Image Capture Orientation Control for Stabilized Walking Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses with attached stabilizers experience inaccuracies in leveling due to the relative difference between gravitational acceleration and angular velocity, leading to unintended image capture when used for walking moving images.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus that dynamically switches between orientation angle calculation modes based on the presence of a stabilizer and the state of vibration, using a combination of gravitational and angular velocity sensors to maintain image levelness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizer is attached to suppress vibration during walking moving image capturing, then vibration of the image capturing apparatus is reduced, but gravitational acceleration becomes relatively greater than angular velocity causing erroneous orientation angle calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between two orientation angle calculation methods based on the operational state. When a stabilizer is attached during walking moving image capturing, the system selects the second calculation method that prioritizes angular velocity data. In other states, it uses the first method that prioritizes gravitational acceleration data. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the calculation approach for each specific operational condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the weighting parameters in the orientation angle calculation formula based on the detected state. In the first state (no stabilizer or non-walking), gravitational acceleration is given higher weight. In the second state (stabilizer attached during walking), angular velocity is given higher weight. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the relative importance of different sensor inputs to the current operational context.
2Device complexity
If orientation angle is calculated using gravitational acceleration and angular velocity with fixed weighting, then calculation is simple, but leveling accuracy does not stabilize when stabilizer is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic state detection and conditional logic to select between different calculation approaches. The system detects whether a stabilizer is attached and whether walking moving image capturing is being performed, then automatically switches between calculation methods. This adds conditional complexity but maintains computational efficiency by using predetermined calculation formulas for each state, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the operational state (stabilizer attachment status and capturing mode) and uses this feedback to adjust the orientation angle calculation method in real-time. This closed-loop approach ensures that the most appropriate calculation method is always used, maintaining both accuracy and reasonable complexity through adaptive control.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stabilizer is used for walking moving image capturing, then vibration is suppressed, but unintended images may be captured due to erroneous orientation angle calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adapts the orientation angle calculation method based on the operational state to ensure reliable image capture. By switching to the second calculation method (prioritizing angular velocity) when a stabilizer is attached during walking moving image capturing, the system ensures accurate orientation measurement and prevents unintended images from being captured, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining image stability.
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
Ensures accurate image leveling even when using a stabilizer for walking moving images, preventing unintended image capture and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor for detecting gravitational acceleration in the image capturing apparatus is provided and, using the value of that acceleration sensor, an orientation angle of the image capturing apparatus is calculated
Implementation Method 2
an angular velocity sensor is provided in addition to the acceleration sensor and a weighting of acceleration and a weighting of angular velocity when calculating the angle are changed according to vibration of the image capturing apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a moving image is captured with an electric gimbal stabilizer (hereinafter, referred to as stabilizer) attached to the image capturing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus operable to obtain an image by capturing a subject image includes an orientation angle calculation unit configured to calculate an orientation angle of the image capturing apparatus, and a correction unit configured to perform correction based on the orientation angle of the image capturing apparatus so as to maintain a levelness of the image. The orientation angle calculation unit changes a method of calculating the orientation angle between a first state in which walking moving image capturing is performed with a vibration suppression mechanism configured to suppress a vibration of the image capturing apparatus attached to the image capturing apparatus and a second state other than the first state.