Remote Camera Pod Control for Group Photo Inclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing group pictures, such as using strangers or automatic timed-picture modes, are cumbersome and often result in poor quality or exclusion of the camera owner from the image.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing a mobile device to remotely control a camera pod, enabling users to position themselves for high-quality group photos or videos by adjusting framing, focus, and other settings before capturing the image, which is then transmitted to the mobile device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stranger is used to take the picture, then the camera can be operated, but the quality and reliability of the picture is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service photography by allowing users to remotely control a camera pod via mobile device. The user can independently adjust framing, focus, and capture timing without requiring another person to operate the camera, thereby eliminating reliance on strangers while maintaining picture quality through direct user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera pod acts as an intermediary between the user and the camera capture process. The mobile device communicates with the camera pod remotely, allowing the user to control the camera without physically handling it or requiring another person's assistance. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic timed-picture mode is used, then the camera can capture the group, but the process is cumbersome and the camera may shift
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to independently set up and control the camera pod remotely via mobile device. Users can adjust framing, focus, and timing settings themselves without requiring another person to operate the camera during the countdown, eliminating the need to rush back to the group while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing users to remotely configure the camera pod's framing, focus, and position before the actual picture capture. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for physical adjustment during the countdown sequence, preventing camera shifting and simplifying the operation process.
3Ease of operation
If the camera owner takes the picture, then the operation is simple, but the owner is excluded from the picture
Solution Approach 1:
The camera pod serves as an intermediary that separates the camera owner from the camera device. The owner can operate the camera remotely via mobile device and remain in the picture's field of view, as the camera pod can be positioned at a distance. This resolves the contradiction by allowing both simple operation and inclusion in the captured image.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension by separating the camera device from the operator through remote control. The camera pod can be positioned in a different location (another dimension) while the owner operates it via mobile device and remains in the picture, eliminating the need to choose between operation simplicity and inclusion in the image.
4Extent of automation
If the camera is placed at a particular location for timed pictures, then automatic capture is possible, but it is difficult to find a good location
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location optimization by allowing users to remotely adjust the camera pod's position and framing via mobile device before the actual capture. Users can experiment with different angles and positions without physically moving the camera during the countdown, making location setup easier while maintaining automatic capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service location optimization where users can independently adjust the camera pod's positioning and framing remotely. This eliminates the need for another person to help find the perfect location and set up the camera, making the automated capture process more accessible while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for remotely recording an image using a mobile device. In one embodiment, a user transmits a message using a mobile device to activate a camera pod to record an image. The user makes adjustments to the settings of the camera pod using the mobile device, and in some instances, initiates a trigger sequence using the mobile device. The camera pod records the image and transmits the image to the mobile device, enabling the user to preview the image. In some instances, the camera pod transmits the image to a storage server, where it is stored in an album. In one embodiment, the storage server creates a webpage with the captured visual record that the user can retrieve using a personal computer.