Motion control systems

A company based in Los Angeles that has the services of professionals of great trajectory of Latin American origin, has been given the task of creating and developing control solutions for cinematography or aerial videography. Coptervision has developed a new robotic camera system that allows independent movements on the three axes and correction with autonomous gyroscopes. The system weighs only 7 pounds, with no camera. One of the lightest and most portable that exist in the market.

The operation of the system requires three people: A film pilot who is responsible for controlling the flight to position the helicopter. A camera operator (DP: Director of Photography), who in coordination with the film pilot controls the movements of the camera and develops the shot. And finally, a telecommunications technician who is in charge of coordinating all video transmission and reception signals, in addition to providing general technical assistance. Its application ranges from grip systems, camera stabilizers and cranes to remote control heads.

The film pilot must have sufficient skill and experience to aerodynamically control the helicopter. Ideally, it is expected to have participated in international model aircraft competitions in the FAI class III category, in which extremely precise movements are required.

The camera operator (DP) generally has extensive knowledge of the film industry and has specialized training in cinematography. Coptervision offers basic system operation training through scheduled seminars and internships. An example of this are the seminars he gives in conjunction with the SOC (Society of Camera Operators) and the MVPA (Music Video Producers Association).

The telecommunications technician requires extensive knowledge of all types of signals and frequencies, and the techniques of live and simultaneous transmissions.

This company has designed a flying platform with the capacity to transport cameras of formats up to Super 35mm (S35mm). This requires ongoing research on high-tech developments to achieve low-weight aerodynamic equipment using materials such as magnesium and high-density aluminum.

"The most important thing for us is the versatility and movement control offered by the system to achieve agile and dynamic scenes. This allows you to set visual parameters that have not been performed so far. For example: The point of view of a bird," said Carlos Hoyos, Coptervision's chief operating officer.

Coptervision recently launched a new product called RemoteVision which consists of a wireless radio to remotely operate camera systems and their movements.

This system is being used in the film Champs Driver produced by Silvester Stallone, currently filming in different locations in Canada and cities such as Chicago. It is the first robotic mobile cinema camera to be installed in a trolley of these conditions (for this purpose only small lipstick video cameras have been used). In this way the operation becomes easier for cinematographers and videographers. This radio control has eight frequency channels, an image monitor, and a microwave receiver with lithium batteries that give it autonomy for all functions.

Coptervision recently presented in London, during the eighth International Conference on Unmanned Vehicles, its aerial platform that managed to stand out for its design, considered very useful for the development of new technologies in the aerospace industry such as: aerial observation, mapping, pollution analysis, among other civil and industrial uses.

According to Carlos Hoyos, "This company has proposed basic regulations to maintain a high degree of quality and safety. In this way, high standards can be demanded for the continuous development of this new technology. In London, the beginning of regulations in this field was promoted to representatives of the governments of France, Germany, England, Israel and the United States with the idea of establishing rules about the use of unmanned aerial platforms."

Coptervision is represented in the United States, Germany, Canada and Australia. It serves Latin American markets from its U.S. offices but plans to establish direct representation for the region. More information at www.coptervision.com