U.S. patent application number 17/114367 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for smart case for electronic wearable device.
The applicant listed for this patent is POGOTEC, INC.. Invention is credited to Stefan Bauer, Ronald David Blum, Richard Clompus, Jean-Noel Fehr, Amitava Gupta, William Kokonaski, Joshua A. Schoenbart.
Application Number | 20210329147 17/114367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005695751 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210329147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kokonaski; William ; et
al. |
October 21, 2021 |
SMART CASE FOR ELECTRONIC WEARABLE DEVICE
Abstract
Auxiliary units, in some instances implemented as a case for a
wearable electronic device such as a wearable camera are described.
The auxiliary units may include one or more electronic components
typically included in the camera. By offloading an electronic
component and the corresponding function (e.g., extended power
capacity, memory capacity, wireless or other communication
capabilities, etc.) to a removable auxiliary unit, the size of the
wearable device can be advantageously further reduced.
Inventors: |
Kokonaski; William;
(Belfair, WA) ; Gupta; Amitava; (Roanoke, VA)
; Schoenbart; Joshua A.; (Roanoke, VA) ; Blum;
Ronald David; (Roanoke, VA) ; Bauer; Stefan;
(Bern, CH) ; Fehr; Jean-Noel; (Neuchatel, CH)
; Clompus; Richard; (Trinidad, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
POGOTEC, INC. |
ROANOKE |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005695751 |
Appl. No.: |
17/114367 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15807308 |
Nov 8, 2017 |
10863060 |
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17114367 |
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62418872 |
Nov 8, 2016 |
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62447404 |
Jan 17, 2017 |
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62461579 |
Feb 21, 2017 |
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62461977 |
Feb 22, 2017 |
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62464075 |
Feb 27, 2017 |
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62515860 |
Jun 6, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23293 20130101;
H02J 7/025 20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; H04N
5/23241 20130101; H02J 7/342 20200101; H04N 5/23206 20130101; H04N
5/2252 20130101; H02J 50/10 20160201 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04N 5/232 20060101 H04N005/232; H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; H02J 7/34 20060101 H02J007/34; H02J 50/10 20060101
H02J050/10 |
Claims
1. A case for a wearable camera having onboard processing, memory,
and power source, the case comprising: a case body comprising: a
camera interface configured to communicatively connect the case to
the wearable camera, an external communication interface configured
to communicatively couple the case to a computing device; a case
memory communicatively coupled to the camera interface and
configured to store data received from the camera; and a case
battery comprising a rechargeable power source configured to
provide power to the camera when the camera is communicatively
coupled to the case; and wherein the case body has a configuration
in which the case body at least partially encloses the camera.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises greater memory
capacity than a capacity of the onboard memory of the camera.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises greater energy
capacity than a capacity of the onboard power source of the
camera.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein the storage capacity of the case
memory does not exceed 1 gigabyte.
5. The case of claim 1, wherein the case battery has an energy
capacity of 5 watt hours or less.
6. The case of claim 1 further comprising a wireless transmission
coil for wirelessly charging the case battery.
7. The case of claim 6, wherein the case comprises firmware that is
configured to activate the power transmission coil when the camera
is received in the case.
8. The case of claim 7, wherein the case is configured to activate
the power transmission coil when the camera is mechanically
attached to the case.
9. The case of claim 1, wherein the case body has a configuration
in which the case body fully encloses the camera.
10. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is configured to activate
a wireless charging function when the camera is received in the
case.
11. The case of claim 1, wherein the case body has an overall
length of 120 mm or less and an overall width of 90 mm or less.
12. The case of claim 11, wherein the overall length is 70 mm or
less and the overall width is 45 mm or less.
13. The case of claim 1, wherein the external communication
interface comprises at least one male connector.
14. The case of claim 13, wherein the case body includes an
actuator configured to at least partially expose or conceal at
least one of the male connectors associated with the external
communication interface.
15. The case of claim 13, wherein the actuator comprises a button
or a lever configured to extend and retract a LIGHTNING connector
or a USB connector, to extend a LIGHTNING connector while
retracting a USB connector, or to extend a USB connector while
retracting a LIGHTNING connector.
16. The case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises internal
electronics configured to communicatively couple to case to an
APPLE device, an ANDROID device, or both.
17. The case of claim 16, wherein the external communication
interface comprises a male LIGHTNING connector, a male USB
connector, or both.
18. The case of claim 1, wherein the camera interface comprises a
male USB connector.
19. The case of claim 1, wherein the camera interface comprises a
wired interface configured for data transfer, the case further
comprising a wireless charging interface configured to wirelessly
charge the onboard power when the camera is operatively arranged in
relation to the wireless charging interface.
20. The case of claim 1 wherein the camera interface comprises a
dual band transmitter/receiver, and wherein at least one of the
bands of the dual band transmitter/receiver is configured to
transmit power wirelessly to the camera when the camera is
operatively arranged therewith.
21-34. (canceled)
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/807,308, filed Nov. 8, 2017, and entitled
"SMART CASE FOR ELECTRONIC WEARABLE DEVICE," which claims the
benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of the earlier filing date of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/418,872 entitled "SMART ADAPTORS FOR
MINIMIZING WEARABLE CAMERAS," filed Nov. 8, 2016; U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/447,404 entitled "SMART CASE, FOR MINIATURE
WEARABLE CAMERA," filed Jan. 17, 2017; U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/461,579 entitled "ENHANCED SMART CASE," filed Feb. 21, 2017;
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/461,977 entitled "ENHANCED
SMART CASE ENABLING AUGMENTED REALITY," filed Feb. 22, 2017; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/464,075 entitled "SMART CASE WITH
INTEGRATED DISPLAY FOR USE WITH A MINIATURE WEARABLE CAMERA," filed
Feb. 27, 2017; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/515,860
entitled "ATTACHABLE ACCESSORY FOR WEARABLE CAMERA," filed Jun. 6,
2017. The foregoing applications, and any other application(s) for
which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the
Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application, are
hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to auxiliary units for
electronic wearable devices such as wearable cameras, and in some
specific examples to auxiliary units implemented in the form of a
case or smart case for the electronic wearable device (e.g.,
camera).
BACKGROUND
[0003] When a consumer picks out eyewear, whether prescription or
non-prescription, whether sunglasses of clear glasses the consumer
almost always first looks at how the eyewear looks on their face.
Wearable cameras have been attempted in the past and have not been
commercially viable due to the size and form factor of the cameras.
When the camera is integrated into eyewear such that electronics
are embedded into the eyewear frame four issues occur; 1) the
eyewear frame gets thicker, 2) the cost of goods of the eyewear
frame increase, 3) the selling price to the consumer of the eyewear
frame increases and 4) the selection of different style eyewear
frames decreases for the consumer to select from. Cameras
attachable to eyewear are typically too large and may distract from
the fashion look of the eyewear frame. Thus there may be a need for
a small camera that is attachable and detachable to eyewear without
harming the fashion look of the eyewear frame.
[0004] Cameras are continuing to shrink in size and form factor.
Wearable cameras, such as (by way of example only) those which
attach to eyewear, continue to push boundaries of size, weight and
form factor reduction, while at the same time maintaining
acceptable functionality. There is a pressing need for an
innovative solution that allows for further size and form factor
reductions in wearable cameras while maintaining acceptable
functionality. It is also desirable to have a closed or sealed
camera with no physical connectors between the camera and the
outside world. Such a camera could be made to be water proof and
would never need to be plugged into a device for charging or data
transfer.
