U.S. patent application number 11/683411 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for line and rope system and method for movement of an object through three-dimensional space.
Invention is credited to Jim Rodnunsky.
Application Number | 20070152141 11/683411 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42561224 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070152141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodnunsky; Jim |
July 5, 2007 |
LINE AND ROPE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOVEMENT OF AN OBJECT THROUGH
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE
Abstract
Uses line(s) to enable movement of an object through
three-dimensional space having clearance limitations or
obstructions over an area. Does not require large nearby support
structures. The object coupled with the movement line(s) is/are
supported by at least three support lines that are arranged about a
perimeter of the area. The support system can enclose any area size
or shape. Uses motorized line movement device to displace the lines
in a direction determined by the rotation of the line movement
devices. The lines are reeved through pulleys attached to the
support rope system which direct the lines to the appropriate line
movement devices. By appropriate reeving, the object can be
controllably moved in three axes that are not required to be
orthogonal using one or two lines.
Inventors: |
Rodnunsky; Jim; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DALINA LAW GROUP, P.C.
7910 IVANHOE AVE. #325
LA JOLLA
CA
92037
US
|
Family ID: |
42561224 |
Appl. No.: |
11/683411 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11556264 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
11683411 |
Mar 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
11251439 |
Oct 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
11556264 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
10709944 |
Jun 8, 2004 |
6975089 |
|
|
11251439 |
Oct 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
10708158 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
7088071 |
|
|
10709944 |
Jun 8, 2004 |
|
|
|
10604525 |
Jul 28, 2003 |
6809495 |
|
|
10708158 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
|
|
|
60893362 |
Mar 6, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
250/221 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 11/18 20130101;
F16M 11/425 20130101; B66C 13/085 20130101; B66C 13/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/221 |
International
Class: |
G06M 7/00 20060101
G06M007/00 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling movement of an object through
three-dimensional space comprising: an object adapted for
three-dimensional movement over an area, said area comprising a
perimeter, said perimeter defined by at least a first support rope
and a second support rope wherein said at least said first and said
second ropes are arranged to define at least a first corner, a
second corner and a third corner adjacent said perimeter; a first
line coupled with said object and with a first motorized line
movement device configured to displace said first line in a
direction determined by rotation of said first motorized line
movement device; a first pulley attached to a first location
proximate to said first corner and configured to redirect said
first line as said first line passes through said first pulley to
said third corner and said first motorized line movement device; a
second line coupled with said object and with a second motorized
line movement device configured to displace said second line in a
direction determined by rotation of said second motorized line
movement device; a second pulley attached to a second location
proximate to said second corner and configured to redirect said
second line as said second line passes through said second pulley
to said third corner and said second motorized line movement
device; and a Z movement device configured to displace said first
line and said second line and move an object vertically as
determined by rotation of said Z movement device.
2. The system of claim 1 where said object comprises a camera.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said first line and said second
line are two sides of a single line.
4. The system of claim 1 where said object comprises a power
source.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said second pulley is released to
allow for storage of said first line and said second line.
6. The system of claim 1 where said object comprises a self
leveling apparatus.
7. The system of claim 1 where tension is applied to one or more of
said first support rope, said second support rope and said third
support rope.
8. The system of claim 7 where said tension is applied by a
tensioning device.
9. The system of claim 1 where movements of said object, said first
line and said second line are controlled to avoid contact with one
or more obstructions within said three-dimensional space.
10. A system for controlling movement of an object through
three-dimensional space comprising: an object adapted for
three-dimensional movement over an area comprising a perimeter,
said perimeter defined by support ropes, said support ropes
arranged to define at least a first corner, a second corner and a
third corner adjacent said perimeter; an X movement line coupled
with said object and with an X movement device; a first pulley
attached to a first location proximate to said first corner and
configured to redirect said X movement line as said X movement line
passes through said first pulley to said third corner and said X
movement device; a Y movement line coupled with said object and
with a Y movement device; a second pulley attached to a second
location proximate to said second corner and configured to redirect
said Y movement line as said Y movement line passes through said
second pulley to said third corner and said Y movement device; and
a Z movement device configured to move said X movement line and
said Y movement line in unison, said Z movement device configured
to control vertical movement of said object.
