A system is disclosed for using camera attitude sensors with a camera. A camera
assembly includes a tripod base, a tripod head interface mounted on the tripod
base, a tripod head mounted on the tripod head interface and a camera mounted on
the tripod head. The tripod head enables the camera to pan and tilt. The system
also includes a first optical encoder for detecting the amount that the camera
has been panned and a second optical encoder for detecting the amount that the
camera has been tilted. Two inclinometers are mounted on the tripod head interface
to measure attitude of the tripod head. Two gyroscopes ("gyros") are mounted on
the camera assembly. Data from the encoders, gyros and inclinometers are packaged
and sent to graphics production equipment to be used for enhancing video captured
by the camera.