Portable battery systems for sports camera

The present disclosure is directed to a backup battery device. The backup battery device includes a housing, a power button, two connecting feed points, a charging interface, an indicator, a battery, a processor, and a voltage-converter. One of the two connection feed point is coupled to the indicator and further coupled to the battery. The battery is further coupled to the charging interface and the processor. The processor is coupled to the voltage-converter. The backup battery device further includes a manual button. When a user wants to charge a camera (which has two camera feed points corresponding to the two connecting feed point), the user connects the camera feed points with the connecting feed points and then presses the manual button. The processor then controls the charging process by enabling the battery to provide power to the camera. After sufficient amount of electricity has been transferred to the camera, the charging process can be stopped so as to protect the camera. When the battery has insufficient electricity, it can be recharged via the charging interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 2015103321831, filed Jun. 16, 2015 and entitled “A BACKUP BATTERY DEVICE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS CAMERA” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Sports cameras are popularly used for capturing images in various events. Due to recent demands for higher image qualities, sports cameras nowadays generally consume more power than those in the past. Requiring more power usually results in a larger battery size, which is undesirable to modern users. Traditionally, a user needed to bring a backup battery and frequently swap a drained battery with the backup battery. It is inconvenient to the user because the user needs to shut down the camera system before swapping batteries, perhaps even during an important image-collection operation (e.g., the birth of a child). Therefore, it is advantageous to have an improved method or system that can provide supplemental battery power without interrupting normal operations of a sports camera.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of various embodiments. Similarly, some components and/or operations may be separated into different blocks or combined into a single block for the purposes of discussion of some of the embodiments. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail below, one skilled in the art will recognize that modifications, equivalents, and alternatives will fall within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a portable battery apparatus that can be coupled to a sports camera and provide power/electricity thereto. The portable battery apparatus is compact, easy-to-assemble, and convenient-to use. The portable battery apparatus includes a housing structure that is compatibly formed to mate with the sports camera. For example, the housing structure can have a length and a width the same as those of the sports camera, such that the housing structure can be closely attached to the housing structure without significantly interfering with the camera's routine operation.

The portable battery apparatus in the present disclosure includes feed connecting points that can be directly coupled or interface to corresponding contact points of a sports camera, without requiring additional wires, cables, or connectors. It is convenient to a user of the sports camera because the user need not carry such additional items.

The present disclosure also provides a backup battery system that enables a user to continue operating a mobile device (e.g., a sports camera) when the mobile device is running out of power. Thus, the “hot swappable” backup battery system enables the user to attach it to the mobile device, without requiring the user to shut down the mobile device. For example, when a user uses a sports camera to film an important game and finds that the sports camera is going to run out of power, he/she can quickly attach the backup battery system to the sports camera. The system will automatically detect the form (e.g., working voltage, working current, etc.) of the power needed by the sports camera and then supply it to the sports camera accordingly. It is advantageous to have such an “on-the-fly” battery system especially when performing tasks that require relatively long time.

The backup battery system in the present disclosure can include one or more specifically-designed spacers positioned between the system and a mobile device coupled to the system. For example, the mobile device can be a sports camera with a large display (e.g., an LCD display) and the spacers can be plastic pads configured to absorb abrupt impacts/shocks. The spacers can be positioned between the system and the display of the sports camera such that the system does not damage the display when operating.

