Automated Stabilizing Apparatus

• US 20150071627A1
• Filed: 09/12/2014
• Published: 03/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Chi Khai Hoang
• Original Assignee: Chi Khai Hoang
• Inventors: Hoang, Chi Khai
• Application Number:
  US14/484,823
• Publication Number:
  US 20150071627A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 396/421
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/048 adapted to forward-backward translation movement
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2021 around a horizontal axis F16M11/2035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/04 for supporting on, or holding steady relative to, a person, e.g. by chains , e.g. rifle butt or pistol grip supports, supports attached to the chest or head apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs or for projecting or viewing them G03B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/644 compensating for large deviations, e.g. maintaining a fixed line of sight while a vehicle on which the system is mounted changes course
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/563 Camera grips, handles means in general for steadying hand-held apparatus F16M13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2217/005 Blur detection
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2217/007 Details of energy supply or management

Abstract

An automated stabilizing apparatus includes a bracket to mount an image device such as a camcorder or camera phone and a differential gear assembly connected to the bracket; a first and second drive system, consists of a bidirectional DC motor, an encoder, and a gear train, having an output shaft couples to the differential gear assembly; and an electronic enclosure houses controls elements that include a microcontroller, motor drivers, and sensors in communication with the drive systems to maintain the bracket and image device steady over a wide range of positions.

Claims

1. An automatic stabilizer apparatus comprising:

a differential gear assembly wherein two drive gears transmit rotational movement to one driven gear to produce rotation of the driven gear about the first axis along the centerline of the driven gear and the second axis along the centerline of the drive gears;

a pair of motor assemblies with output shafts having means for transmitting torque to the drive gears of the differential gear assembly;

a camera bracket having means for attaching to one end of the driven gear such that bracket and driven gear rotate in unison; and

an electronic housing containing a central processing unit, orientation sensors, power management and drive circuit to energize the motors.

2. The two drive gears in the differential gear assembly in claim 1 are positioned collinearly and mirror each other with gear teeth point toward each other.

3. The driven gear in the differential gear assembly in claim 1 is positioned 90 degrees to the drive gears.

4. The drive gears and driven gear in the differential gear assembly in claim 1 are made from plastic or metal in their entirety or in part.

5. The drive gears and driven gear in the differential gear assembly in claim 1 are miter gears, bevel gears, or crown gears.

6. The motor assemblies in claim 1 contain servo motors, gear motors, brushed motors, brushless motors, stepper motors, or hobby RC servos.

7. The motor assemblies in claim 1 contain optical rotary encoders, magnetic encoders, or potentiometers attached to the output shafts to record rotational position of the output shafts.

8. The camera bracket in claim 1 permits the camera to situate above the stabilizing head, in front of the stabilizing head, or underneath the stabilizing head.

9. The camera bracket in claim 1 contains a thumb screw to secure the camera.

11. The electronic housing in claim 1 contains orientation sensors including a MEMS accelerometer and rate gyroscope.

12. The electronic housing in claim 1 contains ON/OFF switch, controls switches, and power jack for operation using external battery pack.

13. The automatic stabilizer apparatus in claim 1 is powered by an external battery pack containing sufficient power to operate the device for at least 15 minutes.

14. The automatic stabilizer apparatus in claim 1 is powered by a car charger producing 12 VDC.

15. The automatic stabilizer apparatus in claim 1 is powered by battery cells located inside the removable handle having means to transmit power through mating connectors.