Abstract:
The present inventive concept relates to a kiosk design for an advanced photographic system. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a self-contained, automated photobooth kiosk. In embodiments of the present inventive concept, the photobooth kiosk is capable of taking a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of a subject and surrounding background. For instance, a customer of the photobooth kiosk may stand in the center of the photobooth and have his or her picture taken with a plurality of specialized “machine vision” cameras, with the images sent to a central processor such as a computer for processing into a 360 degree panoramic photograph or video clip. After the photo-taking session, the customer may collect prints of the pictures at the kiosk, similar to presently available photobooths. The photobooth kiosk may be fully automated such that no operator is necessary, and all options and features desired by the customer may be self-selected by the customer prior to, during, and after the photo-taking session.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/286,734, filed May 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/827,459, filed May 24, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
       [0002]    The present inventive concept relates to a kiosk design for an advanced photographic system. More specifically, the present inventive concept relates to a self-contained, automated photobooth kiosk. In embodiments of the inventive concept, the photobooth kiosk is capable of taking a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of a subject and surrounding background. For instance, a customer of the photobooth kiosk may stand in the center of the photobooth and have his or her picture taken with a plurality of specialized “machine vision” cameras, with the images sent to a central processor such as a computer for processing into a 360 degree panoramic photograph or video clip. After the photo-taking session, the customer may collect prints of the pictures at the kiosk, similar to presently available photobooths. The photobooth kiosk may be fully automated such that no operator is necessary, and all options and features desired by the customer may be self-selected by the customer prior to, during, and after the photo-taking session. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Public photobooths date back to at least 1888. In modern times, a majority of people now have a cell phone with a camera, making photograph capture readily accessible at all times so the proper place of the public photobooth is destined to be in the museum. Conventional photobooths today are inexpensive, and designed to be sturdy as against theft and vandalism, and frequented by many who cannot afford cell phones. It is not readily apparent, therefore, that there is any market for a much more expensive photobooth. However, there has not been a consumer oriented photobooth that can take pictures or provide special effects that cannot be captured on cell phones or commercially available cameras. In particular, until now, there has not been a fully automated photobooth experience available which may take a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of a consumer. 
         [0004]    Computer technology advancements have enabled improvements in photographic special effects technology in recent years. A particularly recent photography advancement designed for the movie industry is a photography system made available as THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system by Robert Latorre Productions, Inc. (www.bigfreeze.com) in which multiple specially selected cameras are electronically triggered to capture a photographic sequence that creates multiple views culminating in a 360 degree view of the subject at a single moment in time. 
         [0005]    THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system relies on the combination of several Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras placed on a desired path constructed of interconnected triangular truss sections. The camera optics are controlled by software and electronics connected to a computer that, when initiated by an operator, triggers a simultaneous shutter response in several cameras to provide the special effect of “freezing” the action along the multiple locations of the path. The cameras initially process the image and convey the processed digital image to a computer, where specialized software organizes the images. The result is the appearance of a person and/or action taken by a camera moving through three-dimensional space along the path at a “frozen” moment in time. 
         [0006]    Set-up and operation of THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system requires multiple trained personnel to design, assemble, manage, and operate the system. While use of interconnected DSLR cameras is well suited for THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system, it has numerous drawbacks that prevent its application to the present inventive concept. 
         [0007]    For example, DSLR cameras utilize physical shutters in front of the sensor element of the camera, which eventually wear out after repeated actuations. Over the lifetime of the camera, the shutter will eventually slow down and stop, altering the quality of the special effect and requiring replacement of the shutter mechanism or of the entire camera body. Because DSLR cameras are expensive pieces of equipment, replacement of the shutter mechanism or entire camera body results in significant costs for the camera system operator. 
         [0008]    The physical shutter of DSLR cameras also presents inherent limitations to shutter speed. For instance, an entry-level DSLR camera may have a shutter speed of 3 frames per second (“fps”), whereas even a professional grade DSLR camera has a shutter speed of roughly a 10 fps. Because of this, DSLR cameras are well suited for single shot and multi-shot photography, but not where a sequence of photographs is to be used to recreate a special effect in a fluid manner. 
