Dual Camera Gimbal for Simultaneous 360-Degree Panoramic Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial photography systems using a single gimbal for 360-degree panoramic views fail to provide a simultaneous three-dimensional experience, and using multiple gimbals results in poor virtual reality experience and high costs due to time differences between camera captures.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal system with two cameras positioned at opposite ends of a roll axis motor assembly, driven by a pitch and yaw axis motor assembly, allowing simultaneous 180-degree opposite direction image capture, synchronized by a processor that adjusts motor signals based on flight attitude information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gimbal is used for 360-degree panoramic photography, then the device complexity is reduced, but the panoramic view cannot be obtained simultaneously and three-dimensional virtual reality experience cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The single gimbal is segmented into two independent camera systems (first camera and second camera) positioned at opposite ends of the roll axis motor assembly, each capable of independent 180-degree coverage. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture from multiple angles without requiring multiple complete gimbals, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and simultaneous panoramic capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-angle sequential capture approach to a multi-dimensional simultaneous capture approach by positioning cameras at opposite ends of the roll axis (180 degrees apart). This dimensional arrangement in the roll axis enables both cameras to capture different hemispheres simultaneously, achieving 360-degree panoramic coverage without increasing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If multiple gimbals are used in cooperation, then 360-degree panoramic view can be obtained, but there is a time difference between photographing of cameras and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
Two camera systems that would traditionally require separate gimbals are merged into a single integrated gimbal structure, sharing common support, control systems, and mounting mechanisms. This merging eliminates the time differences and synchronization issues between independent gimbals while maintaining the ability to capture 360-degree panoramic views simultaneously, and reduces overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor receives images from both cameras simultaneously and performs coordinated panoramic synthesis with real-time feedback control. This feedback mechanism ensures that both cameras are properly synchronized and positioned, automatically adjusting for any deviations and maintaining reliable simultaneous capture without the time differences that plague multi-gimbal systems.
3Device complexity
If a single gimbal rotates to capture 360-degree panoramic view, then device complexity is reduced, but the panoramic view cannot be obtained at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The panoramic capture function is segmented between two cameras positioned at opposite ends of the roll axis, with each camera responsible for capturing an 180-degree field of view. This segmentation enables simultaneous capture of the complete 360-degree panorama in a single moment, dramatically increasing productivity compared to sequential single-camera rotation while keeping the gimbal structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera is positioned to capture slightly more than a hemisphere (180 degrees), providing excessive coverage that ensures complete 360-degree panoramic overlap when combined. This partial redundancy allows simultaneous capture without requiring precise mechanical synchronization, improving productivity while maintaining simple gimbal mechanics.
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 simultaneous 360-degree panoramic views, reducing the need for multiple gimbals and costs, while ensuring no time difference in camera captures, thus enhancing virtual reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
the roll axis motor assembly is configured to drive the first camera and the second camera to rotate around a roll axis of the roll axis motor assembly
Implementation Method 2
the pitch axis motor assembly is configured to drive the roll axis motor assembly, the first camera and the second camera to rotate around a pitch axis of pitch axis motor assembly
Implementation Method 3
the yaw axis motor assembly being configured to drive the support, the pitch axis motor assembly, the roll axis motor assembly, the first camera and the second camera to rotate around a yaw axis of the yaw axis motor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a gimbal including a support, a roll axis motor assembly, a pitch axis motor assembly, a first camera and a second camera. The first camera and the second camera are disposed at two ends of the roll axis motor assembly and face opposite directions. The roll axis motor assembly is configured to drive the first camera and the second camera to rotate around a roll axis of the roll axis motor assembly. The pitch axis motor assembly is mounted on the support and is connected to the roll axis motor assembly and the pitch axis motor assembly is configured to drive the roll axis motor assembly, the first camera and the second camera to rotate round a pitch axis of the pitch axis motor assembly. In the present invention, the two cameras are respectively disposed at the two ends of the roll axis motor assembly and face opposite directions, so that the two cameras can cooperate with each other, so as to obtain a 360-degree panoramic view at a same time, thereby satisfying three-dimensional experience in virtual reality.