WO2018075928A1

WO2018075928A1 - Camera mount for 360 degree photographic and video system

Info

Publication number: WO2018075928A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/057658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael J. KINTNER
Original assignee: 360 Heros, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-10-21
Filing date: 2017-10-20
Publication date: 2018-04-26

Abstract

A camera holding assembly configured to hold a plurality of cameras in a predetermined orientation includes a support having a plurality of camera mounting fixtures. Each of the camera mounting fixtures is mounted along a mounting axis to retain a photographic camera in a predetermined orientation. At least one of the mounting fixtures retains a photographic camera in a different rotational orientation about its defined mounting axis relative to an adjacently mounted photographic camera. In at least one embodiment, the rotational orientations of the mounting fixtures can be adjusted.

Description

Camera Mount For 360 Degree Photographic and Video System

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under relevant portions of 35 U.S.C. §119 to

USSN 64/411,180, entitled "Camera Mount for 360 Degree Photographic and Video System", filed on October 21, 2016 and to USSN 14/072,656, filed on November 5, 2013, entitled "360 Degree Camera Mount and Related Photographic and Video System" under relevant paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. §120, which claims priority under relevant portions of 35 U.S.C. §119 to USSN 61/722,497, entitled "A holder that supports six cameras in special configuration to allow the ability to shoot 360 degree video and photos", filed November 5, 2012 and USSN 61/750,491, entitled "Dome Converter", filed on January 9, 2013, the entire contents of each of the above-listed applications being incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application generally relates to the field of photographic and video systems and more specifically to a holding assembly or fixture and related method for enabling spherical or cubical 360 degree still photographs and/or moving video using cameras mounted on a holding fixture. A plurality of photographic cameras are independently supported and releasably maintained by the holding assembly such that composite spherical images can be captured in a variety of different environments for processing. The cameras can be disposed at positions provided on the holding assembly in various supported or mounted orientations. BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known that 360 degree or 360 degree x 180 degree (e.g., spherical or cubical) composite images (photographic or moving videos) of a scene of interest can be obtained using very sophisticated equipment. Such equipment is prohibitively expensive and clearly not within the budget of average consumers or even small companies that are desirous of obtaining 360 degree photographic images.

[0004] There is an ongoing and pervasive need to provide a more versatile and user friendly system that adaptively retains a plurality of conventional photographic cameras in order to permit 360 (spherical or cubical) degree still photographs or moving videos to be obtained, through compositely created images and in a plurality of image formats, such as HD and 3 -dimensional, among others. It is a further desire to provide providing increased functionality and versatility for such a system, providing adaptability depending on the application or desires of a particular user, including functionality in a varied number of environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] Therefore and according to one aspect, there is provided a holding assembly configured to releasably retain a plurality of photographic cameras. The holding assembly includes a support and a plurality of mounting fixtures extending from the support. Each mounting fixture has at least one engagement feature for supporting a photographic camera along a defined radial mounting axis extending through the center of the support. The mounting fixtures are oriented about the support such that each camera provides a different field of view. At least one mounting fixture is disposed in a different rotational orientation about its mounting axis in relation to an adjacent mounting fixture. When assembled, the centerlines of each of the lens barrels of the cameras mounted to the camera mounting fixture extend to a common vertex at the center of the support irrespective of the rotational orientation assumed by the mounted cameras. [0006] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for enabling capture of 360 degree images of a scene of interest, the method including providing a holding assembly having a support. The support includes a plurality of mounting fixtures, in which each mounting fixture is configured for receiving at least one camera body. The method further includes disposing at least one mounting fixture in a different rotational orientation about its mounting axis in relation to an adjacent mounting fixture and disposing each mounting fixture in an orientation in which a composite 360 degree image can be obtained.

[0007] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a holding assembly for creating 360 degree images of a scene of interest, the holding assembly including a support and a plurality of mounting fixtures disposed about the support. At least one of the mounting fixtures has a mounting surface configured to engage a surface of a housing of one of the plurality of cameras to releasably retain the camera. Each mounting fixtures is configured to rotate about a radial mounting axis to assume a rotational orientation relative to an adjacent mounting fixture. The mounting fixtures are oriented about the support such that each camera, when supported by the mounting fixture, provides a different field of view, the plurality of cameras being disposed to create a 360 degree by 180 degree full spherical composite image or a 360 degree composite image.

[0008] Typically, cameras are positioned in a holding assembly that is designed for the purpose of providing 360 degree or 360 degree x 180 degree composite photographic images or video and all of the mounted cameras have a common mounted orientation. However, by enabling at least one mounting fixture to assume a different rotational orientation about its mounting axis, greater resolution and an optimized resulting image can be produced from the image data gathered by the mounted cameras. In addition, by enabling at least one mounting fixture to assume a different rotational orientation, the access ports (e.g., data and power) of the mounted cameras can be more easily accessed by various cables, such as for purposes of interconnecting the mounted cameras in order to obtain and process the individual images (i.e., image or video stitching) for providing the composite images or video.

[0009] It has been determined that providing variations in the camera orientations on the holding fixture can actually improve the processed composite image. In addition and advantageously, the holding fixture is more versatile and is easier to use than prior known versions.

[00010] These and other features and advantages will be readily apparent from the following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00011] Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of a holding assembly or rig for a 360 degree imaging apparatus that is made in accordance with an embodiment including a plurality of camera mounting fixtures disposed thereon;

[00012] Fig. IB is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 1A having a number of photographic cameras supported thereon;

[00013] Fig. 1C is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Figs. 1A - 1C having a plurality of cameras supported thereon;

[00014] Fig. 2A is the front perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 1A in which at least one of the camera mounting fixtures has assumed a different rotational mounting orientation; [00015] Fig. 2B is a top plan view of the holding assembly of Fig. 2A with the top mounting fixture removed;

[00016] Fig. 2C is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Figs. 2A and

2B having a number of photographic cameras mounted thereon;

[00017] Fig. 2D is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Figs. 2A - 2B having a plurality of photographic cameras mounted thereon;

[00018] Fig. 2E is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 2A having a number of photographic cameras mounted thereon;

[00019] Fig. 2F is a side view of the holding assembly of Figs. 2A and 2D having a plurality of cameras mounted thereon;

[00020] Fig. 2G is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Figs. 2A and

2E having cameras mounted thereon;

[00021] Fig. 2H is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 2A having another mounting fixture configuration;

[00022] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 2H having cameras mounted thereon;

[00023] Fig. 3 A is a front perspective view of a holding assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

[00024] Fig. 3B is a top plan view of the holding assembly of Fig. 3 A; [00025] Fig. 3C is a side elevational view of the holding assembly of Figs. 3 A and 3B;

[00026] Fig. 3D is a front perspective view of the holding assembly of Fig. 3A in which at least one camera mounting fixture has a mounting configuration that is rotationally different than adjacent camera mounting fixtures;

[00027] Fig. 4A is a front perspective view of a holding assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

[00028] Fig. 4B is a top plan view of the holding assembly of Fig. 4A;

[00029] Fig. 4C is a side elevational view of the holding assembly of Figs. 4A and 4B;

[00030] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of a holding assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

[00031] Fig. 5B is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of Fig. 5 A; and

[00032] Fig. 5C is a side elevational view of the camera holding assembly of Figs. 5 A and 5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00033] The following describes various embodiments of a system and more specifically a holding assembly or rig that can be used to support a plurality of photographic cameras in various orientations or supporting positions in order to obtain spherical 360 degree composite or 360 degree x 180 degree composite still photographs or moving video of a scene of interest. These views further include a number of contemplated supporting or mounting modes involving the cameras in which the relative position or orientation of at least one supported camera can be varied relative to an adjacent supported camera. Because the embodiments are merely examples, it will be readily apparent to one of sufficient skill that certain variations and modifications will be possible employing the inventive concepts discussed herein.

[00034] In addition and throughout the course of discussion, several terms are used in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings. These terms, which can include "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner" "outer", "above", and "below" among others are therefore not intended to be limiting of the invention, except where so specifically and clearly indicated otherwise. The drawings are also provided to illustrate salient features of the present invention, but are not necessarily to scale for purposes of interpretation. Examples of dimensions that are noted in this disclosure are also intended to provide examples in order to convey the concepts discussed throughout and with regard to the appended claims. For the sake of clarity, certain of the components as described in the various embodiments are labeled with the same reference numbers.

[00035] For purposes of the following discussion, the terms "mount", "hold",

"retain" and "support" and their "ing" or "ed" forms are intended to be synomymous. [00036] According to a first embodiment and with reference to Figs. 1A - 1C, a holding assembly or rig 100 is defined by a supporting fixture or member 108. Fig. 1A depicts the holding assembly 100 alone, while Figs. IB - 1C depict the holding assembly 100 having varied numbers of individually retained photographic cameras 180.

[00037] The supporting fixture 108 of the herein described holding assembly 100 is defined by a center support or body 112 having a plurality of camera mounting fixtures 124 extending radially therefrom. The supporting fixture 100 can be made from any suitable structural material which can be fabricated (e.g., machined or molded) with a plurality of mounting fixtures 124 extending from the center support 112, as partially shown in Fig. 1 A. According to this specific embodiment, a total of six (6) camera mounting fixtures 124 radially extend from the center support 112 in which four (4) of the fixtures 124 are radially disposed along a single (e.g., horizontal) plane with a single camera mounting fixture 124 extending outwardly from the top and bottom, respectively, of the center support 112. It will be readily apparent that the number of mounting fixtures, and therefore the number of supported or mounted photographic cameras 180, can be suitably varied. In the present embodiment, the camera mounting fixtures 124 are directly coupled to the center support 112 using a fastening component 130 that extends into an opening 131 provided in the mounting fixture 124, as well as an aligned opening (not shown) formed in the body 112 of the supporting fixture 108. The fastening component 130 according to this embodiment includes a top surface 133 having a center opening 134 to permit assembly or removal using a hex tool (not shown) or other suitable means. In another embodiment, the camera supporting fixtures 124 can be integrally formed with the center support 112. [00038] In this specific embodiment, the holding assembly 100 is entirely made from a durable lightweight material, such as nylon or other flexible thermoplastic polymer, having sufficient stiffness for enabling stable retention of a plurality of photographic cameras as discussed in greater detail below. In at least one version, the supporting fixture 108 and camera mounting fixtures 124 can be manufactured using a suitable molding process, as a one-piece assembly. It will be readily apparent, however, from the discussion that follows, that other suitable materials could alternatively be utilized for manufacturing either the entire holding assembly 100 and/or portions thereof.

[00039] According to this embodiment, a plurality (i.e. four (4)) of the camera mounting fixtures 124 are each transversely disposed relative to a radial mounting axis A, B, C, D, E, F extending radially outward from the supporting fixture 112 as described below and circumferentially disposed within a single (horizontal) plane. Additional camera mounting fixtures 124 are similarly positioned above and below the horizontal plane at the top and bottom of the supporting fixture 108, as well as along defined radial mounting axes, wherein each of the six (6) camera mounting fixtures 124 are configured to retain a corresponding photographic camera at a common radial distance relative to the nodal center of the supporting fixture 112. Typically, the photographic camera 180 will include, at a minimum, a housing 184, a lens or lens barrel 182, an electronic or digital imager, memory, a power port 190, and a data port 188. An example of a suitable camera includes, but is not limited to, a GoPro Hero®, Hero2®, or Hero3® camera, among others. In use, the four (4) cameras 180 disposed within the common plane each provide a field of view, which are combined in overlapping fashion in order to cover a 360 degree field of view. The remaining cameras 180 disposed out of the common horizontal plane each provides an additional overlapping field of view across the top and/or bottom of the holding assembly 100 and thereby increases the range of the overall composite spherical image. Each radial mounting axis A, B, C, D, E, F extends through the aligned openings formed in the mounting fixture 124 and the body of the supporting fixture 108 and more specifically through the fastening component 130, wherein each mounting axis A, B, C, D, E, F is coextensive through the center of the supporting fixture 108.

[00040] The specific features of a camera mounting fixture 124 in accordance with this embodiment are herein described, which includes a substantially planar mounting surface 126 that is sized and shaped for receiving a photographic camera 180, Fig. 1C, such as, for example, a Hero^® camera manufactured by GoPro. When mounted, the top surface 133 of the fastening component 130 is either coplanar or recessed inwardly relative to the planar mounting surface 126. According to this specific embodiment, each planar mounting surface 126 is defined by a substantially rectangular configuration having a first planar dimension and a transverse second planar dimension that is smaller than the first dimension. These dimensions can be suitably varied and are described herein simply to provide a frame of reference regarding the various mounting configurations/orientations for a camera 180. In this embodiment, each mounting fixture 124 disposed within the horizontal plane is rotationally oriented with respect to its radial mounting axis A, B, C, D, E, F so that each camera 180 is rotationally aligned with the adjacent camera mounting fixtures 124. That is, the major dimension 125 of each camera mounting fixture 124 is parallel with the major dimension 125 of an adjacent camera mounting fixture 124. Therefore and when supported by the camera mounting fixtures 124, each camera 180 assumes the same configuration (herein also referred to as a "mounting" or "supporting orientation").

[00041] According to this embodiment and as shown in Figs. 1B-1C, each photographic camera 180 is releasably coupled to a camera mounting fixture 124 of the herein described holding assembly 100. More specifically, the back or rear side 186 of the housing 184 of each camera 180 is placed in contact with the mounting surface 126 of the camera mounting fixture 124, wherein the mounting surface 126 includes at least one feature to permit the camera 180 to engage the mounting surface 126. In an example, the mounting surface 126 includes a plurality of slots 128 into which a plurality of extensions (not shown) on the back surface of the camera 180 are received. Other forms of engagement are contemplated depending on the camera being mounted whether by sliding, pushing, or otherwise engaging the camera 180 relative to the mounting surface 126. Other securement variations are contemplated provided that the rear side or surface 186 of the camera housing 184 is suitably engaged with the mounting surface 124 of the camera mounting fixture 124. When properly situated in the mounting fixture 124, the cylindrical lens barrel 182 of each retained photographic camera 180 extends outwardly relative to the supporting fixture 108. When assembled to the holding assembly 100, the connection ports 188, 190 of each retained camera 180 are accessible, as needed, to permit cabling (not shown), access to batteries and data cards and without having to remove the camera 180 from the mounting fixture 124. The supported cameras 180 are oriented at a predetermined angular position or orientation relative to the center support 112 in a spaced fashion along a common horizontal plane and in which each retained camera 180 has a field of view of about 170 degrees that overlaps a portion of an adjacently retained camera 180 along the defined plane. Each camera 180 can be removed or replaced by disengaging the camera 180 from the mounting surface 126 and more specifically the engagement feature(s) of the mounting fixture 124 for replacement and/or upgrade.

[00042] It should be noted the camera mounting fixture 124 can assume alternative forms. For example and according to another embodiment, not shown, the camera mounting fixture 124 can be defined by a multi-sided enclosure having either an open end or a lateral opening that is sized for receiving the photographic camera 180. In this latter embodiment, the camera mounting fixture 124 at least partially encloses the supported camera 180 to retain the camera 180 in the camera mounting fixture 124. In this embodiment, the camera mounting fixture 124 may also have a latching feature (not shown) to releasably retain the camera 180 within the defined enclosure. [00043] Referring to Figs. IB - 1C, the herein described holding assembly 100 can include at least one feature that permits attachment to an object, such as a tripod or connecting rod or support (Fig. IB) through use of suitable fasteners (not shown) via a threaded support 194 coupled to the center support 112, such as via a threaded hole 193 (Fig. 1A). The cameras 180, as retained by the individual camera mounting fixtures 124, can be linked, such as through cabling (not shown) to one another or preferably by wireless control in which each of the cameras 180 can be coordinated to operate simultaneously and remotely. The retained cameras 180 are disposed, according to this embodiment, so as to provide a suitable field of view about the defined plane and in which resulting images obtained through the data cards (not shown) of the cameras 180 can be stitched to create a composite 360 degree or 360 degree x 180 degree composite spherical image. When mounted, the centerline G, H, I, J, K, L of the lens barrel 182 of each supported camera 180 upon a corresponding camera mounting fixture 124 of this holding assembly 100 extends through a common vertex 192 at the center of the support body 112, irrespective of the rotational mounting orientation of the camera 180.

[00044] Another version of a holding assembly is depicted in Figs. 2A - 21. As in the preceding, a plurality of camera mounting fixtures 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124E, 124F, in a predetermined configuration or orientation, are coupled to and project outwardly from a supporting fixture 118 and more specifically a center body 112 (only partially shown). More specifically, and according to this embodiment, four (4) camera mounting fixtures 124A-124D are circumferentially disposed and equally spaced within a common (horizontal as shown herein) plane and two (2) additional fixtures 124E, 124F are positioned above and below, respectively, the horizontal plane. It will be understood that the number of mounting fixtures 124 can be suitably varied although at least six (6) supported cameras 180 are required to provide a 360 degree x 180 degree composite spherical image. The construction of the camera mounting fixtures 124 A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124E, 124F is identical to that described in the prior embodiment in which the supporting fixture 108 and the mounting fixtures 124 A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124E, 124F can each be made from a durable and flexible material, such as nylon or a thermoplastic polymer and also wherein the holding assembly 100 can be entirely manufactured as a one- piece assembly using a molding process. Alternatively, the center support 112 can be constructed according to a design in which each of the camera mounting fixtures 124 can be separately attached or otherwise secured.

[00045] Similar to the holding assembly 100 described above and according to this embodiment, a total of six (6) camera mounting fixtures 124 are coupled to the center support 112 using a fastening component 130 that secures each camera mounting fixture 124. However, in this specific embodiment, at least one mounting fixture 124B in the horizontal plane is rotated relative to the adjacent mounting fixture(s) 124A, 124C about its mounting axis B. In this particular embodiment, the mounting fixture 124B is rotated clockwise ninety (90) degrees about its mounting axis B relative to the orientation of the adjacent mounting fixtures 124A, 124C. In this depicted orientation, the major dimension 125B of the mounting fixture 124B is therefore orthogonal to the major dimension 125A of the adjacent mounting fixtures 124A and 124C. However, it is to be understood that the mounting fixture 124B can be rotated any suitable amount, either clockwise or counterclockwise, about its corresponding mounting axis B in relation to the adjacent mounting fixtures 124A, 124C. According to this embodiment, the fastening member 130 is loosened sufficiently to permit rotation of the camera mounting fixture 124B and then is re-secured to the body 108 to lock the position of the camera mounting fixture 124B. In various versions, illustrated by Figs. 2C - 2G, the camera mounting fixture 124B is rotated ninety (90) degrees relative to the adjacent mounting fixtures 124A, 124C. In yet another embodiment, illustrated by Figs. 2H - 21, the mounting fixture 124B is rotated 180 degrees relative to the adjacent mounting fixtures 124 A, 124C. A myriad of other variations can easily be contemplated. [00046] Referring to Fig. 2B, each mounting fixture 124A-F is coupled or mounted to the center support 112 along its respective mounting axis A-F, illustrated here as axes A- D. Each of these mounting axes A-D meet at a common vertex 220, which is centered in the support 112. As noted and according to this embodiment, at least one of the camera mounting fixtures 124A-F is rotatable about its respective mounting axis A-F. As will be further discussed below, one, multiple, or all of the mounting fixtures 124A-F can be rotated or be capable of rotating about its corresponding mounting axis A-F. As such, each mounting fixture 124 A-F can have an individual rotational orientation which together form the global orientation of the holding assembly 100. In one example, each mounting fixture 124 A-F has the same rotational orientation. In another example, one or more mounting fixture 124 A-F has an individual rotational orientation that differs from other individual rotational orientations. For example, the mounting fixtures 124 A-F can have an alternating configuration in which mounting fixtures 124 A and 124C have a first rotational orientation and mounting fixtures 124B and 124D have a second rotational orientation that is different from the first rotational orientation. It has been found unexpectedly that by changing the rotational orientation of at least one of the camera mounting fixtures 124, the overlap of the field of view of each camera 180 received in the fixtures 124 can be optimized, thereby improving the resulting image. In addition and advantageously, the ports 188, 190 of each of the cameras 180 mounted to the mounting fixtures 124A-F can be more easily accessed by shifting their rotational orientation appropriately. Moreover, the size of the overall package can be reduced since the positioning of the cabling can be optimized without impacting the composite images obtained.

[00047] In one embodiment, the camera mounting fixtures 124 A-F are fixedly positioned in each individual rotational orientation. In this embodiment, each mounting fixture 124 A-F assumes the individual rotational orientation during production of the assembly 100 and cannot be altered or otherwise modified by the user. [00048] As discussed herein, the camera mounting fixtures 124 can be positioned at predefined rotational orientations. In an example, predefined orientations can be indicated on the assembly using indicia (not shown) in order to assist in positioning the mounting fixture 124. In another example, the mounting fixture 124 can be rotated between any orientation between 0 and 360 degrees about its mounting axis A-F. When mounted, the centerline G, H, I, J, K, L of the lens barrel 182 of each supported camera 180 upon a corresponding camera mounting fixture 124 of this holding assembly 100 extends through a common vertex 192 at the center of the support body 112, irrespective of the rotational mounting orientation of the camera 180.

[00049] A holding assembly 300 according to a third embodiment is shown in Figs.

3A - 3D. This holding assembly 300 is similarly provided with an attachment portion or frame 310 that includes a support 312, Fig. 3 A, as well as a plurality of camera mounting fixtures 324 that are mounted to the support 312. According to this version, six (6) camera mounting fixtures 324 are disposed within a common horizontal plane in spaced positions while a single camera mounting fixture 324 is mounted at the top and bottom, respectively, at the ends of extending portions or arms 316 of the support 312 to extending portions 317 (only one shown). As previously discussed herein, alternative designs changing the number of camera supports can easily be realized augmenting the overall number of mounting sites/fixtures and their relative position on the support 312. For example, a holding assembly can includes seven (7) mounting fixtures 324 disposed about a common (horizontal) plane with single mounting fixtures 324 being disposed above and below the common plane, thereby permitting nine (9) total cameras to be supported. According to yet another alternative version, a holding assembly can include seven (7) mounting fixtures 324 along the common plane with two (2) additional fixtures 324 extending below the plane and a single fixture 324 extending above the plane, enabling 10 cameras to be supported. In this embodiment, the camera supporting fixtures 324 are secured to the support 312 using a fastening element 330, similar to element 130, previously described. The camera mounting fixtures 324 can be made from a durable material such as flexible nylon or a thermoplastic polymer. The camera mounting fixtures 324 can be integrated with the extending arms 316 and portions 317 or coupled thereto via fasteners. As described above with regard to the second assembly 100, the rotational orientation of at least one mounting fixture 324a (Fig. 3D) can be changed, resulting in rotation of the at least one mounting fixture 324a as compared to an adjacent mounting fixture(s) 324.

[00050] The construction of each of the camera mounting fixtures 324 according to this embodiment and the above-noted alternatives is similar to that previously described in the prior embodiments. A photographic camera 380, such as a GoPro Hero®, Hero2®, Hero3®, or other similarly configured camera, can be releasably secured to a camera mounting fixture 324. When secured, each of the camera mounting fixtures 324 are maintained at an identical radial distance from the center of the holding assembly 300, through which the center line of each mounted camera lens barrel 182 intersects at a common apex extending through the congruent mounting axis, thereby enabling a composite spherical field of view for a plurality of cameras 380 that are installed releasably on the mounting fixtures 324 as shown in Fig. 3E. In this particular configuration, each of the cameras 380 are defined by a field of view of approximately 170 degrees. The inclusion of all mounted cameras 380, as disclosed, provides an effective field of view which is 360 degrees spherically about the holding assembly 300 and enabling a full 360 degree by 180 degree full spherical image. Alternative embodiments can provide increased resolution due to the inclusion of additional (e.g., 9 or 10) cameras. This increase in resolution can be dramatic, depending on the presentation mode of the resulting image output. [00051] Yet another variation of a camera holding assembly 400 is shown with reference to Figs. 4A - 4C in which the camera holding assembly 400 includes a supporting fixture 410. According to this version, five (5) camera mounting fixtures 424 are supported about a common horizontal plane at evenly spaced positions defined by projection portions or arms 416 of the supporting fixture 410, while two (2) additional camera mounting fixtures 424 are oppositely disposed from portions 417 (only one is shown) extending outwardly from the top and bottom of the holding assembly 400, respectively, and as shown, using fastening elements 130. Each of the camera mounting fixtures 424 according to this embodiment are defined similarly to the camera mounting fixtures 124 (Fig. 1 A, 2A) and 324, 324a (Fig. 3A), previously described, and enable releasability and secure retention of a photographic camera. In this embodiment, the cameras are each mounted to a corresponding mounting fixture 424 in predetermined mounting orientations. According to this embodiment, the angular (rotational) position of any mounting fixture 424 can be changed by loosening the fastening member 130 and rotating the fixture 424 about its mounting axis. As such, the mounting orientation of at least one supported camera can be varied relative to the remaining supported cameras. As in the preceding however, the centerline G, H, I, J, K, L of the lens barrel 182 of all of the supported cameras commonly extends through the vertex 192 at the center of the support 112, irrespective of the rotational orientation assumed.

[00052] Referring to Figs. 5A - 5C, yet another embodiment of a holding assembly

500 comprises three (3) camera mounting fixtures 524 that extend outwardly from a center supporting member 510. According to this embodiment, the three (3) fixtures 524 project outwardly from a common horizontal plane along exterior sides of the supporting member 510. [00053] In each of the herein described embodiments 100, 300, 400, 500, the cameras 180 can be easily removed from the mounting fixtures 124, 324, 424, 524 of the holder assembly and used for other purposes. In addition, the members 382 (Fig. 3B) disposed between the supporting member 112 of the holding assembly and the supported cameras can suitably vary in length to permit the assembly to be used for expansion and/or a plurality of different photographic/video applications.

[00054] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates merely to embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A holding assembly configured to releasably retain a plurality of photographic cameras, said holding assembly comprising:

a support;

a plurality of mounting fixtures extending from the support, each said mounting fixture having at least one engagement feature for supporting a photographic camera along a defined radial mounting axis, wherein the mounting fixtures are oriented about said support such that each camera provides a different field of view, wherein at least one mounting fixture is disposed in a different rotational orientation about its mounting axis in relation to an adjacent mounting fixture, and in which the assembly is configured to commonly align a centerline of a lens barrel of a supported camera with a vertex at the center of the support irrespective of the rotational orientation.

2. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting fixtures are integral to the support.

3. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting fixtures are releasably coupled to the support.

4. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting fixture comprises a substantially planar mounting surface, having at least one engagement feature for releasably retaining a photographic camera.

5. The holding assembly of claim 4, wherein the planar mounting surface of each mounting fixture is defined by a first planar dimension and a second planar dimension and in which at least one mounting fixture has a rotational orientation such that the first planar dimension of the at least one mounting fixture extends at an angle in relation to the first planar dimension of at least one adjacent mounting fixture.

6. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is coupled to the support along its mounting axis and wherein the mounting axes of the plurality of mounting fixtures meet at a common vertex, the common vertex being at the center of the support.

7. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is fixedly positioned in a predetermined rotational orientation about its mounting axis.

8. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is adjustably rotatable about its mounting axis to assume a predetermined rotational orientation.

9. The holding assembly of claim 8, wherein each mounting fixture comprises a fastening component configured to lock the rotational orientation of the mounting fixture about its mounting axis.

10. The holding assembly of claim 9, wherein the fastening component is further configured to couple the mounting fixture to the support.

11. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting fixtures is defined by a configuration in which alternating mounting fixtures have a first rotational orientation and remaining adjacent mounting fixtures have a second rotational orientation, different from the first rotational orientation.

12. The holding assembly of claim 1, wherein a first mounting fixture has a first rotational orientation and a second mounting fixture, adjacent to the first mounting fixture, is rotated orthogonally relative to the first rotational orientation.

13. A method for enabling capture of 360 degree images of a scene of interest, the method comprising:

providing a holding assembly having a support, the support comprising a plurality of mounting fixtures, in which each mounting fixture is configured for receiving at least one camera body;

disposing at least one mounting fixture in a different rotational orientation about its mounting axis in relation to an adjacent mounting fixture; and

disposing each mounting fixture in an orientation in which a composite 360 degree image can be obtained.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is fixedly disposed in the rotational orientation about its mounting axis.

15. The holding assembly of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is adjustably rotatable about its mounting axis to assume the rotational orientation.

16. A holding assembly for creating 360 degree images of a scene of interest, the system comprising:

a holding assembly configured to releasably retain a plurality of cameras in a predetermined orientation, the holding assembly comprising:

a support;

a plurality of mounting fixtures disposed about the support, each of the mounting fixtures having a mounting surface configured to engage a surface of a housing of one of the plurality of cameras to releasably retain the camera, wherein at least one of the plurality of mounting fixtures is configured to rotate about a radial mounting axis to assume a rotational orientation relative to an adjacent mounting fixture, wherein the mounting fixtures are oriented about the support such that each camera, when supported by the mounting fixture, provides a different field of view, the plurality of cameras being disposed to create a 360 degree by 180 degree full spherical composite image or a 360 degree composite image.

17. The holding assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of mounting fixtures is coupled to the support along its mounting axis and wherein the mounting axes of the plurality of mounting fixtures meet at a common vertex, the common vertex being at the center of the support.

18. The holding assembly of claim 16, wherein each mounting fixture comprises a substantially planar mounting surface having at least one engagement feature for releasably retaining a photographic camera.

19. The holding assembly of claim 16, wherein the plurality of mounting fixtures are arranged such that alternating mounting fixtures have a first rotational orientation and remaining adjacent mounting fixtures have a second rotational orientation, different from the first rotational orientation.

20. The holding assembly of claim 16, wherein a first mounting fixture has a first rotational orientation and a second mounting fixture, adjacent to the first mounting fixture, is rotated one of clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the first rotational orientation.