Magnetic Panorama Triggering System for Automated Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera mounts for panorama imaging require human intervention during image acquisition, which limits the ability to capture seamless panoramas without manual interaction.

Innovation Solution

A camera triggering system that includes a magnetic proximity sensor and a motor-driven camera mount, allowing automatic triggering of the camera at user-defined angular increments by rotating the camera with a radial array of magnets, enabling hands-free panorama capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional camera mounts are used for panorama imaging, then the camera can be supported and positioned, but human intervention is required during image acquisition which reduces automation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of panorama captureVSAvoidmanual interface requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation through automatic triggering. The magnetic proximity sensor automatically detects when the rotating mounting member reaches predetermined angular positions and triggers the camera shutter without requiring manual intervention. The motor automatically rotates the mounting member through the full 360-degree panorama sequence, allowing the system to serve itself throughout the entire image acquisition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motor-driven system. Instead of requiring a photographer to manually rotate and trigger the camera, an electric motor rotates the mounting member and a magnetic proximity sensor electronically triggers the shutter, substituting mechanical human operation with an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If precise angular increments are required for seamless panorama stitching, then image quality improves, but conventional mounts make it difficult to maintain precise angular spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular increment precisionVSAvoidconsistency of angular spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning magnets at exact predetermined angular intervals on the rotating mounting member before the panorama capture begins. These magnets serve as pre-calculated angular markers that ensure each photograph is captured at the precise angular increment required for seamless stitching, eliminating the need for manual angle measurement during the actual capture process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic proximity sensor provides feedback by detecting the passage of magnets at predetermined angular positions and automatically triggering the camera shutter. This feedback mechanism ensures that each image is captured at the correct angular increment, maintaining precise and consistent angular spacing throughout the panorama sequence without requiring manual angle verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple photographs are captured at precise angular increments, then a seamless stitched panorama is produced, but the process becomes time-consuming with manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseamless panorama stitchingVSAvoidpanorama capture speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by automatically rotating the mounting member through the complete 360-degree panorama sequence without interruption. The motor continuously rotates the mounting member while the magnetic proximity sensor continuously triggers the camera at each predetermined angular position, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual operation and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the entire panorama capture process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 the capture of seamless panoramas without human intervention, ensuring precise angular increments and reducing the need for manual interaction during image acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic proximity sensor coupled to the base plate... Each time the sensor passes by a magnet, the sensor closes an electrical circuit and/or creates a signal which commands the camera to trigger the shutter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic proximity sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9179063B1Camera triggering system for panorama imaging

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 AERIAL SPHERE LLC

AI summary

A camera triggering system for panorama imaging is provided. The system comprises a mounting member comprising holes, wherein a predetermined number of magnets are coupled within the holes. The system further comprises a base plate with the magnetic proximity sensor coupled to it. The system further comprises a camera mount coupled to the base plate. The system further comprises mounting connectors to connect the system to a camera support structure such as an unmanned aircraft or a tripod. The base plate and camera mount carrying the camera rotates with respect to the mounting member. As the sensor passes by the magnets, the trigger for the shutter is activated.