Omnidirectional Capturing System Using Tube Reflectors for 360-Degree Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current panoramic and virtual reality image and video capturing systems require multiple cameras, rotations, or multiple views to achieve 360-degree coverage, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional image and video capturing system that uses a tube with primary and secondary reflectors, along with optical lenses, to direct and reflect light from a sphere surrounding the device, combining images from all viewing angles into a single spherical image or video without the need for multiple cameras or rotations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple cameras or rotation methods are used to achieve 360-degree coverage, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and operational inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the 360-degree field of view into multiple segments by using multiple holes (first holes, second hole, third hole) positioned at different locations. Each hole captures light from a specific directional segment, and the reflectors direct these segmented light paths to the camera, enabling 360-degree coverage without requiring multiple cameras or rotation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflectors (primary reflectors and secondary reflectors) as intermediary elements that redirect light from various viewing angles into the camera. The reflectors act as mediators that transform light from multiple directional sources into a single camera input, achieving omnidirectional capture without complex multi-camera systems or rotation mechanisms.
2Area of moving object
If multiple cameras or rotation methods are used to achieve 360-degree coverage, then the field of view is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically capturing images from all viewing angles simultaneously through the fixed arrangement of holes and reflectors. The omnidirectional capture is achieved passively through the optical geometry, eliminating the need for user-initiated rotation or complex operation sequences required by traditional multi-camera or rotating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors and holes are pre-configured in specific geometric arrangements to automatically direct light from all viewing angles into the camera. This preliminary optical setup enables 360-degree coverage to be captured in a single operation without requiring the user to perform multiple viewing actions or rotations, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Area of moving object
If traditional panoramic systems take multiple photographs from multiple locations, then the field of view is improved, but the time required for capturing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous omnidirectional capture by simultaneously collecting light from all viewing angles through the fixed arrangement of multiple holes and reflectors. Unlike sequential photography methods, the optical geometry enables all directional views to be captured at the same moment, eliminating the time required to take multiple separate photographs from different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is pre-configured with reflectors and holes positioned to automatically capture light from all viewing angles simultaneously. This preliminary geometric arrangement enables instant omnidirectional capture without requiring the user to perform multiple sequential viewing actions, dramatically reducing the time required for capturing complete panoramic views.
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
Enables simultaneous recording of a full 360-degree spherical image or video using zero, one, or multiple lenses, allowing for seamless stitching and display in virtual reality applications, enhancing security and panoramic imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
rays of light enter through the plurality of first holes and reflect off the at least one primary reflector on the interior surface of the tube
Implementation Method 2
at least one secondary reflector positioned within the interior surface of the tube to reflect an image from at least one primary reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional image and video capturing system including a tube, a plurality of reflectors, openings for rays of light to the enter tube, and a stitching, display or decoding non-transitory storage media. The reflectors may include a first mirror, a second mirror, a third mirror, and a fourth mirror and may be angled at an approximate 45-degree angle and a fifth mirror that may capture reflected images from the first (4) four mirrors.