Modular Image Capture Assembly for Handheld and Aerial Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture systems are cumbersome and heavy, lacking interoperability between handheld cameras and mechanical stabilizers, and are not suitable for various usage scenarios such as handheld, flight, and mounted use cases, with discrete systems often requiring multiple batteries and being difficult to attach/detach propellers.
Innovation Solution
A modular image capture system with an image capture module integrated with a mechanical stabilization system, a handheld module for electronics and mechanical parts, and a separate aerial vehicle and flight battery, where the image capture module sends signals and power through the stabilizer to a base with image signal processing, and the handheld module integrates a touch LCD for easy viewing and touch input, while the aerial vehicle integrates all subsystems on a single chip for efficient logging and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional image capture systems use discrete components (camera, stabilizer, controller) that are not integrated, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system becomes cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to attach/detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image capture module, mechanical stabilization system, and control electronics into a single integrated drone assembly. The camera is mounted on the drone body with direct mechanical coupling to the stabilization motors, eliminating the need for separate handheld stabilizers and reducing the number of connection interfaces required.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform both aerial flight and handheld video recording. The integrated system allows the same device to serve as a flying camera platform or be detached and used as a handheld stabilizer, providing versatility across different usage scenarios.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple separate batteries are used to power different components (camera, stabilizer, controller), then each component has adequate power supply, but the overall system weight increases and power management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates power supply into a single battery integrated into the drone body. This single power source supplies electricity to all components including the flight motors, image capture module, and mechanical stabilization system through unified power distribution circuits, eliminating the need for multiple separate batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The single battery is designed to provide universal power supply to multiple subsystems. The power management system dynamically allocates power to different components based on operational mode (flight vs. handheld recording), optimizing energy usage across all functions from a single energy source.
3Reliability
If the image capture module is integrated with the mechanical stabilization system on the drone, then image quality improves during flight, but the system becomes less adaptable to different usage scenarios (handheld, mounted, flight)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated system into a detachable image capture module and a drone body. The camera assembly can be separated from the flight platform, allowing the same components to be used in different configurations: integrated for aerial photography, detached for handheld recording, or mounted on alternative platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between different operational states. The mechanical stabilization system adapts its control algorithms based on whether the camera is in flight mode or handheld mode, adjusting stabilization parameters to optimize performance for each usage scenario while maintaining image quality.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional systems require multiple separate devices (camera, stabilizer, controller), then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor, stabilization motors, control electronics, and power management into a single compact module mounted on the drone. This integration eliminates the need for separate handheld stabilizer devices and external controllers, reducing total system volume while maintaining specialized functionality for each subsystem.
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
This modular design reduces overall volume, mass, and cost, enables consolidation of electronics, and allows for seamless transition between usage scenarios with improved power management and reduced complexity, enhancing image quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
Mechanical stabilization systems (e.g., gimbals and motors) have been used with drone based cameras to reduce distortion or shakiness of captured images that can be caused by vibrations and other motions of a drone during capture
Implementation Method 2
supplies power from the battery to the image capture module via conductors of the electro-mechanical interface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for operation of image capture devices. For example, systems may include an image sensor configured to capture images; a mechanical stabilization system, including gimbals and motors, that is integrated with the image sensor and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor; and a processing apparatus configured to: detect an occurrence of a triggering event; and, responsive to the occurrence of the triggering event, send commands to motor controllers of the mechanical stabilization system to electronically control the gimbals and motors to assume a fold-flat position, maintain the fold-flat position for a time period, and, after the time period expires, power off the gimbals and motors.