USOO831 0540B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`DeKeyser
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,310,540 B2
`*Nov. 13, 2012
`
`(54) LOOP RECORDING WITH BOOKMARKING
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(75) Inventor: Paul DeKeyser, Irvine, CA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Stellar, LLC, Irvine, CA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1003 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/770,920
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 29, 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2008/O165249 A1
`Jul. 10, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/842,097, filed on Aug.
`31, 2006.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04N 9/47
`(2006.01)
`H04N 7/8
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... 348/143
`(58) Field of Classification Search ........................ None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,204,909 A * 4/1993 Cowan .......................... 381 (106
`5,418,529 A * 5/1995 De Luigi et al. ...
`340,752
`5,523,799 A * 6/1996 Hattori et al. ................. 348,715
`6,370,198 B1 * 4/2002 Washino ........
`375,240.26
`6,618,546 B2 * 9/2003 Ichioka et al. .................. 386, 46
`7.587.323 B2 * 9/2009 Matz et al. ........................ 705/1
`2006/0158968 A1* 7/2006 Vanman et al. ............ 369,27.01
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1064783 B1 * 6, 2003
`EP
`WO92,22983
`* 12/1992
`WO
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner — Nhon Diep
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Fish & Associates, PC
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A methods in which a camera can store discrete segments of
`imaged data, 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 pro
`tecting the multiple portions from being overwritten by sub
`sequent recording in the loop. 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. Protected data or segments can be wirelessly trans
`mitting a first one of the segments to a memory, and releasing
`a corresponding one of the multiple portions of memory from
`protection. Recorder and signal Switch are located or as part
`of an accessory, Such as a pair of glasses.
`19 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`rCORDER
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`120
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`40
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`150
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`STORING MAGE DATA
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`60
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`ReCORING AND
`ProtCTNG MAGAA
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`Connung TO STORE
`NEWMAGE DATA
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`190
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`TRANSMTNG
`PROTECE DATA
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`OWERWRING NEW
`MAGE DATA
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`18O
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`EXTERNAL
`STORAGE
`MEDA
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`200
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`130
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 13, 2012
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`FIG. 1
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`se
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`140
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`STORING IMAGE DATA
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`170
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`160
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`RECORDING AND
`PROTECTING MAGE DATA
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`CONTINUING TO STORE
`NEW IMAGE DATA
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`190
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`TRANSMITTING
`PROTECTED DATA
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`OWERWRITING NEW
`IMAGE DATA
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`18O
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`EXTERNAL
`STORAGE
`MEDIA
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`2OO
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 13, 2012
`Nov. 13, 2012
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`Sheet 2 of 4
`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 8,310,540 B2
`US 8,310,540 B2
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`230
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`260
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`280
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`Motorola v. Stellar
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`Motorola Exhibit 1018
`Page 003
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`Nov. 13, 2012
`Nov. 13, 2012
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`Sheet 3 of 4
`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`Motorola v. Stellar
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`Motorola Exhibit 1018
`Page 004
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`Nov. 13, 2012
`Nov. 13, 2012
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`Sheet 4 of 4
`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`Motorola v. Stellar
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`Motorola Exhibit 1018
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`1.
`LOOP RECORDING WITH BOOKMARKING
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`loop in which to record the segments in approximately real
`time; and protecting the multiple portions from being over
`written 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 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 contin
`ues 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 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 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
`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 seg
`ments in approximately real time; protecting the multiple
`portions from being overwritten by Subsequent recording in
`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 fol
`lowing detailed description of preferred embodiments of the
`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.
`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.
`FIG. 6 is yet another embodiment of the camera.
`FIG. 7A 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.
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
`patent application Ser. No. 60/824,097, filed Aug. 31, 2006
`which is incorporated by reference herein.
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`5
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`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The field of the invention is in digital recording.
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`BACKGROUND
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`Conventional camcorders use a variety of disk formats
`Such as digital video cassettes, mini-DV cassettes and
`DVD-R discs that offer a limited amount of memory to store
`data. One of the major shortcomings of the existing cam
`corder technology is that the memory runs out too soon. How
`many times does one hear, “I have no tape left” while record
`ing? 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 com
`puter 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.