11. The system of claim 10 where said object comprises a
camera.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein said first line and said second
line are two sides of a single line.
13. The system of claim 10 where said object comprises a power
source.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein said second pulley is released
to allow for storage of said first line and said second line
15. The system of claim 10 where said object comprises a self
leveling apparatus.
16. The system of claim 10 where tension is applied to said support
rigging.
17. The system of claim 16 where said tension is applied by a
tensioning device.
18. The system of claim 10 where said X movement, said Y movement
and said Z movement of said object are controlled to avoid contact
with one or more obstructions within said three-dimensional
space.
19. A method for controlling movement of an object through
three-dimensional space comprising: arranging support ropes about
the perimeter of an area, said support ropes comprising at least a
first corner, a second corner and a third corner adjacent said
perimeter; coupling an X movement line to said object and to an X
movement device; attaching a first pulley to a first location
proximate to said first corner of said support ropes, said first
pulley configured to redirect said X movement line as said X
movement line passes through said first pulley to said third corner
and said X movement device; coupling a Y movement line to said
object and to a Y movement device; attaching a second pulley to a
second location proximate to said second corner of said support
ropes, said second pulley configured to redirect said Y movement
line as said Y movement line passes through said second pulley to
said third corner and said Y movement device; and configuring a Z
movement device to move said X movement line and said Y movement
line in unison to control vertical displacement of said object.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing video
images by a camera coupled to said object.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
application 60/893,362 filed Mar. 6, 2007 and further is a
continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/556,264
filed on Nov. 3, 2006; which is a continuation in part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/251,439, filed on Oct. 15, 2005;
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/709,944, filed on Jun. 8, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,089;
which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/708,158, filed on Feb. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,071;
which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/604,525 filed on Jul. 28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,495, the
specifications of which are incorporated herein by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a system and method for moving an
object through three-dimensional space by lines supported on a rope
assembly and is more particularly, but not by way of limitation,
directed to a system and method by which an object is controllably
moved through three-dimensional space with obstructions and limited
clearance with a adaptable rope support system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An aerial cable rail system is a system based on an elevated
cable or rope along which objects are transported. Existing cable
rail systems rely on large fixed structures or complex control
systems in order to facilitate the movement of objects. Such
systems are impractical or difficult to use in applications that
require both a steady platform during movement and do not have, or
cannot utilize, large supporting structures that would obstruct the
view of customers or fans say, for example, at an indoor sporting
event. The conventional systems typically fail to satisfactorily
achieve the full spectrum of ease of control, ease of transport,
speed and adaptability for demanding applications.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,938, an invention is disclosed in
which a camera payload can be moved within three-dimensional space.
However, this patent also shows four large support structures that
are used to support the payload in the invention. Thus, this system
does not provide adaptability to venues where such support
structures are not available or cannot be used.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,707, a system is shown in which a
robot or person can be moved within a three-dimensional space. The
payload is limited and the support structure is of a small scale.
If the structure were to be scaled up, obstacles such as
scoreboards, goal posts or light poles would inhibit the motion of
the payload through a path between two points defined within the
cube shown in this patent, since there are so many wires required
to practice the invention. Also, the invention would not appear to
allow the Z-axis to vary beneath the cube, and the size of the cube
support structure to service a large volume of space would be
extremely expensive to build on the scale required for use in
stadiums, convention centers or arenas and would obstruct views of
patrons at these events.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,189, another system is disclosed for
moving cameras in three dimensional space. The problems with the
system disclosed become apparent when the scale of the system is
enlarged. FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,189 shows how two parallel
highline cables sag inward when the payload is in the middle of the
X, Y space. Since the system does not use strong rails to support
the Y-axis rope, the weight bearing of the system is dependent upon
the strength of the building or structure in which it is mounted
and the springs in its weight bearing X-axis connectors. The motors
for the various axes are mounted up in the rigging, which would
require multiple extremely long power cables to traverse the volume
of space along with the payload if the system were modified for
outdoor use. Moreover, the size of the motors limits the payload
that can be carried, and further limits the speed at which the
payload can be carried.
