(12) United States Patent
`Strub et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,563,532 B1
`May 13, 2003
`
`USOO6563532B1
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`(*)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`(60)
`
`(51)
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`LOWATTENTION RECORDING UNIT FOR
`USE BY WIGOROUSLY ACTIVE RECORDER
`
`Inventors: Henry B. Strub, Lincolnwood, IL
`(US); David A. Burgess, Fairfield, CA
`(US); Kimberly H. Johnson; Jonathan
`R. Cohen, both of San Francisco, CA
`(US); David P. Reed, Needham, MA
`(US); G. Roberto Aiello, Palo Alto, CA
`(US)
`Assignee: Internal Research Corporation, Palo
`Alto, CA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`Notice:
`
`Appl. No.: 09/557,169
`Filed:
`Apr. 21, 2000
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 09/408,482, filed on Sep.
`29, 1999, now abandoned
`Provisional application No. 60/114,808, filed on Jan. 5,
`1999.
`Int. Cl................................................... H04N 7/18
`U.S. Cl. ........................ 348/158; 348/373; 348/376
`Field of Search ................................. 348/143, 158,
`348/159, 373, 376
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3.884,403 A 5/1975 Brewer .......................... 224/5
`3.919,475 A 11/1975 Dukich et al. .
`... 178/7.91
`4,033,488 A 7/1977 Brewer .......................... 224/5
`4,051,534 A 9/1977 Dukich et al. .
`358/210
`4,131919 A 12/1978 Lloyd et al. ................... 360/9
`4,446.997 A 5/1984 Himberg.......
`... 224/151
`4,526,308 A 7/1985 Dovey .......
`... 224/265
`4,536,066 A 8/1985 Bauer .......................... 352/35
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Gemperle, Francine et al., “Design for Wearability”, IEEE,
`1998, pp. 116-122.
`World Wide Web page illustrating Alain Mikli La Lunette
`Camera Sunglasses, Jul. 27, 1998, 1 page.
`World Wide Web pages regarding 1998 Everest Expedition
`Datacam Technology, Jul. 31, 1998, 2 pages.
`Good Guys Circular, “JVC Compact Super-VHS Modular
`Component Video System”, Nov. 1991 or 1992, 1 page.
`Healey, Jennifer et al., “StartleCam: A Cybernetic Wearable
`Camera', Second International Symposium on Wearable
`Computers, Oct. 19-20, 1998, pp. 42-49.
`Description of Toyoda Machinery USA's Virtual Tech sys
`tem, believed to be in use in Japan in 1998, 2 pages.
`World Wide Web page describing Supercircuits GC1 Pro
`fessional Grade Color Covert Glasses Cam, 1998, 1 page.
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Andy Rao
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Van Pelt & Yi LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The invention enables “low attention recording, i.e.,
`recording that need not appreciably affect interaction of a
`recorder (i.e., a person in control of a recording unit accord
`ing to the invention) or others with the environment in which
`the recording is taking place. The low attention recording
`enabled by the invention can be particularly advantageously
`employed in “social recording, i.e., recording in which
`multiple participants in an event are recording the event. AS
`described in more detail below, advantageous aspects of the
`invention can be provided by a Small, lightweight, wearable
`recording unit. In particular, a recording unit according to
`the invention is particularly adapted to enable use of the
`recording unit to record an event during which the recorder
`engages in Vigorous physical activity (e.g., an athletic
`activity, Such as hiking, Snow skiing or ping pong). The
`recording unit is constructed with a particular emphasis on
`the wearability characteristics of the recording unit, in order
`to facilitate freedom of movement by the recorder and
`minimize distraction to, or encumbrance of, the recorder's
`participation in the activity.
`
`43 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`Control unit
`(viewfinder not
`implemented)
`
`Audio preamp
`power distribution
`
`

`

`US 6,563,532 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,714,184. A 12/1987 Young et al. ............... 224/253
`4,837,817 A 6/1989 Maemori ...
`... 358/224
`5,012,335 A * 4/1991 Cohodar .......
`... 348/158
`5,146,353 A 9/1992 Isoguchi et al. .
`... 358/909
`5,185,667 A 2/1993 Zimmermann - - -
`... 358/209
`5,262,856. A 11/1993 Lippman et al. ............ 358/136
`5,295,089 A 3/1994 Ambasz ........
`... 364/708.1
`5,396,583 A 3/1995 Chen et al. ................. 395/127
`5,416,310 A 5/1995 Little ...
`... 235/462
`5,436,542 A 7/1995 Petelin et al..
`... 318/567
`5,438,362 A 8/1995 Tabuchi .....
`... 348/211
`5,467,271 A 11/1995 Abel et al. .......
`... 364/420
`5,477,331. A 12/1995 Yamaguchi et al.
`... 358/296
`5,486.852 A 1/1996 Arai ................
`... 348/211
`5,488,409 A 1/1996 Yuen et al. .................... 34.8/5
`5,510,830 A 4/1996 Ohia et al. .
`... 348/36
`5,514,861 A 5/1996 Swartz et al. .
`... 235/472
`5,524,193 A 6/1996 Covington et al.
`... 395/154
`5,546,145 A 8/1996 Bernardi et al. .
`... 354/76
`5,550,754 A
`8/1996 McNelley et al.
`... 364/514
`5,575,443 A 11/1996 Honeycutt .......
`... 248/231.9
`5,583,571. A * 12/1996 Friedland.................... 348/373
`5,594.498 A * 1/1997 Fraley .......
`... 348/158
`5,604,551 A 2/1997 Choi et al. .
`... 396/58
`5,613,032 A 3/1997 Cruz et al. .
`... 386/69
`5,678,793 A 10/1997 Hill ...........
`248/206.3
`5,684,514 A 11/1997 Branscomb ................. 345/185
`5,692,661. A 12/1997 Kellerman ....
`... 224/648
`5,694,474. A 12/1997 Ngo et al. ....
`... 381/66
`5,713,021 A
`1/1998 Kondo et al. ............... 395/614
`
`5,717.814 A 2/1998 Abecassis .................... 386/46
`5,717,869 A 2/1998 Moran et al. ............... 395/339
`5,726,660 A 3/1998 Purdy et al. ................ 342/357
`5,729,108 A 3/1998 Steele ..............
`... 318/575
`5,740,037 A 4/1998 McCann et al. ............ 364/400
`5,742,339 A 4/1998 Wakuli ................. ... 348/233
`5,742,517 A 4/1998 Van Den Bosch
`364/507
`5,749,010 A 5/1998 McCumber .......
`396/420
`5,752,113 A 5/1998 Borden .............
`395/428
`5,768.640 A 6/1998 Takahashi et al.
`... 396/310
`5,768,648 A 6/1998 Skippet al. ......
`... 396/428
`5,796.426 A 8/1998 Gullichsen et al.
`348/207
`5,826.206. A 10/1998 Nemeth ............
`... 701/35
`5,886,739 A * 3/1999 Winningstad ..
`348/158
`5.940,004 A * 8/1999 Fulton ...........
`348/158
`5,982.979 A 11/1999 Omata et al. .....
`... 386/69
`6,118,925 A 9/2000 Murata et al. .......
`... 386/83
`6,160.950 A 12/2000 Shimazaki et al. .....
`... 386/46
`6,243,725 B1
`6/2001 Hempleman et al.
`707/530
`6,351,599 B1
`2/2002 Komeno ..............
`... 386/70
`6,360.234 B2
`3/2002 Jain et al. ...
`707/500.1
`6,377,519 B1
`4/2002 Lee et al. ................ 369/30.04
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`-
`0
`World Wide Web pages describing Rock House Products
`Covert Video/Audio Sunglasses, 1998, 2 pages.
`“Evolution of Steve Mann's existential computer (wear
`able computer) invention developed for applications in
`personal imaging”, IEEE Computer Society, 1998, 1 page.
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

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`U.S. Patent
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`U.S. Patent |ainbi4
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`Motorola v. Stellar
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`Motorola Exhibit 1046
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`May 13, 2003
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`Sheet 2 of 10
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`Control
`interface
`device
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`201
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`System
`Controller
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`Data
`Storage
`device
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`Data
`acquisition
`device
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`Figure 2
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`Control interface
`device
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`Audio recording
`display device
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`Transmitter
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`Receiver
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`Position sensing
`device
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`Controller
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`Video recording
`display device
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`device
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`device
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`Audio data
`acquisition device
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`Video data
`acquisition device
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`3O2
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`Figure 3
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`May13, 2003
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`-500
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`Casio
`VM-50
`Monitor
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`508
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`505a
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`505b
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`S
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`511 a
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`O-1, 511b
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`Figure 5
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`Sheet 6 of 10
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`Mic/camera
`switch
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`Camera
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`Audio preamp
`power distribution
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`Control unit
`(viewfinder not
`implemented)
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`Battery
`- 703
`
`Figure 7
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`

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`Figure 8A
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`Figure 8B
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`Figure 8c
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`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`oO
`aT
`Ww
`oe
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`©
`—-
`lo
`o
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`951
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`Figure9A
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`Motorola v. Stellar
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`Motorola Exhibit 1046
`Page 012
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`

`

`1
`LOWATTENTION RECORDING UNIT FOR
`USE BY WIGOROUSLY ACTIVE RECORDER
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09.408,482
`filed Sep. 29, 1999 which claim benefit of provisional No.
`60,114,808 filed Jan. 5, 1999.
`This application is related to the following commonly
`owned, co-pending United States Patent Applications, filed
`on the same date as the present application, the disclosures
`of which are incorporated by reference herein: “Low Atten
`tion Recording, with Particular Application to Social
`Recording,” by Henry B. Strub et al., Ser. No. 09/408,481
`and “Hybrid Recording Unit Including Portable Video
`Recorder and Auxiliary Device,” by Henry B. Strub et al.,
`Ser. No. 09/408,284.
`
`15
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates, in general, to recording an event
`and to devices used to record an event. The invention further,
`and more particularly, relates to recording an event in which
`multiple persons participate (a "group event) and, even
`more particularly, to recording of the event by multiple
`participants (i.e., from multiple points of View), often simul
`taneously. Most particularly, the invention relates to a
`recording unit having capabilities useful in Such recording
`that is particularly adapted to enable use of the recording
`unit to record an event during which the recorder engages in
`Vigorous physical activity.
`2. Related Art
`It is often desirable to record the content of an event by
`obtaining a visual record of the event. People often desire to
`capture a visual record of an event (particularly one in which
`they participate) as a way of facilitating reminiscence of the
`event. Or, a perSon may desire to communicate the content
`of an event to one or more other people who were not
`present. However, existing devices for obtaining a visual
`record of an event have characteristics that can diminish
`their desirability as tools for recording an event, particularly
`when the perSon operating the recording device desires to
`participate in the event.
`A camera (“still camera') for taking a still photograph is
`one example of a device that has been used to obtain a visual
`record of an event. However, Still photographs can be
`deficient in representing the content of an event. Some
`(usually, most) of the visual content of the event is neces
`Sarily lost (e.g., the visual content that occurs between the
`times that photographs are taken). It is also difficult to
`capture interesting activity that occurs Spontaneously, Since,
`absent fortuity, a photograph will not be taken during the
`occurrence-or, at least, at the beginning of the
`occurrence-of Such activity. Further, the content that is
`captured lackS context and motion that can convey the
`nuance and/or vitality of the event. Additionally, a still
`camera does not record audio content. In addition to defi
`ciencies in the recording of content, use of a still camera also
`typically requires Sufficient attention from the operator of
`the camera (e.g., aiming of the camera and Setting of camera
`control parameters) that the camera operator cannot partici
`pate in the event when a photograph is being taken. (Use of
`a tripod and timer can eliminate this problem, but generally
`eliminates the Spontaneity of the recorded content as well,
`and typically requires rather elaborate Setup that may not be
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`compatible with the event or be conducive to maximum
`enjoyment of the event by either the camera operator or
`other participants in the event.) The camera operator can be
`further distracted from participation in the event by the need
`to carry the camera even when the camera is not in use.
`Additionally, in normal operation of a still camera, the
`camera operator is not part of the photograph. (This may be
`particularly undesirable when a primary purpose of the
`camera operator in obtaining the Visual recording is to
`facilitate later reminiscence of the event.) Further, the use of
`a typical Still camera is readily apparent to other people in
`the vicinity of the camera operator, Such awareness of the
`use of the camera may cause people to alter their activity (if
`they perceive that they are within the field of view of the
`camera) or otherwise interfere with the taking of photo
`graphs that record the “natural occurrence of the event.
`A camcorder is another example of a device that has been
`used to obtain a visual record of an event. Since a camcorder
`can continuously record an event, and Since a camcorder can
`record audio content, a camcorder can, to Some extent,
`overcome the above-noted deficiencies of a still camera in
`representing the content of an event. However, Since the
`camcorder operator must focus a considerable amount of
`attention on operation of the camcorder, the camcorder
`operator is, to a significant extent, prevented from being an
`active participant in the event being recorded. Even if the
`camcorder is not being used at particular time to record the
`event, carrying the camcorder can prevent or significantly
`impede participation in the event. Moreover, the inconve
`nience of using a camcorder may generally deter the cam
`corder operator from using the camcorder, thus tending to
`reduce the number of events that are recorded or the amount
`of a particular event that is recorded. Additionally, the
`camcorder operator is, excepting atypical operation of the
`camcorder, not included in the Visual recording of the event.
`Further, camcorders are constructed So that their use is
`readily apparent to others, Such awareneSS may result in a
`change in behavior of people within and/or near the field of
`View of the camcorder So that the content of the recording is
`artificially altered from the content that would have occurred
`had the event proceeded naturally (i.e., without awareness
`by participants in the event of the recording). Typical
`camcorders also have physical deficiencies which can inhibit
`their operation. For example, battery capacity is often lim
`ited to an extent that undesirably limits the duration of time
`that the camcorder can operate without interruption. Con
`Sumer camcorderS also typically are constructed Such that
`the quality of the audio recording obtained may be deficient:
`the microphone(s) commonly pick up background noise
`asSociated with operation of the camcorder motor and are
`typically positioned at a Single location So that Sound is
`Sensed from only one point of View.
`Often, an event that it is desirable to visually record is a
`“group event' (i.e., an event observed, or participated in, by
`multiple persons). Often, Some or all of the people that are
`part of a group event are associated by a desire to share the
`experience of the event together. A group hike is an example
`of Such an event. A family's trip to an amusement park is
`another example of Such an event. Such group events are
`frequently events that it is desired to record in order to
`facilitate later reminiscence. Further, Such group events are
`also often events in which the associated people desire to
`participate.
`Recording of a group event using a still camera or
`camcorder Suffers from the deficiencies (e.g., inhibition of
`participation in the event by the operator of the recording
`device, as well as lack of presence of the operator in the
`
`

`

`3
`recording of the event) described above. However, aside
`from those deficiencies, recording of a group event presents
`additional challenges.
`For example, the use of a Single recording device-of any
`type-to record a group event limits the content of the
`recording, Since the recording can only be obtained from a
`Single point of View. When a camcorder is used to record an
`event, it is often the case that a Single camcorder is used.
`(This is especially So because camcorders are So cumber
`Some to use.) Further, though it may be more likely that
`multiple (or even all) participants in a group event carry a
`Still camera, typically only one participant takes a photo
`graph at any given time, thus providing only a single point
`of view from which the event is recorded at a particular time.
`Additionally, even if multiple devices are used to record
`a group event, Still cameras and camcorderS Suffer from
`other limitations. For example, existing Such devices do not
`provide for Sharing of recordings between devices during the
`event, thus inhibiting or preventing coordination of record
`ing by multiple devices So as to best capture the content of
`the event (e.g., So as to increase the amount of different
`content recorded, increase the number of participants
`recorded and/or record interesting content from multiple
`Viewpoints). Additionally, existing consumer devices do not
`provide for Synchronization in time or coordination in Space
`of the recordings obtained by the devices, making it difficult
`to later present the recordings together in a coherent fashion.
`It is typically desirable to acquire a visual recording at a
`distance from the content being recorded (So as to include
`more visual content), while it is typically desirable to
`acquire an audio recording near the content being recorded
`(So as to make it easier and less expensive to record
`proximate audio content), a conflict that might potentially be
`overcome by mixing of multiple recordings of an event
`obtained at different locations by different recording
`devices. However, the inability to coordinate and Synchro
`nize recordings obtained by multiple still cameras and/or
`camcorders inhibits the use of those multiple recordings in
`a manner that mitigates the above-described tension between
`Visual and audio recording (e.g., by mixing a visual record
`ing of content obtained at a distance by one recording device
`with an audio recording acquired near that content by a
`different recording device).
`During recording of an event, it can be desirable to mark
`the recording. Some recording devices (e.g., Some
`camcorders) can enable a mark of a single type to be
`asSociated with recording data at the time the recording data
`is obtained, the mark intended to indicate that the content
`represented by the recording data is of interest and may be
`particularly desirable to view during later display of the
`recording. The use of Such a mark can enable the medium on
`which the recording data is Stored to be searched to identify
`and display one or more parts of a recording in accordance
`with the location of mark(s) within the recording.
`In a camcorder, marking is most easily implemented by
`Storing marking data on the Videotape onto which recording
`data is recorded. However, Storing marking data on a Vid
`eotape (or other linear data storage medium) has disadvan
`tages. For example, Searching for marks can take an unde
`Sirably long time, because the entire recording between a
`current location within the recording and a marked location
`within the recording must be traversed to reach the marked
`location. Additionally, for a similar reason, moving from a
`display of one marked part of a recording to another marked
`part of a recording can take an undesirably long time.
`It is desirable to have greater flexibility in marking a
`recording. For example, it is desirable to be able to mark
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`recording data of a recording other than the recording data
`being obtained at the time the mark is specified. This is
`particularly So Since it may not be realized that it is desirable
`to mark a part of a recording until Some time other than the
`time at which that part of the recording is being obtained. It
`is also desirable to be able to mark a recording with marks
`of different types, each type of mark having a different
`meaning. Such marking could be used to better facilitate
`Searching and/or display of the recording by enabling
`increasing Specificity in the identification of the content of
`parts of the recording. Further, it is desirable to Store
`recording data and marking data on a non-linear data Storage
`medium, Since that enables faster Searching for occurrence
`of a mark in a recording and also enables more flexible
`movement between different marked parts of a recording.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The invention enables “low attention recording, i.e.,
`recording that need not appreciably affect interaction of a
`recorder (a person having the capability of controlling a
`recording unit according to the invention) or others with the
`environment in which the recording is taking place. The low
`attention recording enabled by the invention can be particu
`larly advantageously employed in “Social recording, i.e.,
`recording in which multiple participants in an event are
`recording the event. AS described in more detail below,
`advantageous aspects of the invention can be provided by a
`Small, lightweight, wearable recording unit.
`The invention facilitates low attention recording in a
`variety of ways. In particular, the invention allows a recorder
`to meaningfully participate in the event while recording the
`event. For example, as is clearer from the detailed descrip
`tion of the invention below, a recording unit according to the
`invention can be operated with little or no attention from the
`recorder (i.e., beginning operation of the recording unit can
`be accomplished with little effort, and, once turned on to
`begin recording, operation of the recording unit may not
`require further interaction from the recorder), the recording
`unit can be adapted So that the recording unit does not
`physically interfere (e.g., obstruct vision or movement) with
`the recorder's participation in the event, and the recording
`unit can be adapted So that the physical characteristics of the
`recording unit do not distract the recorder (e.g., the record
`ing unit is not too heavy or bulky). A recording unit
`according to the invention can also be implemented So that
`recording of the event by the recording unit does not affect
`participation in the event by other participants to a signifi
`cant extent. For example, as described in more detail below,
`a recording unit according to the invention can be adapted to
`have a relatively inconspicuous physical appearance and to
`operate in a relatively inconspicuous fashion.
`The invention also facilitates Social recording in a variety
`of ways. For example, a recording unit according to the
`invention can be adapted to enable recordings to be shared
`between or among recording units during the event. A
`recording unit according to the invention can also be adapted
`to enable recorders to communicate with each other during
`the event.
`The invention can also enable a recording to be marked as
`an event is being recorded. Marking capability in accordance
`with the invention can be implemented in a variety of ways.
`A mark can be specified using a tactile control mechanism
`(which can be physically integrated with, or separate from,
`other components of the recording unit) adapted for that
`purpose or can be specified by a Voice command. A mark can
`also be specified based upon analysis of audio recording
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`data, Visual recording data or both. A mark can also be
`Specified, or an existing mark Supplemented or modified,
`based on data other than recording data (e.g., physiological
`monitoring data, biometric data, position data) that is
`acquired by the recording unit. Advantageously, the inven
`tion can enable the use of multiple types of marks, each type
`of mark having a particular meaning. The invention can also
`advantageously enable the Specification of a mark So that the
`mark is associated with recording data obtained at a time
`other than the time at which the mark is specified, i.e., prior
`to the time of the mark (“predictive marking”) or after the
`time of the mark ("retrospective marking”). Restropective
`marking is especially consonant with the goal of
`unobtrusive, low attention recording, Since, often, a recorder
`who is engaged in participating in the event will not appre
`ciate the desirability of marking particular recording data
`until Some time after activity of interest has occurred.
`Additionally, the invention can enable marking capability to
`be implemented So that Specification of a mark causes
`predetermined operation of the recording unit in accordance
`with the type of the mark (“augmented marking”).
`In particular, a recording unit according to the invention
`is particularly adapted to enable use of the recording unit to
`record an event during which the recorder engages in
`vigorous physical activity (e.g., an athletic activity, Such as
`hiking, Snow skiing or ping pong). The recording unit is
`constructed with a particular emphasis on the wearability
`characteristics of the recording unit, in order to facilitate
`freedom of movement by the recorder and minimize dis
`traction to, or encumbrance of, the recorder's participation
`in the activity.
`In one embodiment of the invention, a wearable recording
`unit for use by a recorder in recording an event includes: i)
`a visual data acquisition device for obtaining visual record
`ing data representing the content of the event; ii) a data
`Storage and System control unit, the data Storage and System
`control unit operably connected to the Visual data acquisition
`device to enable visual recording data to be transmitted to,
`and Stored on, the data Storage and System control unit; iii)
`a control interface unit, the control interface unit operably
`connected to other components of the recording unit to
`enable the recorder to control operation of the recording
`unit; and iv) a harness for mounting one or more of the Visual
`data acquisition device, the data Storage and System control
`unit and the control interface unit, the harneSS including a
`waist Strap for releasably Securing the harneSS about the
`waist of the recorder and a shoulder Strap that fits about a
`shoulder of the recorder. The harness can be constructed to
`also include a Second shoulder Strap, each of the first and
`Second shoulder Straps having first and Second opposing
`ends attached to the waist Strap and fitting about a corre
`sponding shoulder of the recorder, a Sternum Strap, the
`Sternum Strap having first and Second opposing ends
`attached to the first and Second shoulder Straps So that the
`Sternum Strap extends therebetween. One or more Straps of
`the harneSS can be made adjustable: the waist Strap can be
`constructed to enable adjustment of the tightness of the waist
`Strap about the waist of the recorder, the shoulder Strap can
`be constructed to enable adjustment of the tightness of the
`shoulder strap about the shoulder of the recorder, and/or, if
`present, the Sternum Strap can be constructed to enable
`adjustment of the length of the Sternum Strap between the
`first and Second shoulder Straps. The waist Strap can be
`constructed So that a Section of the waist Strap adjacent to the
`back of the recorder has a width that is greater than other
`Sections of the waist Strap. The waist Strap can additionally
`or alternatively be constructed So that a Section of the waist
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`Strap adjacent to the back of the recorder is padded relative
`to other Sections of the waist Strap.
`The visual data acquisition device (e.g., a board camera)
`of a recording unit according to the invention can be
`mounted (and, in Some embodiments of the invention,
`movably mounted or detachably attached) on a strap (e.g., a
`shoulder Strap) of the harness. The visual data acquisition
`device can also be mounted on or near the recorder's head.
`The recording unit can additionally include one or more
`audio data acquisition devices for obtaining audio recording
`data representing the content of the event. The audio data
`acquisition device(s) can also be mounted (and, in Some
`embodiments of the invention, movably mounted or detach
`ably attached) on a strap (e.g., a shoulder Strap) of the
`harneSS. For example, the recording unit can include a
`plurality of directional microphones mounted proximate to
`the recorder's shoulders, or the recording unit can include a
`plurality of omni-directional microphones mounted on the
`recorder's chest.
`The data Storage and System control unit of a recording
`unit according to the invention can be mounted (and, in
`Some embodiments of the invention, movably mounted or
`detachably attached) on a strap (e.g., the waist Strap) of the
`harneSS. It can be desirable to position the data Storage and
`System control unit within a housing. In Such embodiments,
`the harneSS can further include tensioning Straps each having
`a first end attached to the waist Strap and a Second opposing
`end attached to an end of the housing. It may also be
`desirable to form a pocket on the housing to hold a com
`ponent of the recording unit or another object.
`Communication among components of the recording unit
`can be wired and/or wireless. If wired, it can be desirable to
`implement the recording unit So that at least Some of the
`wiring is embedded within the harneSS.
`The harneSS can be made of a washable material So that
`the harneSS can be cleaned. Further, to enable washing of the
`harness, it can be necessary or desirable to construct the
`harneSS So that at least Some of the electronic components of
`the recording unit are detachably attached to the harneSS.
`The harneSS can include apparatus for holding one or
`more objects that are not part of the recording unit. For
`example, the harneSS can include one or more pouches,
`compartments and/or pockets (which can be constructed, for
`example, as part of the waist Strap). The harness can also
`include holding apparatus that is adapted to Slide along a
`Strap of the harness.
`The recording unit can be constructed So that Substantially
`all visible surfaces of the recording unit are black. Further,
`the recording unit can be constructed So that the color of at
`least Some visible Surfaces of the recording unit indicates an
`intended use of the recording unit. The recording unit can
`also be constructed So that the colors of at least Some visible
`Surfaces of the recording unit are chosen to complement one
`or more predetermined colors.
`A recording unit according to further embodiments of the
`invention can include a marking mechanism for marking
`recording data acquired by the recording unit. Additionally,
`a recording unit according to other further embodiments of
`the invention can include a visual recording display device.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 illustrates use of recording units according to the
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
`components of a recording unit in accordance with the
`invention.
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`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional
`components of another recording unit in accordance with the
`invention, the recording unit having enhanced capabilities as
`compared to the recording unit of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a visual data acquisition
`device of a recording unit according to the invention
`attached to a head harness that is worn by a recorder.
`FIG. 5 illustrates a control interface device according to
`an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 6 illustrates another way of packaging a recording
`unit according to the invention.
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the functional components of
`a recording unit according to a particular embodiment of the
`invention that is particularly well Suited for use in recording
`an event in which the recorder engages in Vigorous physical
`activity.
`FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of a recording unit
`representing a particular physical instantiation