SUMMARY
[0005] In accordance with some embodiments herein, a case for a
wearable electronic device such as a wearable camera having onboard
memory and power source may include a case body comprising a camera
interface configured to communicatively connect the case to the
wearable camera, an external communication interface configured to
communicatively couple the case to a computing device, a case
memory configured to store data received from the camera, and a
case battery comprising a rechargeable power source configured to
provide power to the camera, wherein the case body may have a
configuration in which the case body at least partially encloses
the camera. In certain embodiments the case can recharge the
camera. In some embodiments the case is configured to recharge the
camera and transfer data to a computing device. In other
embodiments, the case is configured to recharge the camera, store
data, and transfer data to a computing device. In still other
embodiments, the case is configured to recharge the camera, store
data, enhance the data, and transfer data to a computing device. A
computing device can be one of a laptop computer, desktop computer,
smart phone, tablet, augmented reality unit, virtual reality unit,
mixed reality unit, or any other computing device. The case can be
mobile in that it can function, for example recharge a camera,
while the case is not connected to an external power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Features, aspects and attendant advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of various embodiments, including the best mode
presently contemplated of practicing the invention, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an auxiliary unit in
accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an auxiliary unit in
accordance with further examples of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIGS. 3A-3D show examples of auxiliary units and docked
cameras in accordance with some examples of the present
disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 shows an illustration of a wearable camera attached
to a wearable article, in this case eyewear, in accordance with
some examples of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5C show several isometric views of an example
wearable camera in accordance with some examples of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of internal components of a
wearable camera in accordance with some examples of the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an auxiliary unit in
accordance with further examples of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 8A and 8B show further examples of auxiliary units and
docked cameras in accordance with examples of the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of an auxiliary unit
implemented as a smart case in accordance with examples of the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the auxiliary unit of
FIG. 9 in an open configuration:
[0017] FIGS. 11A and 11B show views of the auxiliary unit of FIG.
10 with a wearable camera docked therein;
[0018] FIG. 12 shows a simplified exploded view of the auxiliary
unit of FIG. 10 showing some of the internal components of the
auxiliary unit;
[0019] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of an auxiliary unit
implemented as a smart case according to some examples of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 14A and 14B show isometric views of an auxiliary unit
implemented as a smart case according to further examples of the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an auxiliary unit
implemented as a smart case according to yet further examples of
the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of electronics architecture of
an auxiliary unit in accordance with some examples herein;
[0023] FIG. 17 shows another block diagram of electronics
architecture of an auxiliary unit in accordance with some examples
herein;
[0024] FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of controller architecture of
an auxiliary unit in accordance with some examples of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIGS. 19A and 19B shows operational environments for cameras
and auxiliary units according to some examples of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 20 shows an example system including a wearable
electronic device and an auxiliary unit which are attachable to a
common platform as a single unit in accordance with examples of the
present disclosure; and
[0027] FIGS. 21A-21D show block diagrams of auxiliary units
connectable as an extension to a wearable electronic device
according to further examples of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] This present application describes camera systems and
auxiliary units which enable further reduction of size of
electronic wearable devices, such as a wearable camera. In some
embodiments, the wearable camera may be attachable to one or any
number of different types of wearable articles, for example
eyewear, a purse, a ring, a necklace, a piece of clothing, or any
type of protective gear worn by a person (e.g., helmet, goggles, a
ski mask, a scuba mask, etc.). In certain other embodiments the
camera can be worn, then removed and reattached to another surface
such as, by way of example only, a surface of an automobile dash
board, motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard, surfboard. The present
application describes examples of auxiliary units (e.g., an
adaptor, smart cable, a carrying case, a smart case, or other),
which may be configured to couple to an electronic wearable
devices, e.g. a wearable camera, such that one or more components
of the case can provide functionality to the wearable device, e.g.,
functionality which may otherwise need to be located in the
wearable camera, and in this manner further reduction in size of
the camera may be achieved. For example, such a component may be an
electronic component such as communication circuitry, an interface
(e.g., for interfacing with another electronic device or a user), a
power source, memory, or power and/or memory management circuitry.
In accordance with examples herein, an auxiliary unit may be
configured to couple to a wearable electronic device such as a
camera and provide auxiliary functionality to the camera. In some
embodiments, similar functionality and/or components may reside in
both the wearable device and the auxiliary unit, wherein the
presence of the similar functionality and/or components allows for
the functionality and/or components in the wearable device to be
more minimized in terms of size and power consumption. In some
examples, the auxiliary unit may be implemented as a case for the
camera in that it may include at least on configuration in which
the auxiliary unit or case encloses (at least partially or in some
cases fully) the camera. In some such examples, the camera may be
mechanically joined to the case such as by plugging the camera into
a connector of the case, and in such instances also simultaneously
providing a communication link between the cameras. In some
examples the mechanical connection between the camera and case may
not provide a communication link and may serve purely to secure the
camera to the case.
[0029] The auxiliary unit may include internal electronic
components such as communication circuitry, e.g., wired
communication circuitry and one or more accompanying connector or
plug (e.g., a USB or micro-USB connector, a LIGHTNING connector,
etc.), wireless communication circuitry (e.g., a Wi-Fi chip, a
Bluetooth chip, etc.), authentication circuit, which can be
provided on EPROM or other type of non-volatile memory, a data
storage component (e.g., flash or other type of non-volatile
memory), battery charging and power management circuitry. In some
embodiments, the auxiliary unit may include a power source (e.g., a
rechargeable battery) for recharging the onboard power source of
the electronic wearable device, (e.g., camera) when the electronic
wearable device is coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the
auxiliary unit may not be a smart device (e.g., may not include
algorithms that have adaptive features or it may not have
electronic components for data storage and/or external
communication but may instead include only a power source and
associated circuitry to enable charging of the electronic wearable
device on the go. In some such examples, the auxiliary unit may be
implemented in the form of a case for storage of the electronic
wearable device when not in use. In such examples, the auxiliary
unit or case may have a configuration in which the auxiliary unit
or case at least partially encloses the camera, which in the
context of this application may be understood to imply that the
auxiliary unit or case at least partially surrounds the camera
(e.g., at least partially surround two or more sides of the
camera). In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit or case may fully
enclose the camera (i.e. surrounding all sides of the camera).
[0030] In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be configured to
wirelessly charge the camera and may thus include wireless power
transmission components (e.g., a wireless power transmitting coil
such as to enable inductive charging of the camera). In some
embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be configured to be wirelessly
recharged and may thus include wireless power reception components
(e.g., a wireless power receiver including a wireless power
receiving coil). In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be
configured to be both wirelessly recharged and to wirelessly charge
the camera. In some such examples, the auxiliary unit may use the
same coil for reception and transmission of power. In other such
examples, the auxiliary unit may have separate transmitting and
receiving coils.
[0031] In yet further examples, the auxiliary unit may be
configured to be communicatively coupled to the camera using a
wired connection. In some such examples, the auxiliary unit may
have a wired connection for coupling to the camera for power
transfer to the camera and/or for data transfer to/from the camera.
In some examples, the auxiliary unit may additionally or
alternatively use a wired connection for communication with an
external device, for example an external computing device, such as
a portable computer, tablet, smart phone or other portable
computing device, a cloud server, or an external power source. In
some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may use the same communication
interface for connecting to the electronic wearable device (e.g.,
wearable camera) and the external device (e.g., external portable
computing device or external power source). For example, the
auxiliary unit may include a wired interface (e.g., USB, micro USB,
LIGHTNING connector) for connecting the camera thereto (e.g., for
charging) and may be further configured to use the same wired
interface for connecting to an external device, such as a smart
phone or a grid-connected power source, when the wired interface is
not in use by the camera. In some embodiments, the common interface
may be a wireless interface, e.g., a wireless power
transmission/reception module, a wireless data
transmission/reception module, or a combination thereof. In other
examples, the auxiliary unit may have separate interfaces for
connecting to the camera and for connecting to external devices. In
yet further examples, the auxiliary unit may have at least one
wired interface (e.g., for connecting to the camera and
transmitting power and/or data to the camera, or for connecting to
an external device) and at least one wireless interface (e.g., a
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interface for data transfer between the camera
and auxiliary unit or between the auxiliary unit and external
device, and/or a wireless power transmission/reception
circuitry).
[0032] In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be portable
(e.g., sized to be hand carried or otherwise conveniently fit in a
user's pocket or purse and not requiring it to be plugged into a
wall power source during use, e.g., during charging of the camera
and/or reception of data from the camera). In some embodiments, the
auxiliary unit may include a user interface, which may include one
or more buttons, indicators (e.g., one or more LEDs), vibrators,
buzzers, GPS, time stamp, clock display, remote display viewfinder
for the camera. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit can act as
a remote control for causing the distance separated camera to
capture a photo or video. This can be accomplished, by way of
example only, while the auxiliary unit is stored in one's pocket
and the camera is attached to eyewear. In some embodiments, the
auxiliary unit may include additional computational power to post
process image data from the camera, for example, the auxiliary unit
may compress further the image files, or perform a formal
conversion of the video or still data files, before the image files
are transferred outside the auxiliary unit to an external computer
or smartphone.
