GB2485262A

GB2485262A - A motorized camera dolly

Info

Publication number: GB2485262A
Application number: GB201118262A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony John Holker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-26
Filing date: 2011-10-24
Publication date: 2012-05-09
Also published as: GB201118262D0; GB201018065D0

Abstract

A motorized camera dolly 18 comprises a steerable, electrically powered vehicle on which is located a mounting 13 for a camera 14. The mounting 13 enables panning and/or tilting of the camera relative to motion of the dolly 18. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor linked directly to one or more axles (2, 3, fig 1) of the vehicle. The camera mounting 13 may take the form of an adjustable riser 26, which may be mounted on rails 23 located on the vehicle. Alternatively, the camera mounting 13 may comprise a bracket (33, fig 3) adapted to be connected to a gyro-stabilized camera. The vehicle may comprise seating 9, 15 for a driver and a camera operator. In another embodiment the vehicle and dolly are remotely controlled via a programmable, computerized link so that the vehicle may follow a predetermined specified path repeatedly. The camera may also be remotely controlled.

Description

A MOTORIZED CAMERA DOLLY

The present invention relates to a motorized camera dolly for use primarily in the film, television and video industries.

A conventional camera dolly comprises a wheeled support on which a camera is mounted. Such dollies are widely used in the film and television industries and if the set terrain is unsuitable are often mounted on rails or rolled over leveled boards so that they can be moved during filming to enable action shots to be filmed. Such an arrangement allows the dolly and camera to operate silently so as not to interfere with the filming. However, these arrangements are time consuming to set up and the dolly can only run where the terrain is suitable or rails or boards are laid, which is impractical in many locations. They also limit the flexibility of the camera and do not facilitate speedy movement of the camera during filming as the dolly has to be pulled or pushed by hand. While it is also possible for a camera operator to carry and hold the camera, it is impossible to prevent camera shaking without using a gyro-stabilized camera arrangement, which tend to be heavy and cumbersome. Many camera operators are not able to use these for prolonged periods.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorized camera dolly that can be driven at will. This obviates or substantially mitigates the disadvantages outlined above with known arrangements.

According to the present invention there is provided a motorized camera dolly comprising a steerable, electrically powered vehicle on which is located a mounting for a camera, the mounting enabling panning and/or tilting of the camera relative to motion of the dolly.

Preferably, the vehicle is powered by an electric motor linked directly to one or more axles of the vehicle.

Preferably also, the vehicle has front and rear axles, the rear axle being powered. Alternatively, both the front and rear axles are powered.

Preferably also, the electric motor is driven by at least one battery mounted on the dolly.

Preferably also, the mounting comprises an adjustable riser.

Preferably also, the mounting includes a pair of rails on which a platform is movably mounted to which the riser is attached.

Preferably also, the mounting comprises a framework that is adjustably connected to one or more vertical elements such that it can be moved up and down relative to the elements and fixed at any desired height.

Preferably also, the framework is adjustably connected to one or more of the vertical elements such that it can be rotated or, at least in part, moved from side to side relative to the elements and fixed at any desired position relative to elements.

Preferably also, the mounting comprises a bracket adapted to be connected to a gyro-stabilized camera.

Preferably also, the vehicle is adapted to be remotely controlled.

Other preferred but non-essential features of the various aspects of the present invention are described in the dependent claims appended hereto.

Embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is perspective view of a first embodiment of motorized camera dolly in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but of a second embodiment of motorized camera dolly; Fig. 3 is also a view similar to Fig. 1 but of a third embodiment of motorized camera dolly; and Fig. 4 is a view to an enlarged scale of a bracket forming part of the dolly shown in Fig. 3.

Throughout this description, similar components or parts in the various embodiments and modifications are given the same reference numeral.

The first embodiment of motorized camera dolly 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a four-wheel vehicle with front and rear axles 2 and 3 and a steering column 4 on which is mounted a brake lever 5 and a control panel 6 for the dolly 1. The control panel 6 contains all the necessary controls for the vehicle, such as an on/off switch, variable speed controls, indicator light controls if provided, and the like. The vehicle chassis is covered by sheeting 7, which can be made of metal, wood, plastics or the like, to form a platform 8 on which is located a seat 9 for a driver of the dolly. The sheeting 7 also protects the chassis from the elements.

The dolly 1 is electrically powered via an electric motor located in a housing 10 formed by part of the sheet 7. The motor may be a DC motor, a brushless DC motor or an AC motor. Preferably, the motor is a brushless DC motor driven by two 12V batteries ii and 12 that are each mounted on the dolly and housed separately adjacent the housing 10 on the platform 8. In other embodiments, more than two 12V batteries may be used to drive the motor, for example three or four 12V batteries may be used and an appropriate housing or housings provided therefor. The motor is linked directly to the rear axle 3 of the vehicle, which ensures that it runs virtually silently. If necessary, the housing 10 may be sound-proofed to reduce all sound from the motor to a minimum.

At the rear of the dolly 1 is a mounting 13 for a camera 14, which is removably mounted to the mounting 13. The mounting 13 is secured to the metal sheeting 7 and a rear-facing seat 15 is provided for a camera operator that may be mounted on a swivel. In this first embodiment the mounting 13 comprises a rotatable platform 16 on which the camera 14 is located and an adjustable riser 17 to enable the platform 16 to be moved up or down and secured at a desired height.

In use, the dolly 1 is driven along during filming, the mounting 13 enabling panning and/or tilting of the camera 14 relative to motion of the dolly 1. As operation of the dolly 1 is virtually silent, it does not interfere with the sound of the action being filmed. This means that filming is very flexible and enables the camera to be moved quickly and over long distances without tiring the camera operator.

In a modification, the several risers 17 can be mounted at different positions on the dolly 1, for example along the sides as well as at the rear of the vehicle, to allow the camera 14 or more than one camera 14 to be mounted on any of them.

The second embodiment of motorized camera dolly i8 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a vehicular part that is similar in most respects to the dolly 1 shown in Fig. 1 except that it rear portion 19 that rotates relative to a front portion 20 when it is steered to the left or right. Brake lights 21, which may also incorporate indicator lights, and a forward-pointing light 22 are also provided. The rear portion 19 comprises a circular platform on which a swiveling seat i for the camera operator is located and the camera mounting is different as is described below. The seat 15 may be made detachable so that the camera operator can sit, stand or kneel on the rear portion 19 as appropriate. In other respects the dolly i8 operates in the same way as the dolly 1.

The camera mounting in this embodiment comprises a pair of rails 23 that is mounted via supporting a framework on telescopic poles 24. The rails 23 extend around the periphery of the circular rear portion 20 SO that they follow a pait-circular path. The telescopic poles 24 enable the rails 23 to be raised and lowered as desired and fixed at a particular height. In addition, the rails framework supporting the rails can be rotated relative to the poles 24 so that the gap in the part-circular path followed by the rails can be located at any position. Once in the desired position, the framework is clamped relative to the poles 24 so that the rails 23 are fixed in position.

Mounted on the rails 23 is a wheeled platform 25 that can run freely along the rails 23 but that can also be clamped at any particular position on the rails, if desired. The camera 14 is mounted on the platform 25 via a riser in the form of a telescopic stand 26 similar to that shown in Fig.i so that the height of the camera 14 above the platform 25 can also be adjusted. The camera 14 is also rotatably mounted on the stand 26 but is also clampable thereto. During filming and while the dolly i8 is in motion, the camera 14 can be tilted up and down and can be rolled around the rails 23 to create panning shots. This facilitates the taking of fast and slow action shots that are only possible with considerable difficulty using conventional dollies and camera holding arrangements.

In a modified arrangement, the platform 25 may be motorized so that it can be programmed to move around the rails 23 in a predetermined way.

In another modification, the rails 23 may be removed from the poles 24 50 that the camera 14 can be mounted directly on any of the poles 24, in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 1. Such an arrangement may be appropriate to secure shots from a low viewpoint.

Turning now to Fig. 3, the third embodiment of dolly 27 comprises a vehicular part that is similar in most respects to the dolly 8 shown in Fig. 2 However, the camera mounting is different. In this case the mounting comprises a scaffolding framework 28 with a horizontal frame 29 adjustably connected to a plurality of vertical elements 30. The number of vertical elements 30 can be varied in modified embodiments of the dolly 27 but in all cases the horizontal frame 29 is made capable of being moved up and down and from side to side relative to the elements 30 and of being secured in any desired position relative to them. The frame 29 is also capable of further adjustment as it comprises a pair of poles 31 that are parallel and that extend between the front and the rear of the dolly 27. The poles 31 are connected to the elements 30 and a pair of connecting poles 32 is used to connect the poles 31 to one another. However, the horizontal position of each of the poles 31 relative to the elements 30 to which it is attached can be adjusted as required. This means a pole 31 can be extended outwards from the dolly 27 and a camera secured at the projecting end if required. In addition the position of the poles 32 relative to the poles 31 is variable and can be changed by the camera operator. A camera can be mounted directly at any position on the frame 29. However, in this embodiment preferably a bracket 31 that is adapted to be connected to a camera (not shown) via a conventional gyro-stabilization apparatus (not shown) is used to mount the camera to the frame 29. The bracket 33 is shown in more detail in Fig. 4 and it can be seen that it is connected to the frame 29 by a pair of clamps 34 and has a plurality of holes 35 through which it can be connected to the gyro-stabilization apparatus. It will be appreciated that the bracket 33 is capable of connection to any pait of the frame 29, as desired, dependent on the particular shot it is desired to film. To provide greater flexibility for the dolly 27, it may also be provided with one or more stands 36 to which a camera or other equipment, for example sound equipment or lighting equipment may be mounted.

In use, the capability of combining a gyro-stabilized camera with the mobility of the dolly 27 allows sophisticated action shots to be filmed that would otherwise be very difficult to set up.

In addition to the camera mounting arrangements described above, a Klassen socket block mount could also be used on the vehicle.

In all of the embodiments described above, the camera is capable of being mounted at any desired position so that filming is possible for 3600 around the vehicle and at a range of different heights. The camera can also be mounted on a motorized head and/or various image stabilising or vibration stabilising equipment can be rigged to any part of the dollie or to its poles in any configuration as appropriate for the filming required.

It will be appreciated that various modifications could be made to the various embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, the dollies 1, iS, 27 could be adapted so that both front and rear axles are driven. This would significantly increase the power of the vehicle to enable it to negotiate rough terrain, for example.

Also, the camera mountings 13 could be adjusted to suit different types of camera. A viewing monitor could be secured to the vehicle so that the filmed action can be viewed by the driver or camera operator or by production staff not being carried by the vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, pictures may be relayed to a remove monitor directly from the camera. It will also be appreciated that the dollies 1, i8, 27 can be used to carry more than one camera that can film simultaneously or in sequence.

In a further modification, the camera 14 could be mounted at the end of a jib crane mounted on the riser 17 in Fig. 1, carried by the platform 25 in Fig. 2 or mounted directly on any of the poles 31, 32 in Fig. 3. Preferably, the camera would be attached to a remote-controlled motorized head at the end of the crane but the crane and camera could be operated manually if preferred.

The dollies 1, i8, 27 may also be adapted by the provision of movable steps or running boards (not shown) on which camera operators can stand or sit. These steps or boards may fold down from the sides of the platform 8 or slide out from beneath it. Similar arrangements may also be provided at the rear of the dollies 1, i8, 27.

All of the aforementioned dollies, 1, i8, 27 are also capable of being adapted so as to be remote-controlled via a link such as radio link.

Preferably, this radio link will be computerized and programmable so that the dolly 1, i8, 27 can be driven in a pre-determined way to follow a specified path repeatedly. Operation of the camera 14 can also be set up to be remote-controlled. This enables the dolly to repeat a set tracking shot on an automatic basis to allow a number of takes of the same action to be made.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motorized camera dolly comprising a steerable, electrically powered vehicle on which is located a mounting for a camera, the mounting enabling panning and/or tilting of the camera relative to motion of the dolly.
2. A dolly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the vehicle is powered by an electric motor linked directly to one or more axles of the vehicle.
3. A dolly as claimed in Claims 2, wherein the electric motor is driven by at least one battery mounted on the dolly.
4. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle has front and rear axles, the rear axle being powered.
5. A dolly as claimed in Claim 4, wherein both the front and rear axles are powered.
6. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the mounting comprises an adjustable riser.
7. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the mounting includes a pair of rails on which a platform is movably mounted to which the riser is attached.
8. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the mounting comprises a framework that is adjustably connected to one or more vertical elements such that it can be moved up and down relative to the elements and fixed at any desired height.
9. A dolly as claimed in Claim 8 when dependent on Claim 7, wherein the rails are mounted on the framework.-10 -
10. A dolly as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the framework is adjustably connected to one or more of the vertical elements such that it can be rotated or, at least in part, moved from side to side relative to the elements and fixed at any desired position relative to the elements.
ii. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the framework comprises first and second poles that extend between the front and the rear of the dolly and a pair of connecting poles that connect the first and second poles to one another.
12. A dolly as claimed in Claim ii, wherein the connecting poles are movably connected to the first and second poles so that their location can be varied.
13. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the mounting also comprises a bracket adapted to be connected to a gyro-stabilized camera.
14. A dolly as claimed in Claim 13 when dependent on any of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the bracket is securable to the framework at a plurality of different locations.
15. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the vehicle comprises seating for a driver.
i6. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the vehicle comprises seating for a camera operator.
17. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the vehicle is adapted to be remotely controlled.-11 -i8. A dolly as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the dolly is remote controlled via a programmable, computerized link so that the vehicle can be driven in a pre-determined way to follow a specified path repeatedly.19. A dolly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to iS, wherein the camera is adapted to be remotely controlled.20. A motorized camera dolly substantially as described herein with reference to Fig. 1, Fig, 2 or Figs. 3 and 4.