Abstract: A digital camera comprising a digital image sensor and at least one corrective lens element configured to reduce a blurring of an image in a horizontal or vertical dimension on the digital image sensor. Preferably the digital image sensor is a large digital imager such as a Digital 65 imager.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising a digital image sensor and at least one corrective lens element configured to reduce a blurring of an image in a horizontal or vertical dimension on the digital image sensor. The digital image sensor may be larger than a 28 millimeter diagonal.

Abstract: A modular lens system for use with a camera system and connected therewith. The lens system including modular sections configured to include one or more lenses and/or an aperture. The one or more lenses are controlled by one or more motors to enhance focus, softness, and/or size and other optical characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for producing non-rotationally symmetric optical aberrations. Such aberrations may be created by a removable attachment that may be attached to another lens, such as a spherical lens. Aberrations that appear to reproduce an anamorphic effect may be produced, yet the underlying camera system may remain a spherical camera system, and the capture mode may remain non-anamorphic.

Abstract: In contrast to the traditional transitions used in systems that switch over a camera with a handheld top mount to a low mode mount, a quick swap top mountable camera mount system includes a quick swap handheld top mount, a quick swap mounting plate, and a quick swap low mode mount. Unlike traditional methods and components, fewer pieces are required to be removed and replaced due, in part, to the use of quick swap coupling elements, which allow various types of mounts to quickly and easily decouple from the quick swap mounting plate.

Abstract: A variable diameter mounting attachment joins an accessory, such as a matte box, to a lens of a camera, such as a video camera, digital camera or broadcast camera, while blocking undesired light from reaching the lens. The attachment incorporates two synchronized mechanisms activated together by rotation of an outer gear ring: (1) a series of jaws to clench an outer edge of the lens housing, and (2) a multiple blade iris diaphragm to block undesired light from entering the lens. A lock lever clamps the outer gear ring in fixed position.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for a camera includes a main frame, a mid plate pivotably connected to the main frame and a back plate pivotably connected to the mid plate, and optionally a front plate. The pivot connections allow a user to adjust the curve of the shoulder rest. A tilt plate attached to a top surface of the main frame is configured to tilt to an angle with respect to the main frame. An adapter to which the camera is removably mounted is attached to the tilt plate, and may be moved forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the main frame, and/or may be moved toward and away from a side edge of the main frame. The tilt plate and adapter together allow the user to offset the camera away from the user's head for greater comfort.

Abstract: An apparatus including a camera optical element and a tactile indicator associated with the camera optical element for indicating a property of the camera optical element.

Abstract: A modular lens system for use with a camera system and connected therewith. The lens system including modular sections configured to include one or more lenses and/or an aperture. The one or more lenses are controlled by one or more motors to enhance focus, softness, and/or size and other optical characteristics.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a region of interest. The system may be used to adjust focus of a motion picture camera. The system may include a first camera configured to have a first field of view, and a second camera configured to have a second field of view that overlaps at least a portion of the first field of view. The system may include a processor configured to calculate a distance of the selected region of interest relative to a location by comparing a position of the selected region of interest in the first field of view with a position of the selected region of interest in the second field of view.

Abstract: Camera mount systems, allowing a camera crew to quickly change over from one type of camera mount to another type of camera mount, include an adapter plate and a camera mounting plate, which can mount to various types of camera mounts. The adapter plate includes a support platform and primary and secondary female alignment elements, which form sockets. The sockets are configured to receive primary and secondary male alignment elements of the camera mounting plate. The camera mounting plate and the adapter plate are configured to mate, using one or more locking, engagement, and/or catch mechanisms such that the mounting plate is securely positioned on the adapter plate. Upon assembly of a camera mount system with a camera mount, movement of the camera during and between filming is avoided.

Abstract: 360-degree panoramic camera systems include a plurality of modular cameras positioned at angular intervals to capture images around a 360-degree field of view, a camera-housing module configured to at least house the plurality of cameras, an electronic interface coupled to each camera, and an imaging system coupled to the electronic interface. The camera systems utilize technology that processes fixed images or raw video streams at a minimum of 24 frames per second. In so doing, these systems produce a high-resolution, seamless image of objects within the 360-degree field of view. The technology also allows for real-time correction of distortions, spherical projection, stitching, blending, white balance, etc.

