JP2005020760A - Camera stabilizer platform and camcorder for the platform - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera stabilizer platform to steady photographing with a camera. <P>SOLUTION: The platform includes a two piece bar held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camcorder to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. The handle has a lock pin to prevent the handle from rotating with respect to the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the fiber optics thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. The fiber optic fibers are attached along a surface of the platform or along the surface of the camcorder by tape or an adhesive. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a stabilizing platform support for a camcorder, which eliminates the vertical motion normally experienced during filming by resting on the shoulder of a camera operator who is shooting the subject. is there. The platform has a handle that includes a locking pin for locking it in place on the platform.

  It is well known that camcorders on the market today have the unique problem of producing low-quality images due to camera shake that creates unstable and therefore swaying, irregular and trembling images due to their small size Is the fact of Even with the stabilization chip present in the current camcorder body, the user can get tired during video shooting for a long time, or walk or run during video shooting to enlarge the problem. Not improved. Another problem with video camcorders is that the remote control used on cameras, usually provided for purchased camcorders, only works when the user is in front of the camcorder. The user must be at the side of the camcorder or behind the camera to video the event without wanting to throw the user's presence into the subject, so operate the camcorder from the front using the remote control Is not always realistic. Next, if the user wants to use a tripod, he must still be in front of the camcorder to send the infrared control signal.

  Previous attempts have removed the unwanted up and down movement typical of amateur videographers or photographers by a stabilizing mechanism supported by the user's shoulder or body harness. None of the conventional stabilization mechanisms are equipped with an infrared signal controller for on / off and smooth transition of power and other functions, for example, by a handle holding an infrared remote control unit. Current camcorder controllers require manual handling to operate, which creates jitter motion for images recorded on videotape. Current infrared remote control units, provided as an accessory to current market camcorders, operate only when it is in front of the camcorder.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,051 discloses a bulky complex device with an interlock member that holds a still camera and requires a strap around the arm. This is impractical and useless for use in modern camcorders.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,077 discloses a shoulder and hand support for photographic equipment, said support being supported by the arm in relation to a rapid photographic procedure for still cameras. This support, like an arch, overhangs unpleasantly on the shoulder and descends to the thorax and includes many fixation mechanisms.

  Patent document 3 is disclosing the grip mounted | worn under a camera. When mounted and electrically connected, there is a trigger-type power switch that captures video only when the trigger is depressed. This is not suitable for long video recording. The user must hold the camera with one or both hands, and there is no stabilizing attachment that reaches the shoulder, providing stability, comfort and ease, especially when using a camera for long-term video recording.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a camera support device that slides into a compact state. The bar is wide at the front and narrow at the rear where it rests on the shoulder. This imposes a heavier load on the front which causes instability and discomfort and is impractical in use. The use of a slide plate captures the possibility of pinching or injury to the user.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,051 discloses an unsightly camera device that requires the use of hinges, straps, fasteners, and body harnesses that are attached to a user of still photography.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,089 discloses a tool that attaches to a camera for holding or transporting, which tool is inserted under the camera for compact storage or use as a tripod. In some cases, the device cannot be stored compactly or thinly on the bottom of the camera and cannot be used as a transport handle.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,051 discloses a complex and unpleasant support device used to stabilize undesirable movements of camera equipment. There are two "struts" extending from the base support, making it difficult to hold or balance the device, especially due to the balance between the auxiliary finder device and the battery at the bottom of the first strut.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,836 discloses an apparatus having a platform for holding a small video camcorder, which provides stabilization for photography by extending the platform to the shoulder. There is no handle to stabilize the device, only finger grips to hold the device are on each side, tightened with the user's fingers bent to support and stabilize the camera.

  Patent document 9 discloses a supporting device for stabilizing a camera, particularly a video camera. The device has a number of attachments, struts, pivot joints with upper and lower yokes, and straps for use that make the device unpleasant and complex, especially for lifting and When the extension pole is deployed over the user's shoulder to tilt, or when used as a monopod, the device becomes ugly and complex.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,077 discloses a stabilizing rod attached to the bottom of a video camera to stabilize the image. This device is uncomfortable, especially during long video recordings, and it has been designed and proposed to be placed against the face and neck, so it has inherent weaknesses for personal protection. is doing.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,077 discloses an apparatus designed for the use of two cameras, the two cameras being of the steel type used simultaneously. The advantage is that the user can use two types of film, such as black and white on one side and color on the other side, or a low speed film on one side and a high speed film on the other side. Another advantage of this device is that it provides twice as many exposures per second in a series of actions, but this describes a steel 35 mm type camera and is not practical for a video camera.

