Patent Publication Number: US-2007116438-A1

Title: Portable recording device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to portable recording devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a portable recording device operable to receive an input and convert the input to digital data for storage.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Electronic devices are increasingly utilized to capture and record still and moving images. For example, analog and digital camcorders, scopes, binoculars, telescopes, night-vision goggles, film and digital cameras, cellular phones, and innumerable other devices are operable to record still and moving images on a storage medium and/or output a signal corresponding to the recorded image.  
      Unfortunately, such beneficial functionality is often offset by the need to transport the often cumbersome signal generating devices to new locations, such as in proximity to a user&#39;s televison or home computer, for viewing or copying recorded images. Similarly, even when signal generating devices employ removable media, such as magnetic tape, the removable media must be also transported to a new location for copying, viewing, or access. Thus, sharing and copying of recorded images is limited by the need to transport devices and/or media for access and copying.  
      Additionally, signal generating devices often provide recorded images in analog signal formats that may not be easily ported between devices or manipulated by users. For example, various conventional devices such as video cameras are operable to output an analog video signal. However, such analog signals must be recorded or copied on cumbersome analog tapes for storage. Thus, use of analog signal generating devices is often limited due to the desire to organize and manipulate data in more manageable digital formats.  
      Furthermore, even when signal generating devices employ digital formats, users generally must utilize full-function computers to retrieve and store outputted digital video signals. As signal generating devices may not always be in proximity to full-function computers, the ability to store signals for later access, viewing, or copying, is therefore often limited.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of portable recoding devices. More particularly, the invention provides a portable recording device operable to receive an input and convert the input to digital data for storage in a digital format. Such an apparatus enables audio or digital image signals from a signal generating device to be conveniently converted into a desired digital format without requiring unnecessary transportation of the signal generating device.  
      In one embodiment, the recording device broadly includes a portable handheld housing; a signal input element housed at least partially within the housing and operable to receive an electrical input signal representing an image; a controller housed within the housing and coupled with the input element, the controller operable to convert the input signal to digital data; a memory housed at least partially within the housing and coupled with the controller to store the digital data; and a power supply positioned-at least partially within the housing and operable to power the device. The device is operable to receive and convert both digital and analog signals.  
      In another embodiment, the recording device includes a portable handheld housing; a signal input element housed at least partially within the housing and operable to receive an analog video signal; a controller housed within the housing and coupled with the input element; a removable memory housed at least partially within the housing and coupled with the controller to store digital data; and a power supply positioned at least partially within the housing and operable to power the device. The controller includes a video decoder operable to convert the analog video signal to digital data.  
      In another embodiment, the recording device includes a portable handheld housing; a signal input element housed at least partially within the housing and operable to receive an analog video signal; a controller housed within the housing and coupled with the input element; a memory housed at least partially within the housing and coupled with the controller to store digital data; and a power supply positioned at least partially within the housing and operable to power the device. The controller generally comprises a video decoder operable to convert the analog video signal to digital data and a processor coupled with the video decoder and operable to compress the digital data. The memory preferably includes a memory slot operable to receive a removable memory card.  
      The device may further include a control input element coupled with the controller and operable to control the conversion of the analog video signal to digital data and a display coupled with the housing and the controller and operable to display the digital data.  
      Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
      A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a portable recording device configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the recording device of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the recording device of  FIGS. 1-2  shown coupled with a signal generating device;  
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of another portable recording device configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating various elements of the recording devices of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
    
    
      The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Reference will now be made in detail to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , a recording device  10  is shown constructed in accordance with various preferred embodiments of the present invention. As is described below in more detail, the device  10  is operable to be coupled with a signal generating device G to convert generated image or video signals into digital data in a desired digital format.  
      The device  10  broadly includes a portable handheld housing  12 , a signal input element  14  coupled with the housing  12  and operable to receive a electrical signal from the signal generating device G; a controller  16  housed within the housing  12  and operable to convert the input signal to digital data; a memory  18  housed at least partially within the housing  12  and operable to store the digital data; and a power supply  20  operable to power the device  10 .  
