Patent Publication Number: US-2019174049-A1

Title: Vehicle photo studio and method of use

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for generating still images and videos of a vehicle. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Many vehicle dealerships post their inventory online on the Internet for potential buyers to browse. An important component of this online inventory is images of the vehicles within that inventory. When a new vehicle enters inventory, a photographer usually chooses different views of the new vehicle, and manually uploads these views to a web site. Because this process is manual, this may lead to vehicles in the inventory being presented to the potential buyers in an inconsistent manner. This may lead to potential buyers forming a negative opinion about a vehicle they may have otherwise been interested in purchasing. 
     In some cases, the photographer may also film a movie of the vehicle to show what the potential buyers would see if they were turning around the vehicle while looking at it, or if they were turning their heads while sitting in the new vehicle. The video files generated in this way may be large, and the files may require an excessive time to be downloaded by the potential buyers that have a small communication bandwidth over the Internet. 
     Therefore, there is a need to produce and distribute online content that may facilitate marketing of dealership inventories. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A system comprises a platform to rotate a vehicle positioned thereon and at least one fixed camera to generate images of the vehicle as the vehicle is rotated. A local device is in communication with the at least one fixed camera and a remote data storage. A media layer is operable to display the sequential series of still images as a 360 spin view on a remote device. 
     In some embodiments the system further comprises a handheld camera. In some embodiments, at least one fixed camera is disposed within the vehicle and the 360 spin view is of an interior of the vehicle. The system may further comprise a studio having two reflective walls and two background walls, wherein the at least one fixed camera is located near a comer of the studio adjacent the two reflective walls and opposite the two background walls. The reflective walls may be colored to deepen colors of a vehicle surface facing downward and lighten colors of a vehicle surface facing upward. The background walls may be colored to define a vehicle outline. 
     In some embodiments, the system further comprises a studio having lights located above a diffusive ceiling that may be strobe lights. The studio may have lights located adjacent one or more background walls opposite the at least one camera and pointing up toward the platform. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by the local device, turn the platform, operate the at least one camera, acquire the images from the at least one camera, and transfer the sequential series to the remote data storage. 
     In some embodiments, a method comprises rotating a platform having a vehicle positioned thereon and generating images of the vehicle from a fixed position as the vehicle is rotated. A sequential series of still images is processed from the generated images and stored on remote data storage. The sequential series is then retrieved from the remote data storage using a remote device and a 360 spin view of the vehicle is displayed on the remote device. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises scanning an identification number of the vehicle and transferring the identification number to the remote data storage. In some embodiments, a local device may control the rotation of the platform and/or the operation of at least one camera to generate the images of the vehicle as the vehicle is rotated. The local device may also synchronize the platform rotation with the generation of images and/or automatically initiate processing the sequential series upon completion of an entire turn of the vehicle. The 360 spin view may shows an exterior or interior of the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a partial schematic view of a vehicle photo studio and image processing system; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method of generating still images representing a 360 spin of a vehicle; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified schematic of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle photo studio in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the plurality of walls that make up the enclosed studio of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified schematic of the implementation of a computer algorithm of  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a method of use of the system of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     The present disclosure generally describes a system and a process for generating still images for displaying a 360 spin view of a vehicle by positioning the vehicle on a rotating platform and taking images from a fixed position as the vehicle rotates a full 360 degrees. The images are transferred to a local device and then to an online storage facility where they can be accessed by a media layer that can display a catalog view of selected still images of the vehicle and 360 spin view of the vehicle. Therefore, for the purposes of the following description and claims, a “360 spin view” is a series of fixed images that are sequenced and electronically stored in such a manner that allows a user to view the images as a continual rotating view from a fixed location. A 360 spin view may run in a continuous manner so as to appear as a video or may be user controlled so as to appear as a fixed image that can be manipulated to vary the image being viewed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the studio system  100  includes a rotating platform  10  positioned within a studio  20  having one or more fixed or stationary cameras  30   a ,  30   b . The studio  20  is constructed of four inside walls, each approximately 24′ to 28′ long and 12′ tall. Two background walls  21  and  22 , those opposite the cameras  30   a , are painted in light beige or gray to enable outline of light colored and white cars to be clearly defined. The other two reflective walls  25  and  26  are painted medium gray from floor to about 7′ high on the wall and are painted white from about 7′ to about 12′ height on walls. The purpose of the gray and white painted areas may be to deepen the paint color of surfaces of a vehicle  15  facing straight to a downward angle, and lightening surfaces of the vehicle  15  pointing upward to clearly define the curves and lines of the vehicle  15 . The ceiling of the studio  20  includes a diffuser made of synthetic fire rated material specifically made for diffusing light. 
