Patent Description:
First-person video cameras are a relatively new product category that have been adapted to capture POV video by action sports enthusiasts in a hands-free manner. Conventional first-person video cameras primarily comprise a lens that must be tethered to a separate digital video recorder or camcorder. <FIG> present pictorial views of prior art first-person video cameras requiring a tethered lens approach to capturing first-person video recording. <FIG> presents a Twenty20™ device, and <FIG> presents a Viosport™ device. <FIG> present pictorial views of prior art video cameras tethered to camcorders for implementing the tethered lens approach to capturing first-person video recording. <FIG> present Samsung™ devices.

These products are not generally hands-free products, and consumers have been employing their own unique mounting techniques to permit "hands-free" video recording of action sports activities. <FIG> presents a pictorial view of a tethered camera attempting to facilitate hands-free POV video recording. <FIG> presents a Blackeye™ device. These recent devices attempt to convey image data from "tethered" cameras to separate camcorders through IR signals to eliminate the tethering cables.

More recently, integrated hands-free, POV action sports video cameras have become available. <FIG> present pictorial views of two prior art products implementing integrated solutions to first-person video recording. These products are still in their infancy and may be difficult to use well.

<CIT> discloses a system that dynamically captures and analyses audio, video, and event annotation data in a convenient and unobtrusive manner. An audio and video notetaker system captures audio, video, and additional event indicators, or "bookmarks". The system comprises an omnidirectional camera and multiple microphones. The audio and video data are compressed by a single compression chip and then locally stored in a removable storage medium. The audio and video notetaker system analyses the captured data and correlates bookmarks with the audio and video data.

The present application provides a digital video camera and a method at a digital video camera in accordance with the claims which follow.

<FIG>, <FIG> are, respectively, front perspective, back perspective, side elevation, front elevation, back elevation, and top plan views of an embodiment of an integrated hands-free, POV action sports digital video camera <NUM>, and <FIG> are front and back perspective views of, respectively, an alternative configuration and an alternative embodiment of digital video camera <NUM>. For purposes of this description, the term "camera" is intended to cover camcorder(s) as well as camera(s). An example of such a digital video camera <NUM> is included in the Contour 1080P™ system, marketed by Contour, Inc. , of Seattle, Washington.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> show optical and mechanical components of digital video camera <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, some embodiments of digital video camera <NUM> include a manual horizon adjustment control system <NUM> including a manual horizon adjustment control for adjusting an orientation of a horizontal image plane <NUM> of an image recorded by an image sensor <NUM> with respect to a housing plane <NUM> (along a vertical cross-section) of a camera housing <NUM>. An exemplary image sensor <NUM> may be a CMOS image capture card that provides for minimum illumination of <NUM> Lux @ f/<NUM> and offers high sensitivity for low-light operation, low fixed pattern noise, anti-blooming, zero smearing, and low power consumption.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the manual horizon adjustment control is a rotary controller <NUM> that rotates about a control axis <NUM> such that manual rotation of rotary controller <NUM> changes the orientation of horizontal image plane <NUM> with respect to housing plane <NUM>. The manual horizon adjustment control can be used to offset horizontal image plane <NUM> with respect to the pitch, yaw, and roll of the mounting position of camera housing <NUM>.

In some preferred embodiments, rotary controller <NUM> is positioned about a lens <NUM> and cooperates with a lens shroud <NUM> to support lens <NUM> within camera housing <NUM> such that manual rotation of rotary controller <NUM> rotates lens <NUM> with respect to camera housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, lens <NUM> may remain fixed with respect to camera housing <NUM> even though rotary controller <NUM> rotates around lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, lens <NUM> is a <NUM> focal length, four-element glass lens with a <NUM>° viewing angle and a focal length covering a large range, such as from arm's length (e.g., <NUM>) to infinity, which focuses visual information onto image sensor <NUM> at a resolution such as at <NUM> x <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that a variety of types and sizes of suitable lenses are commercially available.

In some preferred embodiments, image sensor <NUM> is supported in rotational congruence with the orientation of rotary controller <NUM> such that manual rotation of rotary controller <NUM> rotates image sensor <NUM> with respect to housing plane <NUM> of camera housing <NUM>. When image sensor <NUM> has a fixed relationship with the orientation of rotary controller <NUM>, the image data captured by image sensor <NUM> do not require any post-capture horizon adjustment processing to obtain play back of the image data with a desired horizontal image plane <NUM>. In particular, rotary controller <NUM> can be set to a desired horizontal image plane <NUM>, and image sensor <NUM> will capture the image data with respect to the orientation of horizontal image plane <NUM>. In some embodiments, image sensor <NUM> may remain fixed with respect to camera housing <NUM> even though rotary controller <NUM> rotates around image sensor <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, in some embodiments, an exemplary optical assembly <NUM> shows how image sensor <NUM> and lens <NUM> may be supported in rotational congruence by the cooperation of lens shroud <NUM>, an internal rotation controller <NUM>, and rotary controller <NUM>. In some preferred embodiments, rotary controller <NUM> may be separated from camera housing <NUM> by a gap <NUM> to facilitate the rotation of rotary controller <NUM> with respect to camera housing <NUM>.

A lens cap holder <NUM> may be secured to rotary controller <NUM> by screw threads and cooperates with an O-ring 40a and to provide support for a lens cover <NUM> (such as a piece of glass). A lens holder <NUM> and a lens assembly holder <NUM> may also be employed to support lens <NUM> in a desired position with respect to the other components in optical assembly <NUM>. Lens assembly holder <NUM> may be secured to lens cap holder <NUM> by screw threads and an O-ring 40b. An O-ring or bearings <NUM> may be employed between lens assembly holder <NUM> and a main housing <NUM> to facilitate the rotation of lens assembly holder <NUM> about control axis <NUM> with respect to main housing <NUM>. A set screw <NUM> may be employed to secure lens assembly holder <NUM> of optical assembly <NUM> to main housing <NUM> without impeding the rotation of lens assembly holder <NUM> or the components within it. In some embodiments, rotary controller <NUM>, lens cap holder <NUM>, O-ring 40a, lens cover <NUM>, lens shroud <NUM>, laser sources <NUM>, lens <NUM>, lens holder <NUM>, image sensor <NUM>, internal rotation controller <NUM>, O-ring 40b, and lens assembly holder <NUM> of optical assembly <NUM> may rotate together. Skilled persons will appreciate that several of these components may be fixed with respect to camera housing <NUM> or their synchronized rotation may be relaxed. For example, lens cover <NUM>, lens <NUM>, and lens holder <NUM> need not rotate.

With reference to <FIG>, rotary controller <NUM> may support a lens filter or other lens component, or rotary controller <NUM> may include screw threads or other means to enable attachment of additional or alternative lens components.

In some embodiments, rotary controller <NUM> cooperates with an encoder to orient image sensor <NUM> to a desired horizontal image plane <NUM>. Alternatively, the encoder could guide post-capture horizon adjustment processing to adjust horizontal image plane <NUM> of the captured image so that it is transformed to play back the image data with the encoded horizontal image plane <NUM>.

In some embodiments, rotary controller <NUM> is positioned in one or both of an arbitrary location away from lens <NUM> and an arbitrary relationship with the position of image sensor <NUM>. For example, rotary controller <NUM> may be positioned on a side <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> or on a back door <NUM>, and rotary controller <NUM> may remotely control the orientation of image sensor <NUM> or may control an encoder. Skilled persons will appreciate that an arbitrarily located manual horizon adjustment control need not be of a rotary type and may be of an electronic instead of a mechanical type.

In some embodiments, rotary controller <NUM> provides greater than or equal to <NUM>° rotation of horizontal image plane <NUM> with respect to housing plane <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> in each of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In one example, rotary controller <NUM> provides <NUM>° plus greater than or equal to <NUM>° of additional rotation in each direction, providing a <NUM>° rotation of horizontal image plane <NUM> with respect to housing plane <NUM>. This adjustability includes embodiments in which the orientation of rotary controller <NUM> is in congruence with the orientation of image sensor <NUM>, as well as embodiments employing an encoder. Preferably, both lens <NUM> and image sensor <NUM> rotate together <NUM>° within a pivoting hermetically sealed capsule. This means that, no matter how an operator mounts digital video camera <NUM>, image sensor <NUM> can be rotated to capture a level world.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a rotation indicator <NUM> is provided on an exterior surface <NUM> of rotary controller <NUM>. Rotation indicator <NUM> may take the form of a horizontal notch or raised bar that may be of a different color from the color of camera housing <NUM>. Camera housing <NUM> may have set in a fixed position a notch or raised bar <NUM> that is similar to or smaller than rotation indicator <NUM>. Rotation indicator <NUM> and notch or raised bar <NUM> may be of the same color or of different colors. The angular extent of dislocation between rotation indicator <NUM> and notch <NUM> provides a physical indication of the amount that rotary controller <NUM> is displaced from its "home" position with respect to camera housing <NUM>.

In some preferred embodiments, rotation indicator <NUM> and horizontal notch <NUM> are in a collinear alignment (in the "home" position) when horizontal image plane <NUM> is perpendicular to housing plane <NUM>. Thus, if digital video camera <NUM> were set on a level horizontal surface and the two notches were collinear, horizontal image plane <NUM> would be horizontal.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> in preferred embodiments, one or more laser sources <NUM> are fitted within rotary controller <NUM>, are oriented with horizontal image plane <NUM>, and are capable of projecting light emission(s) to define a horizontal projection axis or plane <NUM> that is parallel to or coplanar with horizontal image plane <NUM>. Thus, manual rotation of rotary controller <NUM> changes the orientation of horizontal projection axis <NUM> with respect to housing plane <NUM> as the orientation of horizontal image plane <NUM> is changed with respect to horizontal projection axis <NUM>. The beam(s) of light forming horizontal projection axis <NUM> can be used as a guide by an operator to facilitate adjustment of horizontal image plane <NUM> by simple rotation of rotary controller <NUM> after camera housing <NUM> has been mounted.

In some embodiments, a single laser source <NUM> may employ beam shaping optics and or a beam shaping aperture, filter, or film to provide a desired beam shape such as a line, lines of decreasing or increasing size, or a smiley face. In some embodiments, only a single beam shape is provided. In some embodiments, multiple beam shapes are provided and can be exchanged such as through manual or electronic rotation of a laser filter. Skilled persons will appreciate that two or more laser sources <NUM> may be outfitted with beam shaping capabilities that cooperate with each other to provide horizontal projection axis <NUM> or an image that provides horizontal projection axis <NUM> or other guidance tool.

In some embodiments, two laser sources <NUM> (or two groups of laser sources) are employed to project two beams of light that determine horizontal projection axis <NUM>. Two laser sources <NUM> may be mounted on opposite sides of lens <NUM> such that their positions determine a laser mounting axis that bisects lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, lens shroud <NUM> provides support for laser sources <NUM> such that they are positioned to emit light through apertures <NUM> in lens shroud <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, an alternative or additional optical support barrel 32a may support laser source <NUM> and the other optical components.

Laser sources <NUM> may be diode lasers that are similar to those used in laser pointers. Laser sources <NUM> preferably project the same wavelength(s) of light. In some embodiments, an operator may select between a few different wavelengths, such as for red or green, depending on contrast with the background colors. In some embodiments, two wavelengths may be projected simultaneously or alternately. For example, four laser sources may be employed with red and green laser sources <NUM> positioned on each side of lens <NUM> such that red and green horizontal projection axes <NUM> are projected simultaneously or alternately in the event that one of the colors does not contrast with the background.

In some embodiments, laser sources <NUM> may be responsive to a power switch or button <NUM>, which in some examples may be located on back door <NUM> of camera housing <NUM>. A rotation of horizon adjustment control system <NUM> or rotary controller <NUM> may provide laser sources <NUM> with an ON condition responsive to a timer, which may be preset such as for five seconds or may be a user selectable time period. Alternatively, a single press of button <NUM> may provide laser sources <NUM> with an ON condition with a second press of button <NUM> providing an OFF condition. Alternatively, a single press of button <NUM> may provide an ON condition responsive to a timer, which may be preset such as for five seconds or may be a user selectable time period. Alternatively, button <NUM> may require continuous pressure to maintain laser sources <NUM> in an ON condition. Button <NUM> may also control other functions such as standby mode. Skilled persons will appreciate that many variations are possible and are well within the domain of skilled practitioners.

Skilled persons will also appreciate that any type of video screen, such as those common to conventional camcorders, may be connected to or be a part of camera housing <NUM>. Such video screen and any associated touch display may also be used as feedback for orientation in conjunction with or separately from laser sources <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that the video screen may take the form of a micro-display mounted internally to camera housing <NUM> with a viewing window to the screen through camera housing <NUM> or may take the form of an external LCD screen.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in preferred embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> has a manually operable switch activator <NUM> that controls one or both of the recording condition of image sensor <NUM> and conveyance of the acquired image data to a data storage medium, such as on a two-gigabyte MicroSD card. In some embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> is designed to use pulse power to conserve battery life while monitoring switch activator <NUM>. When switch activator <NUM> is positioned to the ON position, the pulse power system is instructed to provide full power to the electronics and begin recording immediately; similarly, when switch activator <NUM> is positioned to the OFF position, the pulse power system is instructed to cut power to the electronics and stop recording immediately.

In some preferred embodiments, when switch activator <NUM> is slid or toggled, it moves a magnetic reed that is recognized from an impulse power sensor. Once the sensor recognizes the magnetic reed has been toggled to the ON position, the pulse power system is then triggered to power up most or all of the electronics of digital video camera <NUM>, including all of the electronics required for recording as well as selected other electronics or simply all the electronics. Once full power is provided to the system electronics, a feed from image sensor <NUM> begins encoding and writing to the data storage medium. As soon as the first frames are written to the data storage medium, a signal is sent to an LED <NUM> to indicate via a light pipe <NUM> that digital video camera <NUM> is recording. Thus, activation of switch activator <NUM> initiates recording nearly instantaneously.

In some embodiments, switch activator <NUM> powers up the electronics and initiates recording from a standby mode such as after button <NUM> has been pushed to activate the pulse power mode. In other embodiments, switch activator <NUM> powers up the electronics and initiates recording directly without any pre-activation. In some embodiments, a video encoder that cooperates with image sensor <NUM> and a microprocessor provides instructions to the video encoder. In some embodiments, switch activator <NUM> is adapted to substantially simultaneously control supply of power to the microprocessor, image sensor <NUM>, and the video encoder, such that when switch activator <NUM> is placed in the ON position the microprocessor, image sensor <NUM>, and the video encoder all receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously initiate a video data capturing operation.

In some embodiments, an audio encoder cooperates with a microphone <NUM>, and the microprocessor provides instructions to the audio encoder. In some embodiments, switch activator <NUM> is adapted to substantially simultaneously control the supply of power to microphone <NUM> and the audio encoder such that when switch activator <NUM> is placed in the ON position, the microprocessor, microphone <NUM>, and the audio encoder all receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously initiate an audio data capturing operation.

In some embodiments, when switch activator <NUM> is placed in the OFF position, the microprocessor, image sensor <NUM>, and the video encoder all cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease the video data capturing operation. In some embodiments, when switch activator <NUM> is placed in the OFF position, the microprocessor, microphone <NUM>, and the audio encoder all cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease the audio data capturing operation.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor, image sensor <NUM>, the video encoder, microphone <NUM>, and the audio encoder all receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously initiate the video data and audio data capturing operations. In some embodiments, the microprocessor, image sensor <NUM>, the video encoder, microphone <NUM>, and the audio encoder all cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease the video data and audio data capturing operations.

In some embodiments, switch activator <NUM> controls supply of power to additional electronics such that the additional electronics are deactivated when switch activator <NUM> is in the OFF position and such that the additional electronics are activated when switch activator <NUM> is in the ON position.

Skilled persons will appreciate that switch activator <NUM> may be designed to have more than two slide settings. For example, in addition to ON and OFF settings for recording, switch activator <NUM> may provide an intermediate setting to activate laser sources <NUM>, to activate one or more status indicators, or initiate other functions in digital video camera <NUM>.

The use of a magnetic reed switch as an embodiment for switch activator <NUM> prevents water or other fluids from entering through the camera housing <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that other waterproof ON/OFF switch designs are possible. In preferred embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> also employs a waterproof microphone <NUM>, such as an omni-directional microphone with a sensitivity (0dB = 1V/Pa, <NUM>) of -<NUM> ± <NUM> dB and a frequency range of <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>, for capturing audio data and providing them to the data storage medium or to a second data storage medium. Alternatively, camera housing <NUM> may include breathable, watertight materials (such as GoreTex™) to prevent the egress of water without requiring a waterproof microphone <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate microphones with a large variety of operational parameters that are suitable for microphone <NUM> are commercially available or can be manufactured to suit desired criteria.

In some embodiments, microphone <NUM> is positioned beneath switch activator <NUM> such that switch activator <NUM> covers microphone <NUM> whenever switch activator <NUM> is in the OFF position and such that switch activator <NUM> exposes microphone <NUM> whenever switch activator <NUM> is in the ON position. The audio data capturing operation is preferably deactivated when switch activator <NUM> is in the OFF position and that the audio data capturing operation is preferably activated when switch activator <NUM> is in the ON position. The ON and OFF conditions of the audio data capturing operation may be controlled by switch activator <NUM> in conjunction with the ON and OFF conditions of the video capturing operation.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, camera housing <NUM> includes main housing <NUM> that supports switch activator <NUM>, a front and bottom trim piece <NUM>, and back door <NUM> which is connected to main housing <NUM> through a hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, back door <NUM> may be removable through its hinge <NUM> to allow connection of accessories to main housing <NUM> for extended functionality. Back door <NUM> may provide an area of thinner material to permit compression of button <NUM>. Gaskets <NUM> may be seated between main housing <NUM> and back door <NUM> to provide waterproofing. A housing cover <NUM> may be connected to main housing <NUM> through a rubber gasket <NUM> that also enhances the waterproof characteristics of camera housing <NUM>.

Side caps <NUM> may be ultrasonically welded to the exterior surfaces of housing cover <NUM> and the lower portion of main housing <NUM>, which form the lower portions of sides <NUM> of camera housing <NUM>. In some embodiments camera housing <NUM> is made from brushed aluminum, baked fiberglass, and rubber. In particular, main housing <NUM>, housing cover <NUM>, and side caps <NUM> may be made from aluminum. Front and bottom trim piece <NUM> may also be ultrasonically welded to main housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in preferred embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> includes part of a mounting system <NUM> that has two or more housing rail cavities <NUM> and two or more interleaved housing rails <NUM> on each side <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> for engaging a versatile mount <NUM>. An example of such a mounting system <NUM> is the TRail ™ mounting system, marketed by Contour, Inc, of Seattle, Washington.

Housing rail cavities <NUM> and housing rails <NUM> may be formed by cut outs in side caps <NUM> that are mounted to main housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> is bilaterally symmetrical and has an equal number of housing rail cavities <NUM> on each of side caps <NUM> and an equal number of housing rails <NUM> on each of side caps <NUM>. In some embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> may for example provide two housing rail cavities <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>) or three housing rail cavities <NUM> in each side cap <NUM> (such as shown in <FIG>). Skilled persons will appreciate, however, that in some embodiments, digital video camera <NUM> need not be symmetrical and may have an unequal number of rail cavities <NUM> on its side caps <NUM>.

In some embodiments, rail cavities <NUM> have a "T"-like, wedge-like, or trapezoid-like cross-sectional appearance. Skilled persons will appreciate that the dimensions of the stem or lateral branches of the "T" can be different. For example, the stem can be thicker than the branches, or one or more of the branches may be thicker than the stem; similarly, the stem can be longer than the branches, and one or more of the branches may be longer than the stem. The cross-sectional shapes may have flat edges or corners, or the edges or corners may be rounded. Skilled persons will also appreciate that numerous other cross-sectional shapes for rail cavities <NUM> are possible and that the cross-sectional shapes of different housing rail cavities <NUM> need not be the same whether in the same side cap <NUM> or in different side caps <NUM>. Similarly, housing rail cavities <NUM> may have different lengths and housing rails <NUM> may have different lengths. The bottom of trim piece <NUM> may be alternatively or additionally fitted with housing rails <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more of housing rail cavities <NUM> may contain one or more bumps or detents <NUM>. In some embodiments, each side <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> contains at least one bump or detent <NUM>. In some embodiments, each housing rail cavity <NUM> contains at least one bump or detent <NUM>. In some examples, however, only a single housing rail cavity <NUM> on each side <NUM> contains a bump or detent <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that the different sides <NUM> need not contain the same number of bumps or detents <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a base mount <NUM> and a rail plug <NUM> that fit together to form a flat surface mount <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG>) depict different views of camera housing <NUM> mated with flat surface mount <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, rail plug <NUM> contains one or more mount rails <NUM> that are adapted to mate with housing rail cavities <NUM> on camera housing <NUM>. Similarly, rail plug <NUM> contains one or more mount rail cavities <NUM> that are adapted to mate with housing rails <NUM> on camera housing <NUM>. Mount rails <NUM> may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes as those of housing rails <NUM>, and mount rail cavities <NUM> may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes as those of housing rail cavities <NUM>. In some preferred embodiments, rails <NUM> and <NUM> and cavities <NUM> and <NUM> have the same cross-sectional profiles.

In some embodiments, one or more of mount rails <NUM> on rail plug <NUM> may contain one or more detents or bumps <NUM>. In some embodiments, each mount rail <NUM> contains at least one detent or bump <NUM>. In some examples, however, only a single mount rail <NUM> contains a detent or bump <NUM>. The detents or bumps <NUM> are adapted to mate with bumps or detents <NUM> such that if camera housing <NUM> has detents <NUM> then rail plug <NUM> has bumps <NUM> or if camera housing <NUM> has bumps <NUM> then rail plug <NUM> has detents <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that in some alternative embodiments, housing rails <NUM> have bumps or detents <NUM> and mount rail cavities <NUM> have detents or bumps <NUM>.

The versatile mounting system <NUM> provides for ease of mounting and orientation of digital video camera <NUM> with ease of detachment of digital video camera <NUM> with retention of the mounted orientation. In some embodiments, base mount <NUM> may have a very small footprint and may be attached to a surface with an adhesive pad designed for outdoor use. After base mount <NUM> has been attached to a surface, rail plug <NUM> can be detached from base mount <NUM>.

In some embodiments, rail plug <NUM> has a circumferential sawtoothed edge <NUM> that is mated to a sawtooth-receiving inside edge <NUM> of a base mount cavity <NUM> adapted to receive rail plug <NUM>. In some embodiments, rail plug <NUM> has a compression fit within base mount <NUM>. In some embodiments, hook and loop double-toothed Velcro™ may be used instead of or in addition to a compression fit technique to further secure rail plug <NUM> within base mount <NUM>.

Mount rails <NUM> of rail plug <NUM> can slide into housing rail cavities <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> as mount rail cavities <NUM> of rail plug <NUM> slide onto housing rails <NUM> of camera housing <NUM> as indicated by a direction arrow <NUM> (<FIG>) to secure rail plug <NUM> to camera housing <NUM>. The mated detents and bumps <NUM> and <NUM> can be engaged to prevent unintended lateral movement of rail plug <NUM> with respect to camera housing <NUM>. Rail plug <NUM> with the attached digital video camera <NUM> can be rotated from zero to <NUM> degrees about an axis perpendicular to base mount <NUM> to capture a desired viewing angle. Then, rail plug <NUM> can be inserted or re-inserted into base mount <NUM> as indicated by a direction arrow <NUM> (<FIG>). <FIG> shows from several different views how digital video camera <NUM>, rail plug <NUM>, and base mount <NUM> appear when they are mated together.

In some embodiments, rail plug <NUM> and base mount <NUM> may be made from a hard, but flexible material such as rubber or a polymer with similar properties, but skilled persons will appreciate that rail plug <NUM> and base mount <NUM> may be made from a hard or soft plastic. Because base mount <NUM> can be flexible, it can be attached to a variety of surfaces such as, for example, the surfaces of helmets, snowboard decks, skis, fuel tanks, windows, doors, and vehicle hoods. The type and flexibility of the material of flat mount <NUM> may provide a "rubber" dampening effect as well as enhance rail sliding, rail engagement, and plug engagement. Mounting system <NUM> may also include a runaway leash (not shown).

When recording of an activity is completed, rail plug <NUM> with the attached digital video camera <NUM> may be disengaged from base mount <NUM> for safe storage or data uploading. Base mount <NUM> can be left attached to the surface and need not be re-attached and/or re-adjusted. Alternatively, camera housing <NUM> may be disengaged from rail plug <NUM>, leaving rail plug <NUM> engaged with base mount <NUM> so that the original orientation of mount rails <NUM> of rail plug <NUM> is maintained to permit quick reattachment of digital video camera <NUM> without requiring its orientation to be re-adjusted to base mount <NUM> or the person, equipment, or vehicle to which base mount <NUM> is mounted.

<FIG> shows an alternative rail plug 132a; and <FIG>) show several views of rail plug 132a with an alternative base mount 130a, including locked and unlocked configurations, to form a pole mount 126a for mounting on a pole <NUM> such as handle bars. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, rail plug 132a may be used as a standalone mount with an adhesive backing, or it may be used in conjunction with or integrated into one or more varieties of base mounts 130a. Rail plug 132a may be attached to base mount 130a through the use of an adhesive mounting, through the use of Velcro™, through the use of a screw, through the use of other conventionally known means, or combinations thereof. Mount rails <NUM> may be formed to provide an aperture <NUM> to provide access for a screw and screwdriver to mount rail plug 132a onto base mount 130a.

Base mount 130a is configured to open and close around poles <NUM>, particularly poles of standardized recreational equipment and especially such poles having small diameters of about <NUM>-<NUM> inches (<NUM>- <NUM>). In some embodiments, base mount 130a has a locking pin <NUM> with a head <NUM> that can be secured within a lock chamber <NUM>. Locking pin <NUM> increases compression against pole <NUM> to prevent base mount 130a from rotating around pole <NUM> after its desired positioned is established. Base mount 130a may also be provided with a pin door cover <NUM> to prevent debris from accessing locking pin <NUM> or lock chamber <NUM>.

<FIG>, and 14E (<FIG>) show several views of a rail plug 132b with an alternative base mount 130b, including a strap <NUM>, to form a pole mount 126b for mounting on a pole 160b such as a roll cage, a windsurfing mast, or a hang glider support. With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, strap <NUM> is large enough to accommodate poles 160b having a diameter up to <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or larger. In some embodiments, a dial <NUM> may be employed to tighten and loosen strap <NUM>. In other embodiments, dial <NUM> controls the swivel of rail plug 132b with respect to base mount 130b so that the side-to-side angle of digital video camera <NUM> can be adjusted. As with rail plug 132a, rail plug 132b may be attachable to base mount 130b or may be integrated with it.

<FIG>) show several views of a rail plug 132c attached to or integrated with alternative base mounts 130c and 130e of respective band or strap mounts 126c and 126e for mounting on a belt, strap, or band <NUM>, such as a band <NUM> of a pair of goggles <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, base mount 130e has a dampener 184a and a strap entrance 186a on an interior side of the base mount 130e, i.e., facing in the direction opposite to that mount rails <NUM> face. Dampener 184a may be made from rubber or other suitable cushioning material to cushion a user's head away from digital video camera <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a dampener 184b is provided on an interior side of base mount 130c, i.e., facing in the direction opposite to that mount rails <NUM> face. However, a strap entrance 186b is provided on an exterior side of base mount 130c, i.e., facing in the same direction that mount rails <NUM> face. <FIG> shows base mount 130c of <FIG> mounted upon strap <NUM> of goggles <NUM>. Skilled persons will appreciate that the rail plug 132a can be substituted for rail plug 132c.

<FIG> shows a rail plug 132d with an alternative base mount 130d of a helmet mount 126d for mounting on a vented helmet. Helmet mount 126d includes one or more slots <NUM> through which a strap can be used to secure base mount 130d to a helmet through vent slots in the helmet. Skilled persons will appreciate that rail plug 132a can be substituted for rail plug 132d.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of another alternative goggle base mount 130f, adapted for employing a strap <NUM> for attachment to goggle band <NUM> (<FIG>). Strap <NUM> can be looped through buckles <NUM> and <NUM> to secure base mount 130f to goggle band <NUM>. Base mount 130f is adapted to receive circular rail plug <NUM> (<FIG>) that permits <NUM>-degree rotation of mount rails <NUM>. Such embodiments permit a user adjust the angle of digital video camera <NUM> to be different from the vertical viewing angle of the user. For example, the user can be viewing down at the ground while digital video camera <NUM> (and its image sensor <NUM>) captures images straight ahead. In some embodiments, base mount 130f may include pads <NUM> and <NUM> to dampen against vibrations and may include retaining tabs <NUM> to prevent rail plug <NUM> from being inadvertently jarred loose. Strap <NUM> may also or alternatively include pads <NUM> and <NUM>.

Skilled persons will appreciate that base mounts 130a through 130d can also alternatively be configured to receive a round rail plug <NUM> (of <FIG>) that permits <NUM>-degree rotation of mounting rails <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows an alternative pole mount <NUM> having a base mount <NUM> adapted to receive circular rail plug <NUM> that permits <NUM>-degree rotation of mount rails <NUM>. Such embodiments can facilitate compensation for handle bars or other poles <NUM> or 160b that may be angled backward or forward.

In some embodiments, base mount <NUM> has a different locking mechanism from that of base mount 130a (<FIG>). For example, in some embodiments, a locking pin <NUM> is attached by a hinge <NUM> to base mount <NUM>, and locking pin <NUM> is attached at its other end to a pin door cover <NUM> through a hinge <NUM>. Locking pin <NUM> cooperates with hinge door cover <NUM> to increase compression against pole <NUM> to prevent base mount <NUM> from rotating around pole <NUM> after its desired position is established. Skilled persons will appreciate that base mount 130a may alternatively employ this locking mechanism. In some embodiments, base mounts 130a and <NUM> include a pole grip <NUM> to help maintain a preferred orientation of base mounts 130a and <NUM> with respect to pole <NUM>. In some embodiments, base mounts <NUM> and 130a-<NUM> may include a leash ring <NUM> adapted to receive a lease line that may be attached to an associated rail plug <NUM> and 132a-132d, digital video camera <NUM>, or the operator.

<FIG> are, respectively, perspective and top plan views of a mounting system <NUM> that comprises rotatable circular rail plug <NUM> set in a base mount <NUM> configured with a locking feature that allows adjustment of digital video camera <NUM> when it is attached to a mounting surface. <FIG> are, respectively, perspective and top plan views of base mount <NUM>. Base mount <NUM> is of generally rectangular shape and includes in its top wall <NUM> a large diameter circular opening <NUM> and in its bottom wall <NUM> a smaller diameter circular opening <NUM>. Base mount <NUM> has opposite side walls <NUM> and <NUM> through which aligned, generally rectangular slots <NUM> of the same size are formed and opposite side walls <NUM> and <NUM> on the inner surfaces of which spatially aligned sawtooth-receiving edges <NUM> are formed. The inner surfaces of side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include arcuate segments that are sized to permit bidirectional ratcheted rotational motion of circular rail plug <NUM> when it is set through circular opening <NUM> in base mount <NUM> with sawtooth-receiving edges <NUM> in matable relationship with circumferential sawtoothed edge <NUM>.

<FIG> are, respectively, perspective, top plan, end elevation, side elevation, and bottom plan views of a slidable locking member <NUM> of generally rectangular shape. Slidable locking member <NUM> is sized to fit within each slot <NUM> and slidably extend through and project outside either one of side walls <NUM> and <NUM> when inserted in both of slots <NUM> in base mount <NUM>. Locking member <NUM> is a unitary structure that includes a generally planar center portion <NUM> positioned between a locking end piece <NUM> and a nonlocking end piece <NUM>. Center portion <NUM> constitutes a recessed area that is bounded by raised end pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and into which circular rail plug <NUM> is inserted when mounting system <NUM> is assembled. Center portion <NUM> includes an oblong hole <NUM> having opposite circular segments <NUM> separated by straight line segments <NUM>. U-shaped slots <NUM> cut in center portion <NUM> on either side of oblong hole <NUM> provide downwardly depending the locking tabs <NUM>. Locking tabs <NUM> are sized and configured to slide across and fit into corresponding grooves <NUM> in a floor <NUM> of base mount <NUM>. Locking end piece <NUM> has a serrated arcuate inner surface <NUM>, and nonlocking end piece <NUM> has a smooth arcuate inner surface <NUM>. The curvatures of arcuate inner surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are complementary to the curvature of circular rail plug <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of mounting system <NUM> to which is attached an exemplary attaching mechanism. When mounting system <NUM> is assembled, locking member <NUM> is installed in base mount <NUM> with end pieces <NUM> and <NUM> fitted for sliding movement in slots <NUM>. A plug <NUM> composed of a top disk <NUM> and two downwardly depending legs <NUM> secures locking member <NUM> to and limits its range of travel within slots <NUM> in base mount <NUM>. Top disk <NUM> fits in a recess in and thereby receives rail plug <NUM>, and flanges <NUM> extending from the free ends of legs <NUM> secure plug <NUM> in base mount <NUM> when the free ends of legs <NUM> are pushed through circular opening <NUM>.

Mounting system <NUM> operates in the following manner. A user adjusts the angular position of digital video camera <NUM>, which is operatively connected to mounting rails <NUM>, by rotating rail plug <NUM> within base mount <NUM>. To permit such rotation, the user pushes nonlocking end piece <NUM> to slide locking member <NUM> so that serrated inner surface <NUM> moves away from and does not engage sawtoothed edge <NUM> of rail plug <NUM>. Legs <NUM> of plug <NUM> contact the boundary of oblong hole <NUM> and thereby stop the sliding motion of locking member <NUM> with its locking end piece <NUM> projecting outwardly from its associated slot <NUM>. Locking tabs <NUM> fit in their corresponding grooves <NUM> to releasably hold locking member <NUM> in its unlocked position. Rotation of rail plug <NUM> provides audible, tactile feedback to the user because of the meshing relationship between sawtooth-receiving edges <NUM> and sawtoothed edge <NUM>.

Upon completion of angular position adjustment of digital video camera <NUM>, the user locks rail plug <NUM> in place by pushing locking end piece <NUM> to slide locking member <NUM> so that serrated inner surface <NUM> engages sawtoothed edge <NUM> of rail plug <NUM>. The sliding motion of locking member <NUM> stops with its nonlocking end piece <NUM> projecting outwardly from its associated slot <NUM>. Locking tabs <NUM> fit in their corresponding grooves to releasably hold locking member <NUM> in its locked position.

Base mount <NUM> can be directly mounted to a mounting surface with use of an adhesive. Base mount <NUM> also may be mated to a variety of mounting surfaces by adding a custom connecting plate, such as strap-connecting plate <NUM>, with screws <NUM> or another technique such as adhesive bonding or welding. These connecting plates may alter the shape of base mount <NUM> to better connect to shaped surfaces or may include a variety of attaching mechanisms, such as, for example, a strap <NUM> or a hook.

With reference again to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, button <NUM> (or an additional button <NUM>) may control one or more status indicators such as LED <NUM> that indicates via light pipe <NUM> that digital video camera <NUM> is recording. Button <NUM> (or additional button <NUM>) may, for example, also control operation of an LED <NUM> that indicates through a light pipe <NUM> the power status of a battery (not shown). In some embodiments, a single push controls two or more status indicators (or all of the status indicators, and may control laser sources <NUM> and a recording standby mode as well).

In some embodiments, the status indicators may provide a different color depending on the status of the item in question. In some embodiments, green, yellow, and red LEDs are used to indicate whether the battery is completely charged, half-charged, or nearly depleted. Similarly, in some embodiments, green, yellow, and red LEDs are used to indicate whether the SD memory card is nearly empty, half-empty, or nearly full. In other embodiments, green light indicates greater than or equal to <NUM>% space or charge, yellow light indicates greater than or equal to <NUM>% space or charge, and red light indicates less than <NUM>% space or charge. Skilled persons will appreciate that the number and meaning of colors can be varied. Camera housing <NUM> may provide symbols indicating what items light pipes <NUM> and <NUM> designate, such as a battery symbol <NUM> and a memory card symbol <NUM> on back door <NUM>.

To facilitate an easier and more manageable process for the video once it has been recorded, digital video camera <NUM> may be designed to automatically segment the video into computer and web-ready file sizes. The segment can be automatically determined by the hardware during the recording process without intervention by the user. In some embodiments, software will automatically close a video file and open a new file at predefined boundaries. In some embodiments, the boundaries will be time-based, for example, ten minutes for each segment, or size-based, for example <NUM> MB for each segment. Additionally, the segmentation process may be designed so that file boundaries are based on preset limits or so that the user can adjust the segment length to the user's own preferred time. In some embodiments, the video encoder (hardware or software based) will optimize the file boundary by delaying the boundary from the nominal boundary position until a period of time with relatively static video and audio, i.e., when there are minimal changes in motion. Skilled persons will appreciate, however, that in some embodiments, such segmentation may be implemented via software or hardware.

Digital video camera <NUM> is an all-in-one, shoot and store digital video camcorder and is designed to operate in extreme weather conditions and in a hands-free manner. Digital video camera <NUM> is wearable and designed for rugged environments (water, heat, cold, extreme vibrations), and the Contour 1080P™ system includes application mounts <NUM> to attach to any person, equipment, or vehicle. The internal components of digital video camera <NUM> may be silicon treated, coated, or otherwise insulated from the elements, keeping digital video camera <NUM> operational, no matter the mud, the dirt, the snow, and the rain.

Preferred embodiments of digital video camera <NUM> are equipped with wireless connection protocol and global navigation and location determination, preferably global positioning system (GPS), technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. The Bluetooth® packet-based open wireless technology standard protocol is used to provide control signals or stream data to digital video camera <NUM> and to access image content stored on or streaming from digital video camera <NUM>. The GPS technology enables tracking of the location of digital video camera <NUM> as it records image information. The following describes in detail the implementation of the Bluetooth® protocol and GPS technology in digital video camera <NUM>.

Preferred embodiments of digital video camera <NUM> permit the mounting of camera housing <NUM> upside down while retaining the proper orientation of the video images by mechanical or electrical <NUM>° rotation of lens <NUM>. The mechanical rotation is shown in <FIG> are front perspective views of digital video camera <NUM> showing lens <NUM> set in a vertical position, with camera housing <NUM> of digital video camera <NUM> rotated <NUM>° counter-clockwise, not rotated, rotated <NUM>° clockwise, and rotated <NUM>° to an inverted position, respectively, relative to the vertical position. <FIG> is a front elevation view of digital video camera <NUM> in the orientation of <FIG> annotated with dimension lines indicating <NUM>° counter-clockwise and <NUM>° clockwise ranges of angular displacement of horizontal image plane <NUM> achievable by manual rotation of rotary controller <NUM>. The orientation may be flipped prior to signal processing by simply altering the pixel selection or can be flipped during signal processing by simply altering the interpretation of the pixels. The orientation can be automatically controlled by sensing the orientation of camera housing <NUM> using a variety of sensors and altering the pixels based on these data.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show the configuration of digital video camera <NUM> in which Bluetooth® wireless protocol and GPS technology are implemented to enable remote image acquisition control and viewing. <FIG> are front perspective views of digital video camera <NUM> with slidable switch activator <NUM> in its respective recording ON and recording OFF slide setting positions; and <FIG> are top plan views of the digital video camera <NUM> with slidable switch activator <NUM> in its respective recording ON and recording OFF slide setting positions. A portion of switch activator <NUM> is broken away in these drawing figures to reveal the placement of certain internal component parts described in greater detail below.

<FIG> is a partly exploded view of digital video camera <NUM>, showing the placement and mounting arrangement of component parts implementing Bluetooth® wireless protocol and GPS receiver technology in main housing <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM> is installed in main housing <NUM> at a location proximal to rotary controller <NUM>. A GPS assembly <NUM> is installed in main housing <NUM> at a location proximal to back door <NUM> of camera housing <NUM>. Optical support barrel 32a having an open ended slot <NUM> fits over main housing <NUM> in an orientation such that Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM> and the upper end of GPS assembly <NUM> fit and are thereby exposed within slot <NUM>. Switch activator <NUM> provided with a two-dimensional array of circular openings <NUM> fits over and slides within slot <NUM> between the recording ON slide setting position shown in <FIG> and the recording OFF slide setting position shown in <FIG>. Openings <NUM> provide an audible sound passageway to facilitate pickup by microphone <NUM> of spoken words or other sound effects.

Common implementations for sliding switches that have long travel entail use of a magnet to pull and hold the switch in its final position or use of a switch mechanism continuously pressed by the user over the full travel distance and provided with a holding mechanism in place in the ON and OFF positions. Digital video camera <NUM> is equipped with a slide switch mechanism that solves the problems associated with long travel distance. A scissor spring <NUM> assists in actuating slidable switch activator <NUM> over the long travel range between the recording ON and OFF slide setting positions.

<FIG>, and <FIG> show a preferred shape of scissor spring <NUM> and the manner in which it cooperates with the geometric features of inner side wall surfaces <NUM> and an inner end wall surface <NUM> formed in an underside cavity <NUM> of switch activator <NUM>. Scissor spring <NUM> is a one-piece wire member including multiple bends that form a U-shaped center portion <NUM> having rounded distal ends <NUM> from each of which a leg portion <NUM> upwardly extends back toward center portion <NUM>. U-shaped center portion <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> and two generally parallel side members <NUM> that terminate in rounded distal ends <NUM>. Upwardly extending leg portions <NUM> diverge generally outwardly away from side members <NUM> and terminate in ends <NUM> that are inwardly bent toward side members <NUM> and do not extend beyond center portion <NUM>. A curved section <NUM> in each leg portion <NUM> forms its inwardly directed bend and provides a bearing surface that contacts an inner side wall surface <NUM> of switch activator <NUM>.

<FIG> show the geometric features in inner side wall surfaces <NUM> and inner end wall surface <NUM> of switch activator <NUM>. Each side wall surface <NUM> includes an inwardly directed beveled portion <NUM> having an apex <NUM> and a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM> located respectively nearer to and farther from end wall surface <NUM>.

Installation of scissor spring <NUM> in main housing <NUM> entails placement of U-shaped center portion <NUM> with its base member <NUM> and side members <NUM> against a raised block <NUM> on a top surface <NUM> of a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> of GPS assembly <NUM>. The length of base member <NUM> is chosen to establish a snug fit of raised block <NUM> within U-shaped center portion <NUM> to keep scissor spring <NUM> stationary during sliding motion of switch activator <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, whenever switch activator <NUM> is in the recording ON slide setting position, curved sections <NUM> of scissor spring leg portions <NUM> rest in shallow notches formed at distal ends <NUM> of beveled portions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, whenever a user slides switch activator <NUM> from the recording ON slide setting position to the recording OFF slide setting position, curved sections <NUM> exit the shallow notches at distal ends <NUM>, slide along entire lengths of beveled portions <NUM>, and come to rest at shallow notches formed at proximal ends <NUM> of beveled portions <NUM>. Curved sections <NUM> of leg portions <NUM> are of complementary shape to curved sections <NUM> of inner end wall surface <NUM>.

The shaping of scissor spring <NUM> imparts resistance to prevent the initial sliding motion of switch activator <NUM> in either direction, but in response to user applied pressure overcoming the resistance, switch activator <NUM> automatically travels to the stopping position without effort by the user. Scissor spring <NUM> exerts passive resistance to any motion and therefore holds switch activator <NUM> in the proper position until the user again moves switch activator <NUM>. The shape of scissor spring <NUM> can be varied based upon, for example, the geometry of switch activator <NUM>, the length of travel, and desired holding force.

The above-described spring solution is uniquely resistant to vibration and is well-suited for a high vibration environment. Scissor spring <NUM> is an improvement over magnetic sliding switch movements because the former does not introduce magnetic interference that may affect other functions in digital video camera <NUM>. Scissor spring <NUM> is also an improvement over a double detent implementation because the user is confident switch activator <NUM> is in the proper position. This spring solution could be expanded to include a combination of springs to provide specialized motion or specific force profiles. This spring design can also control linear or circular motion.

<FIG> show respective perspective and exploded views of GPS assembly <NUM> separate from main housing <NUM>, in which GPS assembly <NUM> is installed for operation in digital video camera <NUM>. GPS assembly <NUM> includes a GPS passive patch antenna <NUM> and a GPS receiver module <NUM> to provide GPS functionality to digital video camera <NUM>. A GPS ground plane <NUM> in the form of a stepped, generally U-shaped aluminum shroud is positioned between patch antenna <NUM> and GPS printed circuit board <NUM> and affixed to top surface <NUM> of the latter by GPS ground plane mounting tape <NUM>. GPS receiver module <NUM> is mounted to GPS printed circuit board <NUM> on its bottom surface <NUM>. A preferred GPS patch antenna <NUM> is a Model PA1575MZ50K4G-XX-<NUM>, which is a high gain, customizable antenna available from INPAQ Technology Co. GPS patch antenna <NUM> is custom tuned to its peak frequency to account for detuning effects of the edges of optical support barrel 32a. A preferred GPS receiver module <NUM> is a Model NEO-<NUM> module available from u-blox AG, Switzerland.

<FIG> show that GPS ground plane <NUM> is physically shaped to complement or mirror the curved shape of optical support barrel 32a of housing <NUM> so that the ground plane area can be maximized as the shape of the ground plane conforms to, i.e., without altering, the shape of camera housing <NUM>. Additionally, GPS patch antenna <NUM> is supported by its own internal ground plane, which is arranged such that it overlaps the inside of the existing aluminum case. This overlap allows RF currents to pass between the aluminum case and GPS ground plane <NUM> through capacitive coupling and hence have the effect of increasing the size of the overall ground plane area. This increased ground plane area further improves the GPS reception. Moreover, GPS patch antenna <NUM> is tuned with these components coupled for optimal reception by the overall system. The ground plane customization and electrical coupling to camera housing <NUM> or other metal components of digital video camera <NUM> improve performance by achieving higher antenna gain and consequent enhanced signal reception when digital video camera <NUM> is mounted in multiple positions.

When recording video or taking photographs in a sports application, digital video camera <NUM> is often mounted in a location that does not permit the user to easily see the camera. Implementing digital video camera <NUM> with a wireless connection protocol enables remote control of the operation of and remote access to image data stored in digital video camera <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the integration of Bluetooth® wireless technology in the wearable digital video camera <NUM> facilitates implementation of several features, including remote control, frame optimization, multi-camera synchronization, remote file access, remote viewing, data acquisition (in combination with GPS capability), and multi-data sources access (in combination with GPS capability).

Implementing Bluetooth® wireless technology in digital video camera <NUM> enables the user to control it remotely using a telephone, computer, or dedicated controller. This allows digital video camera <NUM> to remain sleek, with few buttons and no screen. Additionally, a lack of need for access to a screen or controls provides more flexibility in mounting digital video camera <NUM>.

The remote control device (i.e., telephone, computer, dedicated viewer, or other Bluetooth®-enabled device) can access files stored on digital video camera <NUM> to allow the user to review the content in such files and manage them on the camera. Such access can include file transfer or file playback in the case of video or audio content.

Using a wireless signal transfer, the remote device can access data streaming from digital video camera <NUM>. Such data can include camera status, video, audio, or other data (e.g., GPS data) collected. Standard video can exceed the bandwidth of a Bluetooth® connection. To resolve any quality of service issues, a fast photo mode is used to simulate video. In this case, photographs are taken in succession, then streamed and displayed in sequence to simulate video playback. Firmware in a main processor captures and streams the photographs, and the receiving application is designed to display photographs in quick succession. To be space efficient, the photographs may be stored in a FIFO buffer so that only limited playback is available.

Alternative implementations of a remote viewer include one or more of reduced resolution or frame rate, file sectioning, frame sampling, and Wi-Fi to media server. Reduced resolution or frame rate entails recording video in two formats, high quality and low quality, in which the lower quality file is streamed or played back after the recorded action has taken place. For streaming implementation, wireless connection bandwidth can be monitored to adapt to the available bandwidth the resolution, bit rate, and frame rate on the secondary recording. Additionally, buffering can be used in conjunction with adaptive bit rate control. File sectioning entails breaking a recording into small files and transferring each file upon completion to allow for viewing via a wireless device in near real time. File transfer may be delayed so as to limit interruptions that result from bandwidth limitations. Frame sampling entails real time video frame sampling (e.g., video compression intraframes (I-frames) only). Wi-Fi to media server entails use of Wi-Fi to establish the camera as a media server on selected networks, allowing other devices to read and play content accessed from the device.

<FIG> is a simplified block diagram showing a preferred implementation of wireless technology in digital video camera <NUM>. <FIG> shows digital video camera <NUM> with built-in Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM> that responds to a Contour Connect Mobile App application software executing on an operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers to enable such a mobile device to become a wireless handheld viewfinder. A Contour Connect Mobile App that is compatible for use with an iOS mobile operating system of Apple®, Inc. is available on the iPhone App Store and that is compatible for use on an Android mobile operating system of Google Inc. is available on the Android Market. The firmware of a main processor <NUM> stores an updated version of compatible software to respond to the Contour Connect Mobile App executing on a mobile device. This wireless connection capability enables a user to configure camera settings in real time and preview what digital video camera <NUM> sees. Specifically, a user can check the camera angle on the wireless device screen and without guesswork align the camera shot and adjust video, light level, and audio settings before beginning the activity he or she wants to record.

The functionality permitted across industry standard interfaces is often limited by the receiving or transmitting device based on its permissions. This means that one device may refuse to permit certain functionality if the other device does not have proper certificates or authentications. For example, the Apple® iPhone and similar products require certain security authentication on data signals transmitted using the Bluetooth® interface. The security requirements on such interfaces vary by product and the manufacturer. Oftentimes the same product is intended to connect with a variety of devices, and it is not desirable to integrate the security component for all possible features or external devices.

In preferred embodiments, the signal path is designed such that the presence of this security integrated circuit is not required for full functionality for such other devices. However, by including a connector in this signal path, a security module can be added by the user after manufacturing to allow connection with such controlled devices. By including such a connector in the signal path, the relevant signal security module may be provided separately for only those applications that require such security authentication. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, the Apple® security card is packaged separately as a self-contained card. The circuit is designed to retain the authentication integrity but to interface with the controlling device through a standard connector. <FIG> also shows placement of a Contour Connect View (security) Card <NUM> in a card slot and connector <NUM> of digital video camera <NUM> to enable connection with a supported Apple® iOS device. A Contour Connect View Card is available from Contour, Inc. , the assignee of this patent application.

<FIG> is a flow diagram showing the pairing of two devices by Bluetooth® wireless connection. Main processor <NUM> of digital video camera <NUM> stores a data file identifying a Bluetooth®-enabled viewer/controller device <NUM>. (An appearance of a smiley face icon in the flow diagrams indicates action by or display of status information to a user. ) A user presses a wireless connection activator button (preferably located near switch activator <NUM> but not shown in the drawings) on camera housing <NUM> to turn on Bluetooth® module <NUM>, which transmits a Bluetooth® ("BT") Connection Request signal to Bluetooth® connection-enabled viewer/controller <NUM>. Viewer/controller <NUM> receives the Bluetooth® Connection Request signal, determines whether there is a Bluetooth® ID connection match pair, and upon recognition of a match pair, determines whether viewer/controller <NUM> is iOS or Android implemented. If it is Android implemented and therefore Apple® security is not required, viewer/controller <NUM> allows and launches the Contour Connect Mobile App to perform Bluetooth® data transfer to and from digital video camera <NUM>. If it is iOS implemented and Apple® security is required, viewer/controller <NUM> sends a Security Challenge signal for passage through Bluetooth® module <NUM> and main processor <NUM> to an Apple® coprocessor <NUM> mounted on Apple® security card <NUM>. Apple® coprocessor <NUM> sends security codes for passage through main processor <NUM> and Bluetooth® module <NUM> to viewer/controller <NUM>, which confirms the security codes and allows and launches the Contour Connect Mobile App to perform Bluetooth® data transfer to and from digital video camera <NUM>.

The use of a data file to identify the Bluetooth® ID of a device allows two devices to pair when neither device has a display screen. <FIG> is a flow diagram showing an example of pairing Bluetooth® microphone <NUM> and digital video camera <NUM>, neither of which has a display screen. Digital video camera <NUM> and a controller <NUM>' are initially paired by Bluetooth® wireless data connection, and the Contour Connect Mobile App is active, as described above with reference to <FIG>. Viewer/controller <NUM> and controller <NUM>' are of similar construction, except that the latter has no display screen. A user slides switch activator <NUM> to its ON position to supply power to microphone <NUM> and transmit a Pair Request signal to digital video camera <NUM>, which detects and forwards to controller <NUM>' a Microphone Pair Request signal for confirmation. The user responds to the pairing request by manipulating an actuator associated with controller <NUM>'. If user actuation indicates refusal of the pairing request, controller <NUM>' concludes the pairing process. If user actuation indicates acceptance of the pairing request, controller <NUM>' transmits to digital video camera <NUM> a Confirmation signal, together with a passcode if one is required by microphone <NUM>. Upon receipt of the Confirmation signal, digital video camera <NUM> transmits a Confirmation signal and any passcode to microphone <NUM> and thereby completes the pairing by initiating audio data capture and recording by the audio encoder in digital video camera <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow diagram showing a preferred camera position adjustment procedure carried out by a helmet-wearing user, such as a bicycle or snowboard rider or skier, to align digital video camera <NUM> mounted on the user's helmet. Digital video camera <NUM> and viewer/controller <NUM> are initially paired by Bluetooth® wireless data connection, and the Contour Connect Mobile App is active, as described above with reference to <FIG>. A launch control/viewer application instruction causes transmission of a fast photo transfer Data Request signal to Bluetooth® data transfer-enabled digital video camera <NUM>, which responds by enabling the taking of photographs in rapid succession (e.g., five photographs each second) of the scene to which camera lens <NUM> is pointed. A mounting activity sequence <NUM> indicated in <FIG> represents user activity of mounting digital video camera <NUM> on the helmet, assuming a riding position, and adjusting the position and angle of digital video camera <NUM> by selecting its mounting surface location on the helmet and rotating rail plug <NUM> within base mount <NUM> of mounting system <NUM>. The angle/position mounting adjustment performed by the user causes the taking of photographs of the scene in rapid succession and transmitting them for near real-time display to the user observing the display screen of viewer/controller <NUM>. Successive iterations of angle/position mounting adjustment, picture taking in rapid succession, and user observation of the displayed scene continue until the user is satisfied with the position of the scene displayed, whereupon the mounting position adjustment of digital video camera <NUM> on the helmet is complete.

Frame optimization can be accomplished with a remote control device or within digital video camera <NUM>, if it is equipped with a screen and controls. Frame optimization may entail one or both of lighting and color optimization and frame alignment, either manually or automatically.

<FIG> is a flow diagram showing a preferred manual lighting level and color settings adjustment procedure followed by the user after completing the mounting position adjustment described above with reference to <FIG>. The manual lighting level and color setting procedure shown in <FIG> differs from the mounting position adjustment procedure of <FIG> in that <NUM>) mounting activity sequence <NUM> does not apply, <NUM>) a settings OK decision block replaces the Position OK decision block in viewer/controller <NUM>, and <NUM>) the manual angle/position mounting adjustment causing the taking of photographs of the scene in rapid succession is replaced by transmission of a new settings instruction produced in response to user-manipulation of an alter lighting level and color settings actuator associated with viewer/controller <NUM>. The manual lighting level and color adjustment procedure entails the user observing the successive photographs on the display screen and manipulating the alter lighting level and color settings actuator associated with viewer/controller <NUM> until the user is satisfied with the lighting level and color displayed, whereupon the manual setting adjustment is complete.

