Patents Assigned to Panavision Inc.
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Publication number: 20130257602Abstract: A control system that simulates forces associated with controls for mechanically-driven heads includes a control element; a haptic force-feedback system, and a sensor system. Haptic elements can include stiffness elements, motors, and brakes. Each of these haptic elements, used alone or in combination, is capable of producing one or more haptic force-feedback effects that simulate forces associated with controls for mechanical heads. Such forces could result, for example, from handwheel accelerations, decelerations, gear cogging, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: John M. Higbie
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Patent number: 7101045Abstract: An automated system for compensating the pan and tilt of a camera head for the movements of a camera support structure and/or a subject matter. A processing system receives signals relating to the movement of the camera support structure, such as the swing, boom and telescope of the crane arm, the movements of a dolly, and preferably the movements of a subject matter. The system employs these inputs to determine the position of the camera and subject matter in a defined world coordinate system and sends signals to compensate the pan and tilt of the camera head so that the field of view of the camera is generally centered on the subject matter being filmed as defined within the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Panavision Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Romanoff, Michael J. Keesling
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Patent number: 7006141Abstract: A method for modifying the spectrum of light rays passing through an objective lens to an electronic camera that includes providing an interference type filter within the objective lens. The interference type filter may be a coating on a separate optical element added to the objective lens or on a normal optical component of the objective lens. The interference filter coating is located along the optical axis where the light rays are substantially collimated and have a minimum light ray incidence angle with respect to the coating surface, which angle should not exceed 15 degrees for any of the light rays passing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Iain A. Neil, John J. Galt
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Patent number: 6970201Abstract: A method and lens system for modifying the modulation transfer function of the light passing through the lens system to a camera or other imaging system that includes providing a spatial frequency response modifying (SFRM) filter within the lens system. The SFRM filter may be a thin film(s) or other type of modifying filter, including any conventional diffusion filters. The SFRM filter is located along the optical axis where the on-axis, zero field angle light rays are collimated in any lens system and form light beam(s) of a substantially constant cross sectional area throughout the range of focusing of a prime objective lens or throughout the ranges of zooming and focusing of an objective zoom lens for providing a consistent modulation transfer function of the light reaching the camera or other imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: Iain A. Neil
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Patent number: 6961188Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths and optional image stabilization.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Panavision Inc.Inventors: Ellis I. Betensky, James Brian Caldwell, Iain A. Neil, Takanori Yamanashi
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Patent number: 6930721Abstract: A lens mount apparatus for removably supporting interchangeable lenses on the front of a conventional professional HD video camera separately and alternatively to the lens mount provided with the video camera. A replacement face plate is mounted on the front of the video camera and has an alternate lens mount mechanism for receiving the interchangeably lenses without interfering with the lens mount of the video camera. Top and bottom plates are connected to the video camera and the face plate for providing a reinforced lens support structure. The conventional video lens mount and video image detector are adjustably mounted on the back of the lens mount mechanism and extend behind the replacement face plate for aligning the axes of the image detector with the alternate lens mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Panavision Inc.Inventor: Richard Gelbard
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Patent number: 6927797Abstract: A viewfinder for mounting on a camera having a video signal tap, such as a professional video camera, to extend forwardly and laterally of the camera. A pivotable member is connected to a support base for selectively pivoting about a laterally extending axis and being selectively locked in any angular position. A viewing module is releasably connected to the pivotable member to extend rearwardly along the side of the camera and has a CRT facing rearwardly with an eyepiece for viewing the CRT. The viewing module has controls for the CRT on an outwardly facing surface for manually adjusting the controls. Cooperating and releasable electrical connectors are provided between the pivot member and the viewing module for transmitting video signals and electrical power therebetween. An extension member, either of a fixed length or telescoping, may be installed between the pivot member and the viewing module and has the same electrical connectors.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Panavision Inc.Inventor: Richard Gelbard
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Publication number: 20050007553Abstract: An automated system for compensating the pan and tilt of a camera head for the movements of a camera support structure and/or a subject matter. A processing system receives signals relating to the movement of the camera support structure, such as the swing, boom and telescope of the crane arm, the movements of a dolly, and preferably the movements of a subject matter. The system employs these inputs to determine the position of the camera and subject matter in a defined world coordinate system and sends signals to compensate the pan and tilt of the camera head so that the field of view of the camera is generally centered on the subject matter being filmed as defined within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2004Publication date: January 13, 2005Applicant: PANAVISION INC.Inventors: Andrew Romanoff, Michael Keesling