[0009] Thus, a need exists for an improved system and method for
controlling movement of an object through a three-dimensional space
having obstructions and limited clearance without using close-in,
view obstructing structures to support the object and its related
equipment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a
system and method for moving an object through a three-dimensional
space using lines and a rope support system. Embodiments of the
invention, for example, may be used for sporting events, concerts
or any other activity that benefits from movement of a camera or
other object to any position within a three-dimensional space.
Further objects are directed to a system and method for moving an
object through a three-dimensional space with minimal clearances or
obstacles located in the space that are to be avoided while also
maintaining minimum heights for the object and its control lines.
Additional objects of the invention are directed to a system and
method for moving an object through a three-dimensional space
without using large support structures that can obstruct or block
views of customers particularly at sporting events. Movement of the
object using embodiments of the invention includes displacement of
the object in the horizontal X and Y directions and displacement in
the vertical or Z direction.
[0011] In one embodiment, an object is moved through a
three-dimensional space over an area by lines attached to the
object and coupled to line movement devices. Support is provided by
at least a first support rope, a second support rope and a third
support rope that are arranged about the perimeter of the area to
provide a flexible support system for the object. The support
system is adapted to enclose any area size or shape and can be
adapted so that the object and its control lines do not contact
obstructions during movement within the three-dimensional space of
interest. The lines are coupled to the object and appropriate
motorized line movement devices to displace the lines in a
direction determined by the rotation of the line movement devices.
The flexible lines are reeved through pulleys attached to the
support rope system which direct the lines to the appropriate line
movement devices. By appropriate reeving, the object can be moved
in three orthogonal directions with two lines and motorized line
movement devices so the object is controllably moved within an
entire three-dimensional space of interest. In another embodiment,
the two movement lines are connected at the Z movement device
yielding a system that is configured to move an object in three
dimensions via one line.
[0012] In one embodiment, the object includes a camera which
includes a live video camera, a wireless camera and other
electrical, mechanical and optical equipment, including a still
camera, audio recording equipment and other types of recording or
sensing devices in addition to live feed cameras used to capture
live images. In further embodiments, the object includes a power
source and may include a battery, a generator or other sources of
power as required for particular applications. In one embodiment,
the object includes a self-leveling apparatus so that in certain
uses, such as for a camera or other equipment, the object remains
substantially level during movement of the object so picture image
and quality are not adversely impacted by unwanted swaying or
unwanted movement of the camera. The self-leveling apparatus may be
active, meaning that power is utilized to actively stabilize the
camera. Conversely, the self-leveling apparatus may be passive,
meaning that non-powered dampening devices configured to provide
resistance to movement are utilized to limit or prevent swinging of
the camera.
[0013] In one embodiment, tension is applied to one or more of the
anchor ropes and thus the entire system of support ropes by a
tensioning device that is either manually operated or in one or
more embodiments, is operated by any known powered means. In an
embodiment, the movement of the object and the lines coupled to the
object is controlled to substantially avoid contact with
obstructions located within the three-dimensional space of
interest, such as, for example, a scoreboard at an indoor
arena.
[0014] In one or more embodiments, the type of line embodiments of
the invention that are utilized include synthetic rope fibers such
as, but not limited to, HMDPE (High Molecular Density Polyethylene)
fibers such as Spectra, or improved fibers such as Vectran and
include 1/8 inch Tech 12 synthetic rope. In one or more
embodiments, the support ropes are 1/4 inch Tech 12 support rope.
Other and further advantages will appear to persons skilled in the
art from the figures and description provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be more apparent from the following more particular
description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following
drawings wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of one embodiment of
the invention illustrating the support ropes and flexible
lines.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention
showing the support ropes and flexible lines.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention
illustrating an aspect of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is another top view of one embodiment of the
invention with three support ropes.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating another
embodiment of the invention showing the object and an obstruction
in the three-dimensional space.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a
corner of the support ropes.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tensioning device for
the support ropes in one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a self-leveling apparatus
and a camera used in one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
camera and a power source for the camera used in one or more
embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment employing 2
horizontal support lines from which to couple at least three anchor
points that in turn couple with the movement line(s).
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment employing 2
horizontal support lines from which to couple at least three anchor
points that in turn couple with the movement line(s).
[0027] FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective reeving diagram of the top
of the scoreboard as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] A system for movement of an object throughout a
three-dimensional space by lines and a rope support system will now
be described. Embodiments of the invention move the object
throughout a three-dimensional space by using one or two lines.
Embodiments that utilize two lines may be converted to embodiments
that utilize one line by coupling the two lines at the Z movement
device for example. As all embodiments may utilize one or two
lines, for ease of illustration the two line embodiments will be
described. The two lines are moved by rotating drum winches that
are driven by motors in one or more embodiments. One line controls
the X-axis motion of the object and the second line controls the
Y-axis motion of the object. The object is moved in the Z-axis
direction in one embodiment by rotation of a Z-axis drum winch that
controls movement of both the X-axis line and Y-axis line to raise
and lower the object. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough
description of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the invention may be
practiced without these specific details and well known features
have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the
invention. For example, in a one line embodiment, the first and
second lines that control movement in the X and Y axis are coupled
at Z movement device 84 as shown in FIG. 1 and form one line.
Although they are still termed X and Y lines in a one line
embodiment, they are simply two sides of one line.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of system
10. The three axes are shown in FIG. 1 with the X-axis, Y-axis and
Z-axis. The X-axis and Y-axis designate generally orthogonal
horizontal directions and the Z-axis designates the vertical
direction. There is no requirement that the axes be orthogonal
though so long as the sheaves supporting the two line sides are
near each other at each support. Hence, any geometry is thus
configured. In this embodiment, support rope 12, support rope 14,
support rope 16 and support rope 18 are configured to surround the
perimeter of an area of interest such as court 40 as shown in FIG.
1. Support ropes 12, 14, 16 and 18 are attached to anchor rope 20,
anchor rope 22, anchor rope 24 and anchor rope 26 as shown in FIG.
1. Support rope is another name for support line and support lines
12, 14, 16 and 18 may be rigid or flexible for example. Corners 70,
72, 74 and 76 may be weighted to keep support lines 12, 14, 16 and
18 relatively straight.
[0030] Anchor ropes 20, 22, 24 and 26 are further attached to a
selected series of anchor points 30, 32, 34 and 36 as shown
schematically in FIG. 1. Anchor points 30, 32, 34 and 36 may be
located at distant supporting structures such as support columns,
girders, and other man made or natural structural formations that
can provide sufficient support and anchorage. FIG. 1 shows four
anchor points 30, 32, 34 and 36, but it is understood and it is
within the scope of the present invention that a different number
of anchor points can be utilized and that anchor ropes 20, 22, 24
and 26 may share one or more anchor points. For three-dimensional
coverage an embodiment employing at least three anchor points
allows for non-linear three-dimensional coverage.
[0031] In one embodiment, support rope 12, support rope 14, support
rope 16 and support rope 18 are positioned in a substantially
planar configuration in the X-axis and Y-axis plane as shown in
FIG. 1. Alternative configurations, including non-planar
arrangements of the support ropes, are within the scope of the
invention. In one embodiment, support rope 12, support rope 14,
support rope 16 and support rope 18 are positioned in an
approximate Z-axis position as illustrated in FIG. 1 below the
bottom of an obstruction, which as shown in FIG. 1 is a scoreboard
42. As long as the two line sides are located near one another at
each support point any three dimensional non-planar configuration
is thus achieved since the total amount of X line and total amount
of Y line from each support point to the object being supported is
relatively equal regardless of the position of the object. For one
line embodiments, X line side and Y line side of the single support
line is hence equal between the support points, here the
corners.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, object 50 is supported by and moved in
three dimensions by two lines, X movement line 52 and Y-movement
line 54. X movement line 52 and Y-movement line 54 may be coupled
at the Z movement device to allow for a one line embodiment. FIG. 2
shows the reeving for X-movement line 52 and Y movement line 54.
