Wearable Headset with Ultra-Wide Cameras for Hands-Free 360 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headsets lack the capability for panoramic photography, and traditional panoramic cameras are inconvenient to use due to their large size and requirement for manual handling, limiting their ability to capture 360° images for virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A headset equipped with ultra-wide-angle cameras mounted on either side, allowing users to capture 360° panoramic images and videos by wearing the device, which includes a processor for image merging and optional wireless communication for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional panoramic cameras are used to capture 360° images, then the field angle coverage is improved, but the device volume and ease of operation deteriorate due to large size and manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the panoramic camera system with a headset that users wear on their heads. By merging the camera functionality into the headset structure, the system achieves both 360° field angle coverage and hands-free operation, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset serves multiple functions: it acts as both an audio device and a panoramic photography device. This multi-functionality allows users to capture 360° images without requiring separate equipment, improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive field angle coverage.
2Area of moving object
If traditional panoramic cameras are used to capture 360° images, then the field angle coverage is improved, but the device volume increases due to large size requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the panoramic camera system into the headset structure, combining multiple functions into a single compact device. This merging approach achieves 360° field angle coverage without requiring a separate large-volume camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is nested within the headset structure, with cameras positioned in the earpieces. This nesting arrangement allows the panoramic imaging system to be contained within a compact form factor, reducing overall device volume while maintaining full 360° coverage capability.
3Device complexity
If ordinary cameras are used for image acquisition, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the field angle coverage is limited and cannot serve as VR image acquiring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task across multiple cameras positioned at different locations on the headset (left and right earpieces). Each camera captures a portion of the panoramic scene, and the images are later stitched together to create a complete 360° view, achieving wide coverage while keeping individual camera units simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple ultra-wide-angle or fish-eye cameras with the headset structure to achieve 360° panoramic coverage. This merging transforms a simple headset into a sophisticated VR image acquiring device capable of capturing immersive spherical images.
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 users to conveniently capture and merge images from both sides, providing a 360° panoramic view without the need for manual handling, enhancing the VR experience by integrating photography and audio functions into a single wearable device.
Implementation Method 1
the left camera and the right camera are fish-eye cameras having fish-eye lenses
Implementation Method 2
fish-eye lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A headset for panoramic photography, including a left receiver body and a right receiver body for being mounted on the left ear and the right ear of a user. A side of the left receiver body away from the left ear of a user is provided with a left camera, and a side of the right receiver body away from the right ear of the user is provided with a right camera. The cameras are ultra-wide-angle with a field angle of at least 180°, and optical axes of the cameras are perpendicular to optical axes of eyes of the user. User can listen, speak, and shoot photos or videos without hand-holding the camera. By shooting within a field angle of 180° at the left and right sides of a human body, a 360° panoramic image is obtained by merging the acquired images, thus produces simulated images and Virtual Reality environment.