The backup battery system in the present disclosure can include a battery component, a charging control component configured to control a charging process, and a monitoring component configured to monitor a status of the battery component. In some embodiments, the charging control component can initiate the charging process in response to a predetermined event (e.g., receive a signal indicating that the system is coupled to a sports camera) and terminate the charging process in response to another predetermined event (e.g., a determination that a power level of the battery component is lower than a threshold value). In some embodiments, the charging control component and the monitoring component can be integrated in one chip available from a variety of manufacturers such as Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. For example, the charging control component can include a voltage-booster circuit so as to adjust a voltage of the electricity supplied by (or needed by) the system. The monitoring component can include a current-detecting circuit configured to detect the current of the electricity supplied by the system (e.g., so as to determine how much electricity left in the battery component). In some embodiments, the voltage-booster circuit and the current-detecting circuit can be integrated in one voltage-booster chip.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare side views of a sports camera100that can be coupled to portable battery apparatuses (or backup battery systems) in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology.FIG. 1Ais the front view andFIG. 1Bis the back view. As shown inFIG. 1A, the sports camera100includes a camera shutter button1, a camera lens2, one or more camera indicators3, one or more camera feed points4, and a camera power switch5. The camera shutter button1is configured to initiate a process of collecting images by the camera lens2. The camera indicator3is configured to show a status of the camera100(e.g., power is on or off). The camera power switch5is configured to turn on or off the camera100. The camera feed point4is configured to couple to an external antenna (not shown). As shown inFIG. 1B, the camera100further includes one or more contacting points6and a display14configured to present collected images. The contacting points6are configured to be coupled to portable battery apparatuses (or backup battery systems) in accordance with the present disclosure, as discussed in detail below.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare schematic, isometric diagrams illustrating a portable battery apparatus200in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. As shown inFIG. 2A, the portable battery apparatus200includes a housing201, a power button203, two feed connecting points205, a recharging interface207, and multiple spacers209positioned on a first surface211of the portable battery apparatus200. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing201is formed in accordance with the shape of the sports camera100shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the housing201has substantially the same length and width as the sports camera100. The feed connecting points205positioned on the first surface211are configured to be coupled to the contacting points6of the sports camera100(shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B).

When a user wants to connect the portable battery apparatus200with the sports camera100, he/she can first hold the portable battery apparatus200with the first surface211facing the display14of the sports camera100, and then let the feed connecting points205be electrically coupled to the corresponding contact points6. In the illustrated embodiments, the spacers209can be positioned between the portable battery apparatus200and the sports camera100so as to prevent the display14from damages caused by contacting the portable battery apparatus200. In the illustrated embodiments, the spacers209are positioned at the four corners of the portable battery apparatus200. In other embodiments, the spacers209can be positioned at different locations (e.g., to protect a weak spot of the display14). In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer209has a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the spacer209can be formed in different shapes (e.g., cuboids, stripes, etc.). In some embodiments, the spacer209can be made of plastic or rubber. The spacer209may further comprise magnetic material, configured to magnetically attach to the sports camera100. Thus the user could continue holding and operating the sports camera100when the portable battery apparatus200is charging the sports camera100. In some embodiments, the portable battery apparatus200and the sports camera100can be attached by a suitable mechanism such as a latch, clip, or snap component (not shown).

Once the portable battery apparatus200is coupled to a mobile device (e.g., the sports camera100), the power button203is configured to enable a user to initiate or terminate a charging process by pressing it. The recharging interface207is configured to recharge a battery component (now shown inFIG. 2A) of the portable battery apparatus200. In the illustrated embodiment, the recharging interface207is a USB interface. To provide electricity to the battery component of the portable battery apparatus200, a user can couple the recharging interface207to a power source (e.g., a wall receptacle) via a USB cable. In other embodiments, the recharging interface207can be other suitable types of connectors or applicable interfaces.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the portable battery apparatus200includes an indicator215positioned on a second surface213of the housing201. The indicator215is configured to visually present a status of the portable battery apparatus200. For example, the indicator215can emit green light signals when the battery component of the portable battery apparatus200has a power level higher than and equal to 50% of its full capacity. The indicator215can emit red light signals when the battery component of the portable battery apparatus200has a power level lower than 50% of its full capacity.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the portable battery apparatus200includes a gripping component217positioned on the second surface213of the housing201. The gripping component217is configured to provide more gripping force to a user of the portable battery apparatus200. For example, the gripping component217can have a relatively rough surface such that it can provide more friction when the user contacts the gripping component217.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the recharging interface207is positioned on a third surface219substantially perpendicular to the first surface211and the second surface213. This arrangement enables a user to use the portable battery apparatus200to provide electricity to the camera100while recharging the battery company of the portable battery apparatus200.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram illustrating a backup battery system300in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The system300includes a processor301, a battery component303, a charging control component305, a monitoring component307, an indicator309, a power switch311, and a charging interface313having multiple feed connecting points3131. The system300can be operably coupled to a power consuming device31having a power storage device35. In a charging process, the system300can provide electricity to the power storage device35via the feed connecting points3131. In a recharging process, the power source33can provide electricity to the battery component303via the charging interface313.

