Modular image capture systems
A system including an image capture module and a handheld module. The image capture module includes a body; an image sensor; and a mechanical stabilization system comprising a first gimbal, a second gimbal, and a third gimbal connected to the body and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor of the image capture module relative to the body. The handheld module defines a slot that is keyed to the body of the image capture module. The image capture module, when located within the handheld module, has a low profile so that the third gimbal is protected from damage by the handheld module.
1. A system comprising:
an image capture module comprising:
a body;
an image sensor; and
a mechanical stabilization system comprising a first gimbal, a second gimbal, and a third gimbal connected to the body and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor of the image capture module relative to the body; and
a handheld module defining a slot that is keyed to the body of the image capture module,
wherein the image capture module, when located within the handheld module, has a low profile so that the third gimbal is protected from damage by the handheld module.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the third gimbal is substantially flush with the handheld module when the image capture module is located within the slot.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the handheld module further comprises:
a control interface that is configured to control functions of the image capture module.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the control interface comprises a record button.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first gimbal includes a first motor, the second gimbal includes a second motor, and the third gimbal includes a third motor.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the body of the image capture module is nested inside of the slot of the handheld module.
7. A system comprising:
an image capture module comprising:
a body;
a connector located at a bottom of the body;
an image sensor; and
a mechanical stabilization system comprising a first gimbal, a second gimbal, and a third gimbal connected to the body and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor of the image capture module relative to the body; and
a handheld module comprising:
a slot that receives the connector of the image capture module; and
a fastening mechanism that is configured to form a removable locked connection between the image capture module and the handheld module so that when the connector is inserted into the slot, a connection is formed between the image capture module and the handheld module.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the handheld module further comprises:
a status indicator light.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the handheld module further comprises:
a microphone configured to support capture of stereo sound.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the handheld module further comprises:
a wireless communications link configured to transfer data.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the wireless communications link wirelessly couples the image capture module and the handheld module to one another.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the wireless communications link is configured to connect the image capture module and the handheld module to a personal computing device.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the personal computing device is a smartphone.
14. The system of claim 7 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a slider that is movable to disconnect the handheld module from the image capture module.
15. A system comprising:
an image capture module comprising:
a body;
a mated electronic connector located at a base of the body;
an image sensor; and
a mechanical stabilization system comprising a first gimbal, a second gimbal, and third gimbal connected to the body and configured to move of the image sensor; and
a handheld module defining a slot that is shaped to match a shape of the body of the image capture module,
wherein the image capture module, when located within the slot of the handheld module, has a profile so that the third gimbal is protected from damage by the handheld module.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the third gimbal of the mechanical stabilization system is substantially flush with a surface of the handheld module when the image capture module is located within the slot of the handheld module.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the handheld module further comprises:
a control interface that is configured to control functions of the image capture module.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the control interface comprises a record button.
19. The system of claim 15 , wherein the image sensor is configured to detect images while the image capture module is located within the slot of the handheld module.
20. The system of claim 15 , wherein the slot has a length that is substantially equal to a length of the body.