Device for controlling the alignment and position of an image capture element

Abstract

Device (1) for controlling the orientation and position of an image acquisition element (10), wherein the device (1) comprises the following: a support element (2) comprising a fastening element (3) and a hinge connection (4), wherein the fastening element (3) is configured to receive and secure the image acquisition element (10); and a control element (5) comprising a connecting element (6) configured to interact with the joint connection (4) of the support element (2), thereby enabling joint movement of the support element (2) with respect to the control element (5), wherein the device (1) is characterized in that the control element (5) comprises the following: a first section (7) and a second section (8), wherein the first section (7) comprises a first end (71) suitable for grasping by a user and a second end (72), and wherein the second section (8) comprises a first end (81) articulated to the second end (72) of the first section (7) and a second end (82) comprising the connecting element (6); a first actuator configured to rotate the second section (8) relative to the first section (7) about a first axis of rotation; a second actuator configured to rotate the joint connection (4) about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation with respect to the connecting element (6); and a controller (9) configured to control the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of portable devices for controlling an image capture element, such as a camera or a smartphone. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the technical field of audiovisual content creation, there is a need to dynamically capture images or videos by moving closer to and away from the subject. This shooting style is typical for music videos on social networks or even more professional video clips, but it can be extended to any style and need in audiovisual production that requires fast movements and a large area in terms of both distance and shooting angle for images or videos.

[0003] With current devices, it is difficult to perform this task, which is why it is necessary to develop a device for controlling image capture elements that allows a high degree of freedom in the linear and angular positioning of the image capture element in relation to the object to be captured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention overcomes the previous limitations of the prior art by providing a device for controlling the alignment and position of an image acquisition element according to claim 1.

[0005] The present invention therefore relates primarily to a device for controlling the alignment and position of an image acquisition element, wherein the device comprises the following: a support element comprising a fastening element and a hinge connection, wherein the fastening element is configured to receive and secure the image acquisition element; and a control element comprising a connecting element configured to interact with the joint connection of the support element, thereby enabling joint movement of the support element relative to the control element, wherein the device is characterized in that the control element comprises the following: a first section and a second section, wherein the first section comprises a first end suitable for grasping by a user and a second end, and wherein the second section comprises a first end articulated to the second end of the first section and a second end comprising the connecting element; a first actuator configured to rotate the second section relative to the first section about a first axis of rotation; a second actuator configured to rotate the joint connection about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation with respect to the connecting element; and a controller configured to control the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0006] Thanks to this device, the user can achieve complex image perspectives by combining two rotations: a first rotation between the first and second sections of the control element, and a second rotation between the support element and the second section of the control element. This capability allows the user to align the image capture element much more flexibly than with previously known devices, without moving the device's holding point.

[0007] The control unit can be integrated into the control element or arranged separately, enabling remote activation via a cable or wireless connection.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the first actuator is a first motor comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to rotate relative to the fixed part, wherein the fixed part of the first motor is attached to one of the two ends, the second end of the first section or the first end of the second section; and the moving part of the first motor is attached to the other element, either the second end of the first section or the first end of the second section.

[0009] The object of the invention can be achieved with a first electric motor controlled by a control system, so that a simple and effective control of the first of the two rotations mentioned above is achieved.

[0010] Since a rotation of one section relative to the other is desired, this can of course be achieved by connecting the fixed section to the first section and the movable section (e.g. the output shaft) to the second section, or vice versa, by connecting the fixed section to the second section and the movable section to the first section.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the second actuator is a motor comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to move relative to the fixed part, wherein the fixed part of the second motor is attached to either the joint or the connecting element; and the movable part of the second motor is attached to the other element, either the joint or the connecting element.

[0012] If a similar motor is attached to the second actuator, the second rotation can be controlled in a similar way to the first.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the second actuator includes a track that is located on the second section of the control element, a moving element that is located within the track and can move in a straight line along the track, a connecting rod with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the moving element and the second end is rigidly connected to the joint of the support element, a system configured to cause a circular motion at the second end of the connecting rod relative to the control element.