      The housing  12  is sized and configured to be portable and handheld such that the device  10  may be easily transported and utilized in numerous indoor and outdoor environments. For example, the housing  12  may be wallet sized, credit card sized, key-chain sized, etc, to facilitate transport, use, and storage. As is discussed below, various elements of the device  10  may be omitted to reduce the size of the housing  12  and complexity of the device  10  to further facilitate transport, use, and storage of the device  10 .  
      The housing  12  is preferably comprised of substantially resilient material to enable the device  10  to be utilized in inclement environmental conditions such as rain, snow, and other related weather. For example, the housing  12  may be formed from ABS, other plastics, metals, or any other resilient materials. Additionally, the housing  12  is preferably substantially waterproof such as by satisfying or exceeding the IPX7 waterproof standard.  
      The housing  12  generally includes a front  22 , a rear  24 , and sides  26  preferably arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. The housing  12  may further include various cavities, slots, protrusions, holes, etc, to enable the coupling of various elements within, on, and/or through the housing  12 , such as the signal input element  14 . Furthermore, the housing  12  may include coupling elements such as a clip or belt strap for coupling with a user during transport.  
      The signal input element  14  is housed at least partially within the housing  12  and is operable to receive an electrical input signal from the signal generating device G. The input signal preferably represents an image, such as a digital or analog video or still image signal. For example, the input signal may be a VGA, NTSC, PAL, SECAM, s-video, composite video, etc, signal representing video or a still image. Similarly, the input signal may be a digital signal such as a data stream including video and audio data in various digital formats, such as ASTC, DVB, and ISDB, and/or a data stream provided by a network connection, such as data received from the internet, a LAN, etc. Furthermore, the input signal may include both video data and audio data, such as an analog video signal including both moving images and accompanying sounds.  
      Thus, the signal input element  14  may receive any form of input signal, digital or analog, from the signal generating device G. As a result, the signal generating device G may include various devices such as computers, televisions, consumer electronics such as cable decoders, DVD players, DVRs, VCRs, etc, video recorders such as analog and digital camcorders, scopes, binoculars, telescopes, night-vision goggles, film and digital cameras, combinations thereof, or any device operable to generate an input signal representing a video or still image.  
      The signal input element  14  may wired or wirelessly couple with the signal generating device G to receive the input signal. Preferably, the signal input element  14  includes a conventional RCA female input jack, or a ⅛″ phono jack, for receiving a video or s-video cable coupled with the signal generating device G. Such a configuration may be desirable as it enables the device  10  to be utilized with numerous conventional signal generating devices that commonly include RCA or s-video outputs.  
      However, the signal input element  14  may include other or additional elements for coupling with the signal generating device G, such as CAT5, RJ45, ethernet, fiber-optic, infrared, WiFi, Wi-Max, radio-frequency, ultra-wideband, modem, etc, elements for wired or wirelessly receiving the input signal from the signal generating device G.  
      The controller  16  is housed within the housing  12  and coupled with the input element  14  to convert the input signal to digital data. Specifically, the controller  16  may identify the form of the input signal, such as analog, digital, NTSC, etc, utilize known algorithms to decode and convert the input signal to digital data, and process to the digital data to provide the digital data in a desired format.  
      Thus, regardless of the form or format of the input signal, the controller  16  is operable to convert the input signal to digital data for additional processing or storage. Additionally, the controller  16  may be operable to auto-detect and auto-convert the input signal such that a user need not specifically dictate or otherwise control the operation of the device  10  and/or controller  16 . For instance, upon reception of the input signal by the signal input element  14 , the controller  16  may automatically convert the input signal to digital data without requiring additional user input or control.  
      However, the device  10  preferably additionally includes a control input element  28  coupled with the controller  16  and operable to control the conversion of the input signal to digital data. The control input element  28  preferably comprises one or more functionable inputs associated with the housing  12  to enable the user to function the inputs to control the operation of the controller  16 . Preferably, the control input element  28  includes switch  30  and a trigger  32  associated with one side  26  of the housing  12 . As is described below, the switch  30  and trigger  32  may be utilized to select various modes of operation for the controller  16 .  
      In situations where the input signal is an analog signal, the controller  16  may convert the input analog signal to digital data including a digital video file and/or a digital image file. For example, an analog NTSC input signal from the signal generating device G may be converted to a .MOV (QUICKTIME motion JPEG) digital data file, or digital image file such as a bitmap or JPEG. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, conversion of the input signal is not limited to these particular formats, as the controller  16  may be operable to convert input signals into various formats, including but not limited to: MOV, MPEG, GIF, BMP, JPEG, RM, AVI, etc. Furthermore, the controller  16  may convert the input signal to one or more of these formats based upon inputs provided by the control input element  28 .  
      In situations where the input signal is a digital signal, the controller  16  may similarly convert the input signal to a digital video file and/or a digital image file in one or more of the formats discussed above. Such conversion of a digital input signal to digital data may be desirable to enable a user to easily copy signals provided by the signal generating device G without being required to transport or otherwise maneuver the signal generating device G to a new location, such as in proximity to a home computer or other conventional computing device, for copying.  
      Preferably the controller  16  includes a processor  34 , a processor memory  36 , and a video decoder  38  to facilitate conversion of the input signal to digital data. The video decoder  38  is coupled with the signal input element  14  through a data bus  40  or other similar element to receive the input signal. The video decoder  38  is preferably operable to detect the form of the input signal and convert the input signal to digital data.  
      In various embodiments, the video decoder  38  may be BT829 videostream decoder or equivalent. In such embodiments, the video decoder  38  is operable to convert the input signal, such as an analog video signal, to digital data representing a YCrCb 4:2:2 data stream, unfiltered 8*Fsc data, or other digital data formats. The converted digital data provided by the video decoder  38  may be stored in the memory  18  without further processing such that utilization of the processor  34  and processor memory  36  need not be necessary in all embodiments.  
      Preferably, the processor  34  and/or processor memory  36  are coupled with the video decoder  38  through the data bus  40 , such as an I 2 C interface, to receive the converted digital data. For example, the processor  34  may be coupled with the video decoder  38  and control input element  28  to control operation of the video decoder  38  based on user inputs and to receive the converted YCrCb 4:2:2 or similar data.  
      The processor  34  may process the data received from the video decoder  38  to facilitate storage and use of the converted data such as by receiving the data provided by the video decoder  38  and converting, compressing, processing, or otherwise forming the data into a desired digital format. For example, the processor  34  may convert the YCrCb 4:2:2 data into a digital video file, such as a MOV file, or digital image file, such as a JPEG, as described above. Such functionality is generally desirable at it enables converted data provided by the video decoder  38  to consume less memory due to compression and to be stored in a format more accessible to users.  
      The processor  34  may comprise conventional microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, or other logic elements operable to perform the functions described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is desirable to utilize logic elements having processing power sufficient to quickly process, convert, compress, and/or form data without interfering with the use of the device  10 . For example, the conversion of analog video data to a compressed digital video file or image often requires the execution of complex algorithms that demand significant processing power. Thus, the processor  34  preferably includes a microprocessor, such as a SHARP ARM 7 processor.  
      The processor memory  36  is preferably coupled with the processor  34  and/or the video decoder  38  through the data bus  40 . However, the processor memory  36  may be integral with the processor  34 , such as in embodiments where in the processor memory  36  is on-board cache memory. The processor memory  36  enables the storage of uncompressed or intermediate data utilized by the processor  34  to facilitate the functionality thereof. For example, the processor memory  36  may temporarily store digital data provided by the video decoder  38 , such as the YCrCb 4:2:2 data, to enable the processor  34  to quickly access the data for formatting.  
      Similarly, the processor memory  36  may operable as a cache memory for storing data before transfer to the memory  18  to facilitate rapid transfer of data from the signal generating device G and the device  10 . For example, the processor  34  may cache digital image data, such as a bitmap image, in the processor memory  36 , to enable the processor  34  to later convert the cached digital image to a compressed digital image such as a JPEG. Additionally, the processor memory  36  is preferably operable to store one or more code segments for instructing the controller  16  and/or processor  34  to control the device  10 .  
      As such, the processor memory  36  preferably includes non-removable quick access components, such as SRAM and flash memory. However, the processor memory  36  may include other memory elements, such as PROMs or EPROMs. Similarly, the various intermediate data and code segments discussed above may be stored throughout various mediums included within the processor memory  36 .  