     Ceiling lighting includes strobe or LED lights with 5000K bright white color (25,000 lumens) located above the diffuser and placement within 3′ of the perimeter of the inside walls  25  or  26 . Strobe or LED lights  38  located above the diffuser and placement within center positions of the inside walls  21 ,  22 ,  25  or  26 . A 12′ wide vinyl power door  12  provides the opening for the vehicle  15  to enter/exit and a standard entry door (not shown) provides access for a photographer. 
     The rotating platform  10  is an 18′ diameter motorized platform rated at  30 , 000 lb capacity that is located within the studio  20  with a 5′×8′ ramp (not shown). The rotating platform  10  can alternatively be embedded into a recessed floor built within the concrete floor. The platform  10  may be constructed of 2″×4″ steel beams with ¼″ wall thickness. For example, the platform  10  may include a hub with 8 beams that connect to a 9′ diameter support beam (the inside circular beam) and 24 beams that are connected between the 9′ support beam and an 18′ diameter support beam (the outside circular beam) to create the skeleton of the platform. 
     The platform  10  may include 4 wheels, each rated at 10,000 lbs capacity, located on the inside 9′ diameter support beam and  8  wheels, each rated at 10,000 lbs capacity, located on the outside 18′ diameter support beam. The wheels ride on ¼″ thick, 10″ wide flat steel foundation rings located under each support beam. A top plate of the platform  10  that is constructed of diamond plate steel is supported on top of the beams. The top plate may be painted with a powder coating applied by heat treating process to create a durable and reflective surface. 
     The platform  10  is rotated by an engine including a ¾ horse power motor and a reducer. The shaft of the reducer has a sprocket and chain that connects to a drive wheel that is compressed against the outside circular beam to turn the platform  10 . Forward/Reverse, emergency stop, and controls are located outside the studio booth for operation. Alternatively operations of the platform  10  may be automated as further explained below. 
     One or more exterior cameras  30   a  (only one is shown) are fixedly mounted within cabinetry in the studio walls and are used to generate images (e.g., take a video) of the exterior of vehicle  15  as it turns on the platform  10 . As mentioned before, the exterior cameras  30   a  are located near a corner of the studio adjacent the two reflective walls  25 ,  26  and opposite the two background walls  21 ,  22 . One or more interior cameras  30   b  (only one is shown) are mounted within the vehicle  15  are used to generate images of the interior of vehicle  15  as it turns on the platform  10 . One or more of the exterior cameras  30   a  and/or the interior cameras  30   b  can also be used to obtain still images of the vehicle  15 , i.e. still images zooming on particular features of the vehicle  15 . A hand-held camera (not shown) may also be used. The images generated by the cameras  30   a ,  30   b  and/or the hand held camera are automatically transferred to a local device  40  via Wi-Fi network  45  or other methods. In certain embodiments, images generated by the cameras  30   a ,  30   b  may be transferred directly to remote data storage  50  without processing by the local device  40 . The local device  40  may be a local server, personal computer, portable computer, tablet, or other computer device. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in step  105  the vehicle identification number (“VIN”) of a vehicle to be imaged can be determined through radio-frequency identification or by using a portable scanner or hand-held camera and then transferred to the local device  40  in step  110 . In certain embodiments, the VIN can be selected from an existing list accessible through the local device  40 . In certain embodiments, the VIN is transferred to the remote data storage  50 , either via the local device  40 , directly from another device, or through other means. 
