Abstract: A photographic paddle and process of use thereof are provided. The photographic paddle is used for photographing interior or close-up vehicle exterior region features of a subject vehicle, and to rapidly produce high-quality images that are reflection-free and glare-free. The photographic paddle has the ability to produce wide-angle high-quality images and stereoscopic three-dimensional images that are reflection-free and glare-free. The photographic paddle has additional utility to photograph interior and close-up vehicle exterior region features of a subject vehicle in-situ in a densely arranged inventory lot without having to move the vehicle to and from a staging area.

Abstract: The method includes capturing a first portion of a surround image using a camera; generating a bounding box using an image in the first portion of the surround image; estimating a center of an item in the image using the bounding box; and adjusting a position of a motorized gimbal such that the motorized gimbal focuses on the center of the item.

Abstract: A photographic booth may comprise one or more walls and a lighting source. The one or more walls can bound a planar stage. The lighting source may be configured to direct light toward at least a portion of the one or more walls. The lighting source may be configured to increase an intensity of the light behind a photographer while decreasing an intensity of the light in front of the photographer and behind a vehicle.

Abstract: A camera mount is provided for photographing vehicles in photo booths. The mount has an adjustable base that supports a camera and provides a range of camera angles, positions, and tilts as needed. The base is attached to an enclosure box of the mount, and the enclosure box attaches to a frame that affixes to an exterior portion of a wall of the photo booth and keeps the camera plumb and square. The mount allows for quick camera replacement without having to aim the camera.

Abstract: A light fixture is provided for use in photographic chambers that provides a combination of high flux, the ability to place/tuck the light fixture against a wall, and the ability to flash/tune the light fixture dynamically. The light fixture can use an energy efficient light source that generates far less heat than traditional mercury arc based lamps. The light fixture is modular and can be daisy chained to supply power and/or control signals to multiple attached light fixtures. Individual light fixtures may be joined together to form an array of light fixtures. The light fixtures may utilize the digital multiplex DMX512 standard for digital communication networks for controlling the light elements within the fixtures. The light fixture has a light output that is capable of providing a wide beam angle.

Abstract: A photographic stage and photographic system is provided that produces consistent diffused lighting of an object or subject that is virtually shadow free for obtaining rotational views of the object in a time efficient manner. The photographic stage may be used with a camera array, or a single camera may be moved around the circumference of the photographic stage to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject. Alternatively, the photographic stage may be rotated to pass by a single fixed camera to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject.

Abstract: A light fixture is provided for use in photographic chambers that provides a combination of high flux, the ability to place/tuck the light fixture against a wall, and the ability to flash/tune the light fixture dynamically. The light fixture is based on light emitting diode elements to provide an energy efficient light source that generates far less heat than traditional mercury arc based lamps. The light fixture is modular and can be daisy chained to supply power and/or control signals to multiple attached light fixtures. Individual light fixtures may be joined together to form an array of light fixtures. The light fixtures may utilize the digital multiplex DMX512 standard for digital communication networks for controlling the light elements within the fixtures. The light fixture has a light output that is capable of providing a wide beam angle.

Abstract: A circular dome for photographing vehicles includes curved frames that support a skin. Contoured walls offset from the curved frames to define a recess adapted to receive cameras and lights for photographing vehicles around a perimeter of the dome. A door matching the contour of the curved frames completes the dome and is size to receive a vehicle, to collectively implement subtractive lighting along the perimeter of the dome. A system and method are provided for automatically photographing vehicles in an enclosable circular domed structure where an automated process captures a series of vehicle images and uploads the captured images to a web template for display and recordation.

Abstract: A photographic stage and photographic system is provided that produces consistent diffused lighting of an object or subject that is virtually shadow free for obtaining rotational views of the object in a time efficient manner. The photographic stage may be used with a camera array, or a single camera may be moved around the circumference of the photographic stage to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject. Alternatively, the photographic stage may be rotated to pass by a single fixed camera to obtain a series of images needed to form a rotational view of an object or subject.

