Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/187,708 entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module” to Nicholas D. Woodman filed on Jun. 20, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/132,554 entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module” to Nicholas D. Woodman filed on Dec. 18, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/665,594 entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module” to Nicholas D. Woodman filed on Oct. 31, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,392, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/469,926 entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module” to Nicholas D. Woodman filed May 11, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,325,270, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/498,890 entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module,” to Nicholas D. Woodman filed Jul. 7, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,199,251, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,756, entitled “Camera Housing with Integrated Expansion Module” filed on Jul. 7, 2008, the contents of which are each hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates to a camera housing, and more specifically, to a camera housing with an integrated expansion module for adding expanded features to an existing camera. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Arts 
         [0005]    The problem of conveniently carrying, accessing, and using a camera under various operating conditions has existed since the beginning of hand-held photography. It has become even more of a problem in recent years as a growing number of photographers attempt to take action photographs or videos while participating in fast-paced physical activities such as surfing, snorkeling, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and so on. 
         [0006]    In order to accommodate photography during such physical activities, camera manufacturers have produced cameras that are simple to operate, low cost, lightweight, and have compact form factors. These cameras can be secured using various mounts, harnesses, or straps to allow a user to keep one or more hands free for the physical activity. For example, camera wrist strap systems are available that provide a compact and lightweight camera together with a strap for securing the camera to a user&#39;s wrist. This configuration allows the user to easily access, operate, and then quickly secure the camera. Furthermore, the camera is small and light enough that it does not handicap the user while engaging in physical activity. Alternatively, helmet style camera systems allow a user to mount a compact and lightweight camera to a helmet. Other types of camera systems may include mounts for securing a camera to a bumper or windshield of a car to capture images or video while driving. 
         [0007]    While such camera systems have become increasingly popular among photographers, these camera systems often lack features available in more traditional cameras. For example, wrist-mounted or helmet mounted camera systems often lack display screens in order to keep the camera systems small, lightweight, and low cost. While features such as a display screen may be desirable in some scenarios, it may not be useful in others scenarios. For example, a display screen would not be useful when the camera is mounted to a helmet, but may be useful when the camera is strapped to a wrist. Thus, a user may be reluctant to purchase a camera that includes the feature, particularly if the feature adds to the cost, physical size, and weight of the camera. Furthermore, as camera manufacturers produce cameras with new and/or improved features, users may become frustrated by the need to periodically purchase new cameras in order to have the new features available to them. There is lacking, inter alia, a camera system that provides expanded electronic functionality to an existing camera. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment of a camera housing with a door in an open position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1 b    illustrates a second view of an embodiment of a camera housing with a door in an open position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1 c    illustrates a third view of an embodiment of a camera housing with a door in an open position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera housing with a door in an closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2 b    illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera housing with a door in an closed position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a view of an embodiment a camera housing with a door detached from the housing. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates a various embodiment of expansion modules for use with the camera system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera housing with an integrated display module. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5 b    illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera housing with an integrated display module. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of camera system with a shot positioning module communicatively coupled to a remote preview screen. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module detached from the camera body. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7 b    illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module detached from the camera body. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module attached to the camera body in an open position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8 b    illustrates a second view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module attached to the camera body in an open position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9 a    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module attached to the camera body in an closed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9 b    illustrates a first view of an embodiment a camera with an expansion module attached to the camera body in an closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. 
         [0026]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
       Configuration Overview 
       [0027]    A camera system comprises a first portion of a camera housing structured to partially enclose a removable camera, and a second portion of a camera housing (i.e. a door) detachable from the first portion. The first portion of the camera housing includes a front face, a top face, a bottom face, a left side face, and a right side face. The door includes a back face structured to house an expansion module for interfacing with the camera to perform a camera function. An outer hinge structure located on a bottom edge of the door detachably couples to an inner hinge structure located on the bottom edge of the first portion of the housing. The outer and inner hinge structures form a hinge when coupled such that the door pivotally attaches to the first portion of the housing about the hinge. A first fastening structure is located on the top face of the first portion of the camera housing and detachably couples to a second fastening structure located on the top edge of the removable door such that the door is secured to the first portion of the camera housing in a closed position when the first fastening structure is coupled to the second fastening structure. An expansion interface cable communicatively couples to the expansion module for detachably coupling to a camera interface on the camera. The expansion interface cable facilitates communication of data between the expansion module and the camera when coupled to execute the camera function. 