  Patent Document 12 discloses a device which itself is attached to a video camera and functions as a handle, and the handle has a remote control unit electrically connected at the bottom of the handle, and a tripod. It can also be attached to. Since the user has no different result by holding the camera with his hand, this device does nothing for image stabilization. The hand continues to hold only for support, resulting in jitter and unwanted movement of the hand.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a camcorder stabilization platform and camcorder design that addresses the aforementioned design issues.

US Pat. No. 2,370,611 U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,966 US Pat. No. 4,984,090 US Pat. No. 5,038,160 US Pat. No. 5,073,788 US Pat. No. 5,081,478 US Pat. No. 5,098,182 US Pat. No. 5,128,701 US Pat. No. 5,742,859 US Pat. No. 5,743,011 British Patent No. 2103379 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-132632

  In order to address the problems of conventional stabilization mechanisms, the present invention includes a stabilization platform, which is a small handheld digital or digital camera with the performance of a still camera to stabilize the shooting of an object. Attached to the bottom of the DVD camcorder. The platform includes a two-piece bar, the two-piece bar is coupled using a fixing bolt and includes a mounting screw that attaches the camera to the top surface of the platform. A handle is mounted under the platform. The handle has a locking pin to securely fix the handle in place on the platform. An optical fiber is incorporated into the platform body, and the optical fiber is used to send an infrared remote control signal to an infrared receiving port at the front of the camcorder. Instead, a fiber optic tape is attached to the camcorder to direct the infrared signal from the handle to the infrared receiving port at the front of the camera. Alternatively, the user can be at the back or side of the camera to turn on, turn off, stop, zoom in, zoom out, record, pause, and perform other functions. Two infrared ports are located on the bottom, side or back of the camera. Fiber optic control allows a smooth transition of camera operation and eliminates jitter motion when these functions are performed manually.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a secure and stable support for a camcorder, a handheld camcorder, a digital handheld camcorder with a still camera function, or a DVD digital handheld camcorder with a still camera function. The support facilitates stable recording and then stable viewing of the object from the viewfinder or liquid crystal screen, eliminating vertical motion or jitter motion normally encountered during video recording.

  It is also an object of the present invention to provide stable operation and control of camcorder functions through the use of optical fibers. The present invention includes an optical fiber embedded in the platform or directly attached to the surface of the camcorder in the form of a tape to send a signal from the handle to the light receiving port on the front of the camcorder. Allows an infrared remote control to be used from under the camcorder when a person takes a video from the back of the camera. Infrared remote control operations exclude manual operations such as power-on, power-off, zoom-in, zoom-out, recording, and pause operations that cause instability and vertical movement in manual use. The remote control is an accessory for all camcorders in the current market, but to use the infrared remote control, the user must be in front of the camera, which means that the infrared remote control This means that the user must insert himself into the image when using it. The present invention thus eliminates this problem.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by a stabilizing platform that attaches to the underside of the camcorder body and extends to the user's shoulder for support. The platform includes a two-piece bar that is coupled using lock bolts and mounting screws that attach the camera to the top surface of the platform and attach the handle to the bottom of the platform. The handle extends from the bottom of the platform and allows the user to hold the handle and keep the unit stable. There is a place in the handle for attaching the infrared remote control using double-sided velcro. The handle can accommodate all remote control units. The handle also has a lock pin that allows the handle to be securely fixed in place on the platform. Firmly securing the handle in place prevents the handle from moving and ensures that the remote controller directs the infrared signal into the optical fiber through the fiber optic port of the platform.

  It is a further object of the present invention to incorporate an infrared remote control unit inside the handle. Another feature of the present invention is to eliminate camera operation delays caused by manual operation of the control buttons.

  Inside the stabilization platform to send infrared remote control signals from the handle directly into the body of the camera placed on the second infrared receiving port located on the bottom of the camera just after the handle It is a further object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber embedded in an optical fiber.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fiber optic tape that is attached directly to the surface of the camcorder to direct the infrared signal from the remote controller to an infrared receiving port located at the front of the camcorder.

  Another objective of the stabilization platform is to be flexible so that it can adapt as needed to the end of the user's photography. After use, it is compacted by loosening the locking knob, removing the handle (with attached remote control) and placing both parts into the camera carrying case.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lightweight support that is easily produced at a minimum cost so that it can be produced on a mass production basis.

  Other objects and advantages and features will be appreciated from the following detailed description.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a stabilization platform 10 of the present invention is shown. The stabilization platform 10 is used with a handheld camcorder and includes a bar 12 and a handle 14. The bar 12 preferably includes a first portion 16 and a second portion 18 that are rotatably connected together by a lock screw 20 that passes through the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 respectively. And penetrating through holes 22 and 24. As shown in FIG. 3, the hole 24 is one of several holes disposed in the second portion 18, so that depending on the particular user utilizing the present invention, the bar 12 The total length in the extended state can be changed. A foam pad 26 is disposed at the end 28 of the second portion 18 opposite the hole 24. The end 28 is preferably bent slightly downward and preferably includes a foam pad 26 for comfortably resting on the camera user's shoulder.

  The hole 22 preferably has a square shape that extends at least halfway through the thickness of the first portion 16 to accommodate the square portion 30 below the head 32 of the locking screw 20. Lock screw 20 passes through holes 22 and 24 into lock knob 34 as previously indicated, and lock knob 34 is screwed into lock screw 20 to fully extend the first and second portions thereof. Fix firmly in condition. The lock knob 34 is shown as having three flanges 36a, 36b and 36c, which serve to tighten the lock knob to the lock screw 20 by rotation with the user's fingers. The lock knob 34 is shown having three flanges, but may be other types of commercially available knobs such as circular knobs or other types of clamping means. As discussed in more detail herein, the locking screw 20 and the locking knob 34 secure the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 of the stabilizing bar 12 in the stowed position.

  Camera pads 38a and 38b are disposed on the upper surface of the first portion 16 of the stabilizing bar, the camera pads 38a and 38b being made from foam rubber, and the camera pads being attached to a predetermined surface on the upper surface of the first portion. A pressure sensitive adhesive is preferably included to maintain the position. Camera pads 38a and 38b provide cushioning and friction mounting points for the video camera on the upper surface of the first part. The first portion 16 further includes an optical fiber port 40, which is basically a hole extending through the first portion. The first portion 16 also includes a camera hole 42 extending through the first portion for receipt of the camera screw 44, which not only attaches the handle 14 below the first portion, Used to attach the video camera 46 to the upper surface of the first part. Camera screw 44 includes a circular body portion 48 and a threaded pin 50. The body portion 48 includes a threaded hole for threaded engagement with a threaded pin 52 located at the end of the handle 14. As best seen in FIG. 2, the camera screw has a handle pin 52 that is screwed into the hole, and the camera screw threaded pin 50 is inserted through the hole 42 into the first portion. . Next, in order to securely hold the camera screw in place on the first part, the retainer ring 54 is placed on the pin 50 from above and fits in the recess 56 on the upper surface of the first part. The threaded pin 50 then extends above the upper surface of the first portion 16 and is screwed into a threaded tripod hole located in the bottom surface of the camcorder 46.

  An optical fiber cable 58 extends through the optical fiber port 40, around the camera hole 42 and to the front of the first portion 16. The cable then extends upward and then rearward so that fiber optic signals can be transmitted from below the first portion 16 to an infrared receiving port 60 typically located in front of the camcorder 46. . A fiber optic cable 58 transmits infrared signals from a remote controller 62 that is attached to the handle 14 and disposed below the first portion 16. The handle 14 includes a flat surface 64 that houses the velcro 66, one half of the velcro 66 being located on the flat surface 64 and the other half being located at the bottom of the remote control. It should be understood that other securing configurations are possible, such as adhesives or double-sided adhesive tape, etc., for securing the remote control to the handle. The fiber optic port 40 is positioned along the first portion 16 such that when the remote controller 62 is attached to the handle 14, an infrared signal is transmitted to the infrared light receiving port 60 by the fiber optic cable 58. The fiber optic cable 58 can be stiff enough that it can be bent to the position needed to transmit signals, or a more flexible cable is possible, and the fiber optic cable 58 is Positioned in a housing or shield 68 attached to the front of the first portion 16.

  As best shown in FIG. 2, during operation, the user operates the camcorder 46 via the controller 70 on the remote controller 62, which transmits infrared signals through the fiber optic cable 58. Then, it is sent to the light receiving port 60. The motion recorded by the camcorder 46 can be viewed on a liquid crystal (LCD) view screen 72. The shoulder pad 26 rests on the user's shoulder, and the handle 14 includes a finger grip 74 that is gripped by the user's hand. The combination of the user's hand by gripping the handle and the second portion 18 resting on the user's shoulder provides both stabilization and manipulation of the camcorder during recording.

  As best seen in FIG. 4, the stabilization platform 10 of the present invention can be easily disassembled into a compact state. The handle 14 is unscrewed from the camera screw 44 and the remote controller 62 can remain attached to the handle or can be removed. Lock knob 34 and lock screw 20 can be loosened so that first portion 16 and second portion 18 can be rotated to a collapsed position. At this time, the length of the present invention is half the size and can be conveniently accommodated in the video camera bag. The first portion 16 and the second portion 18 of the present invention are made from any type of material classified as lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, or plastic, based on economic, usage, or manufacturing constraints. It is done.

  FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment stabilization platform 80 of the present invention for use with the camcorder 82 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the stabilization platform 80 is almost the same as the platform 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, but does not require fiber optic cables. In this embodiment, the first portion 84 includes an infrared port 86, which receives an infrared signal transmitted from a remote controller 88 attached to the handle 90 on the bottom surface 94 of the camcorder 82. The infrared light receiving port 92 is disposed so as to receive light. Alternatively, but not necessarily, a short piece of fiber optic cable 96 can be placed in the infrared port 86 to help convey the infrared signal to the light receiving port 92. For this embodiment, the camcorder 82 can have an infrared light receiving port 92 on the bottom surface and a light receiving port 96 located at the front of the camera as is conventional. In this embodiment, camera screw 98 is secured to the surface of first portion 84 by screwing camera screw 98 into tripod screw hole 100, also located at the bottom of the camcorder.

  5 and 5A also illustrate the handle lock feature. The handle 90 has a lock pin 91 to fix the handle in place on the first portion 84 of the platform 80. The pin 91 is positioned in a vertical hole 93 provided in the handle 90 and is biased upward by a spring 95 positioned in the vertical hole under the pin 91. The spring pushes the pin into a hole 97 provided in the lower surface of the first portion 84 to prevent the handle from rotating. Locking the handle to the platform ensures that remote control signals pass through the infrared port 86. In order to remove the handle from the first part, the pin is biased downward from the hole 97 by pushing down the pin with a knob 99 extending horizontally from the pin 91. The knob 99 extends from the side surface of the handle through the horizontal hole 101, and the horizontal hole 101 extends into the vertical hole 93. The securing mechanism can also be used with the platform of FIG. Although pin and hole locking mechanisms are shown, it should also be understood that other locking mechanisms are contemplated by the present invention to prevent rotation of the handle relative to the platform.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an optical fiber tape 102 can be used with a camcorder 104, which has an infrared receiving port 106 located at the front of the camcorder rather than at the bottom of the camcorder. The combination of fiber optic tape 102 and camcorder 104 is suitable for use with a platform 80 or tripod (not shown) as shown in FIG. The optical fiber tape 102 has a support layer or film 108. The support layer or film has an adhesive coating 110 applied thereto, and at least one optical fiber 112 is routed and bonded to the adhesive layer so that from one end of the tape to the other. Provides a continuous optical signal path to the end. A release liner 114 is releasably attached to the adhesive layer and is positioned to protect the support layer including the optical fiber. The release liner 114 is peeled so that the fiber optic tape can be placed on the bottom surface 116 of the camcorder 104 and it is positioned from the position adjacent the stabilization platform infrared port 86 to the front of the camcorder 104. It is possible to extend to the infrared light receiving port 106. Thus, optical fiber signals can be transmitted from the remote controller 88 through the infrared port 86 to the infrared receiving port 106. The fiber optic tape can have a port cutout 116 at one end of the tape and a delivery port region 118 at the opposite end of the tape. When the fiber optic tape is attached to the camcorder, the delivery port region 118 is adjacent to the infrared receiving port 106 and the port cutout 116 is adjacent to the infrared port 86 in the stabilization platform 80.

  The type of material used for the fiber optic tape can vary depending on the application. For example, if high durability is desired, a polyester type support will be used. Considering that the tape may be attached to the curved surface of the camcorder, a flexible support material such as vinyl, polyurethane, polyamide, or polyester will be selected. The adhesive is preferably a temporary repositionable adhesive. Temporary repositionability means that the bond between the adhesive and the surface of the camcorder can be removed from the camera without damaging the camcorder at a certain time or until a certain event occurs, when the tape It has the meaning that can be permanently bonded to the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive known in the industry as a standard class of material. An adhesive that is positively and permanently tacky at room temperature in a dry form and that reliably adheres to various similar surfaces with a simple contact without the need for pressures above manual pressure is there. Adhesives do not require water, solvent, or heat activation to exert a strong adhesive holding force on materials such as paper, cellophane, glass, plastic, wood, and metal. Despite its aggressive tack, the adhesive is sufficiently sticky to hold so that it can be handled with a finger and removed from a smooth surface without leaving significant residue. It has properties and elastic properties.

  The optical fiber 112 can be any infrared transmitting material such as quartz glass or flexible glass or plastic. FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of optical fibers embedded in an adhesive, the quantity depending on the size and shape of the individual fibers. It should be understood that depending on the particular material and its size, only one optical fiber may be required to transmit an infrared signal to the camcorder's infrared receiving port. Similarly, the optical fiber can be configured in the form of a strap, in which case the adhesive is applied directly to the strap, thereby eliminating the need for a support sheet or film. The optical fiber is then attached directly to the surface of the camcorder with an adhesive.

  The stabilization platform of the present invention allows a user to form a three-point support system, where the platform rests on the user's shoulder and one hand holds the handle, while The upper arm is placed on the user's torso. The stabilizer provides little camcorder movement due to the additional support provided and ease of operation by a remote controller attached to the handle. Although the invention has been described with reference to two embodiments thereof, changes and modifications can be made in the embodiments, and the changes and modifications can be made with the present invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that it is within the intended scope of the invention. For example, the handle may be made such that the remote control is integrated into the handle, or the stabilizing bar may be folded or stretched.

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stabilization platform of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the platform of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1 in a folded state. FIG. 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of the stabilization platform of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a handle of a stabilization platform. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a video camera used with the platform of FIG. 5. It is a disassembled perspective view of a video camera and an optical fiber tape.

Explanation of symbols

12 Bar 14 Handle 16 First part 18 Second part 40 Optical fiber port 42 Camera hole 46 Camcorder 50 Threaded pin 58 Optical fiber cable 62 Remote controller

Claims (20)

A platform having a first end connectable to the camera and a second end extending outwardly from the first end for resting on a camera operator's shoulder;
A handle fixed to the platform, the handle having a camera controller housed in the handle;
Means for extending along the outer surface of the platform and transmitting infrared camera control signals from the handle to the signal receiving port of the camera.   The camera stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the handle is secured to the platform by having a locking pin biased from the handle into a hole in the platform.   The camera stabilization device of claim 2, wherein the locking pin is at least partially disposed in a hole in the handle.   The camera stabilizing device according to claim 2, wherein the lock pin is biased by a spring.   The camera stabilization device of claim 4, wherein the spring is disposed in a hole in the handle under the lock pin.   The camera stabilization device of claim 2, wherein the lock pin includes a knob for manually moving the lock pin.   The camera stabilization device of claim 1, wherein the means for communicating a camera control signal further includes a signal hole extending through the platform.   2. A camera stabilization device according to claim 1, wherein the handle has a remote control including camera control means.   The camera stabilization device of claim 8, wherein the remote controller is removably attached to the handle.   The camera stabilizing device according to claim 1, wherein the means for transmitting the camera control signal comprises an optical fiber and an adhesive. A shoulder portion;
A camera portion for supporting the camera, the camera portion adjacent to the shoulder portion;
A handle fixedly attached to the camera part;
A remote control removably attached to the handle;
A camera platform comprising: an optical fiber extending along an external surface of the camera portion for transmitting infrared control signals from the remote controller to the signal receiving port of the video camera.   The camera platform according to claim 11, wherein the handle is fixedly attached by a locking pin extending from the handle into the camera portion.   The camera platform of claim 12, wherein the locking pin is biased by a spring.   12. The camera portion according to claim 11, wherein the camera portion has a signal hole extending through the camera portion so that a control signal generated by a remote controller can pass through the signal hole. The described camera platform.   14. The camera platform according to claim 13, wherein the lock pin and the spring are disposed in a hole in the handle.   14. The camera platform of claim 13, wherein the lock pin includes a knob for releasing the lock pin from the camera portion. A platform having a fiber optic port extending through the platform;
An optical fiber extending through the optical fiber port and extending along the outer surface of the platform to a signal receiving port of a camera positioned on the platform;
A camera stabilizing device comprising: a handle having means for securing the handle to the platform.   18. The camera stabilization device of claim 17, wherein the means for securing the handle to the platform is a lock pin.   The camera stabilization device of claim 18, wherein the locking pin is biased to engage the platform.   The camera stabilization device of claim 18, wherein the locking pin includes a knob to release the locking pin from the platform.

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