Patent Application
20070064208
The present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism and a method for image capture. More particularly, the image capturing mechanism includes a camera platform suspended from a support platform wherein the camera platform is movable relative to the support platform. The image capturing mechanism is preferably, relatively lightweight and inexpensive to install and operate. The image capturing mechanism may be utilized to perform numerous tasks including capturing still images or photos or for capturing video images. the image capturing mechanism is versatile, relatively inexpensive and safe to operate at a venue.
Several varieties of image capturing mechanisms and methods are well known. For example, mounting a camera to a moving platform to provide various vantage points for capturing images using the camera is known. In addition, suspending a camera from various cables in a venue to provide variable vantage points for capturing images using the camera in a venue is known. Such prior art image capturing mechanisms are typically difficult to construct and employ, are often expensive and may provide a distraction or obstacle for observers at an event in specific types of settings.
It would be advantageous to develop an image capturing mechanism that is relatively inexpensive to construct and employ, is able to be permanently installed in a venue, is able to quickly and safely move about the venue to capture images, provides eye-catching advertising space at the venue, is unobtrusive to viewing an event at the venue, provides stable images and permits sale and editing of captured images from an event.
Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism for capturing an image of a target. the image capturing mechanism includes a support platform, a camera platform suspended from the support platform by a support cable, a camera mounted to the camera platform and a stabilization mechanism associated with the camera. A first end of the support cable is mounted to the support platform and a second end of the support cable is mounted to the camera platform. The stabilization mechanism stabilizes the captured image or the camera.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism for capturing images in a venue having an observed area, a seating area and a line of sight. The image capturing mechanism includes a support platform moveable relative to the venue. The support platform is positioned outside of the line of sight. A camera winch is mounted to the support platform and a camera platform is suspended from the support platform by at least one support cable. The at least one support cable is secured to the camera winch. the camera platform is movable at least in a vertical direction relative to the support platform through actuation of the camera winch. A camera is mounted to the camera platform and an advertising medium is mounted to the camera platform or the support platform.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism for capturing images in a venue having a seating area and an observed area. A line of sight is defined between the seating area and the observed area. The image capturing mechanism includes a support platform moveable relative to the venue outside of the line of sight. A camera platform is suspended from the support platform by a plurality of support cables and is moveable relative to the support platform. A camera is moveably mounted to the camera platform for capturing image so the seating area or the observed area.
In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of capturing images in a venue including a seating area and an observed area with an image capturing mechanism having a support platform, a camera platform suspended from the support platform by a plurality of support cables, a controller and a camera that is moveable relative to the venue. The method includes the steps of positioning the support platform over at least a portion of the observed area, moving the camera platform relative to the support platform into an image capturing position, moving the camera relative to the camera platform to direct the camera onto a target, focusing the camera on the target, capturing an image of the target utilizing the camera, communicating the capture image to the controller and storing the image. The camera platform moves from a generally horizontal position relative to the observed area to a position where the camera platform defines a camera pitch angle relative to the horizontal position.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism for capturing images of an observed area. The image capturing mechanism includes a support platform, a camera platform suspended from the support platform by at least one support cable, a stability mechanism associated with at least one support cable and the camera platform and a camera mounted to the camera platform. A first end of the at least one support cable mounted to the support platform and a second end of the at least one support cable mounted to the camera platform. The camera platform movable relative to the support platform and the stability mechanism stabilizing the camera platform and the camera relative to the observed area.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an advertising mechanism mounted within a venue for imparting advertising to individuals at the venue. The advertising mechanism includes a first anchor mounted to the venue, a second anchor mounted to the venue, a transport cable having a first end and a second end, a support platform movably mounted to the transport cable and an advertising medium mounted to the support platform such that the individuals are attracted to the support platform. The first end of the transport cable is secured to the first anchor and the second end of the transport cable is secured to the second anchor.
In an additional aspect, the present invention is directed to an image capturing mechanism for capturing an image of a target. The image capturing mechanism includes a support platform, a camera platform suspended from the support platform by a plurality of support cables and a camera mounted to the camera platform. A first end of each of the support cables mounted to the support platform and a second end of each of the support cables mounted to the camera platform. The support platform and the camera platform are coaxially mounted on a camera axis and each of the plurality of support cables defines a support angle relative to the camera axis.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “front”, “rear”, “lower”and “upper”designate direction in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the image capturing mechanism and designated parts thereof. Further, the words “up” and “down” refer to preferred orientations of the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there are shown in
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the plurality of support cables 16 in the preferred embodiment are comprised of first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth support cables 16. The six (6) support cables provide stability between the support platform 12 and the camera platform 14, permit manipulation of the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12, as will be described in greater detail below, and provide safety in suspending the camera platform 14 from the support platform 12 in that even if five or the six support cables 16 are severed, the remaining support cable 16 will continue to support the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12. The camera platform 14 is not limited to being suspended from the support platform 12 by the six support cables 16 and may be suspended form the support platform 12 by a lesser number or even a single support cable 16, as was described above, or may be suspended form the support platform 12 by more than six support cables 16. Further, the camera platform 14 may be alternatively spaced and supported relative to the support platform 12.
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In the first preferred embodiments, the support platform 12 is constructed of a plurality of bars assembled in a push-pin construction, which is generally simple for a technician to assembled. In addition, the push-pin construction is generally quickly assembled and/or repaired by a technician. As a safety precaution, the push-pin construction of the support platform 12 may be tethered together (not shown) at each assembled joint. The tethers may be connected to one or more of the other assembled portions of the support platform 12 or to the support platform 12 and any related components resting on the support platform 12 typically will not fall or move a significant distance from their intended location. The support platform 12 is not limited to the push-pin constructed assembly or to the inclusion of the tethers and may be constructed of a single structural component or utilize nearly any other assembly technique that would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. However, the push-pin construction assembly and tethering are preferred to simplify assembly and to increase safety of the preferred image capturing mechanism 10.
In the first preferred embodiment, the six support cables 16 each include a first end 16a and a second end 16b. The first end 16a is preferably secured to or mounted to the support platform 12 and the second end 16b is preferably secured to or mounted to the camera platform 14. Six camera winches 18 preferably mount the first end 16a of the support cables 16 to the support platform 12. the preferred six winches 18, similar to the preferred six support cables 16, are not limiting and the camera platform 14 is preferably suspended form the support platform 12 by an equal number of camera winches 18 and support cables 16. However, the camera platform 14 is not limited to being suspended from the support platform 12 by an equal number of camera winches 18 and support cables 16 and may be directly suspending from the camera platform 14 by nearly any number of support cables 16 or a single support cable 16 without the inclusion of the camera winches 18. However, the camera winches 18 are preferred to permit the camera platform 14 to move at least toward and away from the support platform 12.
In the preferred embodiments, the camera winches 18 are each comprised of a single-wrap winch. The camera winches 18 are not limited to being comprised of the single-wrap winches 18 and may be comprised of nearly any mechanism that is able to mount the first end 16a of the support cable 16 to the support platform 12 and, preferably, to move the support cables 16 relative to the support platform 12 to move the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12. The camera winches 18 may be mechanically/electrically driven or may be manually driven by an operator located on the support platform 12. In addition, the camera winches 18 are not limited to being mounted to the support platform 12 and may be mounted nearly anywhere in order to move the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12. For example, the camera winches 18 may be mounted elsewhere than on the support platform 12 or on the camera platform 14, such as at a ground location and pulleys (not shown) may be mounted to the support platform 12 to aid in movement of the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.
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The support platform 12 is not limited to being mounted to the transport cable 20 or to being moveably mounted along the transport cable 20. In addition, the transport cable 20 is not limited to being mounted at the third and fourth ends 20a, 20b to the transport winches 26. For example, the support platform 12 may be mounted to an arena roof 28a of the venue or arena 28 that the image capturing mechanism 10 is mounted within, as will be described in greater detail below. In addition, the support platform 12 may be mounted to the transport cable 20 by a pulley, rotating wheel or other mechanism that allows the support platform 12 to move to, from and between the third and fourth ends 20a, 20b of the transport cable 20. Moveable mounting the support platform 12 on the transport cable 20 permits the support platform 12 and suspended camera platform 14 to be moved to various locations relative to the venue or arena 28, the advantages of which will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art based upon the below description of the image capturing mechanism 10.