         [0028]    In a second aspect, an apparatus comprises a first housing portion having a front face with four sides structured to form a cavity to receive an electronic device, and a second housing portion detachably coupled with the first housing portion opposite the front face of the first housing portion. The first and second housing portion are collectively structured to enclose the electronic device within the cavity. The second housing portion further includes electronics including a communications interface. An interface cable has a first coupling interface for communicatively coupling the communication interface of the second housing portion and a second coupling interface for communicatively coupling the electronic device. The interface cable facilitates communication between the electronic device and the electronics within the second housing portion. 
         [0029]    In a third aspect, a camera system comprises a camera body housing a camera. An expansion module detachably couples to the camera body for interfacing with the camera to perform a camera function. A first portion of a hinge structure positioned near an edge of the camera body detachably couples with a second portion of a hinge structure positioned near an edge of the expansion module. The first and second portions of the hinge structure form a hinge when coupled such that the expansion module is rotatable about the hinge. A first electrical connector positioned near an edge of the camera body opposite the first portion of the hinge structure detachably couples to a second reciprocal electrical connector positioned near an edge of the expansion module opposite the second portion of the hinge structure. The first and second electrical connector electrically couple the camera and the expansion module when coupled to facilitate data communication between the camera and the expansion module for executing the camera function. 
       Camera System Configuration 
       [0030]    A camera system includes a camera housing with an embedded expansion module for providing one or more expanded features to an existing camera. It is noted that the camera can be configured as a still picture camera or a moving picture camera (e.g., video).  FIGS. 1 a - c    illustrate various views of the camera system in accordance with one embodiment. The camera system includes, among other components, a first housing portion  102  and a second housing portion  140  (i.e. door  140 ), collectively referenced herein as housing  100 . In one embodiment, the first housing portion  102  includes a front face with four sides (i.e. a top side, bottom side, left side, and right side) structured to form a cavity that receives a camera  110  (e.g. a still camera or video camera). A second housing portion  140  (or door  140 ) detachably couples with the first housing portion  102  opposite the front face of the first housing portion. The first housing portion  102  and second housing portion  140  are collectively structured to enclose the camera  110  within the cavity when the second housing portion  140  is secured to the first housing portion  102  in a closed position. 
         [0031]    The camera housing  100  encloses and protects the camera  110 . The camera housing  100  is particularly advantageous when using the camera  110  during periods of physical activity when the camera  110  may be susceptible to damage. For example, without the housing  100 , the camera  110  may become scratched or otherwise damaged when used during physical activity. The camera  110  is removable from the housing  100  so that if the housing  100  becomes scratched or damaged, it can be easily replaced at a much lower cost than replacing the camera  110  itself. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the camera  110  (and camera housing  100 ) has a small form factor (e.g., a height of approximately 4 to 6 centimeters, a width of approximately 5 to 7 centimeters, and a depth of approximately 2 to 4 centimeters), and is lightweight (e.g., approximately 50 to 150 grams). The camera housing  100  can be rigid (or substantially rigid) (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (or substantially pliable) (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, etc.). In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  may be appropriately configured for use in various elements. For example, the camera housing  100  may comprise a waterproof enclosure that protects the camera  110  from water when used, for example, while surfing or scuba diving. 
         [0033]    Portions of the camera housing  100  may include exposed areas to allow a user to manipulate buttons on the camera  110  that are associated with the camera functionality. Alternatively, such areas may be covered with a pliable material to allow the user to manipulate the buttons through the camera housing  100 . For example, in one embodiment the top face of the camera housing  100  includes an outer shutter button  112  structured so that a shutter button of the camera  110  is substantially aligned with the outer shutter button when the camera  110  is secured within the camera housing  100 . The shutter button of the camera  110  is operationally coupled to the outer shutter button  112  so that pressing the outer shutter button  112  allows the user to operate the camera shutter button. In one embodiment, the front face of the camera housing  100  includes a lens window  104  structured so that a lens of the camera  110  is substantially aligned with the lens windows  104  when the camera  110  is secured within the camera housing  100 . The lens window  104  can be adapted for use with either conventional lens of the camera  110 , a wide angle lens, or any other specialized camera lens. In one embodiment, the lens window  104  and/or lens of the camera  110  is removeably attachable to the first portion of the camera housing  102  and comprises a third portion of the housing  100 . In this embodiment, the lens window  104  comprises a waterproof seal so as to maintain the waterproof aspect of the housing  100 . Alternatively, the lens window  104  is permanently fixed to the housing portion  102 . 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  includes one or more securing structures  120  for securing the camera housing  100  to one of a variety of mounting devices. For example, in one embodiment the camera housing  100  can be secured to a wrist strap that secures the camera to a user&#39;s wrist. An example of such a camera system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,484 entitled “Harness System for Attaching Camera to User” to Nicholas Woodman, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In another embodiment, the housing  100  couples to a helmet mount via the securing structure  120  for mounting the camera to a helmet. In yet another embodiment, a car mount for mounting the camera to a car couples to the securing structure  120 . In yet other embodiments, other type of mount, strap, or securing devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art couple to the securing structure  120  for securing the camera to various other apparatuses or body parts. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the second housing portion  140  comprises a door  140  (shown in the open position in  FIGS. 1 a - c   ) that allows the camera  110  to be removed from the housing  100 . The door  140  of the housing  100  pivots around a hinge  142  that allows the door  140  to be opened or shut. In one embodiment, a first fastening structure  144  located on the top face of the camera housing  100  detachably couples to a second fastening structure  146  on the door  140  of the housing  100 . The fastening structures  144 ,  146  secure the door  140  to the first portion  102  of the camera housing  100  in a closed position when coupled.  FIGS. 2 a - b    illustrate embodiments of the camera housing  100  with the door  140  secured in the shut position using the fastening structures  144 ,  146 . For example, in one embodiment, the fastening structure  144  comprises a hook-shaped lateral bar and the fastening structure  146  comprises an L-shaped bar. The fastening structure  144  can pivot upwards to allow the door  140  to close and can then be pressed down around the fastening structure  146  to hold the door  140  in the closed position. In different embodiments, fastening structures for securing the door  140  can include, for example, a button assembly, a buckle assembly, a clip assembly, a hook and loop assembly, a magnet assembly, a ball and catch assembly, and an adhesive assembly, or any other type of securing mechanism. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the housing  100  includes a watertight seal so that the housing  100  is waterproof when the door  140  is shut. For example, in one embodiment, the door  140  includes a sealing structure positioned on edges of the door  140 . The sealing structure provides a watertight seal between the first portion of the camera housing  102  and the door  140  when the first securing structure  144  on the top face of the camera housing  100  is coupled to the second securing structure  146  on the top edge of the door  140 . 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the door  140  detachably couples from the first housing portion  102  at the hinge  142 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment of the camera housing  100  with the door  140  uncoupled from the first housing portion  102 . In one embodiment, an outer hinge structure  152  on the bottom edge of the door  140  detachably couples to a inner hinge structure  154  on the bottom edge of the first housing portion  102  to form the hinge  142 . For example, in one embodiment, the outer hinge structure  152  comprises one or more hook-shaped protrusions structured to securely fasten to a rod-shaped member of the inner hinge structure  154 . Other mechanisms for coupling the door  140  to the housing  100  may also be used in various alternative embodiments. 
         [0038]    The door  140  of the camera housing  100  has an integrated expansion module  130  including a communications interface  132  for communicatively coupling to the camera  110 . The integrated expansion module  130  comprises electronics that add one or more functions to the camera  110 . The interface  132  facilitates data communication between the integrated expansion module  130  and a coupling interface  116  of the camera  110  in order to provide expanded functionality to the camera  110 . 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the interface  132  on the housing  100  communicatively couples to a camera interface  116  commonly available on existing camera  110 . For example, most digital cameras include an interface for transferring images and/or video captured by the camera to a PC or other storage device. Such an interface also often allows a user to supply firmware updates to the camera  110 . By applying appropriate firmware updates to the camera  110  and/or by receiving and manipulating image data retrieved from the camera  110 , the integrated expansion module  130  can provide the expanded features to the camera  110 . In addition, the interface can be used for various data transfers between the camera and the expansion module  130  to facilitate a variety of camera functions as will be described below. In one embodiment, the interfaces  132 ,  116  comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface (e.g., USB A, USB B, mini USB (A or B) or micro USB (A, B or AB)). Alternatively, a different type of interface may be used such as, for example, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a FIREWIRE interface, an ETHERNET interface, and so on. In other embodiments, a wireless interface (e.g., BLUETOOTH) may be used. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  is removable from the door  140  so that different expansion modules  130  providing different features to the camera can be swapped in and out. Alternatively, the entire door  140  is detachable from the first housing portion  102  (as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ) and can be swapped with other doors  140  having different expansion modules  130  providing different features. Examples of different expansion modules for use with the camera system  100  are described in further detail below. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrated a variety of different types of integrated expansion module  130  providing different functions to the camera  110  depending on the user&#39;s needs. According to various embodiments, the integrated expansion module  130  can comprise one or more of a display module  410 , a shot positioning module  420 , a wireless module  430 , a storage module  440 , an expansion power supply  450 , an audio capture module  460 , a data acquisition module  470 , an image processing module  480 , a night vision module  490 , and a expansion input/output (I/O) module  495 . An expansion module  130  may also comprise a module that includes a combination of functions (e.g., a storage module  440  and an audio capture module  460  enclosed within a single housing portion  140 ). In a typical use, a user may have several different types of expansion modules  410 - 495  (collectively referred to as expansion module  130  for ease of discussion) available. The user can then swap in and out the different expansion modules  130  depending on the desired functions. Embodiments of the camera system  100  using the different types of expansion modules  130  (e.g.,  410 - 495 ) are described in more detail below. 
