Abstract: An electronic device carrying case is provided. The electronic device includes a case part having an inside recessed to form a hollow opened to one side and an outer peripheral surface formed with a curved surface, and a mount part having an upper part provided to be detachable from a lower end of the case part and a lower part with an inwardly recessed curved surface.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly includes a base member or plate for holding a camera and a side member or plate. In an exemplary embodiment, lower slots on the base plate or side slots on the side plate are gripped by a vertical support's quick-release mechanism to mount the camera in a landscape or portrait orientation, respectively, the camera being generally centered and evenly balanced over the support in either case. The side member is detachably fastened to the base member, which modular construction permits separately timed purchase of the base member and side member as allowed by the user's budget and further permits breakdown of the assembly for ease of transport. The side member may be generally L-shaped with a lower arm length less than the side arm length, which also facilitates transport. Other components may be detachably added such as a hand grip facilitating freehand shooting with the camera.

Abstract: A platform for interchangeably mounting a payload to a base support is provided. In one aspect, the platform comprises: a support assembly configured to be releasably coupled to a payload via a first coupling and configured to control a spatial disposition of the payload; and a mounting assembly configured to be releasably coupled via a second coupling to a plurality of types of base supports selected from at least two of the following: an aerial vehicle, a handheld support, or a base adapter mounted onto a movable object.

Abstract: A two-piece extendable L-plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support permitting a camera having cables connected to the side of the camera's body to be secured in either a landscape or a portrait orientation.

Abstract: A camera mount apparatus is disclosed that allows toolless rotation with integrated detent and locking features. The apparatus has the ability to rotate a camera and lens predetermined increments. In the preferred embodiment, the camera and lens are constrained together, and rotate about the optical axis. One portion of the apparatus remains fixed while another portion rotates and slides, allowing the camera and light to be rotated in a controlled fashion. The apparatus has a hand retractable pin that locks rotational movement and that is released manually to allow rotation adjustment The apparatus has spring plungers that mate to spherical indented features to provide a function to allow a positive feel when the desired angular position is achieved during rotation. The apparatus has bearing surfaces that allow rotation and provide contact of bearing material on rotational sliding faces to metal contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a theft protection device for a camera unit (20) that is arranged on a movable protection element (11) of a motor vehicle, said camera unit (20) being used to detect images of the outer area (5). The protection element (11) can be moved between a closed position (1) and an open position (2). In the closed position (1), the camera unit (20) is in the idle position (3) and in the open position (2), the camera unit (20) is in the operational position (4). The protection element (11) comprises a receiving unit (10) for the camera unit (20) on the inner side, the side of the protection element (11) facing away from the outer area (5), a safety element (30) being arranged on the receiving element (10) which safety element reliably maintains the camera unit (20) in the receiving element (10).

Abstract: A measurement method for environment depth and the image extraction device thereof is revealed. First, rotate an image extraction unit and extract a plurality of images using an image extraction device according to different viewing angles of a target object. Then, use disparity information of the plurality of images and an image parameter of the image extraction unit to give a plurality pieces of depth-of-field information, which are further used for giving environment depth information. The image extraction device has an image extraction unit and a rotating member. The rotating member is connected with the base; the rotating member is connected to the image extraction unit, which is located on one side of the rotating member. The plurality of images with different viewing angles are extracted to the image extraction unit as the rotating member rotates about a rotating center to different image extracting locations.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is moveably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and moveably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera module has a first image sensor, a second image sensor and an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus outputs an image signal for a stereoscopic display. A second sub-camera module including the second image sensor has a signal processing unit. The second image is acquired by the second sub-camera module. The signal processing unit executes signal processing for adjusting a second image corresponding to a difference between the numbers of pixels of the first image sensor and the second image sensor.

Abstract: A monopod head enables movement of an optical instrument relative to a longitudinal axis of a monopod in directions parallel or normal to the optical axis of the instrument and includes a robust braking system to control movement of heavy instruments.

Abstract: Universal L shaped brackets, supports, apparatus, systems and methods for mounting surveillance cameras that form enclosure systems, mounting systems, and pedestal system for the cameras to be mounted on structures, such as but not limited to under a ceiling, a shelf, a wall, inside a pedestal and the like. Another embodiment covers brackets, supports, apparatus, systems and methods for mounting surveillance cameras with a universal mount for inside of vehicles, such as automobiles, and the like. The mounts can include mounting cameras on the backs of seats or door edges. The mounts can mount the cameras inside of pedestals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a novel smart webcam device in distributed circuit casings and cable-encapsulating neck structure are disclosed. In one embodiment, the novel smart webcam device has a bottom housing that contains a network communication-capable computing circuitry, a top housing that contains a webcam-specific circuitry (e.g. a camera lens and a camera processing unit), and a cable-encapsulating neck structure interposed between the bottom housing and the top housing that uniquely encapsulates a data communication and power cable, which connects a camera data interface in the bottom housing and a webcam unit interface in the top housing. Preferably, the top housing and the bottom housing are swivel-capable around the cable-encapsulating neck structure.

Abstract: A mobile platform includes a microphone array and is capable of implementing beamforming to amplify or suppress audio information from a sound source. The sound source is indicated through a user input, such as pointing the mobile platform in the direction of the sound source or through a touch screen display interface. The mobile platform further includes orientation sensors capable of detecting movement of the mobile platform. When the mobile platform moves with respect to the sound source, the beamforming is adjusted based on the data from the orientation sensors so that beamforming is continuously implemented in the direction of the sound source. The audio information from the sound source may be included or suppressed from a telephone or video-telephony conversation. Images or video from a camera may be likewise controlled based on the data from the orientation sensors.

Abstract: A tripod has a mounting seat, a mounting assembly, and a base. The mounting seat has two engaging protrusions disposed next to each other, two engaging recesses disposed next to each other, and two engaging members resiliently mounted respectively in the engaging recesses. The mounting assembly has a retractable rod mounted through the mounting seat. The base is connected to a lower end of the retractable rod. When combining multiple tripods, the engaging protrusion of the mounting seat of one tripod is mounted into the engaging recess of the mounting seat of another tripod. Thus, the tripods can be arranged as a cuboid to reduce space that the tripods occupy for the convenience of storage.

Abstract: Described herein is a motion control apparatus for a camera and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a camera attachment and a linear movement assembly operatively associated with a drive mechanism. This configuration causes linear movement of the drive mechanism and the camera attachment in a linear direction along a line or pathway. The apparatus is used for capturing time delay sequences and allows for operation over any desired path length along the line. Further, the apparatus is portable and can be used with other camera accessories.

Abstract: A pan-tilt mechanism for a video conferencing camera may be provided. The pan-tilt mechanism may comprise a base, a bracket, a tilt motor, and a pan motor. The tilt motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to tilt along a horizontal axis. The pan motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to pan about a vertical axis without affecting the tilt of the bracket.

Abstract: A camera supporting device includes a jib arm supporting a camera mount for panning and tilting movement relative to a base structure. A parallel linkage couples the camera mount at one end of the jib arm to the base structure pivotally supporting the jib arm thereon at an intermediate location. The jib arm is readily separable into two portions for storage with the parallel linkage being wholly contained within a hollow tubular member forming one of the two portions while an adjustable trim weight and counterweight support are supported on the other portion. Interchangeable indexing rings permit indexing of the panning or tilting movements.

Abstract: An articulating camera arm permits a camera to be positioned includes multiple sections connected together in series at joints. At least one of the joints is movable, and each of the joints connects one of the sections to an immediately preceding one of the sections. The articulating arm may also be connected to one or both of a camera and a mounting plate via movable joints such as swivel joints. The arm's interior includes a wiring conduit that allows wiring for the camera to pass through it while being protected by the arm.

