GB2584470A

GB2584470A - Camera systems

Info

Publication number: GB2584470A
Application number: GB1908016.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Schleyer Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-06-05
Filing date: 2019-06-05
Publication date: 2020-12-09
Also published as: GB201908016D0

Abstract

A dual-lens camera 101 has a 360° field of view (FOV), each lens 103 with a FOV greater than 180° and a housing 104,105 of two domes 106,107 with first and second optically aligned axes joined together outside the FOV of the camera. The domes may be hemispherical. The axes of the camera lenses may be optically aligned, offset and aligned with the first and second axes of the domes. The two domes may have outwardly extending flanges 112,113 clasped together outside the FOV of the camera. The domes may have an inwardly extending, preferably metal, heat dissipation element also outside the camera’s FOV. The domes may have a non-reflective coating on their inside surface. The lenses may be fish-eye lenses. A camera control interface may be outside the camera’s FOV. An underwater camera may have this device where the join between the domes is watertight and may be an o-ring groove with an o-ring 110. Another device has an underwater camera with a dual-lens 360° camera and two optically clear back-to-back hemispherical domes equatorially joined at a blind spot between the FOV of two fisheye lenses of the camera. A kit of parts comprises the camera and its housing.

Description

CAMERA SYSTEMS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to camera systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to underwater camera systems.

Background

A 360° camera (a camera having a 360° field of view) is often used in an underwater housing when submerged, even if the 360° camera itself is waterproof This is because the refractive indices of water and air are different and using the 360° camera without the housing, when submerged, would result in a loss of focus and/or an incomplete 360° stitched image.

US 2018/0146122 Al describes an underwater housing. The underwater housing comprises a laterally offset, back-to-back dome configuration. A dual-lens camera having laterally offset back-to-back lenses is mounted within the housing such that the optical axes of the camera lenses align with the optical axes of the domes.

Summary

According to first embodiments, there is provided a camera system, comprising: a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view, each lens having a field of view greater than 180°; and a housing for the camera, the housing comprising first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, the first and second domes having first and second optical axes respectively, wherein the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other, wherein the first and second housing members are joined together, and wherein the join between the first and second housing members is outside the field of view of the camera.

According to second embodiments, there is provided an underwater camera system comprising a housing and a dual-lens 360° camera, the housing comprising two optically clear back-to-back hemispherical domes arranged together with to form a sphere, wherein an equatorial join between the two hemispherical domes falls entirely within a blind spot between respective fields of view of two back-to-back fisheye lenses of the dual-lens 360° camera.

According to third embodiments, there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a camera system according to the first or second embodiments, the kit of parts comprising the camera and the housing.

According to fourth embodiments, there is provided a housing for a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view, each lens of the camera having a field of view greater than 180°, wherein the housing comprises first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, wherein the first and second domes have first and second optical axes respectively, wherein the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other, wherein the first and second housing members are joined together, and wherein the join between the first and second housing members is, in use, outside the field of view of the camera.

According to fifth embodiments, there is provided a method of assembling a camera system, the method comprising: arranging a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view in a housing for the camera, wherein each lens of the camera has a field of view greater than 180, wherein the housing comprises first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, and wherein the first and second domes have first and second optical axes respectively; and joining the first and second housing members together such that the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other and such that the join between the first and second housing members is outside the field of view of the camera.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a camera system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 2 shows a part cutaway of an exploded view of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a plan view of part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows another exploded view of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view through part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of another cross-sectional view through another part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of another cross-sectional view through another part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of another cross-sectional view through another part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 11 shows a plan view of part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1; Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of another cross-sectional view through another part of the example camera system shown in Figure 1, with example

fields of view shown;

Figure 13 shows a rendering of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 15 shows a plan view of part of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 16 shows a plan view of part of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments; Figure 17 shows a plan view of part of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments; and Figure 18 shows a plan view of part of another example camera system in accordance with embodiments.

Detailed Description

Although existing underwater housings allow focussed (also referred to as "in-focus") 360° footage to be captured underwater, they can result in a substantial disruption of the resulting 360° view. This is because the body of the underwater housing intrudes into the visibility of the lenses of the 360° camera. For example, a housing may comprise a globe having an opening allowing the 360° camera to be placed into and removed from the globe. However, such an opening can interrupt the optical surface within the view of the lenses of the 360° camera. A desire to achieve a low-volume housing and to provide access to operating buttons of the housing can result in the body of the housing extending into the view of the lenses. Close proximity of the housing to the lenses can result in loss of focus, distortion and inability to stitch a 360° picture correctly underwater. Stitch lines may therefore be apparent in the 360° picture.

In addition, existing underwater housings may be designed for operation between the surface and a depth of between 10 metres and 45 metres. Such underwater housings are not designed, for example, for divers going beyond these depths.

Referring to Figures 1 to 12, there is shown an example of a camera system 100 comprising a camera 101 and a housing 102 for the camera 101.

For convenience and brevity, in this specific example, the camera system 100 is an underwater camera system, it being understood that the camera system 100 may be of another type. The term "underwater camera system" is used herein to mean a camera system that can be used underwater. In some examples, an underwater camera system enables a camera to focus underwater, having regard to the different refractive indices of air and water. In some examples, an underwater camera system is watertight. An underwater camera system may also be useable in non-underwater scenarios, even if the underwater camera system is designed, intended and/or constructed for use underwater. For example, an underwater camera system may be useable terrestrially in addition to being useable underwater. For example, an underwater camera system may be hung from a terrestrial object. An underwater camera system may be used in a range of underwater imagery applications. Examples include, but are not limited to, virtual reality photography and/or videography, surveys, data collection, underwater exploration, remote monitoring, security and surveillance etc. An underwater camera system may be used in recreational and/or commercial underwater sectors. In some examples, the camera system 100 is configured to go to full depth for recreational scuba divers, freedivers and technical divers.

The camera 101 operates in the air within the housing 102. As such, the camera 101 may be unaffected by the different refractive index that direct contact of the camera 101 with water would otherwise entail, and which would otherwise result in an unsatisfactory 360° picture in terms of focus and/or stitch.

In this example, the camera 101 is a dual-lens camera, meaning that the camera 101 has exactly two lenses 103. In this example, the camera 101 is a 360° camera, meaning that the camera 101 has a 360° field of view (sometimes referred to as an angle of view"). In this example, each lens 103 has a hyperhemispherical field of view, meaning that each lens 103 has a field of view greater than 180°. In this example, the lenses 103 are fisheye lenses. Fisheye lenses have an ultra-wide field of view and produce strong visual distortion. Such visual distortion may be used to create a desired visual effect, whereas other types of distortion described herein may have an undesired visual impact. Fisheye lenses having a field of view of at least 180° may be used in accordance with examples described herein. In this example, the lenses 103 are back-to-back, meaning that the lenses 103 are arranged one behind the other, facing opposite directions. In this example, each lens 103 has an optical axis and the optical axes of the lenses 103 are aligned with each other. In this specific example, the camera 101 is of a back-to-back, dual fisheye lens design, meaning that the camera 101 has exactly two back-to-back fisheye lenses.

In this example, the housing 102 comprises first and second housing members 104, 105. In this example, the first and second housing members 104, 105 comprise first and second domes 106, 107 respectively. The domes 106, 107 may take various different forms, but correspond generally to a rounded shell which can be represented by rotation of a curve around a central axis. As will be described in more detail below, the housing members 104, 105 may comprise one or more additional elements in addition to the first and second domes 106, 107. In this example, the domes 106, 107 are hemispherical domes. A hemispherical dome resembles a hollow half of a sphere.

The terms "optical domes", "hemispheres", "optical hemispheres", "hemispherical domes", "optical hemispherical domes" and the like may be used instead of the term "hemispherical dome" herein. However, other types of domes, such as hyperhemispherical domes, may be used in other examples. References to the domes 106, 107 being hemispherical will be understood to allow for manufacturing tolerances and deviations. In this example, the domes 106, 107 are optically clear. In this example, the two domes 106, 107 provide optical surfaces that enable their respective lenses 103 to capture true hyperhemispherical views.

The domes 106, 107 may be made from various materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, acrylic and glass. In this example, the domes 106, 107 are optically finished, meaning that losses in light transmission, for example through reflection, are reduced. This can provide minimal distortion in the views available to the lenses 103, good focus and a true stitch for full 360° images.

In this example, the thickness of the domes 106, 107 is selected to enable safe operation of the system 100 at one or more depth levels. Safe operation may correspond to the housing 102 remaining intact and/or watertight and/or may be quantified in another way. In this example, the domes 106, 107 comprise material having a thickness such that the system 100 i s operable at a depth of at least 50 metres. The thickness may depend on the material from which the domes 106, 107 are made. In some examples, the thickness of the domes 106, 107 is selected such that the system 100 operates safely at depths of between 50 and 150 metres. A thickness of, for example, approximately 5 to 20 millimetres for acrylic domes 106, 107 may enable the system 100 to operate safely at these depths. As such, divers may be limited by their bodies in terms of the depths at which the system 100 can be used, rather than by the depth limits of the system 100 itself This depth limitation of the system 100 may be increased by thickening the walls of the housing 102. This may correspond to increasing the radial thickness of the material of the domes 106, 107. However, increasing the thickness of the walls of the housing 102 may affect the image captured by the camera 101 and may, in turn, affect the stitched 360° image. For example, a point may be reached where the thickness of the domes 106, 107 in relation to their diameters adversely affects the functioning of the camera 101 in terms of capturing a full 360° image in focus and without distortion.

In this example, the housing 102 has a relatively large volume compared to that of known underwater housings. A large configuration (in this example, a spherical configuration) can enable a range of different cameras 101 to be used with the camera housing 102. Different cameras 101 may have different sizes, lens configurations etc. As such, in this example, the housing 102 is not limited to use with a single make and model of camera 101 and can be used more universally. In some examples, the housing 102 is configured to be used with various different makes and/or models of camera 101. As technology advances and new cameras 101 become available, users may replace their camera 101, rather than both the camera 101 and housing 102, as is the case with camera-specific housings.

In this example, the inside surfaces of the domes 106, 107 include non-reflective coating. More generally, at least part of an inside surface of at least one of the domes 106, 107 may include such non-reflective coating. The non-reflective coating may mitigate reflection of the body of the camera 101 on the inside of the optical surface of the domes 106, 107, which would otherwise be captured by the camera 101 without the non-reflective coating. Such internal reflection may be particularly apparent and pronounced when the camera 101 is brightly lit, for example near the surface of the water.

In this example, the first and second housing members 104, 105 are joined together. In this example, joining the first and second housing members 104, 105 together involves placing the flat surfaces of the first and second housing members 104, 105 together. In this example, when the first and second housing members 104, 105 are joined together, the domes 106, 107 are arranged back-to-back, meaning that the domes 106, 107 are arranged one behind the other, facing opposite directions.

In this example, the domes 106, 107 are aligned with their respective lenses 103, meaning that the optical axes of the domes 106, 107 are aligned with the optical axes of their respective lenses 103. This allows each of the two lenses 103 to capture a hyperhemispherical field of view, greater than 180°.

In this example, the domes 106, 107 are aligned with each other, meaning that the optical axes of the domes 106, 107 are aligned with each other. The aligning of the domes 106, 107 in this way creates a spherical bubble 102 (also referred to herein as a "bubble", a "sphere" and a "globe") around the camera 101. In this example, a substantially spherical housing 102 is formed. The housing 102 is substantially spherical in this example because the hemispherical domes 106, 107 are not in direct contact with each other. The interface between the hemispherical domes 106, 107 results in the housing 102 deviating from being spherical, although its shape is nevertheless substantially spherical. This facilitates capturing a fully-stitched, 360° picture underwater. In particular, the two views associated with the two lenses 103 can be stitched to create a full, seamless, uninterrupted 360° perspective. In this way, the hyperhemispherical views associated with each lens 103 may be stitched seamlessly, without interruption, without loss of focus, and/or without distortion, into a full 360° image.

In this specific example, the optical axes of the lenses 103 are aligned with each other, the optical axes of the domes 106, 107 are aligned with each other, and the optical axes of the lenses 103 are aligned with the optical axes of the domes 106, 107.

