Adaptable Camera Array Housing With Modular Retainers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality devices struggle to capture immersive 360-degree panoramic views efficiently, as existing camera arrays are rigid and unable to adapt to different sizes and orientations, limiting their ability to image real-world environments from various angles.
Innovation Solution
A modular camera array system with adaptable camera retaining elements and couplings that allow for various configurations, including spherical and linear arrays, enabling cameras to be oriented and positioned flexibly for capturing images from multiple angles using a motorized stand for precise angular control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid camera array structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different sizes and orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera array structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently assembled and configured. Each segment contains camera retaining elements that can be separately positioned and oriented, allowing the overall structure to adapt to different sizes and orientations while maintaining local structural stability through each segment's rigid framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable mounting mechanisms that allow camera retaining elements to be dynamically positioned at various orientations and spacings. This dynamic capability enables the same structural framework to adapt to different configuration requirements while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed orientation camera retaining elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flexibility in camera positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera retaining elements are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate cameras in multiple orientations and positions. The standardized connection mechanisms serve multiple functions including mechanical retention, electrical connection, and positional adjustment, allowing a single component design to fulfill various positioning requirements without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular camera arrays are used, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular camera array employs a hierarchical nesting structure where camera retaining elements are nested within segment modules, which are in turn nested within larger array configurations. This nested organization allows complex multi-camera systems to be built from simpler standardized modules, reducing overall device complexity by reusing the same basic building blocks at multiple levels of the system hierarchy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the capture of high-quality, immersive 360-degree images and videos by allowing cameras to be positioned and oriented flexibly, enhancing the ability to image real-world environments from different angles, suitable for generating virtual reality content.
Implementation Method 1
each camera retaining element can be moveably attached to an adjacent camera retaining element of the plurality of camera retaining elements via a magnetic coupling formed and shaped to permit differing angled orientations between the attached retaining elements
Data Source
AI summary
A housing structure that can be used for forming a variety of camera arrays is disclosed. The housing structure comprises a plurality of camera retaining elements which can adaptably receive and retain cameras of various sizes and shapes. Adjacent camera retaining elements that form the housing structure are connected to each other via moveable couplings that enable the formation of camera arrays of various sizes and shapes.