      The device  10  may additionally include a display  42  coupled with the housing  12  and the controller  16 . The display  42  is operable to display various information relating to the device  10 , including the status of the device  10  and/or data received and/or converted by the device  10  and controller  16 . For example, the display  42  may include a LCD display coupled with the exterior of the housing  12  and the controller  16  to indicate the status of the device  10 , such as the mode of operation of the device  10 , the power status of the device  10 , the storage space available in the memory  18 , the name or listing of all data stored within the memory  18 , the status of any conversion or data transfer to and from the device  10 , etc.  
      The display  42  may additionally or alternatively include a color display, such as a color QVGA or similar display. In such embodiments, the display  42  may display converted video data in addition to the status information discussed above. For example, the display  42  may display the input signal received by the device  10  in real time to enable a user to determine if the signal is suitable for conversion, as described below. Additionally, the display  42  may display the converted data stored within the memory  18 , or data otherwise processed by the controller  16 , for playback or confirmation by the user. For instance, the display  42  may display an input analog video signal to enable a user to function the control input element  28  for conversion and then also, at a later time, enable the user to view any converted or otherwise stored digital data. Similarly, the display  42  enables the user to view data during conversion to ensure appropriate operation of the device  10 .  
      To enable the display of converted digital data on the display  42 , the processor  34  is operable to retrieve digital data from the memory  18  and process the retrieved data into the appropriate format for display. For example, the processor  34  may retrieve a digital video file stored within the memory  18  and process the digital video file to provide data in an appropriate format for display.  
      The device  10  may additionally include a speaker  44  to output audio data provided by the input signal and/or input data stored within the memory  18  or otherwise processed by the controller  16 . The speaker  44  is a generally conventional speaker and is preferably housed within a cavity of the housing  12  and coupled with the controller  16  for reception of audio signals. The speaker  44  is preferably operable to generate real-time sound corresponding to the input signal and also corresponding to the playback of any recorded or otherwise processed data.  
      The controller  16  may additionally include an audio decoder  46  operable to convert audio signals provided by the signal generating device G and/or other controller  16  elements, such as the video decoder  38 . For example, the input signal provided by the signal generating device G to the device  10  may include video and audio data, or only video or audio data. As such, the video decoder  38  is operable to convert the input signal to provide digital data including both video and audio data. However, in various situations it may be desirable to use the discrete audio decoder  46  to process the audio data provided by the input signal and/or video decoder  38  to reduce consumption of controller  16  and processor  34  resources. For example, the audio decoder  46  may enable the device  10  to play and/or record MP3 audio data without consuming processor  34  resources.  
      The controller  16  may additionally be operable to perform conventional computing functions, such copying, naming, organizing, and otherwise controlling data stored within the device  10 . Similarly, the controller  16  may additionally be operable to control external devices, such as the signal generating device G, that are coupled with the device  10  to facilitate copy and conversion of data.  
      The memory  18  is coupled with the controller  16  and is operable to store digital data, such as data converted or otherwise processed by the controller  16 . The memory  18  is operable for storage of data even when the device  10  is not powered to enable generally permanent storage of data. Thus, the memory  18  may include various conceptional computer readable mediums and memories, such as electronic, magnetic, optical, and related mediums.  
      Preferably, the memory  18  is removable, such as removable memory card  48  operable for reception in a memory slot  50  formed on the housing  12 . The removable memory card  48  may comprise conventional and commonly utilized portable memory formats including Secure Digital, Compact Flash, etc. Such a configuration is desirable as it enables stored data to be easily transported and utilized in various conventional devices, including home computers.  
      Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is desirable for the memory  18  to include a capacity sufficient to store converted data, such as a plurality of digital video and image files. Thus, the memory  18 , such as the memory card  48 , preferably includes a capacity of at least 1 GB to enable the storage of multiple and/or lengthy files. However, lesser storage capacities may also be used in embodiments where lesser storage capacity is acceptable.  
      The power supply  20  is operable to power the device  10  and related components. The power supply  20  may include any conventional powering elements, including rechargeable and non-rechargeable and removable and non-removable battery elements. Due to the efficient operation of the device  10 , the power supply  20  is preferably operable to provide power utilizing conventional AA batteries.  
      The device  10  may additionally include a USB port  52  or similar connecting device for coupling with one or more conventional computing devices or similar or identical portable recording devices. For example, the device  10  may be coupled to a computing device, such as a home computer, through the USB port  52  to enable the computing device to access the memory  18  to transmit and receives data therefrom. Also, the USB port  52  may be integral with the memory  18  such that a USB flash drive, or similar USB memory element, may be inserted into the USB port  52  to enable the storage of converted data thereon, thereby eliminating the need for the memory card slot  50 .  
      The device  10  also may be configured to include a status indicator  54 , instead of or in addition to the display  42 , to indicate the status of the device  10 . Preferably, the status indicator  54  comprises one or more LEDs operable to display various colors, such as red, green, any yellow, to correspond to various states and modes of operation of the device  10 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , the device  10  may lack many of the features described above to reduce size, power consumption, complexity, related cost, etc. For example, the device  10  may lack the display  42  and speaker  44  to reduce the size of the housing  12  to decrease cost and complexity and further increase the portability of the device  10 . Such a configuration enables the housing  12  to be compactly configured, such that the housing  12  may be similar in size to the memory  18 , thereby providing a more compact and easily transportable device. Similarly, in various embodiments other features of the device  10  may not be included to further reduce the size and complexity of the device  10 , such as the control input element  28 , processor memory  36 , audio decoder  46 , USB port  52 , status indicator  54 , etc.  
      In operation, a user may easily transport the device  10  to the location of the signal generating device G due to the compact configuration of the housing  12 . To activate the device  10  for use, the user may function the control input element  28 , such as by depressing the switch  30 , or the in various embodiments the device may auto-activate upon receiving the input signal as discussed below. Upon activation, the status indicator  54  may indicate “green” and/or the display  42  may indicate activation of the device  10 .  
      The user couples the device  10  with the signal generating device through the input element  14  utilizing a wired or wireless connection as described above. In embodiments wherein the memory  18  is removable, the user may also insert the removable memory card  48  into the slot  50  to enable data storage or transfer.  
      To control the conversion of the input signal to digital data, the user may function the control input element  28 . For example, the user may depress the switch  30  to select the operational mode of the device  10 . The device  10  broadly includes three modes of operation: single frame capture mode; fixed length video mode; and continuous run video loop mode.  
      In the single frame capture mode, the user may function the control input element  28 , preferably by depressing the trigger  32 , to capture a single frame of the input signal. For example, in embodiments wherein the input signal is an analog video signal, the user may view the input signal on the display  42  or on the signal generating device G, and then depress the trigger  32  to capture a single frame of the input signal to convert the input signal to a digital image file. Each depression of the trigger  32  therefore converts a single frame of the input signal to a digital image file.  
      In the fixed length video mode, the user may function the control input element  28 , preferably the trigger  32 , to convert the input signal to digital data, and preferably a digital video file, until a predetermined video length is satisfied or until the capacity of the memory  18  is exceed. The user may set the predetermined video length by functioning the control input element  28  and/or the predetermined video length may be configured during manufacture. Thus, the user may view the input signal on the display  42  and function the trigger to convert the input signal to a digital video file having a length corresponding to the predetermined video length. For instance, the user may depress the trigger to record the next one minute of the input signal into digital data.  
      In the continuous run video mode, the user may function the control input element  28 , preferably the trigger  32 , to convert the input signal to digital data, preferably a digital video file, by indicating a start position and an end position for converting data. For example, the user may function the trigger  32  to start conversion of the input signal to digital data and then function the trigger  32  again to end conversion of the input signal.  
      Alternatively, the user may function the trigger  32  to start continuous conversion of the input signal based upon a predetermined loop length. For example, the user may set the loop length to be one minute, such that after depressing the trigger  32  video is converted and stored in one minute loops based upon the loop length or depression of the trigger  32 . Each loop may be stored in a separate digital file, such as a digital video file, or the device  10  may rewrite the loop after each period such that only the last loop period is stored within the memory  18 . Such a configuration may be desirable as it enables the user to continuously convert data, and then function the control input element  28  to store the last minute, or other set interval, of data.  
      After conversion and storage of data, the user may function the control input element  28  to manipulate the converted data, such as by copying, naming, and organizing data stored within the memory  18 . Similarly, the user may function the control input element  28  to display stored data on the display  42  as described above.  
      In various embodiments, the user may also remove the removable memory  18  to transport the converted data to different devices for use. For example, the user may remove the memory card  48  to transport the converted data to a home computer, etc.  
      Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.  
      Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: