Automatic Camera Orientation for High Quality Video Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video recording systems require a second person to operate the camera, leading to imperfect and shaky recordings due to human imperfections, and often fail to capture exciting moments, especially when the subject is alone and unable to operate the camera.
Innovation Solution
A portable system that automatically orients a camera to follow a freely moving target using a positioner, a remote unit for location information, and a base station to command the orientation and velocity of the camera, allowing for high-quality video recording without the need for a cameraman.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a second person operates the camera to record the subject, then the subject can be recorded from a distance, but the recording quality deteriorates due to shaky hands and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the subject to record themselves autonomously without requiring a second person. The camera automatically tracks the subject's movements using location information from the remote unit, allowing the subject to capture their own activities while maintaining recording quality through automated stabilization and tracking algorithms.
2Ease of operation
If a second person operates the camera, then the subject can be recorded, but the system complexity increases and the subject loses autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system autonomously tracks the subject using automated algorithms that process location information from the remote unit. The subject simply wears the remote unit and moves naturally, while the camera automatically adjusts its orientation and positioning to maintain the subject within the frame, eliminating the need for manual camera operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of camera panning and tilting by a human operator with an automated electronic control system. The base station processes location data and generates control signals that automatically adjust the camera's orientation, substituting human mechanical actions with electronic automation.
3Speed
If the camera operator moves quickly to follow the subject, then the subject can be kept in view, but the camera motion becomes shaky and video quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual camera movement with automated electronic control of the camera's orientation mechanisms. The system processes location information and generates smooth control signals that adjust the camera's pan and tilt angles electronically, eliminating the jerky mechanical movements associated with manual operation while maintaining fast response to subject motion.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to the automatic pointing of a pointing device, such as a camera, without the assistance of a person who operates the camera. Systems and methods are disclosed wherein the system is substantially stationary during recording but is portable to the venue of recording. For the purpose of recording, the camera turns automatically to optically follow the person, animal, or object that is being recorded. The present invention provides for high quality video recording; the high quality video recording here refers to features of the inventive systems and methods that provide for smooth camera motion necessary to take enjoyable videos for personal or for commercial use. This invention provides a portable system that automatically records videos from the vantage point of a sports fan, of a spectator or of a competition judge.