Camera control
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of controlling operation of a camera using an input device and a control system, the method comprising:
- providing an input device for a user to provide input for controlling operation of a camera, the input device comprising a manipulable control having a neutral position at which the input device provides no input signal;
establishing a threshold perimeter around the neutral position of the input device;
receiving, at the control system, a first input signal from the input device, the first input signal resulting from manipulation of the manipulable control;
determining whether the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter;
determining whether the manipulable control is moving away from the neutral position;
based on a determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter and is not moving away from the neutral position, processing the first input signal to produce an output signal describing a time-dependent output curve that simulates a varying position of the manipulable control over a specified period of time, the time-dependent output curve being defined by a first, actual position x1 of the manipulable control at a first point t1 in time and a second, simulated position x2 of the manipulable control at a second point t2 in time, the first point in time t1 corresponding substantially to a time of determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter, and wherein the first, actual position x1 of the manipulable control is located substantially at the threshold perimeter; and
transmitting the output signal to control operation of the camera.
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Abstract
Tools for controlling cameras (and other objects), using an input device. Some such tools may establish a threshold, above which the input from the input device is fed directly to the object being controlled, and below which the input signal is processed to provide smoother operation. This can allow for direct control over a camera (or other object) in large movements but still allow for smooth, controlled movements when slower movement is desired.
88 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of controlling operation of a camera using an input device and a control system, the method comprising:
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providing an input device for a user to provide input for controlling operation of a camera, the input device comprising a manipulable control having a neutral position at which the input device provides no input signal; establishing a threshold perimeter around the neutral position of the input device; receiving, at the control system, a first input signal from the input device, the first input signal resulting from manipulation of the manipulable control; determining whether the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter; determining whether the manipulable control is moving away from the neutral position; based on a determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter and is not moving away from the neutral position, processing the first input signal to produce an output signal describing a time-dependent output curve that simulates a varying position of the manipulable control over a specified period of time, the time-dependent output curve being defined by a first, actual position x1 of the manipulable control at a first point t1 in time and a second, simulated position x2 of the manipulable control at a second point t2 in time, the first point in time t1 corresponding substantially to a time of determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter, and wherein the first, actual position x1 of the manipulable control is located substantially at the threshold perimeter; and transmitting the output signal to control operation of the camera.
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2. A method of controlling operation of a camera using an input device, the method comprising:
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providing an input device for a user to provide input for controlling operation of a camera, the input device comprising a manipulable control having a neutral position; establishing a threshold perimeter around the neutral position of the input device, wherein the threshold perimeter comprises a first point in a first direction from the neutral position of the manipulable control and a second point in a second direction from the neutral position of the manipulable control the first point has a first distance from the neutral position of the manipulable control, the second point has a second distance from the neutral position of the manipulable control, and the first distance is greater than the second distance; receiving, at a control system, a first input signal from the input device, the first input signal resulting from manipulation of the manipulable control; determining whether the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter; processing, based on a determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter, the first input signal to produce an output signal that simulates a desired control stimulus for the camera; and transmitting the output signal to control operation of the camera. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for controlling operation of a camera, the system comprising:
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an input device comprising a manipulable control having a neutral position, the input device being operable for a user to provide input for controlling operation of a camera; and a control system, comprising; an input interface for providing communication with the input device; an output interface for providing communication with the camera; a processor in communication with the input interface and the output interface; and a computer readable medium in communication with the processor, the computer readable medium having encoded thereon a set of instructions executable by the processor to cause the control system to perform one or more operations, the set of instructions comprising; instructions for establishing a threshold perimeter around the neutral position of the input device, wherein the threshold perimeter comprises a first point in a first direction from the neutral position of the manipulable control and a second point in a second direction from the neutral position of the manipulable control, the first point has a first distance from the neutral position of the manipulable control, the second point has a second distance from the neutral position of the manipulable control, and the first distance is greater than the second distance; instructions for receiving, via the input interface, a first input signal from the input device, the first input signal resulting from manipulation of the manipulable control; instructions for determining whether the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter; instructions for processing, based on a determination that the manipulable control is within the threshold perimeter, the first input signal to produce an output signal that simulates a desired control stimulus for the camera; and instructions for transmitting the output signal via the output interface, to control operation of the camera. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification