| JP56087806 | DETECTING METHOD FOR DEFLECTION OF SELVEDGE OF TRAVELLING WEB |
| JP2001108427 | AIR MICROMETER |
| JP56145309 | MEASURING DEVICE FOR INSIDE DIAMETER |
RICHARDS, Adrian (PO Box 27, FORSTER, NSW 2428, AU)
| CLAIMS 1. A camera mounting system comprising a body fixedly mounted to a ground surface and extending upwardly a predetermined height therefrom and aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said body having a camera mount configured to receive and releasably engage a camera device such that when said camera is engaged with said mount, said camera is directed to said . preferred location. 2. A system according to claim 1 configured to allow one or more objects to be disposed intermediate said location and said camera mount so that an engaged camera is configured to include both said one or more objects and said preferred location within its field of view. 3. A system according to claim 2 including one or more location markers disposed on or adjacent said ground surface and defining" a location for objects to be disposed so as to include both said object and said vista in said camera field of view. 4. A system according to claim 3 wherein said location markers are configured for use with cameras having different characteristics. 5. A system according to claim 4 wherein said camera characteristics include F- stop or focal length, zoom and field of view. 6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said camera mount comprises one or more portrait and/or landscape mounts wherein said portrait mount is configured to releasably engage said camera in a portrait or vertical orientation and said landscape mount is configured to releasably engage said camera in a landscape or horizontal orientation, 7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said camera mounts comprise one or more of the following selected from the .group consisting of a camera screw, a mechanical clamp, a sliding bracket, and a slot or aperture, 8, A system according to claim 1 wherein said camera is a dedicated camera device or is integrated into a computing or communications device. 9, A system according to claim 8 wherein said computing device is a PDA or PDA-type device and said communications device is a cellular or mobile telephone. 10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said body is moveable between a plurality of predetermined heights above said ground surface. , 11. A system according to claim 1 wherein said body and/or said camera mount are rotatably mounted for movement in a horizontal plane. 12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said movement in the horizontal plane occurs between predetermined locations selectable by a user. 13. A system according to claim 11 wherein said, rotation movement is configured to allow a panorama with a predetermined number of frames to be taken, or to allow the photographing of separate objects. 14. A system according to claim 11 wherein said. rotational movement of said body and/or said camera mount is automated. 15. A system according to claim 1 wherein said body includes indicia. 16. A system according to claim 15 wherein said indicia comprises information and/or examples of photographs taken of a predetermined location of alignment of said body. 17. A system according to claim 15 wherein said indicia comprises advertising. 18. A camera mounting system comprising: a body fixedly mounted to a ground. surface and extending upwardly a predetermined height therefrom and aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said body having a camera mounted thereto or disposed therein, said camera being directed to said preferred location; actuation means configured to take a photograph of said preferred location; and output means configured to communicate an image taken by said camera device. 19. A camera mounting system according to claim 18 wherein said actuation means includes a timer to delay taking of a photograph by said camera for a predetermined period of time, 20. A system according to claim 19 configured to receive payment by a user prior to capturing a photograph. 21. A system according to claim 19 wherein a photograph is communicated via email, internet sites or direct download from said body to a portable computing or communications device or to an electronic storage means. 22. A system according to claim 19 wherein an electronic camera image is communicated to a computer server and available to a user via the internet or mobile telephone network. 23. A system according to claim 23 wherein, an image is available on the internet or via a telecommunications network in response to a user-provided password or other authentication code. 24. A system according to claim 1 S including one or more location markers on or adjacent said ground surface intermediate said body and said preferred location, 25. A camera, mounting system comprising a mounting plate configured to be mounted to an upright support structure and a base mounted thereto and movable between a stowed position wherein the base is contiguous with or adjacent the upright support structure and an operation position where the base is hingedly moved away from the upright support structure the base is aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said base having a camera mount configured to receive and releasably engage a camera device such that when engaged said camera device is directed to said preferred location. 26. A system according to claim 25 wherein said upright structure is a doorway or wall adjacent thereto of a building or nautical vessel. 27. A camera system according to claim 25 wherein the base is hingedly mounted at one end to the upright support structure. 28. A system according to claim 26 wherein the base is articulated to provide movement in a plane perpendicular to the plane of movement provided by the base headedly mounted to the upright support structure. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tourism and, in particular, to a system for obtaining . images of one or more predetermined locations.
