United States Patent (19)
`Campbell
`
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`4,516,157
`May 7, 1985
`
`(54). PORTABLE ELECTRONIC CAMERA
`76) Inventor: Malcolm G. Campbell, P.O. Box
`8760, Ponsonby, Auckland, New
`Zealand
`21 Appl. No.: 546,194
`22 Filed:
`Oct. 27, 1983
`30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Nov. 23, 1982 NZ New Zealand ........................ 202578
`Jan. 13, 1983 (NZ) New Zealand ........................ 203022
`511 Int. C.’............................................... H04N 7/18
`52 U.S. Cl. .................................... 358/108; 358/213;
`358/209; 358/229
`58) Field of Search ..................... 358/88, 93, 94, 103,
`358/108, 109, 213, 209, 229, 91, 92; 179/107 S
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,955,156 10/1960 Heilig .................................... 358/88
`3,293,358 12/1966 Ratliff, Jr. ..
`358/88
`3,376,381 4/1968 Ratliff, Jr. ..
`... 358/88
`3,504,122 3/1970 Ratliff, Jr. ..
`... 358/88
`3,614,314 10/1971 Rossier .......
`... 358/103
`3,670,097 6/1972 Jones ......
`... 358/88
`3,784,738 1/1974 Natter ............
`... 358/88
`3,993,407 11/1976 Moricca et al. ....................... 358/94
`4,214,267 7/1980 Roese et al. ...
`... 358/88
`4,310,849 1/1982 Glass ..................................... 358/88
`
`(56)
`
`4,395,731 7/1983 Schoolman ........................... 358/88
`4,398,799 8/1983 Swift ................................... 358/109
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`56-42500 4/1981 Japan ................................... 179/107
`Primary Examiner-John C. Martin
`Assistant Examiner-Edward L. Coles
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Young & Thompson
`57
`ABSTRACT
`A video recording device is arranged to be worn by the
`user like a pair of spectacles. In the recording mode, the
`scene in front of the user is recorded on a miniature
`television camera mounted on the spectacle frame (or
`two cameras if the recording is to be used for 3-D view
`ing). The miniature camera or cameras may be con
`cealed within the spectacle frame, and allows the user to
`view the scene normally, and also to examine a view
`finder showing the portion of the scene available to the
`television camera. This enables the user to perform
`hands free photography and provides almost instanta
`neous recording of a scene as the act of looking at the
`scene points the camera and the view finder towards
`that portion of the scene to be captured. The device can
`be used to record moving pictures or still pictures as in
`an electronic still camera.
`
`9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures
`
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`medium adapted to be worn on the operator's body, or
`forming part of the spectacles themselves.
`The recording device may make a permanent record
`ing of the scene sensed by the receptor, or it may simply
`comprise a visual display device for somebody other
`than the operator of the device. There may, in fact, be
`two receptors, one for each eye frame of the spectacles,
`for recording a stereoscopic image.
`There may also be one or more microphones within
`the sideframes of the spectacles.
`Using present day technology the invention is made
`possible be the remote location of the CCD chip
`(charge coupled device) from the camera circuitry with
`which it is normally associated. This invention allows
`the spectacle frames to maintain the appearance of a
`normal pair of spectacles, while the comparatively
`bulky camera circuitry plus storage circuitry and de
`vices, can be located elsewhere.
`It will be appreciated however that with current
`advances in microchip technology, it will soon be possi
`ble to incorporate the whole camera circuitry (and
`eventually the storage circuitry and devices) in a chip
`the size of the present commercially produced CCD
`used in the prototype of this invention. Such advances
`will eventually provide the user with absolute freedom
`of movement.
`
`25
`
`1.
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC CAMERA
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to portable electronic video
`recording devices.
`In the past, video cameras have been bulky, and those
`in most widespread use have been hand-held or, in some
`cases, shoulder mounted. Such devices have been prone
`to producing shaky pictures as a result of the unsteadi
`ness of the operator's hands. Also, it has been difficult to
`film a subject without that subject's being aware that he
`is being recorded. As a result, the subject tends to be
`have other than normally, due to self-consciousness. .
`15
`PRIOR ART
`Various proposals have been made to incorporate
`television viewing apparatus in association with a head
`mounted viewing device, so that the user's field of vi
`sion is obscured by a surrounding frame forcing the user
`20
`to look directly at two separate television screens,
`thereby to create a stereoscopic viewing apparatus.
`Examples of this include the following U.S. patent
`specifications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,955,156 (Heilig)
`3,504,122 (Ratliff) 3,670,097 (Jones) 3,784,738 (Natter)
`4,214,267 (Roese) 4,310,849 (Glass) U.S. Pat. No.
`3,614,314 (Rossire) teaches a head up optical display for
`aircraft pilots with a system of mirrors enabling the
`pilot to view the real world simultaneously with the
`reception of information from television displays re
`30
`flected from mirrors in front of the pilot's eyes for the
`purpose of viewing information not otherwise visible to
`the pilot.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,731 (Schoolman) teaches the
`combination of a pair of video cameras and video
`screens mounted on a user's head to provide a stereo
`scopic microscope for surgeons. In this arrangement,
`the surgeon cannot view the real world, but sees only
`the image displayed on the video screens directly in
`front of his eyes.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`readily portable electronic video recording device in
`which the electronic video signal substantially corre
`45
`sponds to what the operator sees directly.
`Accordingly, the present invention broadly consists
`in an electronic video device comprising:
`(a) a pair of spectacles adapted to be worn on a user's
`head,
`(b) a view-defining means on the spectacles, through
`which the user can see the real world directly,
`(c) a video receptor associated with the spectacles,
`and arranged to create a video signal in accordance
`with the view seen by the user through the view
`55
`defining means of the spectacles, and
`(d) a transmitting means for transmitting the video
`signal from the receptor to a recording or display
`device (such as a monitor).
`The view-defining means may comprise markings on
`either or both lenses of the spectacles, or there could be
`a liquid crystal display built into the spectacle lens(es)
`for indicating the current field of view of the video
`receptor.
`The transmitting means may include a radio or other
`65
`transmitter for transmitting the signal to a remote re
`cording station, or it may simply comprise a conducting
`link between the receptor and an electronic recording
`
`50
`
`35
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a video device of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the video device
`of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of an alternative
`video device of the present invention;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the camera of FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative camera of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 6 illustrates a tape recorder for use with the
`present invention; and
`FIG. 7 illustrates a further alternative camera of the
`present invention.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a video device 10 of the
`present invention. The device includes a pair of specta
`cles 12 with sideframes 14 and spectacle lenses 16. Be
`tween the spectacle lenses is a further lens 18, behind
`which is a miniature camera 20, typically a CCD de
`VC.
`Mounted on one of the lenses 16 is a frame 22, which
`may comprise strips of tape or other marking. The
`frame serves as a view-defining means, or view finder.
`In other words, what the user sees through the frame
`when he is wearing the spectacles is the same as the field
`of view of the camera 20.
`By providing the view finder 22 as a marking on one
`lens of the spectacles, marking out an area correspond
`ing to the field of view of the camera, the view finder is
`invisible to other people as it is on the inside of the lens.
`The mirrored lens acts as a one way lens so that the
`marking cannot be seen by others. Surprisingly, the
`marking on one lens is effectively invisible to the wearer
`when both eyes are open. However, the user can see the
`view finder by closing his other eye, and the frame 22
`then becomes apparent.
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`An aperture indicator LED 60 may be provided on
`A convenient view finder is achieved by providing a
`self-adhesive matt frame which can be adhered to the
`each side of the lens frame, one for each camera.
`Stereophonic microphones 62 may be built into the
`inside of one of the lenses, corresponding to the can
`side frames 64 of the spectacles.
`era's field of view when mounted before the user's eyes.
`It will be appreciated that different people's eyes are
`FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative camera unit 70, sini
`differently spaced, and the view should be adjusted to
`lar to the unit 10. It incorporates one camera 72 between
`the lenses 74 of the spectacles. An aperture adjustment
`suit the user. It will be generally convenient to adjust
`the position of the view finder on the lens, rather than
`control knob 78, aperture indicator LED 80 and single
`adjusting the receptor within the camera up or down.
`view finder frame 82 are provided. Additional LED
`indicators 84 could be provided on the inside of the
`The view finder can be moved from side to side, or up
`and down, or the movement can be adjusted by the nose
`main frame to show Record, Battery low, Storage full,
`pads of the spectacles.
`Zoom positions, and other functions.
`The self adhesive view finder is conveniently formed
`If a zoom facility is required, this could be achieved
`from a 4 mm wide strip of matt finish material which
`electronically. The LED could inform the user of the
`can be adhered to the inside of one of the lenses. Alter
`zoom mode, as follows for instance:
`natively, an area of one lens 16 can be tinted, or a liquid
`OFF's no zoom,
`crystal rectangle could appear on the lens. Other varia
`SLOW BLINK = mild zoom,
`tions are possible.
`THE FASTER THE BLINK = the stronger the
`The lenses 16 of the spectacles are preferably mir
`zoom, until
`rored, in the fashion of sun glasses, so that the presence
`FULL ON=full zoom.
`of the camera apparatus is concealed from others. By
`For this function, it is preferred that the CCD have
`darkening or mirroring the lenses, the presence of a
`sufficient elements to provide an acceptable resolution
`view finder frame 22 can be concealed from others. The
`in the zoom mode.
`presence of the camera lens is also preferably concealed
`The camera unit need not have focal adjustment,
`either by design or by covering with the same material
`provided that an optical les with a short focal length is
`as the spectacle lenses.
`used. Focal adjustment could be provided if required, in
`The user places the spectacles on his head and faces
`which case a simple focal screw could be introduced to
`towards the scene to be viewed by the camera. The
`adjust the lens. If it is desired that the focal screw ad
`video receptor within the camera generates an elec
`justment be concealed, a small sliding lever could be
`tronic signal in accordance with the scene before the
`fitted to the back of the frame. A focal indicator could
`user, as seen through the frame 22. The signal is con
`also be provided, colour coded for instance and inserted
`alongside the CCD so as to be visible only to the user.
`ducted along a lead 24 to a video recorder or a radio or
`Alternatively automatic focus can be achieved by elec
`other transmitter on or near the user.
`If desired, there may also be a microphone 26 within
`tronic or other means.
`one of the sideframes, so that an audio signal accompa
`The aperture could be controlled manually as de
`35
`nies the video signal being sent along the cable 24. The
`scribed above, or could be controlled by a simple elec
`microphone may alternatively be at any other location
`tronic method such as a liquid crystal device directly
`on the spectacles, or elsewhere on or adjacent the user.
`behind the camera lens. Alternatively, a CCD could be
`Underneath the camera there may be an aperture
`chosen with enough light acceptance band, so that the
`adjustment control 28, and on the side there may be an
`aperture function could be achieved via an automatic
`aperture indicator LED 30. The aperture control may
`gain control circuit in the recording device.
`comprise a sliding V (not shown) whose movement is
`It is preferred that the video camera be connected to
`controlled by screwing the aperture adjust screw 28.
`a recorder mounted on the user's person, and it is partic
`This is coupled to the LED 30, which is provided with
`ularly preferred that the recorder be mounted on a belt,
`circuitry so that it will be switched off if the incident
`in such a manner as to be concealed, as shown in FIG.
`45
`light on the CCD is within its operating bandwidth, and
`6. The bulk of the recorder can be broken into two
`will be switched on if the image is too dark, or will blink
`components for ease of wearing. For example, the bat
`if too much light is reaching the CCD.
`teries and camera circuitry can be provided in a sepa
`FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a second video device or
`rate container. The recorder can utilize a moving mag
`camera unit 40 of the present invention. This device is
`netic tape as presently used on video cameras, although
`50
`similar to the device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that
`it will be appreciated that the recording medium can be
`instead of a single mid-mounted camera there are two
`any other means of storing a signal from the CCD,
`cameras 42, one adjacent each hinge 44 of a pair of
`including magnetic discs, digital electronic memories
`spectacles 46. Each individual camera comprises a CCD
`such as magnetic bubble memories, or other electronic
`chip 48 capable of receiving light and producing an
`memories.
`55
`electronic signal responsive to the image received by
`The arrangement shown in FIG. 6 has flaps to con
`the charge-coupled optical device. The chip 48 is
`ceal the deck from others, with the connections being
`mounted behind a single element lens 50, typically a 16
`on the inner side of the deck, and shoot and zoom con
`millimeter F.2 wide angle lens, and a mirror 52.
`trols concealed underneath the deck for ease of access.
`The lens 50 has an aperture adjustment control on the
`The components can be designed to appear as a travel
`underside thereof.
`ler's money belt or the like so as not to appear as elec
`A lead 54 is connected to the frame of the spectacles
`tronic circuitry.
`and leads to a video tape recorder or transmitter, as
`For most uses, concealing the camera lens or lenses
`within spectacles, and concealing the recorder in con
`described above.
`The lenses 56 of the spectacles are preferably mir
`ponents worn on a belt, will be the most suitable config
`65
`rored or darkened as described above.
`uration. However, for some purposes, concealment may
`A view finder frame 58 is still provided on one of the
`not be required; for instance where recording is carried
`lenses 56 to act as a view-defining means.
`out for training films or the like.
`
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`ment. The spectacles 92 may be separate from the hat or
`The means for transmitting picture information may
`head band, but will need to be aligned manually in use.
`involve a cable connecting the portable camera to an
`It will be appreciated that the concept of this inven
`appropriate recorder, as shown, or may include an opti
`tion involving the mounting of an electronic lens and a
`cal wave guide, or a radio, ultrasonic or other transmit
`view finder on glasses, goggles or other spectacles, has
`ter.
