Abstract: A control device for an image blur correction which is applied to an image blur correction device that conducts image blur correcting operation in response to a signal corresponding to an output of a vibration detection sensor, includes a support state judging device for judging whether the device is in a predetermined support state or not, in accordance with the signal corresponding to the output of the vibration detection sensor, an operation state control device for changing the operating state of the image blur correction device in response to the judgment result by the support state judging means so as to set the operating state to a first state in which the image blur correction device does not conduct the given image blur correcting operation when the support state judging device judges that the device is in the predetermined support state, and to set the operating state to a second state in which the image blur correction device conducts the given image blur correcting operation in response to a judge

Abstract: Car-used rearview mirror structure. A mirror is disposed on rear side of the main body of the rearview mirror and electrically adjustable in inclination angle. A front cover body is mated with front side of the main body. A partitioning board is disposed in the main body to separate the front cover body from the mirror. A camera lens is disposed on the surface of front side of the partitioning board. The front face of the front cover body is formed with a window in front of the camera lens. A transparent cover is fitted in the window to seal the window. By means of the camera lens and through the transparent cover, the view of dead corner on front side of the car is transmitted to a display arranged in the car so as to ensure driving safety.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method to move and position a device, such as a camera mounted on a dolly, in a smooth, flexible and precise manner. This is accomplished by positioning two flexible semi-rigid rails parallel to one another such that a dolly with wheels can be placed on and guided by the flexible semi-rigid rails. Because the flexible rails are uniform, smooth movement is ensured. Further, due to the lightweight nature of the flexible rails, transportation and portability problems are significantly minimized as compared with presently available metal tracks. The flexible semi-rigid rails can be air pressurized tube for heavier loads or be made of solid extruded materials for lighter loads. Finally, the flexible semi-rigid rails allow for a wide array of positioning without the cumbersome need to change or connect pieces of metal track, thereby achieving ultimate adaptability.

Abstract: A sectional camera platform (1) is generally circular with a platform floor (2) that is preferably grated for vertical visibility and surrounded by a kick plate (3) about ankle height. A back portion of the platform is a worker cage (17) surrounded by guard railing (18). At a center of the platform is a detachable camera post (14) on which a camera (15) can swivel with unobstructed view over front and side portions. A worker seat can be positioned proximate the camera post. The platform is attachable adaptively to a wide selection of lifting, handling and mobile equipment that includes aerial booms (20), lift forks, cranes, truck beds, swivel beds, levelers and surface cinematographic equipment. The platform is made in sections which are assembled for its use and disassembled for its storage and transport. A desired selection of electrical power and peripheral scene-shooting equipment can be provided for use on or in proximity to the platform.

Abstract: A camera is suitable for installation in a passenger car motor vehicle and is arranged on a superstructure via a retaining device. To make sure that the camera will be advantageously integrated into the motor vehicle, it can be swung by the retaining device out of a resting position sunk into a wall of the superstructure into an extended operating position and vice versa.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to accelerate and simplify the mechanical fixation of a camera to a tripod plate. To this end a camera is first mounted with one end on the tripod plate. The camera is held at said end of the tripod plate such that it can carry out substantially only a rotational movement around the holding point. Finally, the camera is fixed by an automatic locking means when being mounted at its rear end.

Abstract: A panoptic camera system that can be used to capture all the light from a hemisphere viewing angle is disclosed. The panoptic camera comprises a main reflecting mirror that reflects light from an entire hemisphere onto an image capture mechanism. The main reflecting mirror consists of a paraboloid shape with a dimple on an apex. The surface area around the dimple allows the main reflector to capture light from behind an image capture mechanism or a second reflector. When two panoptic camera systems that capture the light from an entire hemisphere are placed back to back, a camera system that “sees” light from all directions is created. A stereo vision panoramic camera system is also disclosed. The stereo vision panoramic camera system comprises two panoramic camera systems that are separated by a known distance. The two panoramic camera systems are each placed in a “blind spot” of the other panoramic camera system.

Abstract: An apparatus for operatively connecting a camera to a microscope allows the camera to be quickly and easily converted for use in a normal manner. The apparatus includes a bracket assembly that securely retains the camera, and a displacement arrangement movably coupled to the bracket assembly. A coupler is attached to the displacement arrangement in order to secure the apparatus to the microscope so that an image viewable through the microscope can be photographed by the camera.

Abstract: A camera body has grip portions for right-handed users and the left-handed users provided respectively on the right and left sides thereof. A release button to be operated by the right hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for right-handed users, and a release button to be operated by the left hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for left-handed users. A ring member is rotatably mounted about a lens-barrel. When the ring member is rotated toward the release button for right-handed users, the release button for right-handed users is enabled, and when it is rotated toward the release button for left-handed users, the release button for left-handed users is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable stand, in particular a portable stand for holding and supporting video cameras, photo-cameras and other optical recording apparatus and devices, including an oblong basic body and a first handle, provided at one end of said basic body, as well as a connection plate, provided at the respective opposite end of said basic body, for holding the devices to be supported and carried, with a slidable arrest carriage which can be locked in position being provided between said first handle and said connection plate on said basic body and with a second, turning handle which runs in ball headed bearing means being movably mounted on said arrest carriage.

Abstract: PATENT Embodiments of the present invention provide a simple, versatile support frame for supporting a camera on different objects and surfaces in various dispositions. The support frame allows different adjustments to be quickly and easily made to position the camera as desired. In one embodiment, a device for supporting a camera comprises a neck configured to connect with the camera. A body has a body axis and is rotatably connected with the neck to pivot relative to the neck around a neck pivot axis which is generally perpendicular to the body axis. A left arm is rotatably connected with the body to pivot relative to the body around a left pivot axis. The left pivot axis is nonparallel to the neck pivot axis. A right arm is rotatably connected with the body to pivot relative to the body around a right pivot axis. The right pivot axis is nonparallel to the neck pivot axis. The left arm and right arm may be pivotable relative to the body independently of one another.

Abstract: A support device for cameras and like articles that comprises a base member (10), mounting means (11, 64) for support means (16) removably carried by the base member for mounting of a camera or like article thereon, and a plurality of support legs (32), which are detachably mountable to the base member (10) to project therefrom in a plurality of different selected orientations relative to the base member and to provide selected support functions. The support legs (32), when not performing the support function, may be housed in bores (38) in the base member (10).

Abstract: A support device of a portable photographing apparatus includes a plurality of support bodies coupled to the photographing apparatus to be capable of protruding and being inserted with respect to a bottom surface of the photographing apparatus, and a plurality of legs hinge-coupled to the support bodies to be capable of moving through cavities in the photographing apparatus enabling the hinge coupling and the plurality of legs to protrude or extend from a bottom surface of the photographic apparatus. The legs and the hinge coupling may also be inserted into these cavities together with the support bodies. During extension, the support bodies can rotate 360 degrees while the hinge coupling can cause the legs to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the photographing apparatus.

Abstract: A camera mount for supporting a camera in a motor vehicle in which an elongated tubular body supports a pivotally mounted camera with the tubular body attached to headrest supports in a seat of a vehicle with the camera disposed substantially centrally relative to a central axis of the vehicle beyond a view point of an eye of an occupant of the seat nearest the centerline of the vehicle such that the imaging apparatus is unobstructed for receiving images by use of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera stand for use by a professional photographer in connection with a camera or a flash unit bracket having the camera mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the camera stand comprises a mounting surface adapted to securely engage with a camera or a corresponding mounting surface of a flash unit bracket having a camera and flash unit mounted thereon. The camera stand further comprises first and second leg members extending downward from the mounting surface. The camera stand further comprises a multi-purpose leg member extending downward from the mounting surface. The multi-purpose leg member comprises an upper portion connected to the mounting surface and a lower portion engageable with a work surface such as a table or desk. The multi-purpose leg member further comprises a hand grip portion positioned substantially below the mounting surface.

Abstract: A motion picture camera head tie-down device and method for securing a motion picture camera head to a camera mount, such as the Mitchell mount. The camera head tie-down device includes a first disk concentrically attached to a second disk. The first disk is contoured to receive a motion picture camera head and the second disk has a plurality of radially extending grooves. A rotatable knob having a spiral thread on a flat surface is positioned such that the spiral thread engages with threads on retractable jaws that are mounted in the grooves of the second disk. A threaded screw passes through the central bores of the first disk, the second disk, and the knob and into a tapped hole in the motion picture camera head. To secure the camera head to the camera mount, the knob is rotated to extend the jaws for engagement with the camera mount.