The processor301is configured to control other components of the system300. The battery component303is configured to store electricity. A shown, the battery component303is coupled to the power consuming device31or the power source via the power switch31and the charging interface313. In some embodiments, the battery component303can be a lithium-ion battery. In other embodiments, the battery component303can be another type of rechargeable battery.

The monitoring component307is configured to monitor a status of the battery component303. For example, the monitoring component307can monitor a power level of the battery component303. In some embodiments, the monitoring component307can include a current sensor (or a circuit) that can measure the electrical current coming out from the battery component303. In some embodiments, the monitoring component307can detect whether the battery component303is properly coupled to the power consuming device31or the power source33.

The indicator309is configured to present the status of the battery component303to a user. In some embodiments, the indicator309can be a light emitter. In other embodiments, the indicator309can be an audio device such as a speaker. The indicator309can keep the user updated of the current status of the battery component303, such that the user can decide to initiate, continue, or terminate a charging or recharging process performed by the system300. When the user wants to initiate or terminate the charging or recharging process, he/she can instruct the system300by pressing a power button (e.g., the power button203shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B), and then the system300can accordingly turn on or turn off the power switch311to implement the user's instruction.

The charging control component305is configured to control the charging or recharging process of the system300by turning on or turning off the power switch311. In some embodiments, the power switch311can be a switch coupled to a manual button. The manual button enables a user to manually control (e.g., initial or terminate) the charging/recharging process by pressing it. In some embodiments, the charging control component305comprises a switch mode power supply, e.g., a boost converter or a voltage converter. The charging control component305is configured to initiate a charging process after finding that the power consuming device31is coupled to the system300(e.g., this can be detected by the monitoring component307). In some embodiments, the charging control component305can terminate an existing charging process when the system300determines that the power level of the battery component303is too low (e.g., 20% of the full capacity; this can also be detected by the monitoring component307). Similarly, the charging control component305can initiate a recharging process after finding that the power source33is coupled to the system300. Also, the charging control component305can terminate an existing recharging process when the system300determines that the power level of the battery component303is above a certain level (e.g., 99% of the full capacity).

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram illustrating a backup battery system400in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The system400includes a processor401, a battery management component403, a charging control component405, a battery recharging control component409, an indicator411, first and second battery units413aand413b, multiple feed connecting points415, and a battery recharging interface417. The system400can be operably coupled to a power consuming device41having multiple contacting points45. The contacting points45are coupled to the corresponding feed connecting points415. In a charging process, the system400can provide electricity to the power consuming device41via the feed connecting points415. The system400can be operably coupled to a power source43via the battery recharging interface417. In a recharging process, the power source43can provide electricity to the first battery unit413aand/or the second battery unit413bvia the battery recharging interface417. The processor401is configured to control other components of the system400.

The battery management component403is coupled to the first battery unit413aand the second battery unit413band configured to manage electricity stored in the system400. For example, the battery management component403can monitor the statuses of the first and second battery units413a,413band determine how to employ the first and second battery units413a,413b. For example, in a charging process, the battery management component403can determine which battery unit has more electricity left and then choose that battery unit to supply electricity first. As another example, in a recharging process, the battery management component403can determine which battery unit has less electricity left and then choose that battery unit to be recharged first.

The battery management component403can further include a monitoring component407configured to monitor the statuses of the first and second battery units413aand413b. In some embodiments, the monitoring component407can monitor power levels of the first and second battery units413aand413b. In some embodiments, the monitoring component407can include a sensor (or a circuit) that can measure the electrical current coming out from the first battery unit413aor the second battery unit413b. In some embodiments, the monitoring component407can detect whether the first and second battery units413aand413bare properly connected. In some embodiments, the first and second battery units413aand413bcan be lithium-ion batteries. In other embodiments, the first and second battery units413aand413bcan be other types of rechargeable batteries.

The indicator411is configured to present the statuses of the first and second battery units413a,413bto a user. In some embodiments, the indicator411can be a light emitter. In other embodiments, the indicator411can be an audio device such as a speaker. The indicator411can keep the user updated of the current statuses of the first and second battery units413a,413b, such that the user can decide to initiate, continue, or terminate a charging or recharging process performed by the system400.

The charging control component405is configured to control the charging process of the system400. As shown, the charging control component405is coupled to the power consuming device41via the feed connecting points415. In some embodiments, the charging control component405can initiate the charging process after finding that the power consuming device41is coupled to the system400. In some embodiments, the charging control component405can terminate an existing charging process when the system400determines that the power levels of the first and second battery units413a,413bare too low (e.g., 20% of the full capacity; this can be detected by the monitoring component407).

The battery recharging control component409is configured to control the recharging process of the system400. As shown, the battery recharging control component409is coupled to the power source43via the battery recharging interface. The battery recharging control component409can initiate the recharging process after finding that the power source43is coupled to the system400. Also, the battery recharging control component409can terminate an existing recharging process when the system400determines that the power levels of the first and second battery units413a,413bare above a certain level (e.g., 99% of the full capacity).

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram illustrating a backup battery system500in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The system500is configured to provide electricity to a sports camera51. As shown, the sports camera51includes two contacting points53a,53b. The system500includes a housing501, a manual switch502, two feed connecting points503a,503b, a recharging interface504, an indicator505, a battery507, a processor508, and a voltage converter509. The housing501is configured to accommodate other components of the system500. The processor508is configured to control other components of the system500. The feed connecting points503a,503bare positioned on the housing501and configured to be in contact with the corresponding contact points53a,53bof the sports camera51during a charging process. The indicator505is configured to show a status of the system500(e.g., e.g., remaining electricity of the battery507). The battery507is configured to store electricity in the system500. The recharging interface504is positioned on the housing501and configured to be coupled to a power source when recharging the battery507.

The voltage converter509is configured to adjust a voltage of the electricity in the system500. For example, the battery507can have a first working voltage (e.g., 3.7V) and the recharging interface504can have a second working voltage (e.g., 4.40-5.25V). In a recharging process, the voltage converter509can adjust the voltage of the electricity passing through the recharging interface504(e.g., from the power source) from the second working voltage to the first working voltage such that the battery507can be properly recharged. In other embodiments, the voltage-booster chip509can adjust the voltage of outgoing electricity from the battery507to another working voltage required by an external device (e.g., an external connector/interface or an external battery).

In some embodiments, the voltage converter509can be coupled to a voltage-detecting circuit that is configured to detect a voltage in the system500. In some embodiments, the voltage converter509can be coupled to a current-detecting circuit that is configured to detect an electrical current in the system500. The detected voltage or current can be used to determine a remaining electricity level of the battery307. In some embodiments, the manual switch502can be a switch circuit enabling a user to control the charging/recharging processes. In some embodiments, the manual switch502can be coupled to a manual button (e.g., the power button203shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B) positioned on the housing501. The manual button enables a user to manually initiate or terminate a charging process.

As shown inFIG. 5, during a charging process, the battery507of the system500and the camera battery55are in a closed circuit loop such that the battery507can provide electricity to the camera battery55. More particularly, the battery507is coupled to the camera battery55via the feed connecting point503a, and the contact point53a. Further, the camera battery55is coupled to the battery507via the contacting point53band the feed connecting point503b. By using the closed circuit loop design, the system500is easy-to-manufacture and safe (e.g., when one of the components in the loop does not function normally, an existing charging process of the system500would be automatically terminated.)

Although the present technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the present technology is not limited to the embodiments described but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.