Multi-Directional Camera Rig for 360-Degree Stereoscopic Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera rigs are inadequate for capturing stereoscopic image data in multiple directions, leading to alignment and portability issues, and fail to provide a 360-degree view suitable for 3D content creation, especially in event settings where a compact and non-obtrusive solution is required.
Innovation Solution
A camera rig with multiple pairs of cameras mounted on a platform that allows for flexible configuration, enabling the capture of stereoscopic images in 360 degrees by positioning camera pairs 120 degrees apart, with the ability to rotate and adjust camera positions for optimal alignment and image capture, and optionally incorporating microphones for stereo audio capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple camera pairs are mounted to capture 360-degree stereoscopic images, then the coverage area is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera rig divides the 360-degree capture task into multiple segments, with each camera pair responsible for a specific directional view (front, rear left, rear right). This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while keeping each camera unit relatively compact and manageable in size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction to multi-directional capture by adding spatial dimensions. Camera pairs are positioned at different orientations (0 degrees, 120 degrees, 240 degrees) around the rig, utilizing angular distribution to achieve 360-degree coverage without proportionally increasing the rig's linear dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera pairs are mounted to capture stereoscopic images in multiple directions, then the image capture capability is improved, but the alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The camera rig employs a universal mounting structure with standardized interfaces and adjustable positioning mechanisms that work consistently across all camera pairs. This universal design ensures that each camera can be precisely aligned to its intended orientation while maintaining consistent spacing and focal relationships, regardless of the specific directional configuration needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rig incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting positions that allow dynamic alignment of camera pairs. The mounting structure enables precise positioning adjustments during setup and potential reconfiguration, allowing operators to optimize alignment for different shooting scenarios while maintaining the multi-directional capture capability.
3Ease of operation
If a compact camera rig is designed for portability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the number of cameras that can be mounted is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera pairs into a single integrated rig structure, combining what would otherwise be separate camera units into one portable assembly. This consolidation allows the system to function as a unified portable device while still accommodating multiple camera pairs for multi-directional stereoscopic capture, improving ease of operation without sacrificing camera quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact rig design incorporates a universal mounting platform that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of camera pairs within its compact form factor. This multi-functional mounting structure allows the same portable rig to be configured with fewer cameras for simple applications or with full complement of cameras for comprehensive 360-degree capture, adapting to different needs without requiring multiple different rig sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Camera related methods and apparatus which are well suited for use in capturing stereoscopic image data, e.g., pairs of left and right eye images, are described. Various features relate to a camera rig which can be used to mount multiple cameras at the same time. In some embodiments the camera rig includes 3 mounting locations corresponding to 3 different directions 120 degrees apart. One or more of the mounting locations may be used at a given time. When a single camera pair is used the rig can be rotated to capture images corresponding to the locations where a camera pair is not mounted. Static images from those locations can then be combined with images corresponding to the forward direction to generate a 360 degree view. Alternatively camera pairs or individual cameras can be included in each of the mounting locations to capture video in multiple directions.