Abstract: A stabilized platform system for isolating a payload from angular motions of a supporting structure has a base assembly securable to a supporting structure, and a payload stabilizing assembly carried by the base assembly and mounted for angular movement relative thereto about two or more separate axes. At least one of the axes is non-orthogonal with respect to another of the axes and mounted for limited angular movement relative to the base assembly, and the axes have extensions which meet at a common point.

Abstract: An adjustable camera support comprises a lower pistol grip clamp for rapidly securing the support to an object, a flexible intermediate gooseneck portion for adjusting the camera as determined and an upper platform support for mounting the camera. The platform support includes adjusting mechanisms for moving the camera vertically through 180° and horizontally through 360°. A wide range of adjustments for camera sightings is achieved expeditiously by the gooseneck portion and the platform adjustment.

Abstract: An improved quick-release coupling for a tripod panhead and the like includes a base (1) (see FIGS. 3 & 4) and a releasable shoe (2). The base is attached to the shoe by manually depressing a locking button (5) against the force of compression spring (7), which allows locking ball (6) to retract into groove (5b) of the locking button, and then further depressing a fixing/releasing button (3) against force of a compression spring (8), so that retaining screw (4) retracts into the base and allows the shoe to be placed over the base flat area (1b). When manual pressure on the fixing/releasing button is released, the retaining screw moves outward by the force of the compression spring, and together with the stationary retaining screws (4a), engage appropriate concavities in the interior wall of the recess of the shoe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing wind and trip in camera units for use with photographic film. Each camera unit encloses and defines a film path and includes a film driven preset member and a film spindle. The preset member extends into the film path. In the method, the film spindle of the camera unit is wound; and, in tandem with the winding, a film surrogate is propelled along the film path from a position upstream from the preset member to a position downstream from the preset member. During the propelling, the film surrogate is maintained in the film path.

Abstract: The tripod includes a spider for the articulation of the legs and a support mounted in the spider with a first seat coaxial with the principal axis of the tripod and a second seat with an axis substantially perpendicular to the first seat so that a column of the tripod can be housed alternatively and removably either in the first seat or in the second seat.

Abstract: The invention is a floated gimbal instrument platform that provides a stable optical path for optical instruments. The instrument platform has an outer vessel with a transparent viewing port, an inner vessel also with a transparent viewing port, a transparent suspending fluid filling the outer vessel and in which the inner vessel floats in neutral buoyancy, an optical instrument secured inside the inner vessel, spacing studs which centrally position the inner vessel within the outer vessel, and jets which align the second viewing port with the first viewing port, the jets being used to rotate the inner vessel in the suspending fluid. Any misalignment between the viewing ports can be compensated by rotating the inner vessel and any translational forces applied to the platform is dampened by the fluid, thereby eliminating jitter.

Abstract: An improved bracket for connecting a camera mount to rectangular supports for headrests in automobiles is disclosed. A camera support having extendable telescopic legs for bearing against a surface in the automobile provides improved support for larger, heavier cameras supported on the camera mount for recording images during operation of the automobile. A cushion pad attaches to a front or rear face of the camera mount, for example, to guard against bruises to a person operating the camera in a back seat of the automobile. Improved pivotable supports for the camera are also disclosed, whereby the camera is selectively positioned at a horizontal angle for recording images.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing wind and trip in camera units for use with photographic film. Each camera unit encloses and defines a film path and includes a film driven preset member and a film spindle. The preset member extends into the film path. In the method, the film spindle of the camera unit is wound; and, in tandem with the winding, a film surrogate is propelled along the film path from a position upstream from the preset member to a position downstream from the preset member. During the propelling, the film surrogate is maintained in the film path.