[0014] This provides an alternative to the previously mentioned mode by incorporating a mechanism with a connecting rod. This achieves not just a rotation, as in the case of the engine, but a combined rotary and sliding motion, allowing for a complex perspective of the target.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the system for rotating the connecting rod includes a crank with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to a point of the second section of the control element and the second end is pivotally connected to the second end of the connecting rod; and a motor configured to rotate the crank around the first end of that crank as the pivot point.

[0016] One alternative for achieving circular motion at the second end of the connecting rod is to attach a crank mechanism. In this case, the first end of the crank is acted upon so that it serves as the pivot point. Since the crank rotates around its first end, the second end of the crank describes a circular motion, causing the second end of the connecting rod, which is connected to the second end of the crank, to perform the same circular motion, thus moving the first end of the connecting rod around the mechanism.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the system for rotating the connecting rod includes a gear with a center point, wherein the center point of the gear is pivotally connected to the second end of the connecting rod; a main gear unit coupled to the gear unit, wherein the main gear unit has a center point pivotably connected to a point of the second section of the control element; an outer ring that engages with the gear and is attached to the second section; and a motor configured to cause a rotary movement of the main gearbox.

[0018] A second alternative achieves the same effect, but using a motor that imparts a rotary motion to a main gearbox coupled to the gear. Depending on the availability, reliability, and functionality of the components involved in these designs, one or the other manufacturing alternative can be chosen.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the second actuator comprises a gear reduction unit coupled to the first actuator, such that the rotation of the joint connection with respect to the connecting element is coupled to the rotation of the second section with respect to the first section.

[0020] In this way, a complex movement of the image capture element can be achieved with a single movement of the control, the sequence of which improves the quality of the recording of the object.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the system additionally includes a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive commands from the controller, the processor is configured to receive rotation information from the first actuator, The processor is configured to send information to the second actuator, which depends on the rotation information from the first actuator.

[0022] In this way, the coupling of the rotations can be electronically controlled, making it possible to define various predefined rotation patterns that enable multiple complex movement sequences when acquiring the target. In any case, it is also possible to control both actuators independently.

[0023] All terms and embodiments described in this document apply equally to all aspects of the invention. It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," "a," and "a" used in the description and claims also include their plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, the term "comprises" or "comprising," as used in this document, also describes "consists of" or "comprising" in accordance with generally accepted patent practice. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] In the following, each of the figures used to supplement the subsequent description of the invention will be briefly described, this description being illustrative and not limiting: Fig. Figure 1 shows a general view of a device for controlling the alignment and position of an image capture element according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative arrangement for achieving the rotation of the joint connection with respect to the connecting element in a device for controlling the orientation and position of an image acquisition element according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a further alternative arrangement for achieving the rotation of the joint connection with respect to the connecting element in a device for controlling the alignment and position of an image acquisition element according to the invention. Reference numbers of the figures

[0025] To facilitate a better understanding of the technical features of the invention, the figures mentioned are provided with a series of reference numerals which illustrate, without limitation, the following: 1 Device 2 support elements 3 Fastening element 4 Joint connection 5 Control element 6 Connecting element 7 First section of the control 8 Second section of the control 9 Control 10 Camera 11 First engine 12 Second engine 13 lanes 14 Movement element 15 Connecting rod 16 crank 17 gear 18 Main gearboxes 19 Outer ring DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The detailed description of the present invention, which follows, refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the field to implement the present invention. It should be noted that different embodiments of the present invention may differ from one another, but need not be mutually exclusive. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be understood as limiting, and the scope of the present invention, if correctly described, is limited only by the accompanying claims and all areas equivalent to the accompanying claims. In the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions in different aspects.

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a general view of a device 1 for controlling the orientation and position of an image capture element 10. Generally, this is referred to as a camera 10, but it could also be any other image capture element, such as a smartphone, a portable camera, etc.

[0029] The main elements of this device are the support element 2 and the control element 5.

[0030] The support element 2 serves to mount the camera 10. For this purpose, it includes a mounting element 3, which is configured to receive and secure the camera. This mounting element can consist of clamps, a magnet, or any other type of element that enables a firm and stable connection between the camera 10 and the mounting element 3.

[0031] Furthermore, it also includes a joint connection 4, which represents the point where the support element is connected to the control element 5.

[0032] The control element 5 in turn includes a connecting element 6 which is configured to interact with the joint connection 4 of the support element 2, thereby enabling the joint movement of the support element 2 with respect to the control element 5.

[0033] The control element 5 comprises a first section 7 and a second section 8, wherein the first section 7 includes a first end 71, which can be grasped by the user, and a second end 72. The second section 8 comprises a first end 81, which is articulated to the second end 72 of the first section 7, and a second end 82, which includes the connecting element 6. In this way, a "two-part" control element 5 is obtained, with a second section 8 being able to rotate relative to the first section 7.

[0034] To control the rotation of the second section 8 relative to the first section 7, a first actuator is provided, and to control the rotation of the joint 4 relative to the connecting element 6, a second actuator is provided. Numerous different examples of actuators exist, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. The rotation of the second section 8 relative to the first section 7 occurs about a first axis of rotation, and the rotation of the joint 4 relative to the connecting element 6 occurs about a second axis of rotation, which is parallel to the first axis of rotation.

[0035] A control unit 9 is arranged to control the actuators; it is located on the first section 7 of the control element 5. In other embodiments, the control unit may be located at a different location or outside the control element 5 and be connected via a cable or wirelessly.

[0036] In this specific case Fig. 1 is the first actuator a motor 11 comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to rotate with respect to the fixed part, the fixed part of the first motor being attached to the second end 72 of the first section 7 and the movable part of the first motor being attached to the first end 81 of the second section 8.

[0037] The second actuator is a second motor 12 comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to move relative to the fixed part, the fixed part of the second motor being attached to the connecting element 6 and the movable part of the second motor being attached to the articulated joint 4.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative arrangement to achieve rotation of the joint connection relative to the connecting element 6.

[0039] A section of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the second actuator comprises the following: a track 13, which is arranged on the second section 8 of the control element 5; a motion element 14 which is arranged within the track 13 and is configured to move in a straight line along the track 13; a connecting rod 15 with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the movement element 14 and the second end is rigidly connected to the joint connection 4 of the support element 2; a crank 16 with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to a point of the second section 8 of the control element 5 and the second end is pivotably connected to the second end of the connecting rod 15; and a motor configured to rotate the crank 16 around the first end of this crank 16 as the pivot point.

[0040] When the motor acts on the first end of the crank 16 and rotates it, a circular motion is generated at the second end of the crank 16. This causes the same circular motion at the second end of the connecting rod 15, since its second end is pivotally connected to the second end of the crank 16. This circular motion of the second end of the connecting rod 15 causes its first end to move via the movement element 14.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement to achieve rotation of the joint connection relative to the connecting element 6.

[0042] In this case, a section of the device according to the invention is shown, wherein the second actuator comprises the following: a track 13, which is arranged on the second section 8 of the control element 5; a motion element 14 which is arranged within the track 13 and is configured to move in a straight line along the track 13; a connecting rod 15 with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the movement element 14 and the second end is rigidly connected to the joint connection 4 of the support element 2; a gear 17 with a center point, wherein the center point of the gear is pivotally connected to the second end of the connecting rod 15; a main gear 18 coupled to the gear 17, wherein the main gear has a center point pivotably connected to a point of the second section 8 of the control element 5; an outer ring 19 which engages with the gear 17; and a motor configured to cause a rotary movement of the main gearbox 18.

[0043] Although they share similarities with the execution in Fig. If it has a 2, it works differently in this case.

[0044] The motor is not connected to the end of a crank, but to the main gearbox 18, which is centered at a point on the second section 8 of the control element, around which it can rotate. This main gearbox 18 is connected to a gear 17, so that when the main gearbox 18, driven by the motor, rotates, the gear 17 also rotates. The gear 17 has a center point to which the second end of the connecting rod 15 is pivotally attached. When the main gearbox 18 rotates due to the motor, the gear 17 also rotates, causing the connecting rod 15 to move in the same way as in the embodiment of Fig. 2 describes a movement, namely a circular motion of its second end, which is connected to the gear 17. Since the second end of the connecting rod is rigidly connected to the joint 4 of the support element 2, its movement causes a rotation of the camera.

[0045] Furthermore, there is an outer ring 19, which also engages with the gear 17 and is attached to the second section 8, thereby initiating a translational movement determined by the distance between the center of the gear 17 and the center of the main gear 18, so that the camera mount undergoes the same movement as in the embodiment of Fig. 2 executes.

[0046] In other embodiments of the invention, the second actuator comprises a gear reduction unit coupled to the first actuator, such that the rotation of the joint connection with respect to the connecting element is coupled to the rotation of the second section with respect to the first section.

[0047] In other embodiments of the invention, the system additionally comprises a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive commands from the controller, the processor is configured to receive rotation information from the first actuator, The processor is configured to send information to the second actuator, which depends on the rotation information from the first actuator.

[0048] In other versions, the actuators can be controlled independently of each other to create non-predetermined rotations, which can facilitate the creation of innovative effects during image capture.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for controlling the orientation and position of an image acquisition element (10), wherein the device (1) comprises: a support element (2) comprising a fastening element (3) and a hinge connection (4), wherein the fastening element (3) is configured to receive and secure the image acquisition element (10); and a control element (5) comprising a connecting element (6) configured to interact with the joint connection (4) of the support element (2), thereby enabling joint movement of the support element (2) with respect to the control element (5), wherein the device (1) characterized by is that the control element (5) includes the following: a first section (7) and a second section (8), wherein the first section (7) comprises a first end (71) suitable for grasping by a user and a second end (72), and wherein the second section (8) comprises a first end (81) articulated to the second end (72) of the first section (7) and a second end (82) comprising the connecting element (6); a first actuator configured to rotate the second section (8) relative to the first section (7) about a first axis of rotation; a second actuator configured to rotate the joint connection (4) about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation with respect to the connecting element (6); and a controller (9) configured to control the operation of the first actuator and the second actuator. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator is a first motor (11) comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to rotate relative to the fixed part, wherein the fixed part of the first motor is attached to one of the two ends, the second end (72) of the first section (7) or the first end (81) of the second section (8); and the movable part of the first motor is attached to the other element, either the second end (72) of the first section (7) or the first end (81) of the second section (8). [3] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second actuator is a second motor (12) comprising a fixed part and a movable part configured to move relative to the fixed part, wherein the fixed part of the second motor is attached to either the joint connection (4) or the connecting element (6); and the movable part of the second motor is attached to the other element, either the joint connection (4) or the connecting element (6). [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the second actuator comprises: a track (13) which is arranged on the second section (8) of the control element (5); a motion element (14) that is arranged within the track (13) and is configured to move in a straight line along the track (13); a connecting rod (15) with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the moving element (14) and the second end is rigidly connected to the joint connection (4) of the support element (2); a system configured to cause a circular motion at the second end of the connecting rod (15) with respect to the control element (5). [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the system for rotating the connecting rod comprises: a crank (16) with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to a point of the second section (8) of the control element (5) and the second end is pivotably connected to the second end of the connecting rod (15); and a motor configured to rotate the crank (16) around the first end of this crank (16) as the pivot point. [6] Device according to claim 4, wherein the system for rotating the connecting rod comprises: a gear (17) with a center point, wherein the center point of the gear is pivotally connected to the second end of the connecting rod (15); a main gear (18) coupled to the gear (17), wherein the main gear has a center point pivotably connected to a point of the second section (8) of the control element (5); an outer ring (19) which engages with the gear (17) and is attached to the second section (8); and a motor configured to cause a rotary movement of the main gearbox (18). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second actuator comprises a gear reduction unit coupled to the first actuator, such that the rotation of the joint connection with respect to the connecting element is coupled to the rotation of the second section with respect to the first section. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive commands from the controller, the processor is configured to receive rotation information from the first actuator, The processor is configured to send information to the second actuator, which depends on the rotation information from the first actuator.

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