PTO/SB/14 (02-07)
`Approved for use through 02/28/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid 0MB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`101488.0003US1
`
`Application Number
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Loop Recording With Book Marking
`
`The application data sheet is part of the provisional or nonprovisional application for which it is being submitted. The following form contains the
`bibliographic data arranged in a format specified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as outlined in 37 CFR 1.76.
`This document may be completed electronically and submitted to the Office in electronic format using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) or the
`document may be printed and included in a paper filed application.
`
`Secrecy Order 37 CFR 5.2
`D Portions or all of the application associated with this Application Data Sheet may fall under a Secrecy Order pursuant to
`37 CFR 5.2 (Paper filers only. Applications that fall under Secrecy Order may not be filed electronically.)
`
`Aoolicant Information· .
`Aoolicant 1
`Applicant Authority (!)Inventor I QLegal Representative under 35 U.S.C. 117
`Prefix Given Name
`Middle Name
`
`I Remove I
`I QParty of Interest under 35 U.S.C. 118
`Family Name
`Suffix
`
`Paul
`DeKeyser
`Residence Information (Select One) (!) US Residency 0 Non US Residency 0 Active US Military Service
`I Country of Residence i I US
`City
`State/Province I CA
`Irvine
`us
`
`Citizenship under 37 CFR 1.41(b) i
`Mailing Address of Applicant:
`Address 1
`29 Las Brisas
`
`Address 2
`I Irvine
`Postal Code
`
`City
`
`92612
`
`I State/Province
`I Countryi I us
`
`I CA
`
`Annlicant2
`Applicant Authority ® Inventor I QLegal Representative under 35 U.S.C. 117
`Prefix Given Name
`Middle Name
`
`I Remove I
`I QParty of Interest under 35 U.S.C. 118
`Family Name
`Suffix
`
`Michael
`H.
`Col lender
`Residence Information (Select One) (!) US Residency 0 Non US Residency 0 Active US Military Service
`I Country of Residence i I us
`City
`State/Province I CA
`Laguna Hills
`us
`
`Citizenship under 37 CFR 1.41(b) i
`Mailing Address of Applicant:
`Address 1
`25442 La Habra Court
`
`Address 2
`I Laguna Hills
`Postal Code
`
`City
`
`92653
`
`I State/Province
`I Countryi I us
`
`I CA
`
`Annlicant3
`Applicant Authority ® Inventor I QLegal Representative under 35 U.S.C. 117
`Prefix Given Name
`Middle Name
`
`I Remove I
`I QParty of Interest under 35 U.S.C. 118
`Family Name
`Suffix
`
`Charles
`F.
`DeKeyser
`Residence Information (Select One) (!) US Residency 0 Non US Residency 0 Active US Military Service
`State/Province I co
`I Country of Residence i I US
`City
`Colorado Springs
`
`EFS Web 2.1
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/14 (02-07)
`Approved for use through 02/28/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid 0MB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`101488.0003US1
`
`Application Number
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Loop Recording With Book Marking
`
`Citizenship under 37 CFR 1.41(b) i
`Mailing Address of Applicant:
`Address 1
`2439 Clayton Court
`
`I us
`
`Address 2
`I Colorado Springs
`Postal Code
`80919
`
`City
`
`I State/Province
`I Countryi I us
`All Inventors Must Be Listed - Additional Inventor Information blocks may be
`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
`
`I co
`
`I
`
`Add
`
`I
`
`Correspondence Information:
`Enter either Customer Number or complete the Correspondence Information section below.
`For further information see 37 CFR 1.33(a).
`
`□ An Address is being provided for the correspondence Information of this application.
`Customer Number
`24392
`
`Email Address
`
`mtsang@fishiplaw.com
`
`Application Information:
`
`Title of the Invention
`
`Loop Recording With Book Marking
`
`Attorney Docket Number 101488.0003US1
`
`Application Type
`
`Nonprovisional
`
`Subject Matter
`
`Utility
`
`Suggested Class (if any)
`
`Suggested Technology Center (if any)
`
`Total Number of Drawing Sheets (if any)
`
`8
`
`Publication Information:
`
`I I Add Email I
`
`!Remove Emaill
`
`I Small Entity Status Claimed ~
`
`I Sub Class (if any)I
`
`I Suggested Figure for Publication (if any) I
`
`□ Request Early Publication (Fee required at time of Request 37 CFR 1.219)
`Request Not to Publish. I hereby request that the attached application not be published under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)
`and certify that the invention disclosed in the attached application has not been and will not be the subject of an
`application filed in another country, or under a multilateral agreement, that requires publication at eighteen months
`after filing.
