Configuring a portable digital video camera for remote image acquisition control and viewing

Abstract

The wearable digital video camera (10) is equipped with a wireless connection protocol and global navigation and positioning system technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. An open wireless technology standard protocol (400) based on Bluetooth packets is preferably used to provide control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera, and to access image content stored on the digital video camera, or image content streamed from the digital video camera. GPS technology (402) is preferably used to track the location of the digital video camera as it records image information. A swivel mount (300) with a locking member (330) on the camera housing (22) allows the pointing angle of the wearable digital video camera to be adjusted when it is attached to a mounting surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 2019102971351, application date September 13, 2011, and invention name “Portable digital video camera configured for remote image acquisition control and viewing”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to point-of-view (POV) cameras or camcorders, and more particularly, to integrated hands-free, POV action sports cameras or camcorders configured for remote image acquisition control and viewing. Background Art

[0003] First-person cameras are a relatively new product category that have become popular for extreme sports enthusiasts to capture POV video in a hands-free manner. Conventional first-person cameras primarily include a lens that must be tethered to a separate digital video recorder or camcorder. FIGS. 1A and 1B present diagrams of prior art first-person cameras that require a tethered lens approach to capture first-person video recordings. FIG. 1A presents a Twenty20 TM Device, FIG1B presents the Viosport TM FIG1C and FIG1D present an illustration of a prior art camera tethered to a camcorder for implementing a tethered lens method to capture first-person video recording. FIG1C and FIG1D present an illustration of a Samsung TM (Samsung TM )equipment.

[0004] These products are generally not hands-free, and consumers have developed their own unique mounting techniques to allow for "hands-free" video recording of extreme sports activities. FIG. 1E presents an illustration of a tethered camera that attempts to facilitate hands-free POV video recording. FIG. 1E presents a Blackeye TM These recent devices attempt to eliminate the tethered cable by transmitting image data from a "tethered" camera to a separate camcorder via IR signals.

[0005] Recently, integrated hands-free, POV extreme sports cameras have become available. Figures 2A and 2B present diagrams of two prior art products that implement integrated solutions for first-person video recording. These products are still in their infancy and can be difficult to use well. Summary of the invention

[0006] Preferred embodiments of portable digital video cameras or camcorders (hereinafter collectively referred to as "video cameras") are equipped with global positioning system (GPS) technology for data acquisition and wireless connection protocols to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. Wireless connection protocols, such as those based on Packet-based, open wireless technology standard protocols are used to provide control signals or streaming data to wearable video cameras and to access image content stored on or streamed from wearable video cameras. Intelligent frame analysis of image content enables optimization of picture settings for one or more cameras simultaneously for multi-angle and three-dimensional video. A GPS receiver integrated into the video camera enables tracking of the location of the video camera as it acquires image information. The GPS receiver enables location to be captured periodically every few seconds with high accuracy for video compilation and mapping. Including GPS technology introduces a new level of context to any video, making location, speed, time and surrounding conditions as important as the recorded scene. GPS functionality makes it easier to capture video in action and share it online in a short time. For example, a user can view a landscape stretching along any mountain range while tracking progress, speed and elevation on a map. GPS data, as well as high-definition video images, can be easily edited to organize video content, configure cameras and publish online stories.

[0007] Customization of the GPS ground plane and electrical coupling to the camera's housing or other metal improves reception and performance. The ground plane is maximized by coupling it to the aluminum housing that houses the camera. The result is higher antenna gain and resulting enhanced signal reception when the video camera is mounted in multiple locations.

[0008] The video camera is configured with a signal path that allows a separate signal security module to be provided for use with only those applications that require a separate security module. iPhone TM The security module is packaged separately in the form of a small Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

[0009] Simplified mounting of a wearable video camera is accomplished by rotating the horizon 180° so that the video camera can be mounted completely upside down while the picture is held in the correct orientation. The rotation of the horizon can be accomplished electrically or mechanically. A swivel mount with a locking feature that allows the angle of the camera to be adjusted when attached to the mounting surface uses adhesive, straps, or other attachment options. The camera housing is equipped with a scissor spring to help move the slide switch activator over a longer range of travel. The user wearing the camera uses the slide switch activator to initiate video image recording.

[0010] A portable digital video camera includes a camera housing and a lens.

[0011] Some embodiments of the portable digital video camera include an integrated hands-free POV action sports digital video camera.

[0012] Some embodiments of a portable digital video camera or an integrated hands-free POV action sports digital video camera include an image sensor for capturing image data.

[0013] Some embodiments of the portable digital video camera or the integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera include a manual horizon adjustment control for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane recorded by the image sensor relative to a housing plane of the camera housing.

[0014] Some embodiments of a portable digital video camera or an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera include a laser alignment system having one or more laser sources capable of projecting light emissions to define a horizontal projection axis coordinated with the orientation of a horizontal image plane.

[0015] Some embodiments of a portable digital video camera or an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera include a microphone and a manually operable switch for controlling one or both of audio and video data capture operations, the switch having an activator that covers the microphone whenever the switch is in the OFF position.

[0016] Some embodiments of the portable digital video camera or integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera include a "quick release" mounting system that can be used in conjunction with a laser alignment system to adjust the image capture orientation for pitch, yaw, and roll.

[0017]

[0013] With continued reference to the accompanying drawings, additional aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] 1A , 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E constitute a set of views of five prior art products that implement a tethered lens approach to capturing first-person video recordings.

[0019] 2A and 2B constitute a set of illustrations of two prior art products implementing an integrated solution for first-person video recording.

[0020] Figure 3A , 3B , 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F are respectively a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, a side view, a front view, a back view and a top view of an embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital camera.

[0021] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital camera showing alternative positioning of the switch and representative alternative rotations of the rotary horizontal adjustment control.

[0022] Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital camera illustrating a representative alternative number of guide rail cavities and optional brakes within the guide rail cavities.

[0023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV action sports digital video camera.

[0024] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the mechanical components of one embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera.

[0025] Figure 7 An exploded view of the optical and mechanical components of the integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera.

[0026] Fig. 8A and 8B yes Figure 7 Partial cross-sectional views of the lens system of a camera, showing a standard lens and a standard lens equipped with a lens filter, respectively.

[0027] Fig. 9 A partially exploded view of the versatile mounting system showing the ease of adjusting the camera mounting orientation and removing the camera while maintaining the mounting orientation.

[0028] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a standard installation using a rail plug with two rails and two brakes.

[0029] Fig.11A , 11B 11C and 11D are respectively the back view, front view, side view and top view of the multi-functional mounting system, which shows that by using Fig.10 The standard mounting parts shown in Figures 3A-3E The connectable relationship between cameras.

[0030] Fig.12 is a perspective view of an alternative mount utilizing two mounting rails and two brakes.

[0031] Fig.13A Is adopted Fig.12 Front perspective view of an installed pole mounting system.

[0032] Fig. 13B and 13C are cross-sectional side views of a pole mounting system showing an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively.

[0033] Fig.13D and 13E are front perspective views showing a bar mounting system about a handle bar in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, respectively.

[0034] Fig.14A Is adopted Fig.12 Front perspective view of the mount and an alternative pole mounting system with a sling.

[0035] Fig. 14B and 14C They are Fig.14A Side and front views of an alternative pole mount.

[0036] Fig.14D It is locked around a rod Fig.14A Front perspective view of an alternative pole mount.

[0037] Fig.15A is a front perspective view of a goggle mount utilizing a harness access facing in the opposite direction of the mounting rail.

[0038] Fig. 15B is a side view of an alternative goggle mount utilizing a sling inlet facing in the same direction as the mounting rail.

[0039] Fig. 15C It is installed on the goggles strap Fig. 15B A partial front perspective view of an alternative goggle mount.

[0040] Fig.16 is a front perspective view of a ventilated helmet mounting adapted to be attached to a ventilated helmet using a harness.

[0041] Fig.17 is a front perspective view of another alternative goggle mount suitable for connection to a goggle strap using a strap.

[0042] Fig.18 Is adopted Fig.10 Front perspective view of an alternative pole mounting system for the rail plug.

[0043] Fig.19 and 20 A perspective view and a top view, respectively, of a mounting system comprising a swivel circular rail plug arranged in a base mount provided with a locking function.

[0044] Fig.21 and 22 They are Fig.19 and 20 Perspective and top views of the base mount.

[0045] Fig.23A , 23B , 23C, 23D and 23E are perspective, top, end, side and bottom views, respectively, of a slidable locking member installed in a base mount such as 21 and 22.

[0046] Fig.24 It is the connecting mechanism connected to it Fig.19 and 20 Exploded view of the mounting system.

[0047] Fig.25A , 25B , 25C and 25D are Figure 4A and 4B , showing a front perspective view of a digital video camera of the type shown, the lens being disposed in a vertical position, wherein the camera housing is rotated 90° counterclockwise, not rotated, 90° clockwise, and 180° to an inverted position relative to the vertical position. Fig.25E Is a digital video camera in Fig.25B A front view in the direction of , which is marked with dimension lines, which indicate the range of angular displacement of the horizontal image plane that can be achieved by manually rotating the rotary horizontal adjustment controller.

[0048] Fig.26A and 26B They are Figure 4A and 4B A front perspective view and a top view of a digital video camera of the present invention, wherein the slideable switch activator is in a record on (ON) slide setting position; and Fig.27A and 27B They are Figure 4A and 4B Front perspective and top views of a digital video camera of FIG. 1 with a slidable switch activator in a record OFF slide setting position.

[0049] Fig.28 yes Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B are partially exploded views of digital video cameras.

[0050] Fig.29A and 29B A perspective view and an exploded view of a GPS assembly are shown, respectively, wherein the GPS assembly includes a GPS patch antenna and a GPS receiver module to Fig.26A , 26B GPS functionality is provided in the digital video cameras of 27A and 27B.

[0051] Fig.30 is a simplified block diagram showing the Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B are preferably implemented in the wireless technology of the digital video cameras.

[0052] Fig.31 is a flow chart showing the Pairing of two devices connected wirelessly.

[0053] Fig.32 is a flow chart showing the pairing capable of connecting Microphone and Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B are examples of digital video cameras.

[0054] Fig.33 is a flow chart showing a preferred camera mounting position adjustment procedure performed by a helmet wearing user to align Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B are helmet mounted digital video cameras.

[0055] Fig.34 is a flow chart showing the Fig.33 The camera mounting position adjustment procedure is followed by a preferred manual illumination and color setting adjustment procedure performed by the user.

[0056] Fig.35 is a flow chart showing the Fig.33 The camera installation position is adjusted by the user after the preferred automatic illumination and color setting adjustment procedure.

[0057] Fig.36 Shows the common color chart Fig.26A , 26B , two of the digital video cameras 27A and 27B.

[0058] Fig.37 is a flow chart showing Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B of the digital video camera and the mobile controller device, the mobile controller device through Wireless connection pairing and pairing is done without security from a second able to connect The data from the digital video camera is passed through.

[0059] Fig.38 is a hybrid flow chart and diagram of a mobile controller device consisting of Wireless data and control command connection paired to Fig.26A , 26B , two digital video cameras 27A and 27B, thereby achieving remote start / stop capability for multiple cameras.

[0060] Fig.39 is a flow chart showing the Wireless connection via mobile controller device pairing Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B are examples of two digital video cameras.

[0061] Fig.40 is a block diagram showing the synchronization of Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B of the digital video camera for post-processing audio data generated by wireless microphones and wired microphones.

[0062] Fig.41 is a simplified block diagram showing the processing of data for a single track from one data source.

[0063] Fig.42 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the processing of data from multiple tracks of multiple data sources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 3A , 3B , 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F are respectively a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, a side view, a front view, a rear view and a top view of an embodiment of an integrated hands-free POV extreme sports digital video camera 10, Figure 4A and 4B 1080P 1080P Digital Video Camera 10 is a digital video camera 10 having a plurality of camera configurations and embodiments. The digital video camera 10 is shown in FIG. 1080P 1080P Digital Video Camera 10 ... TM system.

[0065] Figure 5 , 6 , 7, 8A and 8B show the optical and mechanical components of the digital video camera 10. Figures 3A-3F , 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8A and 8B, some embodiments of the digital video camera 10 include a manual level adjustment control system 12, which includes a manual level adjustment controller for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane 16 of an image recorded by an image sensor 18 relative to a housing plane 20 (in a vertical cross section) of a camera housing 22. An exemplary image sensor 18 may be a CMOS image capture card that provides 0.04 Lux @

[0066] The camera has a minimum illumination of f / 1.2 and offers high sensitivity for low-light operation, low fixed pattern noise, anti-blooming, zero smearing, and low power consumption.

[0067] Reference Figure 3A , 3C, 3F, 4A, 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the manual horizontal adjustment control is a rotary control 14 that rotates about a control axis 24 so that manual rotation of the rotary control 14 changes the orientation of the horizontal image plane 16 relative to the housing plane 20. The manual horizontal adjustment control can be used to offset the horizontal image plane 16 in pitch, yaw and roll relative to the mounting position of the camera housing 22.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, the rotary controller 14 is positioned about the lens 26 and cooperates with the lens shield 32 to support the lens 26 within the camera housing 22, so that manual rotation of the rotary controller 14 rotates the lens 26 relative to the camera housing 22. In other embodiments, the lens 26 can remain fixed relative to the camera housing 22 even if the rotary controller 14 rotates about the lens 26. In some embodiments, the lens 26 is a 3.6 mm focal length, four-element glass lens having a 135° viewing angle and covering a wide range of focal lengths, such as from arm's length (e.g., 500 mm) to infinity, which focuses visual information onto the image sensor 18 at a resolution such as 1920×1080. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that suitable lenses of various types and sizes are commercially available.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments, the image sensor 18 is supported to be rotationally aligned with the orientation of the rotary controller 14, such that manual rotation of the rotary controller 14 rotates the image sensor 18 relative to the housing plane 20 of the camera housing 22. When the image sensor 18 has a fixed relationship to the orientation of the rotary controller 14, the image data captured by the image sensor 18 does not require any post-capture horizontal adjustment processing to obtain playback of the image data in a desired horizontal image plane 16. In particular, the rotary controller 14 can be set to a desired horizontal image plane 16, and the image sensor 18 will capture image data relative to the orientation of the horizontal image plane 16. In some embodiments, the image sensor 18 can remain fixed relative to the camera housing 22 even if the rotary controller 14 is rotated about the image sensor 18.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 , 7 , 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, exemplary optical assembly 34 shows how image sensor 18 and lens 26 are supported in a rotationally consistent manner by the cooperation of lens shield 32, internal rotary controller 36 and rotary controller 14. In some preferred embodiments, rotary controller 14 can be separated from camera housing 22 by a gap 37 to facilitate rotation of rotary controller 14 relative to camera housing 22.

[0071] The lens cover holder 38 can be fixed to the rotary controller 14 by threads and cooperate with O-ring 40a to provide support for the lens cover 42 (e.g., a piece of glass). A lens holder 44 and a lens assembly holder 46 can also be used to support the lens 26 in a desired position relative to other components in the optical assembly 34. The lens assembly holder 46 can be fixed to the lens cover holder 38 by threads and O-ring 40b. O-rings or bearings 43 can also be used between the lens assembly holder 46 and the main housing 100 to facilitate the rotation of the lens assembly holder 46 relative to the main housing 100 about the control axis 24. A set screw 45 can be used to fix the lens assembly holder 46 of the optical assembly 34 to the main housing 100 without hindering the rotation of the lens assembly holder 46 or the components therein. In some embodiments, the rotary controller 14, the lens cover holder 38, the O-ring 40a, the lens cover 42, the lens shield 32, the laser source 48, the lens 26, the lens holder 44, the image sensor 18, the internal rotary controller 36, the O-ring 40b, and the lens assembly holder 46 of the optical assembly 34 can rotate together. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that several of these components can be fixed relative to the camera housing 22 or their synchronous rotation can be relaxed. For example, the lens cover 42, the lens 26, and the lens holder 44 do not need to rotate.

[0072] Reference Figure 8B The rotary controller 14 may support a lens filter or other lens component, or the rotary controller 14 may include threads or other features to enable attachment of additional or alternative lens components.

[0073] In some embodiments, the rotary controller 14 cooperates with the encoder to orient the image sensor 18 to a desired horizontal image plane 16. Alternatively, the encoder may direct a post-capture horizontal adjustment process to adjust the horizontal image plane 16 of the captured image so that it is converted to playback image data with an encoded horizontal image plane 16.

[0074] In some embodiments, rotary controller 14 is positioned at one or both of an arbitrary position remote from lens 26 and in any relationship to the position of image sensor 18. For example, rotary controller 14 may be positioned on one side 28 of camera housing 22, or on rear door 30, and rotary controller 14 may remotely control the orientation of image sensor 18, or may control an encoder. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the arbitrarily placed manual level adjustment control need not be of the rotary type, and may be of the electronic type rather than the mechanical type.

[0075] In some embodiments, the rotary controller 14 provides greater than or equal to 180° rotation of the horizontal image plane 16 relative to the housing plane 20 of the camera housing 22 in each of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In one example, the rotary controller 14 provides 180° plus an additional rotation of greater than or equal to 6° in each direction, thereby providing 360° rotation of the horizontal image plane 16 relative to the housing plane 20. This adjustability includes embodiments in which the orientation of the rotary controller 14 is consistent with the orientation of the image sensor 18, as well as embodiments that employ encoders. Preferably, the lens 26 and the image sensor 18 rotate 360° together within the pivoting sealed container. This means that no matter how the operator mounts the digital video camera 10, the image sensor 10 can be rotated to capture a level world.

[0076] Reference Figure 4A and 4B In some embodiments, a rotation indicator 54 is disposed on an outer surface 56 of the rotary controller 14. The rotation indicator 54 may take the form of a horizontal notch or raised bar that may have a different color than the color of the camera housing 22. The camera housing 22 may have a notch or raised bar 58 disposed in a fixed position that is similar to or smaller than the rotation indicator 54. The rotation indicator 54 and the notch or raised bar 58 may have the same color or different colors. The angular degree of displacement between the rotation indicator 54 and the notch 58 provides a physical indication of the amount by which the rotary controller 14 has deviated from its "home" position relative to the camera housing 22.

[0077] In some preferred embodiments, rotation indicator 54 and horizontal notch 58 are co-linearly aligned (in a "starting" position) when horizontal image plane 16 is perpendicular to housing plane 20. Thus, if digital video camera 10 is placed on a flat horizontal surface and the two notches are co-linear, horizontal image plane 16 will be horizontal.

[0078] Reference Figure 3A , 3C , 3D, 3F, 4A, 7 and 8, in a preferred embodiment, one or more laser sources 48 are adapted within the rotary controller 14, oriented with the horizontal image plane 16, and are capable of projecting light emissions to define a horizontal projection axis or plane 52 that is parallel to or coplanar with the horizontal image plane 16. Therefore, since the orientation of the horizontal image plane 16 is changed relative to the horizontal projection axis 52, manual rotation of the rotary controller 14 changes the orientation of the horizontal projection axis 52 relative to the housing plane 20. The light beam forming the horizontal projection axis 52 can be used as a guide for the operator to facilitate adjustment of the horizontal image plane 16 by simply rotating the rotary controller 14 after the camera housing 22 is installed.

[0079] In some embodiments, a single laser source 48 may employ beam shaping optics and / or beam shaping apertures, filters, or films to provide a desired beam shape, such as a line, a line of decreasing or increasing size, or a smiley face. In some embodiments, only a single beam shape is provided. In some embodiments, multiple beam shapes are provided and may be interchanged by, for example, manual or motorized rotation of a laser filter. One skilled in the art will appreciate that two or more laser sources 48 may be equipped with beam shaping functionality that cooperates with one another to provide a horizontal projection axis 52, or to provide an image of a horizontal projection axis 52 or other guide tool.

[0080] In some embodiments, two laser sources 48 (or two groups of laser sources) are used to project two beams of light that define the horizontal projection axis 52. The two laser sources 48 can be mounted on opposite sides of the lens 26 such that their positions define a laser mounting axis that bisects the lens 26. In some embodiments, the lens shield 32 provides support for the laser sources 48 such that the laser sources are positioned to emit light through the aperture 60 ( Figure 7 ). In some embodiments, an alternative or additional optical support tube 32a may support the laser source 48 and other optical components.

[0081] The laser source 48 may be a diode laser similar to that used in a laser pointer. The laser sources 48 preferably project light of the same wavelength. In some embodiments, the operator may select between several different wavelengths, such as red or green, depending on the contrast with the background color. In some embodiments, two wavelengths may be projected simultaneously or alternately. For example, four laser sources 48 may be employed, with red and green laser sources 48 being disposed on each side of the lens 26 so that if one of these colors does not contrast with the background, the red and green horizontal projection axes 52 are projected simultaneously or alternately.

[0082] In some embodiments, the laser source 48 may be responsive to a power switch or button 64, which in some examples may be located on the rear door 30 of the camera housing 22. The rotation of the level adjustment control system 12 or the rotary controller 14 may provide an ON condition to the laser source 48 in response to a timer, which may be preset, for example, for five seconds, or may be a user-selectable time period. Alternatively, a single press of the button 64 may provide an ON condition to the laser source 48, while a second press of the button 64 provides an OFF condition. Alternatively, a single press of the button 64 may provide an ON condition in response to a timer, which may be preset, for example, for five seconds, or may be a user-selectable time period. Alternatively, the button 64 may require continuous pressing to keep the laser source 48 in an ON condition. The button 64 may also control other functions, such as a standby mode. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations are possible and are well known in the art.

[0083] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any type of video screen, such as those common to conventional camcorders, may be connected to or be part of the camera housing 22. Such a video screen and any associated touch display may also be used as orientation feedback in conjunction with or separate from the laser source 48. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the video screen may take the form of a microdisplay mounted internally to the camera housing 22, with a viewing window through the camera housing 22 to the screen, or may take the form of an external LCD screen.

[0084] Reference Figure 3A , 3B , 3C, 3F, 4A, 4B, 5 and 6, in a preferred embodiment, the digital video camera 10 has a manually operable switch activator 80 that controls one or both of the recording conditions of the image sensor 18 and the transfer of the captured image data to the data storage medium (on a 2GB MicroSD card). In some embodiments, the digital video camera 10 is designed to use pulse power to save battery life while monitoring the switch activator 80. When the switch activator 80 is positioned to the on position, the pulse power system is instructed to provide full power to the electronic device and immediately start recording; similarly, when the switch activator 80 is positioned to the off position, the pulse power system is instructed to cut off power to the electronic device and immediately stop recording.

[0085] In some preferred embodiments, when the switch activator 80 is slid or switched, it moves a magnetic reed, which is recognized by the pulse power sensor. Once the sensor recognizes that the magnetic reed has been switched to the on position, the pulse power system is then triggered to power on most or all of the electronics of the digital video camera 10, including the electronics required for recording and selected other electronics or simply all electronics. Once full power is provided to the system electronics, the feed input from the image sensor 18 begins to be encoded and written to the data storage medium. As soon as the first frame is written to the data storage medium, a signal is sent to the LED 82 to indicate via the light pipe 84 that the digital video camera 10 is recording. Thus, activation of the switch activator 80 initiates recording almost instantly.

[0086] In some embodiments, the switch activator 80 powers on the electronic device and initiates recording from the standby mode, for example, after the button 64 is pushed to activate the pulse power mode. In other embodiments, the switch activator 80 powers on the electronic device and directly initiates recording without any prior activation. In some embodiments, the video encoder cooperates with the image sensor 18, and the microprocessor provides instructions to the video encoder. In some embodiments, the switch activator 80 is adapted to control the supply of power to the microprocessor, the image sensor 18, and the video encoder substantially simultaneously, so that when the switch activator 80 is placed in the open position, the microprocessor, the image sensor 18, and the video encoder all receive power substantially simultaneously, thereby initiating the video data capture operation substantially simultaneously.

[0087] In some embodiments, the audio encoder is coupled to the microphone 90 and the microprocessor provides instructions to the audio encoder. In some embodiments, the switch activator 80 is adapted to control the power supply to the microphone 90 and the audio encoder substantially simultaneously, so that when the switch activator 80 is placed in the on position, the microprocessor, the microphone 90 and the audio encoder all receive power substantially simultaneously, thereby initiating the audio data capture operation substantially simultaneously.

[0088] In some embodiments, when the switch activator 80 is placed in the off position, the microprocessor, image sensor 18, and video encoder all stop receiving power substantially simultaneously, thereby stopping video data capture operations substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, when the switch activator 80 is placed in the off position, the microprocessor, microphone 90, and audio encoder all stop receiving power substantially simultaneously, thereby stopping audio data capture operations substantially simultaneously.

[0089] In some embodiments, the microprocessor, image sensor 18, video encoder, microphone 90, and audio encoder all receive power at substantially the same time, thereby starting video data and audio data capture operations at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the microprocessor, image sensor 18, video encoder, microphone 90, and audio encoder all stop receiving power at substantially the same time, thereby stopping video data and audio data capture operations at substantially the same time.

[0090] In some embodiments, the switch activator 80 controls the power provided to the additional electronic device such that when the switch activator 80 is in the off position, the additional electronic device is disabled, and such that when the switch activator 80 is in the on position, the additional electronic device is activated.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the switch activator 80 may be designed to have more than two sliding settings. For example, in addition to the on and off settings for recording, the switch activator 80 may also provide an intermediate setting to activate the laser source 48, activate one or more status indicators, or initiate other functions in the digital video camera 10.

[0092] The embodiment using a magnetic reed switch as the switch activator 80 prevents water or other fluids from entering the camera housing 22. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other waterproof on / off switch designs are possible. In a preferred embodiment, the digital video camera 10 also employs a waterproof microphone 90, such as an omnidirectional microphone having a sensitivity of -44 ± 2 dB and a frequency range of 100-10,000 Hz, for capturing audio data and providing them to the data storage medium or the second data storage medium. Alternatively, the camera housing 22 may include a breathable waterproof material (such as GoreTex TM ) to prevent the drainage of water without waterproofing the microphone 90. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that microphones with a variety of operating parameters suitable for the microphone 90 are commercially available or can be manufactured to meet the desired standards.

[0093] In some embodiments, the microphone 90 is positioned below the switch activator 80 such that whenever the switch activator 80 is in the off position, the switch activator 80 covers the microphone 90, and such that whenever the switch activator 80 is in the on position, the switch activator 80 exposes the microphone 90. When the switch activator 80 is in the off position, the audio data capture operation is preferably disabled, and when the switch activator 80 is in the on position, the audio data capture operation is preferably activated. The on and off conditions of the audio data capture operation may be controlled by the switch activator 80 in conjunction with the on and off conditions of the video capture operation.

[0094] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6In some embodiments, the camera housing 22 includes a main housing 100 supporting the switch activator 80, front and bottom trim pieces 106, and a rear door 30 connected to the main housing 100 by a hinge 102. In some embodiments, the rear door 30 can be removable by its hinge 102 to allow accessories to be connected to the main housing 100 to expand functionality. The rear door 30 can provide an area of ​​thinner material to allow compression of the button 64. A gasket 114 can seal between the main housing 100 and the rear door 30 to provide waterproofing. The housing cover 108 can be connected to the main housing 100 by a rubber gasket 110, which also enhances the waterproof characteristics of the camera housing 22.

[0095] The side cover 112 can be ultrasonically welded to the outer surface of the housing cover 108 and the lower portion of the main housing 100, which forms the lower portion of the side 28 of the camera housing 22. In some embodiments, the camera housing 22 is made of brushed aluminum, dried fiberglass, and rubber. In particular, the main housing 100, the housing cover 108, and the side cover 112 can be made of aluminum. The front and bottom trims 106 can also be ultrasonically welded to the main housing 100.

[0096] Reference Figure 3A , 3B , 4A, 4B, 6 and 9, in a preferred embodiment, the digital video camera 10 includes a portion of a mounting system 120 having two or more housing rail cavities 122 and two or more staggered housing rails 124 on each side 28 of the camera housing 22 for engaging a universal mounting member 126. An example of such a mounting system 120 is the Trail Mount 120 sold by Contour Corporation of Seattle, Washington. TM Install the system.

[0097] Housing rail cavities 122 and housing rails 124 may be formed by cutouts in side covers 112 mounted to main housing 100. In some embodiments, digital video camera 10 is bilaterally symmetrical and has an equal number of housing rail cavities 122 on each side cover 112 and an equal number of housing rails 124 on each side cover 112. In some embodiments, digital video camera 10 may, for example, provide two housing rail cavities 122 in each side cover 112 (e.g., Figure 3A and 3B ) or three housing rail cavities 122 (e.g., in Figure 4A and 4B However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the digital video camera 10 need not be symmetrical and may have an unequal number of rail cavities 122 on its side cover 112.

[0098] In some embodiments, the rail cavity 122 has a cross-sectional appearance similar to a "T", similar to a wedge, or similar to a trapezoid. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the size of the stem or lateral branches of the "T" may be different. For example, the stem may be thicker than the branches, or one or more branches may be thicker than the stem; similarly, the stem may be longer than the branches, and one or more branches may be longer than the stem. The cross-sectional shape may have flat edges or corners, and the edges or corners may be rounded. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that multiple other cross-sectional shapes for the rail cavity 122 are possible, and the cross-sectional shapes of different housing rail cavities 122 do not need to be the same, whether in the same side cover 112 or in different side covers 112. Similarly, the housing rail cavity 122 may have different lengths, and the housing rails 124 may have different lengths. The bottom of the decorative member 106 may alternatively or additionally be provided with a housing rail 124.

[0099] In some embodiments, one or more of the housing rail cavities 122 may contain one or more bumps or detents 128. In some embodiments, each side 28 of the camera housing 22 includes at least one bump or detent 128. In some embodiments, each housing rail cavity 122 contains at least one bump or detent 128. However, in some embodiments, only a single housing rail cavity 122 on each side 28 contains a bump or detent 128. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different sides 28 need not contain the same number of bumps or detents 128.

[0100] Fig. 9 The base mount 130 and the rail plug 132 are shown, which are assembled together to form Fig.10 The flat surface mount 134 shown in FIG. Figures 11A-11D (FIG. 11) depicts a different view of the camera housing 22 mated to a flat surface mount 134. Fig. 9 -11, the rail plug 132 includes one or more mounting rails 136, which are suitable for mating with the housing rails 124 on the camera housing 22. Similarly, the rail plug 132 includes one or more mounting rail cavities 138, which are suitable for mating with the housing rails 124 on the camera housing 22. The mounting rails 136 can have the same or different cross-sectional shapes as the housing rails 124, and the mounting rail cavities 138 can have the same or different cross-sectional shapes as the housing rail cavities 122. In some preferred embodiments, the rails 124 and 136 and the cavities 122 and 138 have the same cross-sectional profile.

[0101] In some embodiments, one or more of the mounting rails 136 on the rail plug 132 may include one or more detents or bumps 140. In some embodiments, each mounting rail 136 includes at least one detent or bump 140. However, in some examples, only a single mounting rail 136 includes a detent or bump 140. The detent or bump 140 is adapted to mate with the bump or detent 128, such that if the camera housing 122 has a detent 128, then the rail plug 132 has a bump 140, or if the camera housing 122 has a bump 128, then the rail plug 132 has a detent 140. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some alternative embodiments, the housing rails 124 have bumps or detents 128, and the mounting rail cavities 138 have detents or bumps 140.

[0102] Universal mounting system 120 facilitates installation and orientation of digital video camera 10, and facilitates removal of digital video camera 10 while retaining the installation orientation. In some embodiments, base mount 130 can have a very small footprint and can be attached to a surface with an adhesive pad designed for outdoor use. Rail plug 132 can be removed from base mount 130 after base mount 130 has been attached to a surface.

[0103] In some embodiments, the rail plug 132 has a circumferential serrated edge 142 that is mated to a serrated receiving inner side edge 144 of a base mounting cavity 146 adapted to receive the rail plug 132. In some embodiments, the rail plug 132 is compression fit within the base mount 130. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the compression fit technique, a hook and loop double tooth Velcro TM Can be used to further secure the rail plug 132 within the base mount 130 .

[0104] As the mounting rail cavity 138 of the rail plug 132 slides onto the housing rail 124 of the camera housing 22, as indicated by the direction arrow 148 ( Fig. 9 ), the mounting rails 136 of the rail plug 132 can be slid into the housing rail cavities 122 of the camera housing 22 to secure the rail plug 132 to the camera housing 22. The mating detents and bumps 128 and 140 can be engaged to prevent accidental lateral movement of the rail plug 132 relative to the camera housing 22. The rail plug 132 with the attached digital video camera 10 can be rotated from zero to 360 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the base mount 130 to capture a desired viewing angle. The rail plug 132 can then be inserted or reinserted into the base mount 130 as shown by the directional arrows 150 ( Fig. 9FIG. 11 shows from several different angles how the digital video camera 10, the rail plug 132, and the base mount 130 behave when they are mated together.

[0105] In some embodiments, the rail plug 132 and the base mount 130 can be made of a hard but flexible material, such as rubber or a polymer with similar properties. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rail plug 132 and the base mount 130 can be made of hard or soft plastics. Because the base mount 130 can be flexible, it can be attached to a variety of surfaces, such as the surfaces of helmets, ski decks, skis, fuel tanks, windows, doors, and hoods. The type and flexibility of the material of the flat mount 126 can provide a "rubber" cushioning effect and enhance rail sliding, rail engagement, and plug engagement. The mounting system 120 can also include a runaway strap (not shown).

[0106] When recording of the activity is complete, the rail plug 132 with the attached digital video camera 10 can be detached from the base mount 130 for secure storage or data upload. The base mount 130 can be left attached to the surface and does not need to be reattached and / or readjusted. Alternatively, the camera housing 22 can be detached from the rail plug 132, leaving the rail plug 132 engaged with the base mount 130 so that the original orientation of the mounting rails 136 of the rail plug 132 is maintained to allow for quick reattachment of the digital video camera 10 without the need to readjust its orientation to the base mount 130, or the base mount 130 being mounted to a person, device, or vehicle.

[0107] Fig.12 An alternative rail plug 132a is shown; Fig.13A , 13B 13C, 13D and 13E (FIG. 13) show several views of a rail plug 132a with an alternative base mount 130a, including locked and unlocked configurations, to form a rod mount 126a for mounting on a rod 160 (e.g., a handlebar). Fig.12 13, the rail plug 132a can be used as a stand-alone mount with an adhesive backing, or it can be used in conjunction with or integrated into one or more types of base mounts 130a. It can be mounted using adhesive, by using Velcro TM The rail plug 132a is attached to the base mount 130a by using screws, by using other conventionally known means, or a combination thereof. The mounting rail 136 can be formed to provide holes 162 to provide screw and screwdriver access to install the rail plug 132a on the base mount 130a.

[0108] The base mount 130a is configured to open and close around a rod 160, particularly a rod of a standardized amusement device, particularly such a rod having a small diameter of about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm). In some embodiments, the base mount 130a has a locking pin 164 with a head 166, which can be fixed in a locking chamber 168. The locking pin 164 adds pressure to the rod 160 to prevent it from rotating around the rod 160 after the desired position of the base mount 130a is determined. The base mount 130a can also be provided with a pin door cover 170 to prevent debris from entering the locking pin 164 or the locking chamber 168.

[0109] Fig.14A , 14B , 14C and 14D (FIG. 14) show several views of a rail plug 132b with an alternative base mount 130b (including a strap 172) to form a pole mount 126b for mounting on a pole 160b, such as a roller cage, a windsurfing mast, or a hang glider support. Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the strap 172 is large enough to accommodate a pole 160b having a diameter of up to 4 inches (12 cm) or more. In some embodiments, a dial 174 can be used to tighten and loosen the strap 172. In other embodiments, the dial 174 controls the rotation of the rail plug 132b relative to the base mount 130b so that the side-to-side angle of the digital video camera 10 can be adjusted. As with the rail plug 132a, the rail plug 132b can be attached to the base mount 130b, or can be integrated therewith.

[0110] Fig.15A , 15B 15C (FIG. 15) shows several views of a rail plug 132c attached to or integrated with an alternative base mount 130c and 130e of a corresponding belt or harness mount 126c and 126e for mounting on a belt, harness or strap 180, such as the strap 180 of a pair of goggles 182. Fig.15A , the base mount 130e has a damper 184a and a strap entrance 186a on the inside of the base mount 130e, i.e., facing the direction opposite to the direction facing the mounting rail 136. The damper 184a can be made of rubber or other suitable cushioning material to cushion the user's head from leaving the digital video camera 10.

[0111] Reference Fig. 15B, the damper 184b is disposed on the inner side of the base mount 130c, i.e., facing in the direction opposite to the direction facing the mounting rail 136. However, the sling inlet 186b is disposed on the outer side of the base mount 130c, i.e., facing in the same direction as the direction facing the mounting rail 136. Fig. 15C The visor 182 is shown mounted on the strap 180. Fig. 15B Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rail plug 132a may replace the rail plug 130c.

[0112] Fig.16 A rail plug 132d is shown having an alternative base mount 130d to the helmet mount 126d for mounting on a ventilated helmet. The helmet mount 126d includes one or more slots 190 through which a strap can be used to secure the base mount 130d to the helmet through the ventilation slots in the helmet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rail plug 132a can be substituted for the rail plug 132d.

[0113] Fig.17 is suitable for attachment to the goggle strap 180 ( Fig. 15C ) is a front perspective view of another alternative goggle base mount 130f. The strap 192 can be looped through buckles 194 and 196 to secure the base mount 130f to the goggle strap 180. The base mount 130f is adapted to receive a circular rail plug 132 (which allows 360 degree rotation of the mounting rail 136) Fig.10 ). Such embodiments allow a user to adjust the angle of the digital video camera 10 to a different viewing angle than the user's vertical. For example, the user may be looking down at the ground while the digital video camera 10 (and its image sensor 18) captures an image directly in front of it. In some embodiments, the base mount 130f may include pads 198 and 202 to cushion vibrations, and may include a retaining tab 200 to prevent the rail plug 132 from accidentally vibrating loose. The strap 192 may also or alternatively include pads 204 and 208.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the base mounts 130a to 130d may alternatively be configured to receive a circular rail plug 132 (eg, a circular rail plug 132) that allows for 360 degree rotation of the mounting rail 136. Fig.10 ).For example, Fig.18 An alternative pole mount 126g is shown having a base mount 130g adapted to receive a round rail plug 132 that allows 360 degree rotation of the mounting rail 136. Such an embodiment may be helpful in compensating for a handle bar or other pole 160 or 160b that may tilt forward or backward.

[0115] In some embodiments, the base mount 130g has a different locking mechanism than the base mount 130a (FIG. 13). For example, in some embodiments, a locking pin 210 is attached to the base mount 130g by a hinge 212, and the locking pin 210 is attached to a pin door cover 214 at its other end by a hinge 216. The locking pin 210 cooperates with the hinge door cover 214 to increase the pressure on the rod 160 to prevent it from rotating around the rod 160 after the desired position of the base mount 130g is established. Those skilled in the art will understand that the base mount 130a can alternatively adopt this locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the base mounts 130a and 130g include a rod handle 218 to help maintain the preferred orientation of the base mounts 130a and 130g relative to the rod 160. In some embodiments, base mounts 130 and 130a - 130g may include a belt loop 220 adapted to receive a belt line that may be attached to an associated rail plug 132 and 132a - 132d , digital video camera 10 , or an operator.

[0116] Fig.19 and Fig. 20 3 and 4, are perspective and top views, respectively, of a mounting system 300 that includes a rotatable circular rail plug 132 disposed on a base mount 130h configured with a locking feature that allows for adjustment of the digital video camera 10 when attached to a mounting surface. Fig.21 and Fig. 22 306 and 318. The base mount 130h has a generally rectangular shape and includes a large diameter circular opening 304 in its top wall 302 and a smaller diameter circular opening 308 in its bottom wall 306. The base mount 130h has opposing side walls 310 and 312, and opposing side walls 316 and 318, with the same size, aligned generally rectangular slots 314 formed through the side walls 310 and 312, and the spaced aligned serrated receiving edges 144 formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls 316 and 318. The inner surfaces of the side walls 310, 312, 316 and 318 include arcuate segments sized to allow bi-directional ratcheting rotational movement of the circular rail plug 132 when the circular rail plug 132 is disposed through the circular opening 304 in the base mount 130h (with the serrated receiving edges 144 in matable relationship with the circumferential serrated edge 142).

[0117] Fig.23A , 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E are perspective, top, end, side and bottom plan views, respectively, of a generally rectangular shaped slidable locking member 330. The slidable locking member 330 is sized to fit within each slot 314 and to slidably extend through and out of either of the side walls 310 and 312 when inserted into the two slots 314 in the base mount 130h. The locking member 330 is a unitary structure that includes a generally planar center portion 332 disposed between a locking end piece 334 and a non-locking end piece 336. The center portion 332 constitutes a recessed area that is delimited by raised end pieces 334 and 336 and into which the circular rail plug 132 is inserted when the mounting system 300 is assembled. The center portion 332 includes an elliptical hole 338 having opposing circular segments 340 separated by a straight segment 342. U-shaped slots 344 cut in the center portion 332 on either side of the oblong hole 338 provide downwardly depending locking tabs 346. The locking tabs 346 are sized and configured to slide through and fit into corresponding grooves 350 in the floor 352 of the base mount 130h. The locking end piece 334 has a sawtooth arcuate inner surface 354 and the non-locking end piece 336 has a smooth arcuate inner surface 356. The curvature of the arcuate inner surfaces 354 and 356 is complementary to the curvature of the round rail plug 132.

[0118] Fig.24 308. is an exploded view of the mounting system 300 to which the exemplary attachment mechanism is attached. When the mounting system 300 is assembled, the locking member 330 is installed in the base mount 130h, wherein the end pieces 334 and 336 are adapted for sliding movement in the slot 314. The plug 360, which is composed of a top plate 362 and two downwardly depending legs 364, secures the locking member 330 within the slot 314 in the base mount 130h and limits the range of travel within the slot 314. The top plate 362 is mounted in a recess, thereby receiving the rail plug 132, and when the free ends of the legs 364 are pushed through the circular opening 308, the flanges 366 extending from the free ends of the legs 364 secure the plug 360 in the base mount 130h.

[0119] The mounting system 300 operates in the following manner. The user adjusts the angular position of the digital video camera 10 by rotating the rail plug 132 within the base mount 130h, which is operably connected to the mounting rail 136. To allow such rotation, the user pushes the non-locking end piece 336 to slide the locking member 330 so that the serrated inner surface 354 moves away from and does not engage the serrated edge 142 of the rail plug 132. The leg 364 of the plug 360 contacts the boundary of the oval hole 338, thereby stopping the sliding movement of the locking member 330, wherein the locking end piece 334 extends outwardly from its associated slot 314. The locking tabs 346 fit into their corresponding recesses 350 to releasably retain the locking member 330 in its unlocked position. Due to the meshing relationship between the serrated receiving edge 144 and the serrated edge 142, the rotation of the rail plug 132 provides audible and tactile feedback to the user.

[0120] After the angular position adjustment of the digital video camera 10 is completed, the user locks the rail plug 132 in position by pushing the locking end piece 334 to slide the locking member 330 so that the serrated inner surface 354 engages the serrated edge 142 of the rail plug 132. The sliding movement of the locking member 330 stops, with the non-locking end piece 336 extending outwardly from its associated slot 314. The locking tabs fit into their corresponding grooves to releasably hold the locking member 330 in its locked position.

[0121] The base mount 130h can be mounted directly to the mounting surface using an adhesive. The base mount 130h can also be coupled to a variety of mounting surfaces by adding custom attachment plates, such as a strap attachment plate 370, using screws 372 or another technique such as adhesive bonding or welding. These attachment plates can change the shape of the base mount 130h to better attach to a shaped surface, or can include a variety of attachment mechanisms, such as a strap 374 or a hook.

[0122] Refer again Figure 3B , 3E , 4B and 5, button 64 (or additional button 388) can control one or more status indicators, such as LED 82, which indicates that digital video camera 10 is recording via light pipe 84. For example, button 64 (or additional button 388) can also, for example, control the operation of LED 390, which indicates the battery (not shown) power status via light pipe 392. In some embodiments, a single push controls two or more status indicators (or all status indicators, and can also control laser source 48 and record standby mode).

[0123] In some embodiments, the status indicator can provide different colors depending on the status of the item under consideration. In some embodiments, green, yellow, and red LEDs are used to indicate whether the battery is fully charged, half charged, or almost exhausted. Similarly, in some embodiments, green, yellow, and red LEDs are used to indicate whether the SD memory card is almost empty, half empty, or almost full. In other embodiments, a green light indicates greater than or equal to 80% space or charge, a yellow light indicates greater than or equal to 30% space or charge, and a red light indicates less than 30% space or charge. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and meaning of colors can be changed. The camera housing 22 can provide symbols indicating which items the light pipes 84 and 392 represent, such as a battery symbol 394 and a memory card symbol 396 on the rear door 30.

[0124] In order to facilitate simpler and more manageable processing once the video is recorded, the digital video camera 10 can be designed to automatically segment the video to computer and web page (web ready) file sizes. The segmentation can be automatically determined by hardware during the recording process without user intervention. In some embodiments, the software will automatically close the video file at a predetermined boundary and open a new file. In some embodiments, the boundary will be time-based, for example, 10 minutes per section, or size-based, for example, 10MB per section. In addition, the segmentation process can be designed so that the file boundary is based on a predetermined limit, or the user can adjust the segment length to the user's own preferred time. In some embodiments, the video encoder (based on hardware or software) optimizes the file boundary by delaying the boundary relative to the nominal boundary position until a time period with relatively static video and audio, that is, when the motion changes are minimal. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments, this segmentation can be implemented by software or hardware.

[0125] The Digital Video Camera 10 is an all-in-one capture and storage digital video camcorder and is designed to operate in extreme weather conditions and in a hands-free manner. The Digital Video Camera 10 is wearable and designed for harsh environments (water, heat, cold, extreme vibrations) and the Contour 1080P TM The system includes an application mount 126 to attach to any person, device or vehicle. The internal components of the digital video camera 10 may be silicon treated, silicon coated or silicon insulated from the elements, thereby keeping the digital video camera 10 operational despite mud, dirt, snow and rain.

[0126] The preferred embodiment of the digital video camera 10 is equipped with wireless connection protocols and global navigation and location determination (preferably Global Positioning System (GPS)) technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. A packetized open wireless technology standard protocol is used to provide control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera 10 and to access image content stored on or streaming from the digital video camera 10. GPS technology enables the location of the digital video camera 10 to be tracked as the digital video camera 10 records image information. The following describes in detail Implementation of the protocol and GPS technology in the digital video camera 10.

[0127] The preferred embodiment of digital video camera 10 allows for inverted mounting of camera housing 22 while maintaining the proper orientation of the video image through mechanical or electrical 180° rotation of lens 26. Fig.25A , 25B , 25C, 25D and 25E show mechanical rotation. Fig.25A , 25B , 25C and 25D are front perspective views of the digital video camera 10 showing the lens 26 being disposed in a vertical position, wherein the camera housing 22 of the digital video camera 10 is respectively rotated 90° counterclockwise, not rotated, rotated 90° clockwise and rotated 180° to an inverted position relative to the vertical position. Fig.25E The digital video camera 10 is Fig.25B 1, which is an elevation view of the orientation of the camera housing 22, with dimension lines indicating the 185° counterclockwise and 95° clockwise range of angular displacement of the horizontal image plane 16, which is achieved by manual rotation of the rotary controller 14. The orientation can be flipped by simply changing the pixel selection before signal processing, or it can be flipped by simply changing the interpretation of the pixels during signal processing. The orientation can be automatically controlled by using a variety of sensors to sense the orientation of the camera housing 22 and changing the pixels based on this data.

[0128] Fig.26A and 26B , Fig.27A and 27B , Fig.28 as well as Fig.29A and 29B The configuration of a digital video camera 10 is shown, wherein Wireless protocols and GPS technology are implemented to enable remote image acquisition control and viewing. Fig.26A and 27A is a front perspective view of the digital video camera 10 with the slidable switch activator 80 in its record-on and record-off slide setting positions, respectively; Fig.26B and 27B Be the top view of digital video camera 10, wherein slidable switch activator 80 is in its record opening and record closing slide setting position respectively.In these accompanying drawings, part switch activator 80 is taken apart, to disclose the placement of some internal parts described in more detail below.

[0129] Fig.28 is a partially exploded view of the digital video camera 10 showing the Figure 5 and Figure 6 The main housing 100 shown in FIG. Placement and mounting arrangement of components for wireless protocols and GPS receiver technology. The wireless module 400 is mounted in the main housing 100 at a position close to the rotary controller 14. The GPS assembly 402 is mounted in the main housing 100 at a position close to the rear door 30 of the camera housing 28. The optical support cylinder 32a having an open-ended slot 404 is mounted on the main housing 100 in an orientation such that The upper ends of the wireless module 400 and the GPS assembly 402 are assembled and thus exposed in the slot 404. The switch activator 80 provided with a two-dimensional array of circular openings 406 is installed in the slot 404, and Fig.26A and 26B The record shown in the Open Slide Setting Position and Fig.27A and 27B The opening 406 provides an audible sound channel to facilitate the microphone 90 to pick up spoken words or other sound effects.

[0130] Common implementations of slide switches with long travel involve using magnets to pull and hold the switch in its final position, or using a switch mechanism that is constantly pressed by the user over the entire travel distance and has a holding mechanism in place in the open and closed positions. The digital video camera 10 is equipped with a slide switch mechanism that addresses the problems associated with long travel distances. The scissor spring 408 helps actuate the slidable switch activator 80 between the record open and closed slide setting positions over a long travel range.

[0131] Fig.26B , 27B28 illustrate the preferred shape of the scissor spring 408 and the manner in which it fits into the geometric features of the inner side wall surface 410 and the inner end wall surface 412 formed in the lower cavity 414 of the switch activator 80. The scissor spring 408 is a single-piece wire member that includes a plurality of bends that form a U-shaped center portion 420 having rounded distal ends 422 with leg portions 424 extending upwardly from each of the rounded distal ends 422 back to the center portion 420. The U-shaped center portion 420 includes a base member 426 and two generally parallel side members 428 terminating in the rounded distal ends 422. The upwardly extending leg portions 424 diverge generally outwardly from the side members 428 and terminate at ends 430 that bend inwardly toward the side members 428 and do not extend beyond the center portion 420. The curved portion 432 in each leg portion 424 forms an inwardly directed bend thereof and provides a bearing surface for the inner side wall surface 410 of the contact switch activator 80 .

[0132] Fig.26A , 26B , 27A and 27B illustrate geometric features in the inner side wall surface 410 and the inner end wall surface 412 of the switch activator 80. Each side wall surface 410 includes an inwardly directed sloped portion 440 having an apex 442 and a proximal end 444 and a distal end 446 proximal to and distal from the end wall surface 412, respectively.

[0133] Installation of the scissor spring 408 in the main housing 100 involves placing the U-shaped center portion 420 with the base member 426 and the side members 428 against the bumps 450 on the top surface 452 of the printed circuit board (PCB) of the GPS assembly 402. The length of the base member 426 is selected so that the bumps 450 fit tightly within the U-shaped center portion 420 to hold the scissor spring 408 stationary during the sliding movement of the switch activator 80. Fig.26A and 26B As shown in FIG. 1 , whenever the switch activator 80 is in the record open slide setting position, the curved section 432 of the scissor-shaped spring leg portion 424 rests in a shallow notch formed at the distal end 446 of the ramp portion 440. Fig.27A and 27B As shown in , each time the user slides the switch activator 80 from the record-open slide setting position to the record-close slide setting position, the curved section 432 exits the shallow notch at the distal end 446, slides along the entire length of the ramp portion 440 and rests in the shallow notch formed at the proximal end 444 of the ramp portion 440. The curved section 432 of the leg-shaped member portion 424 has a shape complementary to the curved section 448 of the inner end wall surface 412.

[0134] The shaping of the scissor spring 408 applies resistance to prevent initial sliding movement of the switch activator 80 in either direction, but in response to user-applied pressure overcoming the resistance, the switch activator 80 automatically travels to the stop position without user assistance. The scissor spring 408 applies passive resistance to any movement, thereby holding the switch activator 80 in place until the user moves the switch activator 80 again. For example, the shape of the scissor spring 408 can vary depending on the geometry of the switch activator 80, the stroke length, and the desired holding force.

[0135] The above spring solution is uniquely vibration resistant and well suited for high vibration environments. The scissor spring 408 is an improvement over the magnetic slide switch motion because the former does not introduce magnetic interference that may affect other functions in the digital video camera 10. The scissor spring 408 is also an improvement over the dual brake implementation because the user is assured that the switch activator 80 is in the proper position. This spring solution can be expanded to include a combination of multiple springs to provide specialized motion or specific force distribution. This spring solution can also control linear or circular motion.

[0136] Fig.29A and 29B A perspective view and exploded view of the GPS assembly 402 are shown, respectively, separated from the main housing 100, wherein the GPS assembly 402 is mounted for operation in the digital video camera 10. The GPS assembly 402 includes a GPS passive patch antenna 456 and a GPS receiver module 458 to provide GPS functionality to the digital video camera 10. A GPS ground plane 460 in the form of a stepped, generally U-shaped aluminum cover is disposed between the patch antenna 456 and the GPS printed circuit board 454, and is secured to the top surface 452 of the latter by a GPS ground plane mounting strap 462. The GPS receiver module 458 is mounted to the GPS printed circuit board 454, on its bottom surface 464. The preferred GPS patch antenna 456 is model PA1575MZ50K4G-XX-21, a high gain, customizable antenna provided by INPAQ Technology Co., Ltd. of Taiwan, China. The GPS patch antenna 456 is custom tuned to its peak frequency to account for the detuning effect of the edge of the optical support barrel 32a. The preferred GPS receiver module 458 is a model NEO-6 module provided by u-blox of Switzerland.

[0137] Fig.29A and 29BThe GPS ground plane 460 is shown to be physically formed to complement or mirror the curved shape of the optical support tube 32a of the housing 22, so that the ground plane area can be maximized because the shape of the ground plane conforms to (i.e., does not change) the shape of the camera housing 22. In addition, the GPS patch antenna 456 is supported by its own internal ground plane, which is arranged so that it overlaps the interior of the existing aluminum housing. This overlap allows RF current to be transferred between the aluminum housing and the GPS ground plane 460 through capacitive coupling, thereby having the effect of increasing the size of the entire ground plane area. This increased ground plane area further improves GPS reception. In addition, the GPS patch antenna 456 is tuned by coupling these components for optimal reception of the entire system. When the digital video camera 10 is installed in multiple locations, the ground plane customization and the electrical coupling to the camera housing 22 or other metal parts of the digital video camera 10 improve performance by achieving higher antenna gain and the resulting enhanced signal reception.

[0138] When recording video or taking photos in sports applications, the digital video camera 10 is often mounted in a location that does not allow the user to easily see the camera. Implementing the digital video camera 10 with a wireless connection protocol enables remote control of the operation of image data stored in the digital video camera 10 and remote access to the image data. In a preferred embodiment, a wearable digital video camera 10 is integrated with a wireless communication protocol. Wireless technology facilitates several features including remote control, frame optimization, multi-camera synchronization, remote file access, remote viewing, data acquisition (in conjunction with GPS capabilities), and multiple data source access (in conjunction with GPS capabilities).

[0139] Implemented in the digital video camera 10 Wireless technology enables users to remotely control it using a phone, computer, or dedicated controller. This allows the digital video camera 10 to remain sleek, with few buttons and no screen. In addition, not requiring access to a screen or controller provides more flexibility for installing the digital video camera 10.

[0140] Remote control device (i.e., phone, computer, dedicated viewing device, or other device capable of connecting to Devices (such as camcorders) can access files stored on digital video cameras 10 to allow users to view the content in these files and manage them on the camera. This access may include file transfer or file playback in the case of video or audio content.

[0141] Using wireless signal transmission, remote devices can access data streamed from the digital video camera 10. Such data can include camera status, video, audio, or other collected data (such as GPS data). Standard video can exceed The bandwidth of the connection. To address any quality of service issues, a rapid photo mode is used to simulate video. In this case, photos are taken continuously and then streamed and displayed sequentially to simulate video playback. The firmware in the host processor captures and streams the photos, and the receiving application is designed to display the photos in rapid succession. To save space, the photos can be stored in a FIFO buffer so that only limited playback is provided.

[0142] Alternative implementations of remote viewers include one or more reduced resolutions or frame rates, file segmentation, frame sampling, and Wi-Fi to media servers. Reduced resolution or frame rate involves recording video in two formats (high quality and low quality), where the lower quality file is streamed back or played back after the recorded action has occurred. For streaming implementations, the wireless connection bandwidth can be monitored to be suitable for the available bandwidth, resolution, bit rate, and frame rate of the secondary recording. In addition, buffering can be used in conjunction with adaptive bit rate control. File segmentation involves splitting the recording into small files and transmitting each file after completion to allow viewing through a wireless device in almost real time. File transmission can be delayed in order to limit interruptions caused by bandwidth limitations. Frame sampling is to perform real-time video frame sampling (e.g., only video compression intraframe (I-frame)). Wi-Fi to media server involves using Wi-Fi to establish the camera as a media server on a selected network, thereby allowing other devices to read and play content accessed from the device.

[0143] Fig.30 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a preferred implementation of wireless technology in a digital video camera 10. Fig.30 Shown with built-in Wireless module 400 of digital video camera 10, built-in The wireless module 400 is responsive to the Contour Connect Mobile App application software executed on the operating system of a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet), making such a mobile device a wireless handheld viewfinder. The Contour Connect Mobile App for use with the company's iOS mobile operating system is available on the iPhone App Store, and the Contour Connect Mobile App for use with Google Inc.'s Android mobile operating system is available on the Android Market. The firmware of the main processor 500 stores updated versions of compatible software in response to the Contour Connect Mobile App application software executed on the mobile device. This wireless connection capability enables the user to configure the camera settings and preview what the digital video camera 10 sees in real time. Specifically, the user can check the camera angle on the wireless device screen and aim the camera and adjust the video, brightness level and audio settings without guesswork before starting the activity he or she wants to record.

[0144] The functionality allowed on industry standard interfaces is often limited by the receiving or sending device based on its permissions. This means that one device may refuse to allow certain functionality if the other device does not have the correct certificates or authentication. For example, iPhones and similar products require information about their use Some security certification of the data signals transmitted by the interface. The security requirements for such interfaces vary from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer. Often, the same product is intended to connect to a variety of devices, and it is not desirable to integrate security components for all possible features or external devices.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the signal path is designed so that the presence of this security integrated circuit is not required for the full functionality of other devices. However, by including a connector in the signal path, a security module can be added by the user after manufacturing to allow connection with such controlled devices. By including such a connector in the signal path, the relevant signal security module can be provided separately for those applications that require such security authentication. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, The security card is packaged separately as a self contained card. The circuit is designed to retain the authentication integrity, but connect to the control device through a standard connector. Fig.30 Also shown is the placement of a Contour Connect View (security) Card 502 in a card slot and connector 504 of the digital video camera 10 to enable communication with supported iOS device connection. The Contour Connect View card is available from Contour, Inc., the assignee of this patent application.

[0146] Fig.31is a flow chart showing the The main processor 500 of the digital video camera 10 stores information identifying the devices that can be connected. (The appearance of the smiley face icon in the flowchart indicates the action taken by the user or displays status information to the user.) The user presses the wireless connection activator button on the camera housing 22 (preferably located near the switch activator 80 but not shown in the drawings) to turn on the wireless connection. Module 400, which sends ("BT") connection request signal to enable connection The observer / controller 510 receives Connection request signal to determine whether there is ID connects the matching pair, and after identifying the matching pair, determines whether the viewer / controller 510 is an iOS or Android implementation. If it is an Android implementation and therefore does not need security, the viewer / controller 510 allows and launches the Contour Connect Mobile App to perform traffic to and from the digital video camera 10 Data transfer. If it is implemented on iOS and needs security, the observer / controller 510 sends a security challenge signal for module 400 and main processor 500 to be installed in Security card 502 Coprocessor 514. The coprocessor 514 sends security code for use by the main processor 500 and Module 400 to the viewer / controller 510, which confirms the security code and allows and launches the Contour Connect Mobile App to perform calls to and from the digital video camera 10. Data transfer.

[0147] Use data files to identify the device The ID allows two devices to pair even when neither has a display. Fig.32 is a flow chart showing the pairing An example of a microphone 90 and a digital video camera 10, neither of which has a display screen. The digital video camera 10 and the controller 510' are composed of The wireless data connection is initially paired and the ContourConnect Mobile App is active, as referenced above Fig.31As described. The viewer / controller 510' has a similar structure, except that the latter does not have a display screen. The user slides the switch activator 80 to its on position to supply power to the microphone 90 and send a pairing request signal to the digital video camera 10, which detects the microphone pairing request signal and forwards it to the controller 510' for confirmation. The user responds to the pairing request by manipulating an actuator associated with the controller 510'. If the user actuates to indicate rejection of the pairing request, the controller 510' ends the pairing process. If the user actuates to indicate acceptance of the pairing request, the controller 510' sends a confirmation signal together with a password (if required by the microphone 90) to the digital video camera 10. Upon receipt of the confirmation signal, the digital video camera 10 sends the confirmation signal and any password to the microphone 90, thereby initiating audio data capture and recording by the audio encoder in the digital video camera 10, thereby completing the pairing.

[0148] Fig.33 1 is a flow chart showing a preferred camera position adjustment procedure performed by a user wearing a helmet (e.g., a bicycle or snowboard rider or skier) to align a digital video camera 10 mounted on the user's helmet. The digital video camera 10 and the viewer / controller 510 are composed of The wireless data connection is initially paired and the Contour Connect Mobile App is active, as referenced above Fig.31 The start-up control / viewer application command causes a fast photo transfer data request signal to be sent to the connected The digital video camera 10 of the data transfer responds by enabling rapid succession (eg, 5 pictures per second) of pictures of the scene at which the camera lens 26 is pointed. Fig.33 The sequence of installation activities 520 shown in FIG. 5 represents the following user activities: mounting the digital video camera 10 on the helmet; assuming a riding position; and adjusting the position and angle of the digital video camera 10 by selecting a mounting surface position on the helmet and rotating the rail plug 132 within the base mount 130h of the mounting system 300. The angle / position installation adjustments performed by the user enable rapid succession of scenes to be captured and sent to the user viewing the display screen of the viewer / controller 510 for near real-time display. Continuous iterations of angle / position installation adjustments, rapid succession of photographs, and user viewing of the displayed scene continue until the user is satisfied with the position of the displayed scene, thereby completing the mounting position adjustment of the digital video camera 10 on the helmet.

[0149] Frame optimization may be accomplished with the aid of a remote control device, or within the digital video camera 10 if it is equipped with a screen and controls. Frame optimization may involve one or both of lighting and color optimization and frame alignment, whether manual or automatic.

[0150] Fig.34 is a flow chart showing the completion of the above reference Fig.33 After the installation position is adjusted, the user preferably performs a manual illumination and color setting adjustment procedure. Fig.34 The manual illumination and color setting procedures shown in Fig.33 The installation position adjustment procedure of 520 is different in that: 1) the installation activity sequence 520 is not applicable; 2) the setting determination (OK) decision block replaces the position determination decision block in the viewer / controller 510; and 3) the manual angle / position installation adjustment results in the rapid succession of photographed scenes being replaced by the transmission of new setting instructions generated in response to user manipulation of the change illumination and color setting actuator associated with the viewer / controller 510. The manual illumination and color adjustment procedure involves the user observing the successive photos on the display screen and manipulating the change illumination and color setting actuator associated with the viewer / controller 510 until the user is satisfied with the displayed illumination and color, thereby completing the manual setting adjustment.

[0151] Automatic lighting and color optimization uses video or photo analysis to control devices. Fig.35 is a flow chart showing the completion of the Fig.33 After the mounting position is adjusted, a preferred automatic illumination and color setting adjustment procedure is performed by the user. Fig.35 The automatic lighting and color setting procedures shown in Fig.34 The manual illumination and color setting procedure shown in the is different in that the automatic adjustment iterative loop replaces the Fig.33The automatic adjustment process block is used to determine the settings of the decision block. Specifically, the start automatic adjustment process block initializes an iterative automatic adjustment loop of programmed analysis of the color, illumination and position of the photo, followed by a quality optimization decision query based on a set of programmed quality standards. The automatic adjustment loop iteratively performs the analysis and causes new setting instructions to be transmitted to the digital video camera 10 to take additional photos for display and analysis by the viewer / controller 510. The automatic illumination and color adjustment program involves automatic internal analysis of the photos on the display screen and pre-programmed automatic adjustment of illumination and color settings until the quality optimization decision block indicates that the image quality meets the pre-programmed optimal quality standards, and the user manipulates the actuator to indicate that the automatic setting adjustment is completed, so that the final quality optimization decision block indicates that the user is satisfied. The viewer / controller 510 can implement an adjustment algorithm to analyze the frame, adjust the settings, and re-analyze the frame to optimize the illumination and color settings. Small and fine alignment adjustments can be automatically made by changing the pixels used to define the frame. These adjustments can be made by redefining the center pixel or by redefining the bounding box. These adjustments may be horizontal, vertical, and rotational, including a full 180° rotation to allow the digital video camera 10 to be flipped over, such as Fig.25D For more precise optimization, the digital video camera 10 can be pointed at a predefined diagram to allow automatic adjustment to achieve more precise and consistent settings.

[0152] The use of the many-to-many nature of wireless technology enables a user to control multiple cameras. Multi-camera control allows the controller to coordinate lighting and color settings on all cameras, provide guidance for camera position alignment, and synchronize the video on multiple cameras with synchronized start / stop frames or synchronized "alignment" on-screen display (OSD) frames or audio sounds that can be embedded in the video to facilitate editing and post-processing. The use of wireless connections allows one camera to provide a synchronization signal to another camera so that the video can be synchronized in post-processing. The OSD frame can be stored in advance in the memory of the digital video camera 10 and simply triggered by the frame synchronization pulse to limit the transmission bandwidth requirements and any associated errors or delays. This synchronization can include information such as the video file name and the camera identity of the primary camera. To improve the accuracy of the synchronization timing, the wireless transmission rate can be calibrated by sending an echo message (ping) to the secondary device and listening for the response. To further improve accuracy, repeat this send echo message / response cycle multiple times.

[0153] A separate remote device can be used to pair two cameras, neither of which has a screen. Fig.36A (master) camera 1 and a (slave) camera 2 of the same type as digital video camera 10 are shown, aimed at a common diagram 530. The relative camera mountings can be adjusted to align the images on the Z axis. The illumination and color settings can be adjusted so that they match. Aligning the images and adjusting the illumination and color settings eliminates the need for post-processing when combining video from multiple cameras at multiple angles or three-dimensional views. Fig.36 An iPhone is shown paired to cameras 1 and 2 that implement remote start / stop capabilities, as described below. Master camera 1 sends OSD frame sync pulses to slave camera 2. Master camera 1 analyzes the photo from slave camera 2 and adjusts settings to match the alignment and settings of master camera 1.

[0154] Fig.36 Two diagrams of a display screen 532 of an iPhone-type viewer / controller 510 are presented, showing images produced by cameras 1 and 2 viewing chart 530 side by side for the user to observe. The upper diagram 534 and the lower diagram 536 respectively show the comparative relationship between position and color matching before and after correction. Diagram 534 shows that the two camera images are misaligned in the Z axis and the colors are unbalanced, and diagram 536 shows that the images are aligned and the colors are matched after correction.

[0155] By controlling multiple cameras, the user can coordinate shots from different angles and ensure that color and lighting settings are similar to allow for seamless switching during playback. The preferred embodiment can be extended so that if multiple devices are daisy-chained together, they can all use a single authentication. For example, if two cameras are connected through If connected to a device that requires such authentication, the signal from one camera can be routed through another camera to use its security, and the intermediate device will be the only device that needs to provide such security. This security component can also be a standalone component that is simply inserted into the security path as a pass-through that adds only the authentication or approval required by the receiving device and performs any transformations required for the response to be interpreted correctly.

[0156] Fig.37 An exemplary user application is shown that allows a user to change lighting and color settings and immediately view a video of the resulting changes. Fig.37 is a flow chart showing the The paired camera 1 and iOS mobile phone or tablet device 510 are wirelessly connected and they collaborate to pass the data of camera 2 without security. The user pushes the wireless connection actuator on camera 2 to send a pairing connection request signal to the device that can connect. 510, which detects the request, confirms the pairing and sends a signal to camera 2 to complete the pairing. Camera 2 responds by taking pictures in rapid succession and sending them along with status information to camera 1 for pass-through to device 510 for display as camera 2 images and data on display screen 532. The user manipulates actuators associated with device 510 to change the illumination and color settings by causing a new setting instruction signal to be sent to camera 1 for pass-through to camera 2, which responds by changing its illumination and color settings.

[0157] Data collection and data synchronization in the use of wireless communication (preferably with GPS capability) can be accomplished by one of a variety of techniques. When capturing video during an activity, the data can be used to better describe the activity and for editing and optimization during the recording process or in post-processing. Typically, these data will be embedded in the video as user data, or in the file as a data track (according to the MPEG specification). In a first alternative, the data can be written to a text track in the file. These data are ignored by the player unless the text display is turned on. The post-processing algorithm extracts these data for analysis. Typically, the text track survives editing. In a second alternative, the data can be written to a separate file, and the file name for the data can be written as metadata on the video file so that the post-processing application can correctly associate the data with the video. Optimally, the data is synchronized with the video, but they do not have to be frame synchronized. In the case where the data is stored in a separate file, a timestamp can be used to synchronize the video. This mark can be embedded in the data file to mark the file at a single time (e.g., at the beginning, in the middle, at the end, or after being specified by the user), mark the file with each video frame, or mark periodically.

[0158] Fig.38 Shown by A hybrid flow chart and pictorial illustration of an iPhone viewer / controller 510 paired to cameras 1 and 2 for wireless data and control command connections, enabling remote start / stop capability for multiple cameras. (Cameras 1 and 2 are also identified by respective reference numerals 101 and 102 to indicate that they are the same type as digital video camera 10.) The flow chart shows the iPhone viewer / controller 510 paired to cameras 1 and 2 and the Contour Connect Mobile App in its active operating mode. The pictorial illustration of the iPhone viewer / controller 510 shows the start recording actuator on its display screen 532.

[0159] A user who wants to start a recording session taps the start recording actuator to send a start recording command signal to a connected The flowchart shows that in response to the start recording command signal, cameras 1 and 2 record video data. The wireless module 400 is configured to respond to the start recording command signal regardless of the off state of the switch activators of the cameras 1 and 2 .

[0160] A user who wishes to complete the recording session clicks the stop recording actuator ( Fig.38 (not shown) to send a stop recording command signal to cameras 1 and 2. The flow chart shows that in response to the stop recording command signal, cameras 1 and 2 stop video recording.

[0161] Fig.38 Also shown are upper and lower timing diagrams showing the timing sequence of video frame acquisition by cameras 1 and 2 in the following two situations: asynchronous manual activation of cameras 1 and 2 in response to user positioning of switch activator 80; and nearly synchronous activation of cameras 1 and 2 in response to a user clicking the start recording actuator on the display screen 532 of the iPhone controller / viewer 510. The lower timing diagram shows the benefit of wireless connectivity in enabling nearly synchronous acquisition of video data streams from multiple cameras.

[0162] Fig.39 is a flow chart showing the An example of wireless data and control command connection pairing cameras 1 and 2 via viewer / controller 510 or controller 510' is shown in FIG. Fig.39 middle. Fig.39 Shown by Wireless connection to Camera 1 paired to Controller 510' and the Contour Connect Mobile App in its active operating mode. The user presses the wireless connection activator button on Camera 2 to turn on its Module 400, Module 400 sends Pairing (connection) request signal to camera 1. Camera 1, which has been paired with controller 510', detects the pairing request signal and sends a camera pairing request signal to controller 510'. Controller 510' presents the pairing request to the user, the user manipulates the actuator to reject the requested pairing connection, thereby stopping the pairing process, or the user manipulates the actuator to accept the requested pairing connection, thereby sending and transmitting a confirmation pairing signal through camera 1 to camera 2 to complete the pairing connection.

[0163] The synchronization calibration sequence 540 performed between cameras 1 and 2 calibrates the transmission delay between them. Camera 1 sends a synchronization calibration signal to camera 2, and camera 2 responds to the synchronization calibration signal by sending a synchronization response signal. Camera 1 determines a calibration delay, which represents the amount of delay from the transmission of the synchronization calibration signal to the reception of the synchronization response signal. This process is repeated a number of times until the continuously measured calibration delay is within the operating tolerance range.

[0164] After the synchronization calibration sequence 540 is completed, the synchronized video recording process 542 is initiated. Camera 1 operates as the primary camera and, in response to a user-controlled trigger signal, sends a start recording signal to camera 2, which responds by beginning to record video data. After the calibration delay determined by the synchronization calibration sequence 540 expires, camera 1 begins recording video data to achieve synchronized initiation of recording of video data by cameras 1 and 2.

[0165] The on screen display ("OSD") sync pulse insertion process 544 facilitates video frame synchronization in video and audio post-processing. In response to camera 1 starting video data recording, camera 1 sends a trigger OSD sync signal to camera 2. Camera 2 responds to the trigger OSD sync signal by inserting an OSD sync pulse overlay into the video frame stream captured by camera 2. After the calibration delay determined by the sync calibration sequence 540 expires, camera 1 overlays and inserts the OSD sync pulse into the video frame stream captured by camera 1. The time base used to calculate the calibration delay and OSD sync pulse insertion is preferably provided by the GPS date / time clock available from the GPS receiver 458.

[0166] The video and audio post-processing routine 546 involves performing a search on the video frame stream for an OSD sync pulse and shifting the timing of the video frame stream of camera 2 to match the OSD sync pulse of camera 1. Frame center, color, audio volume, and other parameters of the camera video and audio data are adjusted using the OSD sync pulse so that the video and audio data streams can be combined for multi-angle shooting, three-dimensional images, or other effects.

[0167] Fig.40 5 is a block diagram showing a post-processing procedure for synchronizing audio data generated by a wireless microphone 550 and a wired microphone 90 included in a digital video camera 10. The audio data generated by the microphone 90 is compressed by an audio codec 552. The audio signal generated by the wireless microphone 550 is compressed by an audio codec 552. The wireless module 400 receives the video data, converts it into digital form by the analog-to-digital converter 554, and compresses it by the audio codec 556. The video data generated by the image sensor 18 is compressed by the video codec 558, which is located in the main processor 500 of the digital video camera 10. The hard-wired audio data of the audio 1 track, the wireless audio data of the audio 2 track, and the video data of the video track, which are provided from the outputs of the audio codec 552, the audio codec 556, and the video codec 558, respectively, are combined and included as parallel tracks in the raw video file 560 and stored in the SD memory card 562.

[0168] The wireless microphone 550 introduces a delay in the Audio 2 track. Fig.40 This delay is illustrated by showing a single frame time offset between corresponding frames of the Audio 1 track and the Audio 2 track. The above-mentioned OSD sync pulse is used as an audio timestamp, which can be used to correct the delay, thereby synchronizing the Audio 1 track and the Audio 2 track for automatic post-processing audio analysis. Post-processing is performed in a peripheral computer 570, which includes a video editor 572, and the video editor 572 has an audio track extraction module 574, which receives the stored video track data, audio 1 track data, and audio 2 track data from the original video file 560 from the SD card 562. The audio track extraction module 574 separates the audio 1 track and the audio 2 track and synchronizes them using an audio synchronizer module 576 of the timestamp sync pulse. The synchronized audio 1 track and audio 2 track are combined with the video track in the video / audio combiner module 578 and submitted to the new video file 580 in a correct time frame alignment.

[0169] The data measurements performed depend on the type of data being collected. The most appropriate data varies depending on the sport or type of sport being recorded; therefore, ideally, the data sensor is tuned to the sport in question. Furthermore, the best location to measure data is often not the ideal location for mounting the camera.

[0170] Fig.41 is a simplified block diagram showing the processing of data for a single track from one data source. Fig.41 The digital video camera 10 is shown, and includes a video file 600 in its main processor 500. The video file 600 contains a video track, an audio track and a text track. The video track and the audio track correspond to the content contained in Fig.40 The video track and audio 1 track in the original video file 560 of FIG. The text track represents data generated by the subtitle generator 602 hard-wired to the main processor 500 and is rendered for display on the video frame.

[0171] By using a many-to-many connection Multiple data sources may be recorded by the camera. These data sources may be customized to a specific application, such as in car racing, data related to the car engine may be collected from on-board diagnostics and sent to the digital video camera 10, where the data may be embedded in the video stream for later playback. Examples of multiple data sources include streaming data from one or more data sources to one or more cameras (e.g., GPS data from a phone or GPS collection device, and audio data from a remote microphone), and storing this data as a single file or embedded in the video file as metadata, video track, or text.

[0172] In post-processing, data associated with video content can be used for editing to correct shadow / lighting changes, correct video processing errors, and add information about the path taken, video position, speed, and other information in the video segment (story). Position and time data embedded in the video from sources such as GPS can be used to synchronize the video in the post-processing of generating three-dimensional video. Speed, vibration, altitude, temperature, data and location can be combined to determine possible sports or activities as part of the post-processing program combination. Suggestions can be adjusted based on data collected from a large number of videos in which activities in the video have been identified. Data associated with video content can be used to associate videos from one or more users and group them. Grouping can be based on any characteristics, such as time, location, speed and other factors. Videos that intersect in time or position can be linked so that when two videos intersect in position or time, the observer can transition to different cameras or videos. In addition, data can be used to associate multiple cameras or videos to create multiple perspectives for the same location or event. These data can also be used to associate videos of the same location collected over time to record changes in the location over an extended duration (hours, days, weeks, years).

[0173] Multiple "language" tracks on a video file can be used to capture different audio sources (including wireless microphones) from a video camera. This allows the user to select from the best audio source in post-processing, or allows automatic correction of signal errors and synchronization problems. By storing multiple sources, the user performs post-processing algorithms, and if the signal quality problem caused by the use of wireless devices produces signal loss (dropout), the most reliable track can be selected. In addition, audio can be captured from multiple sources and from different locations to provide different audio information so that preferred audio can be selected in post-processing. In the case where multiple audio tracks are not available, data tracks can be used, and the data can be converted into audio sources in post-processing. In the case where a wireless audio source cannot be guided through an audio codec, the original data can be stored and the post-processing can modify these data to convert them into audio. Any delay introduced by the wireless connection can be corrected by synchronizing the wireless audio source to the main audio source (internal microphone) using an audio waveform.

