Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/632,304, filed Feb. 26, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/021,160, filed Jul. 6, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The embodiments described herein relate generally to the technical field of network connected robotics. More particularly, the present invention relates to controllable hardware mounts. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In certain applications, particularly in connection with audio/video engineering and photography, an ability to remotely manipulate the position and orientation of employed hardware is desirable. Additionally, an ability to register a specific or sequence of positions/orientations to be returned to on remote command is also desirable. For example, when positioning a microphone to capture sound from a loudspeaker, musical instrument, vocalist, or any other source, even a very small modification to the microphone position relative to the sound source can have a large effect on the captured audio characteristics, or tone. Audio engineers will typically test multiple microphone positions and orientations relative to the target sound source in an attempt to locate the microphone position/orientation that produces the desired tone. Conventional microphone stands are static, as are the mounts that attach to them and support the microphone; their positions/orientations cannot be modified without physical manipulation by hand. It is not an uncommon experience to repeatedly walk between the microphone location (live room, stage, isolation booth, etc.) and the monitoring location (control room, sound board, etc.) making position modifications by hand and comparing the captured tones. Further, it is exceedingly difficult to test multiple possible microphone positions and then return to a previous position if the tone there is favored. 
         [0004]    There exist remote controlled microphone stands that allow for the manipulation of the stand along various axes using a custom controller. Such devices are typically bulky and expensive since it is a significant portion of the stand itself that is being manipulated. Such devices are also limited in versatility; they function as standalone units whereas audio engineers typically employ a variety of different microphone stand types to meet dimensional and positional requirements for a wide array of audio capturing applications. Such devices are also inefficient as they typically require the use of a custom controller for remote manipulation as opposed to a controlling device already possessed by the operator. 
         [0005]    Similarly, when capturing an image or video for a wide variety of applications (e.g., filmmaking, surveillance, etc.) it is often desirable to have the camera execute movements relative to the subject being photographed. For example, many surveillance cameras are mounted to remote control pan/tilt mounts enabling them to change orientation. Such devices are limited in versatility; they only permit orientation manipulation and not position manipulation which would be useful for such applications as peeking around a corner. In another example, photographers and filmmakers will typically employ devices such as remote controlled dollies for camera motion along an axis. Such devices are typically bulky and expensive making them excessive for many applications. Such devices are also limited in versatility; they only permit position manipulation along a single axis when control in multiple dimensions is often desirable. Such devices are also inefficient as they typically require the use of a custom controller for remote manipulation as opposed to a controlling device already possessed by the operator. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, a mount system is disclosed that comprises a first movable platform having a first axis along its length; a first motor engaged to the first movable platform and configured to control sliding motion of the first movable platform along the first axis; a device coupler configured to couple the first movable platform to an attached device; a second motor encased in the device coupler and configured to enable at least one of panning and rotation of the attached device; a wireless network connection device; and a microcontroller/CPU device configured to receive control signals from the wireless network connection device and responds by activating one or more of the motors. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a robotic mount is disclosed that comprises a first movable platform having a first axis along its length; a second motor engaged to a second movable platform and configured to slide the second movable platform along the first axis; a wireless network connection device; and a microcontroller/CPU device; wherein the microcontroller/CPU device is configured to receive control signals from the wireless network connection device and respond by activating one or more of the motors. 
         [0008]    The present invention further discloses a method for remote control of one or more mounts, wherein each mount comprises a wireless network connection device, a microcontroller/CPU device, a plurality of motors and a plurality of movable platforms; the method comprising: receiving control signals from a controlling device through a wireless network connection by one or more of the wireless network connection devices; communicating the received control signals to the corresponding microcontroller/CPU device; and activating one or more of the motors to adjust one or more of the plurality of movable platforms by the corresponding microcontroller/CPU device, according to the control signals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a better understanding of the embodiments and/or related implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary embodiment and/or related implementation in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an exemplary robotic mount of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the robotic mount of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the hardware mount where an attachable control box is provided as a separate unit; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of another robotic mount as embodied in the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view illustrating an exemplary application of the robotic mount of the present invention employed as a microphone stand; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view illustrating another exemplary application of the robotic mount of the present invention employed as a video camera stand; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a method for remotely controlling a robotic mount as embodied in the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a method for remotely controlling a plurality of robotic mounts. 