       Camera Housing With Display Module 
       [0042]    In one embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  of the camera housing  100  comprises an integrated display module  410  to add display functions to a camera  110  that does not have a built in display. An example embodiment of a camera housing  100  with an integrated expansion module  130  having a display module  410  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 a   - 5   b.  In this embodiment, the housing  100  includes a display screen  135  (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)) externally viewable from the back of the housing  100 . The display module  410  includes display control logic for adding display functions to the existing camera  110  without a built in display. For example, the display module  410  may digitally display the image currently in view of the camera lens on the display screen  135 . This provides the user with a preview image before taking a picture or while recording video and allows the user to operate the camera  110  without having to peer directly through a viewfinder. Additionally, the display module  410  may allow the user to view previously captured and stored images or video stored on the exterior display screen  135 . 
       Camera Housing With Shot Positioning System 
       [0043]    In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  of the camera housing  100  comprises a “shot” (e.g., photo or video shot) positioning module  420  configured to assist the user in aligning the camera when the viewfinder or external display is outside the user&#39;s view (e.g., when the housing  100  is mounted to a helmet). One example embodiment of a system using the shot positioning module  420  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the shot positioning module  420  includes a communication interface that transmits image information from the camera  110  to a remote preview screen  604  that can be attached to a user&#39;s arm or wrist. In one embodiment, the shot positioning module  420  includes a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth, Radio Frequency (RF), infrared (IR), 801.11a/b/g/n or other wireless protocol) that communicates with the remote preview screen  504 . 
         [0044]    The wireless interface transmits the image currently in view of the camera lens to the remote preview screen  604  for display. In one embodiment, the shot positioning module  420  communicates with the remote preview screen  604  via a two-way interface. In this embodiment, the remote preview screen  604  may have control buttons  606  that allow the user to control various camera operations from the remote preview screen  604 . Alternatively, the communication interface may be a one-way communication such that the remote preview screen  604  only receives and displays image information from the camera  110  but does not send any information or controls to the camera  110 . In this embodiment, the user still controls the camera  110  via the built-in camera buttons (e.g., the shutter button  114 ). 
       Camera Housing With Wireless Module 
       [0045]    In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  comprises an integrated wireless module  430  that adds wireless connectivity to a camera  110  lacking wireless features. The wireless module  430  may include, for example a Bluetooth module, a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver, an infrared (IR) transceiver, an 802.11a/b/g/n transceiver, or any other wireless device. For example, the wireless module  430  could be used to allow the user to wirelessly download stored images and/or video from the camera  110  to a personal computer (PC), e.g., a server computer, a desktop computer, a laptop, a netbook, or a smartphone. Alternatively, images and/or video can be captured and wirelessly downloaded in real-time from the camera  110 . The wireless module  430  may also allow a user to wirelessly control operation of the camera  110 . For example, if the camera  110  is mounted on a bumper of a car, the user could remotely control the camera  110  from inside the car via a remote control wirelessly coupled to the wireless module  430 . 
       Camera Housing With Storage Module 
       [0046]    In another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  comprises an integrated storage module  440 . The storage module  440  provides additional storage space for storing captured images and/or movies. The storage module  440  may include any type of volatile or non-volatile memory including random access memories (RAMs), FLASH memory, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic data. Images or video captured by the camera  110  are transmitted to the integrated storage module  440  via the communication interface  132 . 
