US20180307124A1 - Variable radius camera mount - Google Patents
Variable radius camera mount Download PDFInfo
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- US20180307124A1 US20180307124A1 US15/553,887 US201615553887A US2018307124A1 US 20180307124 A1 US20180307124 A1 US 20180307124A1 US 201615553887 A US201615553887 A US 201615553887A US 2018307124 A1 US2018307124 A1 US 2018307124A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
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- camera array
- array mount
- radius
- camera
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
- G03B17/561—Support related camera accessories
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/08—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a vertical axis, e.g. panoramic heads
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B37/00—Panoramic or wide-screen photography; Photographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveying; Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
- G03B37/04—Panoramic or wide-screen photography; Photographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveying; Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe with cameras or projectors providing touching or overlapping fields of view
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
- F16M11/12—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/18—Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M2200/00—Details of stands or supports
- F16M2200/02—Locking means
- F16M2200/021—Locking means for rotational movement
- F16M2200/024—Locking means for rotational movement by positive interaction, e.g. male-female connections
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the field of photography, and more specifically to a new and useful device for constructing dynamic camera arrays.
- a camera array is a formation of multiple cameras that are networked to a controller to capture an image simultaneously or in a synchronized order from each individual camera perspective or angle.
- images or captured frames are edited together many types of photographic and video effects may be obtained. For example, when the cameras in an array are triggered simultaneously and the captured frame images are edited together a moment in time appears frozen as a viewer is moved around the composite image.
- additional special effects include stop-start, slow motion, time ramp, among other popular special effects.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an existing metal or aluminum frame or truss structure 10 formed with a fixed radius for supporting the cameras 12 of the array.
- the fixed radius bent pipe or truss configuration requires a film or production director to commit to an exact shape to be rigged or set up several days before the shoot, and thus limits the ability of a film crew to make real-time adjustments in their set up as changes in a film shoot may dictate.
- the traditional array support structure is hard to transport, especially to remote locations.
- a camera array mount includes a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links having a stadium shape with a first joinder point at a first radius and a second joinder point at a second radius, and at least one hole adapted for mounting a camera, and a joinder simultaneously engaging the first joinder point of one of the plurality of links and a second joinder point of another of the plurality of links.
- a camera array mount includes a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links having a stadium shape with a first joinder point at a first radius and a second joinder point at a second radius, and at least one hole adapted for mounting a camera.
- the links have a plurality of set holes configured in lines as a series of radiating spokes on the first joinder point, and a plurality of wedges arrayed in a circular pattern on the second joinder point, where the plurality of set holes are configured to overlay the plurality of wedges.
- a set pin is adapted to be inserted through a set hole from the plurality of set holes and to engage a wedge from the plurality of wedges to determine a degree of angular position between a fist link and a second link from the plurality of links.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B are prior art photographic views of a traditional bent pipe or a truss for supporting a camera array
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a link with seven teeth and five teeth, respectively in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the links of FIG. 2B with a twenty five degree rotation in accordance with embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 3B is a detail view of FIG. 3A showing the tooth engagement at the maximum twenty five degree rotation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a link with a full circle of teeth in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the link of FIG. 4A joined with identical links for supporting a set of cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the links of FIG. 4B in a bent configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a saw tooth link design in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective photographic view of a set of joined links in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set of links as shown in FIG. 6 prior to attachment showing how index pin engage either side of a progressively tighter groves in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a camera array supported on a series of links in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a photograph of a production set configured with a dynamically configurable camera array supported with linkages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the present invention has utility as camera array mounts that are easy to set up, dynamically reconfigurable, compact, and convenient to store and transport.
- the following description of various embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention through exemplary aspects thereof.
- range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range.
- a recited range from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.
- Embodiments of the inventive links are dynamically configurable into camera array mounts with adjustable radius of curvatures.
- the inventive links may be made of plastic, composites, metals, aluminum, or alloys that may be molded or cast for mass production.
- the links may be broken down for storage and transport.
- the links may be adapted for various camera sizes and camera mounts.
- Embodiments of the inventive links provide improved indexing with angled slots that reduce pin slop.
- Embodiments of the inventive links provide an optimized weight to support ratio.
- the inventive links may be configured with a self-curving system where opposing cables act to draw the geared links one way or the other.
- a stadium shape is a two dimensional projection of a capsule.
- the stadium shaped link having opposing planar top and bottom surfaces facilitates storage, equipment mounting, and joinder of links to form a configurable camera rail.
- the area of a stadium shaped link is well known as being ⁇ r 2 +2*r*a, where r is the radius of each end semicircle and a is the rectangular central region area. It is appreciated that an inventive stadium shaped link is readily formed with different radii on the opposed ends.
- Embodiments of the inventive links may be configured with embedded electronics including electrical and data connections for camera controls, processing, and data handling.
- electronic slip rings may be used in embodiments where the links attach to each other and would act to connect all the components down the line (links become shape, support and communication between cameras).
- the mountable cameras would be attached to the links with short power, trigger, and data cables, where power networking and trigger signals would be passed down the links through the slip rings, or a jumper cable if needed.
- FIG. 2A illustrates an inventive link 20 with seven teeth 22 for locking in an adjustment position
- FIG. 2B shows a link 30 with five teeth 32 .
- a circular recess provides for edge meshing between joined links 30 .
- FIG. 2B is a pivot post 34 that the attached links rotate on.
- FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the links 30 of FIG. 2B with a twenty five degree rotation in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 3B is a detail view of FIG. 3A showing the tooth 32 engagement at the maximum twenty five degree rotation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a link 40 with a full circle of teeth 42 that allow for a greater range of rotation.
- FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the link 40 of FIG. 4A joined with similar links 40 for supporting a set of cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the links of FIG. 4B in a bent configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of link 50 with a saw tooth 52 geared design for locking in a desired angle.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective photographic view of a set of joined links 60 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the links 60 adjust to any radius with an index or set pin 62 inserted in one of a set of adjustment set holes 64 .
- the links 60 index in 0.25 m increments when bent outward, and in 0.125 increments when bent inward.
- Inidica 63 are provided to denote angular position between contiguous links in certain embodiments.
- Embodiments of the links 60 have been made to accommodate adding different sized cameras within the same set.
- a high speed camera may be placed on the end of the camera array and adjusted on three axes for proper alignment with the array.
- Embodiments of the links 60 have many mounting holes 66 for mounting a range of positions and accessories. Accessories may include flags to block lens flare, black drapes to cover the stands that support the links 60 and provide a clean look to the setup.
- the links 60 are also configured to accommodate threaded rods to be inserted to build multi-dimensional rigs (two or more tiers) of camera arrays.
- the links 60 allow for additional links to be attached in a perpendicular manner, which allows for additional links to be used as vertical supports to hold up the entire camera rig.
- the variable radius allows these vertical supports of “feet” to come out at any angle and finish level with the floor or ground.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set of links 60 as shown in FIG. 6 prior to attachment showing how index pin or set pin 62 engage either side of a progressively tighter groves 68 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the groove shape 68 is such that the groove 68 exactly creates the desired radius when an index pin 62 is placed into a corresponding hole 64 .
- the link is bent until the pin stops against the side of the groove 68 . For example when an indexing pin 62 is place through a hole 64 that drops into a slot or groove 68 below the hole 64 , and the pin 62 is bent in one direction a first radius is realized, while if the pin 62 is bent in an opposing direction the radius is increased.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a camera array 12 supported on a series of links 60 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a photograph of a production set configured with a dynamically configurable camera array supported with linkages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9 , a progressive curve is depicted where a straight line begins to bend around in an indexed progressively tighter curve. In the production set shown in FIG. 9 , the shape of the array mount is configured on the production set itself, and not in advance as was the case with traditional bent pipe or a truss.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/134,909 filed 18 Mar. 2015; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to the field of photography, and more specifically to a new and useful device for constructing dynamic camera arrays.
- A camera array is a formation of multiple cameras that are networked to a controller to capture an image simultaneously or in a synchronized order from each individual camera perspective or angle. When the images or captured frames are edited together many types of photographic and video effects may be obtained. For example, when the cameras in an array are triggered simultaneously and the captured frame images are edited together a moment in time appears frozen as a viewer is moved around the composite image. In addition to the frozen moment additional special effects include stop-start, slow motion, time ramp, among other popular special effects.
