Camera multi-mount

Field of the Invention

0001The field of the present invention relates generally to camera positioning systems, and more particularly, to providing multiple leveling plates at the distal end of a crane arm to facilitate the mounting of multiple cameras, lights and the like at the end of the crane arm, or to enable the efficient changing of camera mounting locations (e.g. from "under-slung" or under-mounted to top-mounted) without having to change mounting fixtures.

Background of the Invention

0002Traditionally, camera cranes and dollies have been employed to assist in the positioning of cameras at defined locations and orientations to capture the desired shot. (For the purpose of this application a camera shall refer to any type of device capable of recording or transmitting either still or moving images including but not limited to conventional cinema cameras, conventional still cameras, television cameras, videotape cameras, digital cameras, CCD cameras, or the like.) Conventional camera cranes are generally comprised of a crane arm (or "jib"), a support structure to which the crane arm is mounted, and a "leveling head" affixed to the distal end of the crane arm. Typically, the crane arm is pivotally coupled to the support structure in a manner that facilitates the rotation of the crane ann about a vertical and a horizontal axis. The rotation of the crane arm about the vertical axis is generally referred to as crane arm "swing," while the rotation of the crane arm about the horizontal axis is generally referred to as crane arm "boom." In addition to the crane arm being capable of swing and boom, conventional crane arms are often constructed to be adjustable in length, so that the crane arm can "telescope" from one length to another. Thus, the distal end of the crane arm (i.e., the end affixed to the leveling head) is capable of translating through a semi-sphere, the diameter of which is controlled by the overall length of the crane arm, which can be adjusted by telescoping the crane ann. Moreover, camera cranes are often mounted on a rolling platform that is generally referred to as a "dolly."

0003The leveling head is a mechanism that is typically employed to connect the camera crane ann to a camera mounting structure referred to as a "camera head." Leveling heads are generally comprised of a leveling mechanism that functions to maintain a "leveling plate" parallel to a defined plane in response to changes in the boom of the crane arm. As used in this application a "leveling plate" is a defined member of the leveling head that is adapted to being coupled to the camera head. An example of such a leveling head is disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US4943019A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,943,019</text></patcit>.

0004A camera head (a.k.a. remote head) may then be mounted to the leveling head. Conventional camera heads, in addition to providing a support structure to securely mount the camera, are typically adapted to rotate about a vertical axis (i.e., panning) and a horizontal axis (i.e., tilting) relative to the leveling plate. To facilitate the panning and tilting of the camera head, two independently actuated motor mechanisms are usually employed. The first is often referred to as a "camera pan motor," which as the name suggests facilitates the panning of the camera head (i.e., the rotation of the camera head about the vertical axis). The second is often referred to as a "camera tilt motor," which also as the name suggests facilitates the tilting of the camera head (i.e., the rotation of the camera head about the horizontal axis).

0005In operation, the boom (i.e., the rotation of the crane arm about a horizontal axis), swing (i.e., the rotation of the crane arm about a vertical axis), telescope (i.e., the length of the crane arm), and the movement of the rolling platform or dolly are typically controlled manually by one or more operators or "grips." The adjustments of the leveling head are usually automated to respond to the change in the boom so as to maintain the camera head generally level to the horizontal plane. The "pan" and "tilt" of the camera head together with the focus of the camera, on the other hand, have been traditionally controlled remotely (usually via electrical circuitry) by another operator, referred to as the "camera-operator," who is responsible for the composition of the shot (i.e., the field of view and focus of the camera).

0006<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of an exemplary conventional camera positioning system 100. Shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG.1</figref> is camera support structure 102 capable of movement with multiple degrees of freedom. Camera support structure 102 can include movable platform or dolly 104, crane arm support structure 106 mounted on the dolly, telescoping crane arm 108 pivotally mounted to the crane arm support structure, and leveling head 110 mounted to distal end 112 of the crane arm. Camera head 148 can be mounted to leveling head 110, and can include camera mounting bracket 152 upon which camera 154 can be mounted.

0007Dolly 106 can include base structure 114 to which crane arm support structure 106 is mounted. To facilitate movement of dolly 104, base structure 114 can include two axles 116 (shown in phantom), with each axle having two wheels 118 mounted thereto. Dolly sensing device 120 can be employed to monitor the movement of dolly 104 and transmit, via suitable communication means, data relating to the movement of the dolly to processing system 122 (shown in phantom in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>). For the purposes of this description, "suitable communications means" can include electrical, electro-magnetic, optical, mechanical or any other means suitable for transferring data between the sensing device and the processing system employed. Also for the purposes of this description, "movement" can include the act, process, or result of moving.

0008Crane arm 108 can be mounted in a suitable fashion to crane arm support structure 106 via coupling mechanism 124. Coupling mechanism 124 can facilitate, via rotatable support shaft 130, the rotation of crane arm 108 about a vertical axis, which in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> corresponds with the axis called out as Z_w, so as to permit changes in the swing angle of the crane arm. In addition, coupling mechanism 124 can facilitate, via horizontal pivot 140, the rotation of crane arm 108 about a horizontal axis, which in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> corresponds with the axis called out as Y_w, so as to permit changes in the boom angle of the crane arm.

0009Crane arm swing sensing device 150 can be employed to monitor the swing (i.e., the rotation of the crane ann about the vertical axis) of the crane arm and transmit, via suitable communication means, data relating to crane arm swing to processing system 122 located in camera operator control module 156. Similarly, crane arm boom sensing device 160 can be employed to monitor the boom (i.e., the rotation of the crane arm about the horizontal axis) of the crane arm and transmit via suitable communication means data relating to the crane arm boom to processing system 122.

0010In exemplary system 100 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, swing and boom sensing devices 150, 160 can individually comprise a rotary encoder such as part number 8-5800-2146-5000 manufactured by Fritz Kubler GMBH of Germany. As illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, rotary encoder swing sensing device 150 employed to monitor the swing of the crane arm 108 can be fitted to housing 126 of support structure 102 and monitor via a toothed belt the rotation of support shaft 130 relative to the housing. Similarly, rotary encoder boom sensing device 160 employed to monitor the crane arm boom can be mounted to the side wall of coupling mechanism 124 and monitor via a toothed belt the relative rotation of horizontal pivot 140. Each of encoder sensing devices 150, 160 can be adapted to transmit data relating to their respective monitored stimuli to processing system 122 via electrical communications transmitted through electrical cable 128.

0011Telescoping crane arm 108 can include nested sections 180A, 180B, and 180C configured so that each inner section is supported within the outer adjacent section. Extension of crane arm inner sections 180B, 180C can be controlled by means of crane arm telescope motor 170 mounted at the end of crane arm 108 opposite leveling head 110. Crane arm telescope motor 170 can supply drive via a cable and pulley mechanism such as that disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US4939019A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,939,019</text></patcit> so as to facilitate the extension and retraction of crane arm sections 180B, 180C.

0012A crane arm telescope sensing device 132 can be employed to monitor the telescope (e.g., length) of crane arm 108 and transmit, via suitable communication means, data relating to the crane arm telescope to processing system 122. In exemplary system 100 illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, crane arm telescope sensing device 132 can include a rotary encoder, such as part number BDE 05.05A500 manufactured by Baumer Electric of Switzerland. As illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, encoder telescope sensing device 132 can be mounted to the wall of crane arm section 180A and can be adapted to monitor via a toothed belt the rotation of drive shaft 134 of crane arm motor 170. Encoder telescope sensing device 132 can also be adapted to transmit data relating to the rotation of drive shaft 134 to processing system 122 via electrical communications transmitted through electrical cable 128.

0013Leveling head 110 can be removably coupled to distal end 122 of the innermost crane ann section 180C. Leveling head motor 136 can be mounted within the housing of leveling head 110 and drive a worm gear 138 that can be adapted to engage semicircular moon gear 142, the base of which defines leveling plate 144. In some embodiments, level sensor 146, such as a mercury tilt switch, can be fitted to worm gear 142 just above leveling plate 144 and can be electrically connected to leveling head motor 136. Level sensor 146 can be configured to activate leveling head motor 136 to maintain leveling plate 144 horizontal with respect to a defined plane (e.g., horizon, ground, etc.) in response to changes in the boom of crane arm 108. It should be understood, however, that other sensors, control systems and mechanical means well-known in the art can also be used to maintain leveling plate 144 in a desired configuration.

