Patent ID: 7450835
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: F16M,G03B

Abstract:
1. A tripod device for mounting a camera to track movable objects, comprising: a base; a camera mount adjacent said base for selectively supporting the camera; a first actuator for moving said camera mount relative to said base in a rotational direction about a generally vertical axis; a second actuator for tilting said camera mount relative to said base in a generally vertical direction; a plurality of pendants separate from said base and said camera mount, each said pendant having a transmitter for transmitting signals different from signals transmitted by each other pendant; a processor in communication with said first and second actuators for controlling said first and second actuators; a receiver in communication with said processor for receiving said signals and providing said signals to said processor, said processor having programming for identifying said individual pendants by said signals, said processor having programming for determining a direction to each said pendant; a user interface in communication with said processor for providing user input to said processor, said processor having programming for selectively controlling said first and second actuators to track said pendants according to said user input; wherein: