Abstract: The invention includes a self-propelled camera dolly having a camera support unit, a drive unit, and a flexible coupling placed between the camera support unit and the drive unit. The camera support unit includes wheels and a camera. The drive unit can move in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The flexible coupling may include three pivots, where two of these pivots may be orientated in the vertical direction and the other in the horizontal direction to aid the movement of the drive unit.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of shooting a scene in a motion picture. A track is provided as including two outer rails and a center rail. The center rail is located somewhere between the two outer rails. The center rail includes a top, a first side, and a second side. A self-propelled camera positioning device is also provided. The self-propelled camera positioning device includes a camera support unit having wheels and a camera. The self-propelled camera positioning device also includes a drive unit coupled to the camera support unit. The drive unit includes at least one drive roller, two guide rollers positioned adjacent to the at least one roller. The guide rollers are biased against the first side and the second side of the center rail. The wheels on the two outer rails are positioned on the two outer rails. The camera support unit is moved along the track to define information of the motion. This information is stored.

Abstract: A camera positioning system comprising a track having two parallel outer rails and a center rail, a self-propelled camera positioning device comprising a chassis configured to support a camera, wheels coupled to the chassis for riding on the outer rails of the track, and a drive unit for propelling the chassis along the track, said drive means comprising at least one roller coupled to the chassis for engaging the center rail of the track, and a motor for rotating said at least one roller against the center rail, thereby positioning the chassis along the track; and a control logic for controlling the drive unit.