- While the aforementioned special effects have become more popular in video and movie production, the traditional set up for obtaining these special effects are complex and cumbersome, such as camera arrays mounted to fixed radius bent pipe or a fixed truss.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an existing metal or aluminum frame ortruss structure 10 formed with a fixed radius for supporting thecameras 12 of the array. The fixed radius bent pipe or truss configuration requires a film or production director to commit to an exact shape to be rigged or set up several days before the shoot, and thus limits the ability of a film crew to make real-time adjustments in their set up as changes in a film shoot may dictate. Furthermore, the traditional array support structure is hard to transport, especially to remote locations. - Thus there exists a need for camera array mounts that are easy to set up, dynamically reconfigurable, compact, and convenient to store and transport.
- A camera array mount includes a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links having a stadium shape with a first joinder point at a first radius and a second joinder point at a second radius, and at least one hole adapted for mounting a camera, and a joinder simultaneously engaging the first joinder point of one of the plurality of links and a second joinder point of another of the plurality of links.
- A camera array mount includes a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links having a stadium shape with a first joinder point at a first radius and a second joinder point at a second radius, and at least one hole adapted for mounting a camera. The links have a plurality of set holes configured in lines as a series of radiating spokes on the first joinder point, and a plurality of wedges arrayed in a circular pattern on the second joinder point, where the plurality of set holes are configured to overlay the plurality of wedges. A set pin is adapted to be inserted through a set hole from the plurality of set holes and to engage a wedge from the plurality of wedges to determine a degree of angular position between a fist link and a second link from the plurality of links.
- The present invention is further detailed with respect to the following drawings that are intended to show certain aspects of the present invention, but should not be construed as a limit on the practice of the present invention.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B are prior art photographic views of a traditional bent pipe or a truss for supporting a camera array; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a link with seven teeth and five teeth, respectively in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the links ofFIG. 2B with a twenty five degree rotation in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 3B is a detail view ofFIG. 3A showing the tooth engagement at the maximum twenty five degree rotation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a link with a full circle of teeth in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the link ofFIG. 4A joined with identical links for supporting a set of cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the links ofFIG. 4B in a bent configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a saw tooth link design in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective photographic view of a set of joined links in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set of links as shown inFIG. 6 prior to attachment showing how index pin engage either side of a progressively tighter groves in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a camera array supported on a series of links in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 9 is a photograph of a production set configured with a dynamically configurable camera array supported with linkages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - The present invention has utility as camera array mounts that are easy to set up, dynamically reconfigurable, compact, and convenient to store and transport. The following description of various embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this invention through exemplary aspects thereof.
- It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.
- Embodiments of the inventive links are dynamically configurable into camera array mounts with adjustable radius of curvatures. The inventive links may be made of plastic, composites, metals, aluminum, or alloys that may be molded or cast for mass production. The links may be broken down for storage and transport. The links may be adapted for various camera sizes and camera mounts. Embodiments of the inventive links provide improved indexing with angled slots that reduce pin slop. Embodiments of the inventive links provide an optimized weight to support ratio. The inventive links may be configured with a self-curving system where opposing cables act to draw the geared links one way or the other.
- By resorting to an inventive link with a stadium shape extended rotation around each of the opposing radii is achieved with a central area that allows for the extension of link length, mounting of equipment, or both. A stadium shape is a two dimensional projection of a capsule. The stadium shaped link having opposing planar top and bottom surfaces facilitates storage, equipment mounting, and joinder of links to form a configurable camera rail. The area of a stadium shaped link is well known as being πr2+2*r*a, where r is the radius of each end semicircle and a is the rectangular central region area. It is appreciated that an inventive stadium shaped link is readily formed with different radii on the opposed ends.
- Embodiments of the inventive links may be configured with embedded electronics including electrical and data connections for camera controls, processing, and data handling. For example, electronic slip rings may be used in embodiments where the links attach to each other and would act to connect all the components down the line (links become shape, support and communication between cameras). The mountable cameras would be attached to the links with short power, trigger, and data cables, where power networking and trigger signals would be passed down the links through the slip rings, or a jumper cable if needed.
- Referring now to the figures,
FIG. 2A illustrates aninventive link 20 with seventeeth 22 for locking in an adjustment position, whileFIG. 2B shows alink 30 with fiveteeth 32. A circular recess provides for edge meshing between joinedlinks 30. Clearly visible inFIG. 2B is apivot post 34 that the attached links rotate on.FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of thelinks 30 ofFIG. 2B with a twenty five degree rotation in accordance with embodiments of the invention.FIG. 3B is a detail view ofFIG. 3A showing thetooth 32 engagement at the maximum twenty five degree rotation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 4A is a perspective view of alink 40 with a full circle ofteeth 42 that allow for a greater range of rotation.FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of thelink 40 ofFIG. 4A joined withsimilar links 40 for supporting a set of cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention.FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the links ofFIG. 4B in a bent configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 5 is a perspective view oflink 50 with asaw tooth 52 geared design for locking in a desired angle. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective photographic view of a set of joinedlinks 60 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thelinks 60 adjust to any radius with an index or setpin 62 inserted in one of a set of adjustment set holes 64. In a specific embodiment thelinks 60 index in 0.25 m increments when bent outward, and in 0.125 increments when bent inward.Inidica 63 are provided to denote angular position between contiguous links in certain embodiments. Embodiments of thelinks 60 have been made to accommodate adding different sized cameras within the same set. In a specific embodiment a high speed camera may be placed on the end of the camera array and adjusted on three axes for proper alignment with the array. Embodiments of thelinks 60 have many mountingholes 66 for mounting a range of positions and accessories. Accessories may include flags to block lens flare, black drapes to cover the stands that support thelinks 60 and provide a clean look to the setup. Thelinks 60 are also configured to accommodate threaded rods to be inserted to build multi-dimensional rigs (two or more tiers) of camera arrays. Thelinks 60 allow for additional links to be attached in a perpendicular manner, which allows for additional links to be used as vertical supports to hold up the entire camera rig. In addition, the variable radius allows these vertical supports of “feet” to come out at any angle and finish level with the floor or ground. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set oflinks 60 as shown inFIG. 6 prior to attachment showing how index pin or setpin 62 engage either side of a progressivelytighter groves 68 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thegroove shape 68 is such that thegroove 68 exactly creates the desired radius when anindex pin 62 is placed into a correspondinghole 64. The link is bent until the pin stops against the side of thegroove 68. For example when anindexing pin 62 is place through ahole 64 that drops into a slot or groove 68 below thehole 64, and thepin 62 is bent in one direction a first radius is realized, while if thepin 62 is bent in an opposing direction the radius is increased. In a specific inventive embodiment, the positioning and bending of thepin 62 provides a 0.125 increase or change to the radius. For example, withpin 62 inPin position 4=4 meter radius in one direction −4.125 in the other direction, and if thepin 62 is placed in Pin position 4.25=4.25 meter radius in one direction −4.37 in the other direction. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of acamera array 12 supported on a series oflinks 60 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.FIG. 9 is a photograph of a production set configured with a dynamically configurable camera array supported with linkages in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 9 , a progressive curve is depicted where a straight line begins to bend around in an indexed progressively tighter curve. In the production set shown inFIG. 9 , the shape of the array mount is configured on the production set itself, and not in advance as was the case with traditional bent pipe or a truss. - While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the described embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/553,887 US10126634B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-30 | Variable radius camera mount |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562134909P | 2015-03-18 | 2015-03-18 | |
PCT/IB2016/000402 WO2016147050A2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-30 | Variable radius camera mount |
US15/553,887 US10126634B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-30 | Variable radius camera mount |
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US20180307124A1 true US20180307124A1 (en) | 2018-10-25 |
US10126634B1 US10126634B1 (en) | 2018-11-13 |
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US15/553,887 Active US10126634B1 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2016-03-30 | Variable radius camera mount |
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WO (1) | WO2016147050A2 (en) |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US6141034A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 2000-10-31 | Immersive Media Co. | Immersive imaging method and apparatus |
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WO2016147050A2 (en) | 2016-09-22 |
WO2016147050A3 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
US10126634B1 (en) | 2018-11-13 |
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