The invention has been described with, respect to locations such as tourism drawcards and sporting venues and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these applications and is applicable to other objects or vistas of interest.
Background Art
It is typical for a tourist visiting a location to desire to take photographs as records. It is quite common for tourists to request passers-by to take a photo of themselves at a location as part of their keepsake. In a group of tourists, at least one tourist inevitably misses out on being within any shot unless requesting a passer-by to take, the image.
Timing devices on cameras can solve this problem however this means leaving a camera unattended and ensuring it is pointed or oriented properly towards a location and includes all preferred participants within its frame. Whilst portable tripod devices have fixed this problem, these are inconvenient to carry and are considered cumbersome. Leaving a tripod unattended in a public place has the same risks associated as simply placing a camera down and actuating a timer but also has a physical footprint large enough to possibly be bumped or knocked over by passers-by. The growing use of camera devices disposed in PDAs or cellular telephones indicates people are carrying dedicated camera devices less and less.
It is also known that tourists, are not necessarily always alert to the best position for them to capture a vista of an object or panorama. Consequently, these people may miss an opportunity to capture a more preferred image. It is also known for tourists to occasionally move away from common public areas or onto private property in order to take a photograph which is obviously undesirable. Genesis of the Invention
It is the genesis of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the problems of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a camera mounting system comprising a body fixedly mounted to a ground surface and extending upwardly a predetermined height therefrom and aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said body having a camera mount configured to receive and releasably engage a camera device such that when said camera is engaged "with said mount, said camera is directed to said preferred location.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera mounting system comprising: a body fixedly mounted to a ground surface and extending upwardly a predetermined height therefrom and aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said body having a camera mounted thereto or disposed therein, said camera being directed .to said preferred location; actuation means configured to take a photograph of said preferred location; and output means configured to communicate an image taken. by said camera device.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera mounting system comprising a mounting plate configured to be mounted to an upright support structure and a base mounted thereto and movable between, a stowed position wherein the base. is contiguous with or adjacent the upright support structure and an operation position where the base is hingedly moved away from the upright support structure the base is aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location, said base having a camera mount configured to receive and releasably engage a camera device such that when engaged said camera device is directed to said preferred location.
It can therefore be seen that there is provided a camera mounting system which is disposed at a most preferred location or aboard an aquatic vessel for photographing a vista or object and which will not inconvenience a camera user or passer-by. Brief Description of the Drawings
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with, reference to the accompanying drawings in which: .
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a camera mounting system according to a first preferred embodiment;
Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a rear view of the camera mounting system of Fig, 1;
Fig. 5 is top view of the camera.mounting system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 6 is a left-hand side view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a right-hand side view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a front view of the camera moμnting system of Fig. 1 at a first location;
Fig. 9 is a front view pf the camera mounting system of Fig. I at a second location;
Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig, 8;
Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 8 or 9;
Fig> 12 is a close-up front perspective view of part of the camera mounting system of Fig. 8;
Fig. 13 is a front perspective view of a camera mounting system of Fig. 8 or 9 without location-specific indicia;
Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of a top part of the camera mounting system 6fFig. ' l3;
Fig. 15 is a front view of a camera mountmg system according to another preferred embodiment;
Fig. 16 is a rear view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15; , Fig. 17 is a left-hand side view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 18 is a right-hand side view of the camera mounting system of Fig, 15 ;
Fig, 19 is a top view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig, 15; Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view αf the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 23 is atop view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 24 is a rear perspective of an upper part of the camera mounting system of Fig. 15;
Fig. 25 is a front perspective of an upper part of the camera mounting system of Fig: 15;
Fig. 26 is a rear view of a camera mounting system according to another preferred embodiment;
Fig. 27 is a right-hand side. view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26; . Fig. 28 is a left-hand side view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26;
Fig. 29 is a front view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26;
Fig. 30 is a rear perspective view of the camera mounting- system of Fig. 26;
Fig. 31 is a front perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26;
Fig. 32 is a rendered front perspective view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26; ' ■ • •
Fig. 33 is a rendered rear perspective view of a top part of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26;
Fig. 34 is a rear view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 26 having a camera disposed thereon;
Fig. 35 is a side view of a camera mounting system according to another preferred embodiment;
Fig. 36 is a top view of the camera mounting system of Fig. 35;
Fig. 37 is a left hand side view αf the camera mounting system of Fϊg. 35;
Fig. 38 is a rear elevated perspective view of a camera mounting system according to another preferred embodiment;
Fig, 39 is a front elevated perspective view of the system of Fig. 38;
Fig. 40 is a rear view of the system of Fig. 38;
Fig. 41 is a left hand side view of the system of Fϊg. 38;
Fig, 42 is a plan view of the system of Fig. 38;
Fig. 43 is a front view of the system of Fig. 38;
Fig. 44 is an inverted plan view of the system of Fig. 38; Fig. 45 is a left hand side view of the system of Fig. 3 S in an unstowed position;
Fig. 46 is a rear view of the system of Fig. 45;
Fig. 47 is apian view o the system of Fig. 45;
Fig. 48 is a front view o the system' of Fig. 45;
Fig. 49 is an inverted plan view of the system of Fig. 45;
Fig. 50 is an elevated rear perspective view of the system of Fig. 45.;
Fig. 51 is an elevated front perspective view of the system of Fig. 45; ■ Fig. 52 is another elevated front perspective view of the system of Fig. 45;
Fig. 53 is an elevated front perspective view of the system of Fig. 45 with the base hingedly rotated; and
Fig. 54 is an elevated front perspective view of the system of Fig. 39 with the base hingedly rotated.
Detailed Description
Figs 1 to 7 show various views of the camera mounting system of the first preferred embodiment. It will be appreciated that throughout the description of the preferred embodiments like. reference numerals have been used to denote like components.
The first preferred embodiment provides a camera mounting system 1 having a body 2 configured to be fixably mounted to a ground surface 3 (shown in Fig. 34 with reference to another example). The body 2 is mounted to the ground 3 by means of a pole 4 (or other pedestal means) disposed intermediate.
The body 2 is then disposed a predetermined height above the ground 3. A front face 5 of the body 2 is aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location (not illustrated).
The system I includes at least one camera mount. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the body 2 includes a landscape camera mount 6 arid a portrait camera mount 7. The camera mounts 6 and 7 are formed from conventional threaded camera screws 8. In the first preferred embodiment, the landscape camera mount 6 extends through an upper end of the body 2 to allow a camera device 9 to be disposed thereon and to be engaged with the camera mounting screw 8 of the landscape mount 6. Likewise, the portrait mount 7 includes a camera mounting screw 8 extending through a side 10 of the body 2 to releasably engage a camera device and retain it in a portrait orientation,
The orientation "of alignment of the body 2 to provide the vista of the preferred location allows the camera device 9 to be releasably engaged with the portrait or landscape mount 6 or 7 such that when engaged the camera 9 is directed toward the preferred- location thereby providing the opportunity to take a photograph by use of a timer device to actuate the camera 9. It is typical for camera devices to include timer actuated mechanisms as would be commonly understood.
The body 2 is preferably formed from a weather resistant material such as stainless steel. However, it will be appreciated that the body 2 can be formed from any preferred material or materials.
The body.2 of the camera mounting system 1 further includes indicia or means to receive indicia 11, In the embodiment shown in the drawings, a panel 11 is configured to receive indicia indicative of any preferred information such as explanation of or factual information relating to the location at which the camera mounting system 1 is disposed or such information of the preferred location to whjch the camera mounting system 1 is aligned.
The indicia 11 may also be in the form of advertising material to subsidise the cost of the camera mounting system 1. It will be appreciated that other indicia may be provided for information or advertising as preferred and this will be limited by the physical dimensions and shape of the body 2, The indicia 11 may be displayed on a VDU (not illustrated) in other embodiments.
The camera mounting system 1 is further configured to allow one or more objects to be disposed intermediate the location to be photographed and the camera mount so that an engaged camera is configured to include a view of the preferred location but also to include one or more objects disposed intermediate. As shown in Fig. 6, one or more location, markers 12 are disposed on or adjacent the ground surface intermediate the camera device and the location to be photographed. The location markers 12 define a location for objects to be disposed so that a photograph taken by the camera device 9 of the camera mounting system 1 will include both the one or more objects and the preferred location in the camera field of view.
Different location markers 12 are provided for use with, cameras having different characteristics. ' For example, the location markers. 12 are disposed at locations corresponding to predetermined F-stop or focal length numbers, zoom parameters or the field of view of a camera device to allow the one or more objects and the location of interest to be within the photographic field of view.
The height of the camera mounting system 1 is configured to be made higher or lower within a predetermined range as selected by a user, for example, to include a particularly short or tall object within a photographic frame of the preferred location. The height of the camera device 9 (or correspondingly the height of body 2) can be configured for discreet vertical movement or allow a user to select the height at any point between an upper and lower height,
The camera mounting system I is configured to allow the body 2 and/or camera mounts 6 and 7 to be rotatably moved in a horizontal plane. The rotational movement in the horizontal plane can be any point between two locations in the horizontal plane or for movement into predetermined positions in the horizontal plane. In the latter case of horizontal movement into predetermined locations in the horizontal plane, the camera mountirig.system 1 can be configured to take a panoramic view composed of discreet photographs taken from different directions and joined together.
Likewise, the movement in the horizontal plane can be configured to point at different unrelated objects in a vista to remove the need for a user to align the camera mounting system- 1. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the movement in the horizontal plane may be automated by employing stepper motor arrangements or other means of automating the motion in the horizontal plane.
It will be appreciated that the camera mounting screws 8 of the portrait and landscape mounts 6 and 7 can be configured to retain a camera within the body 2 which is opposed to the direction shown in the drawings where the camera device 9 mounts to an inside surface of the body 2. It will also be appreciated that although camera screw mounting means 8 are described above, any other preferred pamera mounting means can be provided. For example, a mechanical clamp, a sliding bracket or a slot or • aperture can be employed to retain the camera device 9, Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any number of camera mounts 6 or 7 can be provided. That is, one or more camera mounts 6 or 7 can be provided as preferred.
The camera device 9 can be in the form of a dedicated camera device, or can be integrated into another electronic device such as a communications device or a computing device. The computing device may include PDAs, for example, and the ' communications device may include cellular or mobile telephones. It will be appreciated that any preferred camera device can be employed. ' .
Referring tα Figs 8 to 14, there are shown rendered views of the camera mounting system of Fig. 1 when disposed at two different locations. The front views of Figs ' 8 and 9 include indicia 11 indicative of the field of view or frame of photograph to be taken when a camera is disposed on the camera mounting system 1. Figs 13 and 14 are similar to the camera mounting system 1 of Figs 8 and 9 except that the indicia panel 11 is left blank to allow indicia to be applied dependant on the location. The rear view of Fig^ 11 shows indicia providing user instructions.
Figs 15 to 19 show various views of a camera mounting system according to another preferred embodiment. This embodiment only employs a single camera mounting means 6 to receive a camera in a landscape or horizontal orientation. The camera mounting system 1 of the embodiment of Figs 15 to 19 do not include a pole or pedestal 4 as this function is provided by the body 2 which, attaches directly to a ground surface. Figs 20 to 25 are rendered drawings of the system 1 of Figs 15 to 19 with a brand name Fotopol™ applied to an upper surface thereof.
As best seen in Fig. 20, this embodiment of the camera mounting system 1 is formed from extruded components forming the body 2 and any indicia to be retained by the body. The only moving part of this embodiment is the camera mounting screw S.
Another preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figs 26 to 31 and Figs 32 to 34 are rendered views of the embodiment of Figs 26 to 31. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figs 15 to 25 except that a base plate 4 is provided in place of a pedestal or pole according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. Fig, 33 is a view of an upper rear part of the camera mounting system I of Fig. 26. The instruction indicia for a user is shown, thereon. Fig. 34 is a rear view of the camera mounting system 1 of Fig. 26'with a camera mounted to the camera mounting system 1.
In other alternative embodiments of the invention, not illustrated, the camera . mounting system 1 includes a body 2 fixedly mounted to a ground surface 3 and extending upwardly a predetermined height from the ground surface. The body 2 is aligned to provide a vista of a preferred location.
The body 2 includes a camera device 9 mounted thereto or disposed therein. The camera device is directed such that its frame of shot captures the preferred location. An actuation means is provided in the camera mounting system and configured to cause a photograph to be taken by the camera device 9 of the location of interest. The camera mounting system 1 of this alternative embodiment includes output means configured to communicate an image taken by the camera device 9.
The camera mounting system 1 of this alternative embodiment provides the actuation means that includes a timer to delay taking a photograph by the camera device 9 for a predetermined period of time upon actuation. It will be appreciated that the image can be taken by the camera device 9 subsequent to receiving payment from a user. Once the photograph or image is captured, this is communicated by the output means via email, internet web site or direct download from the body 2. The image can be downloaded by a portable computing device, a communications device or a conventional electronic storage means, A printing device may be included to dispense a photograph to a user,
In particularly preferred embodiments, the image taken by the camera is communicated to a remote computer server and made available to a user via the internet or for download from a mobile telephone network. The image available on the internet or via the telephone communications network (for example, via MMS message) is made available to a user in response to a user-provided password or other authentication code which may or may not be provided in response to payment received by the user.
Referring to Fig. 35, there is shown a side view of a camera mounting system 30 configured to be mounted to a wall or doorway (not illustrated) on an aquatic vessel in the form of a cruise liner or passenger craft The system 30 is mounted to an inside or outside of a door frame (not illustrated) or adjacent thereto, or a door or window surround or any other preferred location, Figs. 36 and 37 show a top and left hand side view of the system 30,
The system 30 includes a mounting plate 31 configured to be removably mounted adjacent a balcony doorway on a passenger cabin (not illustrated). Apertures 34 allow retaining screws (not illustrated) to secure the mounting plate 31. An end of the mounting plate includes a rotatably mounted base 33, The base 33 is mounted by means of a hinge 32 allowing movement of the base between a stowed position where the base 33 extends parallel to the mounting plate 31 (not illustrated) and a position to ' receive a camera device (as illustrated).
In this embodiment, a landscape camera mount 6 is disposed on a top surface of the base 33 and includes a screw 8 having a circular handle. The screw 8 is configured to engage with a corresponding threaded aperture in the camera device. When a camera device is mounted to the camera mount 6, a passenger can photograph themselves with either the vista from their cabin or their cabin in the background.
Turning now to Figs. 38 to 54, there is shown various views of another preferred embodiment of the system 30 similar to that shown in Figs. 35 to 38. The system 30 is shown in a stowed position in Figs. 38 to 47 and an in use or in an unstowed position in Figs, 45 to 52, and Figs. 53 and 54 show movement of the base 33 from the stowed position. It will be appreciated that the camera can be mounted to base 33 " and engaged with screw 8. The base 33 hingedly moves away from the mounting plate 31 when unstowed. The base 33 is aLso configured to be swivelled or rotated in a horizontal plane (ie perpendicular to the plane provide by hinged movement of base 33 and mounting plate 31 best shown in Fig. 54. In this way, the camera (when mounted) can be pointed in a preferred direction.
The foregoing describes only one. embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled Ln the art,, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "including" or "having" and not in the exclusive sense of . "consisting only of.