Abstract: A T-shaped cushion pod for supporting a camera includes a cushion for supporting the camera. The pod has a fluid material contained within the cushion, and a tongue portion and a base portion of said cushion together forming a substantially "T"-shaped configuration. The pod has a zipper for allowing easy access to the fluid material contained within the cushion, for maintaining the level of fluid material within the cushion at an optimum level significantly below the maximum capacity of the cushion. In this way, the T-shape will act to retard migration of fluid material between the tongue and the base portions of the cushion, thereby causing the pod to hold its shape and provide sustained aiming for a camera resting thereon.

Abstract: A camera flash bracket comprising a rotary bracket on which the camera may be mounted, an "L" arm rotatably connected to the rotary bracket, a flash arm fixedly connected to the "L" arm for supporting a flash, means, with at least a portion of said means connected between said "L" arm and said rotary bracket for rotating the flash arm relative to the camera and means, with at least a portion of said means interposed between said rotary bracket and said "L" arm, for fixedly securing the flash in one of two predetermined positions with respect to a camera.

Abstract: A camera has a housing with a bottom face and a front face. A support leg is pivotable away from the bottom face of the housing and a handle is pivotable away from the front face of the housing which can together, but not individually, stably support the housing upright when they are both pivoted away from the housing.

Abstract: A camera crane arm has a frame pivotally supporting a central beam section. Outer beam sections are attached to and spaced apart from the central beam section. A leveling system is externally attached to the frame and pivotally linked to a camera platform, to maintain the platform in a level orientation, as the crane arm is pivoted up and down, to adjust camera lens height. The crane arm is formed of sections having vertically offset ends, to reduce sagging. The sections have a high moment of inertia but low weight, and can be assembled without force.

Abstract: A sterile, disposable camera system which is always sterilized for use and avoids the need to sterilize the camera or camera mounting system for re-usage includes a sterile camera unit which is easily, removably mounted on a sterile mounting apparatus which may be constructed to be collapsible. The camera mounting system is disposable such that after the camera system has been used, the sterile camera unit is easily removed from the sterile mounting apparatus and the mounting apparatus can be discarded as waste. The mounting apparatus is arranged to support the sterile camera unit relative to a subject to be photographed such that the camera quickly obtains in-focus close-up photographs of subjects of interest.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a computer unit and a camera unit securely on a flat support: I.E., acamera mount including a shaft/fixture unit for receiving the camera to be adjustably positioned thereon; andplanar base to be affixed to said support for engaging the bottom of the computer unit with a pair of computer-enclosing sides coupled to the base, withone side including a top portion for engaging the top of the computer and one side adapted to mount the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a camera comprising a first section including two flat portions, a sleeve portion from which the flat portions extend so as to enable movement of the sleeve portion, a first and a second pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from an end of each flat portion, a platform slidable supported by the first pair of tubes, a double clamp slidable supported by the second pair of tubes, a second section including a substantially flat upright, a first pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from a lower end of the upright, a double clamp separating the ends of the first pair of tubes, a second pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from the double clamp, the first section being connected with the second section so as to enable relative rotation between the sections.

Abstract: A CCD camera including a photographic lens assembly having a photographic lens for picking up an image, a steering element at one side, and a signal output circuit, an adjustment block coupled to the steering element of the photographic lens assembly and having a steering element, and a circuit box coupled to the steering element of the adjustment block and having a circuit board to which the signal output circuit of the photographic lens assembly is connected, wherein by means of the steering elements of the photographic lens assembly and the adjustment block, the adjustment block can be moved to adjust the position of the photographic lens assembly relative to the circuit box horizontally as well as vertically.

Abstract: A concave space is formed at a predetermined position of a lower portion of an apparatus including an image forming means. An up switch, a standard position moving switch, and a down switch are arranged. When the up switch is depressed, the apparatus moves the image forming means upward to a predetermined position. When the down switch is depressed, the image forming means moves downward to a predetermined position. When the standard position moving switch is depressed, the image forming means moves to a standard position. Therefore, a wheelchair user can easily operate the apparatus.