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The support cables 16 are not limited to creating a specific support angle Δ relative to the camera axis 30. For example, the image capturing mechanism 10 may be configured to include the single support cable 16 that suspends the camera platform 14 from the support platform 12, resulting in the support cable 16 being generally parallel to the camera axis 30 at
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The image capturing mechanism 10 is not limited to inclusion of the battery 38, as the camera winches 18, transport winches 26, camera 36, advertising medium 32, controller 40 and/or radio frequency devices 42 may be powered by alternative power sources provided by the venue 28 or in nearly any manner that would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the radio frequency devices 42 are not required for operation of the image capturing mechanism 10 as the controller 40 may communicate directly or indirectly with nearly any of the components of the image capturing mechanism 10 through hard wiring or some other transmission mechanism, such as infrared. Further, the image capturing mechanism 10 is not limited to inclusion of the controller 40, as the image capturing mechanism 10 may be operated in a completely manual manner. In addition, the controller 40 may be comprised of a home computer located nearly anywhere that communication may be established with the image capturing mechanism 10.
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Alternatively, the stabilization mechanism may also be comprised of one or more dampers 46 (
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The controller 40 may provide stability to the images for the image capturing mechanism 10 in the preferred embodiment by controlling the acceleration and deceleration of the camera winches 18, the transport winches 26 and movement of the camera 36 during various conditions. For example, controlling the rate of acceleration and deceleration of the movement of the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12 through the camera winches 18 will typically increase stability by reducing jumpiness or vibration between the camera platform 14 and the support platform 12. In addition, the controller 40 may control the camera winches 18 such that the support cables 16 are constantly in tension to generally reduce jumplines or unwanted movement of the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12. Further, the controller 40 may be in communication with various sensors 52 including optical sensors, accelerometers, inertial sensors, inclinometers, anemometers, thermometers, vibration meters, strain gauges or other similar sensors, which are known to those having ordinary skill in the art, that are able to sense movement of the camera 36, camera platform 14 and/or support platform 12 or various environmental conditions such that the controller 40 is able to react to the information to stabilize the image capturing mechanisms 10.
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The first and second transport cables 20c, 20d of the second preferred embodiment are separated by a first spreader bar 56 mounted proximate the first anchor 22′ and a second spreader bar 58 mounted proximate the second anchor 24′. The first and second spreader bars 56, 58 have a spreader length LS for separating the first and second transport cable 20c, 20d. The first and second spreader bars 56, 58 are preferred to separate the first and second transport cables 20c, 20d to the general width of the support platform 12′. In addition, the inclusion of the first and second spreader bars 56, 58 proximate the first and second anchors 22′, 24′ provide a natural stop for the support platform 12′ in that the support platform 12′ will typically not move to a position closer to the first or second anchors 22′, 24′ than the position of the first or second spreader bars 56, 58. Accordingly, the support platform 12′ will typically not impact the first or second anchors 22′, 24′, thereby potentially damaging the image capturing mechanism 10′.
The second preferred embodiment of the image capturing mechanism 10′ also shows that at least two support platforms 12′ may be mounted to the first and second transport cables 20c, 20d to move between the first and second anchors 22, 24. The inclusion of the two support platforms 12′ for movement on the transport cables 20c, 20d provides additional camera angles for an operator along the transport cables 20c, 20d when compared to the inclusion of only a single support platform 12′. The inclusion of multiple support platforms 12′. camera platforms 14′, and cameras 36′ may be employed in any of the first, second or third embodiments of the image capturing mechanism 10, 10′, 10″ to increase available camera angles for an operator.
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In the first preferred embodiment, mounting the support platform 12 out of the line of sight 64 of the observers in the seating area 62 prevents obstructing the patron's view of the observed area 60 but also draws attention to the support platform 12 when the support platform moves along the transport cable 20. Accordingly, persons, such as patrons in the seating area 62 will be drawn to the movement of the support platform 12 and to any of the advertising mediums 32 that may be mounted to the support platform 12, projected onto the receiving surface 54 or otherwise associated with the preferred image capturing mechanism 10. Accordingly, the image capturing mechanism 10 of the first preferred embodiment generally does not obscure a patron's line of sight 64 to the observed area 60 but also draws attention to itself and the advertising medium 32.
In the preferred embodiments, the advertising medium 32 may be comprised of a message board that permits continuous modifications of an advertisement on the advertising medium 32. The message board (not shown) is preferably in communication with the controller 40 such that the controller 40 is able to modify the advertisement on the message board at predetermined time periods. The message board may be mounted to the support platform 12, camera platform 14, camera 36 or nearly anywhere along or on the image capturing mechanism 10. The structure and operation of the message board is generally well known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
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In the preferred embodiments, the observed area 64 may be comprised of a field of play including, without limitation, a football field, a basketball court, a soccer field, a baseball field, a hockey rink, a wrestling mat, a theater stage, a border crossing, a swimming pool, a track, a skating rink, a racetrack and/or a convention floor. The image capturing mechanism 10 may be utilized to capture video or still images on any of the listed fields of play and in any of the seating areas 62 that may be associated with the fields of play. Further, the camera 36 may be prompted by the controller 40 to capture video or still images of any one or more persons, such as patrons in the seating area 62 of the arena 28 for later sales or other uses, such as for security purposes.
As the support platform 12 and camera platform 14 move about the venue 28, the camera 36 may be subject to vibrations or other instability that is typically determined to capturing desirable images. In the preferred embodiments, the controller 40, which is preferably comprised of a computerized control system, is utilized to actively control the camera winches 18 and the support cables 16 to stabilize the camera platform 14 relative to the observed area 60. For example, controller 40 may be programmed to limit the speed that the camera winches 18 are designed to move the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12. In addition, the controller 40 may be programmed to limit the speed, acceleration and/or deceleration of the support platform 12 as it moves along the transport cable 20. In the preferred embodiments, the controller 40 is able to control movement of the support platform 12 on the transport cable 20 at a rate of approximately 20 miles per hour (20 MPH) and is able to raise and lower the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12 at a rate of approximately 10 feet per second (10 ft/s). The controller 40 is not limited to moving the support platform 12 along the transport cable 20 at a rate of twenty miles per hour or the camera platform 14 relative to the support platform 12 at a rate of ten feet per second and may move the support platform 12 and camera platform 14 relative to the venue 27 at nearly any rate. The components of the preferred image capturing mechanism may move about the arena 28 at nearly any speed and may accelerate and/or decelerate and nearly any rate that permits the image capturing mechanism 10 to perform its desired functions and limit damge to the structure of the device.
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In the preferred embodiments, the camera 36 is mounted to the camera platform 14 by a camera yoke 70 that permits pivoting about an axis generally parallel to the horizontal axis 68 and pivoting about the camera axis 30. This preferred movement of the camera 36 relative to the camera yoke 70 and camera platform 14 permits directing the line-of-sight of the camera 36 at nearly any portion of the venue 28 or outside the venue 28 that is not obstructed by the image capturing mechanism 10 or structure in the venue 28. Accordingly, the camera 36 is able to capture still and/or video images of nearly anything within its line-of-sight. The movements of the camera 36 relative and on the camera yoke 70, as will be understoodby one having ordinary skill in the art, are preferably directed by the controller 40 through signals sent through the tether 34, directly to the camera 36 utilizing the radio rfequency devices 42, through hard wiring in the support cables 16 or in nearly any other manner that permits directing control signals from the controller 40 to the camera 36 and/or the camera yoke 70.
The image capturing mechanism 10 of the first preferred embodiment is specifically convenient for utilization in the sports arena 28, such as in a basketball arena or at a football field, among others. The preferred image capturing mechanism 10 is able to caspture video and/or still images of game play on the field 54 and is also able to capture still and/or video images of other persons or patrons in the seating area 62. Each of these images may be utilized for later sale to patrons or to media entities to promote or report news on the games. However, as was described above, the rpeferred image capturing mechanism 10 is not limited to use in sporting arenas 28 and my be utilized for security at venues, for similarity capturing images at concerts or for taking video or still images nearly anywhere such images are desired. For example, the images capturing mechanism 10 may be assembled in an open field for a specific event, over a city street for a parade or in nearly any location where an operator intends to capture images.
The support platform 12 is not limited to being mounted to the transport cable 20, the scoreboard 28b or the roof 28a of the venue 28. For example, the support platform 12 may be mounted on cables or rails that extend partially on or around a top portion of the venue 28 (not shown). Such a configuration would allow the camera 36 to be positioned proximate the patrons in the seating area 62 of the venue 28. Such a configuration is also benificial to allow proximity for capturing images of the patrons or to communicate with the patrons through a speaker or an audio receiver to provide two-way communication.
Multiple cameras 36 may be mounted to the camera platform 14 for taking various still or video images of locations in or around the venue 28. The multiple cameras 36 mounted to the camera platform 14 provide additional flexibility for a user in that multiple videos or still photographs in different areas may be taken at the same moment. The controller 40 may be programmed to control the multiple cameras 36 to perform different tasks concurrently or to utilize certain of the multiple cameras 36 daring various extents or different environmental conditions. For example, one of the multiple cameras 36 may be utilized exclusively to capture images of patrons in the seating area 62, another of the cameras 36 may be utilized to capture video images of actions in the observed area 60 and another of the cameras 36 may be utilized during dark or limited lighting conditions.
The speaker and other audio communication mechanisms associated with the preferred image capturing mechanism 10 may also be utilized for security purposes such as to warn any intruders to exit the venue 28. Further, the projector 32 may be utilized to illuminate an area where the motion sensor senses motion when the arena 28 is closed. Such an illumination would likely have a deterrent effect upon intruders. The preferred image capturing mechanism 10 may be used for various security applications including warehouses, shipping terminals, seaports, amusement parks, theaters, public squares, convention centers, cities, atriums, shopping malls, prisons and other like venues 28.
A biometric sensor (not shown) may be associated with the sensor 52 that in communication with the controller 40 directs the user to an individual or object of interest in the venue 28. The biometric sensor preferably has the stability to identify an object or individual of interest in the venue 28. For security purposes, the image capturing mechanism 10 may include lights, microphones, speakers, weapons, crowd control devices or the like and the sensors 52 or other like features or elements that are typically controlled by the controller 40.
The first and second anchors 22, 24 are preferably comprised of a portion of the venue 28 or a pole or truss structure mounted to the venue 28. However, the first and second anchors 22, 24 are not limited to being fixed to or comprised of part of the venue 28 and may be comprised of portable supports, such as cranes, scaffolding or other portable and relatively easily assembled supports that may be erected temporarily in or near a venue 28 for capturing images with the image capturing mechanism 10.
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In the preferred embodiment, an operator of the image capturing mechanism 10 is typically located at or near the venue 28 within which the mechanism 10 is being utilized. However, the operator is not limited to being located at or near the venue 28 and may be located in nearly any location where communication between the operator and the controller 40 may be established. The operator may be located in a press box or television studio of the venue 28 or at an off-site studio for monitoring the controller 40. In addition, the controller 40 may be comprised of multiple control units that accomplish various tasks related to the image capturing mechanism 10.
The motion sensor of the sensors 52 or a sensor that follows a specific homing device may be utilized to direct the controller 40 to focus on a specific area in the venue 28. For example, a homing device may be positioned in a ball being used for gameplay at the venue 28 such that the camera 36 is constantly focusing in the ball or the multiple cameras 36 at a specific venue are all focusing on the homing device, for example the homing device in the ball. Further, one camera 36 of multiple cameras 36 mounted to the same camera platform 14 may be independently controlled by an operator or may be directed by the controller 40 to capture images of patrons in the seating area 62 during game play.
It is desirable to stabilize the camera 36 and/or the camera platform 14 as the image capturing mechanism 10 moves about the venue 28 so that video or still images from the camera 36 do not show unwanted motion, whether it is low frequency (such as a slow ship-like movement resulting in an undesirable slowly moving horizon) or high frequency (such as video from a moving vehicle on a rough road). As was described above, the controller 40 may provide automatic controls to proivide stability to the camera 36 or camera platform 14, may after the image to give the appearance of stability in the captured image or the stracture of the image capturing mechanism 10 may be configured to promote stability of the camera platform 14 and the camera 36. For example, the controller 40 may be programmed to maintain the camera 36 and resulting captured images in a relatively stable state, even in the presense of disturbances such as wind or movement of the stadium or venue 28.
In the preferred embodiments, the support cables 16 are relatively thin and most preferably are approximately one millimiter (1 mm) or less in diameter. The support cables 16 may be constructed of a clear monofilament line, similar to that used as fishing line or may be comprised of fiber optic cables to transmit signals to and from the camera platform 14, the controller 40 or any other payload on the support platform 12 or related to the image capturing mechanism 10. The relatively thin or partially transparent support cables 16 limit the obstructions to spectators in the seating area 62, which is desirable. The relatively thin support cables 16 also limit shadows that may result from the support cables 16 being positioned between the sun and/or lights in the venue 28 and the observed area 60 or the seating area 62.
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The controller 40 is preferably designed such that the camera 36 and camera platform 14 do not extend into contact with individuals that may be positioned in the observed area 60 or within the seating area 62 of venue 28. For example, the controller 40 may control the camera winches 18 and transport winches 26 such that the camera 36 and camera platform 14 do not come any closer than seven feet ((7′) from the receiving surface 54, the seating area 62 or any portion of the venue 28 where patrons may be positioned. Further, the tether 34 may be sized such that even if the camera winches 18 were able to release the camera platform 14 and camera 36 to positions closer to the receiveing surface 54 that the above-described preferred distancxe, the tether cable 34 would limit movement of the camera platform 14 and/or camera 36 in its movement to a predetermined distance from any individuals in the venue 28. The camera 36 and camera platform 14 are not limited to being spaced from the observed area 60, the seating area 62, the patrons or other portions of the venue 28 the above-described distances and my be space from this items nearly any distance or may be permitted to contact any or all of these items, as would be determined by one having ordinary skill in the art based upon the particular application.
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In operation, the image capturing mechanisms 10, 10′, 10″ are secured relative to or in the venue 28 or at an alternative location and the support platform 12 is positioned over at least a portion of the observed area 60. The camera platform 14 is moved relative to the support platform 12 into an image capturing position, which may be nearly anywhere within the zone of movement of the camera 36. For example, the transport winches 26 may be actuated to move the support platform 12 nearly anywhere along the transport cable 20, the camera winches 18 may be actuated to move the camera platform 14 and camera 36 toward and away from the support platform 12 and the camera 36 may be tilted and/or pivoted using the camera yoke 70 to direct the camera 36 toward a target area. Further, the various camera winches 18 may be actuated different amounts such that the camera platform 14 defines a camera pitch angle Ω (
The camera 36 may specifically be focused on a field target area on the receiving surface 54 in the venue 28 and an alternative camera 36 may be focused on a seating target area in the seating area 62. Still images utilizing a still camera 36 are typically captured of the patrons in the seating area 62; however, such captured images are not limited to still inages and may be comprised of video images. In addition, video images are preferably captured of the observed area 60 by a video camera 36 during game play, but are likewise not so limited.
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The present application is related to copending U.S. patet application Ser. No. ______ (related application), titled “Event Participating Image Locating, Retrieving, Editing and Printing System” and filed Sep. 7, 2006. The related application is directed to various methods for utilizing and controlling an image capturing mechanism similar to the preferred image capturing mechanisms 10, 10′, 10″ described herein to capture, edit, print and distribute captured images and to provide features for consumers of the captured images. The related application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
It will be appriciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the board inventive concept thereof. For example, the preferred embodiments of the image capturing mechanism of the present invention may be utilized for several additional applications than capturing video and still images at sporting events, such as providing security, video and still images at conventions, aquatic observation and monitoring of hazardous clean-up sites or other like uses. It is understood, therefore, thus this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/714,926, filed Sept. 7, 2005, entitled “Aerial Support Structure and Method for Image Capture” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/757,757 filed Jan. 10, 2006, entitled “Aerial Support Structure for Camera”, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60714926 | Sep 2005 | US | |
| 60757787 | Jan 2006 | US |