X-movement line 52 moves object 50 through sheave 62 and sheave 66
and Y-movement line 54 moves object 50 through sheave 60 and sheave
64. Each of the lines 52 and 54 forms a pair of "V` shapes on
opposing sides of the object 50 when viewed from above as in FIG.
2. In one or more embodiments, object 50 provides a mobile
attachment point for cameras, video equipment, wireless
communication devices, mining scoops, logging hooks or the like,
and can be used for many different tasks that require a movable
platform.
[0033] X-movement line 52 is reeved through a series of pulleys
located as indicated in FIG. 2 at corner 70, corner 72, corner 74
and corner 76 and coupled to X-axis drum winch 80 configured to
intake line on one side and eject line on another, shown in FIG. 1
adjacent to corner 70. Y-movement line 54 is reeved through a
series of pulleys located as indicated in FIG. 2 at corner 70,
corner 72, corner 74 and corner 76 and coupled to Y-axis drum winch
82 configured to intake line on one side and eject line on another,
also shown in FIG. 1. Both X-axis drum winch 80 and Y drum winch 82
may be implemented as "bull wheels" that each move one side of line
from one side of object 50 to the other side. As the sheaves
coupled to the object being supported that are not having line
injected or extracted to them simply rotate, relatively independent
motion in the X and Y axes is achieved.
[0034] By rotating X-axis drum winch 80, object 50 can be moved in
the X direction for example, toward support rope 14 or toward
support rope 18 as shown in FIG. 2. By rotating Y-axis drum winch
82, the object 50 is moved in the Y direction for example, toward
support rope 12 or toward support rope 16 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows
movement of object 50 having been moved by X-axis drum winch 80 and
Y-axis drum winch 52 in both the X direction and Y direction from
the position of object 50 shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] In further embodiments, Z-axis drum winch 84, as shown in
FIG. 1, is coupled to both X-movement line 52 and Y-movement line
54. In the one line embodiment, Z-axis drum winch 84 also known as
the Z movement device provides a coupling point for coupling
X-movement line 52 to Y-movement line 54 either on one end (to
provide a large two ended line) or by coupling both ends of each
line to one another (to provide a large line loop with no ends). By
decreasing the length of each of the X-movement line 52 and
Y-movement line 54 in the system 10 by movement of Z-axis drum
winch 84, object 50 is moved toward scoreboard 42, or upward in the
Z-direction as shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1. By instead
increasing the length of each of X-movement line 52 and Y-movement
line 54 into system 10 by appropriate movement of Z-axis drum winch
84, object 50 can be moved toward court 40, or downward in the
Z-direction as in FIG. 1. See FIG. 12 and associated description
further in this paper regarding the X and Y shifting of line from
one side of the supported object to the other and the Z intake or
output of line for raising or lowering the object.
[0036] For purposes of this disclosure, the motor or motors and
drive pulleys that move X-axis drum winch 80, Y-axis drum winch 82
and Z-axis drum winch 84 are not shown for ease of illustration.
The parent applications incorporated by reference at the beginning
of this disclosure provide alternative reevings that may be
utilized with embodiments of the invention described herein for
example. Motors along with their associated drive pulleys and drum
winches that minimize rope wear and provide anti-derailing features
can be used to drive the lines. The motors may comprise stepping
motors or standard motors with brake systems in order to lock
motion when the motors have stopped operating. The control of the
motors for drum winches 80, 82 and 84 can be in the form of simple
switches or a computer system that takes into account the Z-axis
position of object 50 to keep object 50 in a substantially constant
Z-axis position while traversing the X-axis and or the Y-axis such
as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 shows supported object 50 moved
to the lower right corner of the drawing by injecting X support
line 52 into sheave 62 and out of sheave 66, while Y axis movement
is performed by injecting Y support line 54 into sheave 60 and out
of sheave 64. Although this description utilizes X and Y support
lines they may also be coupled together at the Z movement device to
form two line sides of a single line.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, X-movement line 52 and Y-axis
movement line 54 comprise 1/8 inch Tech 12 synthetic rope and other
line sizes, dimensions and materials are within the scope of the
invention. In other embodiments, support ropes 12, 14, 16 and 18
comprise 1/4 inch Tech 12 rope and other materials, sizes and
dimensions of lines or ropes are within the scope of the invention.
