Modular Image Capture Assembly for Stable Low-Weight Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture systems, such as those used in drones and handheld cameras, face challenges in providing stable and high-quality image capture across various usage scenarios due to vibrations and motion, and they often have bulky and heavy designs that limit maneuverability and battery life.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular image capture systems that include an image sensor, an integrated mechanical stabilization system with gimbals and motors, and a base with a processing apparatus and connector. This modular design allows the image capture module to be easily attached to both aerial vehicles and handheld modules, providing flexible usage scenarios while reducing weight and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical stabilization systems are integrated with image capture devices, then image quality is improved by reducing blur and motion artifacts, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modules: an image capture module with integrated mechanical stabilization (gimbals and motors), a base unit with processing apparatus, and a handheld module. This segmentation allows the stabilization system to be selectively attached only when aerial or stabilized capture is needed, rather than being permanently integrated into all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit with connector is designed to universally accept both aerial vehicles and handheld modules, allowing the same mechanical stabilization system to serve multiple functions and usage scenarios. The connector enables interchangeable attachment of different modules to the base.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical stabilization systems are integrated with image capture devices, then image quality is improved by reducing blur and motion artifacts, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mechanical stabilization system into a dedicated module that can be independently attached to the base, rather than integrating it into every image capture device. This reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining the stabilizing function when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit acts as an intermediary between the mechanical stabilization system and both aerial vehicles and handheld modules. It provides a standardized connector interface that simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces complexity by centralizing the stabilization control.
3Weight of moving object
If modular design is used to reduce weight and improve maneuverability, then device portability is improved, but connection reliability and stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with alignment features and engagement mechanisms that ensure proper connection before use. The mechanical stabilization system is pre-configured on the base unit, so that when a module is attached, the connection is immediately reliable and stable without requiring additional setup or calibration.
4Weight of moving object
If modular design is used to reduce weight and improve maneuverability, then device portability is improved, but power consumption management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each module (image capture module, handheld module) is designed to be self-powered with its own battery, rather than relying on a centralized power source. This allows each module to independently manage its own power consumption and operational status, simplifying overall power management in the modular system.
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 image capture system achieves improved image quality by reducing blur and motion artifacts, enhances maneuverability and safety by reducing weight and power consumption, and allows for versatile usage across different scenarios such as aerial photography and handheld video capture.
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
the handheld module forms a communication link to the image capture module via the electro-mechanical interface and supplies power from the battery to the image capture module via conductors of the electro-mechanical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld module including a battery, an electro-mechanical interface, and a display. The electro-mechanical interface is configured to attach the handheld module to an image capture module, wherein when attached to the image capture module, the handheld module forms a communication link to the image capture module via the electro-mechanical interface and supplies power from the battery to the image capture module via conductors of the electro-mechanical interface. The display is configured to present images captured by the image capture module and received from the image capture module via the communication link.