Radial Image-Capture System for Seamless Panoramic Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photographers and videographers face challenges in capturing high-quality, continuous images with large fields-of-view and high resolution, as existing image-capture devices often have limited resolution and inherent distortions, especially when trying to create panoramic or virtual reality content.
Innovation Solution
An image-capture system comprising multiple image-capture devices arranged radially around a central axis, with overlapping fields-of-view, allowing for the combination of images into a single, high-resolution, continuous image, and simultaneous directional audio capture, using commercially available devices like smartphones and a control device for synchronization and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single image-capture device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the field-of-view and image resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image-capture system into multiple separate image-capture devices (first image-capture device, second image-capture device, third image-capture device, etc.), each capturing images from different directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a broader combined field-of-view while maintaining relatively simple individual device structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple image-capture devices in a radial configuration around a central axis, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This dimensional approach allows the system to capture images from multiple angles simultaneously, creating a comprehensive field-of-view that exceeds what a single device could achieve.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image-capture devices are used, then the field-of-view and image resolution improve, but the device complexity and synchronization difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines images captured by multiple separate image-capture devices into a single continuous image through image processing. This merging process integrates the high-resolution data from multiple devices while managing the system complexity through automated processing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control device that coordinates the multiple image-capture devices, using feedback mechanisms to synchronize image capture timing and adjust capture parameters. This feedback system ensures that images from multiple devices are captured at coordinated moments and can be properly aligned during processing.
3Productivity
If images are captured simultaneously from multiple devices, then the continuous image quality improves, but the coordination and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-arranges the image-capture devices in fixed radial positions around the central axis before operation. This preliminary configuration establishes predetermined capture zones and overlapping fields-of-view, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination during actual image capture and simplifying the control process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a control device that serves multiple functions: coordinating capture timing, adjusting capture parameters, receiving images from all devices, and managing the synchronization process. This multi-functional approach consolidates coordination tasks into a single system, improving efficiency while managing operational complexity.
4Reliability
If overlapping fields-of-view are used, then the continuous image seamless integration improves, but the device arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific capture directions and zones to each image-capture device in the radial arrangement. Each device is positioned to capture images from a particular angular sector, with deliberate overlap between adjacent devices. This localized assignment of capture responsibilities ensures seamless integration while maintaining a systematic arrangement that is easier to manage than random positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing a continuous image from separate image sources. The system may include an image-capture unit including two or more image-capture devices arranged in an outward-facing arrangement. The image-capture devices may have overlapping fields-of-view, and a processing device may combine images captured by the individual image-capture devices into a single, continuous image. The system may also include a control device that may control each of the individual image-capture devices. The control device may also synchronize image-capture of the individual image-capture devices.