Abstract:
A flexible camera device is provided including an elongate flexible member and at least one camera connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. A recording device is also connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. The recording device is in electrical communication with the camera(s) for electrically communicating camera recorded images to the recording device. The flexible member may be connected to a variety of different support member to allow hands free recording of different events, as seen from multiple views.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to cameras, and more particularly, to a portable, hands-free camera device that may be used to record sporting events, social activities and other functions. 
     Conventionally, cameras are held by a photographer, or mounted on a tripod or other supporting structure during photographic activities. More recently cameras have been mounted to helmets, such as may be worn by skiers, motorcyclist, parachutists, and other sports enthusiasts that desire to record the images they see as they engage in a sporting activity. While such helmet mounted cameras are useful during the particular sporting activity, they may be of little use for recording other activities such as social functions, tourist activities and other sporting activities, e.g. basketball, running, etc. 
     Inspection cameras have also been proposed for plumbing applications, e.g. sewer drain pipes inspections. Such devices include a camera connected to cable wired to a base unit, personal computer, or other device. Such devices are typically limited to use of a single camera and the cables do not have sufficient stiffness to elevate and support the camera(s). Nor are such devices typically portable to allow for convenient storage and transportation in a handbag or backpack, for simple deployment and use. 
     Conventional camera systems, which are typically limited to single camera, pointed in a single direction, are unsuitable to record activities that are based around a composite of multiple activities in different fields of view. For example, racing activities can involve matters of interest behind as well as in front of the runner, biker, driver, etc. Recordings of social functions may also utilize recordings of multiple individuals celebrating an occasion. 
     Health care situations, in a home or health care facility, may also be facilitated by simultaneously monitoring an image of the patient, along with images of instruments used to monitor the patient&#39;s vital signs, either or both of which images may be remotely monitored. Creative photographic activities may similarly involve the use of multiple cameras aimed at different directions. For examples, films involving a day in the life of a pet or person could utilize one camera directed at the subject person or pet, as well as camera facing forward of the person or pet, showing the scenes viewed by the person or pet. The cameras could be conveniently fixed to the person or pet and adjusted in various directions. It is further preferable if the images of the two cameras could be combined on a single screen for comparing the simultaneous views. 
     While flexible devices have become available to functions as camera mounts, such devices do not include integral cameras, nor have they had sufficient lengths to wrap around any convenient support member so that the camera(s) may be manipulated to direct the camera(s) towards any field(s) of view of interest. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a camera device that is portable and that can be conveniently secured in place by simply wrapping an elongated flexible member around any available bar, flange, post or other structure in order to elevate the camera and maintain the camera focused in a desired direction. It is also desirable that the device may incorporate multiple cameras which may be focused in different directions in order to provide multiple views of related activities. Further, it is desirable that such a device may incorporate a recording medium and/or functions to allow simultaneous views of multiple scene which can be communicated to remote locations for storage and display. 
     These and other objects and advantages are achieved in relation to the present invention which is described in relation to the illustrated embodiments. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A flexible camera device is provided including an elongate flexible member and at least one camera connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. A recording device is also connected to and supported by the elongate flexible member. The recording device is in wired or wireless communication with the camera(s) for communicating camera recorded images to the recording device. The flexible member may be self-supporting or connected to a variety of different support members to allow hands-free recording of different events, as seen from multiple views. 
     The flexible member is designed to be a deformable in multiple directions to be engageable to different types of support surfaces. The flexible member may be wrapped around a surface for support, to secure the flexible member and the camera(s) in a desired position to view a desired person or area. The camera(s) may be connected to the recording device by a wired connection extending through the flexible member and/or by wireless connection between the camera(s) and the recording device. Such circumstances the camera(s) would be provided with a wireless communication circuit, such as a Bluetooth™ or Wi-Fi™ circuit. 
     In one embodiment the recording device comprises a cellphone, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. Alternatively, the recording device may comprise other types of data acquisition and storage devices, such as an SD card. The device may also include a docking port in electrical communication with the camera(s) for electrically communicating camera images to a recording device connectable thereto. 
     Where the device is used to implement vehicle security or diagnostic functions the data storage device may communicate, via wired or wireless communication, with both the camera(s) and a diagnostic data acquisition and storage device, to synchronize, or otherwise correlate camera recorded data with contemporaneous diagnostic data to allow for a more complete analysis of circumstances associated with a driving pattern or a vehicle accident. The data can also be time stamped by the data storage device, to provide additional reference information. 
     The data recording device may be provided with program instructions to receive and store camera data and vehicle diagnostic data. The vehicle diagnostic data may be received from a data acquisition and storage unit connectable to a vehicle diagnostic port, where the data acquisition and storage unit includes a wired or wireless communication circuit for communicating with the recording device, e.g. a cellphone. 
     Where the device is used to implement health monitoring or health diagnostic functions, the data storage device may communicate, via wired or wireless communication, with both the camera(s) and a medical data acquisition and storage device, to synchronize or otherwise, correlate the camera recorded data with contemporaneous medical data to allow for a more complete monitoring and analysis of the circumstances associated with a medical condition. The data recording device may be provided with program instructions to receive, display and store camera data and contemporaneous medical diagnostic data. The medical diagnostic data may be received by the recording device from a data acquisition and storage unit connectable to one or more medical monitors. The data acquisition and storage unit may be wired or in wireless communication with the recording device. The recording device can also time stamp the data, to provide additional referenced information in the stored recording. 
     A cellphone or other recording device may also include programing instructions to time correlate camera recorded data with received diagnostic or medical data, and/or to communicate the camera recorded data and/or the diagnostic or medical data to a remote location. 
     The camera(s) may be provided by a rechargeable battery disposed within the camera(s) or within the elongate member. Alternately, the camera(s) may receive power from the data recording device or from another external power source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration showing use of one embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a bicycle handlebar; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a smartphone, mounted on a support member; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a smartphone with a simultaneously showing data recorded from two separate cameras; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of another embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with a recording device, mounted on a support member; 
         FIG. 5  also shows one embodiment of the present invention used in relation to tandem stroller; 
         FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of the present invention as wrapped about a vase on a dinner table; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention showing hard wired connection between the recording device and the cameras; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of another embodiment of the invention showing wireless communication between the cameras and the recording device; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration showing one embodiment of the present invention mounted to a vehicle support surface, wherein the recording device is in communication with a vehicle diagnostic system; and 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of an alternate embodiment of the flexible conduit, with a recording device being remotely located from the conduit. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view illustrating the interior of a coupling member, used in conjunction with the present invention, showing connections between the battery and the camera and charger/recording device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one implementation of the present invention as mounted on a bicycle. As shown therein, the flexible camera device  10  is formed as an elongate flexible member or conduit  11 , which are wrapped around a support member, such as bicycle handlebar  18  of bicycle  14  to support the camera head(s) or camera head(s) or camera(s)  13 . The construction of conduit  11  may be implemented as series of ball and socket connectors which are adjustable to assume different orientations in order to capture images of different scenes or to connect or conduit  11  to a supporting surface. A user  12  riding bicycle  14  can mount the camera device  10  in a variety of ways, and adjust the cameras to any field of view of interest. In the illustrated implementation one camera is pointed forward of the bicycle and the second camera is pointed rearwardly of the bicycle. However, it is to be understood that the cameras can be directed in other direction as well, such as toward the face of the rider  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is further seen that device  10  includes cameras  13  which are connected to the elongate flexible member  11  by coupling member  16 . As further described below, recorded images from cameras  13  may be communicated to a recording device, such as cellphone  23  secured to cellphone mounting bracket  26 . Power for the cameras  13  may come from the cellphone/recording device  23 , from batteries disposed in mounting bracket  26 , or from batteries disposed in the cameras or coupling members associated with the cameras. However the camera  13  and cellphone/recording device  23  are electronically isolated from the support member, such as bicycle handlebars  18 , or any electrical circuitry therein. 
     As shown at  FIG. 3 , the cellphone  23  may include program instructions to display images from one or both cameras, such as images  25  and  27 . The rider  12  may therefore be able to view images in rear field of view  21  while facing forward. Should the rider lean forward and downwardly, the rider will nonetheless be able to see images in a front field of view  19 , by gazing at the display on cellphone  23 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate implementation of the present invention, wherein a different recording device is used. As shown at  FIG. 4 , the recording device  24  includes an SD card  22  that can be inserted into slot  28 . The images from cameras  13  may thereby be recorded on SD card  22 , without requiring use of a cellphone or other similar devices. However, as described in connection with  FIG. 7 , a cellphone or other display device may be temporarily connected to the recording device to insure that the cameras  13  are properly oriented to record the desired images. 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the choice of recording device used in conjunction with the camera device  10  is a matter of choice depending upon the availability of a smartphone, the desirability of displaying the recorded images to a rider or other user, the desirability of communicating the recorded images to a remote location by means of a cellular network and/or the desirability of transferring the recorded images to another storage medium using SD card connectors. Camera selection is also a matter of application and choice. One suitable camera head is the model number YN-207A marketed by Jiulan Global Group Limited (YINCAA) of China. 