Abstract: Camera mounts systems, allowing a camera crew to quickly changeover from one type of camera mount to another type of camera mount, include an adapter plate and a camera mounting plate, which can mount to various types of camera mounts. The adapter plate includes a support platform and primary and secondary female alignment elements, which form sockets. The sockets are configured to receive primary and secondary male alignment elements of the camera mounting plate. The camera mounting plate and the adapter plate are configured to mate, using one or more locking, engagement, and/or catch mechanisms such that the mounting plate is securely positioned on the adapter plate to. Upon assembly of the system with a camera mount movement of the camera during and between filming is avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a zoom lens system may comprise at least four lens groups having a NPNP power sequence. The first lens group may include a stationary lens element. The second through fourth lens groups may be movable during zooming. An additional movable N or P lens group on the image side of the system may correct field curvatures or astigmatism. The first lens group may include a stationary, N first lens subgroup and an N second lens subgroup having a movable lens element for focusing. The first lens group may contribute to low focus breathing. Multiple lens groups may have matching movement plans. Some embodiments may be high speed and have a first lens group that can be stationary during zoom. Some embodiments may have only one aspheric surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a zoom lens system may comprise at least four lens groups having a NPNP power sequence. The first lens group may include a stationary lens element. The second through fourth lens groups may be movable during zooming. An additional movable N or P lens group on the image side of the system may correct field curvatures or astigmatism. The first lens group may include a stationary, N first lens subgroup and an N second lens subgroup having a movable lens element for focusing. The first lens group may contribute to low focus breathing. Multiple lens groups may have matching movement plans. Some embodiments may be high speed and have a first lens group that can be stationary during zoom. Some embodiments may have only one aspheric surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical zoom lens system may comprise three lens groups with a PNP power sequence. The first lens group may vary focus. The second and third lens groups may be movable to vary magnification during zoom. The first lens group may include three lens subgroups with an NNP power sequence: a stationary first lens subgroup, a second lens subgroup including a movable lens element, and a stationary or movable third lens subgroup. The second lens subgroup may include two parts, which may be movable at different rates of travel to vary focus. One part may include the movable lens element. Lens elements of the first lens group may be movable according to different focus movement plans. In the first lens group, lens element movement and lens element power may contribute to provide low focus breathing over the entire zoom range. The F-number may be F/2.8 or less.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical zoom lens system may comprise three lens groups with a PNP power sequence. The first lens group may vary focus. The second and third lens groups may be movable to vary magnification during zoom. The first lens group may include three lens subgroups with an NNP power sequence: a stationary first lens subgroup, a second lens subgroup including a movable lens element, and a stationary or movable third lens subgroup. The second lens subgroup may include two parts, which may be movable at different rates of travel to vary focus. One part may include the movable lens element. Lens elements of the first lens group may be movable according to different focus movement plans. In the first lens group, lens element movement and lens element power may contribute to provide low focus breathing over the entire zoom range. The F-number may be F/2.8 or less.

Abstract: A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.

Abstract: An image processor is disclosed which is capable of automatically generating a series of test signals, running the test signals through its image processing software and hardware, and capturing the resulting output signals to automatically generate a 3D LUT that represents most or all of the imaging processing steps being performed by the image processor. No external equipment is required to generate the 3D LUT. In other embodiments, the image processor may be connected to an external image processing device, and the image processor can then automatically generate a series of test signals, run those test signals through the external image processing device, and capture the resulting output signals to automatically generate a 3D LUT that represents most of all of the image processing steps being performed by the external image processing device.

Abstract: The calibration (e.g. color correction and/or equalization) of one or more display devices in an automated fashion using feedback obtained directly from the display devices, without requiring any manual or subjective evaluation, is disclosed. A sensor associated with a particular display device automatically measures certain characteristics of the display device, and feeds back calibration information to an image processor at the input to the display device. Based on the feedback, the image processor adjusts the characteristics of the display device to match a reference characteristic. When multiple sensors are used with multiple display devices and image processors, substantially uniform display characteristics and matching of the multiple display devices is possible.