With Manned Vehicle Patents (Class 352/132)
  • Patent number: 11827157
    Abstract: A vehicle camera arrangement, including: a camera mounting assembly coupled to a structure of a vehicle adjacent to a lower portion of a windshield of the vehicle; and a camera assembly coupled to the camera mounting assembly having visibility through the lower portion of the windshield of the vehicle. The structure of the vehicle is associated with a dashboard of the vehicle. The camera mounting assembly includes a sealing member disposed between a front portion thereof and the lower portion of the windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle camera arrangement further includes an air duct adapted to deliver an air flow to a front portion of the camera mounting assembly and the camera assembly through the structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Oliver Jeromin
  • Patent number: 11760274
    Abstract: A vehicular sensor mounting structure for a sensor that is mounted on a roof of a vehicle to detect an environment outside the vehicle is equipped with a bracket attached to the roof to support the sensor in a swingable manner, and a cover member having a sensor opening portion that opens toward an outer periphery of the vehicle, and provided on the roof in such a manner as to cover the sensor from above. The cover member has a wire harness cover portion covering, from above, a wire harness that passes through the roof from below, that protrudes into the cover member, and that is connected to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoya Higashimachi, Taro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11667252
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module configured for mounting at an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and including a circuit board and a camera that views forward of the vehicle and through the windshield. The camera includes an imaging sensor array. A data processor is operable to process image data captured by the imaging sensor array for at least one system of the vehicle. The imaging sensor array is electrically connected to circuitry of the circuit board via a flexible electrical connection. The imaging sensor array may be controlled via the flexible electrical connection. Image data captured by the imaging sensor array is carried via the flexible electrical connection. With the camera module mounted at the in-cabin portion of the windshield, the circuit board is tilted at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of a lens barrel of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ove J. Salomonsson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11608010
    Abstract: A sensor system for a vehicle includes sensors that can be extended further away from the vehicle in order to obtain additional information. The sensors can be kept in their stowed position, to obtain the minimum amount of information but to maintain maximum of the looks of the vehicle. The sensors can then be extended to obtain additional information about the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Scott C Harris
  • Patent number: 11427136
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera module configured for mounting at an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and viewing forward of the vehicle and through the windshield. The camera is electrically connected to circuitry established at the circuit board via a flexible electrical connection. Circuitry of the circuit board (i) provides electrical power to the camera via the flexible electrical connection, (ii) controls the camera via the flexible electrical connection, (iii) receives image data from the camera via the flexible electrical connection and (iv) includes a data encoder chip operable to encode captured image data. With the camera module mounted at the windshield, the circuit board is tilted at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lens barrel of the camera. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera for a driver assist system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ove J. Salomonsson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11288984
    Abstract: A mobile projection device for projection mapping, the device comprising a road vehicle having a structure mounted on wheels, and at least one light projector unit mounted on the structure and configured to be controlled so as to provide projection mapping in the environment outside the mobile projection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Philippe André Constant Ligot
  • Patent number: 10625656
    Abstract: System for enhancing fan experience comprises a stadium having a field area, a pathway extending along at least a portion of the field area, and a vehicle adapted to move along the pathway, the vehicle being adapted to transport sports fans situated within the vehicle simultaneously along the pathway during a sports event or concert go-ers situated within the vehicle simultaneously along the pathway during a music concert, to provide a view to the sports fans riding in the vehicle from amongst and/or in close proximity to the players in a sideline area on the field area during a sports event, and to provide a view to concert go-ers riding in the vehicle from close proximity to a stage located on the field area and the performers on the stage during a music concert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: W. Brian Golden
  • Patent number: 10464470
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided, which is capable of changing the clearness of a contrast boundary line correspondingly to a traveling state or a traveling environment of a vehicle. The vehicle lamp is mounted in a vehicle and configured to form a prescribed light distribution pattern including a contrast boundary line, the vehicle lamp including: a sensor provided in the vehicle; and a clearness control unit configured to change clearness of the contrast boundary line correspondingly to a detection result of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masafumi Ohno
  • Patent number: 10228610
    Abstract: A camera mounting wheeled tray may comprise a main tray body having a first end, a second end, a top side and a bottom side. The camera mounting wheeled tray may comprise a plurality of wheels, at least some of the plurality of wheels being located on the bottom side of the main tray body and configured to engage with and roll along two perpendicular bars. It may also comprise at least one tray safety comprising a first section that extends perpendicularly downward from the main tray body and a second section configured to, when in an engaged position, extend parallel to the main tray body and underneath at least one of the two perpendicular bars. The camera mounting wheeled tray may also comprise a friction brake and a plurality of mounting holes for cameras on the main tray body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Camera Goat, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffery Garland
  • Patent number: 10162591
    Abstract: A coiled coil geometry of modular concave LED/OLED panels or “tiles” can effectively display a simulated barreling wave. The structure of the coiled coil LED/OLED modules allows one or more users/participants to stand on and/or sit in a motion or non-motion seating platform to observe the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Welck
  • Patent number: 9849385
    Abstract: Systems and methods for programmatically generating anamorphic images for presentation in a physical gaming suite (e.g., anamorphic images that are viewable without requiring any external wearable device) are disclosed herein. An example method includes: monitoring, using data received from one or more sensors, viewing characteristics associated with one or more game participants in the physical gaming suite. The method also includes: determining a viewpoint that is based on at least some of the monitored viewing characteristics. The method further includes: based on the viewpoint, generating a anamorphic image for presentation within the physical gaming suite. The method additional includes: providing, to the one or more display devices, data to present the anamorphic image within the physical gaming suite (e.g., near at least one physical object that is included within the physical gaming suite).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GOLFSTREAM INC.
    Inventors: Sameer M. Gupta, Scott A. Basinger, Adnan I. Ansar, Andres Castano
  • Patent number: 9690170
    Abstract: A remote-controllable camera dolly and a system for television, film or video recording, including a camera dolly is disclosed. The remote-controllable camera dolly comprises a planar first main part, at least four first wheels that are connected to the first main part and whose rotational axes are each arranged parallel to one another, at least four second wheels that are connected to the first main part and whose rotational axes are each arranged in a first plane that is substantially orthogonal to the rotational axes of said at least four first wheels such that the camera dolly can be moved, guided along a guide element, by means of said at least four first wheels and at least four second wheels, as well as a motorized camera holder which is detachably connected to the fast main part and can be pivoted an at least two axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Blackcam 4D GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Janze, Jan Karabasz
  • Patent number: 9625084
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a modular bridging structure and a system for using that structure. The bridging structure has a channel configured to receive a portion of an elongate rail, the channel being configured to receive the elongate rail substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the modular bridging structure, and a rail fastener securing the received rail within the channel. Additionally, the modular bridging structure has a leg receiver configured to receive an elongate leg section such that the leg section is attached through a bottom side of the modular bridging structure. There is a leg fastener that secures the received leg section to the modular bridging structure such that the securing point of the fastener is adjustable along a plurality of points along each leg section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Camera Goat, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffery Garland
  • Publication number: 20140168608
    Abstract: A road vehicle which may switch between a driver dependent mode in which the control of the vehicle is dependent on a driver located in the vehicle and a driver independent mode in which the control of the vehicle is independent of a driver. The vehicle includes an image projecting system for projecting a motion picture on an interior surface of the vehicle, and at least one window glass configurable to function as a screen for showing images projected by the image projecting system. When the vehicle is controlled in the driver independent mode, an area of the window glass is changed from readily transparent to the screen for showing images projected by the image projecting system either by a change in a property of the window glass or covering the area of the window glass by an image reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Disley