[0033] Further examples of the present disclosure are described now
with reference to the figures. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an
auxiliary unit 100. The auxiliary unit 100 may include at least one
power source (e.g., auxiliary unit battery 102 or simply auxiliary
battery, which may be rechargeable). The auxiliary unit 100 may
include a communication interface 104 for coupling the auxiliary
unit 100 to an electronic wearable device (EWD), in this case a
camera 120. This interface may be referred to as a EWD interface
(in the illustrated example, a camera interface 112) and it may be
either wired or wireless. The camera 120 may include onboard memory
122, power 126, and a controller 124. The onboard memory 122 may be
configured to store images (e.g., one or more photos, video, or any
combination thereof) captured by the camera. The controller 124 may
be configured to control functions (e.g., control initiation of
image capture, control or perform signal processing of raw image
data, enhance images captured by the camera, monitor camera status,
and other functions) of the camera 120.
[0034] In some embodiments, the power source of the auxiliary unit
(e.g., battery 102) may have greater power storage capacity than
the power storage capacity of the camera battery 126. By reducing
the size of the camera battery, further reduction in size of the
camera may be achieved. The camera battery may be rechargeable by
the auxiliary unit 100 when the camera is connected, e.g.,
physically via a wired connection or wirelessly, in the case
wireless power transfer, to the auxiliary unit 100.
[0035] In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may additionally and
optionally include memory 16, for example for storing data (e.g.,
images) received from the camera 2. In such embodiments, the
communication interface 14 may be further configured to enable data
transfer from and/or to the camera 2. The auxiliary unit may
include power management and/or data management circuitry, which
may be implemented in a controller 18. The auxiliary unit may be
referred to as a smart device in that it may include a controller
18, which may be implemented using one or more microprocessors,
memory and memory for providing functionality to the camera (e.g.,
expanded memory storage and external communication capability)
and/or user (e.g., indicating status of the camera and/or auxiliary
unit) beyond simply being used to recharge the camera. Such a
controller may be a MCU, an FPGA or an ASIC. In some embodiments,
certain control operations, sensing operations, actuating
operations, and storing operations of the auxiliary unit may
require ramping of operating voltage which may be triggered only
when its function is called for, in order to further minimize
energy consumption.
[0036] In some embodiment, the camera 2 may not include any
communication components for coupling to external computing device.
These communication components may be offloaded to the auxiliary
unit 10. The auxiliary unit 10 may include components for
additionally communicatively coupling the auxiliary unit 10 to an
external device. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit 10 may
include an external communication interface 22, which may be
wireless or wired, for coupling the auxiliary unit 10 to an
external device (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet,
a desktop computer, a server computer such as in the cloud, etc.).
The auxiliary unit may thus provide the necessary circuitry for the
camera to be able to communicate with external devices.
[0037] In some embodiments, the adaptor may additionally or
alternatively be embodied in a housing 28 which functions as a
carrying case to store the camera when not in use (e.g., to protect
sensitive components of the camera, such as the lens). For example,
the auxiliary unit may be implemented as a smart case that can
support the functionalities of a wearable camera, including, but
not limited to providing recharging capability and/or downloading
data from the device thus freeing up its memory, and providing a
secure storage space for the device, when not in use. The smart
case can enable deployment of electronic wearable devices (e.g.,
wearable cameras) with smaller memory chips, power management
modules and smaller rechargeable batteries, thus reducing the
profile of the electronic wearable device, and enhancing usability.
This is accomplished by off-loading to the case certain
functionality normally found in the wearable electronic device.
Among other wearable devices that benefit from having a smart case
to provide operational support may be eyewear or attachments to
eyewear which can display augmented reality (AR). In some
embodiments the communication interface may include all the
necessary components to interface with APPLE products and the iOS
operating system, e.g., through the APPLE proprietary LIGHTNING
connector. In some embodiments the communication interface may
include components for interfacing with an ANDROID device, for
example through a USB or micro USB connector. The term USB as used
herein in the context of describing a connector, port, plug or
interface would be understood to include any type of USB connector,
port, plug or interface currently know or later developed, for
example mini and micro USB.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows auxiliary unit, which may also be referred to
as auxiliary unit, in accordance with some examples of the present
disclosure. The auxiliary unit 200 may be configured to be
connected to a camera 230. The auxiliary unit 200 may include a
battery 202 for charging the camera 230. In some examples, the
battery 202 may have capacity from about 100 to about 200 mAH. In
some examples, the battery's capacity may be up to about 1000 mAH,
or 4 WH. In some examples, the battery 202 may have greater power
storage capacity than the power storage capacity of the camera's
onboard power source. In some embodiments, where Wi-Fi, file
compression, or other power intensive functionalities reside in the
auxiliary unit, the battery 202 may be very large, in some cases
over 1000 mAH or even 2500 mAH.
[0039] In some examples, the auxiliary unit 200 may additionally or
alternatively include memory 204. The memory 204 may include
volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or both. In some examples,
the memory 204 may include non-volatile memory, such as flash
memory. In some examples, multiple non-volatile memories may be
provided such as a flash memory and an EEPROM as well as volatile
memories such as a RAM. In some embodiments, the EEPROM may be
utilized to embed algorithms for signal processing, while the flash
memory may be embedded with signal compression algorithms. In some
examples, the storage capacity of the memory 204 may be 32 Gbytes
or greater. In some embodiments, the storage capacity of the
auxiliary unit's memory may be greater than that of the camera 230.
In other examples, the adaptor memory's capacity may be the same as
or smaller than that of the camera. In some examples the capacity
may be less than 32 Gbytes, or less than 16 Gbytes. In some
embodiments, the memory 204 may have minimal storage capacity and
be configured to store no or very few photos or video files. In
some examples, the memory 204 may include only volatile memory,
such as RAM. In some examples, the auxiliary unit 200 may not be
configured for storing images received from the camera but may only
buffer data (e.g., images) received from the camera prior to it
being transmitted to an external device for storage such as a smart
phone, a laptop, or a server on the cloud. That is, in such
examples, the auxiliary unit 200 may act only as a pass through for
any image data rather than providing image storage functionality.
The auxiliary unit 200 may include a power management module 206, a
data management module (not shown), or both.
[0040] The power management module can monitor power needs of the
auxiliary unit and/or the camera being connected thereto, provide
an alert when power of the adaptor or camera is too low, and
implement a recharging procedure of the camera following a protocol
that is programmed in the power management module. The data
management module can include or be operatively associated with
internal adaptor memory (e.g., memory 204) for storing data (e.g.,
photographs, audio and video files, or other data received from the
camera, configuration data, executable instructions, etc.) and
implement a data management protocol for transferring data from the
camera, between the camera and an external device, for erasing data
from the camera, the adaptor, or both, and for monitoring memory
capacity. In some embodiments, the adaptor has at least 1 Gigabyte
of internal memory. In some embodiments, the adaptor has at least
32 Gigabytes of internal memory. In some embodiments, the adaptor
200 may include a microcontroller 208, which may be programmed to
perform the functions of the power management module, the data
management module, or both. The microcontroller can have embedded
firmware that can perform data processing tasks required for
improvement of image quality. The case can transmit data to an APP
comprising said remote device. The microcontroller 208 may include
firmware that reprograms the firmware of the image sensor of the
camera module. The firmware can perform image stabilization.
[0041] The auxiliary unit 200 may communication interface 207 for
connecting the adaptor 200 to the camera 230, an external power
source 250, an external computing device 240, or any combination
thereof. The communication interface 207 may include one or more
wired or wireless interfaces. For example, the communication
interface 207 may include any number of wired interfaces 210 such
as a USB interface, a LIGHTNING interface, or other standardized or
proprietary wired interfaces now known or later developed.
[0042] FIGS. 3A-3D show configurations of an example auxiliary unit
according to the present disclosure. The auxiliary unit 300 may
include any or all of the components of auxiliary units according
to any of the examples herein, for example the components of
auxiliary unit 200. The auxiliary unit 300 may be implemented as a
docking station or case which is designed for docking or receiving
the EWD (e.g., camera 320). As such, the auxiliary unit 300 may
include at least one configuration in which the auxiliary unit at
least partially encloses the electronic wearable device (e.g.,
camera 320). In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit 300 may fully
enclose the electronic wearable device (e.g., camera 320). The
auxiliary unit 300 may include a dock or receptacle configured to
receive the camera 320. The dock or receptacle may be configured
such that the camera when received therein is surrounded, at least
partially, on two or more sides, on three or more sides, on four or
more sides, on five or more sides, or on all sides. In some
examples, the dock or receptacle may be configured such that the
camera, when received in the auxiliary unit, is surrounded on all
sounds for example fully surrounded on all sides.
