Abstract:
A remote viewfinder display device using an image capturing device including a sensor positioned at an existing camera&#39;s viewfinder in communication with a remote display device which shows the viewfinder image at an alternative location to allow a photographer to frame the photograph in the viewfinder when the viewfinder is in an inaccessible or inconvenient position. The display can also provide a larger image for easier viewing. The remote viewfinder display device eliminates the constraints of a near eye view finder and provides for the ability to frame pictures with the alternatively positioned viewable screen or display independent of the existing camera&#39;s limited viewfinder position.

Description:
This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/120,097, filed May 2, 2005, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of camera accessories. In particular, the present invention relates to an add on image capturing device for an existing camera where the device allows the image presented in the existing camera&#39;s viewfinder to be visible from a remote position. 
     2. Description of the Known Art 
     As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, modern film cameras use two basic types of viewfinders: separate lens set and through the lens viewing. Cameras using the separate lens sets are commonly referred to as viewfinder window cameras and through the lens viewing cameras are referred to as single lens reflex or SLR. 
     With the onset of digital cameras, a new type of viewfinder became common. The near view viewfinders were complimented with a far view screen which could be used to frame pictures and review the pictures stored in memory. As demand for higher quality cameras progressed, the first digital SLR cameras were developed. They use the same single lens reflex technology that made the 35 mm SLR the popular choice for professional and serious amateur photographers. The digital SLR cameras have a display screen for reviewing images in memory, but no ability to frame or compose an image on the display screen before capturing the image. The flexibility and ease of use of the far view screens on the point and shoot fixed lens digital cameras are far superior to the near view viewfinders on the SLR. However, the cameras utilizing the far view screens do not offer the photographic quality and flexibility of the interchangeable lens SLR. Thus, there is a need for an improvement in the art providing a far view screen for the existing SLR cameras. 
     A basic understanding of a typical existing camera is helpful in understanding the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the typical camera body  500  includes generally a top  502 , bottom  504 , front  525 , a right side  550 , a left side  575 , back  600 , and a viewfinder  625 . Immediately behind the viewfinder  625  is a viewfinder monitoring location  615  from which the image  105  in the viewfinder  625  may be seen. The problem with this type of camera  400  design is that the image  105  may only be seen through this viewfinder  625 . If the camera  400  is placed up against a wall, down on the floor, or in any other extended position, the photographer will not be able to look through the viewfinder  625  to frame the image  105 . The present invention is directed to solving this problem. It is also important to note that the viewfinder  625  generally has a viewfinder accessory connection  620  for attaching an eye seal or other viewfinder shading device and the camera body  500  generally includes a flash connection  503  used for connecting an accessory flash or other light source. 
     Several United States patents discuss electronics in the viewfinder of the camera. These include: U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,322, issued to Someya on Dec. 1, 1981 entitled “Electronic image pick-up device for a single-lens reflex camera having an interchangeable finder”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,627, issued to Stempeck on Feb. 18, 1986 entitled “Electronic viewfinder”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,388, issued to Someya, et al. on Jul. 12, 1988 entitled “Camera with electronic view finder viewable from either behind or in front of the camera”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,478, issued to Aoki on Jan. 12, 1993 entitled “Electronic still camera attachment for a single-lens reflex camera recording an image of the focusing for plate through the viewfinder.” Each of these patents is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,322 to Someya shows a removably attachable electronic image pick-up device for use with a single lens reflex camera, includes a casing which is shaped to fit in a receptacle on the camera body, which receptacle is otherwise used to seat a replaceable optical finder to display an object image. The device also includes a solid state image sensor arranged within the casing to produce photosignals which are processed by a control circuit to a prescribed form of picture signal, and the picture signal is then supplied to an outlet connector. Accordingly, when a display device or a video tape recorder is connected to the outlet connector, the object image can be displayed on the display device, or the image can be recorded on the video tape recorder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,627 to Stempeck shows an electronic viewfinder for an electronic imaging still camera that may be selectively operated in either an electronic viewfinder mode in which electronic image data sensed by the photoresponsive sensing elements of the camera is transmitted to provide a video display of the scene within the field of view of the camera or, alternatively, an optic viewfinder mode in which the image defining scene light rays are optically transmitted for direct viewing of the scene within the field of view of the camera by the camera operator. The optic viewfinder mode of operation is automatically initiated during the time in which the image defining data is transmitted from the image sensing elements to the image data storing elements and the viewfinder is inoperative to provide its video display. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,388 to Someya shows a camera having an electronic finder for converting an object image formed by an image forming optical system of the camera to electrical signals and performing a display in response to said signals, apparatus is provided for supporting the electronic finder in such a way as to enable the electronic finder to be observed from either the front or the rear of the camera, and a control circuit is provided for changing the display state of the electronic finder in response to the support state of the supporting apparatus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,478 to Aoki shows a combination of photographic film and electronic single-lens reflex camera. An electronic imaging and recording unit is detachably mounted on the single-lens reflex camera in place of the view finder and converts the image light into an electronic signal to be recorded on a magnetic disk. The exposure control for the electronic imaging is partially performed in the main camera body. 
