Tilted Grip Omnidirectional Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held full-spherical image-capturing devices face challenges in maintaining the central axis of the omnidirectional image parallel to the vertical direction during use, leading to difficulties in capturing a full-spherical image effectively.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates an imager extending along a first axis and a grip extending along a second axis tilted relative to the first axis, with an elongated shape for comfortable hand grip, and includes a ranging unit using Time Of Flight technology for distance information, allowing for the generation of omnidirectional images by combining distance and RGB images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the image-capturing device is held in conventional orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the central axis of the omnidirectional image cannot be maintained parallel to the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The grip structure is designed with an asymmetric tilt angle of 15 degrees relative to the optical axis of the imager. This asymmetric configuration allows the imager's optical axis to align with the vertical direction when the device is held naturally, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise alignment by introducing a deliberate asymmetric geometric relationship between components.
2Manufacturing precision
If the imager and grip are aligned along the same axis, then the device structure is simple, but the operator may be reflected in the captured image and blind spots increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is tilted at 15 degrees relative to the optical axis, creating an asymmetric spatial relationship that positions the operator's body outside the imager's field of view. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates blind spots and prevents operator reflection in the captured image while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the device is held with conventional grip orientation, then the operation is comfortable, but camera shake increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The 15-degree tilted grip angle is designed to match the natural ergonomic angle of human hand gripping, creating an equipotential state where the most stable grip posture coincides with the optimal imaging orientation. This eliminates the conflict between grip comfort and image stability by making the comfortable natural grip position also the position that minimizes camera shake.
4Ease of operation
If the imager extends vertically, then the image capture is straightforward, but the operator experiences increased physical load and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the grip at 15 degrees relative to the optical axis, the design creates an asymmetric configuration where the imager naturally aligns with the vertical direction when held in a comfortable ergonomic position. This resolves the contradiction by using geometric asymmetry to simultaneously achieve vertical alignment precision and operator comfort.
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
This configuration facilitates the capture of omnidirectional images by adjusting the center axis of the imager to be parallel to the vertical direction, reducing the blind spot and preventing the operator from being reflected in the image, while also reducing the load on the user and minimizing camera shake.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging unit configured to output information on a distance to the object based on time of light emission of the phototransmitter and time of light reception of the photosensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image-capturing device (1) includes: an imager (10) extending along a first axis (CI), the imager (10) configured to capture an image; and a grip (20) coupled to the imager (10), extending along a second axis (C2) tilted to the first axis (CI), and having an elongated shape to have a periphery thereof gripped with hand of an operator of the image-capturing device (1). The second axis (C2) is tilted relative to the first axis (C1).