[0043] The auxiliary unit 300 may include at least one external
interface, e.g., for connecting the adaptor to external power
and/or for connecting the auxiliary unit to a mobile computing
device, and a camera interface for communicatively connecting the
auxiliary unit 300 to the camera. The camera interface may be
integrated with the dock 310. The external interface may include
one or a plurality of wired connectors, for example a first
connector 309 (e.g., a USB connector for plugging the auxiliary
unit 300 to external power), a second connector 302 (e.g., a micro
USB connector for connecting the auxiliary unit to an ANDROID
device) and a third connector 304 (e.g., a LIGHTNING connector for
connecting the auxiliary unit 300 to a iOS device). While three
separate connectors are shown in this example, it will be
understood that the external interface may include any number of
connectors including fewer or greater number of connectors. In some
embodiments, the external interface may be entirely or at least
partially wireless.
[0044] Any one or more of the connectors may be configured to be at
least partially concealed when not in use. For example, the adaptor
300 may have one or more user-operated actuators (e.g., buttons,
switches, or sliders) which may be operable to at least partially
conceal and/or expose the desired connector for use. For example,
adaptor 300 may include a first actuator 308 configured to extend
and retract a USB connector. The adaptor 300 may include a second
actuator 305 configured to extend and retract another one of the
connectors, for example the micro USB connector 302. The adaptor
300 may include a third actuator configured to extend and retract
yet another one of the connectors, e.g., the LIGHTNING connector
304. In some embodiments, a single actuator may be configured to
actuate two or more connectors. For example, in the case of male
connectors, a single actuator may be configured to extend a male
micro USB connector while retracting a male LIGHTNING connector and
conversely to extend the male LIGHTNING connector while retracting
the male micro USB connector. In the case of female connectors, a
single actuator, such as a slider or door, may be operable to
conceal one female connector, such as a female micro USB connector,
while exposing a second female connector such as a female LIGHTNING
connector and vice versa. Any combination of male and female
connectors may be used for the communication interface of the
auxiliary unit and other variations or combinations of actuators
(e.g., buttons, switches, sliders, etc.) may be used to expose or
activate one connector while concealing or deactivating another
connector. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit 300 may be
configured as a case such that it has at least one configuration in
which the camera 320 is at least partially enclosed. In such
embodiments, one or more of the connectors of the adaptor 300 may
be exposed or concealed by virtue of providing the adaptor between
an open configuration (e.g., to receive the camera) and a closed
configuration (e.g., in which the camera is docked or enclosed by
the case).
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a wearable camera 430 attached to a wearable
article 401, in this case eyewear 405. The camera 430 is
illustrated attached to a temple 406 of the eyewear. In some
examples, the camera 430 may be movably attached to the eyewear
(e.g., as indicated by arrow 402) such that the camera is
positionable at multiple positions along the length of the temple
including a position in which the camera is flush with or in front
of the eyewear temple front 403. In some examples, the camera may
be configured to be positionable such that it is in front of the
forward-most portion of the eyewear. The wearable camera is
positionable at different locations on the temple, e.g., in order
to minimize its peripheral profile and thus limit or eliminate loss
of peripheral field of view. Wearable cameras having too large a
form factor and fixed frontward positions may cause visual
disturbance due to the appearance of blind spots in the field of
view and such problems may be alleviated by examples of the present
disclosure. The camera may be attachable to a wearable article such
as eyewear in accordance with any of the examples described in U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/816,995, filed Aug. 3, 2015 and published
as 2016-0033792, and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/179,018, filed
Jun. 10, 2016 and published as 2016-0363787, the content of which
applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
for any purpose.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-5C show views of a wearable camera 500. As
described herein, the camera 500 may include an image sensor which
may be located behind lens 501. The image sensor may be configured
to capture image data, which may be stored in onboard camera
memory. The camera 500 may also include a battery and an interface
506 for connecting the camera 500 to an auxiliary unit which may
augment the functionality to the camera. In some cases, the
interface 506 may be configured to additionally or alternatively
enable the camera 500 to be connected to a number of different
external devices, such as an external power source connected to the
grid, a computing device, or other. In some examples, the camera
500 may include a wired interface such as a USB port, in some cases
a female micro USB port. The camera 500 may include one or more
user control components 508 (e.g., one or more mechanical buttons
or switches or touch sensitive surfaces such as capacitive
switches), one or more indicators 516, a microphone 510, and a
speaker 518. The camera may include an attachment member for
removably and/or movably coupling the camera to eyewear. In some
embodiments, the camera may be attachable to the eyewear via
magnetic means. The camera may include additional features 504 for
securing the camera to the article other than by magnetic means.
The camera may be implemented in accordance with any of the
examples described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/757,753, filed
Dec. 23, 2015 and published as 2016-0182826, and U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/627,759, filed Jun. 20, 2017, the content of which
applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
for any purpose.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of internal components of a
wearable camera. The camera may include image sensor 602, image
signal processor 604, microcontroller unit 606, flash memory 608,
Wi-Fi chip 612, peripheral(s) 614, and microphone 616. The image
sensor 602 may be coupled to image signal processor 604, which may
be coupled to microcontroller unit 606. The microcontroller unit
606 may be coupled to flash memory 608, Wi-Fi chip 612, microphone
616, and peripheral(s) 614. Additional, fewer, and/or different
components may be used in some examples. The image sensor 602 may
be configured to generate image data. The image signal processor
604 may be coupled to image sensor 602 and receive image data from
the image sensor 602 for processing, e.g., compression, color
balancing, image centering, image quality enhancement, etc. The
flash memory 608 may be coupled to microcontroller unit 606 and may
receive data (e.g., image data) for storage. The microcontroller
unit 606 may include firmware to perform functions of the camera,
such as image capture, memory access, control external data
communication and one or more interfaces, peripherals, and feedback
devices (e.g., microphone, light indicators, etc.). Such an
approach may, in some embodiments, be preferable to embedding
signal processing algorithms in the firmware controlling the image
processor (i.e., on the camera), as the camera can thus be made
more compact. The camera may also include onboard power source 610,
which may be recharged via a wired or wireless power transfer from
an external source such as the auxiliary unit, a wall power
charger, or another computing device such as a laptop, a
smartphone, etc. The wearable camera of the present disclosure may
be implemented further in accordance with any of the examples
described in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/789,574, filed Oct. 20,
2017, the content of which application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety for any purpose.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an auxiliary unit according
to further examples. The auxiliary unit 700 may include one or more
of the components of an auxiliary unit in accordance with any
combination described herein (e.g., auxiliary units 100, 200, 1610,
etc.). For example, the auxiliary unit 700 may include a power
source such as a rechargeable battery 702, a memory 704, a power
management module 706, a microcontroller unit 708, and at least one
communication component (e.g., wired interface 707 for connecting
to a wearable electronic device (e.g., camera 730), an external
power source 750, an external computing device (e.g., smart phone
710), or any combination thereof. The auxiliary unit 700 may
include one or more wireless interfaces 712, which may include a
wireless transmitter/receiver such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other
type of wireless data transmitter/receiver (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE
cellular transmitter/receiver). In some embodiments, the wireless
interface 712 may be configured to communicate with another
computing device via IEEE 802.15.1(Bluetooth and BLE), IEEE
802.11WIFI, IEEE 802.15.4(ZigBee), IEEE 802.16(WiMAX), or other
form of wireless technologies currently known, currently being
developed, or that are developed in the future. The wireless
interface may be configured to provide a data link between the
auxiliary unit 700 and external computing devices (e.g., a mobile
computing device such as a smartphones, a table, a laptop, etc.)
and in some embodiments, the data link may be configured to enable
data transfer at a rate of at least 1/5 Mbytes/sec.
[0049] The auxiliary unit 700 may include a user interface. The
user interface may include one or more indicators, buttons or other
input devices, a display 716, and/or a speaker. The display can be,
by way of example only, an OLED, LCD, LED display. In some
embodiments, the case may have one or more actuators (e.g., a
button or slider) which exposes or conceal connector plug(s)
associated with a wired interface, if present. In some embodiments,
the auxiliary unit may be configured for wireless power transfer.
