Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a light-field display system including a rotatable display screen subsystem, a display screen positioning apparatus, an eye tracking subsystem, and a computer. The rotatable display screen subsystem includes a lamp pole. The lamp pole includes a lamp panel. The lamp panel includes a vector pixel array. The display screen positioning apparatus includes a plurality of lasers and a photosensor. The computer device is connected to the rotatable display screen subsystem and the eye tracking subsystem. The lamp panel controller is configured to determine a position of the lamp panel according to sensed data of the display screen positioning apparatus. Each vector pixel on the lamp panel displays display content in a display direction to achieve 3D image display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing tilt and pan navigation within a three-dimensional environment in response to a single gesture are provided. An exemplary computer-implemented method includes receiving, by one or more computing devices, data describing a drag performed by a user. The computer-implemented method includes, in response to the drag, incrementally adjusting, by the one or more computing devices, a tilt angle of a virtual camera until the tilt angle equals one of a maximum tilt angle or a minimum tilt angle, and panning, by the one or more computing devices, the virtual camera with respect to a rendering of a three-dimensional model. An exemplary system includes a client device and a server in operative communication over a network.

Abstract: A system and method for removing background lighting variations from an image. The method includes capturing at least one first image including a first background and a subject wherein the at least one first image includes at least one background lighting variation, creating a virtual background model of the first background, creating a virtual background image that is substantially similar to the first background, and generating an output comprising at least one first image with at least one background lighting variation removed therefrom.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting an image capture device generally comprises a base, a first vertically oriented, elongated support member supported by the base, a mechanism that provides tilting and panning of the device relative to the first support member, and elevation of the device along the first support member, and a second elongated support member disposed to stabilize the mechanism. Preferred bases include bases that are foldable and/or rotatable, and ones that have a leveling device coupled to the base. Preferred support members can be rotatable relative to the base.

Abstract: A modular pan and tilt system includes a combination of inline and/or right angle rotational platforms. The platforms each include a housing having a cross-section of uniform dimensions extending from a first end toward a second end and a drive motor mounted within the housing having an output shaft parallel to a long axis of the housing. A mounting plate is driven at an axis of rotation by the output shaft and has at least one attachment fixture for securing the mounting plate to equipment for positioning or a mounting surface. The right angle platform includes a right angle drive gear train attached to the output shaft. A clamping block has two pair of parallel mounting holes mounted at right angles to each other. The mounting holes are sized and shaped to fit slidably about the housings. A securing fixture holds the housings in any two of the mounting holes.

Abstract: An image display device which displays a multiband image acquired by a multiband camera capable of capturing two or more bands comprises a parameter input/output and image outputting screen configured to represent each band itself or an image of the band, a band-RGB conversion table configured to use for converting a band number into a color represented in the a parameter input/output and image outputting screen, and wavelength information converting unit configured to calculate the band itself or the color representing the image of the band from the band number by use of the band-RGB conversion table to output the band or the color to the a parameter input/output and image outputting screen.

Abstract: A system for reproducibly measuring motion along surfaces of arbitrary or indeterminate length and of arbitrary curvature, using an opto-electronic sensor mounted to an object in motion along the surfaces. The system involves the detection of alternating reflective and non-reflective markings, on surfaces which can be curved in a certain dimension and can be of any length. Additionally, the system can be applied to measure the motion of camera carts or dollies along straight track, curved track, or any combination of straight and curved track.

Abstract: A method is provided for picking up an image of an object with a camera mounted via a pan head on a moving pedestal. A reference position on a floor surface on which the moving pedestal moves and a reference angle of the moving pedestal are both set. A moving amount of the moving pedestal from the reference position and a rotation angle thereof from the reference angle are detected, and a position and an angle of the camera with respect to the object is found on the basis of the reference position, the reference angle, the moving amount and the rotation angle of the moving pedestal. Data of the position and the angle of the camera with respect to the object are transmitted to a computer for creating an image containing a real object image of the object taken with the camera.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) motion capture system includes stationary sensor receivers, one or more transmitter marker tags on one or more objects to be tracked within a capture zone, at least one stationary reference tag transmitter, and a processing system for processing the received signals. The individual tags transmit burst of spread-spectrum RF signals. The transmitted signals include a common sync code, and a tag identification code that is unique to each tag. By computing double differences of pseudoranges, clock terms are cancelled out allowing the processing system to precisely determine the location of each tag as it moves through the capture zone without the need to synchronize clocks between sensors and tags. The system can be used for RF match moving.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for using camera attitude sensors with a camera. A camera assembly includes a tripod base, a tripod head interface mounted on the tripod base, a tripod head mounted on the tripod head interface and a camera mounted on the tripod head. The tripod head enables the camera to pan and tilt. The system also includes a first optical encoder for detecting the amount that the camera has been panned and a second optical encoder for detecting the amount that the camera has been tilted. Two inclinometers are mounted on the tripod head interface to measure attitude of the tripod head. Two gyroscopes (“gyros”) are mounted on the camera assembly. Data from the encoders, gyros and inclinometers are packaged and sent to graphics production equipment to be used for enhancing video captured by the camera.