     The vehicle  15  is positioned on the platform  10  at step  115  and prepared for imaging. As the vehicle completes a complete turn within  1  minute at step  120 , the fixed cameras  30   a ,  30   b  generates image of the vehicle  15  at step  125 , for example the cameras take images of the rotating vehicle. The images are uploaded to the remote data storage  50 , at step  130 . 
     Then the still images from both the hand-held, interior and fixed cameras are exported to a remote data storage  50 , e.g. to the cloud, via the internet  60  at step  140 . At step  145 , a media layer  70  embedded into a website allows the still images to be displayed by a remote device  80  as a catalog view and a 360 spin view almost instantly after the still images are stored on the remote data storage  50 . As used herein, a catalog view may comprise a table of still images comprising a finite set of selected views of the vehicle  15 . The selected views in a catalog may comprise detail images, interior images or exterior images. As used herein, a 360 spin view of the vehicle  15  may comprise a sequential series of still images through which a website visitor can navigate in a forward or reverse manner. The 360 spin view may create a virtually seamless animation of the vehicle rotating. The sequential series of still images may be processed from images generated by an exterior camera and/or an interior camera. 
     For example, the media layer  70  may run a script that retrieves the still images from the remote data storage  50 . Overlays can be applied to the images to insert customer branding within the media layer  70 . The still images may be presorted into a first set to be used to form a catalog view and a second set to form a 360 spin view. The media layer  70  is not limited to displaying one catalog view and one 360 spin view of the vehicle  15 , and different embodiments may display less or more than one of any of the catalog view and the 360 spin view. The media layer  70  can also accept video that can be displayed within the media layer. 
     The local device  40  can make the method  200  partially or entirely automated. For example, the local device may pilot the rotating platform  10  and/or operate the cameras  30   a ,  30   b . Upon pressing a “start” button, the local device can operate the studio door  12  to close it, turn the platform  10 , operate the cameras  30   a ,  30   b , stop the platform  10 , and open the studio door  12 . A computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon may be embedded into the local device  40 . The instructions, when executed by the local device, cause the local device to automatically turn the platform  10 , operate the one or more cameras  30   a ,  30   b , acquire images generated from cameras  30  through the network  45 , process a sequential series of still images as further explained below, and transfer the sequential series to a remote data storage  50  via the Internet  60 . 
     In  FIGS. 3-6 , an alternative embodiment of a vehicle photographing system  301  is shown. System  301  can include some or all of the features discussed above and vice versa. 
     As shown, system  301  includes an enclosed studio  303  having a plurality of walls  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311  forming an inner area  313 . It should be appreciated that the inner area is completely enclosed, thereby allowing for complete user control of the aesthetics of the inner area, for example, the user can control the lighting, the positioning of the lighting, the color of the walls, the positioning of cameras, etc. This feature helps ensure that the photos of each vehicle are consistent and of the highest quality. 
     In this embodiment, system  301  further includes a platform  315  positioned within the inner area  313 , the platform  315  having an associated control system  317  and motor  319 , thereby providing for rotation of the platform  315 . In some embodiments, the platform is at least 17 feet in diameter and configured to turn a minimum of 15,000 pounds. This allows for use of system  301  with any passenger vehicle and truck within the automotive industry. The control system and motor can be configured to wirelessly communicate with a computing device  319 . 
     System  301  further includes one or more fixed cameras  321 ,  323 ,  325 , secured to a wall  305  and positioned opposite the platform  315 , thereby allowing for optimal imaging. In some embodiments, the fixed cameras  321 ,  323 ,  325  are secured at a high, middle, and low position, as shown herein, thereby providing for the best visibility of the vehicle  327 . Again, it should be appreciated that the cameras are secured at constant locations for all vehicles, thereby ensuring that the resulting vehicle listings are consistent. 