         [0009]    DSLR mechanics also present timing challenges due to the variance in every camera. This is a problem where highly accurate, simultaneous triggering of multiple cameras is required or where highly accurate, timed intervals of multiple cameras is required. 
         [0010]    Also, DSLR cameras are comprised of a body portion as well as a lens portion, with the lens being interchangeable with the body. While this provides the user with flexibility as to the type of lens to be used with a given DSLR camera body, the use of commercially available camera bodies and lenses result in an overall camera of substantial size and weight. When multiple cameras are to be used in a setup such as THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system, additional consideration must be given to the additional size and weight due to the plurality of cameras required. 
         [0011]    Because of their high value, DSLR cameras are a target of theft. In the professional special effects environment of THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system, the staff never leaves the equipment unattended in the presence of the general public. Further, due to the complexity of THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system, it takes multiple highly trained personnel to both set up and operate the system in order to capture the 360 degree panoramic photographs of a subject. Various technicians and staff are required to focus and fine-tune the system each time operation is desired. Thus, the camera system that gave rise to the creation of THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system is unequipped, and unaffordable for use in a publicly accessible and automated special-effects photobooth, and there remains a need for a multiple camera capture system that can be reliably, affordably, and safely used in an automated public photobooth environment. 
         [0012]    The present inventive concept provides for a photobooth kiosk which incorporates a consumer oriented 360 degree camera system to allow an automated 360 degree photobooth experience by the general public. No additional technical or support staff is required for the present inventive concept beyond the initial set up process with all options being selectable by a customer of the 360 degree photobooth kiosk during use. The present inventive concept thus provides a movie industry level special effects experience to the general public and allows for everyone to enjoy creating a 360 degree panoramic image or sequence of images without the need for a professional special effects environment such as that provided by THE BIG FREEZE® brand photography system. 
         [0013]    The present inventive concept provides a system capable of creating special effects that utilize a plurality of “machine vision” type industrial cameras on a fixed path in the form of a unique photobooth system. The industrial cameras may be CMOS or CCD sensor based cameras capable of high speed capture of a sequence of photographs, and may utilize an electronic shutter with no moving parts on the camera itself. The industrial camera may have an input/output interface for communication with a computer for storage and processing of capture photographs. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments of the present inventive concept, the communications interface may be USB™, Firewire™, or gigabit Ethernet in nature. Other digital communications interfaces are also contemplated within the scope of the present inventive concept. The communications interface allows for the computer to control multiple industrial cameras at the same time, allowing for simultaneous triggering of multiple cameras, or triggering a sequence of timed interval photographs by multiple cameras. Combined with the significantly reduced shutter lag time provided by the electronic shutter as compared to a physical shutter in a DSLR camera, greater coordination and accuracy when triggering multiple cameras simultaneously may be achieved. 
         [0015]    Through the use of electronic shutters, the industrial cameras are able to capture images at a greater frame rate than is possible by DSLR cameras, and because an electronic shutter has no moving part, such industrial cameras enjoy an extended usable lifespan over DSLR cameras. An added benefit of the use of industrial cameras is their widely available, robust set of software, which makes programming such cameras simpler and faster. 
         [0016]    During use of the multiple camera system, the desired effect is selectable by an object customer who is untrained in the operations of the system. The system is specially designed for safe operation under continuous and unsupervised use by the public. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0017]    The present inventive concept provides a 360 degree photobooth system capable of creating a plurality of special effects, wherein the effect desired may be initiated by a customer who is untrained in the operations of the system. In one embodiment, the 360 degree photobooth system may provide for an automated customer experience whereby the customer may take a 360 degree panoramic photograph or a sequence of photographs. A special effects photo kiosk is provided, having a plurality of wall sections connected to form a generally cylindrical enclosure. 
         [0018]    The enclosure has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a top end connecting them. An entrance is provided that passes through the enclosure for access to an interior of the enclosure. 
         [0019]    On the interior, a circular camera array is provided, comprising a plurality of equally spaced cameras having lenses directed toward a common focal point within the interior of the enclosure. A central processor is provided, having programmable computing capability and electronic data storage capability, and being connected to the cameras of the camera array. 
