(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0033058 A1
`Reich
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`US 2004.0033058A1
`
`(54) RECORDING DEVICE THAT STORES
`BUFFERED DIGITAL SIGNALS TO
`MEMORY FLASHCARDS
`(76) Inventor: Sid Reich, Ocean, NJ (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`KAPLAN & GILMAN, L.L.P.
`900 ROUTE 9 NORTH
`WOODBRIDGE, NJ 07095 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/640,137
`(22) Filed:
`Aug. 13, 2003
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/403,553, filed on Aug.
`14, 2002. Provisional application No. 60/409.236,
`
`filed on Sep. 9, 2002. Provisional application No.
`60/461,674, filed on Apr. 10, 2003. Provisional appli
`cation No. 60/474.269, filed on May 29, 2003.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ............................. H04N 5/76; H04N 5/225
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................. 386/111; 386/117
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A System, method and device for capturing unrecorded
`images and Sounds in memory Such that Said images and
`Sounds may be saved and played back
`
`
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`US 3
`C. ha
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`User liput
`but toms
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`M3 o
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`woo
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`buttons
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Aw S S
`Sovids
`
`26 O
`
`23 O
`
`microphone
`
`3.1-
`
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`Converter(audio)
`
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`
`Converter(video)
`
`220
`
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`
`2So
`(r
`Audio Processor
`eSS
`
`
`
`Stored Proprietary
`Program
`(firmware)
`
`270
`
`300
`
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`Audio/Video
`Controller
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`Flash Memory Yevice,
`
`Codec Chip Set
`(coeressle)
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`F. G. 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 3 of 6
`27
`
`
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Set frame count to
`ZEO
`
`record button
`Set?
`
`get frame to
`Camera - Write to
`frame+1 location in
`30 second buffer
`
`compress
`frame
`
`increment frame
`Count
`
`increment record
`count and write
`record to flash
`memory
`
`frame Count
`900?
`
`record count
`900
`
`P76, 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Yes
`
`get frame from
`
`catea
`
`284
`
`compress
`frame
`
`295
`
`increment frame
`counter and
`write frame to
`flash memory at
`frame counter +1
`
`stop button set?
`22
`
`turn device on - read
`record count from
`
`
`
`
`
`(30 second
`clip)?
`
`
`
`
`
`set frame count to
`zero
`
`No
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`record button
`set?
`
`get frame to
`camera - write to
`frame+1 location in
`30 second buffer
`
`
`
`277
`
`increment frame
`count
`
`
`
`increrient record
`count andwrite
`record to flash
`memory
`
`-
`
`2 n 9.
`
`frame count.
`900?
`
`d
`
`record count
`900
`
`27s
`
`224
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`
`
`, -ic
`f /70
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`
`
`A76, (2
`
`

`

`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`RECORDING DEVICE THAT STORES BUFFERED
`DIGITAL SIGNALS TO MEMORY FLASHCARDS
`0001. This application claims the benefit of the filing date
`of each of United States provisional patent applications No.
`60/403,553, filed Aug. 14, 2002; No. 60/409,236, filed Sep.
`4, 2002; No. 60/461,674, filed Apr. 10, 2003; and No.
`60/474.269, filed May 29, 2003, the entirety of each of
`which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`0002 This invention relates to cameras, and more par
`ticularly, to camera-related devices, Systems and methods
`for capturing unrecorded images and Sounds in memory
`Such that Said images and Sounds may be saved and played
`back.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0003) Today's Society has become increasingly video
`oriented. Video equipment finds numerous applications in
`Security, law enforcement, legal proceedings, news report
`ing, Scientific Studies, entertainment, family Videos and the
`like. Despite the ubiquity of Video equipment, there are often
`instances when an event occurs that is not captured by Video
`Simply because the equipment was not set up in the right
`position, was not ready to record or simply was not present
`Many priceless opportunities to record important or inter
`esting events are thus missed and never to be seen on video.
`0004 Digital webcam devices employ flash card tech
`nology to Store short Video clips with audio. Typically Such
`devices are capable of Storing five to ten Such clips depend
`ing on their size. However, Such devices only Store images
`and Sounds of events as they occur.
`0005 Video playback devices such as TiVo(R) permit
`users to replay images already viewed and continue to view
`a televised program in a time-delayed mode. This type of
`device employs a hard disk method of buffering a digital
`Video signal. However, Such a System does not permit
`recapture of images of live events that have already occurred
`that were not originally recorded.
`0006 Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a
`device that records events before a decision to record is
`made.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007. The above and other problems of the prior art are
`overcome in accordance with the present invention which
`relates to a device, System and method that monitors images
`and Sounds and permits capture of unrecorded events for a
`particular period of time, Such as the last 0-30 Seconds or
`more “seen” by the camera, and is able to record that video
`to a removable media.
`0008. In one embodiment the device automatically
`Switches from a monitoring mode, wherein the last 30
`Seconds or So “seen by the camera can be and is captured
`to memory, to a direct real time record mode if no further
`action is taken by the user, e.g., the "Stop' button is pressed.
`In a preferred embodiment the device is adaptable to be
`attached to headgear Such as but not limited to a pair of
`glasses or the bill of a cap and transmits the Video to a
`remote device Such as a hip pack where the Video is
`
`recorded. In a preferred embodiment an LCD screen is
`incorporated in the remote device and continuous recording
`capability to a compact flash card is provided.
`0009. In a preferred embodiment a digital camera is
`employed and a wireleSS connection is provided.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0010 FIG. 1 is block diagram depicting the components
`of a preferred embodiment according to the present inven
`tion.
`0011 FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a preferred
`embodiment of the steps and information flow performed in
`accordance with the present invention.
`0012 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a preferred embodi
`ment of an algorithm performed by Software in accordance
`with the teachings of the present invention.
`0013 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a most preferred
`embodiment of an algorithm performed by Software in
`accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
`0014 FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a preferred
`embodiment of a device according to the present invention.
`0.015 FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a most
`preferred embodiment of a device according to the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0016. In the following description, for purposes of expla
`nation, Specific numbers, materials and configurations are
`Set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
`invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having
`ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced
`without these specific details. In Some instances, well
`known features may be omitted or simplified So as not to
`obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the
`specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”
`means that a particular feature, Structure or characteristic
`described in connection with the embodiment is included in
`at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances
`of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the
`Specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
`embodiment.
`0017. In accordance with the invention, images and audio
`that are monitored yet unrecorded are captured and capable
`of being played back. In one embodiment a device according
`to the present invention monitors images and Sounds and
`captures the last 30 seconds of what was monitored by the
`camera to a removable media when requested by user.
`0018 Now referring to FIG. 1 in one embodiment a
`device 2 according to the invention may comprise Video
`controller/processor 10, buffer 20, codec chipset compres
`sion 30, LCD 40, external flash memory connector 50, user
`input buttons 60, NTSC connection 65, USB slave connec
`tion 70, video processor 80, audio processor 90, microphone
`100, camera 110, external flash memory 120, housing 130
`and power supply 140.
`0019 Buffer 20 may comprise DRAM but preferably
`comprises SDRAM or other suitable memory devices
`known to those skilled in the art. Codec 30 preferably
`
`