In this example, the distance between the backs of the lenses 103 is kept relatively small. For example, the body of the camera 101 may be relatively thin such that the backs of the lenses 103 are relatively close together. The system 100 may not operate as effectively if the backs of the lenses 103 were further apart, for example if the body of the camera 101 were relatively thick and the backs of the two lenses 103 were separated by a large distance. This is because the views of the two lenses 103 would be brought into closer proximity of the curves of the inside of the domes 106, 107, rather than being at the centre of the domes 106, 107, equidistant from all points of the inside of the domes 106, 107. Undesired distortions may then be introduced. In this example, the join (also referred to herein as a "seam") 108 between the first and second housing members 104, 105 is outside the field of view of the camera 101. This corresponds to the join 108 being in the blind spot of the camera 101. In this example, the join 108 between the two domes 106, 107 is equatorial. As such, in this example, the equatorial join 108 falls entirely within the blind spot between the views of the two lenses 103 of the camera 101. In this example, the domes 106, 107 are aligned so that the join 108 falls in the blind spot between the two lenses 103 of the camera 101. Since the join 108 is outside the field of view of the camera 101, the join 108 does not intrude into the images captured by the camera 101.

In this example, the system 100 comprises a camera mount 109 (which may also be referred to as a "mounting mechanism" or a "mount") within the housing 102. The camera 101 is mounted on the camera mount 109. The camera mount 109 is outside the field of view of the camera 101. In this example, the camera mount 109 is provided for mounting the camera 101 within the housing 102 such that the lenses 103 of the camera 101 are central in the sphere created by the two domes 106, 107 and such that the equatorial join 108 and associated working parts (also referred to herein as "non-optical working parts") between the two domes 106, 107 fall fully within the blind spot of the two lenses 103. In this example, the camera 101 is mounted on the camera mount 109 so that the camera 101 aligns with the equatorial join 108 of the housing 102 correctly and so that the lenses 103 are elevated to the correct height in the centre of the housing 102. Such aligning may be done manually. Alternatively, adapters may be provided for different makes and models of the camera 101 to allow for a ready fit within the housing 102. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 comprise eyelets 114 for securing the camera mount 109 to the flanges 112, 113. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 comprise eyelets 114 for other purposes as will be described in more detail below.

In this example, the camera 101 is mounted on the camera mount 109 such that parts of both of the first and second domes 106, 107 are outside the field of view of the camera 101. Such parts of the first and second domes 106, 107 are adjacent to the join 108 and provide a margin such that the join 108 is in the blind spot of the camera 101. As such, the camera 101 always sees the inside of the housing 102 without it being apparent that the join 108 and working parts, such as the camera mount 109, interrupt the housing 102 within which the camera 101 lies.

Some known camera housings use a mounting plate to join two domes together.

In this example, however, the housing 102 lacks a mounting plate between the domes 106, 107. In particular, in this example, the housing members 104, 105 comprise respective sealing surfaces and at least part of one of the sealing surfaces is in direct physical contact with at least part of the other sealing surface. The lack of mounting plate can enable the camera lenses 103 to capture a full 360° view, in focus, that will stitch correctly, provided the lenses 103 are at the centre of the sphere created by the domes 106, 107 and provided that the lenses 103 are aligned in such a way that the equatorial join 108 of the two hemispherical domes 106, 107 and the associated non-optical working parts fall within the blind spot between the two lenses 103 of the camera 101. The relatively large diameter of the housing 102 also contributes to this.

In this example, the first and second housing members 104, 105 are placed together in a watertight seal, meaning that the join 108 between the first and second housing members 104, 105 is watertight. The lack of a mounting plate also enables only a single watertight sealing surface to be used. In this example, the single watertight sealing surface uses a single o-ring 110 between the housing members 104, 105, rather than two or more sealing joins. This can result in relatively low complexity and relatively low risk of water ingress compared to systems having multiple sealing joins.

As such, in this example, the o-ring 110 provides a watertight seal. In this example, an o-ring groove 111 seats the seal. In this example, each housing member 104, 105 has an o-ring sealing surface. In this example, the o-ring 110 in the o-ring groove 111 is arranged to provide the watertight seal.