0014Typically, if leveling head 110 is needed in its conventional under-mount configuration, the leveling head can be mounted directly to distal end 112 of crane ann 108 as shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>. However, if leveling head 110 is needed in a top-mount configuration (e.g. to enable the camera to point upward and generally have a more unobstructed upward view), a separate top-mount bracket must first be attached to distal end 112 of crane ann 108 to enable the leveling head to be mounted with its leveling plate facing upward. Similarly, if leveling head 110 is needed in a front-mount configuration, a separate front-mount bracket must first be attached to distal end 112 of crane arm 108 to enable the leveling head to be mounted with a mounting plate facing forward (i.e. facing the same direction as the crane arm). The need for these separate mounting brackets causes a significant amount of time to be wasted while changing configurations. For example, to change a camera head from an under-mount to a top-mount configuration, the camera head must first be removed from the leveling head, and the leveling head must be removed from the crane arm. A top-mount bracket must then be installed in the crane arm. The leveling head can then be installed in the top-mount bracket, and the camera head can be installed on the leveling head. All of these steps can take a lot of time, which can represent a significant expense during filming, and also hinder the crane's performance and limit its versatility.

0015Therefore, there is a need for a mounting bracket that can be installed at a distal end of a crane arm to provide multiple mounting locations for one or more camera heads, lights, and the like, without any of the tradeoffs or compromises to performance.

0016<patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US820980B1"><text>US 820 980 B1</text></patcit> discloses a mount apparatus for a crane arm, comprising: first and second side plates configured for mounting to a distal end of the crane arm; a bottom mounting plate rotatably coupled to the first and second side plates; and a leveling head coupled to the first and second side plates.

0017<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="FR2878016A1"><text>FR 2 878 016 A1</text></patcit> discloses a device for maintaining horizontality of a support.

0018<patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US2007108791A1"><text>US 2007/108791 A1</text></patcit> discloses an elevating apparatus.

0019<patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="WO8703104A1"><text>WO 87/03104 A1</text></patcit> discloses a self-positioning camera system.

0020<patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US4943019A"><text>US 4 943 019 A</text></patcit> discloses a leveling system for use with a camera crane.

0021<patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US2003161622A1"><text>US 2003/161622 A1</text></patcit> discloses a mobile camera mount for a camera.

0022<patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US4319825A"><text>US 4 319 825 A</text></patcit> discloses a support for a camera.

Summary of the Invention

0023According to the present invention, a multi-mount apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is provided. A method according to the present invention is claimed in claim 9. The dependent claims define some examples of such an apparatus or method, respectively.

0024Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-mount apparatus for one or more devices such as remote camera heads or lights. The multi-mount is configured for attachment to the distal end of a crane arm, and can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. The side plates (or extensions thereof) can extend inside the crane arm for attachment to the crane arm. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates.

0025The multi-mount is adapted for containing a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be fixedly attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. When driven by leveling control signals, the motor drives the worm gear, which engages the moon gear and causes the moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation (e.g. horizontally level). In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom mounting plate at lower rod attachments and to the top mounting plate at upper rod attachments also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate. Additionally, a front mounting plate can be formed or attached to the distal end of the multi-mount to allow for front-mounting of a device such as a camera. Note that in some embodiments, the front mounting plate is de-coupled from the leveling head, and thus does not maintain a particular orientation as the angle of the crane ann is changed. Instead, the front mounting plate may always point in the same direction as the crane arm.

0026With the multi-mount, a device such as a camera head can be moved quickly from a top mount to a bottom or front mount configuration, or vice versa, using any of the three mounting plates. Alternatively, multiple devices such as two camera heads, or a camera head and a light, can be simultaneously attached and maintained in a known orientation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

0027<figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of an exemplary conventional camera positioning system that can be used with embodiments of the invention.

0028<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref> illustrates an exemplary camera multi-mount according to embodiments of the invention.

0029<figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2b</figref> illustrates a different view of the exemplary camera multi-mount of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref> according to embodiments of the invention.

0030<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 2c</figref> illustrates an exemplary top mounting plate according to embodiments of the invention.

0031<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 2d</figref> illustrates an exemplary bottom mounting plate according to embodiments of the invention.

0032<figref idref="f0006">FIGs. 2e</figref> and <figref idref="f0007">2f</figref> illustrate an exemplary multi-mount attached to a distal end of a crane arm and having a remote head attached to a top mounting plate and a camera mounted to the remote head according to embodiments of the invention.

0033<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 2g</figref> illustrates an exemplary multi-mount having a remote head attached to a front mounting plate and a camera mounted to the remote head according to embodiments of the invention.

0034<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 2h</figref> illustrates an exemplary multi-mount attached to a distal end of a crane arm and having a remote head attached to a bottom mounting plate, and a camera mounted to the remote head according to embodiments of the invention.

0035<figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates another exemplary camera multi-mount according to embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

0036In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this invention.

0037Embodiments of the invention are directed to a mounting bracket that can be installed at a distal end of a crane arm to provide multiple mounting locations for one or more camera heads, lights, and the like. In some embodiments, only a single drive mechanism is needed to maintain all mounting locations is desired orientations.

0038Although some embodiments of this invention may be described herein in terms of telescoping crane arms for cameras, it should be understood that embodiments of this invention are not so limited, but are generally applicable to both fixed and telescoping crane arms used for providing multiple mounting locations for any number of devices, such as cameras, lights, buckets and the like. Furthermore, although some of the mounting locations may be described herein as being maintained in a level orientation, it should be understood that the sensor and control mechanisms described herein can also be adapted to maintain some of the mounting locations at other orientations.

0039<figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref> illustrates an exemplary camera multi-mount 258 according to embodiments of the invention. Multi-mount 258 is configured for attachment to the distal end of crane arm 208. Multi-mount 258 can include two substantially parallel side plates 274 (although only one can be seen in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>) connected together with internal support members (not visible in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>). In some embodiments, side plates 274 can be machined or otherwise formed from aluminum. Side plates 274 can extend inside crane ann 208 for attachment, or alternatively, separate mounting structures within side plates 274 can extend inside the crane arm. Top mounting plate 262 can be rotatably attached to multi-mount 258 at top pivot 264.

0040A leveling head can include motor 236 that drives a worm gear engaged with moon gear 242. Bottom mounting plate 244 can be fixedly attached to moon gear 242, which is rotatably attached to multi-mount 258 at bottom pivot 266. When driven by leveling control signals, motor 236 drives the worm gear, which engages moon gear 242 and causes the moon gear to rotate and maintain bottom mounting plate 244 at a desired orientation (e.g. horizontally level). In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods 268 rotatably attached to bottom mounting plate 244 at lower rod attachments 276 and top mounting plate 262 at upper rod attachments 272 also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate. In other words, using one or more push/pull rods 268, a single leveling head can be used to maintain both the top and bottom mounting plates 262 and 244 at approximately the same orientation.

0041It should be understood, however, that the worm gear and moon gear 242 are only exemplary, and that the leveling head can include other mechanisms that convert the rotational motion of motor 236 to the rotational motion of the moon gear. In addition, moon gear 242 can be replaced with some other mechanism or linear translation member such as a ball-screw or rack and pinion driver or the like that converts the rotational motion of motor 236 to linear motion (the linear motion of push/pull rods 268). Furthermore, although <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref> shows the leveling head directly coupled to bottom mounting plate 244 and coupled to top mounting plate 262 through a linear translation member (push/pull rods 268), in other embodiments the leveling head can instead be directly coupled to top mounting plate 262 and coupled to bottom mounting plate 244 through a linear translation member.

0042In further alternative embodiments, each of top mounting plate 262 and bottom mounting plate 244 can be maintained at about the same orientation, or even at different orientations, using separate leveling heads for each plate. Additionally, front mounting plate 278 can be formed or attached to the distal end of multi-mount 258 to allow for front-mounting of a device such as a camera. Note that in the embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>, front mounting plate 278 is de-coupled from the leveling head, and thus does not maintain a particular orientation as the angle of crane arm 208 is changed. Instead, in the embodiment of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>, front mounting plate 278 always points in the same direction as crane arm 208.

0043With multi-mount 258 as shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>, a device such as a camera head can be moved quickly from a top mount to a bottom or front mount configuration, or vice versa, using any of the three mounting plates. Alternatively, multiple devices such as two camera heads, or a camera head and a light, can be simultaneously attached and maintained in a known orientation. Other devices that can be mounted include, but are not limited to, weather protection, wireless transmitters, and other cinematography-related equipment.

0044<figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2b</figref> illustrates a different view of the exemplary camera multi-mount 258 of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref> according to embodiments of the invention, including a partial view of support structure 202 including support shaft 230 and crane arm 208. <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 2b</figref> shows front mounting plate 278 formed in or attached to the distal end of side plates 274.

0045<figref idref="f0004">FIG. 2c</figref> illustrates an exemplary top mounting plate 262 according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that the pattern in top mounting plate 262 as shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 2c</figref> is merely exemplary, and can be machined or otherwise formed in any shape to match the mounting patterns of other devices such as remote camera heads. In addition, top mounting plate 262 can also be a frame or plate that allows a variety of different adapter plates, each designed for a different device, to be attached to the frame.

0046<figref idref="f0005">FIG. 2d</figref> illustrates an exemplary bottom mounting plate 244 according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that the pattern in bottom mounting plate 244 as shown in <figref idref="f0004">FIG. 2c</figref> is merely exemplary, and can be machined or otherwise formed in any shape to match the mounting patterns of other devices such as remote camera heads. In addition, bottom mounting plate 244 can also be a frame or plate that allows a variety of different adapter plates, each designed for a different device, to be attached to the frame.

0047<figref idref="f0006">FIGs. 2e</figref> and <figref idref="f0007">2f</figref> illustrate exemplary multi-mount 258 attached to a distal end of crane arm 208 and having remote head 210 attached to top mounting plate 262, and camera 254 mounted to remote head 210 according to embodiments of the invention. In <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 2e</figref>, crane arm 208 is pointed downward, but multi-mount 258 maintains top mounting plate 262 and bottom mounting plate 244 in a level orientation. In <figref idref="f0007">FIG. 2f</figref>, crane arm 208 is pointed upward, but again multi-mount 258 maintains top mounting plate 262 and bottom mounting plate 244 in a level orientation.

0048<figref idref="f0008">FIG. 2g</figref> illustrates exemplary multi-mount 258 having remote head 210 attached to front mounting plate 278 and camera 254 mounted to remote head 210 according to embodiments of the invention. In <figref idref="f0008">FIG. 2g</figref>, because front mounting plate 278 is aligned with the direction of crane arm 208, the front mounting plate is not maintained in a level orientation, but is pointed slightly downward in alignment with the crane arm.

0049<figref idref="f0009">FIG. 2h</figref> illustrates exemplary multi-mount 258 attached to a distal end of crane arm 208 and having remote head 210 attached to bottom mounting plate 244, and camera 254 mounted to remote head 210 according to embodiments of the invention. In <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 2h</figref>, crane arm 208 is pointed downward, but multi-mount 258 maintains top mounting plate 262 and bottom mounting plate 244 in a level orientation.

0050<figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates another exemplary camera multi-mount 358 according to embodiments of the invention. Multi-mount 358 is similar to the multimount shown in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>, except that either or both of top mounting plate 362 or bottom mounting plate 344 can include an extension. Top mounting plate 362 can include an extension that forms one or more of upper front mounting plate 380 or upper side mounting plates (identified in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref> by openings 384 for clarity). Bottom mounting plate 344 can include an extension that forms one or more of lower front mounting plate 382 or lower side mounting plates (identified in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref> by openings 386 for clarity). Note that additional support structure not shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref> may be needed to strengthen the extensions. The extension may be attachable to the top and bottom mounting plates, or may be integrally formed with the top and bottom mounting plates. With the extensions shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG.3</figref>, both upper front mounting plate 380 and lower front mounting plate 382 remain perpendicular to top mounting plate 362 and lower mounting plate 344 (e.g. vertical) regardless of the orientation of crane arm 308. This is in contrast to the front mounting plate of <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2a</figref>, which always follows the orientation of the crane arm.

0051With multi-mount 358 as shown in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 3</figref>, a device such as a camera head can be moved quickly between top, bottom, front or side mount configurations using any of the available mounting plates. Alternatively, multiple devices such as two camera heads, or a camera head and a light, can be simultaneously attached and maintained in a known orientation.

0052Although embodiments of this invention have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this invention as defined by the appended claims.