`One solution is the technology of loop recording in which
`25
`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 Sur
`veillance 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. The user then will have to
`transfer the interested data to another storage media by stop
`ping 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 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 record
`ing on the go.
`Furthermore, users of the surveillance camera are notable
`to edit a given potion on the fly without stopping and replay
`ing 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
`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 incor
`porated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a defini
`tion or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsis
`tent 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.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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`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 image data; using multiple portions of a memory as a
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`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
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`US 8,310,540 B2
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`record the segments in approximately real time; and protect
`ing the multiple portions from being overwritten by Subse
`quent recording the loop.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram generally includes the steps of a
`recorder 120 comprising a memory 140, storing image data 5
`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 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 FIG. 2.
`Recorder 120 can be any recording device that records 15
`Video and/or audio data. 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 20
`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
`signals.
`Imager lens 220 is used to focus images for recorder 100. 25
`Conventional lenses allow one or more of the following
`adjustments: aperture (to control the amount of light), Zoom
`(to control the field-of-view), and shutter speed (to capture
`continuous motion.). In preferred embodiments, these adjust
`ments are automatically controlled by the camcorder elec- 30
`tronics, generally to maintain constant exposure onto the
`imager without the manual adjustment from a user. It is con
`templated that the preferred embodiments offer direct user
`control of all major optical functions. As with most modern
`digital recorders and camcorders, an analog-to-digital (ADC) 35
`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 40
`memory include commercially available micro hard drives
`with a 1-inch disc (which may preferably have a capacity of
`more than 1 GB), flash memory cards with a capacity of up to
`128 MB and more, and other transient and/or permanent
`memory units. Likewise, Suitable memory may include 45
`SDRAM, 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 SDRAM
`capable of storing at least 1000 frames of data. Once received 50
`by memory 140, frames are compressed by employing con
`ventional 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, 55
`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 image data for a said length of
`time. Recording, book-marking and protecting are used syn
`onymsly herein. Recording, book-marking and protecting 60
`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.
`The loop preferably is large enough to store at least 3
`minutes of data, more preferably 5 minutes and most pre
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`4
`ferred 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 recording will start at the
`beginning of the loop.
`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 FIG. 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 record
`ing data. It is contemplated that the portion 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 signal can be generated from push
`ing 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 some
`thing that is integrated as an accessory and is wearable on an
`individual. It is contemplated that the switch can be some
`thing that is portable and can be hidden or attached to other
`devices such as a vehicle, furniture, etc.
`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 pro
`tected for a fixed period of time. When the user wants to stop
`protecting image data the signal can then be deactivated. 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 config
`ured 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.
`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 FIG. 1,
`recorder 120 will continue to store new image data into avail
`able memory 170. The image data will continue to record in
`the loop after the protected data has been recorded and pro
`tected. Forportions of 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 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 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 FIGS. 2 and 4, a recorder 120 has a transmitter
`280 to transmit and receive the protected data to external
`storage media 200. When enabled, transmitter 280 transmits
`the protected data into an external storage media 200. Alter
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`5
`natively, recorder 120 can be connected to the external stor
`age media 200 to download the protected data. External stor
`age 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
`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 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 follow
`ing the bluetoothstandard) oran opto-electronic transceiver
`(e.g., an IR-transceiver).
`Microprocessor 240 is any component of recorder 120
`which manipulates data. The processor receives and stores
`image data, mark protected data, and processes the protected
`data to match what the user has commanded. Microproces
`sors 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 programmed to allow editing function
`upon receiving image data or protected data. 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 transmit
`ted over the network. Data is preferably transmitted via the
`Internet but may be transmitted by telephone line, radio,
`pager, two-way pager, cable, and any other Suitable commu
`nication mechanism.
`It is generally contemplated that the microprocessor and
`the memory may vary considerably and that a particular con
`figuration 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 protected data. Particularly pre
`ferred 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 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 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).
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`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 screenis
`needed to for secured recording.
`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 the recorder. The recorder
`operates for extended periods of time while remaining unob
`trusive both to the wearer/operator and to the subject(s) being
`recorded.
`This preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3-7 and
`comprises a miniature solid state recording device 400
`coupled with a head-mounted camera 410. Other components
`of the head mounted camera 410 comprise a viewfinder image
`lens 420 integrated into a pair of eyeglasses 430, a remote
`activating device 440 attached to the hand as a finger ring, a
`recorder 450 and a separate external copying device 460.
`Viewfinder image lens 420 is calibrated to have the same
`field of view as a camera. Preferably, viewfinder image lens
`420 is embedded in between the two glass lenses 460 of the
`eyeglasses 430. Preferably viewfinder image lens 420 is a
`Zoom lens with preferred standard Zoom ration of 3x in and
`out of the focal length of the camera. A more Sophisticated
`viewfinder image lens 420 is contemplated to have a greater
`Zoom range and also has nighttime vision and is able to render
`images under different light conditions. Conceivably, view
`finder image lens 420 may be permanently fixed to camera
`410, or it may be interchangeable with lenses of different
`focal lengths and other properties depending on the need and
`circumstances of use.
`In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the lenses
`460 of eyeglasses 430 are viewfinder image lens 420. Thus,
`instead of having the viewfinder image lens 420 in between
`lenses 460, user can directly use the eyeglasses as the view
`finder lens. Within the lenses, viewfinder image lens 420 is
`outlined by tinted area or graticle and the outline graticle is
`embedded with glowing fiber optic filament. Eye-glasses are
`made preferably from opaque, translucent, or possibly photo
`gray-type tint of glasses. Alternatively, glasses change color
`slightly when energized.
`At any moment, the user may signal camera 410 to place a
`“bookmark” in the recording. This signal may be sent by
`pressing a button that will then transmit a signal through wires
`470 that attach to the glasses then to the recorder. The wires
`470 can be fiber optic wires that are small and thin to avoid
`detection. Or more conveniently, the signal can be sent by
`activating a remote control 440 as shown in FIG. 5. For
`maximum ease, remote control 440 may be built into a ring
`worn on the wearer's finger. Likewise, the signal could be sent
`wirelessly. Control buttons 230 are built in or on the remote
`control 440 as shown in FIG. 7A. User can control by turning
`the camera on and off, recording a portion of image data, stop
`the recording, Zooming in and out of image data; and trans
`mitting protected data into the recorder device 450. In the
`alternative, decorative symbols can be place in lieu of words
`of function onto the control buttons 230 of the ring remote
`control 440 for concealment as shown in FIG. 7B.
`In general, user manipulates the camera to record data by
`using the remote control. Protected data is sent wirelessly to
`the recorder device through fiber optics lanyard attached to
`the eyeglasses.
`In preferred embodiments, camera 410 is connected to a
`recorder device 450 as shown in FIG. 5. A wearer can clip
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`recorder device 450 as a belt clip or a compact device (dis
`guise as MP3 player) that can be put in purse or file without
`being recognized as recorder as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and
`9. Recorder device 450 has a belt 520 that can be clipped into
`place. Similar to the remote control, recorder device 450 has
`control buttons that allow users to: control the on and off
`Switch of the camera, record portions of image data, stop
`recording, Zoom in and out of image data and transmit pro
`tected data.
`Protected data 350 is then sent to the recorder device by an
`image sensor that outputs data directly in “block' format
`typically converted in raster-to-block converter. Further com
`pression is needed to transmit data. Either DCT or wavelet
`transformed data on native sensor format (Bayer codes).
`Recorder device 450 also houses the memory and the
`microprocessor used for the device. When recorder device
`450 is on, it will automatically store all image data received
`by the viewfinder image lens and then onto the built-in
`memory. As it receives new image data, the recorder device
`will then automatically loop record image data, overwriting
`oldest frames when full. Alternatively, when a user presses
`the control button to start recording, the recorder saves a
`predetermined amount of time before and after the activation
`of the control button, which will prevent later recording from
`overwriting this “bookmarked’ section. User can then trans
`mit the protected data by pushing the transmitting control
`button wirelessly.
`Alternatively, after turning off the recorder device, user can
`plug the recorder device into an external Source Such as the
`external storage device 200 that contains a DVD burner. As
`shown in FIG. 2, the user loads a blank DVD 380 into the
`external storage media 200, presses a button, and the device
`copies all of the bookmarked sections to the DVD creating a
`new chapter for each bookmarked section. This allows the
`user to view only the portions of the recording that were
`bookmarked to seek easily from one highlight to the next.
`In order for the device to be practical, physical size and
`weight are of primary importance. The recorder portion must
`be small and lightweight enough to be unobtrusive. Prefer
`ably, the size of the recorder is two inches by three inches by
`one-halfinch and six ounces in weight including battery. The
`camera or imaging component must be Small and lightweight
`enough to be mounted on a pair of eyeglasses without con
`spicuous bulk or uncomfortable weight on the order of one
`quarter inch by one-quarter inch by one inch or Smaller and
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`weighing one ounce or less. Further, the imaging component
`must be capable of sufficient resolution that the image quality
`of the resulting recording is comparable with existing con
`Sumer camcorder products.
`Since the recorder will be worn on the body and the wearer
`may move actively about when the device is in operation, it is
`important that the entire device be mechanically rugged and
`that all components, particularly the storage media, be imper
`vious to the shocks resulting from such body movement. The
`device is also likely to be exposed to environmental stresses
`Such as dust and moisture so the components and packaging
`must accommodate this exposure. Solid state media Such as
`compact flash memory is particularly suitable as the record
`er's storage media since it meets these requirements.
`Alternatively, the recorder device can be mounted on
`vehicles, planes or any other objects for ease of use. It is
`contemplated that the present invention can be used in mili
`tary or field intelligence operations.
`Thus, specific embodiments and applications of a loop
`recording with book marking recorder have been disclosed. It
`should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that
`many more modifications besides those already described are
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`possible without departing from the inventive concepts
`herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be
`restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. More
`over, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all
`terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner
`consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "com
`prises” and “comprising should be interpreted as referring to
`elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner,
`indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps
`may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
`components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where
`the specification claims refers to at least one of something
`selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the
`text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from
`the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method of storing discrete segments of imaged data in
`a camera, comprising:
`using a sensor in the camera to capture image data;
`providing a recorder coupled to the camera and having a
`memory;
`using multiple portions of the memory as a memory loop in
`which to record segments of the image data in approxi
`mately real time;
`treating the memory loop as a single file;
`protecting the multiple portions, within the single file, from
`being overwritten by Subsequent recording in the
`memory loop; and
`allowing the editing of the imaged data in protected mul
`tiple portions stored in the memory loop within the
`single file via a recorder control while recording addi
`tional segments of the image data in the memory loop
`within the single file.
`2. The method of claim 1, wherein the loop is sufficiently
`large to store at least five minutes of the image data.
`3. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing first
`and second ones of the multiple portions as separate files.
`4. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing first
`and second ones of the multiple portions in a common file.
`5. The method of claim 1, further comprising continuing to
`record the image data immediately after ending at least one of
`the segments.
`6. The method of claim 1, further comprising continuing to
`record the image data immediately after protecting at least
`one of the segments.
`7. The method of claim 1, further comprising designating a
`beginning of a first one of the multiple portions in response to
`a start signal from a user of the camera.
`8. The system of claim 7, further comprising using a Switch
`in a clothing accessory to operate an aspect of the method.
`9. The method of claim 7, further comprising designating
`an end of the first one of the multiple portions in response to
`a stop signal from the user.
`10. The method of claim 7, wherein the start signal com
`prises a manually operated Switch.
`11. The method of claim 7, wherein the start signal com
`prises an audio signal.
`12. The method of claim 7, further comprising including in
`the first one of the multiple portions, a time span of the imag