Motion-Capture Robotic Camera Control for Remote Filming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera operators face discomfort and bodily injury when filming movies due to the physical demands of handling heavy equipment and risky maneuvers, and existing motion capture technologies are inadequate for effective robotic control.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motion capture setup, computer, and robot, where motion capture data is processed to generate control signals for a robotic camera, allowing an operator to control the camera remotely without direct physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera operator directly operates heavy camera equipment, then the camera can be controlled with direct physical interaction, but the operator experiences physical discomfort and risk of bodily injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic system as an intermediary between the operator and the camera equipment. The robot executes commands received from the operator via communication interfaces, performing camera operations without requiring the operator to physically handle heavy equipment or be in dangerous positions. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating direct physical interaction while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct human-camera interaction with an automated robotic system controlled through electronic communication interfaces. Instead of the operator physically manipulating camera equipment, control signals are transmitted electronically to the robot, which then executes the desired camera movements and operations, substituting mechanical direct control with automated electronic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion capture data is used to control the robot, then the robot can mimic operator movements, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple communication interfaces that can accept different types of control inputs including motion capture data, manual control signals, and pre-programmed sequences. This multi-functional control system allows the same robotic platform to operate in various modes (automated motion capture, manual control, scripted operations), resolving the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different control methods without requiring separate specialized systems for each mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motion capture setup records the movements of an operator, and a control engine then translates those movements into control signals for controlling a robot. The control engine may directly translate the operator movements into analogous movements to be performed by the robot, or the control engine may compute robot dynamics that cause a portion of the robot to mimic a corresponding portion of the operator.