Modular Camera Gimbal Integration for Stable Drone and Handheld Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture systems, particularly drone-based cameras, face challenges in reducing motion artifacts and weight, leading to suboptimal image quality and limited battery life due to separate mechanical stabilization systems and the need for displays and batteries in multiple modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular image capture system with an integrated mechanical stabilization system, including gimbals and motors, that can be interchangeably attached to both aerial vehicles and handheld modules, reducing weight and power consumption while providing improved image stabilization across various usage scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate mechanical stabilization system is used with drone-based cameras, then image stabilization is achieved, but system weight increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical stabilization system (gimbals and motors) with the image capture module into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate stabilization components that would otherwise be attached to the drone, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining image stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated image capture module with built-in mechanical stabilization is designed to be universally compatible with multiple platforms including drones, handheld devices, and other mounting systems. This multi-functionality allows the same stabilized camera module to serve different purposes without requiring platform-specific stabilization hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If displays and batteries are included in multiple modules, then functionality is enhanced, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive components (display and battery) from the image capture module and places them in separate external devices such as smartphones or tablets. This extraction allows the camera module to consume less power while still providing full functionality through wireless connectivity to the external devices that handle power-intensive tasks.
3Reliability
If the gimbal is exposed beyond the connector surface, then mechanical stabilization is improved, but device complexity and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the gimbal mechanism within the connector housing, with the gimbal components contained inside the connector structure. This nesting protects the delicate gimbal components from damage while maintaining the mechanical stabilization function, and reduces overall device complexity by integrating the gimbal into the existing connector design rather than adding external components.
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
The modular system enhances image quality by reducing motion artifacts, extends battery life, and improves maneuverability and safety by integrating stabilization directly with the image sensor, allowing seamless transition between aerial and handheld use.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the connector
Implementation Method 2
a gimbal of the mechanical stabilization system is substantially flush with a surface of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for image capture. For example, systems may include an image capture module including an image sensor configured to capture images, a connector, and an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the connector; an aerial vehicle configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector and to fly while carrying the image capture module; and a handheld module configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector, wherein the handheld module includes a battery and an integrated display configured to display images received from the image sensor.