In this example, the first and second housing members 104, 105 comprise first and second flanges 112, 113 respectively. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 are outwardly extending. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 are outside the field of view of the camera 101. The flanges 112, 113 may serve various purposes, for example enabling the housing members 104, 105 to be joined together and facilitating heat dissipation from an interior of the housing 102. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 are interrupted flanges, meaning that they have interruptions (also referred to herein as "flange interruptions") at their outer edges. The interruptions may facilitate joining of the housing members 104, 105 together. The flanges 112, 113 may be made of various materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal (for example steel) and acrylic. In this example, the rings of the flanges 112, 113 provide the seat for the o-ring 110.

In this example, the domes 106, 107 and flanges 112, 113 are separate components of the housing members 104, 105. For example, the domes 106, 107 and flanges 112, 113 may be made separately and the flanges 112, 113 bonded to the domes 106, 107. Such bonding may use silicone glue, for example where the flanges 112, 113 are made of metal, or chemical welding, for example where the flanges 112, 113 are made of acrylic. As such, in this example, domes 106, 107 with no flanges 112, 113 themselves are used and an interrupted flange design is incorporated into rings that are attached to the domes 106, 107.

Referring specifically to Figure 12, it can be seen that the working parts of the system 100 are outside the field of view of the lenses 103 of the camera 101. In addition, (small)) parts of each of the first and second domes 106, 107 adjacent to the join 108 are in the blind spot of the camera 101. The fields of view of the lenses 103 merge for 360° image capture. The non-optical working parts of the housing 102 are contained within the blindspot(s) of a back-to-back dual fisheye 360° camera 101 to attain an unobstructed 360° field of view.

Referring to Figure 13, there is shown another example of a camera system 100.

In this example, the system 100 comprises a clasp mechanism 115. In this example, the clasp mechanism 115 is outside the field of view of the camera 101. In this example, the clasp mechanism 115 has a low-profile design such that the clasp mechanism 115 is arranged to fit within the blind spot of the camera 101. The clasp mechanism 115 enables the two housing members 104, 105 to be clasped together. In this example, the clasp mechanism 115 is configured to clasp the flanges 112, 113 together. Clasping the housing members 104, 105 together pressurises the o-ring 110 between the sealing surfaces on each housing members 104, 105 to create a watertight seal prior to the system 100 being submerged in water. The housing members 104, 105 can thereby be attached tightly together to form a watertight seal, without intruding into the field of view of the camera 101. In this example, the clasp mechanism 115 comprises a loop 115. In this example, the loop 115 is an elastic loop 115, made from an elastic material. In this example, the elastic loop 115 alternates in an out between the flange interruptions. In this example, the elastic bindings 115 therefore hold the housing elements 104, 105 together. This example therefore uses a single o-ring 110 between the housing elements 104, 105 and uses interrupted flanges 112, 113 around the outside equator of the two domes 106, 107, bound together with elastics 115 to squeeze the two housing elements 104, 105 (which may be considered to correspond to respective halves of the housing 102) together to form a watertight sphere.

Referring to Figure 14, another example of a camera system 100 is shown. In this example, a weight system 116 is provided. In this example, the weight system 116 comprises a weight 117 that is removably attached to the housing 102. As explained above, the volume of the housing 102 may be relatively large and therefore highly buoyant. The weight system 116 allows adjustment of the buoyancy of the system 100 to neutrality or close to neutrality, for example depending on the preferences of the user. Neutral buoyancy, or slightly positive or negative buoyancy, can facilitate ease of use of the system 100 underwater by the operator. In this example, a line 118 and dive weights 116 are attached to the housing 102. In this example, the interrupted flanges 112, 113 comprise eyelets 114. In this example, the line H8 is secured to the housing 102 via the eyelets 114 and is attached to the dive weights 117 to achieve a target buoyancy for the system 100. The eyelets 114 also offers a convenient carrying and/or attachment mechanism for the operator. In this example, each of the flange interruptions comprises an eyelet 114. However, in other examples, some flange interruptions do not comprise eyelets 114.

