Stereoscopic Camera Platform With Motorized Convergence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stereoscopic imaging systems face challenges in efficiently capturing high-quality stereoscopic images, particularly in cinematography, due to limitations in interocular distance adjustment and convergence angle control, which affect the depth of field and require extensive post-processing.

Innovation Solution

A platform with a base and convergence plates supported by compound crossed roller slides and motors, allowing for precise interocular distance adjustment and convergence angle control during image acquisition, enabling efficient creation of a comfortable stereoscopic experience without extensive post-processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional stereoscopic imaging systems are used with fixed interocular distance and convergence angle, then the system structure is simple, but the depth of field control is limited and extensive post-processing is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidplatform structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of interocular distance and convergence angle through motorized platforms and adjustable camera mounts. The system transitions from fixed parameters to dynamically controllable parameters, allowing real-time modification of stereoscopic imaging parameters during acquisition to eliminate post-processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The platform integrates multiple functions including interocular distance adjustment, convergence angle control, and camera positioning within a single unified structure. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive control of stereoscopic parameters while maintaining structural coherence and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If interocular distance and convergence angle are adjusted during image acquisition, then post-processing is reduced, but the platform requires complex mechanical structures with motors and slides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-processing timeVSAvoidmechanical platform complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs all necessary adjustments of interocular distance and convergence angle during the image acquisition phase itself, rather than requiring subsequent post-processing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing operations by establishing correct stereoscopic parameters before capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs motorized actuation systems to replace manual mechanical adjustment methods. Motors and controlled drive mechanisms substitute for manual positioning, enabling precise and repeatable adjustment of stereoscopic parameters while reducing operational complexity and improving consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If precise interocular distance adjustment is implemented, then stereoscopic accuracy is improved, but the device requires compound crossed roller slides and motor systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterocular distance precisionVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through motorized control systems that can precisely position and hold interocular distance at desired values. The motorized platforms provide controlled adjustment with the ability to maintain precise positions, enabling accurate stereoscopic measurement and imaging parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 platform enables rapid, high-quality audio-visual data capture with simultaneous active and manual interocular control, reducing the need for post-processing by allowing desired stereoscopic effects to be achieved during image acquisition, enhancing cinematographic efficiency and audience comfort.

Implementation Method 1

A platform with a base and convergence plates supported by compound crossed roller slides and motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7643748B2Platform for stereoscopic image acquisition
Publication Date: 2010.01.05 CAMERON JAMES
  • US7643748B2 patent drawing
  • US7643748B2 patent drawing
  • US7643748B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is disclosed a platform suited for use in dual camera, stereoscopic digital cinema. The fixture may have a base, a first convergence plate and a second convergence plate. The base may be mounted to a tripod, steadicam, crane, boom or other device for supporting a platform used in stereoscopic cinematography. The base may have two platforms attached to each other via a linear slide. The convergence plates may be attached to the respective platforms via an XY slide.