       
    
    
       [0018]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. 
         [0020]    However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments and/or implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments and/or implementations described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein, but rather to describe the structure and operation of the various embodiments and/or implementations described herein. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  to describe technical aspects of the invention in more detail, there is shown an exemplary embodiment in which a hardware mount  10  serves as a microphone mount having a primary framework  12  which may be connected to any microphone stand via a coupler  14 . For example, the coupler may be (but is not limited to) a threaded adapter, a fit-in housing, a tripod head, etc. Affixed to the primary framework  12  are a wireless network connection device  20 , as well as a microcontroller/CPU device  22  and a primary servomechanism (servo)  30 . The primary servo  30  drives a timing belt  32  that is connected to a first moving platform  40 , enabling it to engage in controlled motion along a primary axis  16 . Affixed to the first moving platform  40  is a secondary servo  42  that drives the motion of a second moving platform  50  along a secondary axis  18  perpendicular to the primary axis  16 . Affixed to the second moving platform  50  is a tertiary servo  60  encased in a second coupler  62  (e.g. a threaded adapter) enabling the rotation/panning of any attached microphone  64 . 
         [0022]    In further detail, still referring to the invention of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the primary framework  12  may be sufficiently wide to allow for an adequate range of motion of the first moving platform  40  such that it may extend across the width of most common sound sources (such as a guitar cabinet speaker, drum head, etc.), typically  4  to  24  inches. The second moving platform  50  may be sufficiently long to allow for a similar range of motion in the axis  18  perpendicular to the primary axis  16 , typically 4 to 24 inches. The hardware mount  10  may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, wood, and the like. Further, the various components of the hardware mount  10  can be made of different materials. The type of material used would not change the way the invention works. 
         [0023]    In an exemplary embodiment, the hardware mount system  10  serves as a microphone mount and that may include a microphone cable input and output to enable the captured audio signal to be analyzed in real time by the device. This permits the automation of various position and orientation manipulation sequences while analyzing captured frequency data in processes designed to determine the optimal microphone position/orientation for a given application, replacing manual techniques such as “shivering”. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a hardware mount system  150  that includes a separate but attachable control box  170 . The control box  170  contains both a wireless network connection device  160  and microcontroller/CPU device  162 . The control box  170  may be affixed using a fastening device  164  (e.g., clamping bracket, socket tee, bolts, suction cups, adhesive, or other means) to the shaft of the stand to which the mount is attached. Alternatively, the fastening device  164  could be used to affix the control box  170  to any other suitable framework or support structure. The microcontroller/CPU device  162  receives control signals from the wireless network connection device  160  and responds by activating one or a more servos, stepper motors, linear actuators, or other similar devices ( 180 - 1  to  180 -N) through either electrical wire or wireless close-range communication means in order to manipulate the position and orientation of the mounted hardware. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an alternative embodiment in which a robotic hardware mount  70  serves as a microphone mount which may be connected to any microphone stand via a threaded adapter  72 . Affixed to the threaded adapter  72  are a wireless network connection device  80 , as well as a microcontroller/CPU device  82  and a primary servo  84 . The primary servo  84  drives the first moving platform  90 , enabling it to engage in controlled rotational motion. A secondary servo  102  is affixed to a second moving platform  100 , enabling the second moving platform  100  to engage in controlled motion along the axis  94  of the first moving platform  90 . Affixed to the second moving platform  100  is a linear actuator  104  encased in a threaded adapter onto which any standard microphone may be attached. The linear actuator  104  enables motion of the threaded adapter and the attached microphone along a direction perpendicular to the length of the first moving platform  90 . 