Abstract: The low level tripod configuration of this invention consists of an additional leg being attached to the tripod at or near the head of the tripod. Typically, a tripod holds a camera or any other optical device at specific heights above the ground. Usually the height can be set at anyplace between about 14 inches to about six feet. However, if a close up shot requires the camera to be in a lower position, the tripod can not be set for a lower position. Therefore, in accordance with this invention, an additional leg is added to the top portion of the tripod using various type of attachment methods. In this manner, the tripod can be set on the additional leg and two of the original legs of the tripod in a generally horizontal position. The camera or other optical device can be placed at any position from ground level to the height allowed by the tripod by using the configuration of this invention. The additional leg can be attached and locked in a range of positions.

Abstract: A monitor camera transporting apparatus (10) which comprises rails (12) laid along a transportation path of a monitor camera (11), a carriage (21) having the monitor camera mounted thereon and movable along the rails, and transporting means (31) for moving the carriage by means of compressed air. The transporting means includes a pipe (32) provided parallel to the rails and having a slit (32a) formed in its lower part along a full length of the pipe, an internal moving body (34) movable within the pipe by means of compressed air introduced into the pipe, a connecting plate (33) connected at its one end to the internal moving body and externally projected at the other end through the slit to be connected with the carriage, a sealing wire (36) disposed within the pipe along the full length of the pipe to close the slit, and a wire retracting part (37k) formed in the internal moving body or connecting plate for retracting inwardly of the pipe the sealing wire located at the connecting plate.

Abstract: A self-contained camera enclosure provides protection from intermittent exposure to high temperatures and fire. The protection is provided without connection to electricity or water, and is practical for use in remote areas. Protection is provided by a heat-reflecting outer box containing a liner of insulating material and a frozen-liquid cooling system. A double-pane window using an outer heat-resistant glass and an inner hot mirror allow visible light to enter the enclosed camera while simultaneously blocking heat transmission. To accommodate remote camera equipment, a four-ply thermal insulation is used to protect the cable extending from the enclosure. The enclosure can accommodate different models and types of camera equipment.

Abstract: A vehicular camera mount is supported on the exterior of a vehicle door and includes a series of vacuum mounts adjacent the edge of the vehicle door. A horizontal beam comprising upper and lower horizontal supports connects the vacuum mounts. A vertical beam is mounted on the horizontal beam for horizontal adjustable movement and for vertical adjustable movement. A pair of clips stick into the window opening and connect to turnbuckles pulling the vertical beam toward the vehicle door. A pair of pads carried by the vertical beam abut the door and resist movement of the camera mount. A camera platform is carried by the vertical beam. The camera mount is sufficiently sturdy to hold a camera so steady that the only unintended movement of the camera is due to shaking or rocking of the vehicle. After being set up once to fit a particular vehicle, the camera mount can be taken off the door or installed on the door in less than two minutes.

Abstract: A collapsible holder for a camcorder or camera for use with a microscope or for use as a copystand in general.

Abstract: A mount for use in an automobile to support a camera for recording images during operation of the automobile. The camera mount comprises an elongate member extending between and rigidly connected to the headrest supports in the seat of the car. A camera mounts to a pivotable support connected to the member with bolts extending through an elongate slot, whereby the camera is selectively positioned along the member. The elongate member connects to the headrest supports with j-bolts that are received through a pair of second slots in the elongate member. The j-bolts extend around the headrest supports and a nut threaded on the j-bolt secures the member to the headrest supports. An alternate embodiment is disclosed for vehicles which do not have separate headrest supports. A method of mounting a camera in an automobile is disclosed.

Abstract: A universal utility mount for attaching an object exterior of a vehicle including at least three pad mounts in spaced-apart arrangement for attachment to the exterior surface of the vehicle, a transition fitting attached to each pad mount, each fitting allowing adjustment through 360.degree. in azimuth and through 95.degree. from zenith, at least three thin-walled support tubes of terminal length, each tube containing a straight portion intermediate the terminal ends thereof, the tubes extending outward from the transition fittings, a bracket attached to the support tubes on which to mount the object, and a device for providing light-weight stiffening to the support tubes in the area of attachment with the object-mounting bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable camera support in the form of a rigid elongated plate which is centrally axially orificed to enable a bolt to be passed up through the plate at different locations and into the customary threaded orifice extending upwardly and inwardly into the underside of a camera. A rubber wash may be disposed on the bolt and interposed between the camera bottom and the top surface of the plate to hold the bolt in position on the plate. The unorificed portion of the underside of the plate is provided with VELCRO material, and engaging material is secured to the top of a flexible "bean bag". Thereby, the camera may be supported by placing the underside of the plate on the top side of the "bean bag" where the camera may be adjustably but securely disposed with further adjustment being attainable by shifting the disposition of the bolt through the plate.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained telescoping camera tower system permits high angle imaging and rapid and smooth change of perspective. The camera tower is a stand-alone unit capable of being transported, set up and operated by a single individual and which provides steady advance and retreat of the tower over its full range of up and down movement.

