Patent ID: 7167198
Filing Date: 2007-01-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for obtaining optimal recordings of launch events of an airborne vehicle at a test range, comprising the steps of: (a) tracking a launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle along a flight path for said airborne vehicle utilizing first and second cameras to track the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle wherein each of said first and second cameras has a lens; (b) generating video flight data of the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle along the flight path for said airborne vehicle, said first and second cameras generating said video flight data; (c) providing said video flight data to a first video monitor and recorder and a second video monitor and recorder; (d) displaying the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle along the flight path for said airborne vehicle on said first video monitor and recorder and said second video monitor and recorder; (e) recording the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle and the flight path for said airborne vehicle on said first video monitor and recorder and said second video monitor and recorder; (f) storing flight path information which identifies the flight path for said airborne vehicle on a memory card wherein an auto focus and zoom controller includes said memory card, and a computer software program; (g) controlling focus, zoom and iris settings for the lens of said first camera and the lens of said second camera during the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle along the flight path of said airborne vehicle when said first camera and said second camera are tracking said airborne vehicle; and (h) handling and interpreting said flight path information stored on said memory card enabling operation of said Auto Focus and Zoom Controller allowing said Auto Focus and Zoom Controller to automatically control the focus, zoom and iris settings for the lens of said first camera and the lens of said second camera during the launch and test flight of said airborne vehicle along the flight path for said airborne vehicle, wherein said computer software handles and interprets said flight path information stored on said memory card.