Optics: motion pictures – With support
Patent
1986-05-27
1987-10-13
Hayes, Monroe H.
Optics: motion pictures
With support
352132, 354293, G03B 1700, G03B 2100
Patent
active
046994840
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to camera positioning devices in general, and more specifically to a selfpropelled rail mounted camera system positioned on a flat surface or mounted on a vehicle with the system controlled from a remote source.
BACKGROUND ART
Previously, many types of camera systems have been developed to traverse a given scene, either mounted on a fixed surface, or on a moving vehicle. Many and varied approaches have been made to accomplish this procedure, self-propelled camera dollies that have hoists and pivots have been utilized. Stationary tracks have been employed to minimize the movement of the camera. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, however, the following U. S. patents were considered related:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Issue Date
______________________________________
4,236,795 Kephart Dec. 2, 1980
4,174,162 Giacomini et al
Nov. 13, 1979
4,052,712 Ohama et al Oct. 4, 1977
3,688,676 Cruickshank Sep. 5, 1972
3,643,345 Wilton et al Feb. 22, 1972
3,613,546 Richardson Oct. 19, 1971
______________________________________
Kephant teaches a stationary platform with a turntable mounted relative to the platform for rotation about an axis aligned with the scene in the center. A camera is mounted on a vertical post and rotates around the scene in a fixed orientation.
Giacomini et al utilizes a camera mounted on an aircraft with a control rod connected at one end to a camera leading into the aircraft to manually adjust the system from the interior.
Ohama et al discloses a projecting light beam and a camera mounted on a vehicle such that the camera is at a predetermined angular position in relation to the light projector. A detecting device serves to operate the projector and camera synchronously.
Cruickshank employs an assembly that takes a series of photographs at a preselected angular and longitudinal positions. The structure includes a partially circular guide with a trolly carrying camera and light projector transported on wheels on guide members.
Wilton et al utilizes an articulating arm mounted camera over a case where a model is horizontally positioned. The entire assembly is stationary and mounted upon a pedestal base with the camera moving radially inward by a motor driven system using rack and pinion gears.
Finally, Richardson uses a camera traversing structure improving a camera dolly by the inclusion of a curved camera support track permitting the camera to slideably move along the entire length of the track.
It will be noted that the prior art cited does not teach a combination of tracks being capable of mounting into a vehicle nor a remote controlled system of any type.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With the advent of technologically advanced motion picture cameras that are self-contained and have the capability of remote control, such as controlled lens zoom, on and off operation, controlled focus and remote monitoring of the image through a television signal, the need now arises for a system that will take advantage of these expanded capabilities. It is, therefore, a primary object of the invention to provide a self-propelled rail car that is completely self-adjusting for the camera and has mobility forward and reverse and the capability to pan right and left and tilt up and down, all controlled from a remote location.
An important object of the invention, not only allows control from a remote location, but may be operated from the inside of a vehicle while moving with the system completely housed therein. The actual scene being filmed may be monitored inside the vehicle with the closed circuit television monitor providing the visual indication for the operator.
Another object of the invention uses its own rails to provide a level surface for the camera to operate upon. These rails are separable into sections for installation on a flat surface, such as a sound stage or outside on the ground for field operations. F
REFERENCES:
patent: 1602499 (1926-10-01), Meinecke
patent: 2348841 (1944-05-01), Oswald
patent: 2633054 (1953-03-01), Black
patent: 2677305 (1954-05-01), Oswald
patent: 2842026 (1958-07-01), Reese et al.
patent: 3164838 (1965-01-01), Heinrich
patent: 3353776 (1967-11-01), Clemens
patent: 3603545 (1971-09-01), Boniface
patent: 3613546 (1971-10-01), Richardson
patent: 3688676 (1972-09-01), Cruickshank
patent: 4398469 (1983-08-01), Zelli
Hofstein Michael A.
Howell Mary E.
Howell Murrell D.
Cota Albert O.
Hayes Monroe H.
LandOfFree
Rail mounted camera system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Rail mounted camera system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rail mounted camera system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-408314