KR20170106275A - Flexible camera - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is camera device having a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the camera block for the camera device including the plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other, the camera device comprises: a lens; an image sensor; an image signal processing circuit; and a housing including the lens, the image sensor, and the image signal processing circuit. The housing is provided with a connection means for connecting with the other camera block, wherein the connection means can be formed to rotate one of the camera block and the other camera block.

Description

Flexible camera {FLEXIBLE CAMERA}

The following description relates to a camera apparatus comprising a plurality of camera blocks coupled together.

The environment or the object sensed by the human eye can be photographed through the camera. The shooting technique is being developed to realize more realistic images.

In the case of a moving object, it is impossible to capture a definite stopping moment due to a parallax, thereby making it impossible to realize a three-dimensional image and a panoramic image. In order to simultaneously photograph multiple angles, It is necessary to perform a correction operation in which the arrangement, the same focal point, and the frame height must be matched, which degrades the usability and portability.

Korean Patent No. 10-1446995 discloses a multi-angle image capturing helmet and a photographing method in which at least one camera is mounted on a helmet and an external image is taken when a user wears a helmet.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a camera device having a plurality of camera blocks coupled together.

Embodiments provide a camera device that acquires and edits images quickly and conveniently by transmitting photographed images to a linked smart device and providing the control of the camera device via a smart device.

Embodiments provide a camera device for generating a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image through an image taken from a camera.

According to one embodiment, a camera block for a camera device including a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other includes: a lens; Image sensor; An image signal processing circuit; And a housing including the lens, the image sensor, and the image signal processing circuit, wherein the housing is formed with connecting means for coupling with another camera block, and the connecting means connects the camera block and the other camera block Either one may be configured to perform a rotational motion.

According to one aspect, the connecting means may include a protruding connecting means, and a cavity connecting means for receiving the protruding connecting means.

According to another aspect, the protruding connection means may be configured in a round shape.

According to another aspect, the protruding connecting means can be coupled to the cavity connecting means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the connecting means is coupled to the plurality of camera blocks as the protruding connecting means is attached to the cavity connecting means, and as the protruding connecting means is detached from the cavity connecting means, Can be separated from the camera blocks.

According to another aspect, the connecting means may be capable of adjusting the angle of the connecting means by coupling the protruding connecting means to the cavity connecting means.

According to another aspect, the connecting means can be bent or unfolded while rotating in combination with the plurality of camera blocks.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a camera device including a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other, the camera device comprising: an image capturing unit capturing a subject from each camera included in the plurality of camera blocks; An image processing unit for combining images photographed by the image photographing unit; A communication unit for communicating with an external smart device; And a control unit for controlling the plurality of cameras and transmitting the photographed images combined in the image processing unit to the smart device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit may collect images photographed by the plurality of cameras to generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the image processing unit may replace the images photographed from each of the plurality of cameras with simulations.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may selectively operate the plurality of cameras.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the control unit may be capable of transmitting the captured image wirelessly or wirelessly to a smart device interlocked with the camera device.

The camera device according to an embodiment can adjust the angle by coupling a plurality of camera blocks to each other, and can be bent or unfolded through a rotational motion of connecting means connecting the plurality of camera blocks.

The camera device according to an embodiment can transmit and receive images photographed with the smart device and control the camera through the smart device, thereby acquiring and editing images quickly and conveniently.

The camera device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention generates a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image through an image captured from a plurality of cameras, thereby simultaneously capturing an image and a stereoscopic image.

1 to 4 are views showing a camera apparatus according to an embodiment.
5 and 6 are views for explaining a camera block according to an embodiment.
7 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a camera apparatus according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described below. In addition, various embodiments are provided to more fully describe the present invention to those skilled in the art. The shape and size of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

The embodiments described below describe a flexible camera. More specifically, based on a camera device including a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other, a plurality of camera blocks simultaneously capture images at a plurality of angles through rotational motion, Can be obtained.

In the time slice, a plurality of cameras are installed in a circle or a straight line at equal intervals from the subject, and at the same time, a photograph is taken by pressing the shutter, and a still image is displayed on the screen where the subject is stopped like a mannequin . A panoramic image or a three-dimensional image can be generated using the time slice.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing a camera device in which a plurality of camera blocks are combined according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are views showing a camera device including a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other according to an embodiment. Of FIG.

The camera device may be formed in such a manner that a plurality of camera blocks are coupled to each other. Each of the plurality of camera blocks may include a lens, an image sensor, an image signal processing circuit, and a housing. At this time, the housing may include a lens, an image sensor, and an image signal processing circuit.

The housing may be provided with coupling means for coupling with other camera blocks. At this time, the connecting means may be formed such that any one of the camera block and the other camera blocks rotates. The connecting means can be coupled with the plurality of camera blocks and can be bent or unfolded while rotating.

The connecting means may include a protruding connecting means, and a cavity connecting means for receiving the protruding connecting means. The protruding connecting means may be formed in various forms such as, for example, a straight line, a polygon, and a round. The projecting connecting means can be coupled to the cavity connecting means.

The protruding connecting means may be coupled to the plurality of camera blocks as they are attached to the cavity connecting means and may be detached from the plurality of camera blocks as the protruding connecting means is detached from the cavity connecting means. And the protruding connecting means is coupled to the cavity connecting means, so that the angle of the connecting means can be adjusted.

In addition, the connection means may be in a form wearable on the wearer's body. For example, the camera device may be connected to a bracelet, a necklace, and a helmet to provide a 360 degree shot. The camera unit can be charged in the state of being in a special camera bag, it can be mounted and charged in the cradle, and the battery reverberation can be confirmed with the LED. At this time, the status of the camera device can be confirmed through the smart device.

The camera device is interlocked with the smart device, and the captured image can be transmitted to the smart device through wireless communication such as wired or Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the like. Also, it is possible to receive a command input from the user via the smart device.

The camera device may generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image by collecting images photographed from at least one camera included in each of the plurality of camera blocks by combining a plurality of camera blocks and adjusting the angle.

For example, it is also possible to convert the photographed photograph from the camera device into 3D modeling or to perform 3D printing.

5 and 6 are views for explaining a camera block according to an embodiment.

The camera blocks 510 and 610 may include a lens, an image sensor, an image signal processing circuit, and a housing. The housing may include a lens, an image sensor, and an image signal processing circuit.

The housing may be provided with connecting means for engaging with another camera block, and the connecting means may be formed such that any one of the camera block and the other camera block rotates.

The connecting means may comprise protruding connecting means (521, 621), cavity connecting means (522, 622) for receiving the protruding connecting means (521, 621). At this time, the protruding connection means 521 and 621 may be formed in a round shape. The protruding connecting means (521, 621) can be coupled to the cavity connecting means (522, 622).

The connecting means is coupled to the plurality of camera blocks as the protruding connecting means 521 and 621 are attached to the cavity connecting means 522 and 622 and the protruding connecting means 521 and 621 are connected to the cavity connecting means 522 and 622 As shown in FIG.

The protruding connecting means 521 and 621 are coupled to the cavity connecting means 522 and 622, so that the angle of the connecting means can be adjusted. At this time, for example, the protruding connecting means 521, 621 can be bent or unfolded while being rotated by being coupled to the cavity connecting means 522, 622 of the other camera block.

The camera device can enlarge or reduce the number of cameras by connecting the camera block through the connecting means. For example, a set of 5 to 10 cameras can be attached and detached with magnets, and can be further extended if necessary.

Referring to FIG. 6, for example, the camera module 630 mounted on the camera device may be vertically disposed, and the horizontal length may be longer than the vertical length. A plurality of camera blocks are combined to form a round shape so that the camera device can collect images photographed from at least one camera 630 to generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image.

In addition, for example, the camera 630 mounted on the camera device may be arranged such that the camera module is disposed horizontally, and the length thereof is longer than the width. A plurality of camera blocks are combined to form a round shape so that the camera device can collect images photographed from at least one camera 630 to generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image.

At this time, each camera block can be combined while maintaining a constant interval.

The camera device according to one embodiment can be prevented from interference by providing a camera block through the connecting means of the camera block, and can provide the camera block as invisible as possible.

7 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a camera apparatus according to an embodiment.

The camera device 700 may include an image capturing unit 710, an image processing unit 720, a communication unit 730, and a control unit 740. A plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other may be coupled to each other. For example, the camera device 700 may be capable of adjusting the height or the angle of the camera itself with a bellows structure, and freely adjust the camera blocks.

The image capturing unit 710 can capture a subject from each camera included in the plurality of camera blocks.

The image processing unit 720 may combine the images taken by the image taking unit 710 to generate various images. The image processing unit 720 may collect images photographed from a plurality of cameras to generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image. The image processing unit 720 can replace the images photographed from each of the plurality of cameras with simulations.

The communication unit 730 can communicate with an external smart device. The communication unit 730 may communicate with an external smart device to transmit the image generated by the image processing unit 720 to the smart device or directly transmit the image captured by the image capturing unit 710. [ The communication unit 730 can provide the image to be edited and stored in the application as it is interlocked with the smart device. The user can edit and store the image through the application of the smart device. In addition, the input of the user input to the smart device can be transmitted to the control unit 740 of the camera device 700 through the communication unit 730.

The control unit 740 controls the plurality of cameras and transmits the combined image captured by the image processing unit 720 to the smart device. The control unit 740 can selectively operate a plurality of cameras. The control unit 740 may transmit the photographed image to a smart device connected to the camera device wirelessly or wired. The control unit 740 is interlocked with the smart device and can transmit the photographed image to the smart device through wire communication or wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The control unit 740 can receive the command input from the user through the smart device.

For example, the control unit 740 can capture a subject by operating all or at least a part of a plurality of cameras, and can capture a captured image to generate a three-dimensional image. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 740 can photograph a subject by operating all or at least a part of the plurality of cameras, and can collect the photographed images to generate a panoramic image.

At this time, images photographed by each of the plurality of cameras can be recognized as one group and processed.

It is also possible to replace images taken from each of a plurality of cameras, that is, between cuts and cuts, by simulation.

The control unit 740 may be integrally formed in the camera device or may be formed in a separate space. For example, an application or a program operated by a smart device such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a notebook, .

The control unit 740 can control the operations of the camera such as the power, position, and angle of the camera by inputting from the user.

The camera device according to one embodiment can transmit captured images interlocked with a smart device and can control the camera through a smart device, thereby providing quick and convenient image acquisition and editing.

The apparatus described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the apparatus and components described in the embodiments may be implemented within a computer system, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) , A programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing apparatus may be described as being used singly, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the processing apparatus may have a plurality of processing elements and / As shown in FIG. For example, the processing unit may comprise a plurality of processors or one processor and one controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as a parallel processor.

The software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing, and may be configured to configure the processing device to operate as desired or to process it collectively or collectively Device can be commanded. The software and / or data may be in the form of any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage media, or device , Or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in a transmitted signal wave. The software may be distributed over a networked computer system and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer readable recording media.

The method according to an embodiment may be implemented in the form of a program command that can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The program instructions to be recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiments or may be available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magnetic media such as floppy disks; Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine language code such as those produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. For example, it is to be understood that the techniques described may be performed in a different order than the described methods, and / or that components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, Lt; / RTI > or equivalents, even if it is replaced or replaced.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (12)

A camera block for a camera device including a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other,
lens;
Image sensor;
An image signal processing circuit; And
A housing including the lens, the image sensor and the image signal processing circuit,
/ RTI >
Wherein the housing is formed with connecting means for engaging with another camera block, and the connecting means is formed such that any one of the camera block and the other camera block is rotationally moved. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connecting means comprises:
A protruding connecting means, and a cavity connecting means for receiving the protruding connecting means. 3. The method of claim 2,
The protruding connection means may comprise:
Wherein the camera block is formed in a round shape. 3. The method of claim 2,
The protruding connection means may comprise:
Wherein the cavity is coupled to the cavity connecting means. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the connecting means comprises:
The protruded connecting means is coupled to the plurality of camera blocks as being attached to the cavity connecting means, and the protruded connecting means is detached from the plurality of camera blocks as being detached from the cavity connecting means
Wherein the camera block comprises: The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connecting means comprises:
And the protruding connecting means is coupled to the cavity connecting means so that the angle of the connecting means can be adjusted
Wherein the camera block comprises: The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the connecting means comprises:
A plurality of camera blocks coupled to rotate and to be bent or unfolded
Wherein the camera block comprises: A camera apparatus comprising a plurality of camera blocks coupled to each other,
An image capturing unit capturing a subject from each camera included in the plurality of camera blocks;
An image processing unit for combining images photographed by the image photographing unit;
A communication unit for communicating with an external smart device; And
A control unit for controlling the plurality of cameras and transmitting the photographed images combined by the image processing unit to the smart device,
. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the image processing unit comprises:
And collecting images photographed from the plurality of cameras to generate a three-dimensional image and / or a panoramic image
The camera device comprising: 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the image processing unit comprises:
And replacing images photographed from each of the plurality of cameras with simulations
The camera device comprising: 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
Wherein the plurality of cameras are selectively operated. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein,
And transmitting the photographed image to a smart device interlocked with the camera device wirelessly or wired
The camera device comprising:

Images