Abstract:
The invention is a digital camera and projector that is suitable for use by children or young adults, does not require the user to engage a mechanical switching of the lenses from camera mode to Projection mode.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The current invention relates to cameras and projector devices. Specifically, it relates to a camera, designed to be used by a child or a young adult, which captures digital images and projects those images. 
         [0002]    Providing an easy operate, sturdy, and high quality digital camera is an important part of teaching children the value of photography. The combination of both a projector and a digital camera allows the user to take pictures and immediately share them with a group of people. The addition of the projection system allows children to share images with each other in a cooperative, fun, entertaining, and mutually beneficial manner. 
         [0003]    Although projectors have been combined with digital cameras in the past, this device is a great improved alternative to those, the prior art which have complex lens systems that include a mechanical switching of the lenses from camera mode to Projection mode, are much more difficult for use by children or young adults. Additionally, the prior camera and projector combination devices, do not have a placement and orientation of the lenses that is simplified and the present invention does not require very expensive lens system. 
         [0004]    Thus, what is needed is a combination digital camera and projector that: is designed to be simple to use by children or young adults; and does not require the user to engage a mechanical switching of the lenses from camera mode to Projection mode. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention discloses a new and useful digital camera and projector device, which is designed to be used by children or young adults, and does not require the user to engage a mechanical switching of the lenses from camera mode to Projection mode. 
         [0006]    One embodiment of the invention is a digital camera and projector device comprising: a camera; and a projector. The digital camera and projector device may further include a projection control panel, and a camera operation button. The device also can have a projector focus wheel, a flash, a flash operation button, a viewing screen. The projection control panel can include a power button, one or more scrolling buttons, a delete button, and a project button, which turns on and off the projector. The projector has a plurality of lenses, a projector liquid crystal display, and a light emitting diode. Preferably the plurality of lenses are positioned as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 13  such that brightness and a sharpness of a projected image are optimized. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of the invention is a digital camera and projector device that designed to be used by a child. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment of the invention is an even more simplified digital camera and projector device that designed to be used by a young adult or teenager. 
         [0009]    The digital camera and projector device, does not use a mechanical lens switching device to switch between the camera and projector as previous devices have done. Instead, the image captured by the camera is electronically sent to a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) thin film transistor (“TFT”) screen wherein a bright light emitting diode (“LED”) is positioned behind the screen to project the image. Because the lenses of the projector are preferably stationary within the device, the device preferably looks like a single-lens reflex camera, with a long nose. The long nose provides a convenient shape and place in which to position the projection lenses. Preferably the camera is positioned on top of the projector. The projector can have an automatic shutoff to avoid burning out the LED or overheating the projector. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the invention to provide a camera and projector device that is suitable for teens, young adults, or children. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 1  contains four sections as follows:  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C , and  FIG. 1D . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of various six plan views of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 2  contains six sections as follows:  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2D ,  FIG. 2E , and  FIG. 2F . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a back view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a close-up side view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a back plan view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a top view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a close-up perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of six plan views of a second disclosed embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 13  contains six sections as follows:  FIG. 13A ,  FIG. 13B ,  FIG. 13C ,  FIG. 13D ,  FIG. 13E , and  FIG. 13F . 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a back view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a close-up perspective view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10  ( 10 = FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C , and  FIG. 1D  together).  FIG. 1  contains four sections as follows:  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C , and  FIG. 1D . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device preferably includes IN  FIG. 1D  a projector  12  and in  FIG. 1A  a camera  14  with back cover  13 . The projector and camera device  10  preferably includes: in  FIG. 1A  a shutter button (camera unit operation button)  20 ; in  FIG. 1C  two scroll buttons  24 , a power button  26 ; a delete or trash button  28 ; in  FIG. 1C  a project button  30 , in  FIG. 1A  a flash  32 , in  FIG. 1D  a focus wheel  34  (See  FIG. 16 .), in  FIG. 1B , a view screen (preferably LCD)  36 , a view screen cover  38 , and in  FIG. 1D  a projector LCD  40 , an LCD holder  42 , an LED  46  ( FIG. 2D  labeled), a light tube  50 , also included in the invention is a power source  52  (preferably battery); in  FIG. 1A  a shell  56 ; and a projector indicator light. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of various six plan views of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the device preferably has a back  FIG. 2A , a left side  FIG. 2B , a front  FIG. 2C , a right side  FIG. 2  D, top  FIG. 2E , and a bottom  FIG. 2F .  FIG. 2  also shows how the projector lenses  69  are preferably arranged within the device and how the camera  35  (also called camera unit  35 ) is mounted within the shell  56  and on top of the projector  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , lens  4  ( 76 ) is used to brighten the LED  40  that is positioned directly behind it. Lens  3  ( 74 ) is also used to increase brightness and the combination of lenses  2  ( 72 ) and  3  ( 70 ) are used to correct image distortion of the light going through to the Projector LCD  40 . Lens  1  ( 70 ) is used as a moveable focus lens and is adjusted with the focus wheel  34 . This positioning of the lenses provides for optimized brightness and sharpness of the image projected.  FIG. 2  also shows how the shell  56  (also called housing  56 ) of the camera is shaped with a long nose  80 , similar in appearance to a single-lens reflex camera. This long nose  80  provides a place to position the lenses appropriately. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  also shows how the camera preferably includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensor  60 , although any other digital sensor may be used, including a charge coupled device, without deviating from the scope of the invention. The camera preferably captures video clips and still pictures. The device may also capture sound during recordation of the video clips. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a back view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10 .  FIG. 3  shows the flash button  33 , the project button  30 , the LCD view screen  36 , the scroll buttons  24 , the delete or trash button  28 , and the on/off button  26 .  FIG. 3  also shows the projector vent  84  (See  FIG. 16 .), which helps keep the projector cool. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 4  shows that the side of the device has a plug  114  that covers up a universal serial bus (“USB”) port  88 . The USB port allows users to save, upload, and download pictures to the device. (See  FIG. 16 .) 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 5  shows how the shutter button  20  is preferably positioned in the front of the camera.  FIG. 5  also shows how the camera preferably has a strap  90 . Although a flexible cloth strap  90  is shown, the device may use any cord, chain, connection device, or strap, made out of any material, without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a front view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 6  shows how the flash  32  is preferably positioned just under the camera  35  and just over the projector  12 . The focus wheel  34  is shown at the end of the nose  80 . This allows users to adjust the focus of the projector. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a close-up side view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10 .  FIG. 7  shows that the device preferably has speaker holes  94  and a speaker behind not seen that allow the user play sound in the event that a video clip is being projected. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is a back plan view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10 .  FIG. 8  shows how the buttons preferably have picture  37  legends that inform the user what the button does.  FIG. 8  also shows how the view screen  36  functions as the view finder for the camera. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a top view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0044]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device  10 .  FIG. 10  shows that the device preferably has a power unit that is accessible through a cover  98 . Preferably the device is powered by batteries.  FIG. 10  also shows that this embodiment of the device has a slot  110  that engages a memory card. This allows the user to upload and download pictures to the device. The device is able to project pictures saved on the camera and pictures saved on a memory card. 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 11  shows how the device preferably has a strong shell  56  that is made of light weight, high impact plastic or metal. However, the device may be made from any material without deviating from the scope of the invention. 
         [0046]      FIG. 12  is a close-up perspective view of one embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of six plan views of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 13  shows a second embodiment of the invention, which does not have a view screen in the back of the camera and which does not have a flash. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the device preferably has a back  FIG. 2A , a left side  FIG. 2B , a front  FIG. 2C , a right side  FIG. 2  D, top  FIG. 2E , and a bottom  FIG. 2F .  FIG. 13  also shows how the projector lenses are preferably arranged within the device and how the camera is mounted within the shell and on top of the projector. As shown in  FIG. 13 , lens  4  is used to brighten the LED that is positioned directly behind it. Lens  3  is also used to increase brightness and the combination of lenses  2  and  3  are used to correct image distortion of the light going through to the Projector LCD. Lens  1  is used as a moveable focus lens and is adjusted with the focus wheel. This positioning of the lenses provides for optimized brightness and sharpness of the image projected.  FIG. 13  also shows how the shell of the camera is shaped with a long nose, similar in appearance to a single-lens reflex camera. This long nose provides a place to position the lenses appropriately. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  also shows how the camera preferably includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (“CMOS”) image sensor  60 , although any other digital sensor may be used, including a charge coupled device, without deviating from the scope of the invention. (see  FIG. 2  for part numbers) 
         [0049]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0050]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 15  shows that the device of a second embodiment preferably has two view finders  112  on the right and left side of the camera and that the device does not have a flash. 
         [0051]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 16  shows that the device preferably has a plug  114  that covers up a USB port  88 . The USB port  88  allows users to save, upload, and download pictures to the device. 
         [0052]      FIG. 17  is a back view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 17  shows that the device in this embodiment does not have a view screen or a flash button. In this embodiment the vent  84  is positioned directly behind the LED light  46  for optimal ventilation and cooling. 
         [0053]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0054]      FIG. 19  is a close-up perspective view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0055]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device.  FIG. 20  shows how the device may have two strap holes  120  or connection points. This allows the user to more easily loop the strap  90  around his or her neck and balance the camera comfortably when not in use. 
         [0056]      FIG. 21  is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the camera and projector device. 
         [0057]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.