Automatic lighting and color optimization uses video or photographic analysis in controlling the device. <FIG> is a flow diagram showing a preferred automatic lighting level and color settings adjustment procedure followed by the user after completing the mounting position adjustment described above with reference to <FIG>. The automatic lighting level and color settings procedure shown in <FIG> differs from the manual lighting level and color settings procedure shown in <FIG> in that an Auto Adjust iterative loop replaces the Settings OK decision block of <FIG>. Specifically, a Start Auto Adjust process block initiates an iterative Auto Adjust loop of programmed analysis of photograph color, lighting level, and position followed by a Quality Optimization decision query based on a set of programmed quality standards. The Auto Adjust loop iteratively performs the analysis and causes transmission of a new settings instruction to digital video camera <NUM> to take additional photographs for display and analysis by viewer/controller <NUM>. The automatic lighting level and color adjustment procedure entails the automatic internal analysis of the photographs on the display screen and preprogrammed automatic adjustment of the lighting level and color settings until the Quality Optimized decision block indicates that image quality meets preprogrammed optimum quality standards and the final Quality Optimized decision block indicates that the user is satisfied by user manipulation of an actuator indicating the automatic setting adjustment is complete. Viewer/controller <NUM> can implement tuning algorithms to analyze frames, adjust settings, and reanalyze the frames to optimize lighting level and color settings. Small and fine alignment adjustments can be made automatically by altering the pixels used to define the frame. These adjustments can be made by redefining the center pixel or by redefining the bounding box. These adjustments can be horizontal, vertical, and rotational, including rotating a full <NUM>° to allow for digital video camera <NUM> to be positioned upside down, as shown in <FIG>. For more precise optimization, digital video camera <NUM> may be pointed at a predefined chart to allow the automatic adjustments to achieve more precise and consistent settings.

Use of the many-to-many nature of Bluetooth® wireless technology enables a user to control multiple cameras. Multi-camera control allows for the controller to coordinate the lighting level and color settings on all cameras, provide guides for alignment of camera positions, and synchronize the videos on multiple cameras with synchronous start/stop or synchronous "alignment" on-screen display (OSD) frames or audio sound that can be embedded in the video to facilitate editing and post-processing. Use of wireless connection allows one camera to provide a synchronization signal to another camera so that videos can be synchronized in post-processing. The OSD frames may be stored in advance in the memory of digital video camera <NUM> and be simply triggered by a frame sync pulse to limit transmission bandwidth requirements and any associated errors or delays. This synchronization may include information such as, for example, video file name and camera identity of the primary camera. To improve accuracy of synchronization timing, the wireless transfer rate can be calibrated by pinging a secondary device and listening for response. To further improve accuracy, this ping/response cycle is repeated multiple times.

A separate remote device can be used to pair two cameras in which neither camera has a screen. <FIG> shows a (Master) Camera <NUM> and a (Slave) Camera <NUM> of the same type as digital video camera <NUM> aimed at a common chart <NUM>. The relative camera mounting can be adjusted to align the images in the Z-axis. The lighting level and color settings can be adjusted so that they are matched. Aligning the images and adjusting lighting level and color settings eliminate a need for post-processing when combining videos from multiple cameras at multiple angles or three-dimensional views. <FIG> shows an iPhone paired to Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> implemented with remote Start/Stop capability, which is described below. Master Camera <NUM> sends an OSD frame sync pulse to Slave Camera <NUM>. Master Camera <NUM> analyzes photographs from Slave Camera <NUM> and adjusts settings to match the alignment and settings of Master Camera <NUM>.

<FIG> presents two illustrations of a display screen <NUM> of viewer/controller <NUM> of an iPhone type showing for user observation side-by-side images produced by Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> viewing chart <NUM>. Upper illustration <NUM> and lower illustration <NUM> show the comparative relationship between the position and color matching, respectively, before and after correction. Illustration <NUM> shows Z-axis misalignment of the two camera images and color imbalance, and illustration <NUM> shows post-correction image position alignment and color matching.

By controlling multiple cameras, the user is able to coordinate shots from different angles and ensure the color and lighting settings are similar to allow for seamless switching in playback. The preferred embodiments could be expanded so that in the event there were multiple devices daisy-chained together, they could use a single authentication. For example, if there were two cameras that were connected via Bluetooth® to a device that required such authentication, the signal from one camera could route through the other to use its security and the intermediary device would be the only device that requires such security provision. This security component may also be able to become a standalone component that is simply inserted into the security path as a pass-through that adds the authentication or approval required only for the receiving device and performs any translation required for the response to be interpreted properly.

<FIG> shows an exemplary user application to allow the user to change lighting level and color settings and immediately see the resulting changed video. <FIG> is a flow diagram showing Camera <NUM> and an iOS mobile phone or tablet computer device <NUM> paired by Bluetooth® wireless connection and cooperating to accomplish without security the pass-through of Camera <NUM> data. A user pushes the wireless connection activator button on Camera <NUM> to transmit a Pair Connection Request signal to Bluetooth®-enabled Camera <NUM>, which detects the request, confirms the pairing, and transmits a signal to Camera <NUM> to complete the pairing. Camera <NUM> responds by taking photos in rapid succession and transmitting them together with status information to Camera <NUM> for pass-through transmission to device <NUM> for display as Camera <NUM> image and data on display screen <NUM>. A user manipulates an actuator associated with device <NUM> to change lighting level and color settings by causing transmission to Camera <NUM> a New Settings command signal for pass-through transmission to Camera <NUM>, which responds by changing its lighting and color settings.

Data acquisition and data synchronization in the use of wireless communication, preferably in cooperation with GPS capability, can be accomplished by one of several techniques. When capturing video during an activity, data may be used to better describe the activity as well as used for editing and optimizing either during recording or in post-processing. Typically, these data would be embedded in the video as user data or in the file as a data track (in accordance with MPEG specifications). In a first alternative, the data may be written to a text track in the file. These data are ignored by players unless text display is turned on. Post-processing algorithms extract these data for analysis. Generally, the text track survives editing. In a second alternative, the data may be written to a separate file, and the file name for the data may be written as metadata on the video file so that post-processing applications can properly associate the data with the video. Optimally, the data are synchronized with the video, but they need not be frame synchronized. In the event the data are stored in a separate file, a timestamp could be used to synchronize the video. This marker may be embedded in the data file to tag the file at a single time (e.g., beginning, middle, end, or upon designation by the user), tag the file with every video frame, or tag periodically.

<FIG> shows a hybrid flow diagram and pictorial illustration of iPhone viewer/controller <NUM> paired by Bluetooth® wireless data and control command connection to Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> to implement a remote Start/Stop capability for multiple cameras. (Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> are also identified by the respective reference numerals <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> to indicate they are of the same type as digital video camera <NUM>. ) The flow diagram shows iPhone viewer/controller <NUM> paired to Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> and Contour Connect Mobile App in its active operating mode. The pictorial view of iPhone viewer/controller <NUM> shows on its display screen <NUM> a Start Record actuator.

The user wanting to start a recording session taps the Start Record actuator to transmit to Bluetooth®-enabled Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> a Start Recording command signal. The flow diagram shows Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> recording video data in response to the Start Recording command signal. Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM> in each of Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> is configured to respond to the Start Recording command signal, irrespective of the OFF state of switch activators <NUM> of Cameras <NUM> and <NUM>.

The user wanting to complete a recording session taps a Stop Record actuator (not illustrated in <FIG>) on display screen <NUM> to transmit to Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> a Stop Recording command signal. The flow diagram shows Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> stopping video recording in response to the Stop Recording command signal.

<FIG> also shows upper and lower timing diagrams illustrating the timing sequences of video frame acquisition by Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> when they are, respectively, manually started asynchronously in response to user-positioning of switch activators <NUM> and started nearly synchronously in response to user-tapping of the Start Record actuator on display screen <NUM> of iPhone controller/viewer <NUM>. The lower timing diagram shows the benefit of wireless connection in accomplishing near synchronous acquisition of streams of video data from multiple cameras.

<FIG> is a flow diagram showing an example of pairing Camera <NUM> and Camera <NUM> by Bluetooth® wireless data and control command connection through either viewer/controller <NUM> or controller <NUM>', the latter of which is illustrated in <FIG> shows Camera <NUM> paired by Bluetooth® wireless connection to controller <NUM>' and Contour Connect Mobile App in its active operating mode. A user presses the wireless connection activator button on Camera <NUM> to turn on its Bluetooth® module <NUM>, which transmits a Bluetooth® Pair (connection) Request signal to Camera <NUM>. Camera <NUM>, which is already paired with controller <NUM>', detects the Pair Request signal and transmits a Camera Pair Request signal to controller <NUM>'. Controller <NUM>' presents a pairing request to the user, who manipulates an actuator to refuse the requested pairing connection, and thereby stop the pairing process, or manipulates an actuator to accept the requested pairing connection, and thereby transmit and pass through Camera <NUM> to Camera <NUM> a Confirm Pairing signal to complete the pairing connection.

A synchronization calibration sequence <NUM> performed between Cameras <NUM> and <NUM> calibrates transmission delays between them. Camera <NUM> transmits to Camera <NUM> a Sync Calibration signal, to which Camera <NUM> responds by transmitting a Sync Response signal. Camera <NUM> determines a calibration delay representing the amount of delay from transmission of the Sync Calibration signal to receipt of the Sync Response signal. This process is repeated a number of times until successive measured calibrated delays are within an operational tolerance.

A synchronized video recording process <NUM> starts upon completion of synchronization calibration sequence <NUM>. Camera <NUM>, operating as the master camera and in response to a user-controlled trigger signal, transmits a Start Recording signal to Camera <NUM>, which responds by starting to record video data. Camera <NUM> starts to record video data after expiration of the calibrated delay determined by the synchronization calibration sequence <NUM> to achieve a synchronized start of recording video data by Cameras <NUM> and <NUM>.

An on-screen display ("OSD") sync pulse insertion process <NUM> facilitates video frame synchronization in video and audio post-processing. Camera <NUM> transmits a Trigger OSD Sync signal to Camera <NUM> in response to the start of video data recording by Camera <NUM>. Camera <NUM> responds to the Trigger OSD Sync signal by inserting an OSD Sync pulse overlay in the stream of video frames Camera <NUM> acquires. After expiration of the calibrated delay determined by synchronization calibration sequence <NUM>, Camera <NUM> inserts an OSD Sync pulse overlay in the stream of video frames Camera <NUM> acquires. The time base for computing calibration delay and OSD Sync pulse insertion is preferably provided by a GPS date/time clock available to GPS receiver <NUM>.

A video and audio post-processing procedure <NUM> entails performing a search of the streams of video frames for the OSD Sync pulses and shifting the timing of the stream of video frames of Camera <NUM> to match the OSD Sync pulses of Camera <NUM>. The frame center, color, audio volume, and other parameters of the Camera <NUM> video and audio data are adjusted using the OSD Sync pulse so that the streams of video and audio data can be combined for multi-angle shots, three-dimensional images, or other effects.

<FIG> is a block diagram according to the claimed invention showing the post-processing procedure of synchronizing audio data produced by a wireless microphone <NUM> and wired microphone <NUM> incorporated in digital video camera <NUM>. Audio data produced by microphone <NUM> are compressed by an audio codec <NUM>. An audio signal produced by wireless microphone <NUM> is received by Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM>, converted to digital form by an analog-to-digital convertor <NUM>, and compressed by an audio codec <NUM>. Video data produced by image sensor <NUM> is compressed by a video codec <NUM>, which resides in main processor <NUM> of digital video camera <NUM>. An Audio <NUM> Track of hard-wired audio data, an Audio <NUM> Track of wireless audio data, and a Video Track of video data delivered from the respective outputs of audio codec <NUM>, audio codec <NUM>, and video codec <NUM> are combined and contained as parallel tracks in an original video file <NUM> and stored in an SD memory card <NUM>.

Wireless microphone <NUM> introduces a delay in the Audio <NUM> Track. <FIG> illustrates this delay by showing a one-frame temporal offset between corresponding frames of the Audio <NUM> and <NUM> Tracks. The above-described OSD Sync pulse functions as an audio time stamp that can be used to correct for the delay and thereby synchronize the Audio <NUM> and <NUM> Tracks for automatic post-processing audio analysis. Post-processing is performed in a peripheral computer <NUM>, which includes a video editor <NUM> having an audio tracks extraction module <NUM> that receives from SD card <NUM> the stored Video, Audio <NUM>, and Audio <NUM> Tracks data from original video file <NUM>. Audio tracks extraction module <NUM> separates the Audio <NUM> and <NUM> Tracks, and an audio synchronizer module <NUM> using the time stamp sync pulse synchronizes them. The synchronized Audio <NUM> and <NUM> Tracks, together with the Video Track, are combined in a video/audio combiner module <NUM> and delivered in proper temporal frame alignment to a new video file <NUM>.

Data measurements performed depend on the type of data acquired. The most appropriate data varies based upon sport or type of motion recorded; therefore, ideally data sensors are tailored to the relevant sport. Additionally, the best location for measuring data is often not the ideal location for mounting a camera.

<FIG> is a simplified block diagram according to a non-claimed embodiment showing the processing of a single track of data from one data source. <FIG> shows digital video camera <NUM> including in its main processor <NUM> a video file <NUM> containing a Video Track, an Audio Track, and a Text Track. The Video and Audio Tracks correspond to, respectively, the Video and Audio <NUM> Tracks contained in original video file <NUM> of <FIG>. The Text Track represents data that are produced by a subtitle generator <NUM> hardwired to main processor <NUM> and is presented for display on the video frames.

By using Bluetooth® with its many-to-many connections, multiple data sources can be recorded by the camera. These data sources can be customized to the specific application, for example for automobile racing, data relating to the automobile engine may be captured from on-board diagnostics and transmitted to digital video camera <NUM>, where the data can be embedded in the video stream for later playback. Examples of multiple data sources include streaming data to one or more cameras from one or more data sources (e.g., GPS data from telephone or GPS collection device, and audio data from remote microphone) and storing such data as individual files or embedded in the video file as metadata, audio tracks, or text.

In post-processing, data associated with video content can be used in editing to correct for shade/lighting changes, to correct for video processing errors, and to enhance the story with information about the path taken, location of the video, speed, and other information. Location and time data embedded in video from sources such as GPS can be used to synchronize videos in post-processing generating a three-dimensional video. Speed, vibration, altitude, temperature, date, and location can be combined to determine the likely sport or activity as part of a post-processing suite. The recommendations can be tuned based on data gathered from a large body of videos in which the activity in the video has been identified. Data associated with video content may be used to associate and group videos from one or more users. The groupings may be based on any characteristic such as time, location, speed, and other factors. Videos that intersect in time or location may be linked so that the viewer can transition to a different camera or video when two videos cross in location or time. Additionally, the data can be used to correlate multiple cameras or videos to create multiple view angles for the same location or event. These data may also be used to correlate videos of the same location taken over time to document the changes in that location over extended durations (hours, days, weeks, years).

Multiple "language" tracks on video file can be used to capture different audio sources (including wireless microphone) from the video camera. This allows the user to select from the optimal audio source in post-processing or allows automatic correction for signal errors and synchronization issues. By storing multiple sources, users are post-processing algorithms and may select the most reliable track in the event there is a dropout resulting from signal quality issues caused by use of a wireless device. Additionally, audio may be captured from multiple sources and from different locations to provide different audio information so that the preferred audio may be selected in post-processing. In the event multiple audio tracks are not available, data tracks may be used and the data can be converted into an audio source in post-processing. In the event the wireless audio source cannot be channeled through the audio codec, the raw data can be stored and post-processing can modify these data to convert them to audio. Any delay introduced by the wireless connection can be corrected by synchronizing the wireless audio source to the primary audio source (internal microphone) using the audio waveforms.

The foregoing approach differs from the prior art technique of automatically switching between an internal microphone and an external microphone, where the external microphone is used when it exists and software automatically reverts to the internal microphone when the external microphone signal is unavailable. Automatic switching would, however, mix audio from different locations and not provide a seamless audio experience.

<FIG> is a simplified block diagram according to a non-claimed embodiment showing the processing of multiple tracks of data from multiple data sources. <FIG> shows digital video camera <NUM> including in its main processor <NUM> a video file <NUM> containing Video and Audio Tracks corresponding to those contained in video file <NUM> of <FIG> and five text tracks described below.

A data processing and calculations module <NUM> of main processor <NUM> receives data from GPS receiver <NUM>, camera sensors <NUM>, Bluetooth® wireless module <NUM> receiving data transmissions from Bluetooth® wireless connection-enabled sources, and a wired data module <NUM> and delivers these data as Text Track <NUM>, Text Track <NUM>, Text Track <NUM>, Text Track <NUM>, and Text Track <NUM>, respectively.

Text Track <NUM> contains GPS data such as longitude, latitude, elevation, date/time, and other data available from GPS receiver <NUM>. The date/time information enables associating acquired video and other data, including data on Text Tracks <NUM>-<NUM>, to a certain time point in the video data stream. Peripheral computer <NUM> takes the time-stamped information and displays it by time point. The transmission delay calibration described with reference to <FIG> can be implemented using the GPS-provided date/time clock as a time standard.

Text Track <NUM> contains operating parameter data such as video resolution, compression rate, and frame rate information available from camera sensors <NUM> associated with digital video camera <NUM>.

Text Tracks <NUM> and <NUM> contain data acquired from Bluetooth® wireless connection-enabled Data A and Data B transmission sources such as, for example, race car engine sensor data and race car driver heart rate monitor data. These data are typically periodically transmitted to Bluetooth® module <NUM>. Another example of Data A and Data B sources is data sources transmitting data at different transmission rates.

Text Track <NUM> contains data produced from a text data module (e.g., subtitle generator <NUM> of <FIG>) hardwired to data processing and calculations module <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A digital video camera (<NUM>):
a lens and an image sensor (<NUM>), the image sensor capturing light propagating through the lens and representing a scene, and the image sensor producing image data of the scene; and
a microphone (<NUM>) configured to capture first audio and produce first audio data;
wherein the digital video camera (<NUM>) is configured to:
receive the first audio data,
receive second audio data from a remotely located wireless connection-enabled microphone (<NUM>),
receive the image data,
process the first audio data using a first audio codec (<NUM>) to produce first compressed audio data (<NUM>) ,
process the second audio data using a second audio codec (<NUM>) to produce second compressed audio data, wherein the digital video camera (<NUM>) separately processes the first audio data using the first audio codec (<NUM>) and the second audio data using the second audio codec (<NUM>),
process the image data using a video codec (<NUM>) to produce compressed video data,
generate a video file (<NUM>) that includes the first compressed audio data as a first audio track, the second compressed audio data as a second audio track, and the compressed video data as a video track, and
store the video file in a local data store (<NUM>, <NUM>).