Spherical Mirror Panoramic Camera Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panoramic imaging systems require multiple images from different perspectives or include equipment that obstructs the view, limiting the capture of seamless and equipment-free panoramic images.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-pivot camera support system with a base and support arm that moves in a circular path, allowing the camera to capture images with an optical axis intersecting a pivot axis, minimizing equipment presence within the field of view and using a three-axis gimbal positioner to reduce parallax errors, enabling the capture of panoramic images with minimal equipment encroachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional panoramic imaging system uses multiple cameras or a rotating camera on a tripod, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the equipment obstructs the scene and introduces parallax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical mirror positioned at the center of curvature of the camera's optical path. This spherical configuration allows the mirror to reflect light from all directions (360-degree horizontal and vertical coverage) back to the camera sensor without the camera needing to physically rotate or move, thereby eliminating equipment obstruction and parallax errors while achieving complete panoramic coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical mirror acts as an intermediary optical element between the scene and the camera sensor. Instead of moving the camera to capture different perspectives, the mirror redirects light from all directions to the fixed camera position, eliminating the need for camera movement and the associated equipment obstruction and parallax issues
2Area of stationary object
If the camera is moved to different positions to capture panoramic images, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the stability and alignment consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical mirror serves as a stable intermediary that remains fixed at the center of curvature while the camera stays in a fixed position. This eliminates the need to move the camera to different positions, thereby maintaining alignment consistency and stability while still achieving complete panoramic coverage through the mirror's reflective geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical mirror's curved surface is positioned at the center of curvature, creating a stable optical reference point. This geometric configuration ensures that all reflected light paths converge at the same fixed camera position, maintaining alignment consistency without requiring camera movement
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used with a fixed optical axis, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the field of view coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical mirror acts as an optical intermediary that expands the field of view of a fixed, single camera. By positioning the mirror at the center of curvature, the system achieves 360-degree panoramic coverage without requiring multiple cameras or complex mechanical rotation mechanisms, thus maintaining low equipment complexity while maximizing field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical mirror's curved geometry naturally provides omnidirectional light reflection, allowing a single fixed camera to capture the entire panoramic scene. The spherical shape ensures that light from all directions reflects to the camera sensor, achieving complete coverage without additional cameras or mechanical complexity
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 the capture of panoramic images with reduced parallax errors and minimal equipment presence within the field of view, facilitating seamless image stitching and increased stability without obstructing the scene.
Implementation Method 1
positioned at the center of curvature of an optical path of the camera. The spherical mirror reflects light from all directions to the camera sensor, enabling the capture of 360-degree panoramic images
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed-pivot camera support for fully-spherical imaging, includes a base, a support art, and a camera mount. The base is configured to move in a circular path centered about a pivot axis. The support arm has a proximal end attached to the base, and a distal end extending beyond the base toward the pivot axis. The camera mount is on the distal end and is configured to position an optical axis of a camera to intersect the pivot axis.