     Thus, the prior tends to replace the existing viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder and does not provide a device or method to use the standard viewfinder on older nonreplaceable viewfinder cameras. The prior art fails to teach a device transporting the visible image from the output of an existing camera&#39;s viewfinder to a remote visual screen. The prior art additionally fails to teach a nonintegrated or separate camera accessory for transporting the visible image from a camera&#39;s viewfinder to a remote visual screen for use with existing SLR or viewfinder window cameras. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an image transporting device adapted for use with an existing camera having an existing viewfinder showing a viewfinder image at a viewfinder monitoring location. The invention includes a viewfinder image capturing device including a sensor positioned behind the existing window or lens of the viewfinder at the viewfinder monitoring location. The sensor is designed to receive the image displayed from the viewfinder and generate an image data signal that is forwarded to an image display device. The image display device includes a communication circuit and a display device. The communication circuit receives the image data signal and forwards it to the display device. The display device then presents a visual representation of the image at an alternative location to the original viewfinder monitoring location. 
     Other enhancements provided by the preferred mount on the viewfinder of the present invention include: a fastener for attaching the sensor of the present invention using an existing camera&#39;s accessory or flash mounting location; a wireless transmitter and receiver communication system or a cable connected communication system; a multiple position connection for attaching the display screen to the sensor housing to support the entire unit off of the existing camera. 
     A method is also provided for use with an existing camera and its original viewfinder. The method is directed to displaying a viewfinder image at an alternative location to the viewfinder monitoring location. The method includes the processes of (not necessarily in order): providing an image capturing device and an image display device; positioning the image capturing device at the viewfinder monitoring location; capturing the image at the viewfinder monitoring location; converting the image into image data; communicating the image data from the image capturing device to the image display device; converting the image data to a display image; and presenting the display image at another location outside of the viewfinder monitoring location. 
     Additional elements may include: supporting the image display device off of the image capturing device; wirelessly transmitting the image data; wirelessly receiving the image data; or providing a cable; connecting the image capturing device and the image display device. 
     As is noted by these descriptions, the device is placed on an existing camera&#39;s viewfinder to allow the photographer to see the image displayed in the existing viewfinder on a larger or remote screen or display. The device allows the photographer to eliminate the constraints of a near eye view finder without modifying the existing camera. The device also allows the photographer to frame pictures easily with the remote viewing screen or display. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for viewing an image displayed in a camera&#39;s viewfinder from a remote location. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide an efficient display modification for existing cameras. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device combining the single lens reflex technology of the SLR camera with the display and framing modification capabilities of digital point and shoot cameras. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device to easily view an image when using a SLR camera. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the appended drawings, and the detailed description of preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  shows a right side view of a typical prior art camera having a viewfinder and accessory attachment mounts. 
         FIG. 2  shows back view of a typical prior art camera having a viewfinder and accessory attachment mounts. 
         FIG. 3  is a right side view of an embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder. 
         FIG. 4  is a back side view of an embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder. 
         FIG. 5  shows a left side view of an embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder connected to a camera body with display rotation illustrated. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front view of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder. 
         FIG. 7  shows back elevational view of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder. 
         FIG. 8  shows a front view of an embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder with wireless image transmission. 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of an embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder with wired image transmission. 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic of the electronic collection of an image using a wired embodiment of the enlarged display for camera viewfinder. 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic of the electronic collection of an image, transmission to the wireless enlarged display for camera viewfinder, and display of the image collected from the viewfinder. 
         FIG. 12  shows a flow chart of the method of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 through 11  of the drawings, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is generally shown as an image transporting apparatus  100 .  FIGS. 3 through 5 ,  10 , and  11  show the image transporting apparatus mounted on a camera body  500  and  FIGS. 6 through 9  show the image transporting apparatus  100  by itself. The image transporting apparatus  100  is constructed to have both an image capture device  110  and an image display device  170 . Each of these is addressed in turn. 
     The image capture device  110  includes generally a front  120 , a right side  130 , a left side  125 , a back  135 , a top  145 , and a bottom  140  constructed with a plastic or other material shell  149  surrounding the image capture device  110 . At least one image sensor  160  is utilized to receive and capture the image  105  from the viewfinder  625  through an image viewing window  154 . When mounted to the camera  400 , the image viewing window  154  is positioned within the viewfinder monitoring location  615  for the viewfinder  625 . Due to the small design of the present invention, the camera body  500  may still include additional features which are known or have been described in the art. 
     The image view window  154  of the image transporting apparatus  100  can be attached to the camera body  500  in order to maintain the image viewing window  154  in the viewfinder monitoring location  615 . Any appropriate method such as fasteners, straps, additional moldings, glue, rivets, etc. may be utilized. In the preferred embodiment, the image capture device  110  is removably connected to the camera body  500  by a fastener  152  that is sized and shaped to fit the viewfinder accessory connection  620  on the camera  400 . The front  120  of the image capture device  110  is then also fitted with a seal  153  for light and dust protection between the window image viewing window  154  and the viewfinder  625 . The seal  153  can be composed of a variety of materials allowing for cushioning between the image capture device  110  and the camera body  500 . As an alternative, it is also envisioned that the camera may be drilled to accept a screw or other type of fastener, or the image capture device  110  can be connected by an extended fastener  152  that mates with the accessory/flash connection  503  on top of the camera body  500 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  shows a schematic of the mechanism for capturing the image  105 . Basically, the camera  400  is aimed at the item to be photographed and the image of that item is relayed through the viewfinder  625  on the camera  400  to the viewfinder monitoring location  615 . The sensor  160  then picks up the image  105  and coverts the image  105  to image data signal  166 . The image data receiver  171  then reads the image data signal  166  and forwards the image data signal  166 . The mechanism for converting the captured image  105  into an electronic image data signal  166  is well known in the prior art and may take several different approaches to the particulars of the electronics. The present invention is not meant to be limited by this type of electronics design such that any of the capturing, conversion, and transmission system may be utilized. Two specific types of transmission systems are preferred for the present invention including either wired or wireless transmission of the image data signal  166 . 
     The image capture device  110  transmits the captured image  105  to the image display device  170  by either wired or wireless transmission. The image capture device  110  may contain an outlet port  161  such as an RS232 serial port, firewire port, universal serial bus port, or ethernet cable port for transferring of the electronic image data signal  166  to the image display device  170 . In another embodiment, the image capture device  110  may also contain a wireless transmitter  165 , such as a light or magnetic radiation source commonly referred to as an infrared, amplitude modulation, or frequency modulation system. The wireless transmitter  165  is used for transmission of the electronic image data signal  166  to the image display device  170 . 
     The image display device  170  includes generally a front  180 , a right side  185 , a left side  190 , a back  195 , a bottom  200 , and a top  205 . The image display device  170  may also be constructed with a plastic or other material shell  189  surrounding the image capture device  170 . In one embodiment of the invention, the image transporting apparatus  100  includes a connective bridge  215  joined to the right side  185  of the image display device  170  and the left side  125  of the image capture device  110  permanently attaching the image display device  170  to the image capture device  110 . In another embodiment, the image display device  170  features a fastener  173  adapted to connect to the bracket  155  located on the image capture device  110 . In another embodiment, the fastener  173  includes a rotating mechanism  174  which can be manually motivated to rotate the image display device  170  when connected to the bracket  155  on the image capture device  110 . An alternative construction would be to make the bracket  155  connected to the image capture device  110  include the rotating mechanism  156 . 
     The image display device  170  is communicatively connected to the image capture device  110  by the image data receiver  171  using either the wired or wireless communication system. A schematic illustration of the wireless system is shown in  FIG. 11 . In this preferred embodiment, the electronic image data signal  166  of the captured image  105  is wirelessly transmitted from the image capture device  110  to the image display device  170  and collected by a wireless image data receiver  169 . In another embodiment, the electronic image data signal  166  is simply transmitted by a durable transmission cable  172  connected to the image display device  170  such that the signal  166  is received by an outlet port  161  located on the image capture device  110 . As previously described, the durable transmission cable  172  may be housed within the connective bridge  215 . Regardless of the transmission method, the received version of image data signal  166  is forwarded to the image display screen  175 . The image display screen  175  is used for viewing the captured image  105  sent through the electronic image data signal  166  received from the image capture device  110 . The screen  175  is a typical liquid crystal display using well known voltage variances for producing the presented visual image  176 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the image display device front  180  includes at least one button cavity  300  and a button  305  for control of working functions such as power, brightness, contrast, and other typical screen controls. Additional button cavities  300  and buttons  305  may be provided for these features. Buttons  305  are constructed such that they can be motivated by a human finger or small utensil. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12  of the drawings a remote display method  700  is shown for use with a camera  400  having a viewfinder  625  displaying a viewfinder image  105  at a viewfinder monitoring location  615 . The method begins by providing  702  an image capturing device and an image display device and positioning  704  the image capturing device at the viewfinder monitoring location. Once image capturing device is positioned, the user may continue by capturing  706  the image at the viewfinder monitoring location and converting  708  the image into image data that is communicated  710  to the image display device. Once the image data is received  711 , the image data is converted  712  to a display image and presented  714  to the user at another location outside of the viewfinder monitoring location. 
     Additional elements of the method may include supporting  724  the image display device off of the image capturing device or providing different communication pathways. The communication pathways are implemented for a wireless system by wirelessly transmitting  716  the image data and then wirelessly receiving  718  the image data. Alternatively, a wired system may be implemented by providing  720  a cable and then connecting  722  the image capturing device and the image display device with the cable. 
     Reference numerals used throughout the detailed description and the drawings correspond to the following elements:
         viewfinder image  105     image transporting apparatus  100     image capture device  110     capture housing front  120     capture housing right side  130     capture housing left side  125     capture housing back  135     capture housing top  145     capture housing bottom  140     material shell  149     capture housing fastener  152     image capture housing seal  153     image capture window  154     capture to display bracket  155     rotating mechanism  156     image sensor  160     outlet port  161     a wired transmitter  164     a wireless transmitter  165     image data signal  166     wireless image receiver  169     image display device  170     display receiver  171     durable transmission cable  172     capture to display fastener  173     positionable rotating mechanism  174     image display screen  175     presented visual image  176     display housing front  180     display housing right side  185     display housing left side  190     display housing back  195     display housing bottom  200     display housing top  205     material shell  189     connective bridge  215     button cavity  300     button  305     camera  400     camera body  500     top  502     flash connection  503     bottom  504     front  525     right side  550     left side  575     back  600     viewfinder  625     viewfinder monitoring location  615     viewfinder accessory connection  620     remote display method  700     providing capture and display devices  702     positioning  704     capturing  706     converting image to data  708     communicating  710     received  711     converting data to image  712     presenting  714     supporting  716     wirelessly transmitting  718     wirelessly receiving  720     providing a cable  722     connecting  724         

     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. It will also be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.