Motorized Monopod Jib Interface for Two-Handed Camera Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monopod jibs for cameras lack effective control mechanisms for camera positioning and image quality, particularly in terms of ease of operation and balancing the weight and size of the equipment during use.

Innovation Solution

A motorized monopod jib with a two-part user interface, split between two hands for easy operation, featuring a multi-axis gimbal controlled by three motors for camera movement, along with a monitor for real-time video output and control inputs, and a battery box with configuration switches for system adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a motorized monopod jib with multi-axis gimbal is used to enable precise camera positioning, then the device complexity increases, but the ease of operation improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of camera positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of motorized gimbal system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into two separate handheld controllers, each managing specific camera functions. This division allows the operator to control different aspects of camera positioning independently, reducing the cognitive load and improving ease of operation despite the underlying system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Two handheld transmitters act as intermediary devices between the operator and the complex motorized gimbal system. These transmitters simplify the interaction by providing intuitive controls that mediate the complex motor movements, making the system easier to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a two-handed user interface with multiple controls is provided for precise camera control, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of camera controlVSAvoidcomplexity of control interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is divided into two separate handheld transmitters, with each transmitter containing a subset of controls. This segmentation distributes the complexity across two manageable devices rather than one complex controller, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface transitions from a single-plane controller to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement with two handheld devices. This dimensional change allows for more intuitive control by distributing functions across space and hands, improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If real-time video monitoring and multiple control functions are integrated into the monopod jib, then the productivity improves, but the weight of the equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of camera operationVSAvoidweight of monopod jib system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monopod jib system integrates multiple functions including motorized gimbal control, real-time video monitoring, and dual-handheld transmitters into a single unified platform. This multi-functionality improves productivity by allowing the operator to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, though it increases the overall weight of the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3316567B1User interface aspects for a motorized monopod jib for cameras
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • EP3316567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3316567B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3316567B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment provides a monopod jib for cameras, including: a pole; a multi-axis gimbal disposed at one end of the pole; and a user interface comprising: a first user interface element having a first plurality of camera controls; and a second user interface element having a second plurality of camera controls. Other embodiments are shown and described.