Abstract:
A video camera with multiple data inputs includes a camera housing with a plurality of lenses and a single display screen. Each lens is adjustably connected to the camera housing by a flexible lens barrel to allow for multi-axis movement of the lens. A hydraulic system is operatively coupled to each lens barrel to maneuver the lens to a desired position. Each lens has an associated toggle switch to control the hydraulic system and the position of the lens. The display screen includes a plurality of display regions associated with the plurality of lenses to allow a user to view the images taken from each lens simultaneously.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation of, was first described in, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/047,277, filed Sep. 8, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a video camera having multiple data inputs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As any person will attest, security is an area of primary concern, especially in recent times. Due to the fact that people tend to place a high value on their property and personal safety, the marketplace has responded with a variety of products that are intended to protect one&#39;s dwelling and belongings from intruders. Ranging in design from simple locking devices to complex motion detectors and forced entry alarm systems, these products comprise a multimillion dollar industry in the United States today. Accordingly, there is a constant need for new and innovative devices that aid in securing one&#39;s home or business from burglars, and the like. The use of the video camera with multiple data input provides a means to produce multiple images for the purposes of improving security in a manner which is simple, effective, and cost efficient. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a video camera having multiple data inputs. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device comprising a housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, thereby forming an enclosure. The device also has a plurality of video head assemblies with each comprising a mounting plate, secured to the front surface, a rod anchor plate, a plurality of neck segments having a proximal neck segment attached to the mounting plate and terminating in a distal neck segment, a plurality of disposition cylinders, each having a first end attached to the mounting plate and a second end attached to the rod anchor plate, a video head secured to the rod anchor plate and a video chip housed in the video head, in mechanical communication with the distal neck segment and capable of capturing an image. The device also has a control module in electrical communication with each video chip and in hydraulic communication with each neck segment and each disposition cylinder with a hydraulic assembly. The rod anchor plate is in mechanical communication with the plurality of disposition cylinders. The control module selectively controls each video head independently and processes each image to a digital image. In some embodiments, the control module is capable of being controlled remotely. 
     Each video head also comprises a focus lens; a focus lens servo in mechanical communication between the focus lens and the hydraulic assembly, and in electrical communication with the control module, a zoom lens, a zoom lens servo in mechanical communication between the zoom lens and the hydraulic assembly, and in electrical communication with the control module, a video chip retainer in mechanical communication with the distal neck segment housing an individual video chip, the focus lens and the focus lens servo, and a lens carrier projecting outward from the video chip retainer housing the zoom lens and the zoom lens servo. 
     Each neck segment also comprises an apex and a socket. Each apex comprises a swivel attachment to a socket of an adjacent neck segment and each neck segment also contains an aperture for routing of a wiring harness from the video chip. Each disposition cylinder comprises a cylinder rod having a first cylinder eye at a distal end, a cylinder body having a second cylinder eye at a proximal end, and a proximity sensor secured to the cylinder body distal end and in electrical communication with a microprocessor. The cylinder rod is movably housed with the cylinder body and passes through an aperture in the proximity sensor. In some embodiments the microprocessor is in wireless communication with a remote control. 
     The mounting plate also comprises a plurality of pairs of clevises where the first end of an individual disposition cylinder is retained within a pair of clevises with a pin which passes through aligned apertures of each clevis and the individual disposition cylinder. The rod anchor plate also comprises a plurality of pairs of clevises where the second end of an individual disposition cylinder is retained within a pair clevises with a pin which passes through aligned apertures of each clevis and the individual disposition cylinder. 
     The control module also comprises a microprocessor, a power source retained within a compartment, a power switch in electrical communication between the microprocessor and the power source, a plurality of selection switches each in electrical communication with the microprocessor, a display screen located on the rear surface of the housing and in electrical communication with the microprocessor, and a plurality of manual controllers, each corresponding to an individual video head assembly and each in electrical communication with the microprocessor. Each of the plurality of selection switches corresponds to activating an individual video head. Each video chip is in electrical communication with the microprocessor which is in electrical communication with the hydraulic assembly. The microprocessor also selectively displays each digital image on the display screen via the plurality of selection switches and an individual manual controller controls the hydraulic assembly to operably control the corresponding individual video head assembly. The device also has an indicator light located on the housing and in electrical communication between the power switch and the power source. 
     The hydraulic assembly also comprises a reservoir housed within the housing; a pump housed within the housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir, a valve bank in fluid communication with the pump, a proportional valve in fluid communication between the valve bank and each disposition cylinder and a plurality of servo controllers, each corresponding to a specific video head assembly and in electrical communication between the control module and the proportional valve. The pump is in electrical communication with the control module. 
     The control module also comprises of an output jack located on the housing and a memory chip slot located on the housing. When multiple images are received from each respective video head simultaneously, the microprocessor converts each given image into a tiled display upon the display screen. The output jack is configured for communication with a standard visual data cable and the memory chip slot is configured to accommodate the insertion of a data card where the data card is in electrical communication with the microprocessor upon insertion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a video camera  10  with multiple data input in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the video camera  10  as viewed from the rear  24  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 a    is an isolated view of a video head  30  of the video camera  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 b    is an isolated view of a neck segment  42   a  of the video camera  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an operational block diagram of the control module  15  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the video processing circuitry contained with the operating code of the microprocessor  108  of the camera  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  camera 
               15  control module 
               20  housing 
               22  front 
               24  rear 
               26  side 
               30  video head 
               32  mounting plate 
               34  anchoring fastener 
               36  cylinder eye clevis 
               38  cylinder eye pin 
               40  neck 
               42   a  neck segment 
               42   b  distal neck segment 
               44  base 
               46  socket 
               47  middle 
               48  swivel 
               49  apex 
               50  disposition cylinder 
               52  cylinder body 
               54  cylinder rod 
               55  proximity sensor 
               56  cylinder eye 
               58  cylinder rod eye 
               62  rod anchor plate 
               64  rod eye clevis 
               66  rod eye pin 
               68  indicia 
               72  chip retainer 
               74  video chip 
               76  focus lens 
               78  focus lens servo 
               82  zoom lens 
               84  lens carrier 
               86  zoom lens servo 
               88  wiring harness 
               92  system power switch 
               94  system status light 
               95  illumination 
               96  video power switch 
               98  indicator light 
               102  power source 
               104  battery compartment 
               106  electronic circuitry 
               107  electrical wiring 
               108  microprocessor 
               112  joystick controller 
               114  selection switch 
               115  display screen 
               116  output jack 
               118  memory chip slot 
               122  hydraulic pump 
               124  pump motor 
               126  reservoir 
               128  valve bank 
               132  servo control 
               134  proportional valve 
               136  hydraulic line 
               200  conditioning circuitry 
               205  mixer control 
               210  multiplexer/sequencer 
               215  video buffer 
               220  video display driver 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a video camera (herein referred to as the “device”)  10 , with multiple data input which provides a means to selectively capture and retain the digital data from one (1) of a plurality of video chips  74  while having provisions to view the images from a plurality of video chips  74  in a patterned tiled array on a display screen  115 . The video chips  74  are configured to be mounted on an adjustable neck  40  so as to have the capability to selectively alter the field of view of each video chip  74 . The video chips  74  may be of any current technology without limiting the scope of the device  10 . It is envisioned that any data supplied to the display screen  115  could be transferred to a separate video monitor capable of receiving such data via a transmission cable connected to an output jack  116  located on some face of the housing  20 . Hereafter in this narrative, the various mechanisms utilized for the collection of a set of digital data will be referred to as a video head  30  so as to be more easily discernable from any reference to the entire device  10  as a camera  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , isometric views of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  includes a housing  20  with a plurality of video heads  30 . The housing  20  is preferably composed of a plurality of injection molded thermoplastic parts to form an enclosure to suitably contain the various mechanical, electrical, and electronic components requisite for the proper functioning of the device  10 . The housing  20  is provided with a front  22 , typically facing away from a user, or a mounting position, and a rear  24  facing toward the user. A plurality of independently controlled video heads  30  is disposed upon the front  22  in a pattern. Each video head  30  is configured as depicted in  FIG. 3 a    to include, at least, a video chip  74  (not shown in this diagram) capable of converting light waves into digital data, a chip retainer  72 , a focus lens  76 , a zoom lens  82  with a lens carrier  84 , and the requisite mechanisms to selectively adjust those lenses  76 ,  82  on a segmented neck  40  having a plurality of adjustable disposition cylinders  50  attached to a mounting plate  32 . The mounting plate  32  is a disk-shaped plate secured to the front  22  of the housing  20  with a plurality of threaded anchoring fasteners  34 . A plurality of cylinder eye clevises  36  are disposed around the mounting plate  32  in proximity to the peripheral edge thereof. Each cylinder eye clevis  32  is configured to be a pair of parallel plates between which the cylinder eye  56  is retained by means of a cylinder eye pin  38  inserted into the aligned apertures (not shown) of the cylinder eye  56  and the cylinder eye clevis  36 . 
     A neck segment  42   a  is attached in a central position to the mounting plate  32 . The mounting plate  32  and the neck segments  42   a ,  42   b  are preferably composed of a rigid thermoplastic material capable of withstanding the typical loading placed upon the device  10 . It is understood that other materials, such as metals, or composite materials, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . Each neck segment  42   a ,  42   b  is configured to have a generally cylindrical shape at a base  44  transitioning in a smooth contour at the middle  47  to a spherical, more bulbous swivel  48  at an apex  49  as depicted in  FIG. 3 b   . The base  44  is provided with a socket  46 , formed to be a cylindrical cavity into which the swivel  48  of the preceding neck segment  42   a  can be inserted. The socket  46  complies with the general shape of the swivel  48  such that a neck segment  42   a ,  42   b  may pivotally move relative to a preceding neck segment  42   a  so as to accomplish a stable tilting arrangement throughout the length of the neck  40  in which the video chip  74 , mounted at a distal end of the neck  40  to a distal neck segment  42   b , is exposed to a different field of view as compared to a linear relationship in the neck  40 . The edge of the socket  46  may be contoured with a radius to provide additional clearance in order to achieve a greater degree of rotation between the neck segments  42   a ,  42   b . An aperture (not shown) may be disposed through the swivel  48  and the middle  47  along the longitudinal axis of the neck segment  42   a  from the apex  49  to the socket  46  for the routing of a wiring harness  88  through the neck segment  42   a . The distal neck segment  42   b  is configured to have only a cylindrical base  44  with a socket  46  therein for the preceding neck segment  42   a  and no swivel  48  as the chip retainer  72  is directly attached thereto. The distal neck segment  42   b  would be provided with an aperture (not shown) similar to the neck segment  42   a  for the routing of a wiring harness  88  from a chip retainer  72  to a microprocessor  108 . A rod anchor plate  62  is attached at a proximal end of the distal neck segment  42   b . The rod anchor plate  62  is an annular plate encompassing the distal neck segment  42   b  to which a plurality of rod eye clevises  64  are attached. Each rod eye clevis  64  is a pair of parallel plates extending from the rod anchor plate  62  between which a cylinder rod eye  58  is retained by means of a rod eye pin  66  inserted through aligned apertures (not shown). The disposition cylinders  50  are attached at a piston side to the cylinder eye clevis  36  and to the rod eye clevis  64  at a rod end. It is envisioned that the disposition cylinders  50  are provided with a proximity sensor  55 , or similar location feedback devices, so that the exact position of the flexible neck  40  can be controlled to respond to the positioning input from a user. 
     The chip retainer  72  is preferably configured to be a closed-end hollow cylinder into which a video chip  74 , a focusing lens  76 , and the focus lens servo  78  are disposed. Projecting from the chip retainer  72  is a lens carrier  84  in which a portion of an adjustable zoom lens  82  is disposed. The zoom lens  82  is provided for the magnification of a photographic image prior to that image striking the video chip  74  for analysis and conversion to digital data. The zoom lens  82  is adjustably controlled by a zoom lens servo  86  manipulated by a user in a procedure to be detailed later in this narrative. The focus lens  76  is controlled by a standard auto-focus device common to digital photography. 
     It is envisioned that certain indicia  68  may be disposed on the front  22  of the housing  20  to identify each specific video head  30  of the device  10  in relation to any control devices for those video heads  30  which may be located at other points of the housing  20 . 
     Disposed on the rear  24  of the housing  20  is a display screen  115 . The display screen  115  is preferably configured to be an LCD matrix having the capability of displaying the recreated images captured by one (1) or more of the video heads  30 . In proximity to the display screen  115  is a plurality of selection switches  114  capable of activating an image on the display screen  115 . The selection switches  114  correspond with each of the video heads  30  on the front  22  of the housing  20  plus an additional selection switch  114  capable of activating the necessary electronic circuitry  106  to project an array of images comprised of each of the images from each of the respective video heads  30 . 
     Also disposed on the rear  24  of the housing  20  is a plurality of groupings of manual controls for each of the respective video heads  30 . Each grouping includes an video power switch  96  to connect electrical power to the video head  30 , an indicator light  98  which provides visual confirmation of the supply of power, and a joystick controller  112 . The joystick controller  112  provides servo control and feedback circuitry for the positioning of the various video heads  30  as well as control of the zoom lens servo  86  on those video heads  30 . The video power switch  96  is preferably a two-position slide switch. It is understood that any other type of switch may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The indicator light  98  is preferably an LED emitting illumination  95  in a green wavelength. The system  10  may be configured to operate equally well without indicator lights  98  and as such should not be seen as a limiting factor in the scope of the device  10 . The joystick controller  112  is envisioned to permit the manipulation of the extension and retraction of the disposition cylinders  50  in a manner which would result in the positioning of the chip retainer  72  and the video chip  74 , the focus lens  76 , and the zoom lens  82  therein in several axes so as to provide an alternate field of view. The joystick controller  112  would also be provided with additional control over the zoom lens  82  of the video head  30 . It is envisioned that the depression of the joystick controller  112  for a particular video head  30  would activate a certain portion of the electronic circuitry  106 , via the wiring harness  88 , to energize the zoom lens servo  86  of that video head  30  to accomplish the maximum zoom adjustment (the greatest magnification of an image) in a smooth continuous operation lasting several seconds. A continued depression of the joystick controller  112  would cause the zoom lens servo  86  to be reversed so as to zoom out again. 
     It is further envisioned that illustrative indicia  68  may be disposed on the rear  24  of the housing  20  to graphically identify certain controls so as to simplify the operation thereof. 
     At some location on an exterior surface of the housing  20 , preferably on a face between the front  22  and the rear  24 , is a system power switch  92  and a system status light  94 . The system power switch  92  is preferably a push-button switch capable of placing the power source  102 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry  106  and a microprocessor  108  of the device  10 . It is understood that other types of switches may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . The system status light  94  is preferably an LED emitting illumination  95  in a green wavelength to indicate that the device  10  is energized. The microprocessor  108  is an integrated circuit capable of controlling the various functions of the device  10  including driving a hydraulic pump  122  at an appropriate time and assisting in the control of the functioning of the disposition cylinders  50  of each video head  30 . 
     In some embodiments, an output jack  116  capable of receiving a conventional data transmission cable is disposed upon the exterior of the housing  20 , preferably a side  26 , for the purpose of selectively routing data from the microprocessor  116  of the device  10  to some alternate monitor in a secondary location. It is envisioned that a memory chip slot  118  may also be provided at some exterior location on the housing  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , to receive any conventional memory card upon which data from any video head  50 , via the microprocessor  116 , may be placed for future purposes. 
     It is envisioned that in other embodiments the housing  20  may be provided with a threaded aperture (not shown) on a bottom face to accommodate a standard fastener for the connection to a tripod or other fixed base mounting provision. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an operational block diagram of the control module  15 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The operational diagram illustrates the device  10  with one (1) operable video head  30  and the controls for the proper functioning thereof for the sake of simplicity and not as a limiting factor. However, it can be seen that a mere duplication of certain portions can result in a completed diagram for the entire device  10 . The device  10  includes an internal power source  102  retained within a battery compartment  104 , and the microprocessor  108 . The battery compartment  104  is capable of being selectively opened by a user for the installation, or servicing of, a power source  102 . The power source  102  may be a battery of any current technology, or another device, such as a capacitor, capable of holding an electrical charge and supplying that charge as an electromotive force to the electronic circuitry  106  in order to accomplish the proper function thereof. Electrical wiring  107  is provided for power conduction between the power source  102  and the microprocessor  108 , and between the microprocessor  108  and all other electrical parts of the device  10 . 
     The microprocessor  108  contains the logic and control circuitry to execute the various functions of the device at the control of a user. The microprocessor  108  along with the various switches  92 ,  96 ,  114 , and the interconnecting electrical wiring  107  is considered to be the electronic circuitry  106 . The power source  102  is in electrical communication with the microprocessor  108  via the system power switch  92 . The microprocessor  108  is in electrical communication with the selected video head  30  via the respective video power switch  96 . The image striking the video chip  74  through the zoom lens  82  and the focus lens  76  is digitized and communicated to the microprocessor  108 . The image, digitized in the microprocessor  108  can be sent to the display screen  115  via the selection switch  114 . In use, if data from more than one (1) video head  30  is directed to the display screen simultaneously, the microprocessor  108  will contain programming to switch the display screen  115  to a tiled array format capable of exhibiting the reconstructed image from each video chip  74  in a separate tile. An output jack  116  is provided for the attachment of a standard data cable so that the data can be sent to, and displayed upon, a separate monitor capable of receiving such data. A memory chip slot  118  is also provided on the housing  20  for the insertion of a standard data card onto which the data may be optionally recorded with the inclusion of the appropriate controls. 
     The microprocessor  108  also controls the pump motor  124  as well as the servo controls  132  and the proportional valve  134  for hydraulic control of the disposition cylinders  50  of each video head  30 . Upon the manipulation of the joystick controller  112  for each video head  30 , the microprocessor signals the pump motor  124  to rotate thereby activating the hydraulic pump  122  to circulate some non-compressible fluid from the reservoir  126  to the valve bank  128 . The fluid will circulate through the valve bank  128  as directed by the servo control  132  in communication with the microprocessor  108  and travel to the proportional valve  134  and ultimately to the appropriate disposition cylinder(s)  50  via the hydraulic lines  136 . The pump motor  124  consists of any of a variety of commercially available, copper wound, low voltage, small frame, direct current motors capable of generating sufficient torque to induce the desired motion in the hydraulic pump  122 . The hydraulic pump  122  is any of a variety of commercially available, positive displacement pumps capable of delivering the necessary quantity of a non-compressible fluid at the requisite pressure level to affect the desired movement of the disposition cylinders  50 . 
     In an alternate embodiment the device  10  may be configured such that the microprocessor  108  may be remotely influenced, via the output jack  116  for example, to permit a remote user to adjust the video heads  30  so as to monitor a location from various approach angles. 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of the video processing circuitry contained with the operating code of the microprocessor  108  of the camera  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The plurality of video chips  74  serve as the primary electrical input to the microprocessor  108 . As aforementioned described, a total of four (4) are shown for illustrative purposes, however it can be seen that fewer or additional video chips  74  can be utilized in the teachings of the present invention, and as such, a quantity of four (4) should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. The electrical signals from the video chips  74  are provided to a conditioning circuitry  200  that provides compensation for variances such as luminance, external interference, timing issues, and the like. The output of the conditioning circuitry  200  is then routed to a mixer control  205  to allow for control of timing issues, video synchronization, stabilization, and the like. The resultant signal is then passed to a multiplexer/sequencer  210  which allows for either sequential display of the selected video chip  74  signal upon the display screen  115  based upon selection of the respective video power switch  96  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) or all signals from all video chips  74  in an array configuration. It is envisioned that individual display resolutions and thus overall display size can be governed here as well. The output signal from the multiplexer/sequencer  210  is passed to a video buffer  215  to allow for stabilization of the signal for additional transmission. Before the signal is passed to the display screen  115 , it is passed through a video display driver  220  to account for control and interface functionality between the display screen  115  and various output parameters as generated by the multiplexer/sequencer  210 . 
     In accordance with the invention, the illustrated embodiment can be utilized by an enabled individual in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be approximately arranged as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The method of installing and utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing a series of steps. It can be appreciated that the operational steps may be performed in alternative order and as such any operational description of use should not be viewed as a limiting factor. Typically, the device  10  may be utilized in the following steps: acquiring a model of the device  10  having a desired style to suit the taste of a user; opening the battery compartment  104 ; installing an appropriate power source  103 ; closing the battery compartment  104 ; manipulating the system power switch  92  so as to energize the device  10 ; selecting which of the video heads  30  will be utilized; manipulating the video power switch  96  of each selected video head  30  to energized that (those) particular video head(s)  30 ; selecting which video head  30  input to monitor on the display screen  115 ; manipulating the selection switch  114  to bring about the exhibition of that image upon the display screen  115 ; manipulating the joystick controller  112  to set the desired configuration of the adjustable neck  40 ; and viewing the resulting images. It is envisioned that all, or a portion of, the captured data may be recorded on a standard memory card inserted into the memory chip slot  118 , or on some other media remotely via the output jack  116 .