Split Dual Hemispherical Camera Mount for VR Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera attachment assemblies for multi-rotor aircrafts face challenges such as image overlap, seams, and parallax points due to camera placement, which hinder the production of high-quality virtual reality content and introduce vibration issues.

Innovation Solution

A split dual hemispherical attachment apparatus that positions cameras in closer proximity, eliminating propeller views and using a gimbal for stabilization, allowing for seamless and vibration-free content capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If cameras are mounted far away from each other outside the propeller view, then propeller views are avoided in captured content, but image overlap and seams become difficult or impossible to remedy in post-processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropeller views in captured contentVSAvoidimage overlap and seam quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the camera system into multiple individual cameras positioned at specific locations, with each camera capturing a separate field of view. This segmentation allows for controlled overlap between adjacent camera views while keeping propellers outside the captured areas, enabling post-processing stitching with manageable seams rather than attempting to capture the entire scene with a single distant camera setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If cameras are extended mounting away from the aircraft, then propeller views are avoided, but vibration is added to the recorded scene

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropeller views in captured contentVSAvoidvibration in recorded scene

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gimbal stabilization system as an intermediary between the cameras and the aircraft body. This gimbal mechanism actively compensates for vibrations and movements, allowing cameras to be positioned closer to the aircraft center while maintaining image stability and avoiding propeller inclusion in the captured content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If cameras are positioned closer together, then vibration is reduced, but propeller views may appear in captured content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration in recorded sceneVSAvoidpropeller views in captured content

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of multiple cameras around the aircraft body, with each camera angled and oriented to capture specific portions of the surrounding environment. This asymmetric arrangement allows cameras to be positioned closer together for stability while strategically directing their fields of view away from propellers, preventing propeller inclusion without requiring distant mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Device complexity

If conventional camera mounting is used, then setup is simple, but post-processing time is extended due to difficult stitching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera mounting complexityVSAvoidpost-processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features and standardized mounting configurations that pre-establish optimal camera positions and angles before capture begins. This preliminary setup ensures proper geometric relationships between camera views, significantly reducing the complexity and time required for post-processing stitching operations compared to conventional ad-hoc mounting approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution enables the capture of high-quality, seamless virtual reality content with reduced post-processing time and enhanced realism by eliminating parallax points and propeller views, while stabilizing the camera system to reduce vibration.

Implementation Method 1

using a gimbal for stabilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGimbal: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentUS10577125B1Multi-rotor aircraft including a split dual hemispherical attachment apparatus for virtual reality content capture and production

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 VR DRONES LLC

AI summary

A multi-rotor aircraft including a split dual hemispherical attachment apparatus for virtual reality content capture and production. One or more hemispherical attachment assemblies can include camera receptacles to receive and secure multiple cameras, sensors, and/or other detectors. The relative positioning of the cameras eliminates any parallax point or view of a propeller within the video content, even though they are disposed in closer proximity, which enables the production of high-quality virtual reality content. The split dual hemispherical attachment apparatus can be coupled to a stabilization device mounted on the multi-rotor aircraft to reduce or eliminate remaining vibration and vertigo effects. The split dual hemispherical attachment apparatus disclosed herein permits interchangeability of various kinds of holders and receptacles for the various kinds of cameras, sensors, and/or detectors. The multi-rotor aircraft can include logic for supporting real time capture and post-processing of virtual reality content.