The invention is not limited to a system with a rectangular
configuration or to a set number of support ropes or anchor ropes.
The invention can be adapted to surround areas of various shapes,
including triangular embodiments as shown in FIG. 4, quadrilateral
embodiments and embodiments where the area is of an irregular shape
or is comprised of curved shapes. The anchor points for the anchor
ropes need not be positioned equidistant from each other but can be
located where sufficient anchorage can be found.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 5, object 50 can be moved over the
entire area of interest, here court 40, so that object 50,
X-movement line 52 and Y-movement line 54 do not contact an
obstruction such as the scoreboard 42 within the three-dimensional
space above the area of interest but remain under the scoreboard
42. In one or more embodiments, corner 70, corner 72, corner 74 and
corner 76 are located at a Z-axis position that is approximately
the same Z-axis position as the bottom of the scoreboard 42.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a corner such as corner 74.
In this embodiment, support rope 14 is coupled to plate 100 by
connector 106a and support rope 16 is coupled to plate 100 by
connector 106b. Plate 100 is shown in a substantially triangular
configuration, but other configurations are within the scope of the
invention. Support rope 24 is coupled to plate 100 by connector
106c. The connectors 106 are shown as generally shaped as removable
U-bolt connectors in FIG. 6 but other types of connectors known in
the art are within the scope of the invention. Support rope 24 may
be disconnected at connector 106c to allow for storage of the
support lines for quick disassembly. Alternatively, support rope 24
may be coupled with a winch to allow for releasing tension while
applying tension may be utilized to put the support rope back into
place for use, for example when a game occurs in the area beneath
the supported object. By allowing for all but one of the support
lines to disconnect or release, the remaining support lines and
movement lines may be stored near the support line that does not
release for example. Rapid storage and deployment is thus
achieved.
[0040] X-movement line 52 is reeved through sheave 102 attached to
plate 100 by shackle 108a as shown in FIG. 6. Y-movement line 54 is
reeved through sheave 104 that is secured to plate 100 by shackle
108b also as shown in FIG. 6. In one or more embodiments, sheave
102 and sheave 104 are high speed pulleys. In various embodiments,
additional sheaves are utilized at a corner where X-movement line
52 or Y-movement line 54 is reeved a multiple number of times to a
particular corner. Further, additional plates can be utilized at a
corner with multiple sheaves.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of an anchorage for the
invention. Anchor line 24 is secured to structure 120 which, in
this embodiment is a support structure component such as used for a
convention hall or arena. In one embodiment, anchor line 24 is
coupled to tensioner 122 which is then secured to structure 120. In
this embodiment, tensioner 122 is a manually operated tensioning
device. By an appropriate number of hand cranks on handle 122a of
tensioner 122, tension is imparted to anchor line 24 and also to
one or more support ropes 12, 14, 16 and 18 in system 10.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the invention that includes
camera 130 coupled to self-leveling apparatus 132. In this
embodiment, self-leveling apparatus 132 includes connector 134
which is of a "W" configuration and is attached to sheave 62 by
first shackle 140 and is attached to sheave 66 by second shackle
140. Self-leveling apparatus 132 also includes second connector 136
which is attached to sheave 60 by third shackle 140 and is attached
to sheave 64 by fourth shackle 140. Self-leveling apparatus 132 is
coupled to rod 138a which is attached to harness 138b that supports
camera 130.
[0043] During movement of self-leveling apparatus 132 by X-movement
line 52 or Y-movement line 54, apparatus 132 can pivot about
connector pin 142, for X-axis movement, and can pivot about
connector pin 144, for Y axis movement. Such pivoting motion allows
camera 130 to remain substantially level and without unwanted
swaying motion that could adversely impact picture quality from the
camera. In one or more embodiments, the weight of camera 130 aids
in maintaining the self-leveling apparatus 132 in a substantially
level arrangement by the downward or Z direction weight of camera
130.