Referring to Figures 15 to 18, several example flanges 112, 113 are shown. In this example, the system 100 comprises a heat-di ssipation system. The housing 102 can act as something of a greenhouse in direct sunlight or tropically warm water. Some cameras 101 are not prone to overheating. However, other cameras may overheat inside the housing 102, resulting in a safety shutdown of the camera 101 triggering to avoid damage to the camera 101. The heat-dissipation system dissipation may be particularly effective in very hot environments. In this example, the flanges 112, 113 are made of material selected for its heat-conductive properties. More generally, at least part of at least one of the flanges 112, 113 may be made of such a heat-conductive material. An example of such a material is metal. The flanges 112, 113 of the housing members 103, 104 can thereby conduct heat out of the housing 102 and into the water beyond. The first and/or second housing member 104, 105 can comprise an inwardly extending heat dissipation element 119. The inwardly extending heat dissipation element 119 may be made of a material, such as metal, selected for its heat-conductive properties. In this example, one of flanges 112, 113 extends into the interior of the housing 102 around the camera 101 within the blind spot. This offers dissipation of heat out through the equatorial join 108 to the water beyond. In this example, the inwardly extending heat dissipation element is outside the field of view of the camera 101.

An underwater wireless remote control available for some cameras 101 may be carried and used to control the camera 101 underwater. However, such remote controls are held close to the housing 102, otherwise the wireless signal is absorbed by the water. Such remote controls may be depth-limited. In some examples, a camera control interface (not shown) is provided for operating the camera 101, for example once the camera 101 underwater. In some examples, the camera control interface is outside the field of view of the camera 101. In some examples, the camera control interface comprises buttons and/or levers and the buttons and/or levers are integrated into the blind spot around the camera 101. As such one or more buttons and/or one or more levels may be fitted into and operate within the blind spot of the camera 101. Such buttons and/or levers may be camera-specific and may be applicable to only one make and model of camera 101. In some examples, the camera 101 is only controllable wirelessly once the camera 101 is inside the housing 102. In some examples, the control interface comprises a remote control, which transmits in close proximity to the housing 102 to reduce absorption by water of the wireless signal, compared to a remote control located at a greater distance from the housing 102. In some examples, cables (not shown) are inserted through the walls of the housing 102 within the blind spot to connect directly to, and communicate with, the camera 101 to operate the camera 101. In examples, all of the non-optical, working elements of the system 100 fall within the blind spot of the camera 101. The non-optical working elements may correspond to all parts of the housing 102 except the domes 106, 107. In such examples, there is no obstruction of the non-optical parts of the housing 102 into the resulting 360° image produced by the camera 101. In this example, the joining surface 108 and joining mechanism 115 of the housing 102 are within the blind spot of the camera 101. There may be space within the blind spot to allow for one or more further elements in addition to the joining surface 108 and joining mechanism 115. For example, as explained above, one or more cables may be inserted to power and/or control the camera 101 and/or to stream the footage or photographs captured in real time. As also explained above, one or more buttons to control the camera 101 may be provided in the blind spot of the camera 101. Providing these elements in the blind spot enhances the functionality of the system 100, without the elements intruding into the view of the camera 101. This eliminates, or at least reduces, the obstructions of the 360° view that would otherwise be caused by the housing 102. In examples, a complete, substantially spherical housing 102 is created by using two complete hemispherical domes 106, 107 that are large enough to wholly encapsulate the camera 101. As such, camera-body-hugging housings and housing buttons do not intrude into the view of the lenses 103. This differs from known, low-volume housings, which can comprise a small bubble of two incomplete hemispherical domes around the lenses and intrusion of the housing and housing buttons into view around the body of the camera where the body of the camera extends away from the lenses.

Example camera systems 100 described herein differ from known camera systems in various ways. In examples, the domes 106, 107 are hemispherical, as opposed to being non-hemispherical. In examples, the domes 106, 107 are aligned with each other, as opposed to being offset from each other. In examples, the lenses 103 may be aligned or offset from each other, as opposed to the lenses necessarily being offset from each other. In examples, the system 100 does not comprise a mounting plate, as opposed to a mounting plate being used. In examples, the housing members 104, 105 are mounted directly to each other, as opposed to a mounting plate being used.

In examples, the housing 102 is substantially spherical, as opposed to being made of two offset hemispherical domes, not forming a substantially spherical shape. In examples, the camera 101 is mounted on the housing members 104, 105 via the camera mount 109, as opposed to being mounted on a mounting plate. In examples, the flanges 112, 113 have interruptions, as opposed to the flanges being free of interruptions. In examples, the flanges 112, 113 are in direct physical contact with each other, as opposed to the flanges being indirectly attached to each other via a mounting plate. High quality results can be achieved without the domes 106, 107 being offset even when the lenses 103 themselves are laterally offset. Further, in specific examples, any dual-lens 360° camera with a base-to-centre-of-lens height of less than a threshold height (for example 90 millimetres) can be mounted on one or both of the housing members 104, 105 such that the camera 101 is aligned with the equatorial join 108 of the two housing members 104, 105 to create a substantially spherical housing 102 that corresponds with the blind spot of the camera 101, such that all working parts of the housing 102 are outside of the field of view of the camera 101. In examples, integration of an o-ring groove 111 into the base of one housing member 104, 105 allows that housing member 104, 105 to seal against the flat surface of the other housing member 104, 105 to create a substantially spherical bubble around the camera 101. Use of an interrupted flange 112, 113 allows the housing members 104, 105 to be attached directly to one another, applying pressure to the o-ring seal between the housing members 104, 105 creating a watertight seal. The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are envisaged.

In examples described above, the camera system 100 is an underwater camera system 100. In other examples, the camera system 100 is not an underwater camera system 100. For example, the camera system 100 may not be watertight and may be designed for terrestrial applications only.

In examples described above, the domes 106, 107 are aligned with each other.

In other examples, the domes 106, 107 are offset from each other, meaning that the optical axes of the domes 106, 107 are not aligned with each other. In such other examples, the housing 102 may nevertheless be arranged such that the join 108 is outside the field of view of the camera 101. For example, the extent to which the domes 106, 107 are aligned such that the join 108 is outside the field of view of the camera 101 may depend on the specific field of view of the camera 101.

In examples described above, the optical axes of the lenses 103 are aligned with each other. In other examples, the optical axes of the lenses 103 are offset from each other. The example housing 102 described above may still be effective in such other examples, for example where the housing 102 is relatively large and the lenses 103 are relatively central within the housing 102.

In examples described above, the system 100 comprises a control interface for the camera 101. In other examples, control of the camera 101 is not provided. In the case of 360° photography, the continual capture of images by the camera 101 may render the composition of shots less relevant. For examples, stills may be captured from high quality, video capture that runs through the dive. For example, ultra-high-definition (UHD) video capture may run continuously throughout the dive.

In examples described above, the camera 101 is a dual-lens camera, which means that the camera 101 comprises exactly two lenses 103. In other examples, the camera 101 comprises more than two lenses 103. However, 360° cameras 101 having more than two lenses 103 would bring the join 108 and non-optical working parts into view of one or more of the lenses 103. This could, however, be corrected using corrective software to overcome in order to achieve a full 360° view uninterrupted by the working parts of the housing 102.

In examples descried above, the domes 106, 107 and flanges 112, 113 are separate components of the housing members 104, 105. In other examples, each dome 106, 107 has an integral flange 112, 113 at its equator. The flanges may be relatively thin and may be continuous. One of the domes 106, 107 may have an o-ring groove 111 in its flat surface. Rings, for example made of metal, may be provided to tighten the two flanges 112, 113 together, providing pressure on the o-ring 110.

In examples described above, the weight system 115 comprises a line 116 and dive weights 117. While this can facilitate buoyancy adjustment, the line 116 and/or the dive weights 117 may interrupt the field of view of the camera 101. In other examples, slim weights (not shown) are attached to the flanges 112, 113 and do not protrude from the blind spot around the join 108. The weights may be curved so as to match the curvature of the housing 102. As such, form-fitting, equatorial weights (not shown) can be attached to the flanges 112, 113 to provide buoyancy control.

In examples described above, the flanges 112, 113 comprise heat-conductive material to conduct heat from within the housing 102 to the surrounding water. In other examples, heat dissipation may be achieved through fluid-cooling in heat-conductive pipes. However, this may add complexity and render the camera system 100 less appropriate for some consumers.

In examples described above, the housing 102 is relatively large. In other examples, corrective lenses 103 could be used to achieve a low-volume housing 102. However, this may result in a more complicated solution to that described above. Furthermore, the corrective lenses 103 may be hyperhemispherical and/or and specific to each make and/or model of camera 101.

In examples described above, the housing 102 enables the camera 101 to be used both in and out of water. In other examples, a camera 101 may be provided that can focus and/or stitch both in and out of water. However, this may involve additional mechanical movement within the camera 101 and may result in a more complex solution than that described above.

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A camera system, comprising: a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view, each lens having a field of view greater than 180'; and a housing for the camera, the housing comprising first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, the first and second domes having first and second optical axes respectively, wherein the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other, wherein the first and second housing members are joined together, and wherein the join between the first and second housing members is outside the field of view of the camera.
2. A camera system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second domes are hemispherical domes.
3. A camera system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each lens has an optical axis and wherein the optical axes of the lenses are aligned with each other.
4. A camera system according to claim 3, wherein the optical axes of the lenses are aligned with the first and second optical axes.
5. A camera system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each lens has an optical axis and wherein the optical axes of the lenses are offset from each other.
6. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second housing members comprise first and second outwardly extending flanges respectively, and wherein the first and second outwardly extending flanges are outside the field of view of the camera.
7. A camera system according to claim 6, comprising a clasp mechanism configured to clasp the outwardly extending flanges together, wherein the clasp mechanism is outside the field of view of the camera.
8. A camera system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and/or second outwardly extending flange comprises metal.
9. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and/or second housing members comprises an inwardly extending heat dissipation element, and wherein the inwardly extending heat dissipation element is outside the field of view of the camera.
10. A camera system according to claim 9, wherein the inwardly extending heat dissipation element comprises metal.
11. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and/or second dome comprises a non-reflective coating on an inside surface thereof
12. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lenses comprise fisheye lenses.
13. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising a camera control interface arranged outside the field of view of the camera.
14. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein camera system comprises an underwater camera system and wherein the join between the first and second housing members comprises a watertight seal.
15. A camera system according to claim 14, wherein the first and/or second housing member comprises an o-ring groove and wherein an o-ring in the o-ring groove is arranged to provide the watertight seal.
16. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first and second housing members comprise first and second sealing surfaces respectively, and wherein at least part of the first sealing surface is in direct physical contact with at least part of the second sealing surface.
17. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 16, comprising a weight that is removably attached to the housing.
18. A camera system according to claim 17, wherein the weight is outside the field of view of the camera.
19. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 18, comprising a camera mount, wherein the camera is on the camera mount, and wherein the camera mount isoutside the field of view of the camera.
20. A camera system according to claim 19, wherein the camera is on the camera mount such that parts of the first and second domes are outside the field of view of the camera.
21. A camera system according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the domes comprise material having a thickness such that the camera system is operable at a depth of at least 50 metres.
22. An underwater camera system comprising a housing and a dual-lens 360° camera, the housing comprising two optically clear back-to-back hemispherical domes arranged together with to form a sphere, wherein an equatorial join between the two hemispherical domes falls entirely within a blind spot between respective fields of view of two back-to-back fisheye lenses of the dual-lens 360° camera.
23. A kit of parts for assembling a camera system according to any of claims 1 to 22, the kit of parts comprising the camera and the housing.
24. A housing for a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view, each lens of the camera having a field of view greater than 180°, wherein the housing comprises first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, wherein the first and second domes have first and second optical axes respectively, wherein the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other, wherein the first and second housing members are joined together, and wherein the join between the first and second housing members is, in use, outside the field of view of the camera.
25. A method of assembling a camera system, the method comprising: arranging a dual-lens camera having a 360° field of view in a housing for the camera, wherein each lens of the camera has a field of view greater than 180, wherein the housing comprises first and second housing members comprising first and second domes respectively, and wherein the first and second domes have first and second optical axes respectively; and joining the first and second housing members together such that the first and second optical axes are aligned with each other and such that the join between the first and second housing members is outside the field of view of the camera.