Tripod device for mounting a camera and tracking movable objects
First Claim
1. A tripod device for mounting a camera to track movable objects, comprising:
- a base;
a camera mount adjacent said base for selectively supporting the camera;
a first actuator for moving said camera mount relative to said base in a rotational direction about a generally vertical axis;
a second actuator for tilting said camera mount relative to said base in a generally vertical direction;
a plurality of pendants separate from said base and said camera mount, each said pendant having a transmitter for transmitting signals different from signals transmitted by each other pendant;
a processor in communication with said first and second actuators for controlling said first and second actuators;
a receiver in communication with said processor for receiving said signals and providing said signals to said processor, said processor having programming for identifying said individual pendants by said signals, said processor having programming for determining a direction to each said pendant;
a user interface in communication with said processor for providing user input to said processor, said processor having programming for selectively controlling said first and second actuators to track said pendants according to said user input;
wherein;
said user input includes mode data corresponding to a plurality of tracking modes;
said processor includes programming corresponding to said plurality of tracking modes, including programming for selectively controlling said first and second actuators to;
follow a single selected pendant;
scan between two or more pendants in a repeating sequence; and
concentrate on an area containing a largest number of said pendants.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A tripod device and system for mounting a camera and tracking movable objects includes a base with a camera mount, a processor, a user interface, actuators for rotating and tilting the camera mount, and a plurality of pendants. Each pendant includes a transmitter for transmitting a unique signal for receipt by a receiver in communication with the processor. The processor includes programming for determining the direction of a signaling pendant and for moving the camera mount to follow a selected pendant. The user interface enables a user to select a mode of operation, such as tracking a selected pendant, alternating between two or more pendants, or facing an area having the most pendants. Each pendant includes a receiver and a visual indicator for indicating when it is the active subject pendant. This invention provides for taping a birthday party having multiple persons to be taped according to selected modes.
31 Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A tripod device for mounting a camera to track movable objects, comprising:
-
a base; a camera mount adjacent said base for selectively supporting the camera; a first actuator for moving said camera mount relative to said base in a rotational direction about a generally vertical axis; a second actuator for tilting said camera mount relative to said base in a generally vertical direction; a plurality of pendants separate from said base and said camera mount, each said pendant having a transmitter for transmitting signals different from signals transmitted by each other pendant; a processor in communication with said first and second actuators for controlling said first and second actuators; a receiver in communication with said processor for receiving said signals and providing said signals to said processor, said processor having programming for identifying said individual pendants by said signals, said processor having programming for determining a direction to each said pendant; a user interface in communication with said processor for providing user input to said processor, said processor having programming for selectively controlling said first and second actuators to track said pendants according to said user input; wherein; said user input includes mode data corresponding to a plurality of tracking modes; said processor includes programming corresponding to said plurality of tracking modes, including programming for selectively controlling said first and second actuators to; follow a single selected pendant; scan between two or more pendants in a repeating sequence; and concentrate on an area containing a largest number of said pendants. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A camera support device, comprising:
-
abase; a camera mount adjacent said base for selectively supporting a camera, said camera mount being movable relative to said base; means for moving said camera mount rotationally about a generally vertical axis; means for tilting said camera mount in a generally vertical direction; a plurality of pendants separate from said base and said camera mount, each pendant having a transmitter for transmitting signals different from signals transmitted by each other pendant; a processor in communication with said means for moving said camera mount and said means for tilting said camera mount for controlling said means for moving said camera mount and said means for tilting said camera mount; a user interface in communication with said processor for providing user input to said processor; a receiver in communication with said processor for receiving said signals and providing said signals to said processor; said processor including programming for identifying said individual pendants by said signals; said processor including programming for determining a direction to each said pendant; said processor including programming for selectively controlling said means for moving said camera mount and said means for tilting said camera mount to track said pendants according to modes corresponding to said user input; wherein said modes include; following a single selected pendant; scanning between two or more pendants in a repeating sequence; and concentrating on an area containing a largest number of said pendants. - View Dependent Claims (15)
-
Specification