Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional high amplitude muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool are described. The method may include detecting motion of a housing of the handheld tool when manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool, and storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. Furthermore, the method may include controlling a first motion generating mechanism and a second motion generating mechanism by generating a first motion signal and a second motion signal that respectively drive the first motion generating mechanism in a first degree of freedom and the second motion generating mechanism in a second degree of freedom to stabilize motion of the user-assistive device attached to the attachment arm of the handheld tool.

Abstract: A pan tilt unit comprises a support, a slip ring, a rotating platform, and a tilting mechanism. An outer rotating portion of the slip ring is able to rotate about the support. The slip ring comprises connections between an inner static portion of the slip ring and the outer rotating portion of the slip ring. The rotating platform is coupled to the outer rotating portion of the slip ring. The tilting mechanism is coupled to the rotating platform.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a camera module that can alternate between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, the camera module is retracted into a recess in a housing of the mobile device. In the extended state, the camera module extends from the housing. While in the extended state, one or more cameras of the camera module capture images. A processor of the mobile device stitches the images into a panoramic image that optionally provides a 360 degree view. While in the extended state, the camera module may optionally rotate or fold.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base member, an intermediate member, an upper member, a pair of first rails provided at the base member, the pair of first rails extending in a first direction, and a pair of second rails provided at the upper member, the pair of second rails extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The intermediate member includes a pair of first rollers engaging with the first rails and a pair of second rollers engaging with the second rails. The intermediate member constitutes a first pendulum mechanism that allows an oscillation of the upper member in the first direction and a second pendulum mechanism that allows an oscillation of the upper member in the second direction. The intermediate member includes a first drive portion that drives the first rollers to rotate and a second drive portion that drives the second rollers to rotate.

Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle including a cylindrical housing including a housing surface, the housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an imaging sensor extending from the first end of the housing, the imaging sensor rotatable from a first position to a second position, a connection member coupled to the imaging sensor and enclosed within the housing, and a cap coupled to the housing at the second end, the cap including a cap surface having an alignment indicator. Rotation of the cap rotates the imaging sensor from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A binocular adapter including a base and a receiver joined together by a stanchion arm. The receiver being configured to receive a binocular stem in a stem aperture defined by a receiver head. The receiver head configured to rotate relative to a receiver stanchion. The binocular stem including a first and a second end. The first end including a connector configured to connect to a binocular. The second end, distal to the first end, including a stem extension configured to be received by the stem aperture. The second end further including a groove configured to be received in a spring clip disposed on the receiver stanchion for retaining the binocular stem. The receiver head including a fastener for securing the binocular stem within the stem aperture while it is engaged in the spring clip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to create and display screen stereoscopic and panoramic images are disclosed. Methods and apparatus are provided to generate multiple images that are combined into a stereoscopic or a panoramic image. An image may be a static image. It may also be a video image. A controller provides correct camera settings for different conditions. A focus sensor is included and determines a focus setting of one lens/sensor unit having a plurality of focus settings. Focus settings of other lens/sensor units are associated with the focus settings determined for the one lens/sensor unit. A focus mechanism controlled by the controller sets the focus settings of the plurality of lens/sensor units based on the focus setting of the one lens/sensor unit determined by the focus sensor.

Abstract: An intelligent ball head and a self-photographing method by using the same, the method comprises determining a position of the infrared emitter carried by a user; rotating the ball head to face the infrared emitter; carrying out face recognition in a view screen with the infrared emitter as a center; measuring a first distance from a human face recognized to the intelligent ball head; comparing the first distance with a second distance from the infrared emitter to the intelligent ball head so as to calculate out a distance difference; determining that the face belongs to the user when an absolute value of the distance difference is detected to be smaller than a predetermined value; controlling the photographing apparatus to focus on the human face for shooting. When a plurality of faces appear in one viewing frame, the faces may be distinguished from each other accurately and therefore achieving high-quality self-photographing.

Abstract: A waterproof camera and a supporting structure thereof are provided. The supporting structure includes a cylinder body and a pan-tilt platform. The cylinder body is configured to form a first cavity for holding a front end assembly. The pan-tilt platform is provided outside of the cylinder body, and includes a second cavity isolated from the first cavity. The first cavity is isolated from the second cavity. A protection level of the cylinder body may be up to IP67 to better isolate water vapor, while a protection level of the pan-tilt platform may be up to IP66 to meet a waterproof demand of a transmission mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to create and display screen stereoscopic and panoramic images are disclosed. Methods and apparatus are provided to generate multiple images that are combined into a stereoscopic or a panoramic image. An image may be a static image. It may also be a video image. A controller provides correct camera settings for different conditions. An image processor creates a stereoscopic or a panoramic image from the correct settings provided by the controller. A plurality of lens/sensor units is placed on a carrier. Lens/sensor units are rotationally aligned. A controller rotationally aligns images of lens/sensor units that are rotationally misaligned.

Abstract: A drive apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first rotation unit, a base, a lead screw unit, and a second rotation unit. The first rotation unit includes a gear rotatable in first directions by a drive power source. The base is joined to the gear and is rotatable in the first directions with the gear. The lead screw unit is provided to the base and moves a shaft back and forth in a certain direction. The second rotation unit is pivotally supported by the base, rotates in second directions different from the first directions, and supports a certain supported member rotatably in the second directions.

Abstract: A camera module assembly includes: a camera module including a front surface and a rear surface, extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and including a lens on the front surface; a support bracket coupled to the camera module and including a front support portion adjacent to the front surface of the camera module and a rear support portion adjacent to the rear surface of the camera module; a light projecting portion arranged parallel to the camera module and including a light source configured to emit an infrared ray, and a main bracket having a cavity portion that accommodates the camera module and including a first bracket portion coupled to the support bracket and a second bracket portion coupled to the light projecting portion.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments such as surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. The camera instrument is manipulatable by a camera manipulator, which has a first mechanism for pivoting a focal point of the camera instrument about a pivot of the camera instrument and a second mechanism for positioning the pivot within a three-dimensional space in response to translational commands received from one or a coupled pair of input devices. The system also includes a controller which is configured to receive sensed movement of the input devices, and cause actuation of the first mechanism in response to the sensed movement if the system is in an orientational mode and cause actuation of the second mechanism in response to the sensed movement if the system is in a translational mode.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging device for securing an electronic device and being capable of angular adjustment is provided. One control screw is disposed for the operation along one dimension. When the adjustable hanging device is used for multi-dimensional angular adjustments, the control screws are disposed to extend to one operational side. Due to the mechanical integration and the compact design of the adjustable hanging device, the advantages of volume reduction and simpler manipulation at one operational side would be expectable.

Abstract: A detachable easel to convert a camera tripod into an artist easel. The easel consists of a one or two arm design employing a built-in adapter, or connecting device in the center of the arm(s) of the attaching easel whereby the easel arm attaches directly to the mounting device of the tripod by way of the connecting device, allowing the tripod features to be extended to the easel. Attributes such as the tilting, raising, and rotating features of the tripod are then incorporated and translated as new easel functions. This can be a one or two arm embodiment, and can also attach to a wall mount or telescoping arm.

Abstract: A sensor mounting for a sensor for object detection includes a housing for the sensor, a holder on which the housing is pivotably held, an adjusting device for an angular orientation of the housing and an angular gear mechanism for controlling the adjusting device. The angular gear mechanism includes a drive wheel and a driven wheel, the drive wheel being connected to an engagement contour for the transmission of torque to the drive wheel, and a gear mechanism housing of the angular gear mechanism being set up so as to permit mounting of the drive wheel at different sides of the angular gear mechanism.