Abstract: A vehicle photographic booth is provided that accommodates cameras with lenses with focal lengths that avoid wide angle distortion that is common in low end car photography. The photographic booth has an ovoid hemispherical dome shape with a camera mounted at the apex of the ovoid portion so as to accommodate longer focal length lenses. The overall dimension of the ovoid section of the dome for placement of a camera is determined by the available floor space of a user. The use of an enclosed ovoid hemispherical dome shape that rotates with respect to a stationary stage, or in the alternative a fixed enclosed ovoid hemispherical dome with a rotating stage allows for much less light to be needed as compared to a full open volume. An ovoid shape also provides a smaller fixed footprint than a full structure for an equal camera distance from a subject.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable virtual displays of an item, such as automobile, to be generated. A photo studio can be used to capture a series of images of the item for annotation. The series of images of the item can then be sent to a computer system for display.

Abstract: A vehicle photographic booth is provided that accommodates cameras with lenses with focal lengths that avoid wide angle distortion that is common in low end car photography. The photographic booth has an ovoid hemispherical dome shape with a camera mounted at the apex of the ovoid portion so as to accommodate longer focal length lenses. The overall dimension of the ovoid section of the dome for placement of a camera is determined by the available floor space of a user. The use of an enclosed ovoid hemispherical dome shape that rotates with respect to a stationary stage, or in the alternative a fixed enclosed ovoid hemispherical dome with a rotating stage allows for much less light to be needed as compared to a full open volume. An ovoid shape also provides a smaller fixed footprint than a full structure for an equal camera distance from a subject.

Abstract: Methods comprising generating, by a processor, a 3D model of an object; facilitating displaying, by the processor using the 3D model of the object, a 3D display of the object on an electronic device of a user; receiving, by the processor and from the electronic device of the user, a zoom selection on the 3D display of the object; in response to receiving the zoom selection, facilitating displaying, by the processor, a zoomed 3D display of the object on the electronic device of the user; receiving, by the processor and from the electronic device of the user, a zoom rotation selection of the object in the zoomed 3D display; and in response to receiving the zoom rotation selection, facilitating rotating, by the processor, the 3D display of the object in the zoomed 3D display on the electronic device of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A circular dome for photographing vehicles includes curved frames that support a skin. Contoured walls offset from the curved frames to define a recess adapted to receive cameras and lights for photographing vehicles around a perimeter of the dome. A door matching the contour of the curved frames completes the dome and is size to receive a vehicle, to collectively implement subtractive lighting along the perimeter of the dome. A system and method are provided for automatically photographing vehicles in an enclosable circular domed structure where an automated process captures a series of vehicle images and uploads the captured images to a web template for display and recordation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a virtual display of an item can include capturing images of an item in a first sequence and a second sequence and reordering the first sequence and the second sequence to generate the virtual display. The images can be taken in an automated photography studio. The virtual display of the item can comprise a video file created from the images showing an ordered rotation of the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an image of an automobile can include generating an artificial surface for the automobile, blending the artificial surface with a real world surface, and generating the image of the automobile using a blended surface. The image can have a number of different blended surfaces (e.g., a cleaner floor, shadows for the automobile, reflections for the automobile). The images can be used to create a 360 degree display of the automobile where the blended surface is displayed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable virtual displays of an item, such as automobile, to be generated. A photo studio can be used to capture a series of images of the item for annotation. The series of images of the item can then be sent to a computer system for display.

Abstract: The method includes capturing a first portion of a surround image using a camera; generating a bounding box using an image in the first portion of the surround image; estimating a center of an item in the image using the bounding box; and adjusting a position of a motorized gimbal such that the motorized gimbal focuses on the center of the item.

Abstract: Methods comprising generating, by a processor, a 3D model of an object; facilitating displaying, by the processor using the 3D model of the object, a 3D display of the object on an electronic device of a user; receiving, by the processor and from the electronic device of the user, a zoom selection on the 3D display of the object; in response to receiving the zoom selection, facilitating displaying, by the processor, a zoomed 3D display of the object on the electronic device of the user; receiving, by the processor and from the electronic device of the user, a zoom rotation selection of the object in the zoomed 3D display; and in response to receiving the zoom rotation selection, facilitating rotating, by the processor, the 3D display of the object in the zoomed 3D display on the electronic device of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.