Modular Image Capture Architecture for Multi-Platform Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capture systems are bulky, heavy, and lack interoperability between components, making them unsuitable for various usage scenarios such as handheld, flight, and mounted applications, and often require multiple batteries and complex electronic interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular image capture system comprising an image capture module with an integrated mechanical stabilization system, a handheld module with a battery and display, and a separate aerial vehicle, where the image capture module sends signals and power through the stabilizer to a base with image processing and communication electronics, and the handheld module integrates a touch LCD for easy use in handheld scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image capture systems use integrated designs with all components built-in, then the system is complete and functional, but the volume, mass, and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture system is divided into separate functional modules: an image capture module containing the sensor and lens, a mechanical stabilization system with gimbals and motors, a base with processing electronics, and optional handheld modules with batteries and displays. These modular components can be selectively assembled for different usage scenarios, reducing the mass of each individual module while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stabilization system is designed with a universal interface that can connect the image capture module to multiple types of platforms including handheld modules, aerial vehicles, and fixed mounts. This multi-functional design allows the same core components to serve different purposes without requiring duplicate systems, reducing total system mass.
2Reliability
If conventional image capture systems include all necessary components in one unit, then the system is self-contained, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. The image capture module, mechanical stabilization system, base, and handheld modules each perform specific functions and connect through standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces. This segmentation reduces internal complexity within each module while maintaining system reliability through standardized connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical stabilization system serves as an intermediary component that connects the image capture module to various platforms. It provides a standardized interface layer that simplifies the connection between different modules while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission, reducing the complexity of direct connections between diverse components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image capture systems use fixed configurations, then the design is simple, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stabilization system incorporates a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple platform types including handheld modules with batteries and displays, aerial vehicles like drones, and fixed tripod mounts. This universal interface design enables the same image capture module to be used across different usage scenarios without requiring scenario-specific customizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system configuration is made dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Modules can be selectively assembled and disassembled based on the required usage scenario. The mechanical stabilization system can be configured for different mounting orientations and the handheld module can be attached or removed as needed, providing adaptability without permanent complex integrations.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional image capture systems require multiple separate batteries for different components, then each component can be optimized, but the overall system mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld module consolidates multiple functions including a single battery that powers both the display and the image capture module when connected. This merged power source replaces what would otherwise require separate batteries in each component, reducing total battery mass while maintaining the ability to optimize power distribution to different components based on usage needs.
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 design reduces overall volume, mass, and cost, enhances interoperability, and allows for efficient power management, enabling the system to be used in multiple scenarios without adding unnecessary bulk or weight, while improving image stabilization and user interaction.
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
a battery; an electro-mechanical interface that is configured to removably 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
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 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.