Abstract: A unipod rotating apparatus includes a main rod, an adapting platform fixing photographic equipment, and a rotating device connecting the adapting platform to the main rod in a rotatable manner, in which the rotating device includes a rotating tube, a first connecting structure, a second connecting structure and a rotation connecting structure, in which the rotating tube is sleeved around the main rod; the first connecting structure fixedly connects the adapting platform to the upper end of the rotating tube; the second connecting structure is fixedly connected to the upper end of the main rod; and the rotation connecting structure is arranged between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, such that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected with each other in a relatively rotatable manner.

Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for stabilizing a camera, the apparatus including a first main body having at least front, top, bottom, left and right surfaces forming a wedge shape, the top and bottom surfaces including a concave back edge adapted to engage a stationary structure, the front surface including a surface texture adapted to engage the camera; and optionally a second main body of similar structure. The first body includes at least one tab on at least one of the right and left surfaces and the second body includes at least one slot on at least one of the right and left surfaces wherein the at least one tab is shaped to engage the at least one slot.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for image stabilization, more particularly, a track and bogie based optically centered gimbal stabilizing assembly comprising: a ring having an inwardly disposed track (110); a first bogie (130) having an arcuate first chassis member, a first wheel assembly, and a second wheel assembly; a second bogie (120) having an arcuate second chassis member, a third wheel assembly, and a fourth wheel assembly; where the first wheel assembly, the second wheel assembly, the third wheel assembly, and the fourth wheel assembly may each ride in the track (110); and a tilt plate (170) operatively connected to the first bogie (130) and the second bogie (120) and movable therewith.

Abstract: A monopod turret type support for a camera or the like comprises an upper shaft aligned along a common axis with a lower shaft, and a pivot joint located between and uniting the upper shaft and lower shaft. The pivot joint may comprise a screw disposed to vary pressure acting on the interface between the upper shaft and the lower shaft. Pressure acting on the interface may be adjusted by inserting a pin to lock the screw to one of the upper and lower shafts, and rotating the upper shaft relative to the lower shaft. The upper shaft may terminate in a threaded attachment for threading to the camera. The lower shaft may terminate in a threaded adapter to enable threading to a threaded shaft of an environmental object.

Abstract: A tripod head panel device of a tripod head comprises a tripod head panel and a removably mounted snap-fit plate. The tripod head panel comprises a fixed plate, a moveable plate mounted underneath the fixed plate, and a driving plate mounted underneath the moveable plate. The fixed plate comprises a supporting base plate and a first retaining wall protruding upward from the supporting base plate. The moveable plate comprises a supporting base plate and a second retaining wall protruding upward from the supporting base plate, with a driving hole provided in the center of the moveable plate. The driving plate comprises a base mounted underneath the moveable plate and a handle extending from an end of the base, with an offset cam inside the driving hole formed on the seat. The snap-fit plate is mounted on the supporting base plate between the first and the second retaining walls.

Abstract: A motorized dolly includes an elongated frame, a first and second arc-shaped rail, a first and second pulley, a continuous belt, a motor, a platform, a first and second set of rollers or wheels, a fastener and one or more controls. The first arc-shaped rail has a first radius to a point in space. The second arc-shaped rail has a second radius greater than the first radius. The first and second pulleys are attached to the elongated frame proximate to each end. The continuous belt is movably attached to the first pulley and the second pulley. The motor is operably engaged with the first pulley, the second pulley or the continuous belt. The first and second set of rollers or wheels are attached to the platform and movably engaged with the first and second rails, respectively. The fastener securely is attached to the platform and the continuous belt.

Abstract: A rotating and sliding device is provided with a linear rail and a guide rail. A carriage with a rotating table travels along the linear rail. A second pivot point on the table is attached to an arm that travels along the guide rail. When the guide rail is askew from the linear rail, the linkage between the arm and the table causes the table to rotate as the device slides along the linear rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a camera unit (40) which is used to detect images of the outer area (5) of a motor vehicle. Said device comprises a drive (50) which is used to move the camera unit (40) between an idle position (3) and an active position (4) and to move a protection element (30) between a closed position (1) and an open position (2). When the protection element (30) is in the closed position (1), the camera unit (40) is in the idle position (3) behind the protection element (30) making it inaccessible from the exterior, and when the protection element (30) is in the open position (2), the camera unit (40) is in the active position (4) for detecting images.

Abstract: The invention is a security bracket assembly for preventing theft of camera lenses from cameras that are on display at retail locations. The bracket assembly carries and partially receives the camera body. The assembly has a forward shield that prevents finger access to the lens release mechanism that allows detachment of the lens from the camera body. The forward shield may be removed from the assembly so that a camera lens can be swapped without disconnecting other security or power features associated with the camera display post.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.

Abstract: The invention provides for an adjustment arrangement (10) for a camera. The adjustment arrangement (10) comprises a turn plate (20), an upper turn plate (18), a stick (12) and a gearwheel (14).

Abstract: A unipod rotating apparatus includes a main rod, an adapting platform fixing photographic equipment, and a rotating device connecting the adapting platform to the main rod in a rotatable manner, in which the rotating device includes a rotating tube, a first connecting structure, a second connecting structure and a rotation connecting structure, in which the rotating tube is sleeved around the main rod; the first connecting structure fixedly connects the adapting platform to the upper end of the rotating tube; the second connecting structure is fixedly connected to the upper end of the main rod; and the rotation connecting structure is arranged between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, such that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected with each other in a relatively rotatable manner.

Abstract: A pan-tilt mechanism for a video conferencing camera may be provided. The pan-tilt mechanism may comprise a base, a bracket, a tilt motor, and a pan motor. The tilt motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to tilt along a horizontal axis. The pan motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to pan about a vertical axis without affecting the tilt of the bracket.

Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for a scope and camera phone mount is disclosed. In particular, a clamp assembly for a camera phone attachment to a scope of a weapon is provided including a spacer block having a first end coupleable to a camera phone mount and having a recess with first and second flanges that engage a portion of the camera phone mount. The second end of the spacer block has a recess which receives a portion of a weapon scope. A scope securing member is coupled to the spacer block on a first end of the scope securing member by a tongue and groove assembly and on a second end by a thumb screw. The scope securing member receives a portion of the weapon scope.

Abstract: A network camera comprising a casing and a base is provided. The casing has a slot. The base comprises a supporter and a joint rod. The joint rod has a joint terminal and an engaging terminal. The joint terminal is pivotally connected to the supporter. The engaging terminal has an engaging flange engaged within the slot.

Abstract: Camera includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a shield member, a photosensitive element, and a cable. The first bracket includes a base defining a through hole. The second bracket is pivotally connected to the first bracket. The shield member is made of material that shields electromagnetic interference. The shield member is received in the through hole, and defines an inner hole. The photosensitive element is mounted to the second bracket. The cable is electrically connected to the photosensitive element, and extends through the inner hole.

Abstract: Described herein is an elevated system that can be used for various purposes including capturing images or video at an elevated height. In one embodiment, the elevated system includes support members and a mechanism (e.g., gimbal, pivot) that is coupled to at least one support member. The mechanism provides a range of motion along independent axes. An elongated member is coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism is capable of providing movement of the elongated member with a range of motion of three hundred and sixty degrees.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly includes a base member or plate for holding a camera and a side member or plate. In an exemplary embodiment, lower slots on the base plate or side slots on the side plate are gripped by a vertical support's quick-release mechanism to mount the camera in a landscape or portrait orientation, respectively, the camera being generally centered and evenly balanced over the support in either case. The side member is detachably fastened to the base member, which modular construction permits separately timed purchase of the base member and side member as allowed by the user's budget and further permits breakdown of the assembly for ease of transport. The side member may be generally L-shaped with a lower arm length less than the side arm length, which also facilitates transport. Other components may be detachably added such as a hand grip facilitating freehand shooting with the camera.

Abstract: A pan/tilt head that can be used with a camera is disclosed that includes a tilt range extender. The pan/tilt head has a main housing formed from a central housing and two housing sides. A pantograph linkage is connected to a housing side. The pantograph linkage includes an upper transverse member and a lower transverse member. The lower transverse member is connected to the housing side at a non-rotating mount on the tilt axis. The upper transverse member is connected to the tilt range extender. The tilt range extender rotates about the tilt axis.

Abstract: A camera system includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera attached to the body within the cavity and including a lens. The camera system also includes a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal, and a wiper configured for wiping debris from the lens. The wiper is attached to the camera and is actuatable by the shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy transitions between the first state and the second state to actuate the wiper so that the wiper contacts and translates across the lens and thereby wipes debris from the lens.

Abstract: A miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use a ball joint which allows for multi-axis movement of the device relative to the legs of the tripod.

Abstract: A camera slider system that supports a camera for longitudinal sliding. The camera sliding system comprises a pair of longitudinal rail members and a carriage system. The rail members are spaced at a substantially constant distance apart. The carriage system further comprises of a base plate upon which a camera mounting plate is fixed, along with a pair of wheel support assemblies. Each wheel support assembly engages the corresponding rail member to support longitudinal movement. Each wheel assembly further comprises of three rollers, wherein two rollers engage the interior surface of the corresponding rail member, and one roller engages the exterior surface of the same rail member. The arrangement of rollers is coplanar with the plane of the rail members. The exterior roller of each wheel assembly is adjustable relative to the corresponding rail member to accommodate any flaw in the rail profile.

Abstract: A tripod head suitable for holding an imaging device thereon being supported by a tripod includes the tripod head being movable to position the imaging device at a desired orientation. A control arm is affixed to and movable in a two-dimensional arc, without being movable in three-dimensions over the two-dimensional arc, with respect to the tripod head. The control arm has selectable resistance to movement along the two-dimensional arc as a result of selectively increasing or decreasing the resistance between at least three friction plates having surfaces in face-to-face engagement with one another.

Abstract: A camera rotating structure includes a bottom frame, a rotating device, a camera device, and a top frame. The rotating device comprises an operating tab, the rotating device are pivotally mounted to an inner side of the bottom frame. The camera device comprises a base board and a camera. The base board is secured to the rotating device. The top frame defines a through opening to expose the camera and a mounting opening. The top frame is mounted to the bottom frame to enable the rotating device and the camera device to be mounted between the top frame and the bottom frame. The operating tab extends through the mounting opening exposing out of the top frame. The operating tab is operated in the mounting opening to move to drive the rotating device to rotate, thereby driving the camera to rotate to adjust an angle of the camera.

Abstract: A retractable camera platform system allows a mounted camera to be hidden while not in use. The system retracts a camera platform into a recess in the ceiling, wall and the like of a room, building, hallway or other structure. The system includes the camera platform that opens a door assembly or a cover so that the camera may operate when needed. The door assembly or cover hides the camera and the associated frame structure when not in use. An actuator and linear slide track raise and lower the camera as desired.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism allows for nodal tilt of a camera or other payload to a high degree without obstructing any side of the camera. It uses two rotating plates that are linked together with linkage arms. The linkage arms transfer the rotational movement of the plates above the mechanism to a camera attachment plate. The rotating plate has a nodal point identical to the linkage plates, above the plate where the camera is positioned. There is no side support in this design to interfere with access to the camera on all sides.

Abstract: A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating arm camera mount for mounting an imaging device. The disclosed camera mount comprises a base, one or more arms, and a head that are movably secured to one another and are generally interchangeable with different components and pieces. The disclosed camera mount allows for greater flexibility and creativity in the placement and positioning of an imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system designed for use with optical devices, such as video cameras. The camera suspension unit includes a platform, outer and middle frames, with the orthogonal intersecting axes of rotation at the midpoint of the unit, rotating drives to rotate the unit about the X, Y and Z axes all controlled by a control unit. The middle frame of the suspension unit is designed as a mechanical parallelogram, having a movable jointed foot, a piston-rod and two cranks, as well as two mechanical links, all of which have an axis of rotation parallel to the middle frame axis of rotation, which is parallel to the Y axis. The outer end of each mechanical link is fastened to a crank while the inner end is fastened to the frame. The inner ends are fastened in a rotatable manner, allowing for the rotation about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the cranks.

Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.