  • Publication number: 20100195054
    Abstract: A device for selectively illuminating images on an auto wheel cap/spinner in a strobe-like fashion in order simulate an animated phenakistoscope which may be resident within the wheel-well of said automobile or implemented in a stand alone furnishing or piece of jewelry/clothing accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Marcus Gant
  • Patent number: 7465108
    Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. A current breaker secured in an environmentally protected housing on the exterior of the surveillance system connected to the power supply and the electronics and surveillance equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Cam Guard Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Brown
  • Patent number: 6595704
    Abstract: A two degree of freedom camera mount. The camera mount includes a socket, a ball, a first linkage and a second linkage. The socket includes an interior surface and an opening. The ball is positioned within an interior of the socket. The ball includes a coupling point for rotating the ball relative to the socket and an aperture for mounting a camera. The first and second linkages are rotatably connected to the socket and slidably connected to the coupling point of the ball. Rotation of the linkages with respect to the socket causes the ball to rotate with respect to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Metrica, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert O. Ambrose
  • Patent number: 6585428
    Abstract: A surveillance system is provided including a platform having a plurality and variety of cameras or sensors mounted thereto, and a base enclosure adapted to accommodate a power supply, a variety of electronics and other equipment for controlling and providing power to the surveillance equipment. The base is constructed to be tamper resistant and immovable by manual means. A substantially hollow support pole includes a lower portion detachably mounted to the base, and an upper portion mounted to the platform. Wires and cables for connecting the surveillance equipment with the electronics and power supply are run through the support pole. Power to the system may be supplied through existing power sources, for example a 120V power source. The system may further be adapted to be trailer mountable for facilitating transport of the system. A trailer assembly specifically adapted for transporting the system may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Richard H. Wesselink, Paul J. Wesselink, Stephen Fredrick Brown
  • Patent number: 6524020
    Abstract: A camera is suitable for installation in a passenger car motor vehicle and is arranged on a superstructure via a retaining device. To make sure that the camera will be advantageously integrated into the motor vehicle, it can be swung by the retaining device out of a resting position sunk into a wall of the superstructure into an extended operating position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Ellinger, Paul Terry, Michael Farnham, Jason Hill, Martin Meade
  • Patent number: 6474615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pedestal (1) for a variety of equipment, which require accurate aiming and robust mounting, especially form cameras (2) with a telephoto lens (3) and for telescopes, for fitting said equipment in a vehicular window opening (4) for facilitating the surveillance or photography performed from the vehicle. The pedestal (1) includes a base member (16) provided with one or more fastening holes (9) for an apparatus (2, 3) to be mounted on the pedestal, one end of said base member (16) being fitted with a fastening member (5) adapted to bear against the top edge of a glass panel (16) existing in a window opening (4) and the other end being fitted with a diagonal brace (20) adapted to bear at least at two points against a vehicular side surface (8) below the window opening. The invention relates also to the use of such a pedestal as a table stand, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ergorest Oy
    Inventor: Antti Simonen
  • Patent number: 6339455
    Abstract: A digital-video-disc vehicle television has a thin ceiling-mountable TV housing (1) having a front edge (2) from which a preferably flat TV screen (3) pivots adjustably downward from a stowage space (4) and having a rear edge (5) with a digital video disc (DVD) slot (6). The TV housing is preferably oval-shaped with a major length of about fifteen inches and a major width of about eight inches. Thickness is about one-to-three inches, depending on type and plurality of components it uses. Intermediate the stowage space and the DVD slot are dome lights (9) that preferably are adjustable for reading and a rearward-facing control panel (7) that preferably has pushbutton control and is backlit. Audiovisual signaling (18, 19) is received selectively from remote or in-vehicle broadcasting sources and from the DVD player (15) and transmitted to a speaker (14) and to the TV screen as controlled by a control unit (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: William L. Allan, Ervin R. Pilarczyk
  • Patent number: 5491464
