Abstract: In a video recording environment, a compact, rugged, intelligent tracking apparatus and method enables the automation of labor-intensive operating of cameras, lights, microphones and other devices. Auto-framing of a tracked object within the viewfinder of a supported camera is possible. The device can sense more than one object at once, and includes multiple ways to easy way to switch from one object to another. The methods show how the auto-framing device can be “predictive” of movements, intelligently smooth the tilt and swivel motions so that the end effect is a professional looking picture or video. It is designed to be uniquely small yet rugged and waterproof. And it can accept configuration input from users via a smartphone or extreme-sports camera over wi-fi or bluetooth, including user-programmable scripts that automate the device functionality in easy to use ways.

Abstract: A method for tracking a cinematography target that has been associated with an emitter can comprise receiving an indication to track a particular identifier. The particular identifier can be associated with an object of interest. The method can further comprise identifying, using at least one tracker component, a direction associated with the particular identifier. The method can also include calculating a motor actuation sequence necessary to actuate a control component to track the object of interest with an audiovisual device. The method can further comprise actuating at least one motor to track the object of interest.

Abstract: A method for tracking a cinematography target that has been associated with an emitter can comprise receiving an indication to track a particular identifier. The particular identifier can be associated with an object of interest. The method can further comprise identifying, using at least one tracker component, a direction associated with the particular identifier. The method can also include calculating a motor actuation sequence necessary to actuate a control component to track the object of interest with an audiovisual device. The method can further comprise actuating at least one motor to track the object of interest.

Abstract: In a computerized film (digital camera action) production system, a virtual director module takes responsibility for creating sets, and enabling cinematography by creating a synthetic parallax matching of a “set” image to what would have existed before a camera in real motion about the physical location represented. This overcomes failures typical of “green screen” technology in dealing with such conditions as shallow depth of field and low light. Computer generated, synthetic sets from a 3D animator may be projected behind real actors during or after filming. Sythetic sets are seen through a virtual camera as photo-realistic because they are skinned with textures, and structured geometrically, to match reality represented by actual still photography of a physical environment, such as buildings, walls, streets, landscapes, props, and the like.

Abstract: A system for tracking a cinematography target comprises an emitter configured to attach to a target and to provide a tracking indicator. The system also comprises a tracker configured to receive tracking data from a separate tracking data reception device and based upon the received tracking data to actuate one or more motors that cause an attached cinematography device to point towards the tracking indicator. Further, the tracking data reception device can be configured to generate information relating to the location of the tracking indicator. In particular, the tracking data reception device can comprise one or more sensor modules that are configured to identify a location of the tracking indicator relative to the tracking data reception device. The system can also comprise a user interface device configured to receive commands from a user and communicate the commands to the tracker.

Abstract: A system for tracking a cinematography target can comprise an emitter configured to attach to a target and to emit a tracking signal. A tracker can be configured to receive the tracking signal from the emitter and to track the emitter based upon the received tracking signal. The tracker can comprise a control module configured to identify a location of the target and to position an audiovisual device to align with a target. Additionally, the tracker can comprise a script execution processor configured to execute a user selected script. The user selected script may be selected from a set of respectively unique scripts. The user selected script can determine one or more control module movements specific to tracking the emitter.

Abstract: A system for tracking a cinematography target can comprise a tracking device configured to identify an emitter and to track the movements of the emitter. The tracking device can comprise one or more user display devices and a first user interface input component. The user display devices can be configured to indicate whether the tracking device is currently tracking the emitter. The first user interface input component can be configured to select a particular pulse pattern from a set of pulse patterns, which particular pulse pattern the tracking device is configured to track.

Abstract: A system for tracking a cinematography target can comprise a tracking system configured to identify a particular emitter and to track the movements of the particular emitter. The tracking system can comprise a transmission module, an antenna array, and a motor module. The motor module can point a cinematography device towards an emitter.

Abstract: A system for tracking a cinematography target comprises an emitter configured to attach to a target and to emit a tracking signal that is directionally identifiable by a tracker. The emitter comprising an output module configured to emit the tracking signal. The tracking signal comprises a non-continuous electromagnetic signal according to a specified pattern, which specified pattern is selectable from a collection of distinct patterns.

Abstract: In a video recording environment, a compact, rugged, intelligent tracking apparatus and method enables the automation of labor-intensive operating of cameras, lights, microphones and other devices. Auto-framing of a tracked object within the viewfinder of a supported camera is possible. The device can sense more than one object at once, and includes multiple ways to easy way to switch from one object to another. The methods show how the auto-framing device can be “predictive” of movements, intelligently smooth the tilt and swivel motions so that the end effect is a professional looking picture or video. It is designed to be uniquely small yet rugged and waterproof. And it can accept configuration input from users via a smartphone or extreme-sports camera over wi-fi or bluetooth, including user-programmable scripts that automate the device functionality in easy to use ways.

Abstract: In a computerized film (digital camera action) production system, a virtual director module takes responsibility for creating sets, and enabling cinematography by creating a synthetic parallax matching of a “set” image to what would have existed before a camera in real motion about the physical location represented. This overcomes failures typical of “green screen” technology in dealing with such conditions as shallow depth of field and low light. Computer generated, synthetic sets from a 3D animator may be projected behind real actors during or after filming. Sythetic sets are seen through a virtual camera as photo-realistic because they are skinned with textures, and structured geometrically, to match reality represented by actual still photography of a physical environment, such as buildings, walls, streets, landscapes, props, and the like.