`U5005555019A
`
`United States Patent
`
`119]
`
`5,555,019
`I451
`Date of Patent:
`Dole
`Sep. 10, 1996
`
`[11]
`
`Patent Number:
`
`[54} MINIATURE VEHICLE VIDEO
`PRODUCTION SYSTEM
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Kevin Dole, 23427 Park Hacienda,
`Calabasas, Calif. 91302—1718
`
`[21] Appl. No: 401,932
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Mar. 9, 1995
`
`Int. Cl.6 ....................................................... 310418 7/18
`[51]
`[52.] U.S. C1.
`........................... 348/148; 348/158; 348/211
`[58} Field of Search .............................. 348/82, 143, 148,
`348/158, 211; H04N 7/18
`
`156]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,504,122
`5,008,804
`5,251,673
`5,448,290
`
`3/1970 Ratlifi" ..................................... 348/211
`
`4/1991 Gordon .
`348/373
`
`111/1993 Adachi ............... 348/88
`9/1995 VanZeeIand ............................ 348/153
`
`Primmy Examiner—Howard W. Britten
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`time video images of a toy target vehicle
`motion real
`includes a toy vehicle, a first wireless transmitter, and a first
`wireless receiver operatively coupled to the toy vehicle and
`configured to control movement of the toy vehicle in
`response to signals received from the first wireless trans-
`mitter. A video camera mounted to the toy vehicle generates
`real-time video images of the toy target vehicle while a
`camera controller connected to the video camera controls
`
`movement of the video camera relative to the toy vehicle.
`The invention also includes a second wireless transmitter
`
`and a second wireless receiver operatively coupled to the
`camera motion controller and configured to control move-
`ment of video camera in response to signals received from
`the second wireless transmitter. A video recorder operatively
`coupled to the video camera records the real time video
`images generated by the video camera and a video display
`device operatively coupled to the video camera displays the
`real time video images. Movement of the toy vehicle and
`movement of the video camera are controlled in real time in
`
`response to the video images displayed on the display device
`so that optimal video images of the toy target vehicle are
`obtained.
`
`The my vehicle video production system for creating full—
`
`19 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`BASE STATION
`L2
`
`ea
`
`CAR
`
`CAMERA VEHICLE
`14
`
`MICRO-
`VIDEO
`
`CAMERA
`
`
`VIDEO
`
`
`'IISTFIIBUTION
`
`AMPLIFIER
`
`
`COMPACT
`VIDEO
`
`RECORDER
`
`
`
`\g
`
`116
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 1
`
`
`
`
`
`CAMERA
`
`PAN / TILT
`RECEIVER
`
`I I (
`
`
`102
`
`CAMERA
`PAN/TILT ))))I)
`TRANSMITTER
`
`126
`
`VIDEO
`
`
`RECEIVER
`
`I l
`
`I
`
`VIDEO
`VIDEO
`
`
`MONITOR
`RECORDER
`
`
`
`
`130]
`128
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 1
`
`
`
`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 16, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`5,555,019
`
`BASE STATION
`
`CAMERA VEHICLE
`
`12
`
`1A
`
`BATTERY
`
`TRANSMITTER
`
`102
`
`CAMERA
`PAN/TILT )))))
`TRANSMITTER
`
`§ STEERING '
`
`*
`CAMERA
`))))->f PAN/TiLT
`g RECEIVER
`
`SERVO
`50
`
`MICRO-
`
`VIDEO
`CAMERA
`
`142
`
`— 12 VOLT
`BATTERY
`
`VIDEO
`
`118
`
`{DTSTRIBUTION
`AMPLIFIER
`
`126
`
`121-1
`
`120
`
`122
`
`
`
`RECEIVER
`
`
`
`((((
`
`5 WE,
`(QIRANSMITTER
`
`:
`
`COMPACT
`RE‘é‘gggER
`
`WIRED
`REMOTE UNIT
`
`”6
`
` VIDEO
`
`VIDEO
`MONROR
`
`‘28
`
`'
`
`VIDEO
`
`RECORDER
`130
`
`BLOWER FAN
`SYSTEM
`
`144
`
`1 {3
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 2
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`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 2
`
`
`
`
`
`US. PatentUS. Patent
`
`
`
`Sep. 16, 1996Sep. 16, 1996
`
`
`
`Sheet 2 of 3Sheet 2 of 3
`
`
`
`5,555,0195,555,019
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 3Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 3
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 3
`
`
`
`
`
`US. PatentUS. Patent
`
`
`
`Sep. 19, 1996Sep. 19, 1996
`
`
`
`Sheet 3 of 3Sheet 3 of 3
`
`
`
`5,555,0195,555,019
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`
`
`
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`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 4Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 4
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 4
`
`
`
`1
`MINIATURE VEHICLE VIDEO
`PRODUCTION SYSTEM
`
`5,555,019
`
`2
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to remotely controlled miniature or
`toy vehicles and more particularly to a radio controlled
`miniature vehicle having a video camera for transmitting
`real time video images.
`Throughout the history of motion image production, such
`as video production and film-making, directors and produc—
`ers have attempted to transport cameras along with moving
`subjects or targets to create images with the greatest emo-
`tional impact and realism. For example, if a runaway truck
`is shown careening down a steep mountain road, the viewer
`experiences greater suspense if the action is viewed from the
`front of the truck where the camera remains just ahead of the
`truck, rather than from a fixed position at the side of the road.
`Typically, a camera is mounted to the rear of a vehicle that
`remains in front of the truck at all times.
`
`To achieve such realistic effects, movie engineers and
`technicians have created camera cars which are typically
`full—size vehicles to which platforms have been mounted.
`Various forms of rigging securely fix cameras and personnel
`to the platform while the camera car travels at high speeds
`following the subject.
`Small, rapidly moving subjects, such as remote controlled
`toy vehicles and cars, are too small to effectively film or
`“shoot” in this manner. Miniature cars may travel at speeds
`up to fifteen miles per hour and are extremely agile and able
`to change direction quickly. The speed and agility of min-
`iature race cars combined with their small size of approxi—
`mately six to twenty-four inches in length, make action
`photography extremely ditlieult.
`Various techniques have been used to produce such action
`photography, but each have significant
`limitations. It
`is
`known to place a camera and a human operator on a dolly
`or other movable platform and push the dolly so as to follow
`the subject. However, the size and weight requirements of
`this technique severely limit speed and maneuverability.
`Additionally, when filming a small toy vehicle the subject
`can only be seen from a downward angle thus, diminishing
`the presentation’s dramatic impact and realism.
`Mounting the camera and operator on a compact vehicle,
`such as an electric golf cart, increases the speed at which the
`camera and operator may travel, but speed and maneuver-
`ability are still severely limited. Available camera angles are
`also limited.
`
`Another approach is to construct a long raised platform
`for the target toy car which follows a path parallel to the path
`travelled by the golf cart. This permits the camera lens to be
`positioned at a low point relative to the subject such that
`more dramatic camera angles may be used. However, this
`technique limits the subject to traveling along a single path
`and also limits the camera to recording the subject from only
`one side in any single shot. Construction of such ramps or
`paths are expensive and time consuming.
`No known methods of shooting subjects such as remote
`controlled toy cars have been able to record continuous
`live-action images leading or following a subject vehicle
`where the target vehicle is able to travel under low-clearance
`obstacles and through tunnels and bridges.
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
`provide a system for creating video images of a toy target
`vehicle.
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`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`system for creating video images of a toy target vehicle
`where the video images are remotely transmitted to a base
`station.
`
`It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`system for creating video images of a toy target vehicle
`where the video camera is carried by a toy vehicle and
`remotely Controlled.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a video image production system where the camera car, the
`camera, and the target car are controlled by wireless devices.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The disadvantages of existing video production systems
`are substantially overcome by the present
`invention by
`providing a toy vehicle video production system that
`remotely transmits real time video images from a camera
`mounted to a toy race car.
`The present invention allows the camera to track the target
`vehicle and allows the camera to move as fast and be as
`
`maneuverable as the target itself. This makes possible the
`recording of images of small quickly moving objects having
`the same emotional impact as when full—size camera cars
`photograph full—size moving vehicles. The present invention
`permits initial shooting of the target toycar from one side
`where the camera is able to cross over in front of the target
`vehicle to continue shooting the target vehicle from the
`opposite side.
`Control of the camera car, the camera, and the target
`vehicle is performed remotely such that the entire operation
`of the invention is wireless. Thus, the invention may be used
`to follow the target under low-clearance obstacles and
`through tunnels and bridges.
`The present invention allows the camera lens to be placed
`as low as 0.5 inches above the ground and allows a camera
`operator to remotely pan and tilt the camera while the
`camera is propelled at high speeds along the ground in any
`direction. The present invention makes possible the record-
`ing of extremely exciting and realistic full motion video
`images of toy race cars from the perspective of a camera car
`racing therealong.
`More specifically, the toy vehicle video production sys-
`tem for creating full-motion real time video images of a
`target vehicle includes a toy vehicle, a first wireless trans-
`mitter, and a first wireless receiver operatively coupled to the
`toy vehicle and configured to control movement of the toy
`vehicle in response to signals received from the first wireless
`transmitter.
`
`A video camera is attached to the toy vehicle for gener—
`ating real—time video images of the toy target vehicle while
`a camera motion controller connected to the video camera
`controls movement of the video camera relative to the toy
`vehicle. The invention also includes a second wireless
`
`transmitter and a second wireless receiver operatively ‘
`coupled to the camera motion controller and configured to
`control movement of video camera in response to signals
`received from the second wireless transmitter.
`
`A video recorder operatively coupled to the video camera
`records the real time video images generated by the video
`camera and a video display device operatively coupled to the
`video camera displays the real time video images. Move—
`ment of the toy vehicle and movement of the video camera
`are controlled in real time in response to the video images
`displayed on the video display device so that optimal video
`images of the toy target vehicle are obtained.
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 5
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 5
`
`
`
`5,555,019
`
`3
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The features of the present invention which are believed
`to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended
`claims. The invention,
`together with further objects and
`advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to
`the following description in conjunction with the accompa—
`nying drawings.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the main components of the
`system according to one embodiment of the present inven-
`tion;
`
`FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram according to one embodi—
`ment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a camera module accord—
`ing to one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the system is shown
`generally as 10. The system 10 includes devices which are
`located at a stationary point referred to as a base station 12.
`Devices which are mobile, that is, move relative to the base
`station 12, are incorporated into a camera vehicle 14 which
`may be referred to as a race car, a car, or a camera car. The
`vehicle which is the subject of the filming or photography is
`referred to as the subject car or target car (not shown).
`The race car 14 for example, may be constructed from an
`XXT off—road remote controlled car kit manufactured by
`Team Lossi Corporation. The car 14 includes a propulsion
`subsystem 16, shown in dashed lines, and wheels 17. The
`propulsion subsystem 16 includes a drive motor 18 for
`supplying mechanical rotation to the wheels 17. The drive
`motor 18 is controlled by a speed controller 22 which adjusts
`voltage to the drive motor thus, affecting speed and forward-
`reverse direction. The drive motor 18 for example, may be
`a Model Turbo-05 manufactured by Airtronics Corporation
`while the speed controller 22 for example, may be a model
`610-R speed controller manufactured by Novak Corpora-
`tion. The car kit includes basic parts of a race car such as the
`wheels 17, kit suspension devices (not shown), chassis, and
`body. All electric components may be added to the car kit to
`provide the propulsion subsystem 16, as is well known by
`those skilled in the art.
`
`A steering servo motor 34 provides directional control to
`the car 14 by altering the angle of the front wheels 17
`relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, as is similar
`in concept to the steering system of full-size vehicles. This
`mechanically adjusts the wheels 17 of the car 14. The
`steering servo motor 34 may for example, be a Model S9304
`steering servo motor manufactured by Futaba Corporation.
`The steering servo motor 34 and the speed controller 22
`are both responsive to a wireless car receiver 36 which
`receives commands from a wireless car transmitter 38
`located at the base station 12. The car receiver 36 and
`transmitter 38 may for example, be a Model PCM 1024
`radio controlled receiver-transmitter manufactured by Fut—
`aba Corporation.
`The car transmitter 38 uses radio frequency energy to
`remotely transmit commands to the car receiver 36 where
`commands entered by an operator at the base station 12 are
`transmitted to the car receiver 36. These commands are then
`
`directed to the speed controller 22 and the steering servo
`motor 34 to remotely control the speed and direction of the
`race car 14. A 7.2 volt rechargeable battery pack 40 may be
`formed from six ganged batteries, such as six Sanyo 1400
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`milliamp 1.2 volt nickel-cadmium batteries. The battery
`pack 40 supplies electrical power to the propulsion sub-
`system 16 and is mounted within the car 14.
`The car transmitter 38, car receiver 36, steering servo
`motor 34, speed controller 22, drive motor 18, and 7.2 volt
`battery pack 40 are added to the manufacture’s race car kit
`as is well known in the art. Thus, the present invention uses
`the basic model race car described above as a platform.
`A camera subsystem 50, shown in dashed lines, includes
`a camera module 52 also shown in dashed lines, which may
`be attached to the car 14 by means of a break—away mount—
`ing mechanism 54. The break-away mounting mechanism
`54 is provided to protect the camera module 52 should the
`car 14 or the camera module 52 be subject to excessive
`force, such as if the car impacts an object or if the camera
`module impacts an object. This may minimize damage to
`components mounted on the camera module 52.
`Four fixed mounting plates 56, one located on each side
`of the car 14, allow the camera module 52 to be attached to
`any side of the vehicle. The camera module 52 includes a
`break-away plate 58 which corresponds to the fixed mount-
`ing plate 56 attached to the car 14. The break-away mount-
`ing plate 58 may be releasably attached to the fixed mount-
`ing plate 56 by means well known to those skilled in the art.
`For example, powerful magnets mounted to the fixed
`plate 56 and the breakaway plate 58 may provide suflicient
`holding force to secure the camera module 52. Rigid fas—
`teners, such as breakable rivets or bolts, having a predeter-
`mined breaking point may also be used. Additionally, indus-
`trial strength VELCRO or other similar connecting material
`may be used. Alternatively, the camera module 52 may be
`permanently mounted to the car without any break-away
`mechanism where protective bumpers or a protective cage
`may protect it from impact.
`The camera module 52 includes a miniature video camera
`66, such as a Model XC—999 miniature camera manufac-
`tured by Sony Corporation, and two servo motors (tilt servo
`motor 68 and pan servo motor 70) to provide tilt and pan
`capabilities for the camera. The pan servo motor 70 may for
`example, be a Model FPS- 132H servo motor while the tilt
`servo motor 68 may for example, be a model S-9601 servo
`motor, both manufactured by Futaba Corporation. The servo
`motors 68, 70 and the camera 66 are mounted on a base plate
`72 constructed from plastic, metal, or other suitable mate-
`rial. The base plate 72 is fixed to the break-away plate 58 at
`substantially right angles. The base plate 72 includes a
`rotatable aperture mechanism 74 through which a right-
`angle lens portion 76 of the camera 66 projects. The aperture
`mechanism 74 allows the camera 66 mounted therein to tilt
`and rotate (pan) relative to the car 14. The tilt servo motor
`68 allows the camera 66 to be tilted within the rotatable
`aperture mechanism 74 at an angle relative to the ground.
`Similarly, the pan servo motor 70 permits the camera 66 to
`be rotated within the rotatable aperture mechanism 74.
`The right—angle lens portion 76 allows the subject to be
`shot at a height as low as 0.50 inches from ground level since
`a lens portion 77 is also at the same height. All wiring
`connecting the camera module 52 to the car 14 is also
`provided with break-away wiring connectors 78 so that if the
`camera module 52 should separate from the car, the wiring
`releasably separates so that no damage is incurred. Such
`mounting of the camera 66 and break—away wiring connec-
`tors 78 are well known by those skilled in the art.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, FIG. 3 illustrates the
`aperture mechanism 74 of the camera module 52. To permit
`the video camera 66 to tilt and pan, the aperture mechanism
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 6
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`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 6
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`
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`5,555,019
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`5
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`74 includes a pan mount 80, a tilt mount 82, a pan drive belt
`84, a tilt tie rod 86, a manual roll adjustment 88, and a
`manual roll mount 90. Additionally, as described above,
`protective bumpers 92 may be used to protect the compo-
`nents from impact in place of the break-away mounting
`mechanism 54 (FIG. 2).
`Pan capability allows the video camera 66 to rotate
`around an axis perpendicular to the base plate 72, as shown
`by a reference letter “Z.” The pan mount 80 is a circular ring
`rotatably mounted within the aperture mechanism '74 and is
`able to rotate relative thereto while being held securely in the
`plane of the base plate 72. The pan drive belt 84 connected
`around the circumference of the pan mount 80 is also
`connected to the pan servo motor 70 so that rotation of the
`pan servo motor 70 causes the pan mount 80 to rotate thus,
`causing the video camera 66 to rotate.
`Tilt capability allows the video camera 66 to tilt in a single
`plane relative to the Z axis, as shown by the angle labeled
`with the Greek symbol Beta. The tilt mount 82 does not
`rotate relative to the pan mount 80 but remains rotatably
`fixed relative thereto. Two support studs or pivot points 94
`may connect the tilt mount 82 to the pan mount 80 along
`opposite points along the diameter of each mount. This
`allows the tilt mount 82 to tilt relative to the plane defined
`by the pan mount 80 thus, allowing the camera 66 retained
`within tilt mount to tilt therewith. When the tilt servo motor
`
`68 is activated, a gear mounted thereto rotates and provides
`forward and backward movement to the tilt tie rod 86. The
`
`tilt tie rod 86, in turns forces the tilt mount 82 to pivot
`relative to the pivot points 94.
`Manual roll capability also allows the video camera 66 to
`roll with respect to the base plate 72. Roll essentially allows
`the tilt mount 82 to pivot slightly, but along an axis displaced
`ninety degrees from the tilt pivot points 94. The roll mount
`88 and roll adjustment mechanism 90 allow such displace-
`ment. Two support studs or pivot points 96 may connect the
`manual roll mount 90 to the tilt mount 82 along opposite
`points along the diameter of the mounts. This allows the roll
`mount 90 to roll relative to the plane defined by the tilt
`mount 82 thus, allowing the camera 66 retained within the
`roll mount to roll therewith. This mounting mechanism is
`essentially a triple—gimbal suspension which is well known
`to those skilled in the art and any suitable mechanism
`allowing adequate camera positioning may be used.
`Although not explicitly shown, the roll adjustment 88 or roll
`mount 90 may be responsive to a remotely controlled
`receiver such that an operator located at the base station 12
`may remotely control the roll of the camera 66.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera subsystem 50
`also includes a tilt/pan transmitter 102 and receiver 104. The
`tilt servo motor 68 and the pan servo motor 70 are both
`responsive to the wireless tilt/pan receiver 104 which
`receives commands from the wireless tilt/pan transmitter
`102 located at the base station 12. The tilt/pan receiver 104
`and transmitter 102 may for example, be a Model PCM 1024
`radio controlled receiver-transmitter manufactured by Fut-
`aba Corporation. The tilt/pan transmitter 102 uses radio
`frequency energy to remotely transmit commands to the
`tilt/pan receiver 104 where commands entered by an opera—
`tor at the base station 12 are transmitted to the camera
`receiver 104 to control movement of the camera 66.
`
`A video subsystem 116, shown in dashed lines, includes
`a video distribution amplifier 118, an on—board video cas—
`sette recorder (VCR) 120, a VCR wired remote control unit
`122, and a wireless video transmitter 124. These devices are
`mounted in the car 14. The base station 12 portion of the
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`video subsystem 116 includes a video wireless receiver 126,
`a video monitor 128, and an optional base station VCR 130.
`The video distribution amplifier 118 receives its signal
`from the video camera 66 and splits the video signal into two
`identical video signals. One of the video signals is directed
`into the on—board VCR 120 such that all video images
`captured by the video camera are permanently recorded on
`video tape. The other video signal is directed to tile video
`transmitter 124 for transmission to the base station video
`receiver 126. This allows personnel at the base station 12 to
`monitor the video images in real time so that corrections to
`the car’s propulsion system 16 and camera subsystem 50
`may be made in response to the video images viewed on the
`video monitor 128. The video distribution amplifier 118 may
`for example, be a Model VB/VDA video distribution ampli-
`fier manufactured by Video Accessory Corporation. The
`on-board VCR 120 for example, may be a Model TR400 Hi8
`video camcorder manufactured by Sony Corporation where
`the camera portion of the camcorder remains unused.
`Although the video monitor disclosed may be a known
`television-type device, any system for displaying images
`may be used. For example, raster-scan devices, liquid crystal
`displays, electro—luminescence devices, oscilloscope-type
`devices, or any other suitable device may be used. Addi‘
`tionally, although the wireless receiver—transmitter devices
`36, 38, 102, 104, 124, and 126 disclosed may be known
`radio-frequency wireless devices, any devices capable of
`transmitting information without physical connections in a
`wireless manner may be used. For example,
`infrared
`devices, acoustic devices, laser light devices, or any other
`suitable device may be used.
`To accommodate the above-described devices, the car 14
`may be modified to increase its structural
`integrity and
`weight—carrying capability. For example, suspension springs
`may be replaced with heavier-duty suspension springs to
`accommodate the increase in weight. Additionally, shock
`absorber pistons may be fitted with special valves and
`heavy-duty shock absorber oil may be used.
`A dust~resistant compartment 140, shown in dashed lines,
`is constructed to fit within the chassis of the car 14 to house
`
`the on-board VCR 120 and to provide impact protection.
`Such a compartment 140 is important since the car 14 is
`typically operated on surfaces such as dirt roads and off-road
`terrain where dust and particulate matter could contaminant
`an unprotected VCR 120.
`To manually control
`the on-board VCR 120 without
`opening the dust-resistent compartment 140,
`the remote
`control unit 122 is attached to the on-board VCR through a
`wire assembly which is routed through the dust—resistent
`compartment 140. The remote control unit 122 is affixed to
`the top of the car 14 for easy manual access. The wired
`remote control unit 122 is used when setting the VCR 120
`to record just prior to shooting. The remote control unit 122
`for example, may be a Model RM95N Remote Commander
`manufactured by Nikon Corporation.
`The video transmitter 124 receives real time video images
`from the camera 66 and transmits the images to the video
`receiver 126 at the base station 12. The video transmitter 124
`
`and receiver 126 for example, may be a Model 2000 video
`transmitter and receiver manufactured by Modulus Corpo—
`ration. Video images received by the video receiver 126 are
`displayed on the video monitor 128 and are simultaneously
`recorded on the base station VCR 130.
`
`Alternatively, only a single VCR 120 or 130 may be used.
`For example, the on—board VCR 120 or the base station VCR
`130 may be used. Two VCRs are not essential and one may
`
`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 7
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`Petitioners - Exhibits 1010 Page 7
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`be omitted. However, use of two VCRs increases safety by
`providing a redundant feature in case of device failure.
`Additionally, use of the base station VCR 130 permits use of
`a higher quality VCR since such high quality VCRs are
`typically much larger than VCRs capable of fitting inside the
`car.
`
`Although the VCRs 120 and 130 herein disclosed may be
`known video cassette recorders which record information on
`magnetic tape, any system for stering information may be
`used. For example, optical disk storage, computer disk
`storage, semiconductor memory storage, or any other suit—
`able storage device may be used.
`A 12 volt rechargeable battery pack 142 may be con-
`structed from ten ganged Sanyo 1200 milliamp 1.2 volt
`nickel-cadmium batteries. The 12 volt battery pack 142
`supplies electrical power to the portion of the camera
`subsystem 50 and video subsystem 116 contained within the
`car 14. The 12 volt battery 142 is mounted within the car 14
`and is securely aflixed there within. All electronic compo-
`nents of the camera subsystem 50 and the video subsystem
`116 are available from various manufacturers and may be
`adapted by those skilled in the art for inclusion in the race
`car kit.
`
`Additionally, the invention 10 incorporates an air blower
`system 144 to keep the camera lens 77 clear of dirt and dust
`during shooting. This is an important feature since the
`relatively low position of the lens 77 may cause dust and dirt
`to accumulate on the lens when the action occurs on non-
`paved surfaces. A blower fan 162 mounted to the outside of
`the car 14 provides a source of air flow. A suitably dimen-
`sioned tube 164, such as a tube constructed from rubber or
`plastic is attached to the blower fan 162 while the other end
`of the tube is secured proximal to the camera lens 77 by
`suitable brackets 166 or other fasteners. The constant flow of
`air across the camera lens 160 removes dust and particulate
`matter.
`
`Although the vehicle 14 disclosed is a toy race car, the
`present invention may use any other type of vehicle capable
`of being directed in a controlled manner and able to transport
`the devices disclosed above. For example, a train, a truck, a
`boat, a helicopter, an airplane or any other suitable vehicle
`may be used.
`the invention 10 is used at an exterior
`In operation,
`location such as an open expanse of land with hard-packed
`earthen paths, small hills of dirt, and scattered obstacles such
`as fallen logs and small boulders. Three operators are
`typically involved in the operation of the invention 10 and
`the video recording procedure. A first operator, referred to as
`the camdriver (camera car driver), remotely controls the
`camera car 14 through use of the car transmitter 38 thereby
`propelling and steering the car. A second operator, referred
`to as the cameraman, controls the camera module 52 via the
`tilt/pan transmitter to obtain the best possible view of the
`target car to be recorded. A third operator, referred to as the
`target driver, controls the target car through a separate and
`independent
`remote control system and race car
`(not
`shown). However, the invention 10 may be used to capture
`real time full motion video images of any subject whose
`speed and maneuverability does not exceed the capabilities
`of the camera car 14.
`
`The three operators and the director of the production are
`typically located at the base station 12. The director instructs
`the target driver where the target car should travel through
`the environment. Instructions to the camdriver indicate how
`the camera car 14 should be driven in relation to the target
`car’s path of travel. Further instructions to the cameraman
`indicate how the camera module 52 should be panned and
`tilted to obtain the desired video images.
`When the three operators are prepared, an assistant acti—
`vates the power on the target car and also activates the
`
`10
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`20
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`45
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`propulsion subsystem 16 and video components of the
`camera car 14. The on—board VCR 120 is then set to record
`by using the remote control unit 122 wired to the VCR. The
`above-described actions initiate transmission of real time
`video images from the video camera 66 to the on—board VCR
`120. Simultaneously, the real time video images are sent to
`the video transmitter 124 which transmits the images to the
`video receiver 126 at the base station 12. The video receiver
`126 at the base station 12 is connected to the video monitor
`128 where the operators and the director may watch the real
`time video images. By manipulating the car transmitter 38
`and the camera pan/tilt transmitter 102, the most desirable
`action may be shot. The video signal may also be recorded
`by the base station VCR 130 in addition to or as an
`alternative to use of the on—board VCR 120.
`
`As the target driver directs the target car along its intended
`path through the environment, the camdriver directs the
`camera car 14 along its intended path as the cameraman
`adjusts the pan and tilt controls so that the camera frames the
`desired images. Throughout the production sequence, the air
`blower system 144 continuously directs a stream of air
`across the front of the camera lens 76 to prevent objection-
`able accumulation of dust and dirt in front of the lens.
`
`When the desired action sequence has been recorded, the
`camera car 14 and the target car are directed back to the
`starting positions. The assistant may then halt recording of
`the on-board VCR 120 and remove the video cassette by
`opening the dust-resistant compartment 140. Power is then
`removed from all vehicles.
`
`A specific embodiment of the system for producing real
`time full motion video images of a toy race car according to
`the present invention has been described for the purpose of
`illustrating the manner in which the invention may be made
`and used. It should be understood that implementation of
`other variations and modifications of the invention and its
`various aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art,
`and that
`the invention is not
`limited by these specific
`embodiments described.
`It
`is therefore contemplated to
`cover by the present invention any and all modifications,
`variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and
`scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and
`claimed herein.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A vehicle video production system for creating full-
`motion real time video images of a target vehicle, the system
`comprising:
`a miniature vehicle;
`a first wireless transmitter;
`a first wireless receiver operatively coupled to the min-
`iature vehicle and configured to control movement of
`the miniature vehicle in response to signals received
`from the first wireless transmitter;
`a video camera attached to the miniature vehicle for
`generating real-time video images of the target vehicle;
`a camera controller connected to the video camera to
`control movement of the video camera relative to the
`miniature vehicle;
`a second wireless transmitter;
`a second wireless receiver operatively coupled to the
`camera controller and configured to control movement
`of video camera in response to signals received from
`the second wireless transmitter;
`a video recorder operatively coupled to the video camera
`configured to record the real time video images gener