Digital 3D/360 degree camera system
View Patent ↗The digital 3D/360° camera system is an omnidirectional stereoscopic device for capturing image data that may be used to create a 3-dimensional model for presenting a 3D image, a 3D movie, or 3D animation. The device uses multiple digital cameras, arranged with overlapping fields of view, to capture image data covering an entire 360° scene. The data collected by one, or several, digital 3D/360° camera systems can be used to create a 3D model of a 360° scene by using triangulation of the image data within the overlapping fields of view.
1. A method for exporting digital images in a digital camera system comprising a plurality of digital cameras, the method comprising:
calibrating pixels of the plurality of digital cameras to distinct coordinate points;
generating, based on the calibrating of pixels, a pixel vector map, wherein the pixel vector map includes a collection of data configured to identify a geometry of each of the plurality digital cameras in the digital camera system;
storing, based on the generated pixel vector map, pixel vector map data in an electronic file; and
exporting the file to an external device, wherein the exporting is based on a determination that no more images are to be captured.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising capturing a new image based on a determination that additional images in a sequence are to be taken.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic file includes a timestamp and identifies the plurality of digital cameras.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pixel vector map data describing the digital camera system includes at least one of a serial number, name, model, type, or other information describing the digital camera system.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image data is used to create a three-dimensional model.
6. The method of claim 1 , further including determining a location of each of the plurality of digital cameras, including:
determining a coordinate location of each of the plurality of digital cameras within a coordinate system, and
determining a distance between each of the plurality of digital cameras and based on the coordinate locations.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the pixel vector map for each of the plurality of digital cameras includes a definition of the coordinate system in relation to the digital camera.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pixel vector map for at least one of the plurality of digital cameras can be determined from a parameter of the at least one of the plurality of digital cameras or by calibrating the at least one of the plurality of digital cameras with respect to a coordinate system.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing digital image data and embedding digital metadata in the electronic file.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering the image data and the pixel vector map data for processing.
11. A digital camera system, comprising:
a camera housing;
a plurality of digital cameras having overlapping fields of view rigidly mounted to the housing; and
a controller in communication with the plurality of digital cameras, the controller configured to:
calibrate pixels of the plurality of digital cameras to distinct coordinate points;
generate, based on the calibrating of pixels, a pixel vector map, wherein the pixel vector map includes a collection of data configured to identify a geometry of each of the plurality digital cameras in the digital camera system;
store, based on the generated pixel vector map, pixel vector map data in an electronic file; and
export the file to an external device, wherein the exporting is based on a determination that no more images are to be captured.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further configured to capture a new image based on a determination that additional images in a sequence are to be taken.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the electronic file includes a timestamp and identifies the plurality of digital cameras.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the pixel vector map data describing the digital camera system includes at least one of a serial number, name, model, type, or other information describing the digital camera system.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the image data is used to create a three-dimensional model.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further configured to:
determine a coordinate location of each of the plurality of digital cameras within a coordinate system, and
determine a distance between of the plurality of digital cameras and based on the coordinate locations.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the pixel vector map for each of the plurality of digital cameras includes a definition of the coordinate system in relation to the camera.
18. The system of claim 11 , wherein the pixel vector map for at least one of the plurality of digital cameras can be determined from a parameter of the at least one of the plurality of digital cameras or by calibrating the at least one of the plurality of digital cameras with respect to a coordinate system.
19. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further configured to store digital image data and embedding digital metadata in the electronic file.
20. The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further configured to deliver the image data and the pixel vector map data for processing.