       Camera Housing With Expansion Power Supply 
       [0047]    In another embodiment, the expansion module  130  comprises an expansion power supply  450  for providing power to the camera  110 . For example, the expansion power supply may include an expansion battery that supplements an internal battery of the camera  110  and provides additional battery life to the camera  110 . In another embodiment, the expansion power supply  450  can include a solar charger that captures solar energy to recharge a battery. The expansion power supply may also be configured so that rechargeable batteries providing power to the camera can be recharged through an expansion power supply  450  that comprises an inductive charging element or a capacitive charging element. In the case of inductive charging, the communication interface  132  may couple with a inductive coil plate that inductively couples with the inductive charger (which has its own coil). In the case of conductive charging, the communications interface  132  is configured to receive a discharge from a capacitive power source that is the expansion power supply  450 . Alternatively, the expansion power supply  450  couples directly to battery terminals of the camera  110  rather than coupling via the interface  132 . 
       Camera Housing With Audio Capture Module 
       [0048]    In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  can include an audio capture module  460  (e.g., a microphone or an interface for an external microphone) to capture and/or store audio data. In this embodiment, the audio capture module  460  captures audio concurrently with the camera  110  capturing video. Alternatively, the audio capture module  460  can capture audio alone without any corresponding video. 
       Camera Housing With Data Acquisition Module 
       [0049]    In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  includes a data acquisition module  470  that acquires various data to store in association with images or video captured by the camera. For example, in one embodiment, the data acquisition module  130  capture Global Positioning System (GPS) data that provide positioning information. Such positioning information may be stored together with images and/or video so that the user can record where the images and/or video were taken. For example, in one embodiment, the GPS module automatically inserts a position stamp on a captured image or video indicating the location that the image or video was captured. Similarly, the data acquisition module  470  can include, for example, an accelerometer, altimeter, clock, thermometer, humidity sensor, barometer, heart rate meter, light sensor, and so on. Any of the captured information can be stored with photographs or video or automatically inserted into the images or video to provide the user with information relating to the captured scene. 
       Camera Housing With Image Processing Module 
       [0050]    In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  includes an image processing module  480 . The image processing module  480  receives images and/or video from the camera and performs various image processing functions such as, for example, modifying brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, resolution, aspect ratio, and so on. In one particular embodiment, the image processing module converts images or videos captured in a 4:3 aspect ratio to a image or video 16:9 aspect ratio or vice versa. In one embodiment, the image processing module  480  includes a digital signal processor (DSP) chipset that is configured to “stretch” pixels gradually starting at a center of a captured image (stretch=0) working outward towards each edge and/or corner of the image (stretch=maximum_set). The number of directions for the stretch can be any integer. However, in one embodiment the number of directions of stretch are a factor of 2 for a 4 sided picture radiating in opposite directions from the center of an image. For example, the processing module  480  can stretch an image in 2 directions (any two opposite edges), 4 directions (each edge), 8 directions (each edge and each corner) and the like. 
         [0051]    In an alternate embodiment, a wide angle lens couples with the camera  110  and captures images in 16:9 format and the image processing module  480  coverts it into a 4:3 format. In one embodiment the DSP is configured so that the captured 16:9 image is cropped into a 4:3 size. Alternately, the DSP is configured so that the pixels are “squeezed” with the maximum squeeze at the edges and corners (squeeze=maximum_set) and the minimum or no squeeze closer to the center of the image (squeeze=0). 
       Camera Housing With Night Vision Module 
       [0052]    In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  can include a night vision module  490  to add night vision capabilities to an existing camera  110 . The night vision module  490  may utilize any conventional night vision technology such as, for example, infrared night vision, thermal night vision, and so on. In one embodiment, the night vision module  490  operates with a specialized lens designed for night vision image and/or video capture. 
       Camera Housing With Expansion I/O Module 
       [0053]    In yet another embodiment, the integrated expansion module  130  can include an expansion input/output (I/O) module  495  that allows other external devices to communicate with the camera  110  through a variety of possible interfaces. For example, the expansion I/O module  495  may adapt the standard communication interface of the camera  110  to be able to communicate with external devices via interfaces such as, for example, a USB interface, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a FIREWIRE interface, an ETHERNET interface, a wireless interface, and so on. The external device can then perform functions such as controlling operation of the camera  110 , or acquiring and/or processing data from the camera  110 . 
       Additional Embodiments 
       [0054]    In other additional embodiments, the door  140  of the camera housing  100  can have various shapes and sizes to accommodate cameras  110  of different thicknesses and shapes. Thus, a user may have a set of removable doors  140  that can be swapped in and out depending on the size and shape of the camera  110  being used. In some embodiments, the camera  110  may also accommodate various expansion modules that attach directly to the body of the camera, an example of which is described below with reference to  FIGS. 8 a - b  and 9 a - b   . Thus, various additional embodiments of the housing door  140  can also be sized and shaped to accommodate expandable cameras having expansion modules of different sizes and shapes. In one embodiment, a door  140  may have various cut-outs, vents, or other pass-throughs to provide improved cooling to the camera  110  and/or better audio capture if the camera  110  is equipped with a microphone. Thus, a user may swap between a vented camera door or a solid-bodied waterproof back door depending on the circumstances and the type of camera  110  being used. 
         [0055]    The described housing  100  may also be adapted for a wider range of devices of varying shapes, sizes and dimensions besides cameras. For example, the housing  100  with expansion module  130  may be used to add expanded features to electronic devices such as cell phones, music players, PDAs, GPS units, or other portable electronic devices. 
       Expansion Module For Camera Body 
       [0056]    In alternative embodiments, an expansion module  730  can couple directly to a camera body  702  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 . The expansion module  730  can be functionally similar to the expansion module  130  described above. Although the illustrations show an expansion module  730  with a built-in display, the embodiments are not limited to display modules. Rather, the expansion module  730  can be functionally similar to any of the various expansion modules described above (i.e. display module  410 , shot positioning module  420 , wireless module  430 , storage module  440 , expansion power supply  450 , microphone  460 , data acquisition module  470 , image processing module  480 , night vision module  490 , and expansion I/O module  495 ). In one embodiment, a user may swap in and out various types of the expansion module  730  depending on the functionality the user wishes to add the camera. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 7 a - b    illustrate various views of an expansion module  730  detached from a camera body  702  according to this embodiment. The camera body  702  includes a shutter button  712 , a lens window  704 , a first portion of a hinge structure (e.g., hinge groove  764 ) positioned near an edge of the camera body  702 , and a first portion of the an electrical connector (e.g., electrical groove  774 ) positioned near an edge of the camera body  702  opposite the hinge structure  764 . In order to simplify the description, other conventional features of the camera body  702  are omitted from the FIGS. and the description that follows. The expansion module  730  includes a preview screen  735 , an expansion function button  752 , a second portion of a hinge structure (e.g., hinge connector  762 ) positioned near an edge of the expansion module  730 , and a second portion of an electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector  772 ) that is reciprocal to the first portion of the electrical connector  774  on the camera body  702 , and is positioned near an edge of the expansion module  730  opposite the hinge connector  762 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8 a - b    illustrate various views of the expansion module  730  partially coupled to the camera body  702  (i.e. in an open position). As illustrated, the hinge connector  762  of the expansion module  730  detachably couples to the hinge groove  764  of the camera body  702  to form a hinge  780 . Once in place, the expansion module  730  is rotatable about the hinge  780  formed by the hinge connector  762  and hinge groove  764 . In one embodiment, the hinge connector  762  and hinge groove  764  snap together so as to form a secure coupling between the camera body  702  and expansion module  730 . The electrical connector  772  is adapted to fit snugly into the electrical groove  774  on the camera body  702 . When connected, the electrical connector  772  and electrical connection groove  774  serve to both secure the expansion module  730  to the camera body and provide an electrical connection between the expansion module  730  and the camera body  702 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 9 a - b    illustrate various views of the expansion module  730  fully coupled to the camera body  702  (i.e. in a closed position). In this embodiment, the electrical connector  772  is securely connected to the electrical connection groove  774  to secure the expansion module  730  to the camera body  702  and to provide an electrical connection between the expansion module  730  and the camera body  702 . The electrical connection allows for data flow between the camera body  702  and the expansion module  730  such as, for example, providing image data to the preview screen  735  of the expansion module  730 . In various alternative embodiments, the electrical connection may provide for different types of data flow depending on the specific function of the expansion module  730 . 
         [0060]    It is note that some embodiments described herein have used the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context. 
         [0061]    Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
         [0062]    In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
         [0063]    Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0064]    Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for a camera expansion module as disclosed from the principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Technology Category: h