Ergonomic Rig for Virtual Camera Device with Rotatable Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual camera devices limit the range of motion for operators, leading to discomfort, joint stiffness, and potential injury due to the need for excessive wrist and shoulder flexion, while also obstructing display visibility.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic rig with laterally displaced rotational pivot points and a rotatable handle that allows for increased camera rotation without straining the operator's joints, while maintaining display visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display is mounted directly on the VCD, then the operator can view the display easily, but the range of motion for camera rotation is limited by wrist flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate handles: a static handle that holds the display and a rotatable handle that carries the motion tracking devices. This segmentation allows the display to remain stationary and visible while the tracking portion rotates independently through a wide range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator lifts and lowers the entire VCD to achieve greater rotation range, then camera rotation range increases, but muscle cramps and joint stiffness occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of achieving rotation through vertical lifting (one dimension), the invention enables rotation through horizontal pivoting at the pivot point (another dimension). The rotatable handle can rotate 360 degrees or more horizontally while the display remains stationary, eliminating the need for shoulder and wrist flexion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator modifies grip position on the handle to achieve greater rotation, then camera rotation range increases, but accessibility to controls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the display function (static handle) from the rotation function (rotatable handle), the invention allows the operator to grip the rotatable handle for maximum rotation range while keeping controls on the static handle within easy reach. The two handles can be positioned independently to optimize both rotation range and control accessibility.
4Volume of moving object
If the rotatable handle is positioned close to the display, then the structure is compact, but the range of rotation is limited by wrist flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot point acts as an intermediary between the static handle (display) and the rotatable handle (tracking devices). This pivot point serves as the rotation center, allowing the rotatable handle to rotate through a wide range of motion without being constrained by wrist flexibility, while the display remains stationary and visible.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic rig for operating a virtual camera device comprises, in one embodiment, a first leg rigidly coupled to a center mount configured to support a virtual camera display. Additionally, a second leg is spaced apart from the first leg and rotatably coupled to the center mount, and one or more means for executing motion tracking, such as motion capture display rods and markers, are disposed on a top end of the second leg. Finally, an ergonomically-shaped handle is rotatably secured to the second leg below a joint defined by the rotatable coupling of the second leg and center mount. Thus, two linearly displaced rotational joints may be provided in order to increase rotation achievable by any virtual camera calibration devices secured to the rig while avoiding excessive flexion and extension in a user's wrist, fingers, and/or shoulder.