Nested 3-Axis Camera Stabilization for Seamless 360° Footage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilisation systems for video cameras, especially those used on drones, face challenges in providing stable footage due to vibrations and size constraints, particularly when capturing 360° footage, as they are either too large or heavy, and require extensive post-production editing to correct for turbulence and stitching issues.
Innovation Solution
An active stabilisation system comprising three motors arranged to rotate around orthogonal axes, with a compact design that fits within the camera array, reducing size and weight, and using a payload mount with multiple camera mounting points for a seamless 360° field of view, along with a control system including a gyroscope and motor controller for precise stabilisation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If advanced stabilisation systems with motors are used, then stabilisation performance is improved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested motor configuration where the second motor is positioned inside the stator of the first motor, and the third motor is positioned inside the stator of the second motor. This nested arrangement allows multiple motors to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall system footprint and weight while maintaining full stabilisation functionality across all three axes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing mounts are used for 360° footage, then field of view is achieved, but camera spacing is too large for seamless stitching
Solution Approach 1:
The nested motor configuration enables the entire stabilisation system to fit within a compact volume that accommodates multiple cameras in close proximity. By reducing the mount size through nested motor placement, cameras can be positioned with minimal spacing, allowing their fields of view to overlap sufficiently for seamless stitching while maintaining 360° coverage capability.
3Weight of moving object
If passive stabilisation systems are used, then system size is reduced, but reaction speed and stabilisation effect are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the space-saving advantage of passive systems with the performance of active systems by nesting multiple small motors within each other. This configuration maintains a compact form factor similar to passive systems while enabling active stabilisation through electronically controlled motors that can react quickly to disturbances, overcoming the slow response limitation of passive damping.
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 system achieves stable and seamless 360° footage with minimal parallax differences and reduced moment around motors, ideal for small drones and applications where size and weight are critical, while minimizing post-production editing needs.
Implementation Method 1
a control system including a gyroscope and motor controller for precise stabilisation
Data Source
AI summary
An active stabilisation system including: a first motor having a stator connected to a system mount and a rotor configured for rotation about a first axis in a first plane of rotation passing through the first motor; a second motor having a stator connected with a first connection link to the rotor of the first motor and a rotor configured for rotation about a second axis in a second plane of rotation passing through the second motor, the second plane of rotation intersecting with the first motor; a third motor having a stator connected with a second connection link to the rotor of the second motor and a rotor configured for rotation about a third axis in a third plane of rotation passing through the third motor; and a payload mount connected to the rotor of the third motor and configured for attachment to a payload.