    Abstract: A new and improved remotely-controlled radar gun apparatus is provided for a motor vehicle which has a metal roof. A remote-controlled radar gun assembly is mounted on a roof-mounted support assembly, and a radar-gun control module is contained within an interior portion of the motor vehicle. The radar-gun control module is connected to the remote-controlled radar gun assembly by a cable assembly, such that a quantity of metal in the roof of the motor vehicle provides a protective barrier to a police officer inside the motor vehicle from radar waves emitted by the remote-controlled radar gun assembly. The roof-mounted support assembly also supports a plurality of flashing light assemblies. In addition, a new and improved remotely-controlled video recording apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of remote-controlled video camera assemblies mounted on a roof-mounted support assembly, and a video camera actuator assembly remotely connected to the remote-controlled video camera assemblies by a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventors: Conrad C. Carter, Sharon G. Carter
  • Patent number: 5467906
    Abstract: A camera mounting assembly for a bicycle having a steering head and a seat post comprising two elongated beam members and support mounting members for mounting the beam members horizontally on the bicycle between the head and post. A camera mounting member is secured to the beam members by connecting members which permit selective securing of the camera mounting member in the direction of the elongation of the beam members. Additionally a stem mount for mounting a camera on the stem portion of the bicycle is provided which comprises a bracket having a plate portion and a C-shaped member connected to the ends of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Mark L. Forman
  • Patent number: 5096287
    Abstract: A video camera for an automobile is mounted on the arm which carries a rear view mirror. The camera is directed forwardly to take pictures through the front windshield of an automobile and a boot is connected between the camera and the windshield to isolate the camera lens from moisture and dust. An air duct may be connected between the boot and the air conditioner to provide a flow of air through the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki K.K.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kakinami, Mitsuyoshi Saiki
  • Patent number: 5039050
    Abstract: The inventon is for an assembly for a mounting frame that has at least three rails or elongated frame members. The assembly comprises a pair of couplings and means for fastening the couplings to each other. Each coupling includes means for receiving one of the rails, the coupling element and the rail being movable relative to each other longitudinally of the rail. Further, each coupling includes means for securing the rail at a pre-selected longitudinal position relative to the coupling. One of the couplings has means for connecting the third rail to itself. When the couplings are fastened to one another, the receiving means on each coupling are disposed to support the first two rails in crossed or non-parallel relationship to one another.The invention is also for an apparatus for mounting an article on support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Robert W. Eidschun, Daniel N. Holtzman
  • Patent number: 4933691
    Abstract: A vehicular mounted support for cameras or other optical devices comprises a support pillar attachable to the window of the vehicle and having a spacer to steady the pillar in at least partially spaced-apart relationship with the window. The pillar supports a mounting arm which in turn holds a camera or other mounting device. The mounting arm is positionably adjustable with respect to the length of the support pillar and may be articulated to allow for a better positioning of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Dennis R. Leslie
  • Patent number: 4861157
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for continuously photographing a road surface. The apparatus has a motion picture camera attached to an outside upper part of a vehicle body, a road surfacial light projector for projecting a beam of light onto a road surface to be photographed by the motion picture camera, and a vehicle speed detector so that an iris and a film feed speed of the motion picture camera may be controlled according to an output of the vehicle speed detector. According to such an arrangement, it has such advantages that a large-sized, expensive and large control apparatus is not required and also a lifetime of a lamp of the light projector is elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Pasco Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Ohama, Koroku Soma
  • Patent number: 4699484
    Abstract: A camera system which has a wheeled rail car (20) with running gear (26) front and back connected to a chassis (40) containing a movable panning head (46) on the top, covered by an enclosure (44). The panning head (46) has a motion picture camera (58) mounted thereon and the rail car (20) is self-propelled and the head (46) rotatability tilts up and down and pans 360 degrees. The car (20) is movably installed on a track system (22) consisting of rails (64) connected together with ties (78), each rail (64) having a power strip (66) supplying electrical energy to the car (20) through a set of wipers (84). An electrical control system (24) is positioned remotely from the tracks (22) and provides control for propulsion and positioning of the panning head (46), as well as control of the camera (58). A television monitor (86) receives a signal from the camera (58), allowing the operator visual indication of the scene viewed by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventors: Mary E. Howell, Michael A. Hofstein, Murrell D. Howell
  • Patent number: 4692004
    Abstract: A projector cycle is provided and consists of four movie projectors mounted adjacent to and extending above a seat tube of an exercise bicycle that are mechanically connected to a crankset of the exercise bicycle whereby the turning of the crankset will operate the projectors to project motion pictures in different directions from the exercise bicycle onto a screen. An optical mechanism can be used for extending the motion pictures further above the seat tube onto the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventors: Delores A. Wainscott, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4652238
    Abstract: A system of enhancing a limited field of view (LFOV) aircraft simulator, having less than a full 360.times.360 degree continuous field of view, such that while a primary object is tracking within the field of view it is fully reproduced as an aircraft, target, runway, etc. and once it migrates outside of this area, or if another primary object is located outside of this area, the object is represented and tracked as a light spot. Once the primary object migrates within the limited field of view, the light spot will be extinguished and replaced by the fully reproduced object. The relative distance of the primary object to the simulated cockpit is illustrated by varying the magnitude of the light spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Goodyear Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne P. Leavy
  • Patent number: 4645320
    Abstract: A camera mount for a motor vehicle which always maintains the camera level with respect to the road surface regardless of vehicle rotations due to accelerational or gravitational forces to present a camera view typical of what a human would see looking out of the vehicle and responding to such vehicle rotations in the normal manner. The camera is supported on a pendulum suspended from a gimbal support on the vehicle sprung mass and constrained with spring and damping elements which are matched to the spring and damping elements of the vehicle suspension system to produce equal and opposite rotations of the pendulum for rotations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Duane D. Muelling, Ronald J. Willett, Philip E. Nimmo
  • Patent number: 4615597
    Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera at the outside of a vehicle, including two vertical guides along which two slides are movable upwardly and downwardly to differently adjusted levels and which carry a platform on which a camera can be mounted, with the platform being adjustable horizontally relative to the slides and having pivotal connections with the slides to facilitate adjustment of the platform without the possibility of a binding action. The device may be connected to a vehicle by two upper connector elements adapted to rest on the upper edge of a door frame, and two lower elements attached to vertically adjustable lower portions or structures of the device and engageable with the vehicle at a lower level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Stephen Brooks, III
    Inventor: John T. Burriss
  • Patent number: 4579434
    Abstract: Large format photographic apparatus for creating the illusion of vehicle motion has a winch frame for supporting a cable arrangement and for simultaneously pulling two separate cables. A first cable is coupled to a subject vehicle to be photographed. The second cable is coupled via a linkage translator to a moveable platform mounted camera cart. The platform has a pair of spaced apart rails having inwardly facing surfaces and the cart has laterally disposed resilient wheels engaging the rails whereby transverse vibrational motion is reduced. Beyond the subject vehicle is an upright triangular weight bearing structure. A separate cable coupled from the rear of the vehicle being photographed to the weight balances and maintains an inertial drag on the vehicle to smooth out the motion of the cable of the vehicle. Similarly a separate cable coupled from the cart is coupled to a different upright triangular weight bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Robert L. Grigg
  • Patent number: 4534632
    Abstract: This apparatus deflects away from the lens of a camera dirt and the like, which may be thrown at it. The camera is enclosed within a housing with the lens protruding from the front wall of the housing. A protector plate is fixedly connected to the housing front wall by a plurality of spacers and has an opening in registry with the camera lens. A fan is rotatably mounted intermediate the circular plate and the housing front wall, with its axis of rotation eccentric with respect to the camera lens and the plate opening. The fan includes a plurality of spaced-apart blades movable across the camera lens and spacedly in front of it to deflect away from the lens any dirt particles which might enter the plate opening. The speed of the fan is such that the fan blades will not impair the quality of the image captured by the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Andre Laviolette
  • Patent number: 4514068
    Abstract: A camera mounting system which allows photographs to be taken from inside a surveillance or observation vehicle, with unlimited horizontal camera traverse, and an improved field of view. The mounting system comprises an assembly which fits into a hole in the roof of a vehicle or the like, and has a telescoping cap portion which, when in its retracted position, covers the hole, and also extends outwardly from the roof. A camera mounting bracket is releasably attached to the cap portion and has a mirror angled to reflect light from outside the vehicle to a camera mounted on the bracket. The bracket is rotatable within the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: Kevin G. Urquhart
  • Patent number: 4498744