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Patent number: 6820980Abstract: An automated system for compensating the pan and tilt of a camera head for the movements of a camera support structure and/or a subject matter. A processing system receives signals relating to the movement of the camera support structure, such as the swing, boom and telescope of the crane arm, the movements of a dolly, and preferably the movements of a subject matter. The system employs these inputs to determine the position of the camera and subject matter in a defined world coordinate system and sends signals to compensate the pan and tilt of the camera head so that the field of view of the camera is generally centered on the subject matter being filmed as defined within the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Romanoff, Michael J. Keesling, Christopher J. Verplaetse
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Patent number: 6819867Abstract: A system (30) for remotely controlling the operation of a camera (10) having a video signal tap and a lens having lens focus, zoom and T-stop adjustment motors (24, 26, 28). A digital motor driver unit (32) is connected to and controls the camera and the lens motors. A portable digital controller (34) has either a hardwire (36) or wireless connection to the motor driver unit and is sized for holding in one hand. The controller has separate controls (52, 62, 66, 70) that are manually adjustable for controlling the motor driver unit to separately and independently control the camera and the lens motors. The controller also has a display screen (56) for selectively displaying a scene from the video signal tap of the camera or data from the lens motors. The system includes a memory and processing means for selective operation with a plurality of different cameras and lenses and to calibrate the lenses to the controller and motor driver unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Albert L. Mayer, Jr., Boon Yong, Brian Dang, Zhen Zhou
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Patent number: 6724429Abstract: A system for sensing and displaying lens data for a cinematography zoom lens and camera in real time. A plurality of sensors are connected to the lens for producing signals continually representing the present positions of focus, zoom and T-stop setting rings of the lens. A range finder is positioned adjacent the lens for producing a signal representing the distance from the lens to an object located in front of the lens. A printed circuit board with a microprocessor receives and processes the signals and has a memory with data representing the focus, zoom and T-stop characteristics of that lens. A display device is positioned adjacent the lens and selectively displays indicia representing the positions of the focus, zoom and T-stop settings, the distance to the object and the depth of field.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Morris Shore, Wynn Bowers, Vince H. Catlin, Felipe Navarro, Christopher J. Verplaetse
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Publication number: 20040021953Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed. The zoom lens system forms a final image of an object and a first intermediate real image between the object and the final image. The zoom lens system includes a first optical unit located between the object and the first intermediate real image. The first optical unit comprises at least one optical subunit which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the first intermediate real image. The zoom lens system also includes a second optical unit located between the first intermediate real image and the final image, at least a portion of which is moved to change the size (magnification) of the final image. The zoom lens system provides a wide zoom range of focal lengths with continuous zooming between the focal lengths and optional image stabilization.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: PANAVISION, INC.Inventors: Ellis I. Betensky, James Brian Caldwell, Iain A. Neil, Takanori Yamanashi
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Patent number: 6667836Abstract: A viewfinder eyepiece for a camera having a video signal tap, particularly a professional high definition video camera, for viewing the display screen of a display device, such as a CRT, in the viewfinder. The eyepiece includes a negative powered lens on an optical axis and positioned adjacent the display screen, a first positive powered lens on the optical axis is spaced from the negative powered lens is located at an eye-viewing end of the eyepiece, and a second positive powered lens positioned on the optical axis between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens. The second positive lens is mounted in the eyepiece to be movable along the optical axis in the space between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens for adjusting the focus on the display screen through the eyepiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: Iain A. Neil
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Publication number: 20030080267Abstract: A multi-sized clamp capable of attaching to various sized cylindrical objects such as iris rods of a professional movie camera. The multi-sized clamp includes a pair of clamp jaws connected by a hinge and a pivotable adjustment rod. The clamp jaws' interior surfaces include curved surfaces having at least two different diameters. The clamp jaws are opened by turning the pivotable adjustment rod in one direction and closed by turning it in the opposite direction. One of the clamp jaws also contains a body that also has an opening and an L-shaped split above the opening with a closing mechanism running through the body above the opening and through the split. The closing mechanism when turned in one direction increases the opening and decreases the opening when turned in the opposite direction, thus allowing other equipment to be attached to the clamp through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: William Robert Eslick
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Publication number: 20030025802Abstract: A system (30) for remotely controlling the operation of a camera (10) having a video signal tap and a lens having lens focus, zoom and T-stop adjustment motors (24, 26, 28). A digital motor driver unit (32) is connected to and controls the camera and the lens motors. A portable digital controller (34) has either a hardwire (36) or wireless connection to the motor driver unit and is sized for holding in one hand. The controller has separate controls (52, 62, 66, 70) that are manually adjustable for controlling the motor driver unit to separately and independently control the camera and the lens motors. The controller also has a display screen (56) for selectively displaying a scene from the video signal tap of the camera or data from the lens motors. The system includes a memory and processing means for selective operation with a plurality of different cameras and lenses and to calibrate the lenses to the controller and motor driver unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Albert L. Mayer, Boon Yong, Brian Dang, Zhen Zhou
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Publication number: 20030011692Abstract: A system for sensing and displaying lens data for a cinematography zoom lens and camera in real time. A plurality of sensors are connected to the lens for producing signals continually representing the present positions of focus, zoom and T-stop setting rings of the lens. A range finder is positioned adjacent the lens for producing a signal representing the distance from the lens to an object located in front of the lens. A printed circuit board with a microprocessor receives and processes the signals and has a memory with data representing the focus, zoom and T-stop characteristics of that lens. A display device is positioned adjacent the lens and selectively displays indicia representing the positions of the focus, zoom and T-stop settings, the distance to the object and the depth of field.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventors: Morris Shore, Wynn Bowers, Vince H. Catlin, Felipe Navarro, Christopher J. Verplaetse
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Publication number: 20020191300Abstract: A viewfinder eyepiece for a camera having a video signal tap, particularly a professional high definition video camera, for viewing the display screen of a display device, such as a CRT, in the viewfinder. The eyepiece includes a negative powered lens on an optical axis and positioned adjacent the display screen, a first positive powered lens on the optical axis is spaced from the negative powered lens is located at an eye-viewing end of the eyepiece, and a second positive powered lens positioned on the optical axis between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens. The second positive lens is mounted in the eyepiece to be movable along the optical axis in the space between the negative powered lens and the first positive powered lens for adjusting the focus on the display screen through the eyepiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: Iain A. Neil
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Patent number: 6480681Abstract: An adjustable viewfinder optical system for a shoulder-supported movie or video camera having interchangeable objective lenses. The system includes first and second lens groups aligned on an optical axis for receiving and relaying an image received from the objective lens of the camera to the viewer's eye. The first lens group is in a forwardly extending portion of the viewfinder that is pivotally joined to a rearwardly extending portion of the viewfinder containing the second lens group. The forwardly extending portion has a telescoping portion for varying the eye position of the viewer relative to the camera in the fore-and aft direction. The light is collimated between the first and second lens groups at the telescoping portion, whereby the image viewed in the viewfinder remains in focus and the same magnification throughout the telescoping adjustment movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: Iain A. Neil
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Publication number: 20020154237Abstract: A viewfinder for mounting on a camera having a video signal tap, such as a professional video camera, to extend forwardly and laterally of the camera. A pivotable member is connected to a support base for selectively pivoting about a laterally extending axis and being selectively locked in any angular position. A viewing module is releasably connected to the pivotable member to extend rearwardly along the side of the camera and has a CRT facing rearwardly with an eyepiece for viewing the CRT. The viewing module has controls for the CRT on an outwardly facing surface for manually adjusting the controls. Cooperating and releasable electrical connectors are provided between the pivot member and the viewing module for transmitting video signals and electrical power therebetween. An extension member, either of a fixed length or telescoping, may be installed between the pivot member and the viewing module and has the same electrical connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: Panavision , Inc.Inventor: Richard Gelbard
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Publication number: 20020130963Abstract: A lens mount apparatus for removably supporting interchangeable lenses on the front of a conventional professional HD video camera separately and alternatively to the lens mount provided with the video camera. A replacement face plate is mounted on the front of the video camera and has an alternate lens mount mechanism for receiving the interchangeably lenses without interfering with the lens mount of the video camera. Top and bottom plates are connected to the video camera and the face plate for providing a reinforced lens support structure. The conventional video lens mount and video image detector are adjustably mounted on the back of the lens mount mechanism and extend behind the replacement face plate for aligning the axes of the image detector with the alternate lens mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Applicant: Panavision, Inc.Inventor: Richard Gelbard