Abstract: The present invention is a dynamically balanced, lightweight multifunctional, camera stabilization device that allows a film or digital video camera to be flown out of arms reach of the operator and maintain orientation toward the subject matter, while allowing the operator smooth control of rotation or pan of the camera.

Abstract: A panhead (1) having a counterbalance action suitable for heavy cameras or equipment, and provides instantaneous electronic measurements of head settings and position. The improved counterbalance utilizes a dual-tower dual-axis non-linear mechanism as well as position encoders indexed to each axis (7-13) of head movement. Potentiometer setting detectors are also indexed to settable adjustments to read and relay such adjustments, and an electronic display (25) conveys information regarding the current positions and settings of the camera head (1). A novel mounting system situated at the top of the head provides for fast and simple mounting and unmounting of equipment or a dutch roll head. In particular, a novel dovetail (19, 21) engagement mechanism swings a dovetail side down during detachment. In an embodiment of the invention, the dutch roll head can be remotely proportionally actuated by a user via a switch mountable to a handle used for panning and tilting of the pan head.

Abstract: An aerial support platform is supported to extend below, and intermediate of, a pair of parallel cables mounted along respective opposite walls of a studio. A carriage rides on each of the parallel cables, and another pair of cables extends to connect the pair of carriages. A third carriage sits on the other pair of cables, and a series of further cables extend vertically from that carriage to the platform. The pair of carriages positioned on the opposite walls of the studio are controlled to move in tandem, and the third carriage has controlled movement between those carriages. The platform may be raised or lowered relative to the third carriage, and thus has three linear axes of motion. The platform has two additional axes of motion, both rotational. One is around a vertical axis and another is around an axis normal to the vertical axis. Cinematographic equipment may be fixed to the platform, which can then be oriented using a computer at a remote location.

Abstract: The system includes a mobile remote unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a base or stationary unit and an IR transmitter which is placed behind a rotating lens whose position at any time is known with precision resulting in the IR signal being "scanned" across an area. The remote unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and provides this data via an RF signal to the base unit wherein the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the remote unit creates an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Transmitters for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in each of the units.

Abstract: A remotely operated camera system has a camera on a mobile camera mounting unit suspended from a suspension cable guidingly supporting the camera mounting unit for movement to and fro along a predetermined path of travel. An endless traction cable extends along the path of travel of the camera mounting unit, and is driven so that opposed runs of the traction cable move in opposite directions along the path of travel. Pulleys on the cable mounting unit are wrapped by the opposed runs of the traction cable and a remote control selectively operates the pulleys to transmit drive to the camera mounting unit and thereby to displace the latter in the corresponding direction along the suspension cable. This system avoids having a prime mover or an operator on the camera mounting unit.

Abstract: A robotic camera dolly system includes a motorized dolly which rolls freely across a studio floor under computer control, the dolly carrying a camera. Targets are provided on the floor at various locations from which camera shots are to be taken. The dolly is moved from one target to the vicinity of another target according to a learned sequence of movements controlled by a remote dolly computer. The learned sequence of movements is taught with the aid of a joystick, and the motions are replayed based on dead reckoning. In order to correct translational and angular errors in the position of the dolly at the destination target, optosensors are provided on the dolly for use in detecting and reorienting the dolly relative to the destination target. The open loop control of dolly movement can be taught with a control stick and the motions replayed based on dead reckoning.

Abstract: A robotic camera dolly system includes a motorized dolly which rolls freely across a studio floor under computer control, the dolly carrying a camera. Targets are provided on the floor at various locations from which camera shots are to be taken. The dolly is moved from one target to the vicinity of another target according to a learned sequence of movements controlled by a remote dolly computer. The learned sequence of movements is taught with the aid of a joystick, and the motions are replayed based on dead reckoning. In order to correct translational and angular errors in the position of the dolly at the destination target, optosensors are provided on the dolly for use in detecting and reorienting the dolly relative to the destination target. The open loop control of dolly movement can be taught with a control stick and the motions replayed based on dead reckoning.

Abstract: A computerized motion control system for panning and tilting a television camera, motion picture camera or any other type of camera. The system includes a motorized camera head upon which a camera is mounted. The system also includes a digitizing tablet on which an observer follows the action transpiring before the camera with an electronic stylus by moving the stylus across the plane surface of the tablet. The resulting digital signals generated by the tablet and electronic stylus are fed to a computer in which they are converted to pan-and-tilt signals which are fed to the motorized camera head upon which the camera is mounted. The digital pan-and-tilt signals are converted to analog signals, and the analog signals activate pan-and-tilt camera head motors causing them to point the camera to a location determined by the operator by his placement of the electronic stylus on the digitizing tablet.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, which equipment is capable of being panned and tilted. The system comprises of a first elongated support means positioned in the direction of the panning axis of the equipment; a second support means arranged concentric with the panning axis of the equipment and which is rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means; and suitably arranged attaching means for said equipment and drive means to cause rotation between the support means about the axis and controllable to maintain a pre-selected rate of rotation.The equipment is capable of taking pictures and views in situations where the traditional camera system are inadequate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion picture camera presenting a grip which can be folded from the operation state for bearing the camera body into the loaded state, being characterized in that the camera presents a rotation shaft of the grip parallel to the optical axis of the photographic lens and a release button for the camera release coaxially to the rotation shaft of the grip.