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.

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.