[0044] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where camera 130 includes power
source 150. In one or more embodiments, power source 150 may
include a battery, several batteries and other power sources known
in the art for powering electrical devices and include embodiments
with a generator or other portable power source. Wireless
transceivers may also be utilized or coupled with camera 130. In
addition, sheaves 60, 62, 64 and 66 (see FIG. 8 as well) may
include generators to inductively charge power source 150 for
example a battery when line moves through the sheaves.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment employing two
support lines from which to couple at least three anchor points
that in turn couple with the movement line(s). The support lines
are horizontally configured to support line movement sheaves.
Support line 1000 for example support two sets of redirection
sheaves for redirecting X movement line and Y movement line each.
X-axis drum winch 80, here a bull wheel is utilized to shift X
movement line from the left side of the figure to the right side of
the figure and visa versa. Y-axis drum winch 82 is utilized to
shift Y movement line from the front of the figure to the back and
visa versa to allow for motion of the camera shown from the front
and back of the figure. Asserting Z movement device 84 here a winch
in one direction wherein Z movement device is coupled to both X
movement line and Y movement line (or X and Y line sides in one
line embodiments) results in vertical displacement up while
rotation of Z movement device in the other direction results in the
opposite vertical displacement.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment employing 2
horizontal support lines from which to couple at least three anchor
points that in turn couple with the movement line(s). In addition,
sheaves 1050-1053 operate identically to those of FIG. 10, wherein
line moved by a particular line movement device is injected into
one side of the camera while being extracted from the other side
results in motion towards the extracted line. Hence if X movement
line is injected into sheave 1053 and removed from 1051, then the
camera moves to the left in the figure, while line simply rolls
through sheaves 1050 and 1052. Hence there is no Y motion (motion
into our out of the written page) as the camera moves in the
X-axis.
[0047] FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective reeving diagram of the top
of the scoreboard as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Specifically, X-axis
drum winch 80 (here implemented as a bull wheel) simply redirects X
movement line from the left side of FIG. 11 to the right side and
visa versa. This is shown as the line that couples to the upper
left sheave (shown as a small circle in the top left of the
scoreboard) to X-axis drum winch 80 to the upper right sheave
(shown as a small circle in the top right of the scoreboard). This
results in X-axis movement. Movement of Y-axis drum winch 82 (here
implemented as a bull wheel) to extract line from one side of the
camera and inject line to the other side of the camera results in
Y-axis movement. For example, this is shown as the line that passes
through the right upper sheave then through Y-axis drum winch 82
then through the right lower sheave. Hence for X and Y movement,
only X and Y movement line couples to the X and Y-axis drums
respectively. However, for Z axis movement, rotation of Z movement
device 84 that is coupled to both ends of X movement line and both
ends of Y movement line results in Z-axis movement without
substantial movement of the supported object in X or Y axes. For
example, the bottom left of the scoreboard is coupled with two
sheaves that allow for both X and Y movement line to travel to Z
movement device 84 and in addition the bottom right sheave and the
left upper sheave allow for X and Y movement line respectively to
travel to and from Z movement device 84. Hence Z movement device 84
couples to two sides of X movement line and two sides of Y movement
line. Alternatively, the lines may be coupled to one another
resulting in either one longer line with two ends or if both ends
of both lines are coupled to one another, then one long looped
movement line results. Furthermore, each movement line may have its
ends coupled to its other end, resulting in one or both lines being
looped or two ended. Regardless of the coupling method at the Z
movement device, X, Y and Z movement is accomplished as previously
described.
[0048] Although the redirection sheaves at the top of the
scoreboard and the various movement devices and bull wheels are
shown coupled to the scoreboard, they may be place absolutely
anywhere available in three-dimensional space. For example, running
the lines up to a cat walk or other support structure for
collocation of the various motors, drives and movement devices is
in keeping with the spirit of the invention.
[0049] Thus, a system for movement of an object through a
three-dimensional space has been disclosed and described. While
embodiments and alternatives have been disclosed and discussed, the
invention herein is not limited to the particular disclosed
embodiments or alternatives and the invention need not include all
of the features described herein. The claims herein are what define
the metes and bounds of the invention and include the full breadth
and scope of all equivalents.
* * * * *