Motorized Camera Mount for Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras integrated into portable electronic devices face limitations such as limited field of view, resolution, and small aperture, which restrict their capability to capture high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera with a motorized mount that allows rotation around the camera's aperture axis, controlled by a processor executing instructions to calculate positions, capture images, and combine them into panoramic, cylindrical, or spherical images, using sensor information and a companion image application for automated image capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If digital cameras are integrated into portable electronic devices, then the devices gain imaging capability and compactness, but the field of view, resolution, and aperture are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from capturing single 2D images to capturing multiple images across different angular positions and combining them into panoramic, cylindrical, or spherical composite images. This dimensional expansion in the angular domain compensates for the limited field of view of the compact camera lens.
2Area of stationary object
If a motorized mount with rotation capability is added to the camera, then the field of view and image quality improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented from the camera body and implemented as a separate motorized mount mechanism. This allows the camera to remain compact while the mount provides the additional rotational capability needed for panoramic imaging, separating the conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized mount serves multiple functions: it provides rotation for panoramic imaging, enables high dynamic range imaging through multiple exposures, and supports various imaging modes (cylindrical, spherical). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple imaging capabilities from a single mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple images are captured and combined to create composite images, then the image quality and field of view improve, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures all necessary individual images at predetermined angular positions before performing the combination process. This preliminary capture phase allows for efficient batch processing later, as all input images are ready and the geometric relationships are known in advance based on the mount's rotation angles.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a camera that includes a lens having an aperture, a tripod configured to support the camera, a mount configured to be coupled the tripod and to the camera, the mount including a pivot that is configured such that the camera is rotatable around an axis that is aligned with the aperture of the camera, a motor configured to control the rotation of the mount, a memory containing computer readable instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause the processor to, calculate a desired position of the camera using sensor information, control the motor such that the camera is moved to the desired position, control the shutter of the camera to capture an image, and store the captured image.