Motorized Monopod Jib with Offset Gimbal Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera stabilization systems using three-axis gimbals face limitations in providing a wide range of motion while keeping the camera stable, as the rotational axes of the motors often align with the camera axes, restricting the operator's freedom and creating visual artifacts due to motor structures being in the shot.
Innovation Solution
A motorized multi-axis gimbal system with a unique configuration of motors and connecting elements allows for independent rotational axes that do not align with the camera axes, enabling a wider range of motion and stabilization through coordinated motor control and sensor feedback, including inertial measurement units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotational axes of the motors are aligned with the camera axes, then the camera stabilization is simplified, but the range of motion is restricted and visual artifacts occur due to motor structures being in the shot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately misaligning the motor rotational axes with the camera axes. The first motor's rotational axis is offset from the camera's horizontal axis, the second motor's rotational axis is offset from the camera's vertical axis, and the third motor's rotational axis is offset from the camera's viewing axis. This asymmetric configuration allows the motors to be positioned outside the camera's field of view while maintaining stabilization capability, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified stabilization and restricted range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motors are positioned to provide wide range of motion, then the operator's freedom is enhanced, but the gimbal structure may interfere with the shot
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric positioning of motors with offset rotational axes enables the gimbal structure to be configured away from the camera's optical path. This allows wide range of motion while preventing the motor structures from appearing in the shot, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced freedom of motion and visual artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial offset in multiple dimensions by positioning motor axes at different locations and orientations relative to the camera axes. This dimensional separation allows the motors to operate independently without interfering with the camera's field of view, enabling both wide range of motion and clean visual output.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotational axes are misaligned with camera axes, then the range of motion and freedom of operation are improved, but the coordination control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through inertial measurement units (IMUs) and sensors that detect the camera's motion and position. This feedback is processed by control algorithms that calculate the coordinated rotational commands needed for the misaligned motors to achieve the desired camera stabilization and movement, thus managing the increased control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts rotational parameters and coordination algorithms based on the specific offset configuration of each motor axis. By changing the control parameters to account for the misalignment, the system achieves smooth coordinated movement despite the complex geometric relationships between motor axes and camera axes.
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 configuration allows for smooth and stable camera movement, reducing visual artifacts and enhancing the operator's freedom to capture shots from various angles without the gimbal structure interfering, thus improving the usability and range of motion.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) responds to movement and uses motors in a coordinated fashion to stabilize the camera
Implementation Method 2
A stabilized or controlled gimbal, e.g., using brushless motors, has the ability to keep a camera at a predetermined angle
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides a motorized monopole for a camera, including: a hand-held monopole; a first motor positioned at an end of the hand-held monopole; a first connecting element attached to the first motor; a second motor positioned at an end of the first connecting element; a second connecting element attached to the second motor; a third motor positioned at an end of the second connecting element; and a camera mounting plate attached to the second connecting element by the third motor, where components of the multi-axis gimbal are positioned such that a camera viewing axis, a horizontal image axis, and a vertical image axis of a camera mounted on the camera mounting plate need not be aligned with any of a rotational axis of the first motor, a rotational axis of the second motor, or a rotational axis of the third motor. Other aspects are described and claimed.