Abstract: A camera crane arm has a frame pivotally supporting a central beam section. Outer beam sections are attached to and spaced apart from the central beam section. A leveling system is externally attached to the frame and pivotally linked to a camera platform, to maintain the platform in a level orientation, as the crane arm is pivoted up and down, to adjust camera lens height. The crane arm is formed of sections having vertically offset ends, to reduce sagging. The sections have a high moment of inertia but low weight, and can be assembled without force.

Abstract: A video camera support device that lessons the dependence on the individual skill and stamina of the operator in producing quality video recordings. The invention overcomes the problems of the prior art, by providing that all operator movements are isolated from the camera. The device includes a pivoting joint between a handle and the camera that allows the camera to tilt freely about the handle, except the pivoting joint does not allow for free rotation of the camera. The handle has a bearing member coupled to a panning control that turns the pivoting joint as a unit and the camera. Further, the device has a balancing assembly that includes struts that may be positioned outside the zone of the plane containing the handle and the camera to improve roll stability. A monitor is mounted for improved visibility to the operator, and a monopod pole may be used to support the weight of the device or to raise it overhead.

Abstract: A tripod applicable to an optical apparatus having a center of gravity the position of which is separate from a position in which the tripod is to be mounted, a supporting portion for supporting a plurality of leg portions is arranged to be movable from a first position to a second position closer to the position of a center of gravity of the optical apparatus mounted to the tripod than the first position.

Abstract: A camera casing structure for fixing thereto a tripod connecting member. A camera structure is described with a front cover having an inverted U-shaped first supporting member including a fitting hole in the direction of an optical axis and a semi-circular recess; a rear cover having an inverted U-shaped second supporting member including a fitting hole in the direction of the optical axis and a semi-circular recess; and a tripod connecting member having a substantially cylindrical member including an inner female threaded screw hole and partial flanges symmetrically protruding on opposite sides of the peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical member for fitting. The flanges fit into the fitting holes, respectively, so that the tripod connecting member can be nipped and fixed by the first and second supporting members.

Abstract: An optical system for monitor cameras to be mounted on vehicles comprising a camera body disposed so as to be accommodatable into a support erected on a vehicle, a photographic lens system disposed in the camera body, an image pickup device having a light receiving surface which is disposed at an imaging location of the photographic lens system and directed perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the support, and a prism for changing a direction toward a visual field which functions to image a visual field in a horizontal direction onto the light receiving surface of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an optical device (for example, a lens barrel) on a support structure (for example, a tripod). The mounting device has a rotatable ring unit and a mounting seat integrally formed as a single unit, and allows the support structure to be attached to either the ring unit or the mounting seat. The ring unit is attached to the optical device and has a support member mounting device arranged thereon for connecting the ring unit to the support structure. The ring unit is rotatable to align the support member mounting device for connection to the support structure. The mounting seat extends from the ring unit and is integrally formed with the ring unit as a single component. The mounting seat has at least one support member mounting device arranged thereon for connecting the mounting seat to the support structure.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus is operable in a hand-held condition and in a stabilized non-hand-held condition. The image capture apparatus includes means for automatically determining which condition the image capture apparatus is to be operated in and means for preventing operation of the image capture apparatus in the stabilized non-hand-held condition when it is to be operated in the hand-held condition. In preferred embodiments of the invention, at least one slower shutter speed or one longer focal length is prevented from being used when the image capture apparatus is to be operated in the hand-held condition. As such, the recordation of poor quality images is prevented because camera conditions which can lead to "camera shake" defects are locked out when the camera is to be operated in the hand-held condition.