WO2018087781A1

WO2018087781A1 - Product photography machine

Info

Publication number: WO2018087781A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Akash Verma; Nikunj BUBNA
Original assignee: Wowflux Interactive Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-11-11
Filing date: 2017-11-11
Publication date: 2018-05-17

Abstract

The present invention discloses a photography system. The photography system includes a housing having a base, a top and a plurality of walls connecting the base and top. The photography system includes a turntable assembly mounted on the base. The photography system also includes a plurality of light systems including a front light system and a back light system. The photography system includes at least one slider carriage assembly disposed between one of the plurality of walls and the top and is mounted angularly across the turntable assembly. The photography system includes an image capturing device mounted on the one or more slider carriage assemblies. The photography system also comprises of a processor which synchronizes the functioning of the turntable assembly, the plurality of light systems, the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly with respect to each other for capturing an image as per predefined inputs.

Description

Product Photography Machine

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a photography system, more specifically the present invention relates to an automated photography system.

BACKGROUND

[002] With increasing impetus on marketing via digital world, clarity of digital images is more important than ever. Digital images of objects are uploaded on a digital medium like a website, a blog, etc. for advertising. This requires that images are captured accurately, at correct angles, etc.

[003] Capturing the images of a physical object at different rotation angles via a fully manually operated photography system has existed for a long time. However, it is error prone, inefficient and the procedures thereof are complicated and time-consuming. Moreover, it is hard to accurately transform the created format into a clear and displayable image format.

[004] Recently, some semi-automated solutions have been devised. However, such solutions still require human intervention at various stages of image capturing and the accuracy of the final outcome is not high. For example, the placement of a camera in such conventional semi- automated systems is such that the camera is unstable when mounted on a mounting means and needs to be fixed manually. Moreover, the conventional turntables with central support offer few disadvantages when employed for capturing digital images such as reflection due to central support resulting in shadow creation, etc.

[005] Therefore, a fully automated solution which overcomes the barriers conferred by the current technology is required to be devised.

SUMMARY

[006] A photography system is disclosed. The photography system includes a housing having a base, a top and a plurality of walls connecting the base and top. Further, the photography system includes a turntable assembly mounted on the base. The turntable assembly includes a table for placing an object to be photographed. The photography system also includes a plurality of light systems including a front light system and a back light system. The plurality of light systems directs light at the turntable assembly and work in synchronization with each other. Moreover, the photography system includes at least one slider carriage assembly disposed between one of the plurality of walls and the top and is mounted angularly across the turntable assembly. The l photography system includes an image capturing device mounted on the one or more slider carriage assemblies. The image capturing device is supported by a tilt control assembly for proper angular alignment of the image capturing device.

[007] The photography system also comprises of a processor in communication with the turntable assembly, the plurality of light systems, the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly. The processor synchronizes the functioning of the turntable assembly, the plurality of light systems, the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly with respect to each other for capturing an image as per predefined inputs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[008] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

[009] FIGs. 1 & la depict different views of an exemplary architecture of a photography system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. lb depicts an alternate embodiment of the photography system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIGs. lc & Id show different embodiments of backdrop lights of the photography system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a turntable of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIGs. 3a & 3b show an enlarged view of the drive side sub-assembly of the turntable of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the idler frame and drive frame in the turntable of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIGs. 5a & 5b illustrate different embodiments of number of idler wheels and drive wheels in the turntable assembly of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIGs. 6-6d show different embodiments of the back lighting system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 7 shows the zoom control assembly in the image capturing device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIGs. 8-8e represent embodiments of tilt control assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 9 depicts modules of a processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the working of the photography system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0022] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0023] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

5 [0024] The present invention discloses a photography system which may be utilized for

professional photography. The photography system of the present invention provides a fully automated solution to the problems offered by conventional systems. The photography system may include a variety of hardware components (described below) which function independently or in conjunction with each other. Such components may in turn be controlled by processor. The

10 processor may be loaded with an image capturing platform.

[0025] The processor may be such as an on-board controller, a micro-processor, a single board computer, etc. The processor may be internally or externally connected to the hardware components. In another embodiment, the processor may work as a local transceiver which may be connected to a local computing device via a network. The local computing device may be laptop,

15 palm top, tablet, notebook etc. The network may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other type of network or combination of networks. The communication medium may provide for wireline, wireless, or a combination of wireline and wireless communication between devices in the network. The processor may receive instructions from the local computing device for controlling the functioning

20 of each component of the system. The processor may further send the captured images to the local computing device for image processing.

[0026] The photography system as stated above may be a fixed assembly. Alternatively, the photography system may be assembled/ dissembled for enhancing the portability of the photography system. In an embodiment, the photography system may be installed in a vehicle

25 such as a car, van etc. for providing automated mobile image capturing and processing.

