Octahedral Camera Array for Aerial 360 Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerial vehicle image capturing systems face issues such as blurry images due to vibrations, obstructed views from blades and propellers, and limited maneuverability and functionality due to heavy and awkwardly shaped designs, which affect the quality and completeness of panoramic images captured.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an octahedral array configuration of image capturing devices mounted on a durable, single-piece construction aerial vehicle structure with flexible booms and a processing device to combine images into a 360-degree panoramic view, avoiding obstructions and enhancing stability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional aerial vehicle image capturing systems are used, then the system can capture images, but the images become blurry due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the image capturing function into multiple independent devices (first, second, and third image capturing devices) positioned at different locations on the aerial vehicle. Each device captures images from its specific viewpoint, and the processing device combines these multiple views to create a comprehensive panoramic image, thereby compensating for vibrations and obtaining clearer images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point image capture to multi-dimensional panoramic capture by positioning image capturing devices at different spatial locations (front, rear, left, right sides) of the aerial vehicle. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture images from multiple angles simultaneously, creating a complete 360-degree view that overcomes the limitations of single-point capture affected by vibrations.
2Loss of information
If conventional aerial vehicle image capturing systems are used, then the system can capture images, but the views are obstructed from blades and propellers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the image capturing function across multiple devices positioned at different locations on the aerial vehicle body. By placing image capturing devices at the front, rear, left, and right sides, the system ensures that no single propeller or blade obstructs all viewing angles, as each device captures images from its unobstructed viewpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-dimensional spatial distribution of image capturing devices around the aerial vehicle body. This dimensional arrangement ensures that images are captured from multiple perspectives that are not blocked by propellers or blades, with each device positioned to exploit its specific unobstructed viewing angle.
3Strength
If heavy and awkwardly shaped designs are used for aerial vehicles, then the structure can be durable, but the maneuverability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a modular design where image capturing devices and sensors are positioned at different locations on the aerial vehicle body. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and aerodynamic configuration, enabling the vehicle to maintain structural durability while improving maneuverability through balanced mass distribution and reduced rotational inertia.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for capturing images is disclosed. An example embodiment comprises a first image capturing device mounted to a mounting structure; a second image capturing device mounted to the mounting structure; and a third image capturing device mounted to the mounting structure, wherein the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device are arranged in an octahedral array for capturing a 360 degree image, wherein the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device face outward from a center of an octahedral shape that defines the octahedral array, and wherein image data captured by the first image capturing device, the second image capturing device, and the third image capturing device are combined to generate the 360 degree image.