Parkervision, Inc.

Richard P Daber

David F Sorrells

Jeffrey L Parker

John D Mix

The system includes a base unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a mobile remote unit to an IR receiver which is placed behind a rotating set of signal blocking blinders whose position at any time defines a view angle with a position known with precision resulting in the IR signal reception scanning across an area. The base unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and utilizes this data to determine the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the base unit to create an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Receivers for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in the base unit.

Remote tracking system particulary for moving picture cameras and method

The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a 'gray scale' which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.

Remote controlled tracking system for tracking a remote control unit and

Remote-controlled tracking system for tracking a remote control unit and

The system includes a mobile remote unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a base or stationary unit and an IR transmitter which is placed behind a rotating lens whose position at any time is known with precision resulting in the IR signal being 'scanned' across an area. The remote unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and provides this data via an RF signal to the base unit wherein the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the remote unit creates an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Transmitters for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in each of the units.

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Jacksonville, FL, United States of America

Richard P Daber