Abstract:
A camera-tablet device mounting apparatus is described, with related systems and methods, which allows for hands-free use of a tablet device in conjunction with the use and control of a camera. The mounting apparatus can be used to support a tablet device in adjustable user-preferred configurations, for various modes of camera operation (e.g. standard photography mode, video mode, self-recording/capture mode). The adjustable configurations of the mounting apparatus can be used to align the tablet device over the center of gravity of the camera, allowing for a properly weight balanced configuration in the user&#39;s hand. The adjustable configurations of the mounting apparatus can be used to fold the mount into a compact position. It is further contemplated that additional accessory devices can be supported by the mounting apparatus. A wired or wireless connection between the tablet device and the camera allows for remotely viewing and operating the camera through the tablet device. The apparatus mounted tablet device can be used to augment the functionality and features of the camera.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/807917 filed on Apr. 3, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/847248 filed on Jul. 17, 2013, wherein all of the U.S. priority applications are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for supporting a tablet device used with a camera. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Tablet computers are portable one-piece computers with a touchscreen display screen. Tablet computers are typically used for viewing videos and documents, emailing, social networking, internet browsing, and the like. 
         [0004]    A recent development in digital photography has been the use of tablet computers to control digital cameras, in particular to control digital single lens reflexive (DSLR) cameras. This approach allows the camera&#39;s field of view to be viewed in real time on the typically larger and higher resolution screen of the tablet computer. Users can also use the tablet device to remotely control the camera&#39;s functions and to view, edit, and otherwise manage images in the field without having to first return to a workstation or home computer. DSLR Controller™ is an example of enabling software. 
         [0005]    It is usually not practical for a user to simultaneously hold a camera and operate a tablet computer to capture an image unless at least one of the two devices is independently supported, for example by a tripod in the case of the camera. Even if a hands-free support for the camera is available, it would be convenient for the user to be able to free up the hand(s) that would otherwise be needed to hold the tablet computer. Apparatus, systems and methods for addressing one or more of these needs would be desirable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In the present invention apparatus, systems and methods are provided which allow for hands-free use of a tablet device in conjunction with the use and control of a camera. Systems may comprise a tablet device (coupled to a tablet holder) attached to a camera by the use of an apparatus mount which is detachably coupled to both the tablet device holder and the camera. Methods may comprise the steps of attaching the apparatus mount base to the camera and the apparatus mount head to the tablet device (or tablet device holder), and adjusting the configuration of the mount to align the center of gravity of the tablet device over the center of gravity of the camera, resulting in a properly balanced configuration in the user&#39;s hand. 
         [0007]    In preferred embodiments the apparatus may comprise a base, a lower arm, an upper arm and a head. The base is detachably coupleable to the tablet device (or holder of the tablet device). The apparatus may include at least two swinging pivot joints pivotable in the forward/rearward plane. In this preferred embodiment the swinging pivot joints may constrain and restrict movement along a plane orthogonal to a major plane of the tablet device. 
         [0008]    In further aspects of preferred embodiments the apparatus may have a lower arm length to upper arm length ratio of approximately 1:3, enabling adjustable tablet device positioning (of possible varying tablet device sizes) for user-preferred configurations. In another aspect of preferred embodiments the upper arm may comprise of two segments with a level joint for levelling the tablet device in the horizontal axis, perpendicular to the axis of the pivot joints. 
         [0009]    It is further contemplated that a preferred embodiment may be configured to allow the apparatus to be “folded-up” into a compact user-preferred position, while the apparatus remains attached to the camera. In yet further preferred embodiments the apparatus base may be comprised of two segments which are detachably coupled allowing for “quick release” aspects. It is further contemplated that the two segments may be rotatably coupled. 
         [0010]    In preferred embodiments the apparatus may include pivot joints that comprise a rotatable tightening member for locking and unlocking the position of the apparatus, allowing for fixing and adjusting the configuration of the apparatus. In this preferred embodiment the unlocked configuration may include a “moveable-stiff” aspect, allowing fixed yet adjustable configuration without adjustment of a rotatable tightening member. 
         [0011]    Still more preferred embodiments may additionally include an accessory device attached to an arm of the apparatus, which may include a camera flash, a microphone, a stabilizing handle, a hot shoe replacement or a holder for a backup battery. 
         [0012]    The apparatus may be configured to adjust interchangeably between the various user-preferred configurations allowing for various modes of camera operations. These modes may include a video mode, a self-recording/capture mode and a standard operation mode. These user-preferred configurations may include a lowered position (with the tablet device screen aligned with a viewfinder position of the camera), a front-facing tablet device position, and a standard position with the tablet device vertically aligned above the center of gravity of the camera. It is further contemplated that the tablet device may be rotatable between a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation. 
         [0013]    Various apparatuses, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In drawings which show non-limiting embodiments of the invention: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a DSLR camera; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a non-articulated mount mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5C  is a side view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  is a component of a tablet holder according to an embodiment of the invention;  FIG. 8B  is the component shown in  FIG. 8A  attached to a tablet cover;  FIG. 8C  is the component shown in  FIG. 8A  attached to a universal tablet holder; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an apparatus for mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  a rear perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera in a compact folded position according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0027]      FIGS. 11A to 11D  are side views of an apparatus for mounting a tablet device on a DSLR camera according to an embodiment of the invention in different configurations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
         [0029]    The invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for supporting a tablet device being used with a camera. One aspect relates to an apparatus comprising a base, lower arm, upper arm, and head. The base is detachably coupleable to the camera, and the head is detachably coupleable to the tablet device (or a holder of the tablet device). The apparatus includes at least two swinging pivot joints pivotable in the forward/rearward plane to allow controlled and balanced mounting of the tablet device on the camera. Other aspects relate to related systems and methods. 
         [0030]    A number of directional conventions are used in this specification to facilitate description of the invention, as follows: “forward”, “forwardly”, “front” and similar words refer to a direction toward the front (lens-side) of the camera when the apparatus is installed; “rearward”, “rearwardly”, “back”, “behind” and similar words refer to a direction toward the back (display screen side) of the camera when the apparatus is mounted on the camera. 
         [0031]    The term “tablet device” as used in this specification refers to tablet computers, phablets, smartphones, and other standalone portable electronic devices with touchscreen/button control display screens. The term “tablet device” does not refer to computer monitors, field monitors, or television monitors. The term “camera” as used in this specification refers to digital single lens reflexive (DSLR) cameras, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs), and other similar devices with optical systems for detecting and recording digital still images and video. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1 to 4  and  5   c  show an mount  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. Mount  10  is mounted on camera C at hot shoe HS. Tablet device T is attached to mount  10  by tablet holder TH. 
         [0033]    Mount  10  includes a base  12 . Base  12  includes a mount segment  14  and a base segment  16 . The bottom of mount segment  14  is detachably coupleable to hot shoe HS of camera C. Mount segment  14  may include a means for locking base  12  to hot shoe HS. Mount segment  14  and base segment  16  are rotatably coupled. In some embodiments, mount segment  14  and base segment  16  may be integral and not rotatable with respect to each other. In some embodiments, base  12  may include a quick release coupling point (e.g. between mount segment  14  and base segment  16 ) to facilitate quicker removal of mount  10  from camera C compared to separation of mount  10  from camera C at the attachment point between the bottom of mount segment  14  and hot shoe HS. In some embodiments, base  12  may comprise a mating element (not shown) that mates with a corresponding mating element on or adjacent hot shoe HS that restricts coupling between mounts and cameras to only those with corresponding mating elements. 
         [0034]    Mount  10  also includes a lower arm  18  coupled to base  12 . Base  12  is pivotally coupled to lower arm  18  at lower pivot joint  20 . Lower pivot joint  20  allows base  12  and lower arm  18  to pivot with respect to each other in the forward/backward plane. Lower arm  18  is at least upward forwardly orientable with respect to the position of base  12 . In some embodiments, lower arm  18  is upward forwardly and upward backwardly orientable with respect to the position of base  12 . In some embodiments, lower pivot joint  20  may be absent and instead base  12  fixedly coupled to, or integral with, lower arm  18 ; in such embodiments, lower arm  18  is fixed in an upward forwardly oriented direction. 
         [0035]    Mount  10  also includes an upper arm  22  coupled to lower arm  18 . Upper arm  22  is pivotally coupled to lower arm  18  at middle pivot joint  30 . Middle pivot joint  30  allows upper arm  22  and lower arm  18  to pivot with respect to each other in the forward/backward plane. Upper arm  22  is at least upward rearwardly orientable with respect to the position of middle pivot joint  30 . In some embodiments, upper arm  22  is upward rearwardly and upward forwardly orientable with respect to the position of middle pivot joint  30 . 
         [0036]    Upper arm  22  includes a lower segment  26  and an upper segment  28  pivotally coupled at a level joint  24 . Level joint  24  allows lower segment  26  and upper segment  28  to pivot with respect to each other in a lateral plane. In some embodiments, level joint  24  may be absent, and lower segment  26  and an upper segment  28  may instead be a single integral element. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , length L 1  of lower arm  18  is defined as the distance from the axis of lower pivot joint  20  to the axis of middle pivot joint  30 , and length L 2  of upper arm  22  is defined as the distance from the axis of middle pivot joint  30  to the axis of upper pivot joint  40 . The ratio of L 1  to L 2  in the embodiment shown is approximately 1:3. In some embodiments the ratio of L 1  to L 2  may range from 1:2 to 1:4. Upper arm  22  being longer than lower arm  18  by these ratios has a number of advantages. For example, providing a relatively shorter lower arm  18 , which is oriented in the forward direction, provides greater stability and minimizes the downward stress placed on middle pivot joint  30  (and to a lesser extent lower pivot joint  20 ). The relatively longer upper arm  22  allows for larger tablet devices to be accommodated with sufficient clearance in “landscape” and “portrait” position center of gravity-balanced configurations (see  FIGS. 11A and 11D , respectively), allows for the tablet device to be lowered closer to the camera in certain configurations (see  FIG. 11B ), and in some embodiments allows room for an attachment on upper arm  22  such as a backup battery pack BP and other accessories for tablet device T by way of a holder (see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0038]    Mount  10  also includes a head  32  coupled to upper arm  28 . One side of head  32  is pivotally coupled to upper arm  28  at upper pivot joint  40 . The other side of head  32  comprises a tablet holder TH which supports tablet device T. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, tablet holder TH comprises a first element  31  fixed to head  32  and a second element  33  detachably coupleable with the first element. First element  31  and second element  33  may couple by suitable detachable means such as hinged clip mechanisms (as illustrated in the Figures), friction fit mechanisms, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, straps, and the like. Second element  33  may for example be fixed directly to, or integral with, the back of a tablet device T, to the back of a dedicated case  35  for tablet device T (as shown in  FIG. 8B ), and/or to a universal tablet device holder  37  such as a universal frame-type holder (as illustrated in  FIG. 8C  and  FIG. 9 ). Universal tablet device holder  37  has adjustable arms that accommodate holding different sizes of tablet devices T regardless of whether or not tablet device T is used with a case, and if used with a case regardless of the type of case. Tablet holder TH thus enables a user to quickly and easily remove tablet device T (as well as universal tablet device holder  37 ) from mount  10  and switch tablet devices T for mount  10 . In some embodiments, universal frame-type holder  37  may be provided in at least two sizes: one larger size to accommodate different sizes of tablet computers and one smaller size to accommodate different sizes of smartphones. In some embodiments, tablet holder TH may comprise a universal frame-type holder  37  directly fixed to, or integral with, head  32 , without first and second elements  31  and  32  provided therebetween. In some embodiments, tablet holder TH as described herein may be provided at the head of any type of mount that couples a tablet device T to a hot shoe HS of a camera C by way of detachable coupling to a base of the mount. 
