Outer Rim Archives
Archives · 2020 · 10642130

Granted patent

Motorized monopod jib for cameras

Number
10642130
Published
2020-05-05
Filed
2017-10-11
Assignee
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors
Niemeyer; Gunter, Farre Guiu; Miquel Angel, Roberts; Vince, Accardo; Anthony, Holton; Michael
CPC
G03B17/561; F16M13/00; F16M13/04; F16M11/18; F16M11/10; F16M11/2071
Verdict
Low Hardware
Source
Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Motorized camera jib rig hardware.

Abstract

An embodiment provides a motorized monopole for a camera, including: a hand-held monopole; a first motor positioned at an end of the hand-held monopole; a first connecting element attached to the first motor; a second motor positioned at an end of the first connecting element; a second connecting element attached to the second motor; a third motor positioned at an end of the second connecting element; and a camera mounting plate attached to the second connecting element by the third motor, where components of the multi-axis gimbal are positioned such that a camera viewing axis, a horizontal image axis, and a vertical image axis of a camera mounted on the camera mounting plate need not be aligned with any of a rotational axis of the first motor, a rotational axis of the second motor, or a rotational axis of the third motor. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Background

BACKGROUND(1) A three-axis gimbal is used in camera stabilization systems to give the camera operator freedom of motion during shooting while reducing visual artifacts in the shot due to that motion, e.g., camera vibration or shake. A stabilized or controlled gimbal, e.g., using brushless motors, has the ability to keep a camera at a predetermined angle, e.g., level on all axes, as the camera operator moves the camera about. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) responds to movement and uses motors in a coordinated fashion to stabilize the camera. Guidance instructions or logic permit a stabilizer system to detect and respond to differences between deliberate movement of the camera operator and unintentional movement, e.g., shaking.BRIEF SUMMARY(2) In summary, one embodiment provides a motorized multi-axis gimbal for a camera, comprising: an attachment for securing a hand-held monopole; a plurality of motors connected to the multi-axis gimbal; and an attachment for a camera mounting plate; the plurality of motors providing a plurality of independent rotational axes for movement of gimbal components; and the plurality of motors in operative connection with a processing unit that issues coordinated rotational commands to control movement of an attached camera; wherein components of the multi-axis gimbal are positioned such that a camera viewing axis, a horizontal image axis, and a vertical image axis of a camera mounted on the camera mounting plate need not be aligned with any of

Claims

1. A multi-axis gimbal comprising: a plurality of motors connected to the multi-axis gimbal; a camera mounting plate; at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU); a user interface comprising a joystick; and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to control the plurality of motors based on inputs from the at least one IMU and the joystick, wherein the control of the plurality of motors provide a coordinated stabilization to a camera configured to be mounted on the camera mounting plate. 8. A multi-axis gimbal comprising: a plurality of motors connected to the multi-axis gimbal; a camera mounting plate; at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU); a user interface; and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to control the plurality of motors based on inputs from the at least one IMU and the user interface, wherein the control of the plurality of motors provide a coordinated stabilization to a camera configured to be mounted on the camera mounting plate. 14. A system comprising: a monopole attached to a multi-axis gimbal, wherein the multi-axis gimbal comprises: a plurality of motors connected to the multi-axis gimbal; a camera mounting plate; at least one inertial measurement unit (IMU); a user interface; and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to control the plurality of motors based on inputs from the at least one IMU and the user interface, wherein the control of the plurality of motors provide a coordinated stabilization to a camera configured to be mounted on the camera mounting plate.