         [0020]    A countdown device is provided, and is electrically connected to the central processor. The countdown device is visible to a person within the interior of the enclosure. An activation switch is electrically connected to the central processor, and is operable by a customer photo-subject from within the enclosure. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the camera array further comprises a transaction station electrically connected to the central processor, and operable to process payments for use of the photo kiosk. 
         [0022]    The transaction station may be operable to select a method and destination for the electronic delivery of digital data representing the photo sequence produced by the photo kiosk. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, the camera array further comprises a truss system mounted to the interior of the enclosure. A plurality of heat transmissive and tamper resistant camera housings is mounted to the truss system in evenly spaced apart relation. A camera is mounted inside each housing. The walls of the enclosure have a wiring trough along the top. Electrical connectors (wiring) pass from the interior of the housings to the interior of the truss system and on to the wiring trough for connection of the cameras to the central processor. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, a light source is mounted inside at least one of the housings, and directed to the interior of the kiosk. The light source is also electrically connected to the central processor. Electrical connectors pass from the interior of the housings to the interior of the truss system and to the wiring trough for connection of the light source to the central processor. In another embodiment, at least two light sources are mounted inside the housings. In another embodiment, the source lights are LED type lights. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the camera array further comprises an exterior display monitor electrically connected to the central processor, and connected to the photo kiosk in an orientation facing the exterior of the enclosure. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, software code residing on the central processor is operable to select an image from the video recordings of each camera representing the same moment in time, process the images, assemble the images into a 360 degree photo-sequence reflecting the sequential positions of the cameras, and save the 360 degree photo-sequence to a storage media electrically connected to the central processor. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the software code is operable to coordinate camera frame selection with a countdown device electrically connected to the central processor. The software code may further be operable to instruct the central processor to provide electrical power to the light sources in relation to the initiation of the countdown device such that the selected images will be made at a time the light sources were illuminated. The software code may further be operable to send or share the data file containing the saved 360 degree photo. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment, a substantially continuous image is provided on the interior surface of the wall sections. In another embodiment, a plurality of columns is located on the exterior of the enclosure. The columns may have an accessible interior space. A control column may be located on the exterior of the enclosure with an external access door for access to an interior of the control column, and having the central processor located in the interior of the control column. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment, a plurality of translucent canopy sections is mounted above the enclosure. The canopy sections may be made of a polycarbonate sheet material. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment, a display monitor is attached to the interior surface of a wall section of the enclosure, and is electrically connected to the central processor. The display monitors are operable to provide a selectable panoramic background image inside the enclosure. The software code is operable to provide a selectable panoramic video background image inside the enclosure. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the software code residing on the central processor is operable to select an image from the video recordings of each camera representing sequential moments in time taken at predetermined intervals, processing the images, assembling the images into a 360 degree photo-sequence reflecting the sequential positions of the cameras and sequential moments in time, and saving the 360 degree photo-sequence to a storage media electrically connected to the central processor. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the plurality of cameras are machine-vision, industrial cameras. The cameras each have an electronic shutter and a CMOS based sensor capable of global shutter exposure control. The cameras have a communications interface for connection to the central processor. The communications interface is a Gigabit Ethernet interface. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment, the communications interface is a USB interface. In another embodiment, the communications interface is a firewire interface. The central processor controls and triggers the plurality of cameras via the communications interface. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment, image information captured by the plurality of cameras is sent to the central processor for processing into a 360 degree sequence of photographs. The image capture process is initiated by the consumer-subject to be photographed. 
         [0035]    The advantages and features of the present inventive concept will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the board-level video camera, known as a machine vision camera, as may be used in a camera housing of the present inventive concept. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is an isometric exploded view of a camera housing, as may be incorporated into a camera array of the present inventive concept. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the camera housing with the top removed. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is an isometric exploded view of an assembled camera housing, made in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is an isometric exploded view of a circular photo kiosk in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is an isometric exploded view of a perimeter section of the circular photo kiosk in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the circular photo kiosk in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the circular photo kiosk in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the circular photo kiosk in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a countdown indicator as would be located within the field of view of an occupant of the circular photo kiosk, in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a schematic of an embodiment of electrical connections in a manner according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept. 