Abstract: This device for taking spherical pictures of a scene comprising a support (1, 2) provided with securement means (3) for a picture taking apparatus. This support can be on the one hand relatively rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (12) relative to the photographed scene and on the other hand the securement means (3) being movable in rotation relative to a substantially horizontal axis. Moreover, it is provided with means (1) permitting suspending it above the scene to be photographed. This suspended device can also comprise a support (1, 2) provided with securement means (17) for several photographic devices, these devices being adapted to be all oriented toward a point on the scene to be photographed and the support (1, 2) being adapted to be relatively rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (12) relative to the scene to be photographed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A two-axis or three-axis digitally controlled microprocessor for remotely controlling an existing manually operated geared head uses digital technology to provide full precise control of the geared head from a remote distance. Additionally, by utilizing the system's electronics, the system operator has ten gear ratios instead of the three gear ratios that typically exist in the prior art manual geared head. Another feature permits the camera operator to set four predetermined soft stop positions. The system has the capability of being able to record the X/Y/Z position precisely and to precisely duplicate the same camera motion repeatedly. The system is very simple and ergonomically advantageous to operate. One single umbilical cable between the controller and the geared head provides the most necessary communication between the controller and the geared head and supplies power to the camera.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a photographic image sequence showing an apparent movement of a camera in an x-axis direction, with respect to a filmed object, without actual movement of the camera along the x-axis.

Abstract: An improved method of making stereoscopic pictures comprising photographing a scene with a camera spaced from the scene, moving the camera generally parallel to the scene while producing a plurality of pictures of the scene each taken at a different position relative to the scene, and separating the pictures into stereo pairs for viewing. In performing the method, the photographing and moving steps can be performed and the separating step can be done as soon as the pictures are available for viewing to produce the stereo pairs. Alternatively, the photographing and moving steps can be done at one time and the separating step can be done at subsequent times to produce the stereo pairs of the invention thereby allowing stereo pairs to be produced from existing motion pictures, videotapes and still photographs. The method can be used utilizing conventional photographic and viewing equipment in all existing mediums.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a computer-controlled miniature pan/tilt tracking mount for the precise control of position, velocity, and acceleration of small payloads (e.g., a video camera). The invention consists of a motorized rotational tilt axis mounted atop a motorized rotational pan axis. For both axes, a worm gear mounted upon the motor shaft bidirectionally rotates a worm wheel mounted upon the orthogonal load axis shaft. A large ratio of motor size to armature weight provides high relative torque, speed, and accuracy. The worm gears provide compact reduction with minimal backlash and they can hold position without energized motors to conserve power for battery-operated uses. The invention includes integrated motor drive power electronics and microcontroller execution of host computer commands to effect precise control of pan/tilt mount speed, acceleration, position, configuration, and motor and electronics power consumption.

Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for the control of the field of view of a camera. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions and expanded modes of operation in both the automatic and manual operation of the system. These improvements also include several tracking response and command programs for control based upon the error between the desired position of the camera field of view and its actual position. In addition, a universal learning remote unit is provided to learn commands from the IR remote unit for those cameras that have such features.

Abstract: The system includes distance measuring capability for use in the local and remote control of a camera lens for automatic and programmable control of ZOOM perspective, FOCUS, IRIS and other functions of the camera in conjunction with the programming of an included microcomputer-controlled automatic tracking system.

Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.

Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for recording a stereoscopic image read a plurality of original images photoelectrically, split each original image into linear images of a desired pitch, perform any necessary image processing operations such as arranging the linear images in the recording order, and record the linear images by scan exposure on a lenticular light-sensitive material having a lenticular sheet and a recording layer. The method and apparatus permit the lenticular light-sensitive material to be scan exposed from the rear side and they also enable the linear images to be recorded with increased line width and a stereoscopic image to be formed with satisfactory registration between the principal objects of the original images. The improved lenticular light-sensitive material has an anti-halation layer provided between the lenticular sheet and the recording layer, thus permitting scan exposure to be effected from the rear side.

Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.

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: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for the control of the field of view of a camera. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions and expanded modes of operation in both the automatic and manual operation of the system. These improvements also include several tracking response and command programs for control based upon the error between the desired position of the camera field of view and its actual position. In addition, a universal learning remote unit is provided to learn commands from the IR remote unit for those cameras that have such features.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimization of a simulated three-dimensional effect for film or video when constancy of the effect is desired. The apparatus comprises at least one arcuate support rail. A trolley is affixed movably to the support rail. A remotely controlled variable speed motor is affixed to the trolley for moving the trolley along the support rail. A camera mounting is affixed to the trolley and movable horizontally and vertically with respect to the trolley so that a camera is moved at a constant angular velocity relative to a scene to be filmed or recorded. The angular velocity is defined as linear circumferential speed at a specific and constant radius from the scene, the angular velocity being between 25 degrees per second and 65 degrees per second.

Abstract: The device permits swing, shift, tilt and rise-and-fall movements between a lens and a motion-picture camera to manipulate focal relations and image shapes. Preferably the device rests on rails (called "iris rods") of a balance plate or base--secured under the camera--or some other track, similarly mounted. If so, the device has a first intermediary element preferably mounted to slide fore-and-aft on the track relative to the camera; and other intermediary elements mounted in a sequence preferably from the first element for translation and rotation relative to that element--ending in a lens-board mount for mounting a lens. Also in balance-plate mounting the device preferably includes a bellows whose front end joins the lens-board mount and whose rear end holds an adapter to engage the camera lens port. Preferably the device has a yoke (preferably flat and rearward-extending) for, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus for optimization of a simulated three-dimensional effect for film or video includes at least one arcuate support rail and a trolley carrying a remotely controlled variable speed motor for moving the trolley along the rail. A camera mounting attached to the trolley is moveable horizontally and vertically with respect to the trolley and permits camera movement at a desired constant angular velocity at a specific and constant radius from the scene being recorded.

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: Integrated process for three-dimensional taking, copying and reproducing of still and moving pictures, in which (a) the taking of still or moving three-dimensional pictures is done using conventional cameras which expose as many two-dimensional pictures as there are cameras, there are n cameras which are distributed in groups or supergroups, there being inserted between each two horizontal camera groups which have their optical axes mutually perpendicular a semitransparent plate forming 45.degree.

Abstract: A support for mounting a camcorder, a motion picture camera, or the like on a boat mounted pylon holding a tow rope to an object such as a water skier automatically tracks movement of the water skier. A clamp fastens to the pylon and holds a rod extending upwardly offset from the pylon. A turning stand is mounted for panning rotation above the rod. A platform is pivotally mounted for tilting on the turning stand and can rotate with the turning stand. The platform is located at a level above the pylon. A guidance arm extends rigidly from the platform over the tow rope in an axial direction for attachment thereto at a location spaced from the pylon. The platform can pan in response to lateral movement of the tow rope.

Abstract: An image processing system provides the capability of extracting three dimensional motion information from two dimensional images. The image processing system achieves such extraction by analyzing selected image points. The selected image points correspond to the projection of points on a three dimensional object. The object is moving over time (i.e. translating and rotating with respect to the imaging device). The selected image points are processed in parallel by a plurality of processors to first determine the translational velocity. Next, the rotational velocity of the patch is determined. Lastly, the relative depth of each image point is determined in light of the previously determined translational and rotational velocity. The image processing system accomplishes this task by using an imager and a processing means. The system has potential applications in filming and in robotics.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for illuminating a subject to be photographed wherein the subject is illuminated in such a manner that a uniform highlight is produced upon reflective surface, substantially uniform illumination of the subject is achieved at front and lateral areas, and the background may be modified to lower the background contrast, and if desired, the background may be removed completely. A light source of elongated configuration produces a uniform light source of a vertical dimension greater than the vertical dimension of the subject being photographed. The light source is translated across the subject matter at a predetermined uniform rate while the camera aperture is open while photographing the front and lateral portions of the subject illuminated by the light source. The passing of the light source behind the subject lowers the contrast of the existing background, and such contrast may be sufficient to remove the background completely, if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording visual images, for example on a cinematograph or video film. A first lens system is used to produce a real image of a subject against a neutral background, and a conventional recording camera is then used to record the real image through a zoom lens. The latter can pan and tilt relative to the first lens system.

