Orbiting Imaging Assembly with Retractable Line Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems for creating 'bullet time' effects in filmmaking and media require extensive resources, including a physical studio, multiple cameras, and lengthy post-production, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotatable turntable with retractable lines and an imaging assembly, controlled by a remote device, allowing for 360-degree orbiting image capture without a physical platform, enabling flexible and cost-effective capture of subjects in motion or static.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging systems use multiple cameras and physical studio space to create bullet time effects, then image capture capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate functional modules: a turntable for rotation, an imaging assembly with camera, and a retractable line system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging assembly serves multiple functions: it rotates around the subject via the turntable, moves along the retractable line to adjust distance, and captures images from multiple angles. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple fixed cameras, simplifying the overall system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imaging systems use arrays of multiple cameras to achieve 360 degree coverage, then image capture completeness is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic single-camera approach where the imaging assembly rotates around the subject on a turntable and can move along a retractable line. This dynamic positioning replaces static multiple-camera arrays, achieving 360-degree coverage with a single movable unit and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more cameras in a two-dimensional array, the system introduces rotational movement in a third dimension around the subject. The imaging assembly orbits the subject vertically, capturing images from all angles through rotation rather than through spatial arrangement of multiple cameras.
3Reliability
If conventional imaging systems require physical studio space with green screens, then controlled imaging environment is improved, but adaptability to different locations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential function of controlled imaging from the physical studio environment. By using a rotating single-camera setup with retractable lines, the system creates its own controlled capture environment that can be deployed in various locations without requiring permanent studio infrastructure or green screens.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional imaging systems use fixed camera arrays, then structural stability is improved, but ease of deployment and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible retractable lines instead of rigid structural supports. These lines allow the imaging assembly to move and rotate while maintaining stability during capture, enabling easy deployment and reconfiguration without complex rigid frameworks or permanent installations.
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 efficient, unobstructed, and cost-effective 360-degree image capture in various settings, reducing post-production time and allowing for flexible use in live exterior locations, while providing a portable and scalable solution for both consumer and professional applications.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable line is extended from a spindle of the turntable... The imaging assembly is rotated from above the subject along a rotation path
Implementation Method 2
a retractable line extending therefrom at a proximal end thereof... the length of the retractable line extended or retracted from/to the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for capturing an orbiting image of a subject are disclosed. The system includes a rotatable turntable mountable to an overhead surface with a spindle formed therein and a retractable line extending therefrom at a proximal end thereof. First and second lines extend from a distal end of retractable line in opposite directions as retractable line is extended from an exterior of rotatable turntable. The system further includes an imaging assembly with a housing and an interior compartment in which housing includes first and second rotors at first and second ends thereof such that first and second lines are connected to first and second rotors. Interior compartment receives a multimedia device attached thereto and is at least partially visible from an exterior of housing. A remote control is configured to control the rotatable turntable to in turn control speed of rotation of imaging assembly, and the length of line extended or retracted from/to spindle, and further configured to control first and second rotors to in turn control angle of multimedia device. Imaging assembly is rotated from above the subject along a rotation path to enable 360 degree orbiting image capture while the subject is in motion or static during operation.