Abstract: A support stand includes a first casing, a rotary mechanism, a second casing and a holder. The rotary mechanism is disposed in the first casing and has a first gear and a threaded rod coordinated with each other. The second casing is connected with the rotary mechanism. The second casing is able to rotate from a first position to a second position in relative to the first casing. The holder is connected with the threaded rod. When the second casing is at the first position, the holder is stored in the first casing. When the second casing is rotated to the second position, the second casing drives the first gear to coordinately rotate the threaded rod so as to push the holder out of the first casing. The support stand occupies less space as the holder is stored, and it has better overall integrity.

Abstract: A remote control and/or gyrostabilized camera head has first and second roll forks attached to a pan frame. Each roll fork has a front roll arm and a back roll arm. A circular roll track segment may be provided on each roll arm. A roll frame has first and second motor supports or housings. A roll motor on or in the first motor support moves the roll frame about a roll axis. A tilt frame is rotatably supported between the first and second motor supports. A tilt motor on or in the second motor support rotates the tilt frame about a tilt axis. The weight of the roll motor support and the roll motor may be substantially the same as the tilt motor support and the tilt motor, so that the roll frame is balanced, allowing for better performance. As the camera head is a pan/roll/tilt head, the head can continue to provide movement in three axes, regardless of the camera position.

Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing minor unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide and a drive mechanism having a disengageable coupling. The drive mechanism and the rack-and-pinion guide cause the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The disengageable coupling is operatively configured to disengage the motor and the gear drive from the first hinge part. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a solar panel mounting structure comprises: a frame and three gears. The frame has a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, and connects to a solar panel; the third opening is aligned with the first opening and the second opening. The first gear has a first bar; the first bar works in the first opening. The second gear has a second bar; the second bar works in the second opening. The third gear has an axle, and locates between the first gear and the second gear and gearing therein; the axle works in the third opening; thereby, the solar panel seesaws when the third gear turns.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a computer peripheral device includes a housing accommodating a base within the housing, and a supporting post having a first end coupled to the base. The base has a pivoting sleeve and couples to the supporting post at a first position, and the pivoting sleeve engages with the supporting post such that the housing is rotatable to force the pivoting sleeve and the supporting post to rotate. The pivoting sleeve can move along an axial line of the housing, and the housing can be pivoted about the top of the pivoting sleeve together with the supporting post. Therefore, the housing can carry out multi-direction-movement, or so-called sphere-like movement relative to a leg coupled to the second end of the supporting post.

Abstract: Tripod head for pivotably receiving a device, in particular a film or television camera, comprising a housing (10), a shaft (15) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (10), a receptacle (16, 17), which is connected to the shaft (15), for the device, at least two separate energy accumulators (21-25) which are respectively disposed between the shaft (15) and the housing (10), and a compensating means comprising a respective interlocking means (31-35) for the energy accumulators in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25), in each case in operative connection between the housing (10) and shaft (15), so that a restoring moment is exerted on the receptacle (16, 17) via the shaft (15) in accordance with the torque of the device, and a common actuating element (46) in order to switch the energy accumulators (21-25) via the interlocking means (31-35) individually or in combination, as desired, characterised in that the actuating element (46) is configured as a rotary disc and comprises on the side facing t

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.

Abstract: A positioning device without backlash includes a table and at least one gear operatively associated with the table. At least one worm gear is connected to the gear and the gear is driven in a desired direction with a primary motor and a synchronized slave motor. The synchronized slave motor is then reversible to remove the backlash in the positioning device thereby permitting an actual position to correspond with a dialed-in position.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for adjustably mounting a vehicle external mirror, the assembly including a first arm segment for securing to the vehicle a second arm segment for securing to the external mirror, and an axle member secured to one of the first and second arm segments and extending through an opening defined through the other of the first and second arm segments, the axle member defining a swivel axis therethrough and the first and second arm segments being pivotable and adjustably securable relative to each other about the swivel axis.