[0027] FIG. 1 represents an exemplary architecture of the photography system 100 of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the hardware components of the photography system 100 include one or more of a housing 102, a turntable 104, a lighting system 106, slider carriage assembly 108, a mounting device 110, an image capturing device 112 and a tilt control assembly

30 114. [0028] The housing 102 is an enclosure which houses all the other hardware components of the photography system 100. The material of construction of the housing 102 may be any sturdy and durable material known in the art such as aluminum or the like. The housing 102 may have any predefined shape and dimensions known in the art. In an embodiment, the housing 102 is cuboidal 5 in shape.

[0029] The housing 102 has six walls 102a (base), 102b (top), 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f as depicted in FIG. 1. The wall 102a is also referred as base while wall 102b is referred as top. The surface of walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f respectively, facing the interior of the housing 102 may be a white surface. The white surface may be obtained, without limitation, by

10 coating white paint or covering a white fabric over the walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f. In an embodiment, the walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f facing the interior of the housing 102 have white vinyl surface which acts as a reflector. The white surface of walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f function to enhance brightness inside the housing 102 by reflection of light. Alternately, the surface of walls 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e and 102f

15 respectively, facing the interior of the housing 102 may be black.

[0030] The housing 102 may include an opening which may extend to a part or whole of at least one wall 102a-102f, through which the object to be photographed 1 can be placed inside the photography system 100. The opening maybe provided with a sliding door. The sliding door allows placement of the object to be photographed 1 inside the housing 102 of the photography system

20 100. Also, other hardware components placed in the interior of the housing 102 may be accessed if required for repair or replacement via the sliding door(s).

[0031] The photography system 100 includes the turntable 104 which is disposed on the wall 102a of the housing 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. The turntable 104 of the present invention is an assembly which includes multiple components such as but not limited to, a table, one or more mounting 25 structures, one or more support structures, one or more driving structures, etc. (elaborated in FIGs. 2-5b). The turntable 104 provides a platform for placement of the object to be photographed 1. Moreover, the components of turntable 104 operate in a synchronized manner to provide a 360° circumferential view of the object for photography.

[0032] The object to be photographed is placed at the center of the table of turnta ble 104. There 30 may be a presence of an alignment light which helps in placement of the object to be photographed at the center of the turntable 104. The alignment light may be derived from any light source such as any laser light or the like. The pattern of the alignment light may be in the form of a plus, a cross, a bull's eye, etc. Alternately, the table may be etched to illustrate a mark for determining the center of the table of the turntable 104.

[0033] The photography system 100 further includes a lighting system 106 as shown in FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the lighting system 106 is a dual lighting system. The dual lighting system 106 for example, includes a front lighting system 106a and a back lighting system 106b.

[0034] The front lighting system 106a includes one or more light sources 10 which may be without limitation, one or combination of flash lights, light emitting diode (LED) lights, etc. In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, the light sources 10 are two flash lights. In an embodiment, the intensity of the light sources 10 is controlled by the processor using a physical or digital switching mechanism.

[0035] As depicted, the front lighting system 106a is disposed at the back of the slider carriage assembly 108. The front lighting system 106a may be disposed inside the housing 102 with the help of a mounting means (such as a rod or the like) attached to the wall 102b of the housing 102.

[0036] The front lighting system 106a may be used for reflective photography as shown in FIG. 1 and/or flash photography as shown in FIG. lb.

[0037] In the former case, the front lighting system 106a may include an arc (not shown). In an embodiment, the arc is a convex shaped reflector. The arc of the front lighting system 106a may be constructed of any white colored reflector material known in the art such as white vinyl or the like. Further, the flash lights of the front lighting system 106a are tilted at a predefined angle to face the wall 102b of the housing 102. The predefined angle of the flash lights may be 45o. The predefined angle may be any angle between 0-360o depending upon the texture and shape of the object to be photographed. Such tilt in the flash lights of the front lighting system 106a causes diffusion of light in the interior of the housing 102. Moreover, tilt of 45o allows light from the flash lights to strike the wall 102b, then reflected to the arc and subsequently to be concentrated on the turntable 104. Therefore, the above mentioned assembly of the front lighting system 106a functions to illuminate the turntable 104 and surrounding area in the interior of housing 102 via the phenomenon of diffusion of light for reflective photography. [0038] Optionally, in order to enhance the concentration of light in reflective photography, two pairs of diffusion panels 30a, 30b may be utilized. In an embodiment, first diffusion panel 30a is placed in front of the slider carriage assembly 108 and the second diffusion panel 30b is placed at the back of the slider carriage assembly 108. In an embodiment, the first and second diffusion panels 30a, 30b are disposed parallel to the slider carriage assembly 108. Alternately, the first and second diffusion panels 30a, 30b may be disposed at an angle to each other.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first diffusion panel 30a includes two sub-panels al, a2 separated by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance depends upon the lens of the image capturing device 112. The predetermined distance allows the image capturing device 112 mounted on the slider carriage assembly 108 via a mounting device 110 to capture images without any hindrance. The sub-panels al, a2 have a slight curvature at their ends so as to avoid any sharp flow points for the light.

[0040] Each sub-panel al or a2 is a white surface formed by covering a white fabric over a set of rods. However, the white surface of sub-panel al and a2 may also be obtained by any other method known in the art such as utilizing a white polymer sheet, etc.

[0041] The first diffusion panel 30a (with sub-panel al and a2) and second diffusion panel 30b result in effective or optimal diffusion thereby causing the interior of the housing 102 to be bright.

[0042] In case of flash photography, the front lighting system 106a may include at least one light source 10 angled in such a way that it faces and focuses on the object to be photographed 1 placed on the turntable 104 (as shown in FIG. lb). In an embodiment, the walls 102a-f of the housing 102 may be black surfaces and the light sources 10 act as flash while capturing the object.

[0043] The back lighting system 106b of the photography system 100 provides background lighting of the object to be photographed 1. The back lighting system 106b comprises of at least two light boards 40. The light boards 40 may be of any predefined dimensions and shape such as square, rectangle etc. The back lighting system 106b is placed in front of image capturing device 112. In an embodiment, the back lighting system 106b includes a first light board 40a and a second light board 40b placed at 90° to each other. The first and second lighting boards 40a, 40b are placed in such a way that the first lighting board 40a is disposed at the back of the turntable 104 on wall 102d (upright position) while the second lighting board 40b is disposed below the tu rntable 104 on wall 102a (horizontal position). [0044] Each light board 40a or 40b may further include a plurality of light panels, say six panels. Each of the light boards 40a and 40b may be vertically spilt into the plurality of light panels (vertical panels) as represented in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the light boards 40a and 40b may be split horizontally (horizontal panels) as represented in FIG. 6a. The width of the light panels may be 5 same or different. Alternatively, the light board 40a or 40b may include light grids as shown in FIG.

6b. Such light grids may be formed by partitioning the light board 40a or 40b into a plurality of squares, rectangles or any other appropriate shape.

[0045] The light panels or light grids of the light board 40a or 40b may be individually controlled by the processor. The processor controls switching off or on of the light boards 40a, 40b based upon 10 the position of image capturing device 112 and the type of photograph to be clicked i.e foreground or background (digitally controlled lights).

[0046] Alternatively, the light boards 40a, 40b may be equipped with light obstructers (as shown in FIG. 6c). In an embodiment, there are two light obstructers, each placed on either side of the light board 40a and/or 40b. Such light obstructers may be manually regulated in a way to control the 15 passage of light and allow the light to pass from at least a portion of the light boards 40a and/or 40b to fall on the turntable 104 (physically controlled lights).

[0047] In an alternate embodiment, the light boards 40a and/or 40b may be a combination of both digitally controlled lights and physically controlled lights.

[0048] Optionally/additionally, there may be backdrop light(s) 104a disposed behind the turntable 20 104 of the photography system 100 as depicted in FIG. lc. The backdrop lights 104a may be in the form of a sheet embedded with lights. For example, the backdrop lights 104a may be a semicircular sheet (shown in FIG. Id) or a straight sheet inclined at a predefined angle and disposed between wall 102a and wall 102b (top view shown in FIG. lc). The function of backdrop lights 104a is to provide a light amplified background for the object to be photographed 1. The backdrop 25 lights 104a may be utilized in conjunction with the light boards 40 of the back lighting system 106b or independently.

[0049] The above embodiments of the lighting system 106 (front lighting system 106a and back lighting system 106b) are exemplary and it should be appreciated that other possible variations of the lighting system 106 are feasible within the scope of the teachings of the present disclosure and 30 such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. [0050] The photography system 100 of the present invention may include at least one slider carriage assembly 108. The slider carriage assembly 108 of the photography system 100 maybe a belt and pulley based slider system with at least two rods. Alternately, any conventional means that can move the image capturing device 112 as per the teachings of the present invention can be 5 considered. The slider carriage assembly 108 may be a powered system with a slider motor 8c, controlled by the processor.

[0051] The slider carriage assembly 108 has a proximal end 8a and a distal end 8b. The proximal end 8a of the slider carriage assembly 108 is fixed to the wall 102c of the housing 102 while the distal end 8b is fixed on wall 102b of the housing 102. Thus, the slider carriage assembly 108 may 10 be an angled structure, say 45° from the vertical. The image capturing device 112 once mounted on the slider carriage assembly 108, obtains a larger field of view of the turntable 104 than via vertical or horizontal placement of the slider carriage assembly 108.

[0052] In an embodiment, two slider carriage assemblies 108 are disposed at a predetermined distance as shown in FIG. 8d. On the two slider carriage assemblies 108, the image capturing device 15 may be mounted via the mounting device 110. In an embodiment, both the slider carriage

assemblies 108 are powered by a single slider motor 8c. Alternately, the two slider carriage assemblies 108 may be powered independently. As the slider carriage assembly 108 moves, the mounting device 110 of the image capturing device 112 slides.

[0053] As opposed to two slider carriage assemblies, there may be a single slider carriage assembly 20 108 in the photography system 100 with one belt as represented in FIGs. 8 & 8b. The presence of single slider carriage assembly 108 offers a compact structure and provides more space to accommodate other components of the photography system 100. The above two embodiments of the slider carriage assembly 108 are exemplary and it should be appreciated that other possible variations of the slider carriage assembly 108 are feasible within the scope of the teachings of the 25 present disclosure and such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] The mounting device 110 included in the photography system 100 is a rectangular block type structure. The rectangular block type structure may include one or more slots which help in clasping the mounting device 110 to the rods of the slider carriage assembly 108. In another embodiment, the mounting device 110 may be a ring shaped structure and the image capturing 30 device 112 rotates on the perimeter. The mounting device 110 may be made of a metallic or polymeric material. The mounting device 110 is utilized to slide the image capturing device 112 over the slider carriage assembly 108. In an embodiment where two mounting devices 110 are used for the respective slider carriage assemblies 108, the mounting devices 110 are provided at the two sides of the image capturing device 112. This assembly ensures proper positioning of the image capturing device avoiding any chances of dislocation or tilting of the image capturing device 112 while the photography system 100 is in operation.

[0055] The image capturing device 112 is disposed in a way that it movably rests on the mounting device 110 (elaborated below). The image capturing device 112 is configured to glide/slide over the slider carriage assembly 108 from its proximal end 8a to distal end 8b with the help of the mounting device 110. Additionally, the proximal end 8a and distal end 8b of the mounting device 110 may include a limit switch each (not shown). An optical incremental encoder may be used in conjunction with the limit switches at the proximal end 8a and the distal end 8b to calibrate the movement of the slider carriage assembly 108.

[0056] The image capturing device 112 of the photography system 100 may be a camera with a lens. The camera may include, but not limited to, one or more digital cameras which may be such as a two-dimensional camera, stereo camera, depth camera, time-of-flight camera, structured light depth camera, etc. The camera may include a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charged coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The image capturing device 112 may further include an autofocus mechanism enabling automatic focusing and defocusing of the object to be photographed 1.

[0057] The lens of the image capturing device 112 may have a zoom control assembly for zoom control. Zoom control may be done by attaching a geared zoom ring 112a to a zoom lens body 112b and then coupling it with a gear pinion 112c as shown in FIG. 7. The gear pinion 112c may be attached to a zoom motor (not shown). The zoom motor is mounted on a spring plate so that it can accommodate different zoom lens and ring sizes. Also, such arrangement helps to prevent damage to the zoom lens in case of overturn as gear teeth slip because of spring.

[0058] The tilt control assembly 114 is mounted on top of the slider carriage assembly 108. The main function of the tilt control assembly 114 is to provide a tilt (in the form of angular movement) to the image capturing device 112. [0059] The tilt control assembly 114 may be placed at a side (as shown in Fig. 8 & 8a) or center (as shown in FIG. 8b-e) of the slider carriage assembly 108. In case of side placement, the tilt control assembly 114 may include at least a tilt rotating base 114a, at least one tilt motor 114b, a coupler 114c and a shaft 114d. The tilt rotating base 114a of the tilt control assembly 114 is a platform which is utilized to place the image capturing device 112. The tilt motor 114b is provided to power the movement (tilt) of the image capturing device 112. The presence of coupler 114c and shaft 114d operate in conjunction with the tilt motor 114b and helps in translating the movement of the image capturing device 112.

[0060] The side placement of the tilt control assembly 114 provides flexibility in selection of the image capturing device 122 based upon their size.

[0061] In case of central placement of tilt control assembly 114 on a single slider carriage assembly 108 (as shown in FIG. 8b & 8c), the tilt control assembly 114 may include a tilt frame 114e with two tilt arms el, e2 in addition to the tilt motor 114b and tilt rotating base 114a. The tilt frame 114e and tilt rotating base 114a may aid in securing the image capturing device 112 to provide tilt to the image capturing device 112.

[0062] In case of central placement on two slider carriage assemblies 108 (as shown in FIG. 8d & 8e), the tilt control assembly 114 may include a U-shaped tilt rotating base 114a and tilt motor 114b. The U-shaped tilt rotating base 114a may be disposed and secured between the slider carriage assemblies 108. The central placement of the tilt control assembly 114 on two slider carriage assemblies 108 provides rigidity to the image capturing device 112 and prevents its bending. Moreover, as both the belts (each slider carriage assembly 108 with one belt) are coupled to single slider motor 8c, there is no tilt angle error due to motor speed mismatch.