     System  301  can further include an interior camera  329 , mounted within the inside of a vehicle. It is contemplated that a temporary mounting system could be used, thereby allowing for the camera to be used and then removed from the vehicle. However, it should be appreciated that the camera should be mounted directly to the vehicle, thereby ensuring consistent image capturing. In some embodiments, the interior camera  329  is specifically configured to capture panorama views of the interior of the vehicle. 
     System  301  can further include an undercarriage camera  331  that is mounted in a position to capture undercarriage images. The camera  331  can be mounted directly to platform  315  in some embodiments. 
     System  301  further includes computing device  319  that can be configured to wirelessly communicate with the control system  317 , as well as all of the cameras  321 ,  323 ,  325 ,  329 ,  331 . The computing device  319  provides for a user to observe the images and utilize the images as desired. In some embodiments, a computer implemented algorithm  333  can be used to automatically rotate the platform and collect the needed images, as well as create listings for the vehicle  327  with the images. Further, the computing device  319  can be in communication with a wireless network  335  having one or more of a server  337  and database  339 . This allows for storage of images, vehicle listings, etc., as well as the sharing of the images and utilization of them as desired by the user. 
     System  301  can further include a lighting diffuser  341 . This feature is secured to the ceiling of the enclosed studio and creates a more even presentation of the light, thereby reducing hot spots created from non-diffused lights. This again ensures consistent and high quality images. 
     In  FIG. 4 , a flattened out view of studio  303  is shown, having a front wall  401 , a floor  403 , a back wall  405 , side walls  407 ,  409 , and ceiling  411 . It should be appreciated that this view shows the walls opened up, thereby providing a visual representation of the interior of each of the walls. In the real world, the walls would be folded up together to form a box. 
     As shown, the walls forming the interior sides that surround a vehicle, can include one white part  413 ,  415 ,  417 ,  419  and one gray part  421 ,  423 ,  425 ,  427 , thereby making the entire interior side walls a grayscale design. This setup allows the room to darken parts of the vehicle being photographed and lighten other areas, thereby creating the illusion of shine and allows the curves and lines of the vehicle to be visible due to the contrast of darker and lighter areas. In addition, it should be appreciated that grayscale is a neutral color that prevents the paint color of the vehicle from changing. This grayscale configuration is considered unique and novel of the present invention. The bottom floor surface  429  and the ceiling surface  431  should also be in a grayscale color. 
     In should be appreciated that studio  303  further includes a door  433  that provides access to the interior. The door  433  can be any door, such as a hinged door or a garage door that allows for the entry and exit of a vehicle. This door can be positioned on any of the walls as functional considerations require, and closes the studio, thereby again ensuring that the entire studio is enclosed. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a schematic depicts features of system  301 . System  301  including the computing device  319  with the algorithm  333  that is configured to implement automatic rotation and image capturing  501 . The computing device  319  configured to communicate with the plurality of cameras  503  to capture images such as a 360degree view of the exterior of the vehicle through multiple cameras  505 , undercarriage images  507 , and interior panorama images  509 . 
     The computing device  319  is further configured to communicate with the platform control system  317  and motor  319  to implement rotation  511  of the platform. Lastly, the computing device  319  can wirelessly communicate with the network  335  to create a plurality of consistent listings  513  of each vehicle photographed. It should be appreciated that the combination of these features provides a means for an improved photo capturing system that is novel in the art. 
     In  FIG. 6 , a flowchart  601  depicts a method of use of system  301 . During use, the enclosed studio is created, having a plurality of cameras and grayscale walls, as shown with box  603 . The plurality of cameras are used to capture a plurality of images to be transmitted to the computing device, as shown with box  605 . The images can then be uploaded to a network and utilized to create listings or in any number of ways, as shown with boxes  607 ,  609 . 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.