Modular Spherical Camera Rig for Accurate Volumetric Video Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 360° video filming restricts viewer movement and sacrifices depth and volume content, limiting immersion due to fixed camera perspectives and spherical geometry, while traditional volumetric video capture systems are costly and complex to set up.
Innovation Solution
A versatile volumetric camera rig with modular, collapsible, and adaptable spherical structure using arm components and joint components, allowing for dense camera placement and accurate 360° capture, supporting over 100 cameras and enabling free movement within the scene, with hexagonal, pentagonal, and other geometric shapes for perfect spherical geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 360° video filming is used, then viewer immersion is improved through multi-angle capture, but viewer movement freedom is restricted and depth information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical camera rig is segmented into multiple adjustable arms with independently positionable cameras. Each arm can be positioned at different radial distances and angular orientations, allowing the system to capture depth information while maintaining 360° coverage. This segmentation enables viewers to move freely in three dimensions rather than being restricted to a fixed spherical viewpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D/360° video to volumetric video by adding the depth dimension. Multiple cameras are positioned at different radial distances from the center along adjustable arms, capturing spatial information in three dimensions. This allows viewers to navigate freely within the captured scene volume, not just rotate around a fixed point.
2Measurement precision
If volumetric video capture with multiple cameras is implemented, then depth information and viewer movement freedom are improved, but system complexity and setup cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera rig employs universal mounting interfaces and standardized arm components that can accommodate different camera models and configurations. The adjustable arms with multiple mounting positions allow the same structural framework to support various camera arrangements for different volumetric capture requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable camera positions along the arms, allowing the rig to be reconfigured for different shooting scenarios. The arms can be extended, retracted, and positioned at various angles, enabling the system to adapt to different subject distances and scene requirements without requiring multiple fixed rigs.
3Manufacturing precision
If dense camera placement is achieved for accurate volumetric capture, then video quality is improved, but rig structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rig divides the camera array into multiple segments along adjustable arms, each capable of independent positioning. This segmentation allows dense camera placement along each arm's length while maintaining structural manageability. The modular arm design with standardized mounting points enables precise camera positioning without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spherical geometric framework where cameras are positioned along radial arms at precise angular intervals. This spherical arrangement with curved arm paths enables accurate three-dimensional spatial distribution of cameras while maintaining structural elegance and simplifying the mathematical coordination of camera positions.
4Measurement precision
If traditional volumetric video systems are used, then depth capture capability is improved, but setup time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera rig features pre-configured mounting positions and standardized interfaces that allow for rapid assembly. The arms come with predetermined angular markings and modular connection points, enabling technicians to quickly assemble and calibrate the system without time-consuming custom fabrication or complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segmented design allows the rig to be assembled in sections and transported in manageable parts. Each arm segment can be independently set up and calibrated, reducing overall setup time compared to assembling a monolithic structure. The standardized interfaces between segments enable rapid connection and alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a versatile volumetric camera rig composed of a partially spherical structure formed by the combination of a plurality of substructures. The substructure may be made from a plurality of arm components and joint components which may be further outfitted with cameras and other sensors that capture a scene from within the rig.