Abstract:
Systems and methods for wireless remote control operation of cameras are provided. This system includes a remote controller which includes an interface for receiving commands from a user (such as turning on or off a camera), and a transceiver for transmitting the commands to one or more camera transceivers which are coupled to cameras. The remote controller may also include a display that indicates battery levels, camera status and even video feeds. Camera status and video feeds are transmitted from the camera transceiver which is coupled to the camera via an electrical bus interface. It may include a video converter that accepts raw video data from the camera and converts it into a video feed that is transmitted. Additionally, the camera transceiver may include an advanced audio circuit which subtracts measured pressure data from audio feeds to cancel out wind sounds.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/600,698, filed on Feb. 19, 2012, entitled “System and Methods for Wireless Remote Control over Cameras”, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the remote operation of video, and still cameras and audio recording equipment. In particular, for Point of View (POV) style filming, or when more than one recording instrument is being controlled by a single individual, it is difficult and cumbersome to manually control the devices. As such, remote control over these recording devices may be of particular utility. 
         [0003]    “Sport” cameras have become more popular in a number of outdoor and “extreme” activities. These cameras are typically small, lightweight units capable of being mounted on a helmet, surfboard, airplane, or other surface. This enables the filmmaker to capture images from their own perspective (known as POV filming). 
         [0004]    For these cameras there is a continual tradeoff between size/weight and storage and power capacity. Often these units are being employed in places where power and external storage is not readily available. Given this tradeoff, it is advantageous for the user to record only when desired in order to conserve memory and power in the device. When the cameras are mounted on a hard to reach location such as a helmet (for example), rapid and easy control over the camera may be a difficult task. 
         [0005]    Likewise, it is sometimes desirable to have more than one camera recording a single event where only one user is present. For example, in a stunt plane, the user may have more than one camera in the cockpit, wings and other locations in order to “get all the action.” In these cases, remote control over the cameras&#39; operations is desirous (if not entirely required). 
         [0006]    In order to solve these, and similar issues, a number of solutions have been employed to varying degrees of success. Timers and remote triggers have been previously employed for cameras. In some cases, these remote triggers use infrared (IR) signals, or other frequencies, that the camera is designed to accept in order to take a picture, or start video recording. While these systems have been generally well received, they fail to provide the high degree of flexibility and customizability desired by most current sports filmmakers. 
         [0007]    Hence there is a need for a system that provides for long distance and modular control over a sports camera. Such a system allows for a user to control one or more cameras from a convenient location without the need to be in the proximity of any of the recording devices. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, systems and methods for wireless remote controlled operation of cameras is provided. The present invention provides a novel system for controlling one or more recording devices using modular transceiver devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present invention discloses systems for remote operation of cameras and other recording devices. More particularly, the present invention teaches systems and methods for wireless remote control operation of action/sport cameras. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, a mountable wireless remote controller is disclosed. This remote controller in useful for use in conjunction with at least one camera transceiver coupled to a video recorder. The mountable wireless remote controller includes an interface for receiving commands from a user (such as turning on or off a camera), and a transceiver for transmitting the commands to one or more camera transceivers which are coupled to cameras. The remote controller may also include loops for accepting an elastic band for mounting the device, or an adhesive backing for semi-permanent mounting to a hard surface. 
         [0011]    The mountable wireless remote controller may also include a display that indicates battery levels, camera status and even video feeds. Camera status and video feeds are transmitted from the camera transceiver. The camera transceiver is coupled to the camera via an electrical bus interface. It may include a video converter that accepts raw video data from the camera and converts it into a video feed that is transmitted. Additionally, the camera transceiver may include an advanced audio circuit. 
         [0012]    The audio processing system includes one or more microphones, a pressure sensor and a processing unit. The pressure sensor may include a piezo sensor, and it measures changes in wind pressure. This pressure data may be used by the processor to remove wind sounds picked up by the microphone(s) using noise cancellation algorithms. In some cases the pressure sensor data may be weighted and subtracted from particular frequencies of the audio feed. 
         [0013]    Note that the various features of the present invention described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  is an example illustration of a system for an ad hoc network for controlling more than one camera remotely from a single remote controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  is an example illustration of a system for long range controlling over more than one camera remotely from a single remote controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an example illustration of a camera and transceiver unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an example illustration of the camera and transceiver unit in communication with the remote controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a logical diagram of an improved audio circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A to 5D  are example illustrations for the replacement of a camera cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is an example flowchart for the remote operation of a camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used to designate like structural elements. It should also be appreciated that the depictions in the figures are diagrammatic and not to scale. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The present invention will be described in detail with reference to selected preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow. 
         [0024]    The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for the remote operation of one or more recording devices. In particular, the wireless remote operation system is configured to work in conjunction with existing sports camera devices in order to provide unparalleled control over devices in the field. 
         [0025]    While much of this application will reference the system in association with “sports” or “action” cameras, a wide range of recoding devices are considered as being within the scope of the invention. Typically, sport cameras are designed for durability, light weight, compact size and mount-ability. These cameras are unsurpassed in their ability to capture point of view (POV) filming perspective. However, due to their typical placement and intended usage, the ability to manually control these devices is often difficult, which is why the present systems are so well suited to use in conjunction with sports cameras. However, it is important to note that any other camera device, audio recording device, or the like are all considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while the term “camera” may be utilized routinely within the specification in reference to sports cameras, it is intended that this term extend to other devices may be reasonably utilized in conjunction with the remote operating system. 
       I. System 
       [0026]    To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 1A  is an example illustration of a system for an ad hoc network for controlling more than one camera  106   a  to  106   n  remotely from a single remote controller  102 , shown generally at  100   a.  In this example embodiment, the remote controller  102  wirelessly communicates to each of the transceivers  104   a  to  104   n.  The transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  couple directly to the more than one camera  106   a  to  106   n.  The cameras  106   a  to  106   n  and transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  may be collocated within a housing or case  108   a  to  108   n.    
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  may merely be receiver units capable of receiving input signals transmitted from the remote controller  102 . The transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  also may include an internal video convertor, audio circuit, an internal battery and radio unit/transmitter. The remote controller  102  may be able to indicate to the cameras  106   a  to  106   n  via the camera transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  when to start recording and stop recoding. Additional commands, such as zooming, may also be signaled. 
         [0028]    In alternate embodiments, the communication is bilateral between the remote controller  102  and the camera transceivers  104   a  to  104   n.  In these embodiments, the camera transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  may provide back to the remote controller  102  information such as record time, battery levels, or even video feeds. 
         [0029]    In circumstances where the remote controller  102  is able to operate a plurality of cameras  106   a  to  106   n,  the cameras may be grouped for communal control, or may be controlled independently. The level of control granularity may be configured by the user as is desired for any particular application. For example, a skier may have a helmet mounted camera, as well as groups of cameras strategically located along a ski run. The skier may be able to individually or group control cameras in order to get a continual video clip, from multiple angles, of a ski jump, in this example. 
         [0030]    The ad hoc network generated between the remote controller  102  and the camera transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  may utilize radio signals of any acceptable frequency. In some embodiments, radio frequencies in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio band may be utilized. Under many conditions, the range of operability between the remote controller  102  and the camera transceivers  104   a  to  104   n  may be approximately 100 feet. Operable range may be impacted by transmission power, frequency of transmission, and the environment (i.e. obstacles). 
         [0031]    In contrast,  FIG. 1B  is an example illustration of a system for longer range controlling over more than one camera  106   a  to  106   n  remotely from a single remote controller  102 , shown generally at  100   b.  In this example illustration an additional intermediate transponder  110  may be employed in order to relay the communications between the remote controller  102  and some transducers  104   a  and  104   b.  The intermediate transponder  110  may be a commercially available Wi-Fi access point, other radio frequency relay, or network intermediate (such as the internet). Further, in some embodiments, the intermediate transponder  110  may be a plurality of relays. Of note, in this example embodiment, the remote controller  102  is also seen directly communicating with at least one camera transceiver  104   n.    
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is an example illustration of a camera  106  and camera transceiver  104  unit, shown generally at  200 . In this illustration, a Hero™ sports camera is illustrated. This sports camera includes a bus port  208  on the back side of the camera  106 . On the side is seen a mini USB port for connectivity of the camera  106  to a computer system. 
         [0033]    A bus connector  202  located on the camera transceiver  104  is capable of engaging the bus port  208  of the camera  104 . The camera transceiver  104  also may include a synchronization button  206  and an indicator light  204 . The synchronization button  206  is utilized to synchronize the camera transceiver  104  to the remote controller  102 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is an example illustration of the camera  106  and camera transceiver  104  unit in communication with the remote controller  102 , seen generally at  300 . The remote controller  102  may include a series of buttons  304  and  306  to specify when to turn the camera  106  on or off. The buttons  304  and  306  may be simultaneously depressed in order to indicate synchronization to the remote controller  102 . The remote controller  102  may also have an indicator light  306  which indicates the camera  106  status. In some embodiments, additional controls and a more complicated display may be present on the remote controller  102 . For example, a small LED or LCD screen may indicate to the user camera status, power/battery levels, and even display live video feeds. 
         [0035]    The remote controller  102  may include a strapping system  302  for connecting to the user&#39;s forearm or other location for easy access. The strapping system may include elastic elements as well. Alternatively, the remote controller  102  may fit into an adhesive holder for permanent, or semi-permanent, mounting of the remote controller  102  to a surface. 
       II. Improved Audio Circuit 
       [0036]      FIG. 4  is a logical diagram of an improved audio circuit, shown generally at  400 . Variants of this example audio circuit may be incorporated into the camera transceiver  104 . Generally, sports cameras  106  have less than optimal audio recording capabilities. Therefore it may be advantageous to augment the audio recording capabilities of the camera  106  with the improved audio circuit. 
         [0037]    The audio circuit includes one or more microphones  402  and a pressure sensor  404 . The pressure sensor may be a piezo or other micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) optimized for a particular frequency domain. The pressure sensor&#39;s  404  signal is combined with that of the microphone(s)  402  in a multiplexer  406  and the result is provided to a processor  408  for analysis. 
         [0038]    The microphones  402  receive audio signals and pressure fluctuations caused by wind. The pressure sensor  404  picks up changes in pressure due to wind. The processor  408  uses these feeds to perform noise cancellation of the microphone  402  feeds using the pressure sensor  404  data. Since often sports cameras are used in outdoor and windy environments (i.e., skiing, sky diving, surfing, biking, etc.) wind pollution of the audio feed is a consistent issue. By utilizing a pressure sensor feed, this noise pollution can be scrubbed from the final audio output in order to improve audio clarity. 
         [0039]    The processor outputs the noise-corrected audio signal to a bus interface  410 . Typically, the outputted audio is a stereo format; however, depending upon number of microphones, and processing performed, surround sound and other audio channels may be outputted. The bus interface  410  may output the signal for internal storage on memory  414 , and to external storage  412  (such as an SD card). 
       III. Casing System 
       [0040]      FIGS. 5A to 5D  are example illustrations for the replacement of a camera cover or case  108 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Camera covers are used for sports cameras  106  to protect the device, and for camera positioning. In many circumstances the case  108  is mounted to an article (such as a helmet) in a permanent fashion. The camera  106  is then inserted into the case  108  in order to secure it in place. The case may shield the camera from the elements, and even be waterproof if desired. 
         [0041]    The casing  108  is generally a clamshell design, whereby the camera  106  may be accessed by opening the case backing  FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of a traditional casing being opened, at  500   a.  The front of the case  502  hinges open from the traditional rear access panel  504 . The access panel  504  may be removed, as illustrated at  FIG. 5B , shown generally at  500   b.    
         [0042]    Next and extended capacity backing  506  may be attached to the front of the case  502 , as illustrated at  FIG. 5C , shown generally at  500   c.  The extended capacity backing  506  may then be shut like in a similar manner as the traditional backing in order to hold the camera and camera transceiver combination. The backing may include loopholes for mounting in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, the backing may be a “skeleton” backing, thereby allowing sound to more easily reach the microphones. For wet conditions, a solid backing may be utilized, and a gasket may form a watertight seal between the casing front and the backing 
       IV. Methods of Operation 
       [0043]      FIG. 6  is an example flowchart for the remote operation of a camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example method, a camera transceiver is couple to each of the one or more cameras that are to be remotely operated (at  602 ). This coupling includes physically inserting the bus connector of the camera transceiver into the bus port of the camera. In some embodiments, the camera transceiver may be designed to clip to the camera&#39;s back in order to ensure a snug fit. 
         [0044]    Next, an inquiry is made whether a casing is required (at  604 ). For most sports cameras a casing is utilized to hold the camera in place, and protect it. If a casing is required, the back of an existing case is augmented to incorporate the larger size of the camera transceiver (at  606 ). Cases are typically a clamshell design, and made of transparent plastic, such as acrylic. The back side of the clamshell can be removed and replaced by a larger backing, as discussed above. 
         [0045]    If no casing is required, or after it has been modified, the camera transceiver is synchronized with the remote controller (at  608 ). Synchronization may be done by pressing synchronization buttons on both the camera transceiver(s) of interest and the remote controller while they are in close proximity to one another. This will cause the devices to ping one another, and establish a connection. 
         [0046]    After the devices are synchronized data may be passed between the remote controller and the camera transceivers. This includes user commands, and device feeds, in some embodiments. At a minimum the remote controller provides information to the camera transceiver telling it when to turn on and off (or when to record). Additionally, other commands may be provided (at  610 ), in other embodiments, such as zooming, panning or other known actions. Further, in some embodiments, the camera transceiver may provide data regarding the camera to the remote controller. This data may include any of battery levels, camera status, audio data and video feeds. The remote controller may display this information on a display, such as LED indicators or an LCD display common to many mobile devices. 
         [0047]    In sum, systems and methods for remote operation of a recording device are disclosed. These systems enable users to more easily control video and audio recording equipment in a sports or outdoor setting. This assists in the generation of point of view (POV) filmmaking, and provides the user the ability to easily manipulate devices that are often unreachable or difficult to operate manually. 
         [0048]    While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, modifications and various substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and systems of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, modifications, and various substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.