[0063] In an embodiment, the tilt/angle of the image capturing device 112 may be changed depending upon the view of the image relating to the object to be photographed 1. The angle of the image capturing device 112 is adjusted to a desired angle so that the object to be

photographed 1 is in the field of view of the lens of the image capturing device 112. In an embodiment, the axis of rotation of the tilt control assembly 114 is horizontal and perpendicular to the axis of slider carriage assembly 108.

[0064] In an embodiment, a servo motor is used to rotate the image capturing device 112. In an embodiment, the servo motor is controlled using the processor loaded with the image capturing platform. The angle of the servo motor is calculated based on the position of slider carriage assembly 108 so as to ensure that the image capturing device 112 is focused at the object to be photographed 1.

[0065] It may be noted that the slider carriage assembly 108 and the tilt control assembly may be utilized as a single assembly for various applications apart from photography. The single assembly may be referred as slider-tilt assembly. The slider-tilt assembly may include at least one slider carriage assembly 108, a tilt control assembly 114 and an instrument (not shown). The slider-tilt assembly may be used to position the instrument at a desired angle. The selection of the instrument may be dependent on the application for which the slider-tilt assembly is to be utilized. For example, in case of a photography system, the instrument may be an image capturing device, in case of scanning of a three dimensional object, the instrument may be a laser, etc. In the latter case, the laser is slid over the slider carriage assembly to a desired position and thereafter adjusted to a desired angle by the tilt control assembly. Alternately, the laser is adjusted to a desired angle by the tilt control assembly and then slid over the slider carriage assembly to a desired position. It may be noted that the details of the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly may be referred as described above.

[0066] FIG. 2 represents an exemplary architecture of the turntable 104 of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the turntable 104 includes three components: a drive side sub-assembly 202, a table 204, and an idler side sub-assembly 206. The idler sub-assembly 206 may in turn include at least one idler wheel 206a, at least one mounting tube 206b, an idler frame 206c and at least one idler base wheel 206d. In an embodiment, the said components operate in a synchronized manner to provide a 360° product view for photography.

[0067] There may be a presence of at least one drive side sub-assembly 202. The drive side subassembly 202 may be placed on either side of the table 204. As depicted in FIG. 2, there is one drive side sub-assembly 202 disposed on a first portion of the periphery of table 204. The drive side sub-assembly 202 may provide support to the table 204 and drive the movement of the table 204. The drive side sub-assembly 202 may further include one or more components as elaborated in FIG. 3a & 3b.

[0068] The table 204 is a platform for holding an object depending upon the application for which it is to be employed. In an embodiment, the table 204 is a centre less plate used for holding a product for photography applications. The centre less design of the table 204 allows illumination of the object through the bottom of table 204 thus eliminating shadow creation in background images for photography applications.

[0069] The table 204 may be constructed of any material, dimension and shape known in the art. 5 In an embodiment, the table 204 is a circular glass plate with a periphery as depicted in FIG. 2. The table 204 may possess additional features such as without limitation coating, etc. depending upon its application. In an embodiment, the table 204 has an anti-reflective coating for reducing chances of reflection by reducing the amount of light from the table 204.

[0070] The table 204 may be mounted on idler side sub-assembly 206 and drive side sub-assembly 10 202. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive side sub-assembly 202 is coupled to the first portion of the periphery of table 204 and idler side sub-assembly 206 is coupled to the second portion of the periphery of table 204.

[0071] The turntable 104 includes at least one idler side sub-assembly 206. In an embodiment, one idler side sub-assembly 206 is present on the opposite side of the drive side sub-assembly 202 as 15 depicted in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the idler side sub-assembly is disposed on the second portion of the periphery of table 204. The idler side sub-assembly 206 may function to provide support for mounting the table 204. In an embodiment, the idler side sub-assembly 206 does not drive the movement of table 204 but aids the drive side sub-assembly 202 in rotating the table 204.

20 [0072] The idler side sub-assembly 206 further includes at least one idler wheel 206a. The idler wheel(s) 206a is fixed on the idler frame 206c of idler side sub-assembly 206. The idler wheel(s) 206a contacts the table 204 at the edges of its circumference. The idler wheel(s) 206a may be of any material known in the art such as rubber (PU). As depicted in FIG. 2, the idler side subassembly 206 includes two idler wheels 206a spaced at a predetermined distance from each other.

25 [0073] The presence of at least one mounting tube 206b affixed on the idler frame 106c. The mounting tube(s) 206b may be constructed of any material, dimension and shape known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, the idler side sub-assembly 206 has two mounting tubes 206b made up of aluminum. The mounting tubes 206b are utilized to mount the idler side sub-assembly 206 to the main structure for example, a photography unit. [0074] The idler side sub-assembly 206 also includes idler frame 206c as depicted in FIG. 2. The idler frame 206c acts as a support to mount all the components of the idler side sub-assembly 206. The idler side sub-assembly 206 is itself mounted on the main structure through mounting tubes 206b. The idler frame 206c may be constructed of any durable material without limitation known 5 in the art such as aluminum. The design and dimensions of the idler frame 206c may vary based upon the application to application. In an embodiment of the present invention, the idler frame 206c is a U-shaped aluminum channel frame as depicted in FIG. 2. In an alternate embodiment, the idler frame 206c is a hollow rod- plate type frame as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0075] The idler side sub-assembly 206 may also include at least one idler base wheel 206d. The

10 idler base wheels 206d are the load/weight bearing com ponents. The idler base wheels 206d help in maintaining the plane of table 204. In an embodiment, two idler base wheels are disposed 206d at the bottom of the table 204 in order to support the weight of table 204 and rotate along with the table 204 to minimize friction. The idler base wheels 206d may be positioned at any place at the bottom of the table 204. In an embodiment of the present invention, the idler base wheels

15 206d are positioned at the bottom and near the periphery of table 204 such that they do not come in the field of view of camera and the center of table 204 comes inside its bounding box.

[0076] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b provide an enlarged view of the drive side sub-assembly 202. The drive side sub-assembly 202 may include at least one drive wheel 202a, at least one drive base wheel 202b, toothed pulley 202c, a drive frame 202d, at least one mounting tube 202e and a drive

20 mechanism 202f. The said components constituting the drive side sub-assembly 202 may be identical or different from the components of idler side sub-assembly 206 (as described above). In an embodiment, the drive side sub-assembly 202 and idler side sub-assembly 206 are identical except for the presence of the drive mechanism 202f in the drive side sub-assembly 202.

[0077] As depicted in FIG. 3a, the drive side sub-assembly 202 has two drive wheels 202a spaced at

25 a predetermined distance from each other. The drive wheels 202a are fixed on the drive frame 202d of drive side sub-assembly 202. In alternate embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 5a and 5b respectively, there is one drive wheel 202a fixed on the drive frame 202d (U-shaped aluminum frame and plate type frame respectively). The drive wheels 202a contact the table 204 at the edges of its circumference. The drive wheels 202a may be of any material known in the art such as rubber

30 (PU). [0078] The drive wheels 202a may provide the torque to rotate the table 204 at a predetermined angle. The drive wheels 202a may be driven by without limitation any drive mechanism 202f known in the art such as a motor (explained below).

[0079] The drive wheels 202a may operate independently or may have a synchronized motion. The 5 synchronized motion may utilize any torque transmission system known in the art such as without limitation, belt and pulley system, sprocket and chain system, etc. In an embodiment of the present invention, torque is transferred from one drive wheel 202a to the other drive wheel 202a through a belt supported on toothed pulleys 202c.

[0080] The drive side sub-assembly 202 may also include at least one drive base wheel 202b. The 10 drive base wheels 202b may be identical to the idler base wheels 206d. The drive base wheels 202b are the load/weight bearing components. The drive base wheels 202b help in maintaining the plane of table 204. In an embodiment, two drive base wheels 202b are disposed at the bottom of the table 204 in order to support the weight of table 204 and rotate along with the table 204 to minimize friction. The drive base wheels 202b may be positioned at any place at the bottom of the 15 table 204. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive base wheels 202b are positioned near the periphery of table 204 such that they do not come in the field of view of camera and the center of table 204 comes inside its bounding box.

[0081] The drive side sub-assembly 202 also includes drive frame 202d as depicted in FIG. 3b. The drive frame 202d acts as a support to mount all the components of the drive side sub-assembly 20 202 and is itself mounted on the main structure through circular drive mounting tubes 202e. The drive frame 102d may be constructed of any durable material without limitation known in the art such as aluminum. The design and dimensions of the drive frame 202d may vary based upon the application to application.

[0082] The idler frame 206c and drive frame 202d may be identical in shape and structure. As 25 depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3b, the idler frame 206c and the drive frame 202d are U-shaped aluminum channel frames. In an alternate embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the idler frame 206c and the drive frame 202d are plate type frames.

[0083] As depicted in FIG. 3b, there is a presence of at least one drive mounting tube 202e affixed on the drive frame 202d. The drive mounting tube(s) 202e may be constructed of any material, 30 dimension and shape known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive side sub-assembly 202 has two circular drive mounting tubes 202e made up of aluminum. The mounting tubes 202e are utilized to mount the drive side sub-assembly 202 to the main structure for example, photography unit.

[0084] The drive side sub-assembly 202 includes a drive mechanism 202f utilized for driving the drive wheels 202a. In an embodiment, the drive mechanism 202f is a servomotor that allows precise control of angular or linear position, velocity and acceleration of the table 204. The motor may be controlled through a processor (not shown). The processor may be of any kind known in the art. The processor may be internally or externally placed with respect to the turntable 104.

[0085] The input of parameters such as without limitation, rotation step size, speed, degree of rotation etc. can be done with the help of an input device for example, a computer associated with the turntable 104. The motor may include an encoder which enables a closed feedback loop for controlling and tracking the rotation angle of the table 204.

[0086] While the turntable assembly has been described in the context of the photography system, it is to be noted that the turntable assembly may find independent applications in various industries like product display, electronic appliances, etc.

[0087] FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of the image capturing platform 900. The image capturing platform 900 may be accessed directly via an associated website or may be an installable application. In the latter case, the application may be installed on various devices such as mobiles, computers, laptops, etc.

[0088] The image capturing platform 900 of the present invention may include various modules which in turn control the hardware components of the photography system. Such modules may include, without limitation, an input module 902, an instruction module 904, a database 906, an image acquisition module 908, and an image analysis module 910. Optionally or additionally, the image capturing platform 900 may include a name assignment module 912 and a watermark module 914.

[0089] The input module 902 is configured to receive input details such as object category, market place, custom category etc. from a user.

[0090] The instruction module 904 prepares instructions for the hardware components based upon the parameters received by the input module 902 from a user. Based on the received parameters, the instruction module 904 fetches image capturing parameters (predefined inputs) such as slider position, turntable angle, switching sequence of one or more lights, image capturing device settings, etc. from a database 906. The instruction module 904 then prepares one or more instructions based on the parameters retrieved from the database 906 and streams it to the hardware components as per a predefined sequence. The predefined sequence may be for example, activation the slider carriage assembly 108 followed by the turntable 104, the lighting system 106 and the image capturing device 112. The parameters may include, without limitation, type of image, image capturing device settings, angle of the image capturing device, one or more light panels for the type of image (foreground and background image), etc.

[0091] The image acquisition module 908 depending upon the instructions received from the instruction module 904 may trigger the image capturing device 112 to capture one or more images of the object. The image acquisition module 908 may position the image capturing device 112 at a desired angle or move it along the slider carriage assembly 108 as per the received instructions. Various techniques such as Infrared based depth sensing, two camera based depth mapping, green screen technique, manual extraction, etc. may be used for capturing foreground and background images.

[0092] The image acquisition module 908 also controls the light panels of the back lighting system 106b that need to be switched on for capturing an image.

[0093] The image analysis module 910 applies post processing techniques to process the images received from the image acquisition module 908. The images received may be silhouette images. Post processing techniques include without limitation cropping of an image, removal of

background, distortion, etc.

[0094] The image analysis module 910 is configured to check resolution of both the images and resize the images accordingly for processing.

[0095] Once the post processing operation is completed, the object images are named by the name assignment module 912. Further, in an embodiment, the watermark module 914 applies watermark to one or more images to discourage counterfeiting.

[0096] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the working of the photography system 100 of FIG. 1. As stated above, the photography system 100 is controlled using the processor which is in turn loaded with the image capturing platform 900 of FIG. 9. [0097] At step 10a, the object to be photographed 1 is placed at the center of the turntable 104 via the slider door in the housing 102.

[0098] Thereafter, a user may be prompted to provide one or more parameters of the object to be photographed 1 including type of the object, type of destination for which the image is captured, size of the image, etc. The user may be provided with templates illustrating said information and for the user's selection. Alternately, the object to be photographed 1 is entered as an input to the image capturing platform 900 and the parameters are automatically selected by the image capturing platform 900. The said parameters may include angle of rotation of hardware components, control of intensity and number of light panels to be lit in the lighting system 106, etc. The modules of image capturing platform 900 then control the functioning of each hardware component of the photography system 100 based upon received parameters saved in the database as predefined inputs.

[0099] At step 10b, the mounting device 110 is positioned at the desired position on the slider carriage assembly 108. Based upon the predefined inputs from the step 10a, the processor slides the mounting device 110 up or down over the slider carriage assembly 108.

[00100] At step 10c, the angle of the image capturing device 112 is adjusted to a desired angle so that the object to be photographed 1 is in the field of view of the lens of the image capturing device 112. The predefined inputs at the step 10a form the basis of step 10c wherein the angle of the image capturing device 112 is altered. The angle of the image capturing device 112 may be varied to obtain different views of the object to be photographed.

[00101] At step lOd, the turntable 104 is rotated depending on the view of the image to be captured. The turntable 104 may be rotated clockwise or anti clockwise depending upon the predefined inputs received at the step 10a.

[00102] At step lOe, the lighting system 106 is adjusted by switching on one or more light panels 40. The switching mechanism may be digitally and/or physically controlled. The lighting system 106 (including the front and the back lighting system 106a, 106b) may be controlled based upon the predefined inputs received at 10a (foreground, background, etc).

[00103] At step lOf, the image capturing device 112 is triggered by the image capturing module 904 of the image capturing platform 900 to capture one or more images of the object. [00104] At step lOg, optionally or additionally, the captured images of the object are then processed for desired resolution, removal of distortions, etc. by the image analysis module 910. Once the image is processed, the image may then be named and watermarked by name assignment module 912 and watermark module 914. The image obtained may be then uploaded on a server.

[00105] The steps lOa-lOg may be iteratively performed to capture multiple images of different views of the object to be photographed.

[00106] It may be noted that those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all components constituting the photography system described herein may be used as independent components for different applications. The actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A photography system comprising:

a housing having a base, a top and a plurality of walls connecting the base and top;

a turntable assembly mounted on the base, the turntable assembly having a table for placing an object to be photographed;

a plurality of light systems including a front light system and a back light system, the plurality of light systems direct light at the turntable assembly and work in synchronization with each other;

at least one slider carriage assembly disposed between one of the plurality of walls and the top and mounted angularly across the turntable assembly;

an image capturing device mounted on the one or more slider carriage assemblies, the image capturing device supported by a tilt control assembly for proper angular alignment of the image capturing device; and

a processor in communication with the turntable assembly, the plurality of light systems, the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly, the processor synchronizes the functioning of the turntable assembly, the plurality of light systems, the slider carriage assembly and the tilt control assembly with respect to each other for capturing an image as per predefined inputs.

2. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photography system is placed in a vehicle.

3. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the table of the turntable assembly is a center-less table.

4. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back lighting system includes one or more grids.

5. The photography system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more grids are placed horizontally, vertically or combinations thereof.

6. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back lighting system comprises one or more light obstructers.

7. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider carriage assembly comprises one or more belt and pulley system;

one or more rods, each rod supporting a belt of the respective belt and pulley system; and

a slider motor driving the belt and pulley system for positioning of the image capturing 5 device at a desired position.

8. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider carriage assembly comprises a limit switch.

9. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image capturing device has a zoom control assembly.

10 10. The photography system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tilt control assembly comprises:

one or more tilt arms for supporting the image capturing device;

a tilt rotating base on which the image capturing device is mounted; and

a tilt motor that rotates the tilt rotating base based upon inputs from the processor.

11. A turntable assembly comprising:

15 a processor;

a table with a periphery, the periphery having a first portion and a second portion;

a drive side sub-assembly coupled to a first portion of the periphery of the table, the drive side sub-assembly includes at least one drive wheel and at least one drive base wheel, the at least one drive wheel is driven by an at least one drive mechanism;

20 an idler side sub-assembly coupled to a second portion of the periphery of the table, the idler side sub-assembly includes at least one idler wheel and at least one idler base; and

wherein the drive mechanism receives instructions from the processor to rotate the table by exerting the force at the periphery of the table.

12. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the table is a circular glass plate. 25

13. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the table is coated with an anti- reflective coating.

14. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is a servomotor.

15. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the idler side sub-assembly has an 30 idler frame.

16. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the idler frame is a U-shaped aluminum frame.

17. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the idler frame is a hollow rod-plate type frame.

5 18. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the drive side sub-assembly has a drive frame.

19. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive frame is a U-shaped aluminum frame.

20. The turntable assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive frame is a hollow rod- 10 plate type frame.

21. A slider-tilt assembly comprising:

at least one slider carriage assembly;

a tilt control assembly moveably coupled to the at least one slider carriage assembly; and an instrument in association with the tilt control assembly

15 wherein the tilt control assembly and the at least one slider carriage assembly work in synchronization with each other to position the instrument at a desired angle.

22. The slider-tilt assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the slider carriage assembly comprises

one or more belt and pulley system;

20 one or more rods, each rod supporting a belt of the respective belt and pulley system; and

a slider motor driving the belt and pulley system for positioning of the instrument at a desired position.

23. The slider-tilt assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tilt control assembly comprises: 25 one or more tilt arms for supporting the instrument;

a tilt rotating base on which the instrument is mounted; and

a tilt motor that rotates the tilt rotating base based upon inputs from a processor.

24. The slider-tilt assembly as claimed in claim 21, wherein the at least one slider carriage assembly comprises a limit switch.

30 25. A method to capture an image of an object to be photographed, the method comprising: receiving one or more parameters from a user;

fetching predefined inputs from a database corresponding to the one or more parameters, the one or more predefined inputs include a sequence of operation of one or more components of the photography system and one or more image capturing parameters; activating the one or more components of the photography system of Claim 1 as per the predefined inputs;

capturing an image of an object to be photographed; and

processing the image of the object to obtain a final image.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the one or more predefined inputs comprises slider position, turntable angle, switching sequence of one or more lights and image capturing device settings.

27. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the processing the image includes cropping the image, removing background from the image and resizing the image.