Abstract: An automated camera control drives a video or motion picture camera along multiple independent axes of movement to position the camera for recording an image of a field of view, typically focused upon a model or artwork in special effects motion picture photography. Key position coordinates are manually defined for specific frames of film in a film transport. The automated system generates axial coordinates at each intermediate frame and drives the camera to the intermediate positions thereby defined, as well as the several key positions defined manually. The camera is mounted upon a carriage and a model can also be mounted in relation to the camera and moved in coordinated fashion along a multiplicity of axes. The system accepts manual additions of specified key positions and position data, and the key position information can be edited or deleted.

Abstract: A system for creating a control reference signal for a remote electrical servo device having a movable output unit wherein the velocity and position of the output unit are controlled by the vector magnitude of the control reference signal. This system includes a digital circuit for creating a first fixed analog signal indicative of a known or desired velocity for the unit during a preselected controlled time interval and a second digital means for creating a desired time base positional profile during the preselected time interval. An encoder arrangement is employed for detecting the actual time base positional profile of the servo output unit during the given time interval so that an analog signal generally proportional to the algebraic difference between the actual and desired time base positional digital profile can be created at various times during the time interval.

Abstract: In a composite photography system of the type wherein a foreground camera photographs life-size actors and objects while a background camera photographs scenery on a life-size scale or a scale different from life-size so that when the outputs from both cameras are combined the actor or foreground objects will appear to be located in the scenery filmed by the background camera, it is crucial that the motion of the background camera be slaved to the motion of the foreground camera. The foreground camera is mounted on a yaw and pitch support mechanism which is in turn mounted on a boom that provides movement along the z axis. The boom is carried by a dolly that moves the entire assembly in the x-y plane. Sensors on the dolly detect movement along the five axes of x, y, z, yaw and pitch, and cause the background camera to move its corresponding amount.

Abstract: My invention relates to photographing scenes with standard motion picture photographic equipment where multiple views of a subject are photographed while the subject rests on a moving turntable and the stationary camera has its optical axis pointed at the turntable rotation axis or where the subject is stationary and the camera effectively moves in an arc about an axis located between the camera and scene.The surface of the processed film (or other appropriate media) is arrayed in a vertical plane and constrained to move horizontally around a portion of a circle. Film images are scanned by a light source and radially projected in a direction away from a vertical rotation axis. Concentric with the vertical axis are the semi-specular screen of radius R and the scanning projector circle of radius close to R/3. The screen reflects projected light in a horizontal plane and scatters projected light in a vertical plane.

Abstract: The conventional chroma key television process is used to effect composite images by employing a master camera whose subject may be live action against a single hued background and a slave camera directed at a static background, such as a miniature set or a back-projection screen. The inventive process includes the steps of linking the master and slave cameras so that a sensing of the current flow in the actuating motors for panning, dollying, trucking or otherwise changing the master camera causes a scale-related like motion of the slave camera, each camera moving in proper ratio with respect to its subject. The slave camera image is fed to the conventional mixer and fills that portion of the composite image occupied by the single hued background of the master camera subject image. A time delay may slow transmission of the master camera to the mixer if it is found that the action or motion of the slave camera lags behind the like action or motion of the master camera.

Abstract: My invention relates to photographing scenes with standard motion picture photographic equipment in which there is a relative motion between the scene and camera with the purpose of stereoscopic viewing of the motion picture or stationary reproduction without the need for viewing aids at the eyes. The system is compatible with scenes photographed without this relative motion, where with the reproduction is viewed in conventional two dimensions.The surface of the processed film (or other appropriate media) is arrayed in a vertical plane and constrained to move horizontally around a segment of a circle of radius 2R. At the center of the film circle is a film motion compensator which can be a multi faceted mirror drum of radius R. The film is rapidly scanned about the center of this circle by a light source directed through the film and toward the center of the mirror drum.