Digital Camera Patent AbstractA digital camera apparatus wherein the cable used to link the camera
to a processing device is stored within the body of the camera.
The camera includes a cover associated with the camera housing that
together define a storage cavity. The storage cavity is adapted
to receive at least a portion of a cable and an associated connector.
The cover, when closed, protects the connector and the portion of
the cable against damage. When the cover is opened the connector
is freely accessible to the user. The connector is compatible with
a processing device and the cable communicatively couples the connector
to the data storage mechanism, allowing files stored on the camera's
data storage mechanism to be transfer to the processing device.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsI claim:
1. A digital camera with integrated cable storage comprising: a
camera-housing having a wall structure defining (i) an outer surface,
and (ii) a first enclosure; a cover having a closed state and an
open state, wherein, in the closed state, the cover substantially
encompasses a given portion of the wall structure so that the cover
and the given portion cooperatively define a second enclosure between
the cover and the given portion; a cable extending from an origination
point on the wall structure to a distal end, the distal end having
a connector for coupling the digital camera with a processing device
wherein the origination point is external to the given portion of
the wall structure substantially encompassed by the cover, wherein
the cable has a stored-state in which at least a portion of the
cable, including the connector, is stored within the second enclosure,
and an accessible state in which the cable extends out from the
origination point and is not stored within the second enclosure;
wherein, when the cover is in the closed state and the cable is
in the stored state, the cable extends from the origination point,
into the second enclosure; wherein, in the accessible state, the
connector is connectable to the processing device; and wherein,
the cable is switched from the stored state to the accessible state
by moving the cover from the closed state to the open state and
thereby rendering accessible at least the distal end of the connector-cable.
2. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the cover is connected
by a hinge to the wall structure, and the cover rotates about the
hinge between the open state and the closed state.
3. A digital camera comprising: a camera-housing defining a camera
portion, and a cable-connector storage portion, the cable-connector
storage portion being defined by a cable-connector storage surface
of the camera portion and a removable cover; the cover having an
open state in which the cable-connector storage surface is exposed,
and a closed state in which the cable-connector storage surface
is covered; and a cable-connector for coupling the digital camera
with a processing device wherein the cable-connector comprises (i)
a cable portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end (ii)
a first connector at the distal end for connecting with the processing
device and (iii) a second connector at the proximal end, wherein,
the connector-cable is fully removable from the digital camera,
and the second connector is connectable with a port on the digital
camera, wherein the digital camera has (i) a first state in which
the cable-connector is at least partially stored within the storage
portion and the cover is in the closed state, (ii) a second state
in which the cable-connector is at least partially stored within
the storage portion and the cover is in the open state, (iii) a
third state in which the cable-connector is removed from the storage
portion and the cover is in the open state, and (iv) a fourth state
in which the cable-connector is removed from the storage portion
and the cover is in the closed state; such that when the first connector
is connected with the processing device and the second connector
is connected with the port on the digital camera, the connector-cable
links the digital camera with the processing device.
4. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein the removable cover pivots
about a hinge to move between the closed state and the open state.
5. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein, in the third and fourth
states, the first connector has (i) a connected state in which the
first connector is connected to the processing device and (ii) a
disconnected state in which the first connector is not connected
to the processing device.
6. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein the first connector is
selected from the group consisting of (i) a USB connector, (ii)
an IEEE 1394 connector and (ii) an RS-232 connector.
7. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein the processing device
is selected from the group consisting of (i) a wireless communication
device and (ii) a personal computer.
8. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein: in the digital camera's
first and second states, at least the first connector resides within
the cable-connector storage portion; in the cable camera's third
and fourth states, the first connector is outside of the cable-connector
storage portion.
9. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein the camera-housing defines
a main outer surface and a cover outer surface; and when the removable
cover is in the closed state, the main outer surface is substantially
continuous with the cover outer surface.
10. The digital camera of claim 3, wherein the camera-housing defines
an outer surface, the outer surface defining a lens opening at the
camera portion.
11. The digital camera of claim 10, further comprising (i) a lens
at the lens opening, for receiving light defining images and (ii)
data storage for storing digital representations of the images. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionFIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for digital imaging,
more particularly to a digital camera that includes integral cable
storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Digital cameras have become very popular in recent years. A digital
camera has many advantages over traditional film cameras. These
advantages include: (1) being able to instantly view the picture;
(2) being able to delete pictures of inferior quality; (3) recording
the image in digital form allowing it to be manipulated on a computer;
(4) the ability to transmit the pictures to others electronically;
and (5) the ability to print photo quality pictures at home. However,
to fully take advantage of these qualities it is often necessary
to transfer the image file from the camera to a processing device
that allows manipulation and/or communication of the file. Such
transfer requires that the camera and the processing device to be
linked. Most often this link is accomplished with a cable. As a
result, a user has to have access to a cable to fully utilize the
qualities of the camera.
Most digital cameras provide a linking cable as an accessory. The
cable is provided with connectors at both ends--one to connect to
a port on the camera and the other to connect to a port on the processing
machine, i.e., the computer, cellular phone or personal digital
assistant ("PDA"). The problem with such an arrangement
is that if the user wishes to download from the camera in a remote
location, then an accommodation has to be made to carry the cable
in a carrying case or some other vehicle. Moreover, it is easy to
forget or misplace the cable thereby limiting the capabilities of
the camera when the cable is unavailable.
At the same time, modern telecommunications systems have enabled
a great deal of consumer mobility. Consumers may travel throughout
local areas or across long distances and yet remain in communication
with others via wireless or landline telephones, e-mail, instant
messaging, audio and video conferencing, and other facilities. Cellular
wireless is an increasingly popular means of personal communication
in the modern world. People are using cellular wireless networks
for the exchange of voice and data over cellular telephones, PDAs,
cellular telephone modems, and other devices. This exchange of information
over wireless networks is only improving and increasing. With the
advent of third generation wireless networks, so called Wideband
Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) networks, the case of communicating
information, including images, over these networks will become increasing
more important. In such an environment it is advantageous to be
able to transmit images from a digital camera over a wireless network.
However, if the user is unable to get the information onto the network,
because of no access to the appropriate linking cable, the capabilities
of the wireless network are of no use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera apparatus wherein
the cable used to link the camera to a processing device is stored
within the body of the camera. According to an exemplary embodiment,
the invention is directed to a digital camera that includes a camera
housing. The housing defines a storage surface, a camera cavity
and a lens opening into the camera cavity. A lens is disposed within
the lens opening. The lens receives light defining images that are
stored as digital files on a data storage mechanism, located within
the camera cavity and communicatively coupled to the lens. A cover
is joined to the camera housing and has a first operable state and
a second operable state. The cover substantially encompasses the
storage surface in the first operable state, and exposes the storage
surface in the second operable state. Together the cover and the
storage surface define a storage cavity. The storage cavity is adapted
to receive at least a portion of a cable and an associated connector.
When the cover is in first operable state and at least a portion
of the cable and the associated connector are in the storage cavity,
the cover protects the connector and the portion of the cable against
damage. Conversely, when the cover is in its second operable state
the connector is freely accessible. The connector is compatible
with a processing device and the cable communicatively couples the
connector to the data storage mechanism. In one embodiment the cable
extends through the camera housing into the camera cavity.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention a digital camera
includes integrated connector-cable storage compartment. The camera
comprises a camera housing having a wall structure defining an outer
surface, a first enclosure and a lens opening. A lens is disposed
within the first enclosure at the lens opening, for receiving light
defining images. A data storage mechanism is also disposed within
the first enclosure and stores digital representations of the images
as a digital file. The camera also includes a cover having a closed
state and an open state, wherein, in the closed state the cover
substantially encompasses a given portion of the wall structure
so that the cover and the given portion cooperatively define a second
enclosure between the cover and the given portion. A connector-cable
extends from an origination point on the wall structure to a distal
end, the distal end having a connector for coupling the digital
camera with a processing device. When the connector-cable is in
a stored-state at least a portion of the connector-cable, including
the connector, is stored within the second enclosure. When the connector
cable is in its accessible state, i.e., not stored within the second
enclosure, it extends out from the origination point and is connectable
to the processing device. The connector-cable is switched from the
stored state to the accessible state by moving the cover from the
closed state to the open state and thereby rendering accessible
at least the distal end of the connector-cable.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention a digital camera
comprises a camera housing that defines a camera portion, a connector-cable
storage portion, and a removable cover over the connector-cable
storage portion. The removable cover has at least two states, an
open state in which the connector-cable storage portion is exposed,
and a closed state in which the connector-cable storage portion
is covered. The camera further includes a connector-cable for coupling
the digital camera with a processing device, wherein the digital
camera has (i) a first state in which the connector-cable is at
least partially stored within the connector-cable storage portion
and the cover is in the closed state, (ii) a second state in which
the connector-cable is at least partially stored within the connector-cable
storage portion and the cover is in the open state, (iii) a third
state in which the connector-cable is removed from the connector-cable
storage portion and the cover is in the open state, and (iv) a fourth
state in which the connector-cable is removed from the connector-cable
storage portion and the cover is in the closed state.
In each of these exemplary embodiments it may be advantageous to
include a feature where the connector-cable is permanently attached
to the camera and passes through the camera housing. Advantageously
it may pass through the housing at a surface within the cable storage
compartment. Alternatively, it may pass through the housing outside
the cable storage compartment. In such a case, the camera is advantageously
provided with a channel or groove from the point at which the cable
passes through the camera housing to the cable storage compartment.
The channel is adapted to receive a portion of the cable when the
cable is stored in the cable storage compartment.
It will be understood that the cover can be associated with the
camera housing in many ways known to those skilled in the art that
allow it to move between its various states. Exemplary of such a
connection is a hinge. A hinge has the advantage of remaining connected
to the camera housing and thereby reducing the possibilities that
it will be lost or separated from the camera itself. The hinge could
take on many forms including a spring loaded hinge. In addition,
the cover may advantageously include a latch mechanism to securely
close the cover. Such latch mechanisms are well known to those in
the art.
These as well as other features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading
the following detailed description, with appropriate reference to
the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described herein
with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the digital
camera of the present invention illustrating the relationship of
the camera housing, the connector-cable and the cover.
FIG. 2 is a cross section along axis A-A' of FIG. 1 illustrating
the surface that is enclosed by the cover.
FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the digital
camera of the present invention with the cover in the closed position.
FIG. 4 is another front view of an exemplary embodiment of the
digital camera of the present invention illustrating the operation
of the cover in conjunction with the cable connector.
FIG. 5 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention with sliding version of the cover shown in the closed
position.
FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention with the cover removed illustrating the connector in the
stored position.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention with the cover in the closed position.
FIG. 8 is a cross section along axis B-B' of FIG. 1 illustrating
in a simplified block fashion the relevant interior of an embodiment
of the digital camera of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the of the present
invention illustrating a removable cable and associated port.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
An exemplary embodiment of the digital camera of the present invention
is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen the digital camera includes a
camera housing 10. The camera housing 10 may be of any appropriate
shape as defined by its outer wall 11. The outer wall 11 defines
a first enclosure or camera cavity 36 (see FIG. 8). The outer wall
11 further defines a lens opening 12 that passes from the exterior
of the wall 11 and into the first enclosure 36. The lens opening
12 is adapted to allow a lens 14 to pass through the opening 12.
Optionally, the outer wall 11 is also adapted for a view finder
13. Advantageously, the view finder 13 would pass entirely through
the outer wall 11 and the first enclosure, allowing the user to
see through the camera housing 10 from the back when taking a picture.
The lens 14 is adapted to receive light which is representative
of an image. Such lenses are well known in the art and in wide use
in digital cameras. The camera then converts the image received
by the lens 14 into a digital file. Again such a conversion is well
known in the art. The file may be of any appropriate format. Examples
of such file format include "jpg," "gif" and
"tif". These files are stored on a data storage mechanism
32 located within the first enclosure 36 defined by the outer wall
11. The data storage mechanism 32 may be any appropriate system
for storing digital data. This could include both magnetic and optical
storage media. Examples of such storage mechanism include random
access memory (RAM) chips, memory cards, memory sticks, and optical
discs.
The invention further includes a cable 22 and an associated connector
20 located at the distal end of the cable 22. The cable 22 and the
connector 20 may be a single unit, i.e. permanently joined, or separate
units. They must, however, be capable of being communicatively coupled.
For purposes of clarity, the term "cable-connector" when
used herein refers to a structure wherein the cable 22 and the connector
20 are a single unit. The proximal end of the cable 22 is communicatively
attached to the camera. In particular the cable 22 is capable of
being functionally associated with the data storage mechanism 32
such that stored files can be communicated over the cable 22. This
association may be effected in any appropriate manner. In one exemplary
embodiment the cable 22 passes through the outer wall 11 and is
operatively attached to the data storage mechanism 32. In another
exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the cable 22 may have second
connector 38 located at its proximal end. This second connector
38 is adapted to be connected to the camera, for example at port
44, to effectuate a communicative attachment to the data storage
mechanism 32. In this manner the camera is capable of transferring
the files stored in the data storage mechanism 32 through the cable
22.
The connector 20 at the distal end of the cable 22 may take any
appropriate form. The form is often dictated by the intended use
of the connector 20 and the nature of the processing device intended
to be used in conjunction with the camera. Without intending to
limit the scope of the invention, examples of appropriate connector
include a USB connector, an IEEE 1394 connector and an RS-232 connector.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it will be seen that the outer
wall 11 of the camera housing 10 further defines a storage surface
18. The storage surface 18 is advantageously planar. It may, however,
also be of a concave or convex configuration to meet the storage
application. Advantageously the storage surface 18 includes fixtures
40 (See FIG. 6) that interact with the connector 20 to removeably
secure the connector 20 to the storage surface 18. As shown in FIG.
2, the storage surface 18 may also be used to provide access to
the first enclosure 36 defined by the outer wall 11. Specifically,
an access panel 30 may be provided to allow the user to access the
first enclosure 36 for such purposes as replacing the batteries.
Associated with the storage surface 18 is a cover 16. In an exemplary
embodiment the cover 16 has two principle states--a first state
wherein it is closed blocking full access to the storage surface
18 (see FIG. 3) and a second state wherein it is open allowing full
access to the storage surface 18. These two states of the cover
16 and a transition state between the two are illustrated in shadow
lines in FIG. 4. Advantageously the cover 16 is shaped to compliment
the shape of the outer wall 11 such that when the cover 16 is in
its first state its outer surface is substantially continuous with
the outer surface of the outer wall 11.
As can be seen in the first state, the cover 16 in conjunction
with the storage surface 18 define a second enclosure or storage
cavity 42 (see FIG. 8). This second enclosure 42 is adapted to receive
the connector 20 and at least a portion of the cable 22. Thus, this
second enclosure 42 provides a location for storage of the connector
20 and at least a portion of the cable 22 when they are not in use.
The cover 16 is connected to the outer wall 11 in manner that allows
it to move between its various states. Any appropriate manner of
connection is acceptable. Advantageously the cover 16 is connected
to the outer wall 11 by way of a hinge 26. An exemplary hinge 26
is illustrated in FIG. 4. The hinge 26 allows the cover 16 to swing
between its first state and its second state. The hinge 26 may be
located in any appropriate position, in the example of FIG. 4 it
is advantageously located on the upper portion of the cover 16.
In addition, the hinge 26 may be associated with a biasing mechanism.
The biasing mechanism may urge the cover 16 into either its first
state or its second state. The hinge 26 of FIG. 4 illustrates a
biasing mechanism that urges the cover 16 into its second state,
i.e. in the open position. Specifically, the hinge 26 includes a
spring 34 that urges the cover 16 into an open position. When the
cover 16 is closed, the spring 34 is compressed. The cover 16 is
held in its first state by a latch mechanism. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, the latch mechanism is engaged by moving the cover 16 upward
when the spring 34 on the hinge 26 is compressed. This latch mechanism
inhibits the cover from moving from the first state to the second
state. Conversely, to release the latch mechanism, the cover 16
is pulled down thereby allowing the cover 16 to freely swing to
the second state. Other latching mechanisms are well known in the
art. The present mechanism is only provided as an exemplary illustration
of the invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cover 160.
The cover 160 differs from the cover 16 in that it is not attached
to the outer wall 11 by a hinge. Rather, the cover 160 slidably
engages the outer wall 11 and is capable of being completely detached
from the outer wall 11. Such slidable engagement can be accomplished
is many way well known in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 5 the cover 160 is formed to mate with the other wall 11.
Specifically, the edges 162 of the cover 160 are formed to slidably
engage the edges 168 of the storage surface 18. This mating can
be done in any way, many of which are well known in the art. One
example is that the cover 160 defines a rail 164 (shown in shadow)
along each of its edges 162. These rails 164 are adapted to fit
into grooves 166 (shown in shadow) on opposite edges 168 of the
storage surface 18. The cover 160 also defines a locking tab 170
(shown in shadow) at one end. A plurality of locking tabs 170 may
be used if appropriate. The locking tab 170 is positioned to resiliently
engage a receiving slot (not shown) defined by the outer wall 11.