`a wide range of uses. Ordinary recording of a video tape
`By this means the video receptor on the spectacles
`or electronic still pictures can be carried out with a
`need not be directly coupied to the recorder or monitor
`minimum of fuss and without encumbering the hands.
`of the signal.
`This makes it possible to operate the camera while ski
`For example, the spectacles may have a transmission
`ing, driving, flying, and so on. The invention also lends
`10
`device associated with it to transmit a signal containing
`itself to the provision of do-it-yourself video training
`picture information to a recorder mounted on the per
`tapes. For example, an instructor could create a video
`son's body, such as on a belt, or near him, as in a storage
`tape of his own actions and instructions, so that a stu
`case in the same or adjacent room. For short distance
`dent watching the video would have the sensation of
`transmission, it would be possible to use a relatively
`actually being there carrying out the instructor's ac
`small transmitter transmitting picture information by a
`tions. Other applications are in the industrial field, in
`small radio transmitter, or ultrasonic or other sound
`providing training films, and in providing on-the-spot
`emitter. The size and type of transmitter will depend
`recording, as a camera for handicapped persons, and in
`upon the amount of picture information required to be
`the security and military fields where concealment is
`transmitted. For example, in the case of an electronic
`sometimes desirable.
`20
`Many configurations and combinations of features
`still camera, there may be a small buffer memory associ
`not specifically described above are possible and are
`ated with the portable camera which stores the informa
`envisaged to fall within the scope of the appended
`tion from a particular frame, and then transmits this
`claims.
`information at a somewhat slower rate than the infor
`I claim:
`25
`mation is received in the buffer memory. This would
`1. An electronic video device comprising:
`enable a transmitter to use a smaller band width than a
`(a) spectacle means adapted to be worn on a user's
`transmitter involved in transmitting live motion pic
`head and having a first field of view,
`tures. As it is possible to generate the picture informa
`(b) a view-defining means on the spectacle means,
`tion as a series of binary digits, it is possible to transmit
`through which the user can see the real world
`30
`the information as a series of on-off sound or radio
`directly, and having a second field of view smaller
`pulses. Alternatively, an analogue signal can be used to
`than said first field of view,
`transmit the information to the appropriate receiver.
`(c) a video receptor associated with the spectacle
`In another example, the transmitter associated with
`means, and arranged to create a video signal in
`the portable camera could transmit greater distances, or
`accordance with only said second field of view,
`35
`involve the used of a booster or relay transmitter close
`and
`to the user. In either event, this could be transmitted to
`(d) a transmitting means for transmitting the video
`a distant receiver, or a monitor, or via a modem to a
`signal from the receptor to a recording or display
`telephone line or via a satellite, or any other transmis
`device.
`sion device, to a distant receiver. The receiver at any
`2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the video
`point along the transmission chain could have an appro
`receptor is mounted on the spectacle means.
`priate recorder associated with it to store the picture
`3. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the video
`receptor is adapted to be worn on the user's head, sepa
`information, or the information could be processed live
`rate from but aligned with the spectacle means.
`via a monitor as might be the case with live news TV
`4. A device as claimed in claim 1 further including a
`45
`broadcasts.
`signal transmitter for transmitting the video signal to a
`It will thus be appreciated that by transmitting the
`remote receiving station.
`signal from the video receptor via any suitable transmit
`5. A device as claimed in claim 1 further including a
`ter to a receiver, it is possible to operate the portable
`recording device adapted to be worn on the user's body.
`camera in a relatively free and easy manner without
`6. A device as claimed in claim 1 comprising two said
`50
`being encumbered by wires or cables. Moreover, this
`receptors arranged to provide a stereoscopic video
`enables the user more readily to conceal the presence of
`signal.
`the camera and to record information received by the
`7. A device as claimed in claim 1 further including a
`camera, as he will be able to record the scene he is
`microphone for transmitting an electronic audio signal
`looking at.
`along with the video signal.
`55
`FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a camera
`8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein there are
`device of the present invention. In this embodiment a
`two said microphones, one associated with each side
`hat or helmet 90 is provided with a spectacle frame 92
`frame of the spectacle means.
`extending down from the brim. A single or dual unit
`9. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said view
`camera 94 is mounted upon the hat and aligned with a
`defining means provides the user with the image of a
`60
`view finding arrangement on the spectacles.
`frame bordering said second field of view within said
`In a modification of this embodiment, the hat 90
`first field of view.
`could be replaced by a simple headband or like arrange
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