`

`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`comprises MPEG 4 but may comprise other compression
`means known to those skilled in the art. A USB connection
`70 is preferably included to allow the device 2 to write to a
`PC. NTSC connection 65 is provided to permit connection
`of the device 2 to devices Such as televisions, VCRs, DVD
`burners and the like. Power supply 140 supplies power to
`device 2 and is preferably in the form of a rechargeable
`battery Such as may be recharged using a Standard 110
`recharging connection known to those skilled in the art
`Power supply 140 preferably sustains 8 hours of operations
`with a maximum of 250 video captures.
`0020. In general camera 110 receives images and trans
`mits analog signals to Video processor 80 that converts the
`analog signals to digital Signals. Camera 110 may be a CCD
`camera. The digital signals are transmitted to Video control
`ler/processor 10 and sent to external flash memory 120 via
`connector 50. Microphone 100 receives analog audio signals
`and transmits same to audio processor 90 that converts the
`signals to digital for transmission to controller 10. The
`digital audio and Video Signals are Sent to buffer 20 com
`pressed in codec 30 and Subsequently Sent to external flash
`memory 120. The components are Standard components
`known to those skilled in the art.
`0021 Now referring to FIG. 2 in a preferred embodiment
`in practice images and Sounds in block 200 are received in
`analog camera and microphone in block 210. The respective
`analog audio and Video signals are converted in analog/
`digital converters in blocks 220 (video) and 230 (audio),
`through video processor 240 and audio processor 250 and
`Subsequently transmitted to audio/video controller in block
`260 where a frame of audio/video digital data is formed. The
`frame of data is analyzed in block 270 according to a stored
`Software program, described below, and Sent to a buffer in
`block 280. The uncompressed data is transmitted to a codec
`chip set in block 290 where it is compressed. The com
`pressed data is transmitted to a flash memory device in block
`300.
`0022. In a preferred embodiment the buffer in block 280
`is a 30 second circular SDRAM buffer capable of storing
`900 frames of data. In a preferred embodiment video com
`pression in block 290 in the present invention is maximized
`using MPEG4 to achieve a 45:1 compression ratio. Other
`compression means may be employed Such as but not
`limited to DIVX compression achieving 2 MB per minute.
`Also in a preferred embodiment the flash memory device in
`block 300 is at least 64 mb and preferably 1024 mb to store
`up to 250 video captures.
`0023 Now referring to FIG. 3, the stored software pro
`gram applied in block 270 of FIG. 2 is disclosed. In block
`271 the frame count is set to zero. In block 272 the
`algorithms asks if the record button is set. If the record
`button is not set a frame is obtained from the camera and and
`written to frame +1 location in the 30 second buffer. Frame
`count is incremented in block 274. In block 275 if frame
`count equals 900 the frame count is set to zero in block 271.
`If the frame count is less than 900 the logic returns to block
`272 to determine whether the record button is set.
`0024.
`If the record button is set in block 272 the logic
`proceeds to block 276 where the record count is set to zero.
`The frame is then compressed in block 277 via the codec.
`Record count is incremented and the record count is written
`to the flash memory in block 278. In block 279 if record
`
`count equals 900 the frame count is set to zero in block 271.
`If the record count is less than 900 the next frame is
`compressed in block 277.
`0025. In a most preferred embodiment a device according
`to the present invention is provided that automatically
`Switches from a monitoring mode wherein the last 30
`Seconds or So “seen” or monitored by the camera can be and
`is captured to memory, to a direct real time record mode if
`no further action is taken by the user, e.g., a “Stop” button is
`pressed. When activated, the proprietary Software enables
`the camera to continuously monitor what the camera wearer
`is Seeing. In order to permanently record audio and Video,
`the user presses a record button and triggers the Software to
`save the previous 30 seconds of monitored video and audio
`to flash memory. If no Stop command is given the camera
`can continue recording in real time.
`0026 Now referring to FIG. 4, an algorithm performed
`in accordance with this embodiment is preferably as follows:
`0027. The device is turned on in block 281 and the record
`count is read from flash memory. The logic then determines
`in block 282 whether mode=100 30 second clips; if yes, then
`the frame count is set to zero in block 271 and the logic
`proceeds accordingly as Set forth hereinabove with respect
`to FIG. 3 until block 279 is reached, after which the logic
`set forth in FIG. 4 applies as set forth below. If not, the logic
`determines whether the record button is pushed in block
`283; if the record button is not pushed the logic continues to
`examine whether the record button is pushed. If the record
`button is pushed, a frame is obtained from the camera in
`block 284. The frame is compressed in block 285 and in
`block 286 the steps of incrementing the frame counter and
`Writing the frame to flash memory at frame counter +1 are
`carried out. The logic then determines whether the Stop
`button is set in block 287. If the stop button is set, the logic
`then determines in block 282 whether mode=100 30 second
`clips and the algorithm proceeds accordingly. If the Stop
`button is not set, the logic proceeds to block 284 and
`proceeds accordingly.
`0028) If the record count in block 279 equals 900 the
`logic determines in block 287 whether the stop button is set.
`If not, a frame is obtained from the camera in bock 284, the
`frame is compressed in block 285 and in block 286 the steps
`of incrementing the frame counter and writing the frame to
`flash memory at frame counter +1 are carried out. The logic
`then determines whether the stop button is set in block 287.
`0029 Now referring to FIG. 5 in a preferred embodiment
`device 2 comprises camera 110 mounted on glasses 150 by
`attachment means such as but not limited to clip 152 (or to
`other means Such as a cap, hap, hair clip, comb or the like,
`to be near the eyes of a user to most advantageously permit
`the device to “see” what it is the user sees) connected via
`cable 160 to remote unit 170. Camera 110 further comprises
`microphone 115. Remote unit 170 may comprise an attach
`ment means (not shown) Such as a clip for attachment to a
`belt loop, Shirt pocket, backpack or the like. In a preferred
`embodiment device 2 captures the last 0-30-second or more
`of what the user of the device 2 just viewed and heard when
`user presses the appropriate button 60 on the remote unit
`170. Device 2 can record multiple 30 second captures based
`upon the size of the external flash memory 120. In a
`preferred embodiment the video stored on the removable
`media is in a format that can be viewed and heard via media
`
`