       
    
    
       [0047]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the present inventive concept, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the present inventive concept may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the present inventive concept. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present inventive concept, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept. Thus, the present inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a board-level camera  10 . Camera  10  is a video type camera and has no body or related components as would be present in a conventional “machine vision” industrial video camera. Camera  10  has only a lens  12  attached to camera electronic boards  14  via a mount, such as an industry standard C-mount or CS-mount. Camera  10  contains a sensor element, such as a CMOS sensor capable of high speed capture of a sequence of photographs, and may utilize an electronic shutter with no moving parts on the camera itself. In a preferred embodiment of the present inventive concept, camera  10  contains a CMOS sensor with global shutter exposure control, wherein all pixels of the sensor are exposed at the same time. This helps to minimize distortion and artifacts when a fast moving object is photographed, such as a person leaping into the air. An electrical connector  16  is provided for supplying power to camera  10  and a communications interface allows for communication with a computer for storage and processing of captured photographs. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments of the present inventive concept, electrical connector  16  may be USB™, Firewire™, or gigabit Ethernet in nature. Other digital communications interfaces are also contemplated within the scope of the present inventive concept. The communications interface allows for the computer to control multiple industrial cameras at the same time, allowing for simultaneous triggering of multiple cameras, or triggering a sequence of timed interval photographs by multiple cameras. Combined with the significantly reduced shutter lag time provided by the electronic shutter as compared to a physical shutter in a DSLR camera, greater coordination and accuracy when triggering multiple cameras simultaneously may be achieved. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  is an isometric exploded view of a camera housing assembly  50 . In the embodiment illustrated, housing assembly  50  is comprised of a first casing  52  and a second casing  54 . In the embodiment illustrated, first casing  52  forms a lower half of housing assembly  50  and second casing  54  forms the upper half of housing assembly  50 . Camera  10  is mounted securely inside housing assembly  50 . In the embodiment shown, camera  10  is mounted to first casing  52  by means of a bracket  56 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of camera housing assembly  50  with second casing  54  removed. In the embodiment illustrated, a first light source  82  is mounted inside housing assembly  50 . A second light source  84  is mounted inside housing assembly  50  on the opposite side of camera  10 . First light source  82  and second light source  84  may be LED light sources or other as may be operable to illuminate a subject to be photographed. A lens aperture  60  is formed in housing assembly  50  between first casing  52  and second casing  54 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  is an isometric exploded view of assembled camera housing assembly  50 , made in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventive concept. A first LED light aperture  62  is formed in housing assembly  50  between first casing  52  and second casing  54 . A second LED light aperture  64  is formed in housing assembly  50  between first casing  52  and second casing  54  on the opposite side of lens aperture  60 . First aperture  62  and second aperture  64  permit light generated by first LED light source  82  and second LED light source  84  to be directed towards a center of circular photo kiosk  1  so as to illuminate the subject to be photographed. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment illustrated, a truss recess  66  is formed on second casing  54  for mounting housing assembly  50  to a camera truss system  250  ( FIG. 6 ). A wiring aperture  68  is located within truss recess  66  to permit electrical wiring to camera  10 , first LED  82  and second LED  84  to exit housing assembly  50  and enter camera truss system  220  where it will be protected from access by customers, and where it may be path directed for connection to a central processor  500 . 
         [0055]    In addition to providing tamper proof protection to camera  10 , LEDs  82  and  84 , and their respective electrical wiring, housing assembly  50  provides a heat sink  90  for camera  10 . In the embodiment illustrated, heat sink  90  is an insulating air space formed between lens aperture  60  and surrounding camera  10  as between first casing  52  and second casing  54 . Heat sink  90  may also be a metallic heatsink formed by a finned construction, a fanned construction, a heat pipe construction, or other liquid cooled device or other means known for cooling computer components and the like. 