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing a photograph of a mobile subject such as a vehicle, in which method a camera is mounted for linear translational movement along a support in a direction parallel with the path of movement of the subject. A motion transmitting operative connection is established between the subject and the camera such that for a linear translational displacement of the subject in said direction there will be a corresponding linear translational displacement of the camera in said direction along said support. The motion transmitting connection may comprise a mechanical connection e.g. via Bowden cable, or an electrical or electronic servo arrangement. To produce a photograph, the subject is displaced linearly in said one direction while making a photographic exposure in the camera, so that the period of the exposure lies within the period of corresponding movement of the camera along said support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Inventors: George D. Ealovega, Peter J. Langridge
  • Patent number: 4464029
    Abstract: Wide angle film shooting and projection of images on the inside of a spherical screen is accomplished by first shooting a scene using a "fish-eye" lens to obtain truncated circular images with their truncations along a common edge of the film. The images are projected onto the concave screen through a tele-objective, and a convex mirror in the center of the screen so that truncated portions of the film images correspond to the upper portion of the screen, which is of least significance to a viewer. Images of diameter greater than the width of the film can thus be used without loss of significant information. Images with an angular field as great as 220.degree. can be projected on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Inventor: Philppe Jaulmes
  • Patent number: 4421486
    Abstract: A field of view test apparatus utilizes a plurality of interchangeable acic masks to vary the resolution characteristics of a projected field of view. An eye or head tracker provides line of sight direction signals to a servo which positions the mask with the optical path of the projection to correlate the area of higher resolution with the direction of the line of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dorothy M. Baldwin, Frank J. Oharek, Archer M. Spooner
  • Patent number: 4398799
    Abstract: In a head-up display system by which visual information from a display is superimposed by means of a combiner on a pilot's view of the outside scene, the pilot's view is recorded by a head mounted camera to which light from the outside scene and superimposed display is reflected by a head-mounted mirror. The arrangement is particularly useful for pilot training purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Pilkington P.E. Limited
    Inventor: David W. Swift
  • Patent number: 4348187
    Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus for an optical visual display in a simulator training apparatus to develop a realistic infinity virtual image. Two spherical mirrors are positioned facing each other a multiple of their radius apart so that an image projected from above will be focused by one mirror so that an observer viewing the other of the two spherical mirrors will see an infinity virtual image. A modification of this arrangement is described also as providing a tilt in the projected image to develop a startling three-dimensional effect in the viewed image. A modification of this arrangement is described also as providing dual viewing of two differing infinity virtual images utilizing a single optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: Martin Dotsko
  • Patent number: 4278142
    Abstract: A system for the automatic guidance of a vehicle along a scheduled road route, which comprises marks of varying shapes possessing respectively specific travel-function information and attached to the surface of roads in the route selected for the vehicle's travel and an ITV camera mounted on the vehicle, whereby the automatic guidance of the vehicle's travel is accomplished by causing the ITV camera to photograph successively the marks on the surface of the roads and recognize the shapes of the marks on the basis of the photographed images of the marks, conveying the travel-function information of these marks successively to the automatic steering unit of the vehicle and thereby allowing the vehicle to be accurately steered along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventor: Hidehiko Kono
  • Patent number: 4251140
    Abstract: A ride assembly for simulating travel in a preprogrammed environment to passengers is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing having a moveable base adapted for carrying passengers thereon. The assembly also includes a pair of supporting carriage members, the first carriage member being moveably supported at the upper surface of a stationary support cradle member by a first set of bearings which allow the first carriage member to pitch about a fixed pitch axis associated with the cradle member. The first carriage member moveably supports the second carriage member at its upper surface by a second set of bearings which allows the second carriage member to roll about a variable roll axis associated with the first carriage member. The base is fixedly mounted on the second carriage member, and each portion of the base is moved through a range of pitch and roll positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: Robert W. Fogerty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4141630
    Abstract: An arrangement for producing or showing distance lapse motion pictures in coordination with a bicycle through mechanical or electrical system operated in accordance with the speed at which the bicycle or exercise bicycle by a user thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Inventor: Conant H. Emmons
  • Patent number: 4131345