`
`□
`
`Representative Information:
`
`Representative information should be provided for all practitioners having a power of attorney in the application. Providing
`this information in the Application Data Sheet does not constitute a power of attorney in the application (see 37 CFR 1.32).
`the Representative Name
`section
`below.
`If both
`Enter either Customer Number or
`complete
`are completed the Customer Number will be used for the Representative Information during processing.
`
`sections
`
`Please Select One:
`
`I ® Customer Number
`
`I O US Patent Practitioner
`
`I O US Representative (37 CFR 11.9)
`
`EFS Web 2.1
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/14 (02-07)
`Approved for use through 02/28/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid 0MB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`101488.0003US1
`
`Application Number
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Loop Recording With Book Marking
`
`Customer Number
`
`24392
`
`Domestic Priority Information:
`This section allows for the applicant to claim benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), 120, 121, or 365(c). Providing this information in the
`application data sheet constitutes the specific reference required by 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or 120, and 37 CFR 1.78(a)(2) or CFR 1.78(a)
`(4), and need not otherwise be made part of the specification.
`
`Prior Application Status
`
`Application Number
`
`Continuity Type
`
`Prior Application Number
`
`non provisional of
`
`60/842097
`
`Additional Domestic Priority Data may be generated within this form by selecting
`the Add button.
`
`I Remove I
`Filing Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`2006-08-31
`I
`
`Add
`
`I
`
`Foreign Priority Information:
`This section allows for the applicant to claim benefit of foreign priority and to identify any prior foreign application for which priority is
`not claimed. Providing this information in the application data sheet constitutes the claim for priority as required by 35 U.S.C. 119(b)
`and 37 CFR 1.55(a).
`
`I Remove I
`
`Application Number
`
`Country i
`
`Parent Filing Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
`
`Priority Claimed
`0 Yes 0 No
`I
`
`Add
`
`I
`
`Additional Foreign Priority Data may be generated within this form by selecting the
`Add button.
`Assignee Information:
`Providing this information in the application data sheet does not substitute for compliance with any requirement of part 3 of Title 37
`of the CFR to have an assignment recorded in the Office.
`I Remove I
`
`Assianee 1
`If the Assignee is an Organization check here.
`
`Prefix
`
`Given Name
`
`Mailing Address Information:
`
`Address 1
`
`Address 2
`
`City
`
`Country ii
`
`Phone Number
`
`Email Address
`
`□
`Middle Name
`
`Family Name
`
`Suffix
`
`State/Province
`
`Postal Code
`
`Fax Number
`
`Additional Assignee Data may be generated within this form by selecting the Add
`button.
`
`I Add I
`
`Signature:
`A signature of the applicant or representative is required in accordance with 37 CFR 1.33 and 10.18. Please see 37
`EF~~ 1-f(d) for the form of the signature.
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/14 (02-07)
`Approved for use through 02/28/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it contains a valid 0MB control number.
`
`Application Data Sheet 37 CFR 1.76
`
`Attorney Docket Number
`
`101488.0003US1
`
`Application Number
`
`Title of Invention
`
`Loop Recording With Book Marking
`
`Signature
`
`/Mei Tsang/
`
`First Name Mei
`
`I Last Name I Tsang
`
`Date (YYYY-MM-DD) 2007-06-29
`
`Registration Number
`
`56122
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.76. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which
`is to file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This
`collection is estimated to take 23 minutes to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application data
`sheet form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of lime you require to
`complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR
`COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`
`EFS Web 2.1
`
`

`

`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (P .L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your submission of the attached form related to
`a patent application or patent. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of the Act, please be advised that: (1) the general authority for the collection
`of this information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information is
`used by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is to process and/or examine your submission related to a patent application or patent. If you do not
`furnish the requested information, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine your submission, which may
`result in termination of proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent.