         [0056]      FIG. 5  is an isometric exploded view of circular photo kiosk  1 , illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , photo kiosk  1  is comprised of a plurality of wall sections  100 . In a preferred embodiment illustrated, six (6) connectable wall sections  100  are combined to create an enclosure for circular photo kiosk  1 . In this embodiment, each wall section  100  forms a sixty (60) degree circumferential perimeter portion of circular photo kiosk  1 . In an alternative embodiment, twelve (12) wall sections  100  are provided, with each wall section forming a thirty (30) degree circumferential perimeter portion of circular photo kiosk  1 . A greater or fewer number of wall sections  100  may also be selected as the size of the enclosure may require. 
         [0057]    In the embodiment illustrated, each wall section is comprised of a left side panel  102  and a right side panel  104 . Left and right panels  102  and  104  are located on a common base section  106 . A header portion  108  is connected above and between left and right panels  102  and  104 . Base section  106  and header portion  108  may be used to provide stability to the connection of left side panel  102  to right side panel  104 . 
         [0058]    Wall sections  100  have an interior surface  110  and an exterior surface  112 . Displays and promotional materials may be displayed on exterior surface  112  of wall sections  100  (see  FIG. 9 ). Stagnate or selectable scenery that is intended to appear in the background of a 360 degree photo-sequence may be located on interior surface  110  of wall sections  112 . For static displays, posters or other background art may be located on interior surface  110  to provide interesting or attractive elements to the photographic sequence being taken. 
         [0059]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , rather than a static display, display panel  300  is located against interior surface  112 . Display panels  300  may be curved or flexible LED display panels. Each display panel  300  is electrically connected to computer  500 , and may display either static or motion based background imagery to enhance the customer experience during the photo session. 
         [0060]    In a first embodiment, the customer may select between several panoramic backgrounds for display on display panels  300 , such as a desert scene, a battlefield scene, or other scenes from modern times, historical times, or futuristic times. The background on display panels  300  may also be programmed to display an indicator for when the customer should react for the photographs. When the photo sequence begins, the customer (one or more) may jump, pose, or otherwise interact with the background displayed on the collective set of display panels  300 . 
         [0061]    In a second embodiment, display panels  300  may be coordinated by computer  500  to display a moving background, such as a shark in an undersea setting that swims fluidly between display panels  300 . In a related embodiment, cameras  10  can be programmed by computer  500  to trigger sequentially such that movement of the customer in relation to movement in the background is captured together. This may provide a result such as avoiding a shark attack or dodging a bullet. As before, when the photo sequence begins, the customer (one or more) may jump, pose, or otherwise interact with the background displayed on the collective set of display panels  300 . 
         [0062]    A plurality of columns  120  is located, one each, at the junction of wall sections  100 . Thus, six columns  120  are provided for location at the junction of the six wall sections  100 . In the embodiment illustrated, one column  120  is an internally accessible control column  140 , provided for housing a central processor and data storage unit, such as a computer  500  (not shown) for operation of photo kiosk  1 . A power source  600  comprises electrical power and power controls, a breaker/fuse system and surge controls. Such switches, fuse panels and surge protection devices are commonly known and may be variously assembled to the preference of the user. Power source  600  may also be provided inside control column  140 . 
         [0063]    A control column door  142  provides access to the interior. Control column  140  may be larger than the remaining columns  120 . Columns  120  may also be accessible for the storage of maintenance supplies and repair parts. A door  122  may be provided for interior access to column  120 , preferably on the side of column  120  opposite to wall section  100 . A camera array  200  is located inside photo kiosk  1 , and may be mounted to the interior side of header  108 , thereby forming a circumferential boundary within the perimeter formed by the wall sections  100 . As such, the boundary formed by the camera array  200  has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the perimeter formed by the wall sections  100 . Instead of being mounted to the interior side of header  108 , it is foreseen that the camera array  200  may be (a) freestanding, e.g., secured to one or more freestanding posts positioned on the ground or floor, (b) secured to, on, partially within, substantially within, or entirely within one or more walls, e.g., (i) preexisting walls of an environment provided by a building structure, e.g., a museum or a sports stadium, and/or (ii) walls formed to conform to support the camera array  200  within the building structure, and/or (c) secure to or suspended from a ceiling of the building structure. The camera array  200  may be camouflaged by and/or hidden substantially within, or entirely within the one or more walls. For instance, the camera array  200  may be positioned so that an outermost surface of the camera array  200  is flush with an outermost surface of the one or more walls, thereby causing the camera array  200  to be camouflaged by the one or more walls. Or, the camera array  200  may be positioned entirely behind a one-way mirror forming a portion of the one or more wall, thereby causing the camera array  200  to be entirely hidden by the one or more walls. In this manner, the camera array  200  blends in with the environment of the building structure, thereby advantageously providing an aesthetically-pleasing appearance and allowing an operating of the camera array  200  to capture images of subjects without their knowledge, e.g., during a tour of the building structure. 
