US20030234330A1

US20030234330A1 - Mount for supporting a camera and a mirrored optic

Info

Publication number: US20030234330A1
Application number: US10/337,710
Authority: US
Inventors: James Anders
Original assignee: Kaidan Inc
Current assignee: Kaidan Inc
Priority date: 2002-01-07
Filing date: 2003-01-07
Publication date: 2003-12-25

Abstract

A mount for supporting a camera having a lens with a first optical axis includes a plate configured for attachment to the camera. The first optical axis passes through the plate. A platform through which light may pass has first and second sides, the second side being opposite the first side. The first side of the platform is spaced from the plate and positioned such that the first optical axis passes therethrough. A support rod has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The first end is attached to the second side of the platform such that the longitudinal axis and first optical axis are generally aligned. An optic having a reflective surface and a second optical axis is attached to the second end of the support rod such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/346,331, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a device supporting an object to be photographed, and more specifically to a device which supports and properly orients an object relative to a camera taking the photograph. In many situations, it is desired to have a panoramic photograph of an object, room or scene. Such a panoramic image might be utilized in a computer screen or internet website display to provide as full and detailed a picture as possible. Thus, the device and/or method of capturing the panoramic image for use and application to a variety of settings (such as a computer) is critical. One such way of capturing such a panoramic image is to take a photograph of an inverted optical mirror. For example, such a mirror may be mounted on a ceiling with the optical portion, or reflective surface facing downward such that a person standing directly under the mirror looking upward at it would have a 360° distorted view of the entire room reflected in the mirror. By taking a picture of the image as seen in the optical mirror, the 360° image of the room can be captured. Through software the distortion can be removed from the 360° image and the image of the room seen in the mirror can be converted into a single, panoramic picture for use with a computer. Such a mirror, having a generally parabolic shape, has been built by Eyesee360.com of 50 Standish Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pa., hereinafter referred to as a mirrored optic. A mirrored optic 60 is shown in FIG. 1. The mirrored optic 60 has been designed to capture a certain image of its surroundings and is described by a specific mathematical equation to resemble a parabola, although not a true parabola. The mirrored optic 60 make take on other shapes (i.e., described in different mathematical manners) to achieve different desired views or images, and be processed using correspondingly different software.

One problem, however, is how to mount, hold, and/or orient such an optic in relation to the camera taking the picture of the image seen in the reflective surface. The supporting structure must be such that little or no portion of the supporting structure is seen in the picture of the image in the mirror. Portions of the supporting structure (or any other obstruction) visible in the picture are undesirable since the imaging software which converts the captured image into a horizontal, panoramic display, will be unable to remove such errors. That is, the software is capable of removing distortions resulting from the curvature of the reflective surface of the mirrored optic, but cannot remove objects which form part of the picture itself. Thus, it is the goal of this invention to design and construct a mounting device for a mirrored optic such that the final viewable image of the mirrored optic is minimally affected by the mounting device itself.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is a mount for supporting a camera having a lens with a first optical axis. The mount includes a plate configured for attachment to the camera, such that the first optical axis passes through the plate. A platform through which light may pass has first and second sides, with the second side opposite the first side. The first side of the platform is spaced from the plate and positioned such that the first optical axis passes through the platform. A support rod has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The first end is attached to the second side of the platform such that the longitudinal axis and first optical axis are generally aligned. An optic having a reflective surface and a second optical axis is attached to the second end of the support rod, such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

In another aspect, the present invention is a mount for supporting a camera having a lens with a first optical axis. The mount includes a platform through which light may pass. The platform has first and second sides, with the second side opposite the first side. The first side of the platform is spaced from the camera and positioned such that the first optical axis passes through the platform. A support rod has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The first end is attached to the second side of the platform such that the longitudinal axis and first optical axis are generally aligned. An optic have a reflective surface and a second optical axis is attached to the second end of the support rod, such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

In another aspect, the present invention is a mount for supporting a camera having a lens with a first optical axis. The mount includes a lower bracket configured for attachment to the camera, such that the first optical axis passes through the lower bracket. An upper bracket is spaced from the lower bracket and positioned such that the first optical axis passes through the upper bracket. The upper bracket has a bottom side. An optic having a reflective surface and a second optical axis is attached to the bottom side of the upper bracket, such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. [0007]
In the drawings: [0008]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mount for a camera according a first embodiment of the present invention; [0009]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side view of the mount shown in FIG. 1; [0010]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an optical support in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; [0011]
FIG. 4 is a bottom view photograph of the mirrored optic mounted to the optical support shown in FIG. 3; [0012]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optical support in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; and [0013]
FIG. 6 is a bottom view photograph of the mirrored optic mounted to the optical support shown in FIG. 5.[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions towards and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the mount and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. [0015]
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. [0016] 1-2 a preferred embodiment of a support mount, generally designated 10, in accordance with the present invention. The mount 10 is for supporting a camera 50 having a lens 52 and a lens housing 54. A first optical axis 56 passes through the center of the lens 52. Cameras and their lenses are well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and, therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted for purposes of convenience only and is not limiting.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the [0017] mount 10 includes an adjustable support 12. The adjustable support 12 preferably includes a base portion, or foot 14 for resting on a horizontal surface (not shown). The foot 14 includes apertures 14 a for receiving one or more fasteners (not shown) to firmly secure the foot 14 to the horizontal surface thereby preventing the mount 10 from falling on its side. A support leg 16 extends generally vertically upward from one end of the foot 14. The support leg 16 extends through a bracket 18 which is slidable up and down the length of the support leg 16. The bracket 18 includes one or more fasteners, preferably screws 17, such that the bracket 18 may be secured in a desired vertical position along the support leg 16 by friction. The fastener alternatively may be, for example, a clip, clamp or any other fastening device generally known to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The camera 50 is releasably attached to the bracket 18 in a manner generally known to those skilled in the art, such as with a thumb screw (not shown) extending through one of the slots 18 a on the bracket 18, such that the camera 50 may be positioned in a desired vertical position along the support leg 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the bracket 18 may also be constructed so that the camera 50, once mounted to the bracket 18, is rotatable with respect to the bracket 18, or so that the bracket 18 is rotatable about the support leg 16 (not shown). The bracket 18 could also be permanently secured in a single position on the support leg 16 (not shown).
An [0018] upper support ring 20 extends generally horizontally from the top of the support leg 16 in a cantilever fashion. The support ring 20 is preferably generally oval in shape, such that an optical support 24 (discussed in greater detail below) is supported by the support ring 20 and is slidable along the length of the support ring 20. The support ring 20 includes a plurality of lightening holes 25 spaced equidistantly around the perimeter of the support ring 20 to reduce the weight of the support ring 20 on the adjustable support 12.
The [0019] adjustable support 12 and the parts thereof (i.e., the foot 14, the support leg 16, the bracket 18 and the support ring 20) are made of any material generally known in the art, such as aluminum, so that the adjustable support 12 is capable of supporting the weight of the camera 50 and the optical support 24.
Still referring to FIGS. [0020] 1-2, the optical support 24 includes a mounting plate 26. The mounting plate 26 includes an aperture 28 having a diameter large enough such that the lens 52 is able to see through the plate 26 when the aperture 28 is at least partially aligned with the first optical axis 56. When the aperture 28 is centered about the first optical axis 56 of the lens 52, the full portion of the lens 52 is preferably able to see through the plate 26. The mounting plate 26 is configured to slidably fit onto the support ring 20 of the adjustable support 12. The plate 26 may be secured to the support ring 20 in a desired horizontal position using the attachment nut 30. The attachment nut 30 is threaded and screws into the threaded inner portion (not shown) of the plate 26, such that the support ring 20 is squeezed between the attachment nut 30 and the plate 26 to prevent the plate 26 from sliding along the support ring 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the plate 26 may be fastened to the support ring 20 by other means generally known in the art.
The [0021] optical support 24 further includes a disk-shaped platform 32. The platform 32 is spaced from the mounting plate 26 such that the first optical axis 56 passes through the platform 32. The platform 32 includes first and second sides 34, 36, respectively, the second side 36 being opposite the first side 34. The platform 32 is supported from the first side 34 by one or more equidistantly spaced support posts 38 extending upwardly from the mounting plate 26. The support posts 38 are all of generally equal length, such that the platform 32 is level when mounted to the support posts 38. The support posts 38 are made of plastic, but may be made of aluminum or any other suitable material. The platform 32 is attached to the support posts 38 by means of a screw 39 placed in each support post 38 from the second side 36 of the platform 32, or by any other means to similarly secure the platform 32 to the support posts 38. The support posts 38 are similarly attached to the mounting plate 26 using screws 38 a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the platform 32 may be supported by an infinite number of support posts 38 or, for example, a cylindrical tube attached to the mounting plate 26, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment, the [0022] platform 32 and the mounting plate 26 are circular in shape having approximately the same diameters. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the platform 32 may be any shape and/or size so long as it is able to be supported by the mounting plate 26. The platform 32 is preferably comprised of optically clear material (such as optical grade polycarbonate), but may also be comprised of glass, plastic or any other material through which light may pass. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the more transparent the platform 32, the less distorted that an image seen by the lens 52 will be when taking a picture through the platform 32. The platform 32 may be of any thickness so long as the platform can support the weight of the structure mounted to it. The platform 32 is preferably a set distance, X, away from the mounting plate 26 (see FIG. 1).
The [0023] optical support 24 further includes a support rod 40 having first and second ends 42, 44, respectively, extending upwardly from the second side 36 of the platform 32. The support rod 40 has a longitudinal axis 46. As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 42 of the support rod 40 attaches to the second side 36 of the platform 32, preferably with a screw 40 a inserted into the support rod 40 from the first side 34, such that the longitudinal axis 46 and the first optical axis 56 are generally aligned. The support rod 40 is made of aluminum, but may be made of plastic or any other suitable material.
The [0024] optical support 24 supports the mirrored optic 60 at its distal end. The mirrored optic 60 includes a reflective surface 62 and a second optical axis 64. The mirrored optic 60 is preferably generally parabolic in shape to capture the desired 360° image. However, other shapes could be used, depending on the desired image to be photographed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The mirrored optic 60 is attached to the second end 44 of the support rod 40, such that the reflective surface 62 faces the lens 52 of the camera 50. The second end 44 of the support rod 40 attaches to the mirrored optic 60 at the apex of the parabolic shape. The reflective surface 62 of the mirrored optic 60 has a hole at its apex, through which the second end 44 of the support rod 40 passes. The second end 44 is threaded and extends through an aperture at the apex of the mirrored optic 60. The second end 44 is removeably attached to the interior surface 63 of the mirrored optic 60 by a nut 67 (see FIG. 2) to secure the support rod 40 to the mirrored optic 60. The support rod 40 may also be attached to the mirrored optic 60 by other means such as a clip or snap fitting. In the preferred embodiment the mirrored optic 60 rests on a shoulder 68 formed on the second end 44 of the support rod 40. Absence of the shoulder 68 on the support rod 40 does not preclude attachment to the mirrored optic 60. The support rod 40 is situated such that the apex of the mirrored optic 60 is supported at a distance, H, away from the platform 32 and a desired distance, D, away from the mounting plate 26.
The second [0025] optical axis 64 of the mirrored optic 60 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 46 of the support rod 40, thereby aligning the second optical axis 64 of the mirrored optic 60 with the first optical axis 56 of the lens 52. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the support rod 40 is positioned and dimensioned such that, when the camera 50 is attached to the mount 10 and the lens 52 is looking through the mounting plate 26 and the platform 32, the lens 52 is able to see a majority of the reflective surface 62 of the mirrored optic 60. That is, the larger a cross section that the support rod 40 has, the greater the portion of the view that the lens 52 sees will be obscured by the support rod 40 in the picture, thereby restricting the amount of the image reflected in the mirrored optic 60 that is photographed. Thus, it is preferred that the cross section of the support rod 40 be minimized to permit the maximum view of the mirrored optic 60.
In operation, the [0026] optical support 24 preferably sits on the support ring 20 and is moved to the desired horizontal position, such that the second optical axis 64 aligns with the first optical axis 56 of the lens 52. The mounting plate 26 is then secured to the support ring 20 using the attachment nut 30. The camera 50 is then vertically and horizontally adjusted along the support leg 16 using the bracket 18 and secured in the desired position. Use of the adjustable support 12 thus allows for cameras of different shapes and sizes to be used with the optical support 24, while still ensuring that the first and second optical axes 56, 64 will be aligned for proper photographing of the reflective surface 62 of the mirrored optic 60. The mirrored optic 60 is thus easily aligned with the lens 52 of the camera 50, oriented in the proper direction and set at a known distance D away from the mounting plate 26.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the total distance Y from the [0027] lens 52 to the apex of the mirrored optic 60 depends on several factors, including the type of camera 50, the camera lens 52 and the exact mathematical description of the mirrored optic 60. Thus, the distance Y is different for a different camera lens 52 or mirrored optic 60. One advantage of using the optical support 24 is that the distance D is pre-set, thereby allowing the distance Y to be set simply by adjusting the vertical height of the camera 50 on the adjustable support 12. For a given distance D, however, it theoretically does not matter how that distance is distributed between H (the distance from the top of the platform 32 to the apex of the mirrored optic 60) and X (the distance from the top of the platform 32 to the mounting plate 26), since the camera 50 itself can be moved vertically on the adjustable support 12 to achieve the appropriate distance from the reflective surface 62 for an accurate photograph of the image seen in the reflective surface 62. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the support posts 38 and the support rod 40 have lengths such that X is approximately twice as large as H. This ratio of X to H has the advantage of minimizing the visible obstruction of the support rod 40, while providing sufficient structural support for the mirrored optic 60. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the distance X could be significantly greater than twice H. This ratio has the advantage of moving the support rod 40 farther away from the camera lens 52 (for the same distance Y), thereby making the visible obstruction of the support rod 40 in the picture smaller. However, a larger value of X also means that the total mass of the optical support 24 will change (because of the different size of the supporting members) and that a majority of that total mass will be further away from the plate 26, thereby requiring stronger supporting materials. The converse is true if the distance H is made significantly larger than or equal to X. Thus, the distance D may be distributed depending on the desired effects of the total mass of the optical support 24, the proportion of that mass farthest away from the camera 50 and the acceptable visible size of the support rod 40 in the picture.
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a [0028] mount 110 according to the present invention. The second embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment. Only the differences between the first and second embodiments are described below for convenience only. Elements which are substantially similar have been previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-2 are labeled with the same reference numerals used in describing the mount 110. The mount 110 includes an optical support 124, which is generally the same as the optical support 24 used with the mount 10. The mounting plate 126 of the optical support 124 is configured for direct attachment to the camera 150. In such a configuration, the aperture 128 of the plate 126 is preferably large enough to fit over the upward pointing lens housing (not shown) of the camera 150. The mounting plate 126 is preferably attached to the camera 150 by means of a lens attachment nut 130 which screws onto the lens housing of the camera 150 over the top of the mounting plate 126. The camera 150 is one which has an upward pointing lens, but requiring, however, no other special features or functions. Alternatively, the optical support 124 could be constructed as part of the camera 150 itself, and not as a separate attachment, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the camera 150 may itself be attached to a tripod 151 or other camera support device generally known in the art.
When configured as shown in FIG. 3, the [0029] platform 32 is a set distance X from the mounting plate 126, and is therefore also the distance X away from the lens (not shown) of the camera 150. Accordingly, the mirrored optic 60 is automatically aligned with the lens of the camera 150 and set at a known distance D away from the lens. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 the total distance Y is equal to the distance D. Thus, similar dimensional considerations apply to the optical support 124 as discussed with respect to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 4 is a sample photograph of a picture taken by the [0030] camera 150 of an image displayed on the mirrored optic 60 using the optical support 24. In the upper left and right hand corners of FIG. 4 the support posts 38 are seen. In the center of FIG. 4 is the mirrored optic 60 with the distorted image seen in the reflective surface 62. In the direct center of the mirrored optic 60, the support rod 40 is visible. The support rod 40 is visible because the camera 150 views the mirrored optic 60 through the platform 32 directly upward, including the support rod 40. The fact that the support rod 40 is visible is of minor concern since the image of the mirrored optic 60 will be used to form a flat panoramic image after the distortion is removed. No other portion of the optical support 24 interferes with the image of the mirrored optic 60 in FIG. 4. The photograph shown in FIG. 4 is similar to an image that is seen when using the mount 10 with the optical support 24 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-2.
One problem with the style of [0031] optical supports 24, 124 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is that the camera lens 52 (and hence the picture taken by the camera 50, 150) looks through the platform 32 to view the mirrored optic 60. Thus, in addition to the presence of the support rod 40, the platform 32 itself adds a potential source of interference or distortion when taking the picture, depending on the clarity of the material used.
There is shown in FIG. 5 a third embodiment of a [0032] mount 210 according to the present invention. The mount 210 includes an optical support 224 which can be used with an adjustable support 12 similar to that shown in FIG. 1, or by direct attachment to a camera and/or other camera support device similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3. Therefore, FIG. 5 only shows the optical support 224 which is used with the mount 210. Elements which are similar to and have been previously described with respect to those elements in FIGS. 1-4 are labeled with the same reference numerals in describing the mount 210.
The [0033] optical support 224 of the mount 210 includes a lower annular bracket 227 configured for mounting to the camera 50 using the support ring 20 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the optical mount 224 may be attached to the camera 150 by mounting the lower bracket 227 to the mounting plate 126 (which is attached to the camera 150 using the attachment nut 130) using the screw holes 229 or may be directly attached to the camera 150 by any other means generally known in the art. The lower bracket 227 is attached such that the first optical axis 56 of the camera lens (not shown) passes through the lower bracket 227.
An upper [0034] annular bracket 232 is spaced from the lower bracket 227 and positioned such that the first optical axis 56 passes through the upper bracket 232. The upper bracket 232 includes a bottom side 234 and is supported from the bottom side 234 by one or more support legs 238 extending from the lower bracket 238. A generally hat-shaped insert 270 resides within the upper bracket 232. The brim 272 of the insert 270 contacts the top of the upper bracket 232 and is secured to the upper bracket 232 by screws (not shown) inserted through the brim 272 and the upper bracket 232 and fastened to the bottom side 234 using the nuts 274. The dome 276 of the insert 270 descends downwardly through the opening in the upper bracket 232, and is configured such that the mirrored optic 60 is attached thereto. The base 66 of the mirrored optic 60 is attached to the dome 276 using screws (not shown), glue or any other means generally known in the art, such that the reflective surface 62 of the mirrored optic 60 faces the camera lens and the second optical axis 64 aligns with the first optical axis 56. The support legs 238 are shaped and positioned such that the camera lens sees a majority of the reflective surface 62 of the mirrored optic 60 when the camera 50, 150 is attached to the lower bracket 227. The legs 238 are configured such that, when the mirrored optic 60 is attached to the dome 276, the apex of the mirrored optic 60 is generally even with the elbow 239 in each leg 238. The optical support 224 may be made of aluminum, a strong plastic or any other similar material capable of bearing the necessary weight of the mirrored optic 60.
The operation of the [0035] mount 210 is similar to that of the mount 10, 110 of FIGS. 1-3, in that the optical support 224 may be used with the adjustable support 12, the mounting plate 126 or alone for direct mounting on a camera. The mirrored optic 60 is also substantially similar to that described above and used with the optical support 24, 124, and may also be customized depending on the desired photographic results. Similar advantages and disadvantages also apply as discussed above with respect to the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 1-3. A major difference in the mount 210 is that use of the optical support 224 does not require the camera 50, 150 to take the picture of the mirrored optic 60 through any additional material, such as the platform 32 of the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 1-3. However, as seen in FIG. 6 (which shows a sample photograph of a picture taken by the camera 150 of an image displayed on the mirrored optic 60 using the optical support 224), one trade-off to using the mount 210 is that the support legs 238 are seen in the picture of the mirrored optic 60. All three support legs 238 are visible, which may be undesirable since the software will be unable to remove the distortions and errors caused by the visibility of the support legs 238 in the photograph.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0036]

Claims

I claim:

1. A mount for supporting a camera having a lens, the lens having a first optical axis, the mount comprising:

a plate configured for attachment to the camera such that the first optical axis passes through the plate;

a platform through which light may pass, the platform having first and second sides, the second side being opposite the first side, the first side of the platform being spaced from the plate and positioned such that the first optical axis passes therethrough;

a support rod having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis, the first end being attached to the second side of the platform such that the longitudinal axis and first optical axis are generally aligned; and

an optic having a reflective surface and a second optical axis, the optic being attached to the second end of the support rod such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

2. The mount of claim 1 wherein the platform is optically clear.

3. The mount of claim 1 further including at least one support post extending between the plate and the first side of the platform to support the platform with respect to the plate.

4. The mount of claim 1 wherein the support rod is dimensioned to allow the lens to see at least a majority of the reflective surface when a camera is attached to the plate.

5. The mount of claim 1 wherein the plate is attached to the camera using an attachment nut.

6. The mount of claim 1 wherein the second end of the support rod passes through the reflective surface of the optic and attaches to an inner surface of the optic.

7. The mount of claim 1 wherein the optic is generally parabolic in shape.

8. The mount of claim 1 wherein the plate is adjustably mounted to the camera to permit the plate to move with respect to the camera with at least two degrees of freedom.

9. A mount for supporting a camera having a lens, the lens having a first optical axis, the mount comprising:

a platform through which light may pass, the platform having first and second sides, the second side being opposite the first side, the first side of the platform being spaced from the camera such that the first optical axis passes therethrough;

an optic have a reflective surface and a second optical axis, the optic being attached to the second end of the support rod such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

10. The mount of claim 9 wherein the platform is optically clear.

11. The mount of claim 9 wherein the support rod is dimensioned to allow the lens to see at least a majority of the reflective surface when a camera is attached to the platform.

12. The mount of claim 9 wherein the optic is generally parabolic in shape.

13. A mount for supporting a camera having a lens, the optic having a first optical axis, the mount comprising:

a lower bracket configured for attachment to the camera, such that the first optical axis passes through the lower bracket;

an upper bracket spaced from the lower bracket and positioned such that the first optical axis passes therethrough, the upper bracket having a bottom side; and

an optic having a reflective surface and a second optical axis, the optic being attached to the bottom side of the upper bracket, such that the reflective surface faces the lens and the second optical axis is aligned with the first optical axis.

14. The mount of claim 13 further including at least one support leg extending between the lower bracket and the upper bracket to support the upper bracket with respect to the lower bracket.

15. The mount of claim 13 wherein the lower bracket is attached to the camera using screws.

16. The mount of claim 13 wherein a base portion of the optic attaches to the bottom side of the upper bracket.

17. The mount of claim 13 wherein the optic is generally parabolic in shape.

18. The mount of claim 13 wherein the lower bracket is adjustably mounted to the camera to permit the plate to move with respect to the camera with at least two degrees of freedom.

19. The mount of claim 13 wherein the at least one support leg is dimensioned to allow the lens to see at least a majority of the reflective surface when a camera is attached to the lower bracket.