cameras 16. It should be understood that the sensor 36 is adapted to generate an ambient lighting condition data set. It should also be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the ambient lighting condition data set is used to adjust the lighting during the actuation of the shutter release 26. In other embodiments of the present invention, the distance detector 38 is located on the track 12, the first wing 18, the second wing 20, or one of the at least two cameras 16. It should be understood that the distance detector 38 is adapted to generate a distance data set about the distance between the shooting paddle 10 or 10 'and the vehicle feature to be photographed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the distance detector 38 is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device. In other embodiments of the present invention, a central processing unit (CPU) 40 is provided. It should be understood that the CPU 40 communicates with at least one of the motor 34, the sensor 36, at least one of the at least two cameras 16, at least one of the at least two light sources 22, the distance detector 38, and a combination thereof. It should also be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the CPU 40 coordinates and controls the overall movement and various orientations and configurations of the modular elements of the capture paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, an alphanumeric keyboard 50 is located on the capture paddle 10 or 10'. It should be understood that the alphanumeric keyboard 50 is adapted to receive manual entry of a VIN or dealer stock number code 62.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, high quality, non-reflective and non-glare images are automatically processed and generated by the capture paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention. Figure 1, bus 102 links various components of the onboard processing system. Memory 104 is used as a storage device for the operating program and firmware of the onboard processing system. A database with vehicle-specific and client information is stored in memory 104. The memory consists of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). In some embodiments of the present invention, the camera paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention has a display 106 driven by a graphics chipset 108. It should be understood that the display 106 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), or other known display technology. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the camera paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention has a control interface 109, which may include knobs, buttons and other touch-sensitive controls for selecting various menu items, modular configuration of camera paddle elements, inputting alphanumeric information, etc. Indicator 110 provides visual feedback to the user of the camera paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention.

[0032] Return to reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the at least two cameras 16 is connected to a flexible accordion extension 17 that is connected to the track 12. It should be understood that the flexible accordion extension allows at least one of the at least two cameras 16 to pan and tilt. It should also be understood that the flexible accordion extension can be locked into various positions and orientations associated with each image capture. In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible accordion extension is mechanically coupled to the motor 34.

[0033] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the capturing paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention is used in the process of the present invention to capture the interior or close-up exterior area features of a vehicle. The close-up exterior area features of the vehicle illustratively include rims, decals, and markings. In some embodiments of the present invention, the photographer approaches the target vehicle and reads the VIN or dealer inventory number 62 with the reader 24, thereby allowing access to the vehicle-specific information set associated with the VIN or dealer inventory number 62. When capturing the interior features of the target vehicle, the capturing paddle 10 or 10' is then inserted into the interior of the target vehicle and the shutter release 26 is actuated, thereby initiating the capture of an image of the interior of the target vehicle. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the capturing paddle 10 or 10' is inserted into the interior of the target vehicle through an open window or an open door of the target vehicle. When capturing close-up exterior area features of the vehicle, the photographer orients the capturing paddle 10 or 10' as desired and actuates the shutter release 26, thereby initiating the capture of an image of the exterior area to be captured. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the captured image is automatically associated with the target vehicle via the VIN or dealer stock number 62 read by the reader 24 .

[0034] As described above, it is understood that the present invention represents an improvement over the prior art. As a non-limiting example, the process of the present invention of photographing vehicle features using the photographing paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention allows for the rapid capture and generation of high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare vehicle images, while significantly increasing the amount of disposal and vehicle handling. Due to the modular design of the photographing paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention, each of the elements such as at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18, the second wing 20 and at least two light sources 22 is independently adjustable. This versatility allows the elements to be oriented and configured in various ways relative to the track 12 of the photographing paddle 10 or 10' and relative to the vehicle features to be photographed. Therefore, the modular elements of the photographing paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention can be quickly adjusted to adapt to the changing shooting conditions when the photographer moves in and around the vehicle during the photographing process of the present invention, thereby ensuring the capture and generation of high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare images. In some embodiments of the present invention, the specific orientation and configuration of the modular elements of the photographing paddle 10 or 10' automatically adjusts the position relative to the photographing paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention and the vehicle features to be photographed.

[0035] It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two light sources 22 illustratively include light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, high-intensity discharge bulbs, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least two light sources 22 are at least two lamp arrays 30. In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two lamp arrays are embedded in the face 14. In other embodiments of the present invention, the at least two lamp arrays 30 include a plurality of multi-color lamps 32, thereby providing greater flexibility to accommodate changing shooting conditions during the invention process. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, each of the plurality of multi-color lamps 32 is polarized. It should also be understood that the plurality of multi-color lamps 32 provide granular adjustability relative to changing ambient lighting conditions during the shooting process. As non-limiting examples, the plurality of multi-color lamps 32 can be adjusted to illuminate with a specific color scheme, geometric orientation, fast pulse, long pulse, strobe, traditional camera flash, and combinations thereof. It should be understood that the plurality of multi-color lamps 32 are tuned to ensure high-quality, non-reflective, and non-glare images relative to the variable shooting conditions present during the entire invention shooting process.

[0036] In some embodiments, before or while actuating the shutter release 26, at least one of the following elements is manually or automatically adjusted: the angle of the first wing 18, the angle of the second wing 20, the position of the first wing 18 on the track 12, the position of the second wing 20 on the track 12, the position of each of the at least two cameras 16 on the track 12, the zoom of each of the at least two cameras 16, the position and angle of each of the two light sources 22 relative to the track 12, the total number of lights 32 illuminated per image capture, the color scheme of the total number of lights 32 illuminated per image capture, the geometric configuration of the total number of lights 32 illuminated per image capture, the timing of the illumination of the at least two light sources 22 relative to each image capture, the total number of at least two light sources 22 to be illuminated per image capture, the total number of images to be captured, the time interval between each image capture, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the following elements is manually or automatically adjusted between each image capture: the angle of the first wing 18, the angle of the second wing 20, the position of the first wing 18 on the track 12, the position of the second wing 20 on the track 12, the position of each of the at least two cameras 16 on the track 12, the zoom of each of the at least two cameras 16, the position and angle of each of the two light sources 22 relative to the track 12, the total number of lights 32 lit, the color scheme of the total number of lights 32 lit, the geometric configuration of the total number of lights 32 lit, the lighting timing of the at least two light sources 22, the total number of at least two light sources 22 to be lit, the total number of images to be captured, the time interval between each image capture, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned elements are manually or automatically adjusted based on at least one of the following: a vehicle-specific information set, an ambient lighting condition data set, a distance data set, an image data set from at least one of the captured multiple images, and combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, image data sets from the captured multiple images are synthesized into a single high-quality image without reflection and glare. In some embodiments of the present invention, a predetermined percentage of each of the captured multiple images is blended into a single high-quality image without reflection and glare. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the predetermined blending percentage is fixed based on at least one of a vehicle-specific information set, an ambient lighting condition data set, a distance data set, and a combination thereof. In other embodiments of the present invention, the blending of each of the captured multiple images is filtered into a single high-quality image without reflection and glare based on at least one of the vehicle-specific information set, the ambient lighting condition data set, the distance data set, the set of image data from the captured multiple images, and a combination thereof. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, each of the captured multiple images is analyzed, filtered, and blended by a stitching program. It should also be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, the stitching program is part of the onboard processing system of the capture paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention. It should also be understood that in some inventive embodiments, the stitching program allows the user to set various blending and filtering preferences and thresholds, illustratively including the percentage of reflections or glare captured in the original image data to be retained in the final high-quality image, thereby shaping the captured vehicle features, which are then perceived by the viewer as the desired highlighting of the captured vehicle features. In other inventive embodiments, the image data sets from the multiple images are further tuned based on the accelerometer data set generated by the accelerometer 42 located on the track 12, one of the at least two cameras 16, the first wing 18 or the second wing 20, thereby generating a single high-quality image that is horizontal and plumb. In certain inventive embodiments, the single high-quality image is also a wide-frame single image.

[0038] It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, a wide frame single image is generated by stitching together data from multiple images. It should also be understood that by stitching together data from multiple images, the lighting of each stitched image can be adjusted independently, thereby reducing or eliminating unwanted reflections and glare in the resulting high-quality image. It should also be understood that by stitching together data from multiple images, the resulting high-quality image is a wider angle view with less distortion when compared to prior art images captured with a standard wide lens camera.

[0039] In other embodiments of the present invention, a stereoscopic three-dimensional image is generated based on an image dataset from a plurality of images captured. In some embodiments of the present invention, at least two cameras 16 are more than two cameras and a stereoscopic three-dimensional image is generated based on an image dataset from a plurality of images captured from more than two cameras. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the present invention, a three-dimensional surface dataset of various vehicle features is generated based on an image dataset from a plurality of images captured. It should also be understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the three-dimensional surface dataset includes surface detail information of various vehicle features captured, illustratively including material, color, texture, stitching, and contour.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least two cameras 16 are two cameras and the at least two light sources 22 are two light sources. It should be understood that one of the two light sources 22 is illuminated and a first image is captured with one of the two cameras 16, and then the other of the two light sources 22 is illuminated and a second image is captured with the other of the two cameras 16. It should also be understood that by illuminating one of the two light sources 22 and capturing a first image with one of the two cameras 16 positioned relative to this one of the two light sources 22, and then illuminating the other of the two light sources 22 and capturing a second image with the other of the two cameras 16 positioned relative to the second one of the two light sources 22, two image data sets from vehicle features are generated, each set being partially non-reflective and partially non-glare. It should also be understood that when the two image data sets are synthesized into a single image, the single image is high quality, non-reflective and non-glare.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the images and associated image data captured by the camera paddle 10 or 10' of the present invention are transferred to another device, such as a computer, for further processing and ultimate generation of high-quality, non-reflective and non-glare images, such as Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of image data generated from a plurality of captured images, a data set generated by an accelerometer, an ambient lighting condition data set, a distance data set, a single image synthesis, and combinations thereof is transferred via a communication interface 44 having one or more of a wired and wireless link, an optical drive, a universal serial bus (USB), a flash memory slot, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the shutter release 26 is remotely and wirelessly actuated via the communication interface 44.

[0042] The references cited herein are indicative of the state of the art to which the invention pertains. These references are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] As those skilled in the art will recognize from the foregoing detailed description as well as the accompanying drawings and claims, modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. The foregoing description is an illustration of a specific embodiment of the present invention, but is not meant to be a limitation on its practice, and limitations on specific embodiments are not intended and should not be inferred. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process for photographing the interior of a vehicle, comprising: Read the VIN or dealer stock number using the capture paddle, which includes: a track on a face of the shooting paddle, the track extending from a first end of the shooting paddle to a second end of the shooting paddle; a first wing and a second wing slidably coupled to the track, the first wing coupled proximate a first end of the capture paddle and the second wing coupled proximate a second end of the capture paddle; at least two cameras slidably coupled to the track between the first wing and the second wing; at least two light sources, the at least two light sources being slidably coupled to the track; a reader separate from the at least two cameras, the reader adapted to identify a vehicle specific set of information and slidably coupled to the track; a shutter release coupled to a handle of the capture paddle and adapted to initiate capture of a plurality of images, wherein the handle is coupled to a first end of the capture paddle; and a power source electrically coupled to the track, at least one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, or at least one of the at least two light sources; accessing a vehicle-specific set of information associated with the VIN or the dealer stock number, the vehicle-specific set of information comprising at least one of: a vehicle make, model, year, body style, trim, vehicle exterior color, vehicle interior color scheme, or vehicle interior material scheme; and The shutter release is actuated to initiate the capturing of the plurality of images of vehicle features.

2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting an orientation of one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, or one of the at least two light sources relative to the track prior to actuating the shutter release.

3. The process of claim 1 further comprising adjusting at least one of an angle α of the first wing or an angle α′ of the second wing relative to the track prior to actuating the shutter release.

4. The process of claim 1 further comprising slidably positioning the first wing on a first end of the track, slidably positioning the second wing on a second end of the track opposite the first end, and slidably positioning the at least two cameras between the first wing and the second wing on the track.

5. The process of claim 1 , further comprising mechanically driving, with a motor coupled to the power source, position adjustment of at least one of the track, at least one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, or the at least two light sources.

6. The process of claim 1 further comprising sensing ambient light conditions to generate ambient lighting condition data and adjusting lighting during actuation of the shutter release.

7. The process of claim 1 further comprising detecting a distance between the capture paddle and an interior of the vehicle to be captured by actuating the shutter release.

8. The process of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising tuning the image datasets from the plurality of images and generating a single composite image horizontally and vertically based on an accelerometer dataset generated by an accelerometer located on the track, on one of the at least two cameras, on the first wing, or on the second wing.

9. The process of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising generating a wide frame single image.

10. The process of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising actuating the shutter release by tapping a touch sensitive portion of the capture paddle.

11. The process of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising inserting the capture paddle into the interior of the vehicle through an open window or an open door of the vehicle.

12. The process of claim 1 , further comprising manually or automatically adjusting, before or while actuating the shutter release, at least one of the following: an angle of the first wing, a position of the first wing on the track, a position of one of the at least two cameras on the track, a zoom of one of the at least two cameras, a position or light angle of one of the at least two light sources relative to the track, a total number of lights illuminated per image capture, a color scheme of the total number of lights illuminated per image capture, a geometric configuration of the total number of lights illuminated per image capture, an illumination timing of one of the at least two light sources relative to each image capture, the total number of the at least two light sources illuminated per image capture, a total number of images to be captured, or a time interval between each image capture.

13. The process of claim 1 further comprising combining image data from the plurality of images into a single image, the single image being non-reflective and non-glare.

14. The process of claim 13, further comprising blending a predetermined percentage of each of the plurality of images into the single image, the predetermined percentage being fixed based on at least one of the vehicle specific information set, the ambient lighting condition data set, or the distance data set.

15. The process of claim 13 further comprising filtering a blend of each of the plurality of images into the single image based on at least one of the vehicle specific information set, the ambient lighting condition data set, the distance data set, or the image data set from the plurality of images.

16. The process of claim 1, further comprising generating a stereoscopic three-dimensional image based on an image dataset from the plurality of captured images.

17. The process of claim 16, further comprising illuminating one of the at least two light sources and capturing a first image with one of the at least two cameras, and then illuminating another of the at least two light sources and capturing a second image with another of the at least two cameras.

18. The process of claim 1 further comprising transferring one or more of image data generated from the plurality of captured images, an accelerometer generated data set, an ambient lighting condition data set, a distance data set, or a single image composite via a communication interface having one or more of a wired or wireless link, an optical drive, a universal serial bus, or a flash memory slot.

19. The process of claim 18, further comprising remotely and wirelessly actuating the shutter release via the communication interface.

20. A shooting paddle, comprising: a track on the shooting paddle surface, the track extending from a first end of the shooting paddle to a second end of the shooting paddle; a first wing and a second wing slidably coupled to the track, the first wing coupled proximate a first end of the capture paddle and the second wing coupled proximate a second end of the capture paddle; at least two cameras slidably coupled to the track between the first wing and the second wing; at least two light sources, the at least two light sources being slidably coupled to the track; a reader separate from the at least two cameras, the reader adapted to identify a vehicle specific set of information and slidably coupled to the track; a shutter release coupled to a handle of the capture paddle and adapted to initiate capture of a plurality of images, wherein the handle is coupled to a first end of the capture paddle; and A power source is electrically coupled to at least one of the track, at least one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, or the at least two light sources.

21. The photographing paddle according to claim 20, wherein: Each of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, and the at least two light sources are independently oriented relative to the track.

22. The photographing paddle of claim 20, wherein: A first angle α of the first wing relative to the track and a second angle α′ of the second wing relative to the track can be independently adjusted to between 30 degrees and 60 degrees.

23. The capture paddle of claim 20, further comprising a motor electrically coupled to the power source and mechanically coupled to the track, at least one of the at least two cameras, the first wing, the second wing, or at least one of the at least two light sources.

24. The filming paddle of claim 20, further comprising a sensor located on the track, the first wing, the second wing, or one of the at least two cameras, the sensor adapted to generate an ambient lighting condition dataset.

25. The filming paddle of claim 20, further comprising an accelerometer located on the track, the first wing, the second wing, or one of the at least two cameras and adapted to generate an accelerometer data set.

26. The capture paddle of claim 20, further comprising a flexible accordion extension connected to at least one of the at least two cameras and attached to the track.

27. The capture paddle of claim 20, further comprising a communication interface having one or more of the following: a wired or wireless link, an optical drive, a universal serial bus, or a flash memory slot.

28. A capture paddle as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 26, further comprising an alphanumeric keyboard located on the capture paddle and adapted to receive manual entry of a VIN or dealer stock number.

29. The capture paddle of claim 20, further comprising a distance detector located on the track, the first wing, the second wing, or one of the at least two cameras and adapted to generate a distance data set related to the distance between the capture paddle and the interior of the vehicle to be captured.

30. The capture paddle of claim 29, wherein the distance detector is a light detection and ranging device.

31. The filming paddle of claim 30, further comprising a central processing unit in communication with a motor, a sensor, at least one of the at least two cameras, at least one of the at least two light sources, or at least one of the distance detectors.

32. The photographing paddle of claim 20, wherein: The shutter release is embedded in the handle and protrudes from the handle.

33. The capture paddle of claim 20, further comprising an onboard processing system having a bus adapted to link components of the onboard processing system.

34. The capture paddle of claim 33, further comprising a memory adapted to store at least one of an operating program, firmware, vehicle specific information, or client information, wherein: The memory is a read-only memory and a random access memory.

Images