         [0064]    An optional canopy  160  may be mounted above each wall panel  100 . Canopy  160  provides an improved aesthetic appearance to photo kiosk  1 . Canopy  160  may be used advantageously to protect camera array  200  from debris and intruders. Canopy  160  may also be used to provide shading to persons inside photo kiosk  1  as well as camera array  200 , which reduces lens flare caused by exposure of the lens  12  of camera  10  to direct sunlight when kiosk  1  is installed in an outdoor location. 
         [0065]    Canopy  160  may also be used to provide lighting control to the interior of photo kiosk  1 . In the embodiment illustrated, canopy  160  is made of a polycarbonate material or other suitable material. Canopy  160  is supported above header  108  by canopy bars  162  or similar means of attachment. 
         [0066]      FIG. 6  is an isometric exploded view of a perimeter wall section  100  of circular photo kiosk  1  in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. At least one wall section  100  has an entrance  130  provided to permit customers to enter into the interior of photo kiosk  1  for the purpose of becoming the object of the 360 degree photo sequence. Entrance  130  may optionally have a closable door for providing an uninterrupted background for the 360 photo sequence. 
         [0067]    In the preferred embodiment illustrated, header  108  includes a wiring trough  114 . Camera array  200  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) comprises a camera truss system  220  which is comprised of multiple truss sections  222 . In the embodiment shown, truss sections  222  are hollow tubulars which span a 60 degree arc across the interior of photo kiosk  1 . In this configuration, there is allotted a truss section  222  for each wall section  100 . Also in this embodiment, each truss section supports six housing assemblies  50  in evenly spaced arrangement. Thus, in a fully configured kiosk  1 , thirty-six (36) cameras  10  and housing assemblies  50  may be utilized to capture a 360 degree photo sequence. 
         [0068]    An interior space  224  through truss sections  222  receives wiring from camera housing assemblies  50 . Each truss section  222  has one or more hollow brackets  226  attached for mounting truss section  222  to header  108  (or optionally to wall section  100 ). Truss interior space  224  is interconnected to a bracket interior space  228  to permit passage of the wiring from camera housings  50  through bracket interior  228 . 
         [0069]    Header section  108  has a header portal  116  at the location of connection to bracket  226  of truss section  222 . Portal  116  substantially aligns with bracket interior  228  to provide a passage between the interior of truss section  222  and truss bracket  226 , and into wiring trough  114  of header  108 . In this manner, the collective wiring from all housing assemblies  50  mounted on truss system  220  may be gathered into the larger space of wiring trough  114  and carried to control column  140  for connection to computer  500  and power source  600  provided in control column  140 . This provides a tamper proof location for the wiring that is out of view of the public, providing protection to both the public and photo kiosk  1 . 
         [0070]    It is preferred that wall sections  100  have an effective height between at least 84 inches and less than 120 inches. 
         [0071]    It will be appreciated that given the disclosure of the present inventive concept as a whole, there are alternative configurations that may be used to construct circular photo kiosk  1  in a manner that is readily manufactured, transported, and assembled, and that is stable when assembled. The present disclosure is one preferred embodiment that satisfies these constraints. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of photo kiosk  1 , illustrated fully assembled. In another alternative embodiment, a green screen display may be located on interior wall section  110 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , fully assembled photo kiosk  1  forms a circular enclosure. Camera array  200  forms a circle mounted to the interior surfaces of headers  108 , or the wall sections  100 . In an alternative embodiment, camera array  200  may be connected to an elevated structure above photo kiosk  1 , such as from a ceiling structure independent of wall section  100 . Camera housing assemblies  50  are located at equally spaced apart positions on camera truss system  220 . In a preferred embodiment, at least 36 cameras  10  are provided. The wiring from housing assembly  50  passes through aperture  68  of housing assembly  50 , through bracket interior space  228 , through header portal  116 , into wiring trough  114 , and to control column  140 . Inside control column  140 , wiring for cameras  10  and light sources  82  and  84  are electrically connected to central processor  500  and power source  600 . 
         [0073]    Using control column  140  for reference, wiring from one-half of housing assemblies  50  is collected in wiring trough  114  to the right of control column  140 . Wiring from the other one-half of housing assemblies  50  is collected in wiring trough  114  to the left of control column  140 . 
         [0074]    In this view, a display panel  300  is located and illuminated on interior wall section  110 . Display panel may advantageous be a flexible LED display panel. In this embodiment, display panel  300  is also electrically connected to central processor  500 . In an alternative embodiment, a static display can be located on interior wall section  110 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 8  is a top view of photo kiosk  1  in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. As seen in  FIG. 8 , there is a common focal point  170  to which all cameras  10  are directed. An indicator may be marked on the floor for customers of photo kiosk  1  to know where to stand or otherwise position themselves prior to the commencement of the 360 degree photo sequence. 
         [0076]    In the embodiment illustrated, an optional start button  250  is provided as being accessible from the interior of photo kiosk  1 . Also in the embodiment illustrated, a countdown device  260  is located so as to be visible to a consumer of photo kiosk  1 . In the embodiment in which a display panel  300  is provided, the countdown device  260  function may be advantageously incorporated into the graphic display of display device  300 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  is a side view of photo kiosk  1  in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept.  FIG. 9  illustrates how kiosk  1  is formed through various wall sections  100  and columns  120 . In embodiments of the present inventive concept, the exterior surfaces of wall sections  100  may be used to display advertising or other attractive graphics or imagery to attract prospective customers to kiosk  1 . An entrance  130  is provided for a customer to enter photobooth kiosk  1  on a wall section  100 , between two adjacent columns  120 . Through entrance  130 , the background (discussed above) on display panels  300  is visible. An optional transaction station  400  is provided for customers wanting to use photobooth kiosk  1 . Transaction station  400  is electrically connected to central processor  500  for processing advance payment for use of photobooth kiosk  1 . 
         [0078]    The customer may also utilize transaction station  400  to provide a preferred delivery means for delivery of the digital photo sequence taken by photo kiosk  1 , such as by email, cell phone, social network delivery, printed photographs, and/or other. It is foreseen that the present inventive concept may automatically, via the central processor  500 , (i) identify the customer via facial-recognition software by comparing one or more of the photographs with data contained in the data storage unit, (ii) associate the customer with an email, cell phone, and/or social network via the data contained in the data storage unit, and (iii) transmit the photographs to the customer via the email, cell phone, and/or social network via a communication network. Regarding facial-recognition technology and related functionality of the present inventive concept provided by such, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2011/0234779 and 2014/0105466 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. If printed photographs are desired, the customer may collect such photographs at transaction station  400  after utilizing kiosk  1  for the photo sequence. Also in this embodiment, the customer can potentially select a background environment for display during the photo sequence on display panels  300 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of countdown device  260  as would be located within the field of view of an occupant of photo kiosk  1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive concept. In this embodiment, a counter  262  may be provided to indicate the time, such as seconds before which the customer should jump or otherwise strike a pose. Additionally, or in lieu of counter  262 , countdown device  260  may provide a light indicator  264  to provide a light sequence that communicates to the customer that they should prepare for the pictures to be taken. 
         [0080]      FIG. 11  is a schematic of an embodiment of certain electrical connections, illustrated in a manner in accordance with a basic embodiment of the present inventive concept. As stated above, wiring from one-half of housing assemblies  50  is collected in wiring trough  114  to the right of control column  140 , forming truss left side wiring  240 . Wiring from the other one-half of housing assemblies  50  is collected in wiring trough  114  to the left of control column  140 , forming truss right side wiring  242 . A truss interface  244  provides an electrical manifold for truss left side wiring  240  and truss right side wiring  242 . 
         [0081]    In the embodiment illustrated, electrical connections between central processor  500  and cameras  10  and light sources  82  and  84  may include USB™, Firewire™, and Gigabit Ethernet bundle connections, Control In and Control Out connections, and 24V DC Truss Power supply. Truss interface  244  may include a transformer for providing DC power from power source  600 . 
         [0082]    Truss interface  244  is electrically connected to central processor  500  and power supply  600 . In the embodiment shown, this is accomplished by an Ethernet connection. It is understood by persons of skill in the art that power supply  600  is not expected to be a single connection but rather several connections of supplied power and is only referred to herein in the singular for convenience. 
         [0083]    Countdown device  260  and start button  250  are connected to Control Computer  500  through a User Interface  270 . 
         [0084]    Not illustrated here, further connections are provided for the optional internal displays  300 , external display  410 , and transaction station  400 . 
       Operation 
       [0085]    Referring back to  FIGS. 7 and 9 , a customer of kiosk  1  may approach transaction station  400  to begin a transaction with kiosk  1 . The customer may select the type of photo-sequence he or she wishes to be taken, such as a single “freeze-frame” shot at a specific point in time, or a multi-shot sequence where the customer may have a short action sequence taken. The customer may optionally select a desired background to be displayed on interior display panels  300  for embodiments of the present inventive concept which utilize electronic display panels  300 . For kiosks  1  where interior display panels  300  are static, this option is not provided to the customer. Next, the customer may also utilize transaction station  400  to select a preferred delivery method for delivery of the digital photo sequence taken by photo kiosk  1 , such as by email, cell phone, social network delivery, printed photographs, or other. If printed photographs are desired, the customer may collect such photographs at transaction station  400  after utilizing kiosk  1  for the photo sequence. After selecting the desired options, the customer or customers may be directed to step inside kiosk  1  via entrance  130 . 
         [0086]    If provided, customers may close a door to entrance  130  to complete the seamless nature of the background provided by interior display panels  300 . The customers are then directed to place themselves in the center of kiosk  1  such that all cameras  10  mounted on camera truss system  220  may achieve proper focus of the customers. The focus of cameras  10  may be pre-calibrated to be focused at the center of kiosk  1 . Cameras  10  are pre-aligned to a common focal point  170 , which is centered in camera array  200 , and above the ground level at a predetermined height. To assist with centering customers within kiosk  1  near to focal point  170 , a mark such as a cross or “X” may be located in the center of kiosk  1 . 
         [0087]    When prepared, the customer may initiate the countdown to the photographs by activating a switch  250 . Switch  250  is electrically connected to, and initiates, a countdown which is displayed on a countdown device  260  that is viewable from the interior of kiosk  1 . Countdown device  260  may display a numerical countdown sequence through counter  262  or by one or more light indicators  264 , or both. 
         [0088]    When the countdown is complete, the customer may strike a pose for a “freeze-frame” shot, or if previously selected, the customer may act out a desired action sequence. Central processor  500  is electrically connected to switch  250  and to counter  262 . First and second light sources  82 ,  84  located in camera pod assemblies  50  are provided electrical power to illuminate the customer-subject in advance of shutter operation of cameras  10 . Cameras  10  in camera array  200  are then initiated and triggered upon expiration of the countdown, or upon a short delay thereafter so as to capture the desired moment of the customer&#39;s movement. Cameras  10  within camera array  200  may be simultaneously and/or sequentially triggered depending upon the options previously selected by the customer. Central processor  500  controls the triggering of all cameras  10  through the multitude of communications interfaces at electrical connectors  16 . In this fashion, kiosk  1  takes and creates a 360 degree panoramic photograph or sequence of photographs of the customer at a specific moment in time, or over a brief duration of time. 
         [0089]    After the photo sequence is complete, customers may exit kiosk  1  by opening the door, if provided, or merely passing through entrance  130 . Central processor  500  transmits the final 360 degree photo sequence by way of the previously selected delivery method. If physical photos are desired, they may be printed by the kiosk  1 , and collected by the customer at this time. The kiosk  1  is then ready for a new customer and photo sequence. 
         [0090]    Having thus described the present inventive concept by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present inventive concept may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the present inventive concept.