Modular Image Capture With Mechanical Stabilization Across Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture systems, especially those used in drones and handheld devices, face challenges with mechanical stabilization, weight, power consumption, and inter-operability across different usage scenarios, leading to suboptimal image quality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A modular image capture system with an integrated mechanical stabilization system that can be easily attached to various platforms, including drones and handheld modules, featuring a connector that transfers power and data, and a processing apparatus for image stabilization and control, allowing for interchangeable use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical stabilization system is integrated into a drone-based camera, then image quality is improved by reducing blur and motion artifacts, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate modular components: a drone platform, a camera module, and a handheld controller with display. The mechanical stabilization system is integrated into the camera module rather than the drone, allowing independent optimization of each component's weight and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module with integrated mechanical stabilization system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple platforms including drones and handheld configurations. The electro-mechanical interface enables the same stabilization system to function effectively whether mounted on a moving drone or held manually.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical stabilization system with gimbals and motors is integrated into the image capture module, then image stabilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stabilization system, image sensor, processing apparatus, and electro-mechanical interface are merged into a single integrated image capture module. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and interfaces while maintaining full stabilization functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-mechanical interface acts as an intermediary that seamlessly connects the image capture module to different platforms (drone or handheld). This standardized interface simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a universal connection point that handles power, data, and control signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image capture module is made modular and removable, then adaptability across different usage scenarios is improved, but the reliability of the connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture where the image capture module can be readily attached and detached from different platforms. The electro-mechanical interface is designed to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections during these dynamic attachment/detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-mechanical interface incorporates design features that protect against connection issues before they occur, such as alignment guides, protective contacts, and secure fastening mechanisms that ensure reliable connection establishment and maintenance during operation.
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 solution improves image quality by reducing blur and motion artifacts, decreases weight and power consumption, enabling longer battery life and safer operation by reducing the risk of collisions, and allows for versatile usage scenarios such as flight and handheld capture.
Implementation Method 1
handheld modules that include a battery; and supply power from the battery to the image capture module via conductors of the electro-mechanical interface
Implementation Method 2
an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the base
Implementation Method 3
a gimbal of the mechanical stabilization system is substantially flush with a surface of the handheld module
Implementation Method 4
transfer control signals to the image capture module, and transfer real-time video data from the image capture module via the connector
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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 base that includes a processing apparatus and a connector, and an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the base, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to send commands to motor controllers of the mechanical stabilization system and includes an image signal processor that is configured to receive image data from the image sensor; and a handheld module configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector, wherein the handheld module includes a display configured to display images received from the image sensor via conductors of the connector.