    Abstract: A visible light projection device for producing an image on a screen in a variety of angular orientations and sizes. The device includes two servo controlled prisms rotatable about two transverse axes. The prisms serve to direct an input image to a zoom lens for reprojection of the image on a suitable screen in a variety of angular positions and image sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: Jerome T. Carollo
  • Patent number: 4111536
    Abstract: A system for registering images produced by projectors on a screen or other viewing surface is described herein. Two or more projectors are used with a laser attached to one of the projectors. The laser emits a reference point on the screen and a light-sensitive sensor such as a diode array or TV camera is connected to the other projector to allow a determination of the reference point. One motion system is connected to one of the projectors and the laser and another motion system is connected to the other projector and the sensor. A computer is coupled to both motion systems, the laser and the sensor so that the computer will cause the projectors to move so that the images produced by the projectors are always registered and are believable to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: Charles L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4093364
    Abstract: A photographic recording arrangement to be mounted in a motor vehicle, particularly for use by law enforcement personnel, is described. The arrangement includes a camera of specific construction which is mounted on the dashboard and is capable of automatically taking, on a reel of film, sequential frames of pictures of the vehicle under observation, thus recording the license plate thereof, as well as the behavior of the driver handling the vehicle and, in another sequence, photographically recording, in a given number of frames, the speedometer reading of the car in which the camera is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Keith G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4063258
    Abstract: A combined vehicular spotlight and camera assembly. In a preferred form the invention comprises a housing adapted to be attached to the vehicle roof, a spotlight disposed internally of the housing to illuminate an object to be photographed and a camera associated with the spotlight and simultaneously aimed therewith. Appropriate linkage for controlling the apparatus extends into the vehicle through an appropriate orifice in the vehicle roof. Means are provided for remotely actuating the camera shutter and film advance mechanisms. In an alternate form of this invention a camera is associated with an externally located, door post-mounted spotlight, operated simultaneously therewith through linkage extending into the vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Inventor: Robert H. Allen
  • Patent number: 4015342
    Abstract: A cinematographic film system which employs film having a motion picture sequence recorded thereon with at least one intervening frame between recorded frames. A second motion picture sequence is recorded on uniformly spaced intervening frames. The film is projected using a film transport operating to advance the film in multiple frame steps equal to the spacing of the frames in said motion picture sequences. The film transport is adjustable to permit, on signal, a single one-frame advance and thus shift the film from one to the other of said motion picture sequences. In a vehicle simulator, the film and projector coact to impart considerable flexibility to film-based visual display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1973
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1977
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventor: Francis L. Masselle
  • Patent number: 3998532
    Abstract: The invention utilizes a vertically positioned arc lamp and associated lamp ollector-reflector in conjunction with depending associated secondary and projection mirrors, the projection mirror being convex and centrally apertured to form an exit pupil closely adjacent and above the head of an observer and in the center of a curved projection screen to minimize perspective distortion of image as seen by the viewer. The invention further provides an elimination of shadow effect by the depending relationship of the apparatus and by the recessing of arc lamp electrode through an aperture in the lamp reflector. An adaption of image spacing by recessed fitting of image on film to adapt the film to intended projector image width is also an aspect of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Wiley V. Dykes
  • Patent number: 3958871
    Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a composite three layer specially polari motion target film for gunnery practice in which two vectograph films of 90.degree. variance in polarization and a black and white film comprise the composite film and are prepared by image transfer from a normal color movie film of a real world scene including background and target areas made with the target areas painted a color uncommon to the colors in the background. The method includes filtering out background and target areas respectively in image transfer to the respective vectograph films and in utilizing a filter rendering an appropriate gray value to the uncommon color target areas in the image transfer to the black and white film to cause the uncommon color targets to blend in with the background properly in the image obtained from the composite film. The result obtained is a complete motion picture film plus target areas, visible and invisible, of 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gottfried R. Rosendahl, Windell N. Mohon