US3727532A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spherical camera model system
Assignee: Singer Co
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Filing: 1971-05-10
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Granted: 1973-04-17
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Expires: 1991-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A TV camera mounted on a support structure within a spherical shell to provide video signals for display. The support structure is rotatable and the camera is movably mounted thereon. Air can be applied to the interior of the shell to press a sheet of flexible material including display data against the surface of the shell.
Inventors
- 👤 G Gregory
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:53
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G09B9/02; G09B9/08; G09B9/30; G09B9/305; G03; G03B; G03B17/00; G03B17/56; G03B17/561
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A spherical camera model system adapted for connection to a source of position signals for driving a camera and probe in accordance with the simulated flight of an aircraft over terrain represented by said system, comprising: a hollow shell of generally spherical shape; a flexible sheet of material representative of said terrain mounted upon the interior surface of said shell; a support structure in the interior of said shell upon which said camera and probe is mounted; and drive means connected to said support structure, said drive means being responsive to said position signals for driving said support structure to position said camera and probe with respect to said shell to and along any one of a multiplicity of radii thereof whereby said camera and probe selectively provides video signals representative of portions of said material at selected distances therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A spherical camera model system adapted for connection to a source of position signals for driving a camera and probe in accordance with the simulated flight of an aircraft over terrain represented by said system, comprising: a hollow shell of generally spherical shape; a flexible sheet of material representative of said terrain mounted upon the interior surface of said shell; a support structure in the interior of said shell upon which said camera and probe is mounted; and drive means connected to said support structure, said drive means being responsive to said position signals for driving said support structure to position said camera and probe with respect to said shell to and along any one of a multiplicity of radii thereof whereby said camera and probe selectively provides video signals representative of portions of said material at selected distances therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 1 wherein said material is rubber and additionally comprising means connected from the outside to the inside of said shell for providing air pressure to said material whereby said material bears against the interior surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 1 wherein said material is vinyl and additionally comprising means connected from the outside to the inside of said shell for providing air pressure to said material whereby said material bears against the interior surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 1 additionally comprising a mounted model detail mounted upon said material whereby said mounted model detail may be viewed by said camera and probe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 1 wherein a painted model detail is painted upon said material whereby said painted model detail may be viewed by said camera and probe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 4 wherein said mounted model detail is comprised of a solid disc which is representative of an airport.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
A spherical camera model system according to claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises; a vertical member mounted along a central vertical axis of said shell for rotation about the axis with respect to said frame. a horizontal member pivotally mounted on said vertical member substantially at the center thereof, said camera and probe mounted for motion along said horizontal member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A spherical model system according to claim 1 additionally comprising a sky shield and artificial horizon means connected to said camera and probe whereby said camera and probe provides video signals representative of a scene properly cut off at the horizon.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |