John E Borden

Author:

John Borden

ISBN #:

0811731405

Author:

John P. Borden

ISBN #:

0595256104

Author:

John P. Borden

ISBN #:

0595652107

US Patent:

58571191, Jan 5, 1999

Filed:

Dec 4, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/760045

Inventors:

John Borden - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G03B 1500

US Classification:

396 5

Abstract:

An object photographer and corresponding method are disclosed that enable the capturing images of an object for later electronic stitching. The photographer has an object stand, which rotates the object to be photographed, and a camera frame, which supports a camera to swing through an arc around the object. To facilitate stitching, the height of the object stand is adjustable so that the object coincides with an axis of rotation of the camera frame. Further, the camera is preferably mounted on an adjustable bracket to enable adjustments in the height of the camera relative to the camera frame. At least one counter weight mechanism is preferably used to balance the camera frame for smooth pivoting motion.

US Patent:

57521131, May 12, 1998

Filed:

Dec 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/577292

Inventors:

John Borden - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G03B 2900

US Classification:

396428

Abstract:

Systems, particularly cameras and mounts, for capturing images of a panorama to allow the combination of the images into a continuous image are disclosed. In particular the invention is directed to mounts that rotate image capturing devices such that the images may be electronically stitched together. One such mount includes a base, which can be held on a tripod, and a frame rotatably connected to the base for supporting an image capturing device. Usually, such image capturing device is a chemical-film or digital camera. In some applications, a video camera will be useful of photographing a panorama at high speed. The mount has a rotational advance system that enables the rotation of the frame through discrete angles through 360. degree. The frame may have a fordable arm for carrying an image capturing device in both a portrait and landscape orientation. High speed systems are also disclosed that use controllers to coordinate the rotation of the base with a timing of the images captured by the image capturing device to enable stitching of the images into a coherent panorama.