PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10979607-B2
Application Number: US-201615331731-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Camera apparatus and methods

Abstract:
A camera apparatus, e.g., a stereoscopic camera apparatus, includes a dual element mounting plate, a pair of individual lens mounts, and a pair of sensor holders, each sensor holder holding an image sensor. The lens mounts and sensor holders are secured to the dual element mounting plate. Multiple dual element mounting plates corresponding to camera pairs may be secured to a base plate. Various features facilitate achieving and maintaining alignment between a lens and a corresponding image sensor, as well as between camera pairs and between sets of camera pairs.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera apparatus comprising:
 a dual element mounting plate comprising a front surface opposite a rear surface, wherein the front surface comprises a first flat recessed surface and a second flat recessed surface, wherein the first flat recessed surface comprises a first mounting plate opening, wherein the second flat recessed surface comprises a second mounting plate opening, wherein the rear surface is configured to secure a first camera sensor and a second camera sensor; 
 a first individual lens mounting plate comprising a first lens mount opening and configured to be fastened to the first flat recessed surface such that the first lens mount opening aligns with the first mounting plate opening; 
 a first lens assembly, wherein a portion of the first lens assembly is configured to extend through the first lens mount opening in the first individual lens mounting plate and through the first mounting plate opening in the dual element mounting plate; 
 a second individual lens mounting plate comprising a second lens mount opening and configured to be fastened to the second flat recessed surface such that the second lens mount opening aligns with the second mounting plate opening; and 
 a second lens assembly, wherein a portion of the second lens assembly is configured to extend through the second lens mount opening in the second individual lens mounting plate and through the second mounting plate opening in the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       2. The camera apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first sensor holder configured to secure the first camera sensor to the rear surface of the dual element mounting plate; and 
 a second sensor holder configured to secure the second camera sensor to the rear surface of the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       3. The camera apparatus of  claim 2 ,
 wherein the first sensor holder comprises a first camera body or a first sensor mount; and 
 wherein the second sensor holder comprises a second camera body or a second sensor mount. 
 
     
     
       4. The camera apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first sensor holder is secured to a first portion of the front surface of the dual element mounting plate; and 
 the second sensor holder is secured to a second portion of the front surface of the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       5. The camera apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first sensor holder is secured to a first portion of the dual element mounting plate by sensor holder mounting screws extending through elongated slots in the dual element mounting plate and into a portion of the first sensor holder. 
     
     
       6. The camera apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the portion of the first sensor holder is a lens collar into which the sensor holder mounting screws extend through the elongated slots into threaded holes of the lens collar. 
     
     
       7. The camera apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the elongated slots are tapered such that tapered heads of the sensor holder mounting screws are flush or recessed below a surface of the dual element mounting plate through which the sensor holder mounting screws extend. 
     
     
       8. The camera apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the dual element mounting plate further comprises a first alignment hole configured to receive a first camera alignment pin. 
     
     
       9. The camera apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a first plurality of spacer bushings inserted into the first individual lens mounting plate and configured to adjust a spacing between corners of the first individual lens mounting plate and a surface of the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       10. The camera apparatus of  claim 9 ,
 wherein each particular spacer bushing in the first plurality of spacer bushings comprises a threaded bushing having threads on the outside of the particular spacer bushing; and 
 wherein the first individual lens mounting plate further comprises a threaded hole in each corner of the first individual lens mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       11. The camera apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a second plurality of spacer bushings inserted into the second individual lens mounting plate and configured to adjust a spacing between corners of the second individual lens mounting plate and the surface of the dual element mounting plate; and 
 wherein each particular spacer bushing in the second plurality of spacer bushings comprises a threaded bushing having threads on the outside; and 
 wherein the second individual lens mounting plate further comprises a threaded hole in each corner of the second individual lens mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       12. The camera apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein each particular spacer bushing in the first plurality of spacer bushings is hollow in the center such that a retaining screw is able to pass through the particular spacer bushing and into a threaded hole in the dual element mounting plate. 
     
     
       13. The camera apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein each particular spacer bushing in the second plurality of spacer bushings is hollow in the center such that a retaining screw is able to pass through the particular spacer bushing and into a threaded hole in the dual element mounting plate. 
     
     
       14. The camera apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein each particular spacer bushing in the first and second plurality of spacer bushings further comprises a recess in a head of the particular spacer bushing into which a drive tool can be inserted and rotated to drive the particular spacer bushing in or out of the threaded hole into which the particular spacer bushing is inserted. 
     
     
       15. The camera apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the dual element mounting plate further comprises a lower mounting flange, wherein the lower mounting flange comprises one or more holes through which at least one screw can be inserted to secure the dual element mounting plate to a support plate. 
     
     
       16. A camera apparatus comprising:
 a dual element mounting plate to which first and second camera sensors are secured; 
 a first individual lens mount; 
 a second individual lens mount; 
 a first sensor holder in which the first camera sensor is mounted; 
 a second sensor holder in which the second camera sensor is mounted; 
 wherein the dual element mounting plate comprises a first flat recessed surface corresponding to the first individual lens mount; and 
 wherein the dual element mounting plate further comprises a second flat recessed surface corresponding to the second individual lens mount, 
 wherein the first and second flat recessed surfaces are surrounded by a lip which at least partially protects the first individual lens mount and second individual lens mount from side impacts while the first and second individual lens mounts are secured to the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       17. The camera apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second individual lens mounts are square or generally square in shape and are smaller in first and second directions than the first and second recesses of the dual element mounting plate into which the first and second individual lens mounts are inserted and secured, respectively. 
     
     
       18. The camera apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a slideable filter plate including a plurality of pairs of filter mounting positions inserted in a slot in the dual element mounting plate. 
 
     
     
       19. The camera apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the slideable filter plate is movable between a first position in which a first set of filters is used and a second position in which a second set or no filters are used. 
     
     
       20. A camera apparatus comprising:
 a first individual lens mount; 
 a second individual lens mount; and 
 a dual element mounting plate to which first and second camera sensors are secured, wherein the dual element mounting plate comprises a first flat recessed surface corresponding to the first individual lens mount and a second flat recessed surface corresponding to the second individual lens mount, 
 wherein the first and second flat recessed surfaces are surrounded by a lip which at least partially protects the first individual lens mount and second individual lens mount from side impacts while the first and second individual lens mounts are secured to the dual element mounting plate.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/364,838 filed Jul. 20, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/365,361 filed Jul. 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/383,336 filed Sep. 2, 2016, each of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates to camera apparatus and methods and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for mounting multiple cameras, e.g., one or more stereoscopic camera pairs, and/or camera accessories, e.g., filters. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As 3D movies and other programs have grown in popularity, there is a growing desire for camera hardware and apparatus which can support capture of images that are suitable for use in generating 3D content, e.g., videos that may be used as part of a movie, advertisement, program, or even for viewing of an event in real or near real time. One way of generating 3D content is by capturing stereoscopic image data, e.g., pairs of images which can be used as left and right eye images, using stereoscopic camera systems including a pair of left and right cameras for capturing left and right eye images. 
     In the case of stereoscopic image capture where pairs of cameras are used, e.g., to capture images corresponding to left and right eye views, alignment of the cameras in the camera pair, sometimes referred to as a stereoscopic camera pair, can be important. As part of the alignment the spacing and orientation between the cameras needs to be set as desired and maintained after configuration so that it is reasonably consistent for a period of time in which images, e.g., video images, are captured. 
     Unfortunately, with many existing camera mounting systems, which are designed primarily with mounting of single cameras in mind, relatively loose fitting lenses and/or limited adjustment capabilities can make aligning a pair of cameras and maintaining the alignment over time difficult. 
     When capture of stereoscopic images corresponding to a 360 degree area is desired, the complexity with camera alignment and positioning is greatly complicated since it is desirable that stereoscopic images be captured in a manner that allows them to be easily stitched together since a single camera normally can not capture a full 360 degree field of view. 
     During field deployment of stereoscopic camera systems the alignment of stereoscopic cameras of a stereoscopic camera pair may be disturbed by vibrations and/or shocks made during shipping. Accordingly, it is desirable that in at least some embodiments that not only the stereoscopic camera pair be resistant to such disturbances once assembled and aligned, but that the camera mounting arrangement allow for adjustment of the position of one or more camera system components to correct camera miss-alignment should such adjustments or corrections be required. 
     In view of the above discussion it should be appreciated that there is a need for improved methods and apparatus for mounting cameras in a stereoscopic camera pair. While not necessary for all embodiments, it is desirable that in at least some embodiments the stereoscopic camera pair be easily mountable as part of an array including multiple stereoscopic camera pairs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Camera related methods and apparatus which are well suited for mounting camera devices in pairs which can be used to capture stereoscopic image data, e.g., pairs of left and right eye images, are described. Various features relate to a camera apparatus including one or more pairs of cameras used to capture left and right eye images. A camera pair mounted in accordance with the present invention may be used alone or in combination with one or more additional camera pairs, e.g., additional camera pairs, mounted on a camera rig. 
     Various features of the present invention facilitate accurate alignment of camera elements of a stereoscopic camera pair for improved stereoscopic image capture operations. 
     An exemplary camera apparatus, e.g. a stereoscopic camera apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments, includes a dual element mounting plate to which first and second camera sensors are secured; a first individual lens mount, e.g., a first lens mounting plate or first lens collar assembly including a lens mounting plate; and a second individual lens mounting plate, e.g., a second lens mounting plate or second lens collar assembly including a lens mounting plate. The dual element mounting plate supports first and second sensor holders which are secured to the dual element mounting plate, e.g., by screws. In some embodiments the first sensor holder is a first camera body that includes a first sensor mount, e.g., a mount for a first printed circuit board on which the first sensor is mounted, and a first processor which receives and processes the output of the first sensor to generate an image. In other embodiments the first sensor holder is a first sensor mount, e.g., a mount for a printed circuit board on which the first sensor is mounted, which is secured to the dual element mounting plate. In some cases where the first sensor holder is the first sensor mount, the first sensor is connected by a cable to a remote camera body which includes a first processor for processing pixel values captured by the first sensor to generate an output image. 
     In some embodiments the second sensor holder is a second camera body that includes a second sensor mount, e.g., a mount for a second printed circuit board on which the second sensor is mounted, and a second processor which receives and processes the output of the second sensor to generate an image. In other embodiments the second sensor holder is a second sensor mount, e.g., a mount for a printed circuit board on which the second sensor is mounted, which is secured to the dual element mounting plate. In some cases where the second sensor holder is the second sensor mount, the second sensor is connected by a cable to a remote camera body which includes a second processor for processing pixel values captured by the second sensor to generate an output image. 
     Thus, while the first and second sensors of the first and second cameras, respectively, are secured to the dual element mounting plate and held in place, the processor of a camera may be located adjacent or co-located with the sensor in the case where the sensor holder is the camera body or the processor of the camera may be located remotely as in the case where the sensor holder is a sensor mount secured to the dual element mounting plate but with the camera body and camera processor being mounted remotely. The remote position of the camera body allows for the spacing between the lenses of the first and second cameras to be configured without having to allow for space for the camera body used to house the processor of the camera. 
     In some embodiments, a single remote camera body includes both the first and second processors. In some embodiments, a single remote camera body includes a single processor which is coupled to both the first and second sensors, the single processor replacing the first and second processors. 
     An exemplary camera apparatus, e.g. a stereoscopic camera apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments, includes a stereoscopic camera pair including a left eye camera device and a right eye camera device, a dual element mounting plate, a pair of individual lens mounts, e.g., a pair of individual lens mounting plates or a pair of individual lens mounting collar assemblies each including a lens mounting plate, and a corresponding pair of left and right eye lenses. In some embodiments the left and right eye camera devices, sometimes referred to as cameras, each include a camera body in which a sensor is mounted, said camera body also housing a processor and one or more interfaces through which captured images can be output, e.g. to a display and/or control device. In some other embodiments the left and right eye camera devices, sometimes referred to as cameras, each include: a sensor mount in which a sensor is mounted, a remote camera body including a processor and one or more interfaces through which captured images can be output, e.g. to a display and/or control device, and a cable coupling the sensor to the processor in the remote camera body. 
     The sensor holders, e.g., camera bodies or sensor mounts, of a pair of individual camera devices of a stereoscopic camera pair including a first camera device and a second camera device are secured to a dual element mounting plate. A pair of individual lens mounts, e.g. individual lens mounting plates or individual lens mounting collar assemblies, are secured to the dual element mounting plate. The position of the sensor holder of the first camera device and the position of the sensor holder of the second camera device can be adjusted on the dual element mounting plate to allow the sensor holders to be spaced apart at the desired spacing, e.g., to achieve a desired spacing between the optical axis of each of the camera devices. A first camera lens can be inserted through a hole in the first lens mount. A second camera lens can be inserted through a hole in the second lens mount. In some but not necessarily all embodiments the lenses in the first and second individual lens mounts can be secured in position by the use of one or more set screws. The position of the individual lens mounts, e.g. individual lens mounting plates or mounting collar assemblies, and lenses secured thereto, can be adjusted relative to the dual element mounting plate and thus the lenses can be adjusted relative to the sensor holders mounted to the dual element mounting plate, each sensor holder including a sensor. Thus, by adjusting an individual lens mount, the alignment between the optical axis of the lens secured in the mount and the optical sensor in the corresponding sensor holder can be adjusted. Adjustments can be made to the tilt and position of the individual lens mounting mounts as needed to achieve a desired orientation. 
     In some embodiments a slot for a slideable filter plate is included in the dual element mounting plate to which the sensor holders of a stereoscopic camera pair may be, and sometimes are, mounted. The slideable filter plate includes multiple filter mounting positions. A filter may be mounted in a filter mounting position or the filter mounting position may be left open, e.g., no filter installed. By sliding the slideable filter plate, a selected pair of filters to be used at a give time can be changed or a switch may be made between using a pair of filters to capture images to capturing images without the use of filters. The slideable filter plate allows filters, e.g., filters mounted in the slideable filter plate, to be changed without having to alter or move camera lenses or sensor holders, thereby allowing camera alignment between cameras of a stereoscopic camera pair to be maintained even when filters are changed. The slideable filter plate is optional and not used in all embodiments. 
     An exemplary camera apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments, includes: a dual element mounting plate to which first and second camera sensors are secured; a first individual lens mount; and a second individual lens mount. The first and second individual lens mounts are secured to the dual element mounting plate. The exemplary camera apparatus, in some embodiments, further includes a first sensor holder to which the first sensor is mounted and a second sensor holder to which the second sensor is mounted. The first and second sensor holders are secured to the dual element mounting plate. In some embodiments, the first sensor holder is a first camera body, e.g., a first camera body including a first image sensor and a first processor; and the second sensor holder is a second camera body, e.g., a second camera body including a second image sensor and a second processor. In some other embodiments, the first sensor holder is a first sensor mount, and the second sensor holder is a second sensor mount, e.g., with the first and second processors being housed remotely. In some embodiments, the first and second individual lens mounts are first and second lens mounting plates. In some other embodiments, the first and second individual lens mounts are first and second lens mounting collar assemblies, each lens mounting collar assembly including a lens mounting plate. Various features of the exemplary embodiments facilitate performing and/or maintaining alignment between: (i) a lens and a corresponding image sensor of an individual camera and (i) between pairs of stereoscopic camera. 
     While various embodiments have been discussed in the summary above, it should be appreciated that not necessarily all embodiments include the same features and some of the features described above are not necessary but can be desirable in some embodiments. Numerous additional features, embodiments, and benefits of various embodiments are discussed in the detailed description which follows. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary camera apparatus, e.g., a stereoscopic camera apparatus including a pair of camera devices, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top perspective view of the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in which various features and elements can be seen with more clarity and greater detail. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a lens assembly pair including a left eye camera lens assembly and a right eye camera lens assembly used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary lens mounting plate pair used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary mount adjustment bushing used in the exemplary camera system of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of an exemplary individual lens mounting plate. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of the exemplary individual lens mounting plate. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates multiple drawings which show various views and dimensional details of the exemplary individual lens mounting plate. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary dual element mounting plate, sometimes referred to as an intermediate mounting plate, used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of the dual element mounting plate shown in  FIG. 9  and various other figures. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a rear view of the exemplary dual element mounting plate. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective rear view of the exemplary dual element mounting plate when the mounting plate is in the inverted position, e.g., upside down. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary camera pair used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the dual element mounting plate, camera bodies and screws that secure the dual element mounting plate to the camera bodies. 
         FIG. 15  shows a camera rig plate to which one or more mounted pairs of stereoscopic cameras can be secured to form a camera rig with multiple pairs of stereoscopic camera sensor holders mounted in different directions. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a system which can be used to mount lenses and sensor holders in stereoscopic pairs in a manner which allows different filters to be placed between a camera lens assembly and a camera sensor without having to remove the camera lens and/or camera sensor holders thereby allowing alignment between pairs of camera devices to be maintained while changes in filters being used are made. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of 4 pairs of stereoscopic camera devices in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a drawing of a top view of the system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a drawing of a bottom view of the system of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 20  is a drawing of an exemplary camera apparatus including the elements shown in  FIG. 16  and further including a top support plate and handles. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an angled lens mounting side view of a dual element mounting plate including an inserted slideable filter plate and a pair of lens mounting collars in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of a dual element mounting plate illustrating the slot for the slideable filter plate and features of the base and further illustrates a wide angle lens installed in a lens mounting collar which is mounted on the dual element mounting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an angled sensor holder mounting side view of the dual element mounting plate with a slideable filter plate installed and further illustrates features related to mounting and vertical alignment. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a sensor holder mounting side view of the dual element mounting plate with a slideable filter plate installed and illustrates spacing relationships between filter mount positions and lens opening positions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a drawing illustrating lens mounting collar assemblies installed in dual element mounting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a front angled view of lens mounting collar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a front view of lens mounting collar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a rear view of lens mounting collar assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates  3  views of exemplary slideable filter plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary camera apparatus, e.g., a stereoscopic camera apparatus, including a pair of camera devices, said camera apparatus including a dual element mounting plate, a sensor holder assembly including a first sensor holder and second sensor, a pair of remote camera bodies each remote camera body including a processor, and a pair of cables for coupling the sensors to the processors, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 30 , with the sensor holder cover removed, to further illustrate image sensor mounting. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates first and second sensors mounted on first and second sensor mounts in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 33  is a drawing illustrating a view of the exemplary first and second sensor mounts of  FIG. 32  from lens side. 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an exemplary dual element mounting plate in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary stereoscopic camera apparatus  100 , in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The exemplary camera apparatus  100  includes a stereoscopic camera pair including a left eye camera device  102  and a right eye camera device  104 , a dual element mounting plate  110  to which first and second camera sensors are secured, a pair of left and right eye camera lens assemblies  130 ,  132 , a pair of individual lens mounting plates  112 ,  114 , and a plurality of adjustment bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″,  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) or which adjustments bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  122 ′ and  122 ″) are visible. The lens assemblies  130 ,  132  include wide angle lenses, e.g., fisheye lenses  302 ,  304  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     The left eye camera device  102  and the right eye camera device  104  each comprise an outer camera body or shell ( 103 ,  105 ), respectively, and a portion of the outer camera body or shell ( 103 ,  105 ) includes a lens housing, e.g., a lens collar ( 106 ,  108 ), respectively. For example camera device  102  includes camera body  103 , and a portion of the camera body  103  is lens collar  106 , Camera device  104  includes camera body  105 , and a portion of camera body  105  is lens collar  108  The lens assembly  130  can be inserted into the lens collar  106  and secured to the single lens mounting plate  112  via set screws which extend through the single lens mounting plate  112  and press against the side of the lens assembly  130  as will be discussed further below. The lens assembly  132  can be inserted into the lens collar  108  and secured to the single lens mounting plate  114  via set screws which extend through the single lens mounting plate  114  and press against the side of the lens assembly  132  when assembled as will be discussed further below. 
     While not visible in  FIG. 1 , each of the left eye camera device  102  and a right eye camera device  104  includes an image sensor ( 3208 ,  3228 ) which is mounted inside the camera body ( 103 ,  105 ), respectively, onto which light may be directed by the lens assembly  130 ,  132 , respectively. (See  FIG. 13 .) Camera body  103  is a first sensor holder in which the first sensor  3208  is mounted, and camera body  105  is a second sensor holder in which the second sensor  3228  is mounted. Camera body  103  is secured to a first portion  1101  of the dual element mounting plate  110 , and camera body  105  is secured to a second portion  1103  of the dual element mounting plate  110 . See  FIG. 11 , which shows the camera body side of the dual element mounting plate which includes a first portion  1101 , e.g., a mounting ring, on the rear side of the dual element mounting plate  110  to which the camera body  103  is secured, and a second portion  1103 , e.g., a mounting ring on the rear side of the dual element mounting plate  110  to which the camera body  105  is secured. 
     Camera body  103  includes interface connectors  201  and  203 , which are located on the top of the camera body  103 ; and camera body  105  includes interface connectors  205  and  207 , which are located on the top of the camera body  105 . Camera control signaling and/or signals communicating captured images corresponding to camera device  102  are communicated over interface connectors  201  and/or  203 . Camera control signaling and/or signals communicating captured images corresponding to camera device  104  are communicated over interface connectors  205  and/or  207 . 
     The exemplary dual element mounting plate  110  facilitates accurate mounting of the camera device bodies  103 ,  105  at a desired spacing with respect to each other to obtain a desired spacing between optical axis and also to facilitate mounting of the stereoscopic camera pair in a predictable manner relative to a support plate, e.g., support plate  1500  (see  FIG. 15 ) of a camera rig to which the dual element mounting plate  110  can be secured via screws placed through holes in mounting flanges, e.g., via a screw  139  placed through hole  140  of mounting flange  141  of the dual element mounting plate  110 . Additional screws not visible in  FIG. 1 , e.g., corresponding to additional flange holes in the dual element mounting plate  110  may further secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to the support plate, e.g., support plate  1500 . 
     Screws  125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″, sometimes referred to a sensor holder mounting screws, extend through elongated slots  904 ,  904 ′,  904 ″,  904 ′″ in the dual element mounting plate  110  and extend into threaded holes  107 ,  107 ′,  107 ″,  107 ′″ of lens collar  106  of camera device body  103  of camera device  102 . The screws  125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″ secure the camera device body  103  to the dual element mounting plate  110  while still allowing for adjustments in the position of the camera device body  103  since the screws can move, when loose, within the slots as the camera device body  103  is moved. The elongated slots ( 904 ,  904 ′  904 ″,  904 ′″) are tapered allowing tapered heads of the sensor holding mounting screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″) to be flush or recessed below a surface of the dual element mounting plate  110  through which the sensor holder mounting screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″) extend. The lens collar  106  includes an alignment pin  119  which extends into an alignment hole  908  in the dual element mounting plate  110 . Alignment hole  908  is for receiving camera alignment pin  119 . 
     Screws  127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″ extend through elongated slots  924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″ in the dual element mounting plate  110  and extend into threaded holes  109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″ of lens collar  108  of camera body  105  of camera device  104 . The screws  127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″ secure the camera body  105  of camera device  104  to the dual element mounting plate  110  while still allowing for adjustments in the position of the camera device body  105  of camera device  104  since the screws  127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″ can move, when loose, within the slots  924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″ as the camera body  105  of camera device  104  is moved. The elongated slots ( 924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ″′) are tapered allowing tapered heads of the sensor holding mounting screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) to be flush or recessed below a surface of the dual element mounting plate  110  through which the sensor holder mounting screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) extend. The lens collar  108  includes an alignment pin  121  (see  FIG. 13 ) which extends into an alignment hole  928  (see  FIG. 6 ) in the dual element mounting plate  110 . Alignment hole  928  is for receiving camera alignment pin  121 . 
     The individual lens mounting plate  112  is secured by screws  135 ,  135 ′,  135 ″,  135 ′″ which extend through threaded spacer bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ into threaded holes ( 902 ,  902 ′,  902 ″,  902 ′″), respectively of the dual element mounting plate  110 . Threaded spacer bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ are inserted into threaded holes  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ and  402 ′″, respectively. The threaded holes ( 402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″,  402 ′″) are in each corner of the individual lens mount  112 . Threaded spacer bushing ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) are inserted into the individual lens mount  112  for controlling spacing between corners of individual lens mount  112  and a surface of the dual element mounting plate  110 . The spacer bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) are threaded bushing having threads on the outside of the spacer bushings. Depending on how far each threaded spacer bushing is screwed in, the spacing maintained by the bushing between the individual lens mounting plate  112  and the dual element mounting plate  110  can be adjusted. The lens assembly  130  is inserted into the center hole  170  of the individual lens mounting plate  112  with the sidewall  171  of the hole  170  (see  FIG. 4 ) serving as a lens assembly mounting collar. Referring briefly to  FIG. 4  it can be seen that threaded angled slots or holes  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ and  410 ″ extend at an angle through the single lens mounting plate  112 . Screws, e.g., small cap screws, are inserted into the threaded angled holes  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ and  410 ′″ and extend out of the openings  412 ,  412 ′,  412 ″,  412 ′″ to press against the sidewall of the lens assembly  130  inserted into the hole  170  thereby securing the lens assembly  130  in place to the single lens mounting plate  112 . By adjusting the depth of the threaded spacer bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ the spacing between each corner of the individual lens mounting plate  112  and the dual element mounting plate  110  can be adjusted. Screws  135 ,  135 ′,  135 ″ and  135 ′″ are used to secure the spacer bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ and thus the individual lens mounting plate  112  to the dual element mounting plate  110 . As the spacing between the corners of the individual lens mounting plate  112  and dual element mounting plate  110  are adjusted, the orientation of the lens assembly  130  relative to the camera body  103  of the camera device  102  will change along with the position of the lens assembly  130  relative to the sensor  3208  mounted in the camera body  103  of the camera device  102 . Thus by adjusting the threaded spacer bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″, the alignment of the lens assembly  130  to the sensor  3228  mounted in camera body  103  in the camera device  102  can be adjusted with a fine degree of accuracy. 
     Individual lens mounting plate  114  is secured to the dual mounting plate  110  in the same or similar way single lens mounting plate  112  is secured to the dual mounting plate  110 . 
     The individual lens mounting plate  114  is secured by screws  137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″,  137 ′″ which extend through threaded spacer bushing  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″, respectively, into threaded holes ( 922 ,  922 ′,  922 ″,  922 ″′), respectively, of the dual element mounting plate  110 . Threaded spacer bushings  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″ are inserted into threaded holes  422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″ and  422 ″′, respectively. The threaded holes ( 422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″,  422 ′″) are in each corner of the individual lens mount  114 . Threaded spacer bushing ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) are inserted into the individual lens mount  114  for controlling spacing between corners of individual lens mount  114  and a surface of the dual element mounting plate  110 . The spacer bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) are threaded bushings having threads on the outside of the spacer bushings. Depending on how far each threaded spacer bushing  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″ is screwed in, the spacing maintained by the bushing between the individual lens mounting plate  114  and the dual element mounting plate  110  can be adjusted. The lens assembly  132  is inserted into the center hole  173  of the individual lens mounting plate  114  with the sidewall  174  of the hole  173  serving as a lens assembly mounting collar. 
     By adjusting the depth of the threaded spacer bushings  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″ the spacing between each corner of the individual lens mounting plate  114  and the dual element mounting plate  110  can be adjusted. Screws  137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″ and  137 ′″ are used to secure the spacer bushings  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″ and thus the individual lens mounting plate  114  to the dual element mounting plate  110 . As the spacing between the corners of the individual lens mounting plate  114  and dual element mounting plate  110  are adjusted, the orientation of the lens assembly  132  relative to the camera body  105  of the camera device  104  will change along with the position of the lens assembly  132  relative to the sensor  3228  mounted in the camera body  105  of the camera device  104 . Thus by adjusting the threaded spacer bushings  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″, the alignment of the lens assembly  132  to the sensor  3228  in the camera body  105  of camera device  104  can be adjusted with a fine degree of accuracy. 
     The use of screws to hold the components together reduces the risk that the components will shift during shipping or use. 
     Arrow  198  indicates a first reference direction and arrow  199  indicates a second reference direction. Dual element mounting plate  110  includes a first flat recessed surface  181  corresponding to individual lens mount  112 . Dual element mounting plate  110  includes a second flat recessed surface  182  corresponding to individual lens mount  114 . The first and second flat recessed surfaces ( 181 ,  182 ) are surrounded by a lip  191  which at least partially protects the first individual lens mount  112  and the second individual lens mount  114  from side impacts when the first and second individual lens mounts ( 112 ,  114 ) are secured to the dual element mounting plate  110 . The first and second individual lens mounts ( 112 ,  114 ) are square or generally square in shape and are smaller in first and second directions ( 198 ,  199 ) than the first and second recesses ( 181 ,  182 ) of the dual element mounting plate  110  into which the first and second individual lens mounts ( 112 ,  114 ) are inserted and secured, respectively. 
       FIG. 2  includes drawings  200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  210  and  212 , illustrating a top perspective exploded view of the exemplary camera apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1  in which various features and elements can be seen with more clarity and greater detail. Drawing  200  illustrates left eye camera device  102  including camera body  103  including lens collar  106 . Camera body  103  includes interface connectors  201 ,  203 . Drawing  200  further illustrates alignment pin  119  included in lens collar  106 . Alignment pin  119  extends into an alignment hole  908  in the dual element mounting plate  110 . (See  FIG. 9 .) Drawing  200  further illustrates right eye camera device  104  including camera body  105  including lens collar  108 . Camera body  105  includes interface connectors  205 ,  207 . Drawing  200  further illustrates an alignment pin  121  included in lens collar  108 . Alignment pin  121  extends into an alignment hole  928  in the dual element mounting plate  110 . (See  FIG. 9 .) 
     Drawing  202  illustrates dual element mounting plate  110  including mounting flanges  141 ,  143 ,  145  and corresponding holes  140 ,  142 ,  144 , through which a screw ( 139 ,  139 ′,  139 ″), respectively, may be used to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to support plate  1500 . (See  FIG. 15 .) Drawing  202  further illustrates screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″) which are used to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to the camera body  103  via threaded screw holes ( 107 ,  107 ′,  107 ″,  107 ′″) in collar  106 . Drawing  202  further illustrates screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) which are used to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to the camera body  105  via threaded screw holes ( 109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″) in collar  108 . 
     Drawing  204  illustrates individual lens mounting plate  112  and individual lens mounting plate  114 . Drawing  210  illustrates two of the four externally threaded alignment bushings ( 120 ′,  120 ″) which screw into threaded holes ( 402 ′,  402 ″) in individual lens mounting plate  112  and which are used to set, e.g., adjust, the spacing between the individual lens mounting plate  112  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . Drawing  204  further illustrates screws ( 135 ′,  135 ″) which go through holes in spacer bushings ( 120 ′  120 ″), respectively, and which are used to secure the individual lens mounting plate  112  to the dual element mounting plate  110 . Drawing  210  further illustrates the four externally threaded alignment bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) which screw into threaded holes ( 422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″,  422 ′″) in individual lens mounting plate  114  and which are used to set, e.g., adjust, the spacing between the individual lens mounting plate  114  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . Drawing  204  further illustrates screws ( 137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″,  137 ′″) which go through holes in spacer bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″, respectively, and which are used to secure the individual lens mounting plate  114  to the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
     Drawing  212  illustrates the left eye camera lens assembly  130  including fish eyes lens  302 . Lens assembly  130  is inserted through the individual lens mounting plate  112  and through the dual element mounting plate  110  and into the collar  106 . Lens assembly  130  is secured, e.g., locked in place, to the individual lens mounting plate  112 . Drawing  212  further illustrates the right eye camera lens assembly  132  including fish eyes lens  304 . Lens assembly  132  is inserted through the individual lens mounting plate  114  and through the dual element mounting plate  110  and into the collar  108 . Lens assembly  132  is secured, e.g., locked in place, to the individual lens mounting plate  114 . 
       FIG. 3  is a drawing  300  illustrating the lens assemblies of the camera apparatus  100  including the left eye camera lens assembly  130  and the right eye camera lens assembly  132 . The lens assemblies  130 ,  132  form the optical portion of the camera apparatus  100 . In some embodiments each of the lens assemblies  130 ,  132  includes one or more lenses. In some embodiments the lens assembly  130  includes a fish eye lens  302  while the lens assembly  132  includes a fish eye lens  304 . 
       FIG. 4  is a drawing  400  illustrates an exemplary individual lens mounting plate pair ( 112 ,  114 ) used in the exemplary camera apparatus  100  in greater detail shown along with a plurality of adjustment bushings. The lens mounting plate pair includes a left lens mounting plate  112  and a right lens mounting plate  114 . Once the lens assemblies ( 130 ,  132 ) are mounted to their respective mounting plates  112 ,  114 , the assembly of lens and mounting plates can be adjusted and/or aligned relative to the dual element mounting plate  110 , which is an intermediate mounting plate. Each of the individual lens mounting plates  112 ,  114  have unique adjustment slots and use a design that keeps their lens assemblies properly secured and allows for adjustments and alignments to be performed in a relatively simple manner. In some embodiments each of the lens mounting plates  112 ,  114  is a rectangular plate with rounded edges. Other customized shapes of lens mounting plates are possible and may be used. The left lens mounting plate  112  includes four tapped holes  402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″ and  402 ′″ in four respective corners of the plate  112  through which four corresponding adjustment bushings  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ and  120 ′″ are inserted and screwed in. The right lens mounting plate  114  includes four tapped holes  422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″ and  422 ′″ in four respective corners of the plate  114  through which four corresponding adjustment bushings  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″ and  122 ′″ are inserted and screwed in. The adjustment bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) have external threads, and the amount to which an adjustment bushing is screwed in is used to control the spacing between a corner of individual lens mounting plate  112  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . The adjustment bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) have external threads, and the depth to which an adjustment bushing is screwed is used to control the spacing between a corner of individual lens mounting plate  114  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
     Center hole  170  of the individual lens mounting plate  112  is visible; lens assembly  130  (see  FIG. 3 ) is inserted through center hole  170  of individual lens mounting plate  112 . The sidewall  171  of the hole  170  serves as a lens assembly mounting collar. Threaded angled slots or holes  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ and  410 ″ extend at an angle through the single lens mounting plate  112 . Screws, e.g., small cap screws or set screws, are inserted into the threaded angled holes  410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″ and  410 ′″ and extend out of the openings  412 ,  412 ′,  412 ″,  412 ′″, respectively, to press against the sidewall of the lens assembly  130  inserted into the hole  170  thereby securing the lens assembly  130  in place to the single lens mounting plate  112 . 
     Center hole  173  of the individual lens mounting plate  114  is visible; lens assembly  132  (see  FIG. 3 ) is inserted through center hole  173  of individual lens mounting plate  114 . The sidewall  174  of the hole  173  serves as a lens assembly mounting collar. Threaded angled slots or holes  430 ,  430 ′,  430 ″ and  430 ″ extend at an angle through the single lens mounting plate  114 . Screws, e.g., small cap screws or set screws, are inserted into the threaded angled holes  430 ,  430 ′,  430 ″ and  430 ′″ and extend out of the openings  432 ,  432 ′,  432 ″,  432 ′″, respectively, to press against the sidewall of the lens assembly  132  inserted into the hole  173  thereby securing the lens assembly  132  in place to the single lens mounting plate  114 . 
     Slotted holes access holes ( 404 ,  404 ′,  404 ″,  404 ′″) in single lens mounting plate  112  correspond to slotted holes ( 904 ,  904 ′,  904 ″,  904 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  110 . Slotted holes access holes ( 404 ,  404 ′,  404 ″,  404 ′″) in single lens mounting plate  112  allow access to screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″), respectively, which are used to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to camera body  103 , via screw holes ( 107 ,  107 ′,  107 ″,  107 ′″), respectively, in collar  106 . (See  FIG. 1 .) Slotted holes access holes ( 424 ,  424 ′,  424 ″,  424 ′″) in single lens mounting plate  114  correspond to slotted holes ( 924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  110 . Slotted holes access holes ( 424 ,  424 ′,  424 ″,  424 ′″) in single lens mounting plate  114  allow access to screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″), respectively, which are used to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to camera body  105 , via screw holes ( 109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″), respectively, in collar  108 . 
     Individual lens mounting plate  112  includes an outer lip or rim  415  upon which the lens assembly  130  is seated when the lens assembly  130  is inserted through hole  170 . Individual lens mounting plate  114  includes an outer lip or rim  425  upon which the lens assembly  132  is seated when the lens assembly  132  is inserted into hole  173 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary mount adjustment bushing  500  that may be used as any one of the bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″,  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) in the exemplary camera apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 . Exemplary mount adjustment bushing  500  has threads on the outside portion  502 . Exemplary bushing  502  has a slot  504  to allow for a screwdriver to turn the bushing into a threaded hole, e.g. threaded hole  402 , in plate  112 , e.g., to achieve a desired adjustment spacing between the corner of the individual lens mounting plate, e.g., plate  112 , and the dual element mounting plate  110 . Exemplary spacer bushing  500  is hollow in the center. Exemplary spacer bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) are hollow in the center allowing a retaining screw ( 135 ,  135 ′,  135 ″,  135 ′″) to pass through the spacer bushing ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) and into a threaded hole ( 902 ,  902 ′,  902 ″,  902 ′″), respectively, in the dual element mounting plate  110 . Similarly, exemplary spacer bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) are hollow in the center allowing a retaining screw ( 137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″,  137 ′″) to pass through the spacer bushing ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) and into a threaded hole ( 922 ,  922 ′,  922 ″,  922 ′″), respectively, in the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
     Exemplary spacer bushing  500  shows a screwdriver slot  504  in the head  505  of the bushing  500  into which a drive tool can be inserted and rotated to drive the bushing in or out of the threaded hole into which the bushing is inserted. Although a screwdriver slot is shown in exemplary bushing  500 , in some embodiments a different type of recess and/or protrusion in the head of the spacer bushing is used into which a drive tool can be mated, e.g., inserted, and rotated to drive the bushing in or out of the threaded hole into which the bushing is inserted. In some embodiments, a standard recess or protrusion in the head of the spacer is used, e.g., a recess to accept a slotted screwdriver bit or an Allen key tool. In other embodiments, a unique custom recess or protrusion is used in the head of the spacer bushing, such that the spacer bushing can be moved in or out by those in possession of a corresponding custom drive tool, but cannot be easily repositioned by those who are not in possession of the custom drive tool. 
     Drawing  600  of  FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of an exemplary lens mounting plate  112 . 
     Drawing  700  of  FIG. 7  illustrates a rear view of an exemplary lens mounting plate, e.g., exemplary lens mounting plate  112 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates multiple drawings ( 800 ,  850 ,  875 ) which show various views and dimensional details of the exemplary lens mounting plate  112 . It should be appreciated that the dimensional details of lens mounting plate  114  are similar to or the same as those of lens mounting plate  112 . In one exemplary embodiment, the threaded tapped holes ( 410 ,  410 ′,  410 ″,  410 ′″) with corresponding exits ( 412 ,  412 ′,  412 ″,  412 ′″) of lens mounting plate  112  are M2.5×0.45 tapped holes; and the threaded tapped holes ( 430 ,  430 ′,  430 ″,  430 ′″) with corresponding exits ( 432 ,  432 ′,  432 ″,  432 ′″) of lens mounting plate  114  are M2.5×0.45 tapped holes. In one exemplary embodiment, the tapped holes ( 402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″,  402 ′″) of individual lens mounting plate  112  are M8×0.05 tapped holes; and the tapped holes ( 422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″,  422 ′″) of individual lens mounting plate  112  are M8×0.05 tapped holes. In some such embodiments, the mounting adjustment bushing ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″,  122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) have external thread M8×0.05. 
     In one exemplary embodiment individual lens mounting plate  112  is substantially a 60 mm×60 mm square with rounded corners as shown in drawing  800 . In some embodiments, the thickness of portions of individual lens mounting plate  112  are 4 mm, 3.35 mm, and 1.98 mm as shown in drawing  875 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the individual lens mounting plate  112  includes a threaded portion  802 , corresponding to hole  170 , for screwing in the lens assembly  130 . In one such embodiment, the threaded portion  802  has M25.4×0.794 C-mount threads. In one exemplary embodiment, the individual lens mounting plate  114  includes a threaded portion, corresponding to hole  173 , for screwing in the lens assembly  132 . In one such embodiment, the threaded portion, corresponding to hole  173  has M25.4×0.794 C-mount threads. 
     Drawing  900  of  FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary dual element mounting plate  110 , used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. Dual element mounting plate  110  includes a first portion  901  and second portion  903 . Lower mounting flange  141  is visible in  FIG. 9 . Lower mounting flange  141  includes hole  140  through which a screw  139  can be inserted to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to a support plate, e.g., support plate  1500  of  FIG. 15 . In various embodiments, the hole  140  is slightly lager than the screw  139 , allowing for adjustment when mounting the dual element mounting plate  110  to the support plate, e.g., support plate  1500 . Four dual element mounting plates can be secured to support plate  1500 . 
     Threaded screw holes ( 902 ,  902 ′,  902 ″,  902 ′″) are for accepting screws ( 135 ,  135 ′,  135 ″,  135 ′″), respectively. Threaded screw holes ( 922 ,  922 ′,  922 ″,  922 ″′) are for accepting screws ( 137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″,  137 ′″), respectively. Slotted holes ( 904 ,  904 ′,  904 ″,  904 ′″) are pass through holes for screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″), which facilitate adjustment of alignment between the camera body  103  including an image sensor  150  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . Slotted holes ( 924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″) are pass through holes for screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″), which facilitate adjustment of alignment between the camera body  105  including an image sensor  3228  and the dual element mounting plate  110 . Hole  908  is for accepting alignment pin  119 . Hole  928  is for accepting alignment pin  121 . 
     Dual element mounting plate  110  includes a first flat recessed surface  181  corresponding to the first individual lens mount  112 . Dual element mounting plate  110  includes a second flat recessed surface  182  corresponding to the second individual lens mount  114 . The first and second flat recessed surfaces  181 ,  182  are surrounded by a lip  191  which at least partially protects the first individual lens mount  112  and second individual lens mount  114  or  1060  from side impacts when the first and second individual lens mounts are secured to the dual element mounting plate  110 . The first and second individual lens mounts  112 ,  114  are square or generally square in shape and are smaller in first and second directions  198 ,  199  than the first and second recesses  181 ,  182  of said the dual element mounting plate  110  or  1100  into which the first and second individual lens mounts  112 ,  114  are inserted and secured, respectively. 
     Drawing  1001  of  FIG. 10  illustrate is a front view, e.g., a lens mounting plate interface side view, of the dual element mounting plate  110  shown in  FIG. 9  and various other figures. 
     Drawing  1100  of  FIG. 11  illustrates a rear view of the exemplary dual element mounting plate  110 , e.g., a camera body interface side view of the dual element mounting plate  110 .  FIG. 11  illustrates three lower flanges ( 141 ,  143 ,  145 ) and corresponding holes ( 140 ,  142 ,  144 ) via which screws ( 139 ,  139 ′,  139 ″) can be inserted to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to a support plate, e.g. support plate  1500  of  FIG. 15 . Drawing  1100  also illustrates a first portion  1101 , e.g., a first mounting ring, of dual element mounting plate  110 , to which the first sensor holder, e.g., camera body  103 , is secured. Lens collar  106  of camera body  103  interfaces with and is secured to first portion  1101  of the dual element mounting plate  110 . Drawing  1100  also illustrates a second portion  1103 , e.g., a second mounting ring, of dual element mounting plate  110 , to which the first sensor holder, e.g., camera body  103 , is secured. Lens collar  108  of camera body  105  interfaces with and is secured to second portion  1103  of the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
     Drawing  1200  of  FIG. 12  is a perspective rear view of the exemplary dual element mounting plate when the mounting plate is in the inverted position, e.g., upside down. In  FIG. 11  the three lower flanges ( 141 ,  143 ,  145 ) and corresponding holes ( 140 ,  142 ,  144 ) via which screws can be inserted to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to a support plate, e.g. support plate  1500  of  FIG. 15 , are visible. In  FIG. 12 , the base portion  1202  of the dual element mounting plate, which contacts the support plate, e.g. support plate  1500  of  FIG. 15 , when mounted, can be seen. 
     Drawing  1300  of  FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary camera pair ( 102 ,  104 ) used in the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  in greater detail.  FIG. 13  illustrates left eye camera body  103  and its collar  106 .  FIG. 13  illustrates interface connectors  201  and  203  included in camera body  103  of camera device  102 .  FIG. 13  shows screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″) screwed in screw holes ( 107 ,  107 ′,  107 ″,  107 ′″) of collar  106 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates alignment pin  119  extending out of collar  106 . Alignment pin  119  is accepted by hole  908  in the dual element mounting plate  110 .  FIG. 13  illustrates right eye camera body  105  and its collar  108 .  FIG. 13  illustrates interface connectors  205  and  207  included in camera body  105  of camera device  103 .  FIG. 13  shows screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) screwed in screw holes ( 109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″) of collar  108 .  FIG. 13  also illustrates alignment pin  121  extending out of collar  108 . Alignment pin  121  is accepted by hole  928  in the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
     Drawing  1300  further illustrates image sensor  3208  of camera device  102  which is included in camera body  103 , which serves as a sensor holder. Drawing  1300  further illustrates image sensor  3228  of camera device  104  which is included in camera body  105 , which serves as a sensor holder. Drawing  1300  further illustrates a first processor  3250  of camera device  102  which is included in camera body  103 . Drawing  1300  further illustrates a second processor  3252  of camera device  104  which is included in camera body  105 . 
     Drawing  1400  of  FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of the exemplary camera apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the dual element mounting plate  110 , camera devices ( 102 ,  104 ) including camera bodies ( 103 ,  105 ) and screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″), ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) that secure the dual element mounting plate  110  plate to the camera bodies ( 103 ,  105 ). Screws ( 125 ,  125 ′,  125 ″,  125 ′″) pass through slotted holes ( 904 ,  904 ′,  904 ″,  904 ′″) and screw into screw holes ( 107 ,  107 ′,  107 ″,  107 ′″) of collar  106  to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to camera body  103 . Alignment pin  119  of collar  106  mates with alignment hole  908  of the dual element mounting plate during installation. Screws ( 127 ,  127 ′,  127 ″,  127 ′″) pass through slotted holes ( 924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″) and screw into screw holes ( 109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″) of collar  108  to secure the dual element mounting plate  110  to camera body  105 . Alignment pin  121  of collar  108  mates with alignment hole  928  of the dual element mounting plate during installation. Alignment pin  121  and screw holes ( 109 ,  109 ′,  109 ″,  109 ′″) are obscured from view in  FIG. 14 , but may be seen in  FIG. 13 . Slotted holes ( 904 ,  904 ′,  904 ″,  904 ′″) facilitate positioning adjustment of camera body  103  including image sensor  3208  with respect to the dual element mounting plate  110 . Slotted holes ( 924 ,  924 ′,  924 ″,  924 ′″) facilitate positioning adjustment of camera body  105  including image sensor  3228  with respect to the dual element mounting plate  110 . 
       FIG. 15  shows an exemplary camera rig plate  1500 , which is a support plate, to which one or more mounted pairs of stereoscopic sensor holders, e.g., camera bodies or sensor mounts, can be secured to form an image capture apparatus that can capture stereoscopic images from one or more positions, e.g., up to a 360 degree view depending on the number of stereoscopic pairs which are mounted. In some embodiments the camera rig plate  1500  is secured to a support device such as a tripod or 4 legged support, e.g. via screws  1551  inserted through holes ( 1550 ,  1550 ′,  1550 ″,  1550 ′″,  1552 ,  1552 ′,  1552 ″,  1552 ′″,  1554 ,  1554 ′,  1554 ″,  1554 ′″). Support plate  1500  includes four recessed areas ( 1502 ,  1502 ′,  1502 ″,  1502 ′″) for accepting four dual element mounting plate, e.g., four dual element mounting plates  110  or four dual element mounting plates  1100 , each dual element mounting plate corresponding to a different stereoscopic camera pair. In some embodiments, the recessed area is formed to approximately match the outline of the base ( 1202  or  2200 ) of the dual element mounting plate, e.g.,  110  or  1100 , e.g., the recessed area is slightly larger than the outline of the base of dual element mounting plate to allow for some adjustment. Support plate  1500  includes screw holes ( 1504 ,  1504 ′,  1504 ″) for accepting mounting screws used to secure a first dual element mounting plate to the support plate  1500 . Support plate  1500  includes screw holes ( 1514 ,  1514 ′,  1514 ″) for accepting mounting screws used to secure a second dual element mounting plate to the support plate  1500 . Support plate  1500  includes screw holes ( 1524 ,  1524 ′,  1524 ″) for accepting mounting screws used to secure a third dual element mounting plate to the support plate  1500 . Support plate  1500  includes screw holes ( 1534 ,  1534 ′,  1534 ″) for accepting mounting screws used to secure a fourth dual element mounting plate to the support plate  1500 . 
     In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the dual element mounting plates are dual element mounting plates ( 110 ,  110 ′,  110 ″,  110 ′″), where plates  110 ′,  110 ″,  110 ′″ are the same as plate  110 , the screw holes ( 1504 ,  1504 ′,  1504 ″,  1514 ,  1514 ′,  1514 ″,  1524 ,  1524 ′,  1524 ″,  1534 ,  1534 ′,  1534 ″) are threaded holes which accept screws, e.g., screws ( 139 ,  139 ′,  139 ″) which are used to secure the dual element mounting plates ( 110 ,  110 ′,  110 ″,  110 ′″) to the support plate  1500 . In some such embodiments, the holes, e.g., holes ( 140 ,  142 ,  144 ) in flanges ( 141 ,  143 ,  145 ) are slightly larger in diameter than the screws ( 139 ,  139 ′,  139 ″) allowing for slight adjustments in mounting between the dual element mounting plate, e.g., dual element mounting plate  110 , and the support plate  1500 , to facilitate an alignment adjustment. 
     In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment, in which the dual element mounting plates are dual element mounting plates ( 1110 ,  1110 ′,  1110 ″,  1110 ′″), where plates  1110 ′,  1110 ″,  11110 ′″ are the same as plate  1110  shown in  FIG. 34  and other  FIGS. 16-34 , the screw holes ( 1504 ,  1504 ′,  1504 ″,  1514 ,  1514 ′,  1514 ″,  1524 ,  1524 ′,  1524 ″,  1534 ,  1534 ′,  1534 ″) are pass through holes for mounting screws ( 1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″,  1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″,  1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″,  1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″,  1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″) which are used to secure the dual element mounting plates ( 1110 ,  1110 ′,  1110 ″,  1110 ′″) to the support plate  1500 . The mounting screws, e.g., mounting screw  1539 , are inserted from below the support plate  1500 , through the support plate pass through holes, e.g. hole  1504 , with mounting screws screwing into threaded holes, e.g., threaded holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) in the base of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . (See  FIG. 34 .) In some such embodiments, the pass through holes ( 1504 ,  1504 ′,  1504 ″,  1514 ,  1514 ′,  1514 ″,  1524 ,  1524 ′,  1524 ″,  1534 ,  1534 ′,  1534 ″) are slightly larger in diameter than the mounting screws ( 1539 ,  1539 ′,  1539 ″) allowing for slight adjustments in mounting between the dual element mounting plate, e.g., dual element mounting plate  1110 , and the support plate  1500 , to facilitate an alignment adjustment. 
       FIGS. 16-29  illustrate additional apparatus which can be used to mount lenses and camera sensor holders, e.g. camera bodies or camera sensor mounts, in stereoscopic pairs in a manner which allows different filters to be placed between a camera lens assembly and a camera sensor without having to remove the camera lens and/or camera sensor holders thereby allowing alignment between pairs of camera devices to be maintained while changes in filters being used are made. 
     In  FIG. 16  a system  1000  which can be used to mount 4 pairs of stereoscopic camera devices ( 1020 ,  1020 ′,  1020 ″,  1020 ′″) is shown. Each stereoscopic device pair in the  FIG. 16  example is mounted by using a different dual element mounting plate ( 1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″,  1100 ′″) into which a slideable filter plate ( 1120 ,  1120 ′,  1120 ″,  1120 ′″), respectively, is inserted. The four dual element mounting plates ( 1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ″,  1100 ′″) are installed on the support plate  1500 . A pair of individual lens mounts (left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080  including a lens mounting plate, right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060  including a lens mounting plate) are secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 . A pair of individual lens mounts (left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 ′ including a lens mounting plate, right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 ′ including a lens mounting plate) are secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 ′. A pair of individual lens mounts (left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 ″ including a lens mounting plate, right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 ″ including a lens mounting plate) are secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 ″. A pair of individual lens mounts (left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 ′″ including a lens mounting plate, right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 ′″ including a lens mounting plate) are secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 ′″. 
     Drawing  2000  of  FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of 4 pairs of stereoscopic camera devices ( 1020 ,  1020 ′,  1020 ″,  1020 ′″) facing device pair  1020 . In drawing  2000  left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 , including a lens mounting plate, and right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , including a lens mounting plate, which are secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 , are visible. In addition, slideable filter mounting plate  1120 , which is inserted into dual element mounting plate  1100  is shown. 
     In  FIG. 17 , dual element mounting plate  1100 ′ corresponding to another stereoscopic camera pair is also visible, as well as right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 ′, which is secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 ′. In  FIG. 17 , dual element mounting plate  1100 ′″ corresponding to yet another stereoscopic camera pair is visible, as well as left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 ′″, which is secured to dual element mounting plate  1100 ′″. 
     In drawing  2000  of  FIG. 17 , the base portion ( 2200 ,  2200 ′,  2200 ′″) of each of the dual element mounting plates ( 1100 ,  1100 ′,  1100 ′″), respectively, are also visible. 
       FIG. 18  is a drawing  1800  of a top view of the system  1000  of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 19  is a drawing  1900  of a bottom view of the system  1000  of  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 20  is a drawing of an exemplary camera apparatus  5000  including the elements shown in  FIG. 16  and further including a top support plate  2042  and handles ( 2040 ,  2040 ′,  2040 ″,  2040 ′″). The handles ( 2040 ,  2040 ′,  2040 ″,  2040 ′″) may be used for installing and removing the exemplary apparatus  5000 , e.g., from a mounting on a tripod or support fixture. Additional components may be, and generally are, included as part of apparatus  5000  and at least some of the additional components are installed between the top support plate  2042  and the bottom support plate  1500 , e.g., a camera rig plate. The additional components include, e.g., pairs of image sensor holders, e.g., pairs of camera bodies, e.g., camera body pair ( 103 ,  105 ) each including a sensor ( 3208 ,  3228 ) and a processor or pairs of sensor mounts ( 3203 ,  3205 ) each sensor mount ( 3203 ,  3205 ) including a sensor ( 3208 ,  3210 ). 
       FIG. 21  illustrates stereoscopic apparatus  1020  including dual element mounting plate  1100 , right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 , and slideable filter mounting plate  1120  installed within dual element mounting plate  1100 . Dual element mounting plate  1100  has a lens mounting side  1031 . Dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a base  2200 , which includes multiple threaded screw holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) for receiving mounting screws for mounting the dual element mounting plate  1100  to a support plate, e.g., camera rig plate  1500 . The threaded screw holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) are not visible in  FIG. 21  but are visible in  FIG. 34 . Base  2200  also includes angled threaded screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″,  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) including angled screw hole  2221  which extends through base  2200  through which a screw, e.g., a tilt adjustment screw  2250 , is inserted to apply pressure between the edge of the dual element mounting plate  1100  and a support plate, e.g., support plate  1500 , to which the dual element mounting plate  1100  is being secured, the distance to which the screw  2250  is inserted into the threaded hole  2221  controls the vertical orientation of the dual element mounting plate  1100  relative to the support plate, e.g., support plate  1500 . By having tilt adjustment screw holes on each side of dual element mounting plate  1100 , e.g., tilt adjustment screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ″″′), the tilt of the dual element mounting plant can be adjusted with respect to the support plate  1500 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates that the dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a slot  1190  in which the slideable filter plate  1120  is inserted and slides. Slot  1190  includes angled recesses or channels ( 1191 ,  1192 ) on the top and bottom to receive slideable filter plate lips ( 1121 ,  1123 ). Slot  1190  includes an upper channel  1191  which forms a top portion of slot  1190 . Slot  1190  includes a lower channel  1192  which forms a bottom portion of slot  1190 .  FIG. 22  further illustrates a wide angle lens, e.g., fisheye lens  304 , is mounted on the right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , which is mounted to the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Similarly, another wide angle lens, e.g., fisheye lens  302 , is mounted on the left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates that the base  2200  of dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a curved or tapered bottom portion  1050 .  FIG. 22  further illustrates, that in one embodiment, the bottom portion  1050  of the base  2200  of the dual element mounting plate includes a small flat area  2201  in the center, and two tapered portions ( 2204 ,  2205 ), and the base tapers on each side, as moving out from the center to each side ( 2202 ,  2203 ). This design of the small center flat area and taper toward the sides, facilitates and/or allows for adjustment of the vertical orientation of dual element mounting plate  1100 , e.g., when being secured to a support plate, e.g., camera rig plate  1500 . For example, holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) in the flat portion  2201  of the bottom portion  1050  of base  2200 , which are shown in  FIG. 34 , are threaded screw holes through which mounting screws ( 3439 ,  3439 ′,  3439 ″) coming up the bottom through the support plate  1500  are used to secure, e.g., lock, the dual element mounting plate  1100  to the support plate  1500 . Other threaded holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″,  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) in dual element mounting plate  1100  are threaded holes, e.g., angled threaded holes, through which tilt adjustment screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) are inserted from the top to be forced against the support plate  1500 , the depth of the inserted screws being used to control, e.g., set or adjust, the vertical orientation of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . In some embodiments, the tilt adjustment screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) include an Allen key head. In another embodiment, the tilt adjustment screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) are set type screw and include a slotted head. In some embodiments, the tilt adjustment screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) include a rounded end point for applying pressure to the support plate  1500  without digging into and damaging the support plate. In some embodiments, the screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″,  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) each include a locking insert for maintaining the screw height setting at the desired set point. In some embodiments, a nut ( 2251 ,  2251 ′,  2251 ″,  2251 ′″,  2251 ″″,  2251 ″″′) is included to lock the tilt adjusting screw ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) against the top of the base of the dual element mounting plate  1100  at the desired screw height setting when the desired tilt is achieved. 
     An exemplary slideable filter plate, e.g., slideable filter plate  1120 , can be seen in more detail in  FIGS. 23, 24 and 29 .  FIG. 23  shows the slideable filter plate  1120  from the side to which the sensor holders are secured. Slideable filter plate  1120  includes a plurality of pairs (( 3000 ,  3040 ), ( 3020 ,  3060 )) of filter mounting positions. Filter mounting positions include a first pair of positions  3000 ,  3040  and a second pair of filter mounting positions  3020 ,  3060 . The first pair ( 3000 ,  3040 ) of filter mounting positions includes a first right camera filter mounting position  3000  and a first left camera filter mounting position  3040 . The second pair ( 3020 ,  3060 ) of filter mounting positions includes a second right camera filter mounting position  3020  and a second left camera filter mounting position  3060 . A center of the first left filter mounting position is separated from the center of the first right filter mounting position by a distance  1195  corresponding to the distance  1194  between a center of a left eye lens opening and a center of a right eye opening in said dual element mounting plate  110 , a distance  1196  between the first left camera filter mounting position and the second left camera filter mounting position being less than the distance  1194  between the center of the left eye lens opening and the center of the right eye opening in said dual element mounting plate  1110 , as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     The slideable filter plate  1120  can be slid out of the dual element mounting plate  1100  and filters can be inserted into one or both of the filter mounting positions in each pair of filter mounting positions or a filter may be omitted from one set (e.g., a pair) of filter mounting positions. For example, positions  3000 ,  3040  may have a filter of a first type mounted in these positions and positions  3020 ,  3060  may be left empty or have a filter of a second type. By sliding the slideable filter plate  1120  the camera operation in such a case may switch between using filters on the camera pairs to using no filters by simply changing the position of the slideable filter plate  1120  or can change between the types of filters being used. While two pairs of filter mounts are shown, it is possible that the filter slideable filter plate  1120  includes positions for additional filters. By simply sliding the filter mounting plate  1120  a change in the filters being used can be easily and quickly made without affecting the alignment or spacing of lenses and sensor holders, e.g., camera bodies or sensor mounts, mounted to the assembly shown in  FIGS. 21-24  which, in some embodiments, forms a stereoscopic camera pair or a portion of a stereoscopic camera pair including filters, lenses, and sensor holders, each sensor holder holding an image sensor. In this way the filter, lens and sensor holder mounting apparatus shown in  FIG. 23  and various other figures greatly simplifies camera operation as compared to systems where lenses and/or sensor holder movement is required to change a filter. Consider for example that the wide angle lens  304 , e.g., a fish eye lens, shown in  FIG. 22  need not be moved to change the filters mounted on slideable filter plate  1120 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates that dual element mounting plate  1100  includes multiple tilt adjustment screw holes, e.g., angled screw holes, including screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′ and  2221 ″,  2221 ′″) through which tilt adjustment screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″,  2250 ′″) are inserted for adjusting the verticality of the dual element mounting plate  1100  relative to a support plate, e.g., camera rig plate  1500 . Multiple dual element mounting plates can be secured to camera rig plate  1500 .  FIG. 23  identifies lens mounting side  1031  of dual element mounting plate  1100  and sensor holder mounting side  1035  of dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates that slideable filter plate  1120  includes an upper lip  1121  and a lower lip  1123 . The upper lip  1121  extends into an upper channel  1191  in the dual element mounting plate  1110  which forms a top portion of the slot  1190 . The lower lip  1123  extends into a lower channel  1192  in the dual element mounting plate  1100  which forms a bottom portion of said slot  1190 . The upper lip  1121  includes an angled portion that extends beyond the edge of the narrower back portion  1127  of the slideable filter plate  1120 . The lower lip  1123  includes an angled portion that extends beyond the edge of the narrower back portion  1127  of the slideable filter plate  1120 . The upper and lower lips ( 1121 ,  1123 ) are located on a lens mounting side  1031  of the dual element mounting plate  1100  and block light entry into a left sensor holder and a right sensor holder secured to the sensor holder mounting side  1035  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
     In  FIG. 24 , distance  1194  is the distance between a center of a left eye lens opening and a center of a right eye lens opening in the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Distance  1195  is the distance between the center of the first left filter mounting position  3040  and the center of the first right filter mounting position  3000 . Distance  1196  is the distance between the center of the first left camera filter mounting position  3040  and the center of the second left camera filter mounting position  3060 . Distance  1195  is the same or substantially the same as distance  1194 . It may be observed that the center of the first left eye mounting position  3040  is separated from the center of the first right eye filter mounting position  3000  by a distance  1195  corresponding to the distance  1194  between a center of a left eye lens opening and a center of a right eye lens opening in the dual element mounting plate  1100 , and the distance between the first left camera filter mounting position and the second left camera filter mounting position  1196  is less than the distance  1194  between the center of the left eye lens opening and the center of the right eye lens opening in the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
     In  FIG. 21-24  the dual element mounting plate  1110  and slideable filter plate  1120  is shown for a design implementation in which slot  2505  is on right eye camera side, while in  FIGS. 16-20, 25, and 30-31  the dual element mounting plate  1110  and slideable filter plate  2505  is shown for an alternative design implementation in which the slot  2505  is on the left eye camera side. 
     In  FIG. 25  the first individual lens mount  1080 , i.e. first lens mounting collar assembly including a lens mounting plate and the second individual lens mount  1060 , i.e. second lens mounting collar assembly including a lens mounting plate, can be seen. The first and second lens assemblies, e.g., lens assembly  130  and lens assembly  132 , are inserted into the first and second individual lens mounts  1080 ,  1060  respectively when the apparatus shown in  FIG. 25  is to be used. Sensor holders, e.g., camera bodies, each camera body including a sensor mount, or sensor mounts, are secured to the back of the dual element mounting plate  1100 , e.g., via screws, behind the filter mounting plate  1120  which slides inside a slot  1190  machined into the dual element mounting plate  1100 . The base  2220  of the dual element mounting plate  1100  can be, and in some embodiments is, secured in the plate  1500  shown in  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 21  illustrates tilt adjustment screw holes  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″, and  2221 ″″′, e.g., angled screw holes, in base  2200  via which screws ( 2250 ′″,  2250 ″″,  2250 ″″′) may be inserted to adjust the tilt of the dual element mounting plate  1100  relative to a support plate, e.g., support plate  1500 . 
     Drawing  2500  of Figure illustrates lens mounting collar assemblies ( 1080 ,  1060 ) mounted to dual element mounting plate  1100 . Mount adjustment bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) are screwed into lens mounting collar assembly  1080  to achieve a desired adjustment spacing between the corners of the individual lens mounting collar assembly  1080  and the dual element mounting plate  1110 . Mount adjustment bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) are screwed into lens mounting collar assembly  1060  to achieve a desired adjustment spacing between the corner of the individual lens mounting collar assembly  1060  and the dual element mounting plate  1110 . Slideable filter plate  1120  is also shown installed in dual element mounting plate  1100 . A solenoid  2502  is mounted on the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Connecting rod  2504  couples the solenoid  2502  to the slideable filter plate  1120 . The slideable filter plate  1120  is slid in the dual element mounting plate  1100  to align a selected pair of filter mounting positions with the pair of lens openings corresponding to lens mounting collar assemblies ( 1080 ,  1060 ). For example, solenoid  2502  is controlled to move, e.g., rotate, a shaft, to which the connecting rod  2504  is attached to, to an angular setting corresponding to the selected pair of filter mounting positions. In one embodiment, solenoid  2502  is coupled to connecting rod  2504  via a bellcrank. In another embodiment, connecting rod  2507  includes a bellcrank. As the connecting rod  2504  rotates about the shaft in response to processor controlled solenoid motion, the connecting rod end portion  2507 , e.g., a roller, moves in slit  2505  of the sildeable filter plate  1120  forcing the slideable filter plate  1120  to move, e.g., slide, in slot  1190  of the dual element mounting plate  1100  to the selected setting. In one embodiment, the slideable filter plate  1120  is positioned to one of two alternative positions, each of the alternative positions corresponding to connecting rod end portion  2507  being at one of the two ends ( 2509  or  2511 ) of slot  2505 . In one such embodiment, when connecting rod end portion  2507  is at a first end  2507  of slot  2505 , the solenoid  2502  is de-energized, and when the connecting rod end portion  2507  is at a second end  2511  of slot  2505 , the solenoid  2502  is energized. In some embodiments, the slideable filter plate can be controllably positioned to more that two alternative positions, each alternative position corresponding to connecting rod end portion  2507  being at a different position in slot  2505 , each alternative position corresponding to the alignment of a pair of filter mounting positions in slideable filter plate  1120  with a pair of lens in the camera pair. In some embodiments, instead of a solenoid, a stepper motor is used to drive the connecting rod  2504 . 
     Base  2200  of dual element mounting plate  1100  includes threaded screw holes  2221 ,  2221 ′ and  2221 ″, e.g., angled threaded screw holes, via which adjustment screws are inserted and rotated to adjust the dual element mounting plate  1100  verticality relative to a base plate, e.g., rig base plate  1500 . Screws ( 2250 ,  2250 ′,  2250 ″) exiting the threaded screws holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′ and  2221 ″), respectively, do not enter the rig base plate  1500 , but are forced against it. In some embodiments the adjustment screws include rounded tips so as not to dig into and damage rig base plate  1500 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a front angled view of lens mounting collar assembly  1060  including a mounting plate. Lens mounting collar assembly  1060  includes threaded holes ( 422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″,  422 ′″) in each corner. Spacer bushing ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) are screwed into threaded holes ( 422 ,  422 ′,  422 ″,  422 ′″) for controlling the spacing between the corners of the lens mounting collar  1060  and the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Similarly, lens mounting collar assembly  1080  includes threaded holes ( 402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″,  402 ′″) in each corner. Spacer bushing ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) are screwed into threaded holes ( 402 ,  402 ′,  402 ″,  402 ′″) for controlling the spacing between the corners of the lens mounting collar  1080  and the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a front view of lens mounting collar assembly  1060 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a rear view of lens mounting collar assembly  1060 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates  3  views of exemplary slideable filter plate  1120  including dimensions in one exemplary embodiment. Various exemplary dimensions shown are in metric, e.g., with distances being in mm. Drawing  2900  of  FIG. 29  illustrate an angled view of slideable filter plate  1120  including a first pair of filter mounting positions ( 3000 ,  3040 ), a second pair of filter mounting positions ( 3020 ,  3060 ), vertical slot  2505  and horizontal guide slot  3080 . Drawing  2902  illustrates a first side of slideable filter plate  1120 . Drawing  2904  illustrates a second side of slideable filter plate  1120  and further illustrates angled upper lip portion  1121  and angled lower lip portion  1123 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an exemplary camera apparatus  3100 , e.g., a stereoscopic camera apparatus, including a pair of camera devices, said camera apparatus  3100  including a left eye lens mounting collar assembly  1080  and a right eye lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , a dual element mounting plate  1100 , a slideable filter plate  1120 , solenoid  2502 , a sensor holder assembly  3102  including a first sensor holder  3203  and second sensor  3205 , a pair of remote camera bodies ( 3104 ,  3106 ) each remote camera body ( 3104 ,  3106 ) including a processor ( 3250 ,  3252 ), and a pair of cables ( 3108 ,  3110 ) for coupling the image sensors ( 3208 ,  3228 ) mounted on the sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ) to the processors ( 3250 ,  3252 ), respectively, in the remote camera bodies ( 3104 ,  3106 ), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Sensor holder assembly cover  3103  covers the first and second sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ), first and second sensor boards ( 3209 ,  3229 ), and first and second sensors ( 3208 ,  3228 ). The sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ), sensor circuit boards ( 3208 ,  3209 ), image sensors ( 3208 ,  3228 ) and processors ( 3250 ,  3252 ) are not visible in  FIG. 30  but are shown in  FIG. 31 . A first image sensor  3208 , mounted on a first sensor circuit board  3209 , mounted on a first sensor holder  3203 , corresponding to lens mounting collar assembly  1080 , is coupled to a first processor  3250  included in remote camera body  3104  via cable  3108 . A second image sensor  3228 , mounted on a second sensor circuit board  3229 , mounted on a second sensor holder  3205 , corresponding to lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , is coupled to a second processor  3252  included in remote camera body  3106  via cable  3110 . 
     In  FIG. 30 , calibration camera bra  3150  is shown placed over the lens assemblies. Camera bra  3150  includes a plurality of fiber optic cables  3152 , which provide different light signals to different points on the lenses. Camera bra  3150  is a camera alignment tool. The camera bra  3150  can be secured by friction over the lenses of the stereoscopic camera pair shown with the inside surface of each dome of the bra  3150  providing the camera with a view of a test pattern which may be formed by an array of fiber optic light points, one corresponding to each hole in the camera bra. Light can be, in some embodiments is, connected to the holes in the camera bra shown by optical fibers  3152  which supply a point of light to the inside surface of the camera bra  3150  corresponding to the location of a hole. The points of light form a test pattern on the inside surface of the half sphere which is detected and used to facilitate camera alignment. 
       FIG. 31  is a drawing  3200  illustrating the exemplary camera apparatus  3100  of  FIG. 30  with the sensor assembly cover plate  3103  removed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. First sensor holder  3203  includes a front portion  3204 , e.g., a lens side portion which mounts the first sensor holder  3203  to the dual element mounting plate  1100 , and a rear portion  3206 , e.g., a sensor side portion, to which the first sensor circuit board  3209  including the first image sensor  3208  is mounted via sensor board standoffs  3210 ,  3210 ′,  3210 ″. The first sensor mount  3203  also includes a first sensor position adjuster  3212 , which can be moved, e.g., rotated, to cause the position of the first sensor  3208  to move in or out, either closer to or further away from the lens mounted in the lens assembly installed in lens mounting collar assembly  1080 , e.g., to fine tune the distance between the lens and the first image sensor  3208 . Second sensor holder  3205  includes a front portion  3224 , e.g., a lens side portion which mounts the second sensor holder  3205  to the dual element mounting plate  1100 , and a rear portion  3226 , e.g., a sensor side portion, to which the second sensor circuit board  3229  including the second image sensor  3228  is mounted via sensor circuit board standoffs  3230 ,  3230 ′,  3230 ″. The second sensor mount  3205  also includes a second sensor position adjuster  3232 , which can be moved, e.g., rotated, to cause the position of the second sensor circuit board  3229  including the second sensor  3228  to move in or out, either closer to or further away from the lens mounted in the lens assembly installed in lens mounting collar assembly  1060 , e.g., e.g., to fine tune the distance between the lens and the second image sensor  3228 . 
       FIG. 32  is a drawing  3300  illustrating a larger view of the exemplary pair of sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ) including mounted sensors ( 3208 ,  3228 ), respectively, which was shown and previously described with respect to  FIG. 31 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ) including mounted sensors may be included in a pair of camera bodies, e.g., camera bodies ( 103 ,  105 ) of camera device  100  of  FIG. 1 , or may be included in a sensor mounting assembly, e.g. sensor assembly  3102  of camera device  3100  of  FIG. 30  and  FIG. 31 . In one embodiment, sensor holder  3203  and sensor  3208  are included in camera body  103  of camera device  102 ; and sensor holder  3205  and sensor  3228  are included in camera body  105  of camera device  104 .  FIG. 32  also illustrates an exemplary screw  3207  used for mounting the sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ) to the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
       FIG. 33  is a drawing  3400  illustrating a view of the exemplary sensor holders ( 3203 ,  3205 ) from lens side. Sensor holder portion  3204  of sensor holder  3203  includes pass through screw holes ( 3203 ,  3203 ′,  3203 ″,  3203 ′″) via which screws  3207  may be inserted to secure the sensor holder  3203  to a first portion  1151  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Sensor holder portion  3224  of sensor holder  3205  includes pass through screw holes ( 3223 ,  3223 ′,  3223 ″,  3223 ′″) via which screws  3207  may be inserted to secure the sensor holder  3205  to a second portion  1153  of the dual element mounting plate. Sensor holder  3203  includes a collar portion  3302 . Sensor holder  3205  includes a collar portion  3304 . In various embodiments, the pass through screw holes ( 3203 ,  3203 ′,  3203 ″,  3203 ′″) are slightly larger than the screws  3207  to allow adjustment of the sensor holder position  3204  and thus sensor  3208  position before securing the screws  3207 . In various embodiments, the pass through screw holes ( 3223 ,  3223 ′,  3223 ″,  3223 ′″) are slightly larger than the screws  3207  to allow adjustment of the sensor holder  3205  position and thus sensor  3228  position before securing the screws  3207 . 
       FIG. 34  is another drawing of the exemplary dual element mounting plate  1100 . Three mounting screw holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) are visible in the small center flat area  2202  of the base  2200 . Mounting screws ( 3439 ,  3439 ′,  3439 ″) pass through pass through holes, e.g., holes ( 1504 ,  1504 ′,  1504 ″), in the support plate  1500  and enter, e.g., are screwed into, the mounting screw holes ( 2220 ,  2220 ′,  2220 ″) in the dual element mounting plate  1100  securing the dual element mounting plate  1100  to the support plate  1500 . In this exemplary embodiment, there are 3 mounting screws holes per dual element mounting, for securing the dual element mounting plate  1100  to a support base plate, e.g., support plate  1500 . In other embodiments, a different number of mounting screw holes may be used. Threaded tilt adjustment screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″) are shown in the tapered portion  2205  of base  2200 . Threaded tilt adjustment screw holes ( 2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) are shown in the tapered portion  2204  of base  2200 . In some embodiment, the adjustment screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″,  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) are angled screw holes. For example, in some embodiments, the center of the top of adjustment screw hole  2221  is closer to the vertical center of dual element mounting plate  1100  than the center of the bottom (base side) of adjustment screw hole  2221  is to the vertical center of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . This slight angling of adjustment screw holes ( 2221 ,  2221 ′,  2221 ″,  2221 ′″,  2221 ″″,  2221 ″″′) enhances stability and makes it easier to fine tune the verticality adjustment of the dual element mounting plate with respect to the base plate  1500 . 
     Threaded screw holes ( 3403 ,  3403 ′,  3403 ″,  3403 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  1100  correspond to holes ( 3303 ,  3303 ′,  3303 ″,  3303 ′″) in front portion  3204  of first sensor holder  3203 . Threaded screw holes ( 3403 ,  3403 ′,  3403 ″,  3403 ′″) receive screws  3207  used to secure the first sensor holder  3203  to the first portion  1151  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Threaded screw holes ( 3423 ,  3423 ′,  3423 ″,  3423 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  1100  correspond to holes ( 3303 ,  3303 ′,  3303 ″,  3303 ′″) in front portion  3224  of second sensor holder  3205 . Threaded screw holes ( 3403 ,  3403 ′,  3403 ″,  3403 ′″) receive screws  3207  used to secure the second sensor holder  3205  to the second portion  1153  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Threaded screw holes ( 902 ,  902 ′,  902 ″,  902 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  1100  correspond to spacer bushings ( 120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″) installed into the collar assembly  1080 . Threaded screw holes ( 902 ,  902 ′,  902 ″,  902 ′″) receive screws ( 135 ,  135 ′,  135 ″,  135 ′″) and are used to secure the first collar assembly  1080  to the first portion  1151  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . Threaded screw holes ( 922 ,  922 ′,  922 ″,  922 ′″) in dual element mounting plate  1100  correspond to spacer bushings ( 122 ,  122 ′,  122 ″,  122 ′″) installed into the collar assembly  1060 . Threaded screw holes ( 922 ,  922 ′,  922 ″,  922 ′″) receive screws ( 137 ,  137 ′,  137 ″,  137 ′″) and are used to secure the second collar assembly  1060  to the second portion  1153  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
       FIG. 34  further illustrates a solenoid mounting portion  2225  of the dual element mounting plate  1100 , as well as threaded screw holes  2227 ,  2229  for accepting screws used to secure the solenoid  2502  to the dual element mounting plate  1110 . 
       FIG. 34  illustrates that dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a first portion  1151  and a second portion  1153 . The first sensor holder  3203  is secured to the first portion  1151  of the dual element mounting plate  1110 . The second sensor holder  3205  is secured to the second portion  1153  of the dual element mounting plate  1110 . In  FIG. 34 , the dual element mounting plate is shown on its side with the lens collar mounting side facing up and the sensor holder mounting side facing down; therefore, the first sensor holder  3203  is mounted beneath the dual element mounting plate  1100  to the portion identified by  1151 , and the second sensor holder  3205  is mounted beneath the dual element mounting plate  1100  to the portion identified by  1153 . 
     In some embodiments, dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a first flat recessed surface, e.g., similar to flat recess surface  181  of dual element mounting plate  110 , corresponding to the first individual lens mount  1080 ; and the dual element mounting plate  1100  includes a second flat recessed surface, e.g., similar to flat recess surface  182  of dual element mounting plate  110 , corresponding to the second individual lens mount  1060 , and the first and second flat recessed surfaces are surrounded by a lip ( 191 ), e.g. similar to lip  191  of dual element mounting plate  110 , which at least partially protects the first individual lens mount  1080  and second individual lens mount  1060  from side impacts when the first and second individual lens mounts ( 1080 ,  1060 ) are secured to the dual element mounting plate  1100 . 
     In some embodiments, an exemplary camera system, e.g., a stereoscopic camera system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, includes one or more camera apparatus, e.g., one two, three or four camera apparatus, e.g., camera apparatus  100  or camera apparatus  3100 , each camera apparatus including a dual element mounting plate, e.g.,  110  or  1100 , and the camera system further includes a support plate, e.g.,  1500 , to which multiple dual element mounting plates may be secured. In addition in some embodiments, the camera system further includes a top support plate, e.g.,  2042  and handles, e.g.,  2040 ,  2040 ′,  2040 ″,  2040 ′″. 
     While various features such as camera mounts, filter mounts, a camera support plate, etc. are described in the context of particular exemplary embodiments, the cameras, mounts, etc. can be used in a wide variety of combinations and are not to be limited to the particular combination of the exemplary embodiments. For example, the filter mounts can be used with any of the cameras described in the present application and/or numerous other cameras.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20161021
Publication Date: 20210413
Grant Date: 20210413
Priority Date: 20160720
Inventors: SHERIDAN, Ryan Michael
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/45", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/45", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/55", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N13/239", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B11/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B35/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/566", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N2213/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/566", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N2213/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B11/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N13/239", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B35/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B35/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2258", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N2213/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N13/239", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/566", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2253", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B11/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 60988217