         [0040]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the axes of lower pivot joint  20 , middle pivot joint  30  and upper pivot joint  40  are parallel and permit pivoting of mount  10  in the forward/rearward plane to allow a user to balance the weight of tablet device T, tablet holder TH, and mount  10  over the center of gravity of camera C, as further described below in relation to  FIGS. 5A to 5C  (and shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11D ). Middle pivot joint  30  is configurable forward of lower pivot joint  20 . Upper pivot joint  40  is configurable rearward of middle pivot joint  30 . In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 2 , all of the pivot joints of mount  10  are swinging pivot joints, that is, joints constrained for movement along a single plane to facilitate smooth and controlled transition between configurations of mount  10  (as shown for example in  FIGS. 11A to 11D ). In such embodiments, lower pivot joint  20 , middle pivot joint  30  and upper pivot joint  40  constrain movement of arms  18 ,  22  and head  32  along a plane orthogonal to the major plane of tablet device T when mount  10  is coupled to tablet device T. In some embodiments, level joint  24  may be absent, and thus all of the pivot joints of mount  10  are swinging pivot joints which constrain movement of arms  18 ,  22  and head  32  along a plane orthogonal to the major plane of tablet device T when mount  10  is coupled to tablet device T. 
         [0041]    Each of lower pivot joint  20 , middle pivot joint  30 , upper pivot joint  40  and level joint  24  are friction-based clamp/tightening mechanisms. Each joint also has a rotatable tightening knob for configuring the pivot joints between a locked position (i.e., tightly clamped) for fixing the configuration of mount  10  and one or more unlocked positions for adjusting the configuration of mount  10 . In some embodiments, the unlocked position may include a “movable-stiff” configuration that simultaneously provides sturdy and stiff, yet adjustable, positioning, obviating the need to loosen or tighten the clamping/tightening mechanism at each pivot joint when adjusting the configuration of mount  10 . The swinging pivot joints of mount  10  ensures the alignment of mount  10  is maintained along a common plane even when the clamping mechanisms are loosened beyond a “movable-stiff” position for adjustment between configurations. In some embodiments, one or more of the rotatable tightening knobs may be absent. In some embodiments, means other than a friction-based clamp/tightening mechanism may be used to control the pivoting action of one or more of lower pivot joint  20 , middle pivot joint  30 , upper pivot joint  40  and level joint  24 . For example, pivoting means may comprise a racheting pawl/notch mechanism or other suitable controllably pivotable mechanism known to persons skilled in the art. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5A  shows a conventional DSLR camera C. A lateral plane CG C  passes through the center of gravity of camera C. The weight of camera C is equally distributed between the part of camera C in front of plane CG C  and the part of camera C behind plane CG C , facilitating level positioning and even weight distribution of camera C in a user&#39;s hands. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5B  shows camera C, and a tablet device T mounted on camera C by a non-articulated tablet mount TM. In addition to lateral plane CG C  passing through the center of gravity of camera C,  FIG. 5B  also shows a lateral plane CG T  passing through the combined center of gravity of the tablet device T and tablet mount TM. As shown, plane CG T  is rearwardly offset from plane CG C , resulting in the overall center of gravity of the system shifting rearward of plane CG C . Shifting the overall center of gravity away from CG C  can throw off the balance of camera C in a user&#39;s hands. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5C  also shows a system  100  including a camera C, and a tablet device T mounted on camera C by mount  10 . Unlike  FIG. 5B , the adjustable nature of mount  10 , as described above, allows lateral plane CG T  passing through the center of gravity of the tablet device T and mount  10  to be aligned with lateral plane CG C  passing through the center of gravity of camera C. The overall center of gravity of system  100  is therefore maintained in the forward/rearward direction, maintaining the balance of camera C in a user&#39;s hands. 
         [0045]    Adjustability of mount  10  allows alignment of planes CG T  and CG C  when plane CG T  is altered, for example if a tablet device of a different size, shape and/or weight is used. Adjustability of mount  10  also allows alignment of planes CG T  and CG C  when plane CG C  is altered, for example if the optical zoom on camera C is adjusted or if the lens on camera C is exchanged with a lens of a different size, shape and/or weight. 
         [0046]    In operation, a user attaches base segment  14  of base  12  to hot shoe HS of camera C. Base  12  may be locked in position. The user attaches tablet device T to a tablet holder TH, and attaches head  32  to tablet holder TH. Alternatively, tablet device T and tablet holder TH may be attached to head  32  of mount  10  first, and then base segment  14  of base  12  attached and optionally locked to hot shoe HS of camera C. Next, as shown in  FIG. 5C , mount  10  is adjusted so that the combined center of gravity of tablet device T, tablet holder TH, and mount  10  is centered over the center of gravity of camera C. Adjustment may require pivoting lower arm  18  at lower pivot joint  20  and/or pivoting upper arm  22  at middle pivot joint  30 . In addition to the positioning of tablet device T in a “landscape” position in the center of gravity-balanced position of  FIG. 5C  (and  FIG. 11A ), mount  10  may also be configured in other configurations such as illustrated in  FIGS. 11B to 11D :  FIG. 11B  shows tablet device T in a lowered, compact configuration which may be useful for video mode operation of camera C;  FIG. 11C  shows tablet device T facing the front of camera C, and  FIG. 11  D shows tablet device T in a “portrait” position in a raised, center of gravity-balanced configuration. 
         [0047]    Tablet device T may be rotated about the axis of base  12  by rotating mount segment  16  relative to base segment  14 . Tablet device T may be tilted to a user&#39;s desired position (usually with the major surface of tablet device T at a vertical) by pivoting mount  10  at upper pivot joint  40 . Once tablet device T is tilted to the user&#39;s desired position, the user may also make fine adjustments at middle pivot joint  30  and/or lower pivot joint  20  to compensate for any changes to the center of gravity of the combination of tablet device T and camera C caused by pivoting at upper pivot joint  40 . Tablet device T may be leveled laterally as necessary by pivoting upper segment  28  of upper arm  22  at level joint  24 . 
         [0048]    When not in use, a user may remove mount  10  from hot shoe HS. In the alternative, if the user wishes to keep mount  10  on camera C, the user can detach second element  33  from first element  31  and fold mount  10  into a compact configuration as shown for example in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0049]    Where a component (e.g. pivot joint, arm, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
         [0050]    As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example:
       lower arm  18  and/or upper arm  22  may be telescoping to provide additional adjustment of mount  10 .   instead of a lower arm  18  and upper arm  22 , mount  10  may only have one arm that is pivotally connected, by way of swinging pivot joints, to base  12  at one end and head  32  at the other end. The swinging pivot joints may have parallel axes to constrain movement of the single arm and head  32  in a plane orthogonal to the major plane of tablet device T when tablet device T is coupled to mount  10 .   instead of a lower arm  18  and upper arm  22 , mount  10  may have more than two arms, serially connected by way of swinging pivot joints. The swinging pivot joints may have parallel axes to constrain movement of all of the arms and head  32  in a plane orthogonal to the major plane of tablet device T when tablet device T is coupled to mount  10 .   any one of head  32 , upper arm  28 , lower arm  18 , and base  12  may support one or more of the following accessories:   a holder H for holding a battery pack of tablet device T. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , holder H may be disposed on upper arm  28  at level joint  24  for holding a back up battery pack BP for tablet device T by way of known detachable fastening means such as clips, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Battery pack BP and Tablet device T may be connected by a power cord PC;   a handle for providing additional stability, for example for shooting video. The handle may be configured to extend sideways (right or left) and/or forwardly;   a flash for camera C, for example triggered wirelessly instead of through hot shoe HS;   a microphone, for example for shooting video; and   a hot shoe or cold shoe mount connector to substitute for the hot shoe used by mount  10 .   system  100  may include a visor assembly V for the tablet device T, such as shown in  FIG. 7 . The visor assembly may comprise one or more panel shaped visors detachably coupled to one or more outer edges of tablet device T.