[0174] The aforementioned method is different from the prior art of automatically switching between internal and external microphones, in which the external microphone is used when the external microphone is present, and the software automatically reverts to the internal microphone when the external microphone signal is not available. However, automatic switching will mix the audio from different locations and does not provide a seamless audio experience.

[0175] Fig.42 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the processing of data from multiple tracks from multiple data sources. Fig.42 The digital video camera 10 is shown, and includes a video file 610 in its main processor 500, and the video file 610 contains Fig.41 The corresponding video tracks and audio tracks contained in the video file 600, as well as the five text tracks described below.

[0176] The data processing and computing module 612 of the main processor 500 receives data from the GPS receiver 458, the camera sensor 614, and the Wireless source receives data transmission The wireless module 400 and the wired data module 614 receive data and submit the data as text track 1, text track 2, text track 3, text track 4 and text track 5 respectively.

[0177] Text track 1 contains GPS data such as longitude, latitude, altitude, height, date / time, and other data available to the GPS receiver 458. The date / time information can be used to associate the captured video and other data (including the data on text tracks 2-5) to a point in time in the video data stream. The peripheral computer 57 obtains the time-stamped information and displays it at that point in time. The reference can be implemented using the date / time clock provided by the GPS as a time standard. Fig.39 The transmission delay calibration described.

[0178] Text track 2 contains operating parameter data, such as video resolution, compression rate, and frame rate information available to the camera sensor 614 associated with the digital video camera 10.

[0179] Text tracks 3 and 4 contain text from which you can connect Wireless data A and data B transmission sources collect data, such as racing engine sensor data and racing driver heart rate monitoring data. These data are usually sent periodically to Module 400. Another example of data A and data B sources are data sources that send data at different transmission rates.

[0180] The text track 5 contains the text data modules (e.g., Fig.41 The data generated by the subtitle generator 602).

[0181] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the subject matter of any sentence or paragraph may be combined with the subject matter of some or all of the other sentences or paragraphs, except that such combinations are mutually exclusive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An integrated, hands-free, portable point-of-view digital video camera comprising: a lens and an image sensor that captures light propagating through the lens and representing a scene to be recorded, and that produces real-time video image data of the scene; a wireless connection protocol device configured to transmit real-time image content directly to a wirelessly connectable controller via wireless transmission and to receive control signals or data signals directly from the wirelessly connectable controller via wireless transmission; as well as A camera processor configured to: receiving the video image data directly or indirectly from the image sensor, generating first video image content at a first resolution and second video image content at a second resolution from the video image data, wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution, transmitting the first video image content to the wirelessly connectable controller using the wireless connection protocol device without displaying the first video image content, the second video image content, or the video image data on the video camera, receiving the control signal from the wirelessly connectable controller, adjusting image capture settings of the video camera prior to recording the scene based at least in part on at least a portion of the control signal, and In response to a record command, causing the first video image content and the second video image content to be stored in the video camera, wherein: The wirelessly connectable controller includes executable instructions for execution on a handheld personal portable computing device, wherein the executable instructions, when executed, cause the handheld personal portable computing device to: receiving the first video image content from the wireless connection protocol device, displaying the first video image content on a display of the handheld personal portable computing device, the first video image content comprising a preview image of the scene, the preview image allowing a user of the video camera to manually adjust a position or orientation of the video camera to record the scene, generating the control signal based at least on input received at the handheld personal portable computing device, wherein the control signal comprises at least one of frame alignment, multi-camera synchronization, remote file access, and resolution settings and at least one of lighting settings, audio settings, and color settings, and The control signal is transmitted to the wireless connection protocol device.

2. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 1, wherein the frame rate of the first video image content is lower than the frame rate of the second video image content.

3. A portable viewpoint digital video camera, comprising: lens; means for capturing light propagating through said lens and representing a scene and producing real-time video image data of said scene; means for receiving said video image data directly or indirectly from said means for capturing light; means for generating a first data stream and a second data stream corresponding to the video image data, wherein the second data stream has a higher quality than the first data stream, means for wirelessly transmitting said first data stream directly to a personal portable computing device for display on a display of said personal portable computing device, wherein the first data stream includes a preview image of the scene, the preview image allowing a user of the video camera to adjust the position or orientation of the video camera to record the scene, and wherein the personal portable computing device generates control signals for the video camera, the control signals including at least one of frame alignment, multi-camera synchronization, and resolution settings and at least one of lighting settings, color settings, and audio settings; means for receiving said control signal directly from said personal portable computing device by wireless transmission prior to recording said scene; means for adjusting one or more settings of the video camera based at least in part on at least a portion of the control signal received from the personal portable computing device; means for causing the second data stream to be stored in the video camera as a second video file in a storage device based at least in part on a record command; as well as Means for causing the first data stream to be stored as a first video file in the storage device of the video camera based at least in part on the record command.

4. A viewpoint digital video camera according to claim 3, wherein the first data stream includes first video image content and the second data stream includes second video image content, wherein the first video image content and the second video image content include the same video image content at different resolutions or different frame rates.

5. The viewpoint digital video camera according to claim 3, further comprising: Followed by the end recording command: means for receiving a request to view said video image data, and Means for wirelessly transmitting content from the first video file directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device.

6. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 3, wherein the video camera is configured as a server for the personal portable computing device.

7. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 3, wherein the video camera does not have a scene preview screen.

8. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 3, wherein the first data stream comprises at least one of: a first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the second data stream, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the second data stream.

9. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 3, wherein the first data stream comprises a first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the second data stream, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the second data stream.

10. The viewpoint digital video camera according to claim 3, further comprising: means for monitoring the bandwidth of the wireless connection between the video camera and the personal portable computing device, and Means for adjusting at least one of a frame rate and an image resolution of the first data stream based at least in part on the monitored wireless connection bandwidth.

11. A portable viewpoint digital video camera comprising: lens; an image sensor configured to capture light propagating through the lens and representing a scene and to generate real-time video image data of the scene; a wireless connection protocol device configured to transmit real-time image content directly to a personal portable computing device executing an application via wireless transmission, and to receive control signals or data signals directly from the personal portable computing device executing an application via wireless transmission; as well as A camera processor configured to: receiving the video image data directly or indirectly from the image sensor, generating a first image data stream and a second image data stream from the video image data, wherein the second image data stream has a higher quality than the first image data stream, causing the wireless connection protocol device to send the first image data stream directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device, wherein the personal portable computing device generates control signals for the video camera, and wherein the control signals include at least one of frame alignment, multi-camera synchronization, remote file access, and resolution settings and at least one of lighting settings, color settings, and audio settings, receiving the control signal from the personal portable computing device, and adjusting one or more settings of the video camera based at least in part on at least a portion of the control signal received from the personal portable computing device; At least partially based on the record command, the camera processor is also configured to: cause the first image data stream to be stored as a first video file in a storage device of the video camera, and cause the second image data stream to be stored as a second video file in the storage device of the video camera.

12. A viewpoint digital video camera according to claim 11, wherein the first image data stream includes first video image content and the second image data stream includes second video image content, wherein the first video image content and the second video image content include substantially the same video image content at different resolutions or different frame rates.

13. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein following an end recording command, the camera processor is further configured to: receiving a request to view the video image data, and The wireless connection protocol device is caused to wirelessly transmit content from the first video file directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device.

14. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the control signal comprises a color setting, and the camera processor is configured to adjust a video camera color setting based at least in part on the color setting from the control signal.

15. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the control signal comprises a lighting setting, and the camera processor is configured to adjust a video camera lighting setting based at least in part on the lighting setting from the control signal.

16. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the control signal includes audio settings, and the camera processor is configured to adjust video camera audio settings based at least in part on the audio settings from the control signal.

17. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the video camera is configured as a server for the personal portable computing device.

18. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the first image data stream comprises at least one of: a first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the second image data stream, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the second image data stream.

19. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the first image data stream comprises a first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the second image data stream, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the second image data stream.

20. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 11, wherein the camera processor is further configured to: monitoring the bandwidth of the wireless connection between the wireless connection protocol device and the personal portable computing device, and At least one of a frame rate and an image resolution of the first image data stream is adjusted based at least in part on the monitored wireless connection bandwidth.

21. A method for previewing a scene to be recorded on an integrated viewpoint digital video camera, the method comprising: Using the lens and image sensor of the video camera to capture the scene in real time; generating video image content at a first quality and video image content at a second quality corresponding to the scene, wherein the first quality is lower than the second quality; wirelessly transmitting the video image content at the first quality directly to a personal portable computing device in real time using a wireless connection protocol device of the video camera, wherein the video image content at the first quality is displayed on a display of the personal portable computing device to allow a user to manually adjust a position or orientation of the video camera to record the scene, wherein the personal portable computing device generates a control signal for adjusting one or more settings of the video camera, the control signal including at least one of frame alignment, multi-camera synchronization, and resolution settings and at least one of lighting settings, audio settings, and color settings; receiving the control signals directly from the personal portable computing device to adjust the settings of the video camera prior to recording the scene; as well as storing the video image content at the second quality in a storage device of the video camera based at least in part on a record command; Based at least in part on the record command, the video image content at the first quality is caused to be stored as a first video file in the storage device of the video camera.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: Followed by the end recording command: receiving a request to view the video image content, and Content from the first video file is wirelessly transmitted directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the video image content at the first quality comprises at least one of: a first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the video image content at the second quality, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the video image content at the second quality.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the video image content at the first quality comprises: A first image resolution lower than a second image resolution of the video image content at the second quality, and a first frame rate lower than a second frame rate of the video image content at the second quality.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising: monitoring the bandwidth of the wireless connection between the wireless connection protocol device and the personal portable computing device, and At least one of a frame rate and an image resolution of the video image content at the first quality is adjusted based at least in part on the monitored wireless connection bandwidth.

26. A portable viewpoint digital video camera comprising: lens; an image sensor configured to capture light propagating through the lens and representing a scene and to generate real-time video image data of the scene, wherein the video camera does not include a screen for viewing the scene; a wireless connection protocol device configured to transmit real-time image content directly to a personal portable computing device via wireless transmission and to receive control signals or data signals directly from the personal portable computing device via wireless transmission; as well as A camera processor configured to: receiving the video image data directly or indirectly from the image sensor, generating a first image data stream and a second image data stream from the video image data, wherein the second image data stream includes images with a higher resolution than the first image data stream, causing the wireless connection protocol device to transmit the first image data stream directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device prior to recording the scene, wherein the personal portable computing device generates control signals for the video camera, and wherein the control signals include at least one of frame alignment, multi-camera synchronization, remote file access, and resolution settings and at least one of lighting settings, color settings, and audio settings, receiving the control signal from the personal portable computing device, and adjusting one or more settings of the video camera based at least in part on at least a portion of the control signal received from the personal portable computing device; Based at least in part on the record command, the camera processor is further configured to cause the first image data stream to be stored as a first video file in a storage device of the video camera and cause the second image data stream to be stored as a second video file in the storage device of the video camera.

27. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 26, wherein: Following the end recording command, the camera processor is further configured to: receiving a request to view the video image data, and The wireless connection protocol device is caused to wirelessly transmit content from the first video file directly to the personal portable computing device for display on a display of the personal portable computing device.

28. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 26, wherein the video camera is configured as a server for the personal portable computing device.

29. The viewpoint digital video camera of claim 26, wherein the first image data stream comprises a first frame rate that is lower than a second frame rate of the second image data stream.

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