`

`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`players such as Windows Media Player or Real One Media
`Player. The device in a preferred embodiment provides
`Video quality minimum of 30 frames per Second; Video
`quality meets CIF standards with frames at 320x240 pixels.
`Audio is preferably mono. In a further embodiment device
`2 further comprises an indicator light 45 to inform the user
`when there is insufficient Storage left on the compact flash
`card to Store another 0-30-Second or more image.
`0030 Camera 110 may take any form and may be
`adapted to be permanently attached to headgear. In addition,
`camera 110 and remote device may comprise a unitary
`device 170 that may be attached to any headgear including
`but not limited to glasses 150.
`0031. Now referring to FIG. 6 in a most preferred
`embodiment device 2 comprises camera 110 mounted on
`glasses 150 connected to remote unit 170 via cable 160.
`Device 2 comprises record button 60 that when activated
`causes device 2 to capture the last 0-30-second or more of
`what the user of the device 2 just viewed and heard. Device
`2 further comprises mode button 70. Device 2 is adapted to
`automatically Switch from a monitoring mode wherein the
`last 30 Seconds or So monitored by the camera can be and is
`captured to memory, to a direct real time record mode if no
`further action is taken by the user, e.g., mode button 70 is
`activated. When activated, the proprietary Software accord
`ing to FIG. 4 hereinabove enables the camera to continu
`ously monitor what the camera wearer is Seeing. In order to
`permanently record audio and Video, the user activates
`record button 60 and triggers the software to save the
`previous 30 seconds of monitored video and audio to flash
`memory. If mode button 70 is not activated, no stop com
`mand is given and the camera continues recording in real
`time. The invention is preferably adapted to store at least 100
`clips of Video and audio. In a most preferred embodiment the
`recording function of the camera is disabled while the
`camera is capturing and compressing the previous 30 Sec
`onds.
`0032) While the above describes the preferred embodi
`ment of the invention, various modifications or additions
`would be apparent to those of Skill in the art. For example,
`further features contemplated herein including but not lim
`ited to USB port, NTSC connection port, LCD, external
`flash memory connector port, further user input buttons and
`the like as discussed herein are not shown in the drawings
`merely for the sake of clarity. The preferred embodiments
`Set forth herein are exemplary and the teachings of the
`present invention are not limited to what is shown in the
`Figures.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A device adapted to capture unrecorded images and
`Sounds in memory Such that Said images and Sounds may be
`Saved and played back, Said device comprising a camera for
`receiving Said images and Sounds, a buffer and a memory
`means for Storing Said images and Sounds, Said buffer Storing
`a given Sequence of Said images and Sounds to be recorded,
`Said device further adapted to provide a monitoring mode.
`2. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`a user-activated means for recording buffered images to Said
`media.
`3. The invention according to claim 2 Said user activated
`means comprising a record button.
`
`4. The invention according to claim 1 adapted to be
`attached in the vicinity of the eyes of a user of the device.
`5. The invention according to claim 1 Said camera com
`prising an analog camera, Said device further comprising a
`Video processor that converts analog signals to digital Sig
`nals.
`6. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`a signal compressor.
`7. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`a flash memory.
`8. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`at least one of a USB port, NTSC port and an LCD screen.
`9. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`a housing for containing components of Said device.
`10. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said
`camera is remote from a remainder of Said components.
`11. The invention according to claim 6 said compressor
`comprising an MPEG 4 device.
`12. The invention according to claim 1 further comprising
`means to Switch the device from a monitoring mode to a
`direct real time record mode.
`13. A device adapted to capture unrecorded data in
`memory Such that Said data may be Saved and played back,
`Said device comprising a camera for receiving Said data, a
`buffer and a memory means for Storing Said data, Said buffer
`Storing a given Sequence of Said data to be recorded.
`14. The invention according to claim 13 Said data com
`prising analog data representing at least one image.
`15. The invention according to claim 13 said data com
`prising audio data representing at least one Sound
`16. A System for capturing unrecorded images and Sounds
`in memory Such that Said images and Sounds may be Saved
`and played back comprising
`at least one data receiver adapted to provide a monitoring
`mode,
`at least one means for creating at least one frame of digital
`data from Said data received; Software for controlling
`and analyzing Said frame of data;
`a buffer;
`a codec chip Set for compressing Said at least one frame
`of data; and
`means for transmitting Said compressed data to a flash
`memory.
`17. The System according to claim 16 Said codec chip Set
`comprising an MPEG 4 device.
`18. The System according to claim 16 further comprising
`a power Source.
`19. The system according to claim 16 wherein said data
`receiver is an analog camera and further comprising at least
`one analog to digital converter.
`20. The System according to claim 17 further comprising
`a microphone.
`21. The System according to claim 16 further comprising
`means to Switch the System from a monitoring mode to a
`direct real time record mode.
`22. A method of capturing unrecorded images and Sounds
`in memory Such that Said images and Sounds may be Saved
`and played back comprising the Steps of
`
`

`

`US 2004/0033058 A1
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`providing a data receiver for receiving analog audio and
`Video signals,
`converting Said analog Signals to digital;
`forming at least one frame of audio/video digital data;
`analyzing Said frame of data according to a stored Soft
`Ware program,
`Sending Said frame of data to a buffer;
`compressing Said frame of data; and
`Storing Said compressed data.
`
`23. The method according to claim 22 comprising the
`further Step of providing Said data receiver with a monitor
`ing mode.
`24. The method according to claim 23 comprising the
`further Step of providing Said data receiver with means to
`Switch the receiver from a monitoring mode to a direct real
`time record mode.
`25. The method according to claim 22 comprising com
`pressing Said data using an MPEG 4 device.
`
`