     Additional implementation of the present inventions are shown at  FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the camera device  10  is shown mounted to a support member  51  of tandem stroller  50 . One camera  13  is directed towards child  53 , and a second camera  13  is directed towards child  55 . As a result the device can simultaneously record activity of the two children as they ride in stroller  50 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates use of the camera device  10  wrapped around and supported by a flower vase  60 , placed on a table between two companions to record a dinner or other event together. Such an implementation may also be used, for example, at a party where one camera pointed at the guest of honor, and with the second camera pointed forward to view the surrounding attendees. As it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the elongate flexible conduit  11  may be formed to include sufficient stiffness such that the conduit  11  is self-supporting. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the conduit can be coiled and placed on a table such that the camera(s)  13  are elevated from the base of the table, and aimed in any direction desired. However, the additional support provided by wrapping the flexible conduit around an object is useful to stabilize the position of the camera(s) particularly where the platform is in motion. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the flexible conduit  11  which does not include ball-joint members as shown in relation to prior embodiments. As shown therein, conduit  38  is formed as a length of smooth, gooseneck type conduit having a sufficient stiffness to support and elevate the camera(s), independent of any connection to external structures. Moreover, the embodiment shown at  FIG. 10 , the recording device  23  is not physically connected to the conduit, nor connected to the camera(s) by electrical wire. Rather, the recording device is in wireless communication with the camera(s)  13 . This embodiment simplifies the construction of the flexible camera device, while still allowing common usage by anyone having a smartphone or other wireless communication device programed to interface with the camera(s). As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the recording device itself need not be in direct communication with the flexible camera  10 . Instead the flexible camera  10  may be located within wireless communication range of a router or other device which may in turn communicate with a smartphone, personal computer or other recording device. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an application of the invention in relation to a vehicle security system. As explained in more detail below, the camera device  10  may be used to record activities about or within a vehicle, either on a continuous basis or in response to information received from a vehicle diagnostic port, such as information indicating that a vehicle door has been opened or an alarm system has been activated. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the recording device  23  may receive diagnostic data, or other data from the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) of vehicle  35  via vehicle diagnostic port  37 . A data acquisition and transfer device, such as dongle  29 , may be connected to the diagnostic port  37  in order to receive and store vehicle diagnostic data. The vehicle data may include information generated by vehicle sensors and/or an alarm system indicating movement or entry into the vehicle, as well as other circumstances that may warrant recording the scenes within and/or outside of the vehicle  35 . 
     In practice when the dongle  39  receives data indicating a potential interest in recording scenes within and/or outside of the vehicle  35  the dongle  39  may communicate such circumstances to recording device  23 , which may then activate the camera(s)  13  either by wireless communication to camera(s)  13  or by wired connection extending through the flexible conduit  11  to camera(s)  13 . 
     The recording device  23  may combine the camera recorded images and the diagnostic data from the dongle  39  to a single display to illustrate the camera recorded images and the diagnostic data in a single time correlated display. That data may be stored in a recording device, where it may be time stamped, and/or communicated to a remote storage device to ensure preservation of the data even if the camera device  10  is removed by an intruder, or otherwise lost or disabled. 
       FIG. 9  further illustrates one embodiment wherein the camera device  10  is secured to a vehicle interior surface, such as a visor  33  by clip  31 . It is to be understood, however, that various other forms of connecting the camera device  10  to a vehicle&#39;s interior surface may be used without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. For example, where the conduit  11  is sufficiently long, it may be wrapped around a surface, such as a visor  33 , a rearview mirror, headrest, garment holder, etc. for suitable support. In some embodiments it may desirable to discreetly hide camera device  10  so that an intruder may be unaware that his/her activities within or about the vehicle are being monitored. 
     In another embodiment the vehicle data may include driving characteristic data, indicating the driving characteristics of a particular driver, such as speed, braking distance, and other characteristics that may, for example, bear upon insurance risks. Camera recorded data could be continuously recorded, or triggered in response to receipt of predetermined vehicle data, such as reaching a specific vehicle speed. 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the flexible camera device  10  may be utilized for additional functions, such as recording an off-road drive in an all-terrain vehicle, or recording sporting activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, skating boarding, sky diving, etc. The flexible camera device may also be used for monitoring the activity or condition of a patient and/or equipment used to display the patient&#39;s vital signs or other conditions. The flexibility of the device and the ability to adjustably orient the cameras to capture images from different directions, along with recording and communication capabilities provides a great deal of flexibility for numerous applications. 
     As shown at  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the manner in which the images from camera(s)  13  communicated image data to one or more recording devices may be varied in accordance with the requirements of a particular application. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the camera(s)  13  are connected to recording device  24  by means of wire  71  extending through the flexible conduit  11 . Display device  30  may also be connectable to recording device  23 , in order to receive and display the images from cameras  13 , to insure that the cameras are properly aimed for use. Thereafter, the display device  30  may be disconnected from the recording device  24 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein images from the camera(s)  13  are communicated to the recording device  23  by means of wireless communication, using circuits such as Bluetooth™ or Wi-Fi™ circuits, integrated into the camera(s)  13 . As is will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the recording device  23  need not be physically connected to the flexible conduit  11 . The recording device or a wireless router, may be disposed anywhere within the wireless communication range of the local communication circuit that may integrated in to the camera(s)  13 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary power supply configurations that may be used to power cameras  13 . As shown therein, coupling member  16 , also shown at  FIG. 2 , may include a battery  41  and connector port  43 , to which camera  13  may be connected. Battery  41  can be recharged by input port  45 , which can receive power from, for example, the recording device  17  and/or an external battery charger. In the presently preferred embodiment, ports  43  and  45  are formed as USB ports. However, it is to be understood that such USB ports  43  and  45  may be implemented as various connectors effective to receive and communicate power to cameras  13  or other inner connected devices as a particular application may require. Additional coupling members may be implemented within conduit  11  depending upon the desired application. 
     The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of constructing the device, engaging the device to a supporting surface, communicating recorded data from a camera to a recording device or powering the cameras. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.