`
`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`
`1.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`5.
`
`6.
`
`7.
`
`8.
`
`The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552)
`and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). Records from this system of records may be disclosed to the Department of Justice to determine
`whether the Freedom of Information Act requires disclosure of these records.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence to a court, magistrate, or
`administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of settlement negotiations.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a request involving an
`individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance from the Member with respect to the subject matter of
`the record.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having need for the information in
`order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as
`amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`
`A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of records may be disclosed,
`as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to another federal agency for purposes of National Security
`review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services, or his/her designee,
`during an inspection of records conducted by GSA as part of that agency's responsibility to recommend improvements in records
`management practices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the
`GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such
`disclosure shall not be used to make determinations about individuals.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of the application pursuan
`to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37
`CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the record was filed in an application which became abandoned or in which the proceedings were
`terminated and which application is referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspections or an issued
`patent.
`
`9.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency, if the
`USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`EFS Web 2.1
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`LOOP RECORDING WITH BOOK MARKING
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial
`
`number 60/824097, filed August 31, 2006 which is incorporated by reference herein.
`
`Field of The Invention
`
`5
`
`The field of the invention is in digital recording.
`
`Background
`
`Conventional camcorders use a variety of disk formats such as digital video cassettes,
`
`mini-DY cassettes and DVD-R discs that offer a limited amount of memory to store data.
`
`One of the major shortcomings of the existing camcorder technology is that the memory runs
`
`10
`
`out too soon. How many times does one hear, "I have no tape left" while recording? Once a
`
`portion of the memory has been recorded, there is less memory available for further
`
`recording. Then when the memory is full, users have to return to their home/work computer
`
`or media station to transfer the recorded data from the camera to free up the memory. This
`
`creates inconvenience and inflexibility for recording on the go.
`
`15
`
`One solution is the technology of loop recording in which the camera is constantly
`
`recording. When it reaches the end of the memory it records from the beginning, erasing the
`
`earliest recorded data. Such technology is often employed with surveillance cameras for long
`
`and continuous recording without much or any supervision. However, the problem with such
`
`loop recording is that it will not distinguish or differentiate any data that is of importance.
`
`20
`
`The user then will have to transfer the interested data to another storage media by stopping
`
`the recording and storing the interested data onto another medium, or risk having the
`
`interested data be recorded over during loop recording.
`
`Many surveillance recordings employ larger memory units to solve this problem.
`
`This then creates unnecessary long recordings that are not relevant or present any interest to
`
`25
`
`the user. The portions of the interested data not only take up available memory for further
`
`recording but the entire loop has to be reviewed in order to select the most relevant portion.
`
`Again, this creates inconvenience and inflexibility for recording on the go.
`
`1
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`Furthermore, users of the surveillance camera are not able to edit a given potion on
`
`the fly without stopping and replaying the image. The user must focus his or her attention on
`
`the viewfinder or display screen to keep the subject properly framed. This seriously hinders
`
`the operator's live enjoyment of the event being recorded since their attention is on the
`
`5
`
`recording device and is not immersed in the sights and sounds of the event.
`
`Thus, there is still a need for a camera that provides better recording and editing
`
`functions.
`
`This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference
`
`in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
`
`10
`
`inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that
`
`term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
`
`Summarv of The Invention
`
`The present invention provides apparatus systems and methods in which a camera
`
`storing discrete segments of imaged data comprising, using a sensor in the camera to capture
`
`15
`
`image data; using multiple portions of a memory as a loop in which to record the segments in
`
`approximately real time; and protecting the multiple portions from being overwritten by
`
`subsequent recording in the loop.
`
`In preferred embodiments, the loop is sufficiently large enough to store at least five
`
`minutes of the image data and be stored as a single file. When the recorder stores the first
`
`20
`
`and second multiple data portions, they can be stored as separate files or a common file
`
`separate from the loop single file.
`
`In yet another preferred embodiment, the recorder continues to record the image data
`
`immediately after ending at least one of the segments or immediately after protecting at least
`
`one of the segments. It is preferred that the recorder designate a beginning of the first one of
`
`25 multiple portions in response to a start signal from a user of the camera and an end of the first
`
`one of the multiple portions in response to a stop signal from the user.
`
`The recorder can be operated preferably using a switch in a clothing accessory. The
`
`switch can be manually operated. The start signal can be an audio signal. Preferably for the
`
`2
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`first portion of multiple portions, a time span of the image data occurs prior to the start signal
`
`for at least 5 seconds, more preferably for at least 15 seconds.
`
`In yet another preferred embodiment, the recorder can wirelessly transmit the first of
`
`the segments to a memory and release a corresponding one of the multiple portions of
`
`5 memory from protection.
`
`It is preferred that a system comprises of electronics that allow storing discrete
`
`segments of imaged data by using a sensor in the camera to capture image data; using
`
`multiple portions of a memory as a loop in which to record the segments in approximately
`
`real time; protecting the multiple portions from being overwritten by subsequent recording in
`
`10
`
`the loop; and a clothing accessory that supports the sensor. It is contemplated that the
`
`clothing accessory can be a pair of glasses in which a viewfinder is provided in the lens of the
`
`eye-glasses.
`
`Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
`
`more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the
`
`15
`
`invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like
`
`components.
`
`Brief Description of The Drawing
`
`Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the present inventive subject matter.
`
`20
`
`Fig. 2 is a camera embodying the present inventive subject matter.
`
`Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the memory of the present inventive subject matter.
`
`Fig. 4A is a front view of the camera recorder.
`
`Fig. 4B is a back view of the camera recorder
`
`Fig. 5 is another embodiment of the camera recorder.
`
`25
`
`Fig. 6 is yet another embodiment of the camera.
`
`3
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`Fig. 7 A is a close up view of a remote control device according to the present
`
`inventive subject matter.
`
`Fig. 7B is another close up of the remote control device.
`
`Fig. 8 is a side view of the camera recorder.
`
`5 Detailed Description
`
`The present inventive subject matter comprises methods and systems of storing
`
`discrete segments of imaged data in a camera by using a sensor in the camera to capture
`
`image data; using multiple portions of a memory as a loop in which to record the segments in
`
`approximately real time; and protecting the multiple portions from being overwritten by
`
`10
`
`subsequent recording the loop.
`
`Figure 1 is a block diagram generally includes the steps of a recorder 120 comprising
`
`a memory 140, storing image data onto the memory 150, recording and protecting image data
`
`onto memory 160, continuing to store new image data into available memory 170,
`
`overwriting new image data onto available memory 180, and transmitting protected data 190
`
`15
`
`to an external storage media 200.
`
`Recorder 120 comprises imager lens 220, memory 140, control buttons 230,
`
`microprocessor 240, power source 250, microphone 260, hard drive 270, transmitter 280 and
`
`optional display screen (not shown) as shown in Figure 2.
`
`Recorder 120 can be any recording device that records video and/or audio data.
`
`20
`
`Typically the recorder is a high performance digital video camera or camcorder but other
`
`formats, such as an analog recorder are contemplated. The recorder's electronics preferably
`
`are all on a unitary printed circuit board. The recorder preferably has at least one hard disk
`
`drive and audio and video input analog signal (from a source such as video camera or
`
`broadcast media) as well as a suitable monitor for receiving output audio and video analog
`
`25
`
`signals.
`
`Imager lens 220 is used to focus images for recorder 100. Conventional lenses allow
`
`one or more of the following adjustments: aperture (to control the amount oflight), zoom (to
`
`control the field-of-view), and shutter speed (to capture continuous motion.). In preferred
`
`4
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`embodiments, these adjustments are automatically controlled by the camcorder electronics,
`
`generally to maintain constant exposure onto the imager without the manual adjustment from
`
`a user. It is contemplated that the preferred embodiments offer direct user control of all
`
`major optical functions. As with most modem digital recorders and camcorders, an analog-
`
`5
`
`to-digital (ADC) converter is used to digitize the analog imager waveform output into a
`
`discrete digital-video signal. Thus, the recorder can be in both analog and digital format.
`
`Contemplated memory 140 will vary depending on the particular configuration of the
`
`recorder. Particularly suitable memory include commercially available micro hard drives
`
`with a I-inch disc (which may preferably have a capacity of more than 1 GB), flash memory
`
`10
`
`cards with a capacity ofup to 128 MB and more, and other transient and/or permanent
`
`memory units. Likewise, suitable memory may include SD RAM, SIMM, DIMM, etc. with a
`
`capacity of at least 32 MB, more preferably at least 64 MB, and most preferably above 128
`
`MB.
`
`In preferred embodiments, memory 140 is a SD RAM capable of storing at least 1000
`
`15
`
`frames of data. Once received by memory 140, frames are compressed by employing
`
`conventional compression rates and methods to achieve at least a 50: 1 ratio.
`
`In preferred embodiments, image data received by the recorder is stored in memory.
`
`Once the recorder is turned on, image data is continuously stored in a loop memory for
`
`access. If no record or protect button is pushed, the recorder will loop back and store the
`
`20
`
`image data for a said length of time. Recording, book-marking and protecting are used
`
`synonymsly herein. Recording, book-marking and protecting means that a portion of the
`
`imaged data is recorded/book-marked/protected for protection upon an activation of a signal
`
`by a user and becomes what is called the protected data. Consequently, protected data cannot
`
`be overwritten by newly stored imaged data in the loop.
`
`25
`
`The loop preferably is large enough to store at least 3 minutes of data, more
`
`preferably 5 minutes and most preferred 10 minutes of data. However, it is contemplated that
`
`depending on the size and capacity of the device, any length longer or shorter is possible. It
`
`is preferred when the recorder is turned on the entire loop is treated and stored as a single file.
`
`Thus, if no recording is protected or bookmarked, then the entire file will be erased and the
`
`30
`
`recording will start at the beginning of the loop.
`
`5
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`In preferred embodiments, users can decide when to record or protect a portion of
`
`data being recorded by sending a signal. As shown in a diagram in Figure 3, image data 130
`
`marked for protection becomes protected data 350 in loop 330. Protected data 350 is
`
`characterized as a predefined portion of the recording data. It is contemplated that the portion
`
`5
`
`of the loop that is marked as protected data cannot be overwritten once the recorder loops
`
`back to the beginning of the media. However, once protected data is transferred to an
`
`external storage media, the protected data then will go back to become image data that is
`
`available for loop recording.
`
`User can activate a signal which will book-mark or protect the data on the loop. The
`
`10
`
`signal can be generated from pushing a switch. Conceivably, the switch can be of a manually
`
`operated switch in which the user will push a button located on the recorder or a remote
`
`device. The switch can be something that is integrated as an accessory and is wearable on an
`
`individual. It is contemplated that the switch can be something that is portable and can be
`
`hidden or attached to other devices such as a vehicle, furniture, etc.
`
`15
`
`Furthermore, the signal can be generated based on different types of input such as an
`
`audio input. The user can also program the signal to activate based on a particular sound that
`
`is audible to the switch.
`
`Once signal is activated, protected data is marked or protected for a fixed period of
`
`time. When the user wants to stop protecting image data the signal can then be deactivated.
`
`20
`
`It is contemplated that even after the signal has been deactivated, image data can still be
`
`protected for an additional fixed period of time. Optionally, this fixed period of time can be
`
`configured for any suitable length. For example, the recorder might protect thirty seconds
`
`before the signal and thirty seconds after the signal; or it might protect fifteen seconds before
`
`the signal and two minutes after the signal.
`
`25
`
`Protected data 350, once marked, are stored separately from the loop. Various
`
`discrete segments of protected data can be stored as a common file or individual files, as long
`
`as it is separated from the loop. Following the next step in Figure 1, recorder 120 will
`
`continue to store new image data into available memory 170. The image data will continue
`
`to record in the loop after the protected data has been recorded and protected. For portions of
`
`30
`
`the memory that are not protected, new image data will overwrite it when it has reached its
`
`full capacity of memory. With a new cycle of recording, user can record and protect new
`
`6
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`image data. Since the memory is in a loop, there will be a continuous image data streaming
`
`from the recorder. Instead of catching just a clip by clip portion, all the imaged data stored
`
`are on one continuous cycle.
`
`In preferred embodiments, protected data can be stored in the recorder as is or
`
`5
`
`transmitted to another storage media as shown in step 190. When protected data is stored and
`
`not transmitted to another storage device, the recorder will then store new image data on the
`
`remaining available unprotected memory in the loop. To save space in the loop, protected
`
`data 350 can be alternatively transmitted into a physically external storage media 200.
`
`As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a recorder 120 has a transmitter 280 to transmit and
`
`10
`
`receive the protected data to external storage media 200. When enabled, transmitter 280
`
`transmits the protected data into an external storage media 200. Alternatively, recorder 120
`
`can be connected to the external storage media 200 to dnwnload the protected data. External
`
`storage media 200 can be a host computer, flash memory card, portable memory car, a digital
`
`video recorder station, and other contemplated media storage devices. In preferred
`
`15
`
`embodiments, external storage media 200 writes the data received onto a DVD 380. It is
`
`contemplated that other memory storage formats are considered such as a CD-Rom, flash
`
`memory, etc. As is well known in the art, a transmitter can be built into the recorder exposed.
`
`The size and shape of transmitter are determined primarily by the frequency of the signal they
`
`are designed to receive. Recorder 120 can also comprise connector ports (not shown) that
`
`20
`
`are employed to communicate with an external storage media 200, wireless or by hardwire.
`
`Particularly preferred, wireless transmitter interface includes a radio transceiver ( e.g.,
`
`interface following the 'blue tooth' standard) or an opto-electronic transceiver (e.g., an IR(cid:173)
`
`transceiver ).
`
`Microprocessor 240 is any component of recorder 120 which manipulates data. The
`
`25
`
`processor receives and stores image data, mark protected data, and processes the protected
`
`data to match what the user has commanded. Microprocessors are advantageously included
`
`in at least the housing of the recorder to facilitate the communications of all data. The
`
`microprocessor may operate a RAM, ROM or other data storage device.
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microprocessor is
`
`30
`
`programmed to allow editing function upon receiving image data or protected data.
`
`7
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`Similarly, the microprocessor is programmed to determine which portion of the loop
`
`protected data has been used and which portion is still available for further use.
`
`Any data received by the microprocessor can be transmitted over the network. Data is
`
`preferably transmitted via the Internet but may be transmitted by telephone line, radio, pager,
`
`5
`
`two-way pager, cable, and any other suitable communication mechanism.
`
`It is generally contemplated that the microprocessor and the memory may vary
`
`considerably and that a particular configuration of such elements will predominantly depend
`
`on the type of computations employed.
`
`Control buttons 230 allow a user to manipulate and control image data and to generate
`
`10
`
`protected data. Particularly preferred recorders include control buttons, to record, delete,
`
`store, transmit, display, print and so forth. Control buttons can be located anywhere on the
`
`recorder preferably somewhere inconspicuous. Control buttons can be built in or used in lieu
`
`of a display screen (not shown) with touch-pad capabilities. In preferred aspects, control
`
`buttons further include an on/off switch, a execute button or a clear button. Control buttons
`
`15
`
`can be of a different color than the housing and preferably be on the front of the recorder.
`
`Whether embodied in control buttons or in some other manner, it is contemplated that
`
`recorder can include some sort of security control requiring a password and some sort of
`
`automatic turnoff feature that activates after a certain amount of inactivity.
`
`Furthermore, depending on the particular configuration and size of the recorder, it is
`
`20
`
`contemplated that the recorder is configured to have a power source 420. The power source
`
`may vary considerably. For example, when the recorded is relatively large, a suitable power
`
`source may include a rechargeable battery. On the other hand, when the recorder is relatively
`
`small, an appropriate power source may include an external power source (e.g., transformer
`
`for wall outlet or cigarette lighter adapter).
`
`25
`
`It is also preferred that recorder 120 has a microphone 260 that allows for the
`
`receiving of audio signal and an optional display screen that displays images being recorded.
`
`However, in preferred embodiments of the recorder no display screen is needed to for secured
`
`recording.
`
`8
`
`

`

`Attny DktNo. 101488.0003US1
`
`One purpose of the invention is to allow secret recording by a user. The user can
`
`integrate the recorder as part of his/her wardrobe or even as clothing accessories, such as a
`
`pin or a hat. Preferably, recorder will record video and audio as seen from the wearer's point
`
`of view without requiring the wearer to exert any special effort to operate