WO2008023155A2

WO2008023155A2 - Camera support for taking stereoscopic images

Info

Publication number: WO2008023155A2
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan David Mitton; Charles Michael Byrne
Original assignee: Ringfort Patents Limited
Priority date: 2006-08-23
Filing date: 2007-08-17
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: EP2074347A2; GB0616717D0; WO2008023155A3

Abstract

An assembly suitable for multiple imaging of an object, and producing a three-dimensional image, comprises a base member and, mounted for rotational and translational movement thereon, a support for a camera, wherein the support is controlled or constrained to move such that the camera lens is directed at the object at any point in its translation.

Description

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Field of the Invention

This invention relates to apparatus for the taking of 3-dimensional (3D) photographs, including lenticular, holographic and anaglyphic images. Background of the Invention

Conventionally, 3D photographs are obtained using large computer- controlled apparatus with a linear rail, using servo motors. While the quality of the resulting 3D photographs is unimpeachable, the procedure is cumbersome, while the equipment is expensive, heavy, difficult to transport, and requires an electrical or other power source. The photographs are consequently expensive. Attempts to achieve the same result using more than one camera may be relatively inexpensive, but give poor quality. Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, an assembly for multiple imaging of an object comprises a base member and, mounted for rotational and translational movement thereon, a support for a camera, wherein the support is controlled or constrained to move such that the camera lens can be directed at the object at any point in its translation. Accordingly, a camera mounted on the support of such an assembly can be used to take multiple images (or "shots") of the object, at different points in the translation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises two non- parallel rails which the support abuts at each point of its translational movement. The support is thus "toed-in", for each shot.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support is constrained to move along part of the circumference of a circle, in an essentially horizontal plane, the object being substantially in the plane of the circle. Such apparatus does not require the support to be rotated relative to the remainder of the assembly. If the circular path is fixed, the apparatus can be used most effectively only to image the object at a fixed point, typically the centre of the circle. In order to avoid this constraint, means may be provided in order to vary the radius of the circle.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the support is constrained to move along part of the circumference of a circle, the plane of the circle being vertical/substantially normal to the surface of the object. As explained in more detail below, such an embodiment may comprise a support including a telescoping arm which is floor-mounted.

By virtue of the invention, 3D photographs of a stationary object can be obtained, to professional quality, with equipment that is light, portable, operable by hand, and accurate, without needing external power. Only one camera is required, and the assembly and use are simple and inexpensive. The invention allows good quality 3D photographs to be taken by an amateur as well as professionals and advertising agencies. Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an assembly embodying this invention, and showing a camera in three different positions relative to an object to be photographed;

Hg. 2 shows part of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in more detail; and

Fig. 3 is associated side and front views of a further embodiment of the invention.

Description of the Invention

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. More particularly, Fig. 1 shows three different positions of a camera 1 relative to an object 6 to be photographed. The distance d, i.e. the travel distance between the outlying position of the camera, as illustrated, is typically 650 mm. The actual travel distance between extreme positions of the camera will of course be chosen having regard to a number of factors, including the distance of the assembly from the object and the images that are required. In essence, however, it will be appreciated that the base member can be a simple product which need not be unduly large.

The camera 1 is mounted on a support 2, as shown in Fig.2. The support 2 is shown in each of two positions. The support comprises a substantially circular part having a curved periphery 3 and a post 5. The camera/support is mounted on a base member (not shown) carrying non-parallel rails 4a and 4b. The camera/support can be moved from one illustrated position to the other. At each position, and each position in between, the periphery 3 and the peg 5 can be brought into contact with the respective rails, allowing the camera to remain pointed directly at the object. This "toeing-in" can be achieved manually; both translational and rotational movement, to ensure toeing-in, can thus be done simply. It will of course be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that, e.g. for remote operation, the movement may be controlled mechanically, e.g. under motor control. For example, a camera support and the base member may include mutual gearing to achieve the same effect as that shown in the drawings. The embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 utilises a base member which extends, and which supports a camera so that it can move, along essentially a single plane defined by the support/camera movement and the object. In other words, the support provides a guide for movement of the support.

In an alternative embodiment, the support is constrained to move in a vertical plane, along part of the circumference of a circle in a plane which is substantially normal to a line between the camera and the object. An embodiment of this type is illustrated in Fig. 3 which shows a camera 11 mounted on a support/control unit 12 which itself is mounted on a telescoping arm 13 which can be rotated about a pivot point 14. The pivot point 14 is mounted on a stabilising footplate 15. The assembly further comprises a operator's handle 16 and a counter-balance 17. Fig. 3b shows two different positions of the control unit relative to the pivot point. This drawing also indicates the central Position A and outlying Positions B and C that can be taken up; all are on the illustrated arc of the circle.

In use, the "mono-pod" illustrated in Fig. 3 typically starts at Position A. The operator programmes the device to indicate that this is the middle point. The control unit is then moved to Position B and, based on an internal pendulum, the distance di between Positions A and B is assessed, e.g. on the basis of the angle of displacement relative to the pivot point, di is 50% of the travel distance which, in turn, based on the height (d₂) of the control unit and the distance to the object (all of which can be inputted through the data screen on the control unit), and allows the amount of "toeing-in" to be calculated; this is achieved using a small high torque motor (not shown).

It will be appreciated that, as a result of moving from Position A to Position B, the height of the control unit above the ground is reduced by the distance dβ. If desired, and in the case when the arm is telescoping, compensation for this can be made. The telescoping arm can be raised or lowered at appropriate points to remove the distance. After processing, the images can be processed accordingly.

The function of the external counter-weight 17 is to keep the camera level.

Alternatively, a gyroscopic chip may be incorporated into the electronic control system, in order to sense which way is up and to engage a motor that will ensure the camera is level. Such technology is known in the art, and is utilised in cameras that detect when a portrait-oriented photograph has been taken.

For the purposes of illustration only, ti_: is 1.262 m, d₂ is 1.524 m, and d₃ is 0.44 m. It will be appreciated that these distances can be chosen having regard to various factors, as described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

According to the invention, a single camera is used to take multiple images of the same object at a number of positions. That number can be chosen as desired.

At each point, an image is taken with the camera pointing at the object. An assembly of the invention can be controlled by hand or by means of a control system. Such a system may comprise one or more of means for detecting the position of the camera relative to the object and/or to a given (control) position.

For best results, it will be appreciated that, in addition to the assembly described above, hardware and software may be required for processing and reduction of the product, e.g. a lenticular 3D photograph. Such apparatus is available, although it will be appreciated that the invention allows a variety of processing options. A conventional camera can be used or, if desired, the software of a known camera may be modified in order to achieve optimum results. It may be desirable, for example, to control the systems so that a photograph is taken automatically at each of a number of predetermined toed-in positions.

The invention can be utilised with a mobile phone with built-in camera. The phone may have a permanently fixed lenticular screen so images taken by the user can be instantly seen in 3D. Depending on the available technology, the user can also print from the phone onto a lenticular screen. It will be appreciated that the device can be small and economic, for this application in particular.

Another application of the invention is where a camera is mounted on a personal computer. By way of example only, a camera may be mounted on a rail above a laptop. In this way, 3D webcam images of the user can be provided.

It will be appreciated that an assembly of the invention may comprise a system in which a user's own camera can be positioned, and that one or more users can use different cameras. Alternatively, the camera and support may be integral. It will appreciated also that the user may take shots at each of various positions; alternatively, means may be provided whereby shots are taken at each of various pre-selected positions, under the control of the system.

Claims

1. An assembly for multiple imaging of an object, which comprises a base member and, mounted for rotational and translational movement thereon, a support for a camera, wherein the support is controlled or constrained to move such that the camera lens is directed at the object at any point in its translation.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 , which comprises two non-parallel rails which, at each point, the support abuts.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the translation is in a horizontal plane.

4. As assembly according to claim 1 , which comprises an arm mounted for translational movement about an axis, in a vertical plane.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the arm is a telescopic arm.

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, which comprises a positional sensor and means for controlling the support accordingly, such that the camera lens is directed at the object.