When the locking tab 170 resiliently engages the receiving slot,
the cover 160 is secured in a closed position. The cover 160 opened
by sliding the tongue rails 164 in the grooves 166 with sufficient
force to overcome the resilient forces holding the locking tab 170
in the receiving slot. When the locking tab 170 is disengaged from
the receiving slot and the rails 164 are disengaged from the grooves
166, the cover 160 may be removed from the outer wall 11. It is
reattached by simply reversing the process. Of course, other methods
of removably securing the cover 160 to the outer wall 11 may be
used without varying from the scope and spirit of the invention.
As noted above the cable 22 can interface with the camera in various
ways and at various locations. FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrate an embodiment
with a unitary cable 22 and connector 20 structure. The proximal
end of the cable 22 passes through the outer wall 11 remote from
the second enclosure defined by the storage surface 18 and the cover
16. A channel 28 leads from the point the cable 22 passes through
the outer wall 11 to the second enclosure. The channel 28 is adapted
to receive a portion of the cable 22 and removably secure it against
the outer wall 11. FIG. 7 illustrates the cable 22 removably secured
in the channel 28. This is particularly the case when the connector
20 and at least a portion of the cable 22 are stored in the second
enclosure.
Thus, it can be seen that the cable 22 can be in a stored state
or an accessible state. In the stored state the connector 20 and
at least a portion of the cable 22 are located in the second enclosure
42 defined by the cover 16 and the storage surface 18. In the stored
state the cover 16 will be in its first state thereby making the
connector 22 and at least part of the cable 20 inaccessible without
altering the state of the cover 16. The cable 22 is moved from the
stored state to the accessible state by moving the cover 16 from
the first state to the second state. The cable 22 is then fully
accessible and can be removed from the storage surface 18. The cable
22 may also be removed from the channel 28. Advantageously, the
cover 16 may be moved back to the first state when the cable 22
is in its accessible state, making the cable 22 available when the
cover 16 is closed.
In another embodiment of the invention the cable 22 passes through
the outer wall 11 of the camera housing 10 at the storage surface
18. In this embodiment there is no need for a channel 28. However,
the cover 16 is adapted to allow the cable 22 to pass through when
the cable 22 is in an accessible state. As an example the cover
16 may be adapted to include a notch through which the cable 22
may pass when the cover 16 is in its first state (closed) and the
cable 22 is in its accessible state.
The connector 20 is adapted to communicatively connect with a processing
device. Examples of processing devices are a computer, a PDA, and
a cellular phone but other devices may also be used. The file representing
the image may then be transfer from the data storage mechanism 32
of the camera to the processing device across the combination of
the cable 22 and the connector 20. The processing device may then
further process the file including communicating the file to a different
location.
As an additional feature to the above embodiments of the invention
the cable 22 may also be associated with a retractable reel 43 (shown
in FIG. 8) within the camera housing 10. In this manner a major
portion of the cable 22 could be retracted into the camera housing
and stored on a retractable reel 43. The connector 24 and the remaining
unretracted portion of the cable 22 may be stored within the second
enclosure 42 defined by the storage surface 18 and the cover 16.
Capturing images with the camera of the present invention is done
in a conventional manner well known in the art. The lens 14 captures
the image that is the subject of the picture. That image is stored
in the data storage mechanism 32 as a digital file. As with conventional
digital cameras multiple image files may be stored on the data storage
mechanism 32. When taking pictures, the camera will most often be
in the state illustrated in FIG. 3. Specifically, the cover 16 is
in its first state (closed) with the connector 20 and at least a
portion of the cable 22 stored in the second enclosure or storage
cavity. When the user wishes to transfer the files stored on the
data storage mechanism 32 to a processing device, the cover 16 is
opened and put in its second state. The connector 20 and the cable
22 are removed from storage surface 18 so they can be put into a
communicative relationship with the processing device. In one example,
the connector 20 on the distal end of the cable 22 is attached to
a compatible port (for example a USB port) on a computer. The image
stored on the data storage mechanism 32 can then be transferred
to the memory device of the computer through use of the appropriate
software. Software for such applications is widely available and
may vary with the hardware.
In another application, the connector 20 is attached to the input
port on a cellular phone. In a similar fashion the files on the
data storage mechanism 32 can be transferred to the memory in the
phone. The image file can then advantageously be transmitted via
a wireless network to a remote location. Such an application readily
allows for rapid viewing of an image by individuals in the remote
location.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated
and described. Those skilled in the art will understand, however,
that changes and modifications may be made to the invention without
deviating from the scope of the invention, as defined by the following
claims. Further, the claims should not be read as limited to the
described order of elements unless stated to that effect.
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