         [0026]    In further detail, still referring to the invention of  FIG. 4 , the first moving platform  90  is sufficiently long to allow for an adequate range of motion of the second moving platform  100  such that it may extend across the width of most standard sound sources (such as a guitar cabinet speaker, drum head, etc.), e.g. 4 to 24 inches. The hardware mount  70  may be made of metal or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. Further, the various components of the hardware mount  70  can be made of different materials. The type of material used would not change the way the invention works. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment in which a hardware mount  400  serves as a microphone mount operating at an angle relative to the horizon which is similar to the angle of the sound source. In this embodiment the hardware mount  400  employs an affixed laser  410  as a means of projecting its relative position/orientation onto the sound source. Optionally, a camera may be affixed to the hardware mount  400  so that the position/orientation of the attached microphone can be observed from a remote controlling location. The laser  410  could also be used as a targeting/tracking device or measuring device to determine the precise distance from the subject of interest. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown another exemplary embodiment in which a hardware mount  600  serves as a video camera mount which attaches to an appropriate support structure using a fastening device  610  (e.g., clamping bracket, socket tee, bolts, suction cups, adhesive, or other means). The fastening device  610  is affixed to a primary platform  620  which also houses a wireless network connection device  630  and microcontroller/CPU device  640 . A slider hub  650  contains a pair, trio, or combination of servos, stepper motors, linear actuators or similar devices enabling it to engage in controlled motion along a primary axis, to manipulate the position of a secondary platform  660  along a secondary axis, and to engage the secondary platform  660  in controlled rotational motion. Affixed to one end of the secondary platform  660  is a pan/tilt mechanism  670  onto which the surveillance camera is attached. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a remote controlling device  210  (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.) with graphical user interface that communicates through a network connection  220  with a server  230  which in turn communicates through a wireless network connection  240  with a wireless network connection device  250  affixed to a robotic hardware mount  200 . The wireless network connection device  250  communicates directly (e.g., electrical wire, PCB, etc.) with a microcontroller/CPU device  260  which is also affixed to the robotic hardware mount  200 . A remote controlling device  210  sends control signals through the described communication chain to a microcontroller/CPU device  260  which responds to the control signals by activating one or a plurality of servos, stepper motors, linear actuators, or other similar devices ( 270 - 1  to  270 -N) and thus manipulating the position/orientation of mounted hardware. In addition, control signals for lasers, cameras, and other devices affixed to the robotic hardware mount  200  can be sent from the remote controlling device  210  through the described communication chain to the microcontroller/CPU device  260 . The microcontroller/CPU device  260  sends data (e.g., camera footage, audio signal, etc.) from the robotic hardware mount  200  back through the communication chain to the remote controlling device  210  for viewing, analytics, or any other desired use. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a remote controlling device  310  with graphical user interface that communicates through a network connection  320  with a server  330  which in turn communicates through wireless network connection  340  with a wireless network connection device  350 . The wireless network connection device  350  communicates directly with a microcontroller/CPU device  360 . Both the wireless network connection device  350  and the microcontroller/CPU device  360  are housed within a control box  370  that is external to the one or plurality of robotic hardware mounts ( 300 - 1  to  300 -N). A remote controlling device  310  sends control signals through the described communication chain to a microcontroller/CPU device  360  which responds to the control signals by activating one or a plurality of servos, stepper motors, linear actuators, or other similar devices ( 510 - 1  to  510 -N,  520 - 1  to  520 -N, etc.) housed within the one or plurality of robotic hardware mounts ( 300 - 1  to  300 -N) and thus independently manipulating the position/orientation of each mounted piece of hardware. In addition, control signals for lasers, cameras, and other devices affixed to the one or plurality of robotic hardware mounts ( 300 - 1  to  300 -N) can be sent from the remote controlling device  310  through the described communication chain to the microcontroller/CPU device  360 . The microcontroller/CPU device  360  sends data (e.g., camera footage, audio signal, etc.) from the one or plurality of robotic hardware mounts ( 300 - 1  to  300 -N) back through the communication chain to the remote controlling device  310  for viewing, analytics, or any other desired use. 
         [0031]    While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Technology Category: 2