Camera light

Abstract

A camera light assembly (100) includes a camera assembly (102) and a marker light assembly (111). The camera assembly (102) includes a body (104) and a lens (108) positioned at a forward portion of the body (104). The marker light assembly (111) includes a light housing (112) having an aperture (118) extending therethrough. The body (104) of the camera assembly (102) is elongated and is received within the aperture (118) of the light housing (112) of the marker light assembly (111). Camera lock rings (126, 128) are utilized to releasably secure the camera assembly (102) to the marker light assembly (111).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 952,106 filed Jul. 26, 2007.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]The invention relates to camera systems which may be adapted for various uses and, more particularly, camera systems with means for providing illumination.[0006]2. Background Art[0007]As vehicles have become relatively more sophisticated, substantial development work has occurred with respect to safety features for vehicles. For example, one problem which has existed for a substantial period of time relates to the capability of a driver to maneuver a vehicle relative to external obstacles. For this reason, side and rear view mirrors have been in use for a number of years. However, dependent upon the type, size and overall shape o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a camera light assembly that allows a user to see what the camera is looking at. It includes a camera and a marker light that provides illumination for the camera. The camera is attached to the marker light and is powered by its own electrical circuit. The marker light also has its own electrical circuit to power it. The camera and marker light can communicate with each other through the camera's electrical circuit. The marker light has an aperture to hold the camera and can be easily attached and detached from the camera. The technical effect of this invention is that it allows users to see what the camera is looking at from a distance."

Problems solved by technology

For example, one problem which has existed for a substantial period of time relates to the capability of a driver to maneuver a vehicle relative to external obstacles.

However, dependent upon the type, size and overall shape of a vehicle, mirrors having image surfaces visual to a driver often cannot “pick up” images of obstacles presenting safety concerns for the driver.

It should also be noted that mirrors provide less than optimum vehicular security systems.

For example, mirrors mounted on a truck do not provide the truck driver with an unobstructed view of the area immediately adjacent the rear door of the truck.

The driver may then not be able to tell when unauthorized individuals are approaching the rear door so as to tamper with the truck or the like.

Mirrors on recreational vehicles likewise are inadequate for occupants attempting to monitor suspicious activity outside the vehicles.

Several problems exist with respect to known types of video cameras which operate in real time.

For example, one difficulty relates to illumination.

That is, the area behind a vehicle or the like may not have sufficient illumination so as to provide an image to the driver or other user.

With the lack of sufficient illumination, images may not be sufficiently visible so as to be recognizable with respect to both brightness and resolution.

However, even with this advantageous concept, difficulty can exist with respect to actual and physically realizable apparatus having cameras and illumination means associated therewith.

For example, incorporating illumination apparatus and electronics with a camera can result in a relatively complex structure.

Such a structure may be difficult and relatively expensive to manufacture.

Still further, if a camera is essentially manufactured in a manner so that it is mechanically and electrically “integral” with the illumination means, additional problems can exist.

As an example, if electrical components associated with the illumination means fail, and the camera has been constructed as an integral part of the illumination means, then the resulting apparatus is likely expensive, both with respect to initial costs and with respect to replacement.

That is, an electrical defect associated with the illumination means would require replacement of both the illumination means and the camera.

That is, with an integral electronic structure, defects or failures associated with the camera may correspondingly require replacement of an entire unit consisting of both the camera and the illumination means.

In addition, not only electrical defects or failures may occur, but mechanical defects or mechanical damage may also occur.

If the camera is essentially mechanically integral with the mechanical structure of the illumination means, mechanical damage or defects to either the camera or the illumination means may require replacement of an entire unit consisting of the combination of the camera and illumination means.

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