For example, the auxiliary unit may include a wireless power
transmitter/receiver, for example a coil for transmitting power
wirelessly to the camera and/or for receiving power wirelessly for
charging the battery 702. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit
may include charge level indicators for the camera and the
auxiliary unit by way of example only, using LED arrays, as well as
a micro display for previewing videos and stills, as well as, a
means of providing other status information about the camera and
the auxiliary unit. In certain embodiments the auxiliary unit can
contain a projector. The projector can project images (photo or
video) that have been captured by the camera.
[0050] FIGS. 8A and 8B show further examples of auxiliary units,
also referred to as auxiliary units 800 and 800' according to the
present disclosure. The auxiliary units 800, 800', similar to
auxiliary unit 300, may include a dock 810 configured to receive
camera 820. The auxiliary units 800, 800' may also include one or
more wired connectors and/or one or more wireless connectors and
actuators for activating the one or more connectors. Both auxiliary
units 800 and 800' may include at least one a wired connector
(e.g., a USB connector 802) for example for connecting the
auxiliary unit 800, 800' to external power. The auxiliary unit 800
may further include a combination of wired (e.g., USB type C, micro
USB 304, LIGHTNING 806, etc.) and wireless connectors, for example
for connecting the auxiliary unit 800 to a mobile computing device
such as a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, or a desktop computer,
server, or other computing device. The auxiliary unit 800 may
include one or more indicators 812 for providing feedback to the
user, such as an alert or status of the auxiliary unit or the
camera. For example, the indicators may include a pairing indicator
configured to provide an indication of successful pairing, pairing
in process, or an indication of an established or active wireless
connection (e.g., such as when data is being transmitted to or from
the auxiliary unit) or to provide any other type of indication of
status (e.g., power level, charging status, data transfer status,
etc.). The auxiliary unit 800' on the other hand may include only
wireless connectors for communicatively coupling to other computing
devices, and may similarly include one or more indicators 812 to
provide an indication of status. The auxiliary units 800, 800' may
additionally optionally include a display 814, e.g., for displaying
status information and/or displaying and/or editing of images
(e.g., photos and video).
[0051] In some embodiments, e.g., as described with reference to
FIGS. 1, 2, and 7, the auxiliary unit may include an internal power
source, also referred to as auxiliary power source or auxiliary
battery. The auxiliary power source may be a rechargeable battery
such as a lithium ion battery. In some embodiments, the auxiliary
power source may have capacity which is greater than the capacity
of the camera's onboard memory. In some embodiments, the auxiliary
unit may include internal memory, also referred to as auxiliary
memory, and interface electronics for communication with the camera
and/or external computing devices such as a smart phone, a table or
other portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the
auxiliary unit may include non-volatile memory such as Flash
memory, for data storage. In some embodiments, the auxiliary memory
may only be volatile memory and the auxiliary unit may be
configured only as a pass through device to pass data received to a
camera to another computing device for storage without storing the
data (e.g., photos and/or video) on the auxiliary unit. In some
embodiments, the auxiliary unit may include a controller (e.g.,
microcontroller unit (MCU)), in which embodiments, the auxiliary
unit may be referred to a smart. For example, in examples in which
the auxiliary unit is implemented as a case (e.g., which enable the
camera to be physically attached such as to be docked or enclosed
within the case), a case having a controller may be referred to as
smart case. The controller may, in conjunction with memory, provide
additional functionality to the camera, such as storage of images,
reprogramming of the camera, facilitating communication between the
camera and an external computer such as an internet server or a
smart phone, and editing or other image processing of images or
image data received from the camera.
[0052] As described, in some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be
implemented as a case. In some examples, the case can charge a
camera via a wired connection. In some examples, the case can
charge a camera wirelessly. The case can charge a camera wirelessly
when the camera is at least partially enclosed in the case. In some
embodiments, the case may be configured to house the camera such
that camera is substantially sealed in the case. The case may
include a controller (e.g. an MCU) and memory and may be referred
to as a smart case. Table 1 shows features of a case according to
some examples of the present disclosure.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Features of a Smart Case for a wearable
camera. Dimensions Less than 150 mm length; less than 250 cc; in
some embodiments Less than 100 mm length, less than 75 mm wide and
less than 50 mm thick; Weight Less than 1 lb Data management and
WIFI and Bluetooth capability transmission Data storage 128 GB
Memory or less Data processing Image processing Power management
Power capacity of up to 5 watts; Energy capacity up to 5 WH;
Recharging battery of wearable device; Wireless or hard wired
charging of battery in case. User interface Switching by means of
buttons; LED indicators of performance, buzzers, vibrators
[0053] A smart case according to the present disclosure may include
a rechargeable battery with a relatively large energy capacity (as
compared to the energy capacity of the EWD) and be capable of
recharging the battery of the wearable device multiple times, in
some cases at least 5 times, before requiring recharge of the case.
The smart case may include a memory module that is capable of
storing many hundreds of still photographs, and many minutes of
audio recordings and videos, received from the wearable device
either via wireless transfer or via a wired connection such as a
USB port. The smart case may include a microcontroller (MCU) or a
microprocessor unit (MPU) that can perform data processing, image
processing e.g., for improving the image quality of images (stills
or video) received from the camera. The smart case may further
include a wireless energy and/or a data transfer system based on
either proprietary or standard architecture (e.g., Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, Qi, etc.). The controller (e.g., MCU or MPU) may be
configured to monitors charge level of the battery or memory
storage (e.g., amount of available storage) in the case and/or the
wearable camera and sends alert signals (audio or light) when power
level or memory storage level reaches a set threshold or falls
below a certain threshold (e.g., below 15%, 10%, or 5% as examples
only). When wireless power is provided for powering or charging the
case the case can further comprise a coil. It should be pointed out
that in certain other embodiments the smart case can charge the
camera by way of physical connection such as by way of example
only, a micro USB port, or a USB type C port, and not by way of
wireless power. The charging would occur when the female micro USB
port of the camera is connected to the smart case by way of the
male USB port of the smart case.
[0054] The case may include a rechargeable battery that may be
wirelessly charged from a wireless transmitter. The case may
include a rechargeable battery that may be recharged from a wall
outlet. The rechargeable battery can have an energy capacity of 5
watt hours or less. The case may include a power management module
and a data management module wherein both power and data management
modules may reside inside a single microcontroller within the case.
The power management module may be configured to monitor power
needs of the case and the wearable device, provide an alert and
implement a recharging procedure of said device following a
protocol that is programmed in a microcontroller comprising said
power management module. The data management module may include a
memory module that can store data, photographs, audio and video
files and is not less than 1 gigabyte in size and can be that of 32
gigabytes or more, wherein data transfer and storage in said memory
module is managed by said microcontroller. The microcontroller can
have embedded firmware that can perform data processing tasks
required for improvement of image quality. The case can transmit
data to an APP comprising said remote device. The microcontroller
can comprise firmware that reprograms the firmware of the image
sensor of the camera module. The firmware can perform image
stabilization.
[0055] In some embodiments, the camera is equipped with a wireless
receiver for receiving power from the smart case. The smart case
includes a wireless transmitter for providing power to the camera
and to recharge the battery inside the camera. The battery in the
camera maybe, by way of example only, a lithium ion, lithium
polymer, or a solid-state battery. Wireless power systems may
include loosely coupled inductive charging or other techniques as
described, for example, in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/969,455,
filed Dec. 15, 2015 and published as 2016-0172870, and U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/183,368, filed Jun. 15, 2016, and published
as 2016-0294225, all of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety for any purpose. In certain embodiments the smart
case can include a wireless power transmitter capable of providing
wireless power to multiple wirelessly coupled electronic devices
located within an effective wireless power transfer range of the
smart case. One of the electronic devices can be that of a
camera.
[0056] The camera may include dual band wireless communication to
transmit data files (images or video) to an external device, such
as the smart case, a smartphone, or to receive commands from an
external device, such as by way of example only, a smartphone.
Since commands to the camera would require less bandwidth they may
be sent to the camera over low power wireless such as Bluetooth or
Bluetooth low energy. These commands could include, by way of
example only, taking a photo by pushing a button on your smartphone
screen form inside an APP that interfaces with the camera by
Bluetooth transmission. Bluetooth could also be used for short
messaging to the external devices such as the Smart Case or a
smartphone, providing system status information. Larger data files
transferred from the camera may be done over Wi-Fi to the smart
case or directly to another device, such as a smartphone. To
preserve power, in some embodiments the Wi-Fi can be operated when
the camera is in a proximity to the case or close enough to be well
powered by the case so that the power demands for the Wi-Fi
transmission do not over load the power supply of the camera. In
other embodiments, the Wi-Fi is operated when the camera is located
within the case. The wireless communication to the case may also be
done with proprietary protocols modulated over the wireless
charging signals directly to the smart case. In still other
embodiments the smart case can transfer large data files either
wirelessly or by a wired connection.
[0057] The smart case may also have a track assembly as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14 that help guide the camera into the connector of
the smart case to ensure solid mating between the camera and the
smart case.
[0058] In still other embodiments GPS data may be sent from the
camera to the smart case or to a smart phone to help locate the
camera if it is lost or misplaced by the user. The case can also be
designed to provide alerts. These alerts can inform those within
proximity of the case of, by way of example only, general phone
calls, important phone calls, important messages and general
messages. The case can alert by way of example by, vibration,
light, sound.
[0059] In another embodiment the smart case can also provide
operation support to eyeglasses capable of projecting AR.
Typically, AR modules are mounted at or near the head, since they
have to project images in the line of sight. In one preferred
embodiment, the AR module is mounted on the temple of a pair of
eyeglasses, on the inner (closest to head) side, close to the
hinges, from which images are projected at the inner surface of the
eyeglass lens by means of a light pipe. The AR module is provided
with a battery that is relatively small, e.g., less than 10 MAhrs,
but can be frequently recharged by placing it in a smart case when
not being actively used by the wearer. Similarly, the memory chip
in the power and data management system required by the AR module
has a battery that is also small, such as less than 4 GB in
capacity. In one embodiment, the smart case wirelessly transmits
data to the AR module in real time. In a second embodiment, the
smart case controls the operation of the AR module wirelessly by
transmitting commands in real time. In a third embodiment, the
smart case recharges the battery in the AR module through a USB
port when the AR module is placed inside the smart case. In a
fourth embodiment, the smart case receives data from an APP
programmed into a smart phone and feeds such data wirelessly into
the AR module in real time, whereas direct data download from an
APP to the AR module may present bandwidth problems and prevent
seamless streaming of data. The benefit is that the AR module can
be made smaller and lighter, and consumes less power since many of
the operations of the power and data management system can be
performed by the electronics embedded in the smart case. In certain
embodiments, the battery is rechargeable and is removable and can
be charged in the smart case while the AR module remains on
attached on the eyewear and then electrically reconnected to the AR
module. In these embodiments the rechargeable battery can be
located on the outside side of the temple furthest away from the
head of the wearer or on the inside side of the temple closest to
the head of the wearer. When an AR module is connected to eyewear
it can do so by way of attaching to a non-electrified track such as
that of the eyewear temple.
[0060] According to some examples, a smart case may be configured
to transfer data (e.g., images received from the camera) to any of
a variety of external computing devices such as a smart phone
(iPhone or Android smart phone), tablet, laptop computer, or in
some cases wirelessly directly to the cloud. In some examples, the
transfer rate via a USB interface from the smart case may be about
40 Mbytes per second. In some embodiments, the smart case may be
configured to transfer data wirelessly. The smart case may be
configured to transfer data according to the transfer rates shown
in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Typical Data transfer rates from smart case
supporting a wearable camera. Method/File type ANDROID IPHONE 1 Meg
compressed JPEG 3 sec 6 sec 10 second video via BT 90 sec 180
sec
[0061] FIG. 9 shows an auxiliary unit implemented as a case 900 for
an electronic wearable device, e.g., a camera, in accordance with
some examples of the present disclosure. The case 900 can include
any of the components of auxiliary units described herein. For
example, the case 900 may include a power source (e.g., a
rechargeable battery 930 as shown in FIG. 12), data storage (e.g.,
non-volatile memory 944 as shown in FIG. 12), a controller (e.g.,
MCU 942 as shown FIG. 12), which may be supported by and
electrically connected via one or more circuit boards (e.g., PCB
940 or a flex board). In some embodiments, the MCU 942 may be
configured to provide power management function, data management
function, or both. In some embodiments, the MCU 942 may be
configured to process image data received from the camera, e.g., to
compress the image data, decompress the image data, encrypt or
decrypt image data, or improve image quality of images captured by
the camera. The MCU 942 may be configured to process image data
further responsive to user inputs, such as to edit (e.g., crop,
align, tag, etc.) images captured by the user prior to the images
being transmitted externally for storage. In some embodiments, the
MCU 942 may be configured to reprogram the image sensor, or any
other reprogrammable components of the camera.
[0062] In some embodiments, the case may include both wired and
wireless interfaces. In some embodiments, one of the interfaces may
be used for data communication between the camera and case and the
other may be used for power transmission to the camera. For
example, a wireless interface may be used to wirelessly charge the
camera while data is being communicated to the case via a wired
data link. In some embodiments, these may be reversed and power may
be transmitted to the camera via a wired link while data is being
downloaded from the camera. In yet further embodiments, a wired
link may be used for both data and power transfer as between the
camera and case while a wireless link is used for external
communication (e.g., for power reception by the case and/or data
transmission to an external device). In yet further embodiments,
this arrangement may be reversed in that communication between the
camera and case may be wireless and external communication of the
case may be via a wired link. In some examples, any one of the
wired or wireless interfaces of the cameras may have multiple uses,
for example a wired USB interface may be used for both recharging
of the case and for data transfer from the case to an external
device. The same or another USB interface (e.g., a micro USB
interface) may be used for connecting to the camera. Similarly, any
wireless interface (e.g., Wi-Fi module) may be used to communicate
wirelessly with the camera and/or an external device (e.g., a smart
phone, or the cloud).
[0063] In some embodiments, the case's camera interface may be
configured to provide data transfer at different rates (e.g. a
first relative slower rate and a second relatively faster rate). In
some embodiments, the MCU 942 may be configured to activate the
faster data transfer rate only when the case is also wirelessly
transmitting power to the camera. In some embodiments, the case may
have multiple wired interfaces. For example, in the illustrated
example, case 900 includes a first wired interface 908, which may
be a USB connector 909 (in this case a male micro USB connector)
and may function as the camera interface. The case 900 may also
include at least one additional wired interface, for example
another USB interface 918 (e.g., a female USB connector), an APPLE
proprietary LIGHTNING interface 920 (e.g., female LIGHTNING
connector), and/or any other type of currently known or later
developed connector technology. The case 900 may include internal
electronic components configured to enable the case to
communicatively couple to an APPLE device (e.g., a device operating
on the iOS), an ANDROID device, or both. In some embodiments, the
external interface may include at least one male connector such as
male USB plug, a male LIGHTNING plug, or both, in addition to or
alternatively to any male connectors of the camera interface.
[0064] In some embodiments, the case 900 may include one or more
buttons 922 (e.g., as part of a user interface of the device). The
button 922 may be implemented as a mechanical button or a touch
sensitive switch and may be operable to receive user input, such as
to activate a function of the case, e.g., activate a data link,
activate a monitoring/status/alert function, etc. In some
embodiments, the case 900 may include one or more buttons for
reconfiguring of the case 900. For example, the case may include an
actuator which enables the case to be provided in the open
configuration to enable docking of the camera. In one embodiment,
the actuator may be a latch release operable to disengage a locking
function of the case's door, which may then be openable or may
automatically spring open responsive to operation of the latch
release. In some embodiments, the case 900 may include an actuator
923 configured to at least partially expose or at least partially
conceal an interface connector, e.g., by extending/retracting a
male connector, opening/closing a door of a female connector, etc.
For example, the actuator may be a mechanical button, which when
depressed extends one connector (e.g., a USB or a LIGHTNING
connector) from a side of the housing. In some embodiments, the
actuator may be configured to extend one connector while concealing
another connector of the communication interface (e.g., extends a
micro USB connector while concealing the LIGHTNING connector, or
vice versa). In some embodiments, the actuator may be implemented
as a sliding cover, which is slidable between multiple positions to
conceal one or more connectors while exposing another connector.
Other variations and combinations of actuators can also be
used.
[0065] In some embodiments, the capacity of memory 944 may not
exceed 1 GByte. In some embodiment, the memory 944 may have
capacity of up to 8 GBytes, 10 GBytes or greater. The energy
capacity of the battery 930, in some embodiments, may be 5 watt
hours or less. In some embodiments, the capacity of the memory 944
may be greater than the capacity of the camera's onboard memory. In
some embodiments, the memory 944 may have smaller storage capacity
or no storage capacity at all and may instead only pass through
images received from the camera to an external device for storage.
In some embodiments, the capacity of the battery 930 may be greater
than the capacity of the camera's onboard power source. The
internal components of the case may be enclosed within a housing,
e.g., between upper and lower portions 910-1, 910-2 respectively of
the housing 910. The case may include a user interface 915 as will
be further described.
[0066] In embodiments of case 900, the case may be configured to
wirelessly charge the camera 1010 and/or wirelessly recharge its
battery 930. The case 900 may include a power transmission coil for
wirelessly charging camera 1010. In some embodiments, the MCU 942
may activate the power transmission coil upon detection of a
communication link with the camera 1010 (e.g., when the camera 1010
has been detected as plugged into the connector 909 or when the
camera has been placed within a charging range of the coil). In
some embodiments, the MCU 942 may activate the power transmission
coil when the camera is received in the case, which may be detected
also via any other type of means (e.g., proximity detection,
detection of closing of the movable portion of the housing or door,
etc.). In some embodiments, the MCU 942 may be additionally or
alternatively configured to activate data transmission from the
camera to case 900 when the camera is plugged into or otherwise
communicatively connected to the case. As noted, the case 900 may,
in some embodiments, be able to be wirelessly recharged. The case
may include a power reception coil for receiving power wirelessly
from an external power source (e.g., a wireless power base unit).
In some embodiments, the power transmission and power reception
functions may be performed by the same coil. In some embodiments,
the case may include a dual band transmitter/receiver, at least one
of the bands being configured, in some embodiments, for wireless
power transmission/reception. In some embodiments, at least one of
the bands may be used for data transfer.
[0067] In some embodiments, the case 900 may have overall
dimensions such that the volume of the case does not exceed about
50 cubic cm. In some embodiments, the case's volume may be up to
about 250 cubic cm. In other embodiments, the case may be larger
than 250 cubic cm. In some embodiments, the case may be shaped as a
parallelepiped, however other shapes, regular or irregular, are
envisioned (e.g., an oval shape, tubular shape, bean shaped, etc.).
The case 900 may be sized to fit into a person's hand, or to be
otherwise carried by hand, within a pocket, a purse, or carries
elsewhere on the user's person. The case 900 may be up to 70 mm in
length (L), or up to 100 mm in length, or up to 150 mm in length.
In some embodiments, the case may be up to 45 mm in width (W), or
up to 65 mm in width, or up to 85 mm in width. In some embodiments,
the case may have an overall length of up to about 120 mm and an
overall width of up to about 90 mm. In some embodiments, the case
may be up to 20 mm in thickness (T), or up to 35 mm in thickness,
or up to 40 mm in thickness. In some embodiments, the case may be
portable and its weight may conveniently not exceed 250 grams. In
some embodiments, the weight of the case may be up to about 1200
grams.
[0068] Referring now also to FIGS. 10-12 further features of the
case 900 will be described. The case 900 may include at least one
configuration in which the case at least partially encloses a
wearable camera. In the illustrated example, the case 900 is
configured to enclose camera 1010 when the camera is positioned
within the docking receptacle 912 and connected to the wired
interface 908 of the case (see e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11). The case 900
may include a first portion and a second portion which may be
movable in relation to the first portion. The second portion may be
configured to be provided in a position which enables the camera to
be received in the case 900. For example, the second portion may
include a door which is movable relative to the first portion of
the case to allow the camera to be placed in the receptacle
912.
[0069] The case 900 of this example includes a housing 910, which
may be made of any type of a suitable plastic material such as any
type of injection moldable plastic material. The housing 910 may
enclose some or all of the internal electronic components of the
case. In some embodiments, the housing may have a main housing
portion 902 and a movable housing portion 904. The main housing
portion 902 may enclose some or all of the internal electronic
components while the movable housing portion may be movably coupled
to the main housing portion to enable the case to be provided in a
configuration for insertion of the camera and for at least
partially enclosing the camera. In other embodiments, the case may
not have a movable housing portion but may instead simply include a
docking receptacle configured to receiving the camera at least
partially therein. In some embodiments, a movable housing portion
may be pivotally coupled to the main housing portion (e.g., via
pivot join 914, as shown in FIGS. 10-12). In other embodiments, the
movable housing portion may be otherwise movably coupled (e.g.,
slidably coupled) or removably coupled (e.g., with the movable
housing portion being completely detachable and re-attachable to
the main housing portion). In some embodiments, the movable or
removable housing portion, which may also be referred to as a door
or lid, may be magnetically attachable to the body portion. In some
embodiments, the case may be water proof. In some embodiments, the
case may be water resistant.
[0070] The case 900 may include a user interface 915, which may
provide user feedback and/or be configured to receive user input.
In some embodiments, the case 900 may include one or more
indicators 916. For example, the case 900 may include one or more
status indicators, for example for indicating power level 916-1
(e.g., of the case, of the camera being docked to the case, or both
for example by illuminating a light of a given color to indicate
the status of the camera and illumination a different color light
to indicate status of the case). In some examples, separate
indicators may be used (e.g., indicator 916-1 and 916-3 to indicate
the status of the case and camera, respectively. The case may
further include a status indicator for indicating a communication
function status. For example, the indicator 916-2 may be configured
to provide pairing in progress, pairing status, or to provide
indication of data transfer activity, e.g., with the indicator
illuminating or blinking when data is being transmitted wirelessly
from the case to an external device such as a smart phone. The case
may include a memory indicator (e.g., to provide an indication of
an amount of available memory or amount of available storage used).
In some embodiments, the case may include one or more indicators
configured to provide an alert or status of the camera (e.g.,
provide indication of low charge, low memory, outdated programming
such as firmware of the camera, etc.) In some embodiments, the case
may be configured to provide status of the camera only when the
camera is docket to the case. The term docked in the present
context would be understood to mean communicatively coupled, which
in some examples will mean physically connected e.g., in instances
where the case has a wired camera interface. In some embodiments,
the user interface may additionally or alternatively include
feedback devices configured to provide feedback other than visual
feedback, for example audible or tactile feedback. For example, the
case 900, in some embodiments, may be configured to produce a sound
or activate a vibrator to provide a status or alert. In yet further
embodiments, the case 900' may include a display 925 (see e.g.,
FIG. 15). The display 925 may be implemented using LED, OLED, or
other display technology currently known or later developed. The
display 925 may be a touch sensitive display. The display 925 may
be arranged on an exterior surface of the housing 910' or it may be
on an interior surface such that it is at least partially concealed
when the case is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments,
status or alert function (e.g., as provided at least partially by
indicators 916) may additionally or alternatively be provided by
the display 925.
[0071] As described, the case 900 may be configured to be provided
in at least an open configuration (which allows the camera to be
received in the case) and a closed configuration (e.g., in the case
where the camera is substantially fully enclosed). The case 900 may
include a movable portion 904 or door which allows the opening and
closing of the case. The door may be hinged and may include one or
more hinged portions, or it may be a sliding door. In some cases,
it may be fully removable and re-attachable, e.g., via a snap fit
connection. The door may protect the camera when stored in the case
(i.e., when not in use) and/or may facilitate a better connection
with the case (e.g., by applying a pressure on the camera towards
the connector 909 when the camera is inserted in the case and the
door is closed. The case may be water resistant to an ingress
protection rating of 44. In some embodiments, e.g., when the smart
case includes a wired external interface such as a USB interface,
the case may be provided with a seal at the interface (e.g., a
rubber flap covering the USB connector for improving water
resistance).
[0072] A smart case according to one example includes the product
specification listed in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Specifications of an example case for a
wearable camera (also referred to herein as "smart case").
Dimensions about 67 mm by about 40 mm by about 18 mm Weight Less
than 250 grams Memory capacity 8 GB capable of storing about 8000
photos (JPEG) or 45 min of video Processor MCU STM32F205VGT6
provided by STMicroelectronics or a comparable unit Power ON
Indicator LED Battery run time 5 recharges of the battery in the
wearable camera per charge of the smart case battery lasting about
30 days if not used to charge camera down load 500 still
photographs and 10 minutes of video via BT Battery charge time
about 60 min for the smart case battery (Not running) Battery
recharge time about 20 min Battery life 3 years IR Rating water
resistant to IP 44 Storage Temperature range about -20 C. to about
45 C. Use temperature range about 0 C. to about 45 C. Battery type
Secondary Li ion Display (optional) OLED or LED
[0073] Additionally, the smart case may include electronic
components as listed below:
TABLE-US-00004 Components Details Bluetooth module ST SPBT3.0DP2
provided by ST Microelectronics or a comparable Bluetooth module
Memory microSD card holder with 8 GB microSD card ULPI high-speed
USB chip Microchip USB3300-EZK-TR Power management LDO, buck-boost,
boost (see BOM for details) components Battery 250 mAh/220 mAh
Renata ICP521630/Fullriver 451248 Apple MFI authentication
co-processor 2.0 C
[0074] In some embodiments, the Bluetooth interface of a case
according to the present disclosure may be configured to support
one or more of the following services: File Transfer Profile (FTP),
Serial Port Profile (SPP), iPod Accessory Protocol 2 (iAP2), or any
combination thereof. The Bluetooth interface may be configured to
support any other Bluetooth service as may be desired. In some
embodiments, the Bluetooth interface may be configured to support
Apple MFI iAP2 over I2C interface to an Apple MFI authentication
coprocessor.
[0075] In some embodiments, the controller (e.g., MCU) of the case
may include custom firmware configured to perform image processing
and/or image enhancement. For example, the ISP of the camera module
of the wearable camera may be programmed to execute a specific
image integration time, e.g., 20 milliseconds. A shorter image
integration time reduces image blur due to camera movement, but
reduces image clarity in low light environments. In some
embodiments, the MCU of the case may be configured to set the image
integration time depending on ambient light level of the
environment. The MCU of the case may comprise firmware that can
perform subpixel processing in order to further improve image
contrast, add low or high band pass filters and add Gaussian blur
to further improve image quality. The reprogramming of the ISP of
the camera module adds an important capability to the camera, for
example, image processing features such as color balancing may be
improved in this manner. Furthermore, the firmware in the MCU of
the case may be also used to add new features such as control of a
focusing element, an electronically controlled aperture, image
stabilization algorithms, and so on. The case may be configured to
communicate with a mobile computing device, e.g., a smart phone,
through an APP installed on the smart phone. In some embodiments,
the APP on the smartphone may indicate usable battery level and
memory level of the camera and the smart case.
[0076] In some embodiments, the case may include a built-in track
to align and secure the camera when placed in the case. For
example, FIGS. 13 and 14 show examples of s smart case including a
track. The track may be provided, e.g., in examples having a wired
camera interface, along a surface of the case which is generally
parallel with a major surface of a male plug, that is the surface
of the largest side of the plug. In the example in FIG. 13, the
plug is oriented such that the major surfaces of the plug are
generally parallel with the major surfaces of the case. The track
is therefore disposed along a surface which is also generally
parallel with the major surfaces of the case, for example, the
track may be provided on a lower interior surface or an upper
interior surface of the docking receptacle. In the example in FIGS.
14A and 14B, the plug has been rotated by 90 degrees such that the
major surfaces (e.g., the wider dimension) of the plug is generally
perpendicular to the major surfaces of the case. In this example,
the track may be provided on a surface that is generally
perpendicular to the major surfaces of the case. These example
assume a configuration of the camera as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C,
that is, an embodiment in which that the attachment member of the
camera 1010 for securing the camera to the eyewear is arranged on a
surface parallel to the widest dimension of the opening of the
female connector of the camera. In other embodiments, the
attachment member of the camera and/or connector may be differently
arranged relative to the camera connector thus driving a different
arrangement of the track of the case. As will be appreciated, in
embodiments in which the case is provided with a track, the
attachment member of the camera may thus provide a dual
functionality for 1) attaching the camera to the wearable article
(e.g., eyewear) and 2) aligning and securing the camera relative to
the case. In addition, interior dimensions of the docking
receptacle may be such that closing of the case after receiving the
camera therein further secures the camera and ensure engagement of
the camera female connector to the male connector of the case, such
as by pressing against the side of the camera opposite the
connector when the camera is inside the case and the case has been
provided in the closed configuration. The track of the case may not
be magnetic and still provide alignment and a securing function in
combination with the connector plug to which the camera is plugged
when docked in the case. In other embodiments, the track of the
case may be a magnetic track similar to a track of eyewear to which
an example camera is designed to attach.
[0077] The case can be configured to monitor the status of the case
and/or the camera when coupled thereto. For example, the case can
monitor the charge of the camera and/or of the case, available
storage onboard the camera and/or the case, pairing status, data
transfer status, etc. The case may be configured to provide an
indication of status. The case may provide an alert, for example a
vibration, a sound, or a light. The alert may be an indication of a
status being monitored.
[0078] In some embodiments the case 1410 may include a display
1412, e.g., as shown in FIG. 14. The display can be that of, by way
of example only, an OLED display, LED display. The case (e.g., case
1410) can include software which allows the user to perform
auto-centering, auto-rotation, auto-alignment, auto-cropping and
image enhancement on images captured by the camera. The display
1412 may be a touch display that allows the user to manipulate,
rotate, crop, enhance, or otherwise edit the image prior to storing
it on the smart case memory or prior to sending it to the cloud or
to a website such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or other social
media site.
[0079] FIG. 16 shows a functional block diagram of a smart case in
accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The smart case
1610 includes a battery 1612, memory 1614, microcontroller 1616,
power management circuitry 1618, an authentication processor 1620,
multiple wireless interfaces (e.g., a Bluetooth module 1622, Wi-Fi
module 1624, and a wireless data transfer module 1626 such as a 4G
cellular communication module or other), a user interface including
a display 1628 and one or more indicators (not shown), and multiple
wired interfaces (e.g., a USB C male connector 1630 such as for
coupling the smart case to a wearable camera 1640, and a USB C
female connector 1632 such as for coupling the smart case to an
external power source such as a wall adapter charger 1636 or to a
laptop computer 1638). The smart case 1610 may include additional
components from any of the auxiliary units described herein or may
have fewer components than those illustrated in other
embodiments.
[0080] FIG. 17 illustrates a diagram of electronics architecture of
an auxiliary unit in accordance with at least one example of the
present disclosure. The electronics architecture in FIG. 17 may be
used to implement some components of the auxiliary unit, for
example, an MCU, Bluetooth module, and other components of the
auxiliary unit, such as components shown in FIG. 16. As shown in
FIG. 17, the MCU of an auxiliary unit may be coupled to a BT module
which, in this embodiment, includes necessary functionality to
interface directly with a MFi authentication chip. In this manner,
no connections may be required between the MFi authentication chip
and the MCU. The MCU is further configured to control the various
user interface features of the LED bank and the data transfer to
the memory card, as well as the USB interface for data transfer
between the case an external computing device.
[0081] FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an example firmware
architecture for a microcontroller of a smart case according to the
present disclosure. The microcontroller 1800 may include an
application layer 1810, a middleware and drivers/support layer
1812, and a hardware layer 1814. The arrangement of components
shown in FIG. 18 is exemplary only and other combinations including
adding, removing or rearrangement components are envisions.
[0082] In some embodiments the auxiliary unit (e.g., smart case)
may include wireless communication link configured to connect
directly to the internet, e.g., as shown in FIG. 19B, such that
files from the auxiliary unit can be transmitted directly to one's
e-mail account, social media account, or to cloud based storage.
The auxiliary unit can also include geolocation (such as GPS) and
time/date indication which can be added to images captured by the
wearable camera. FIG. 19B shows an operational scenario in which a
wearable camera 1900 transmits data wirelessly (or in some cases
via wired connection) to a smart case 1910' (e.g., when docked
therein or when in operation range of the wireless receiver and in
accordance with data transfer protocols provided in the smart case
and/or camera), and the smart case 1910' wirelessly transmits data
received from the camera directly to an internet server 1930, e.g.,
for storage on the cloud or upload to a social media site, without
requiring the smart case to be connected to any other intermediate
computing devices. In FIG. 19A, the operational scenario includes a
wearable camera 1900 which transmits data wirelessly (or in some
cases via wired connection) to a smart case 1910 (e.g., when docked
therein or when in operation range of the wireless receiver and in
accordance with data transfer protocols provided in the smart case
and/or camera), and the smart case 1910 transmits data received
from the camera wirelessly (or in some cases via a wired
connection) to a portable computing device (e.g., a smart phone
1920), which can then transmit the data to an internet server 1930,
e.g., for cloud storage or upload to a social media site.
[0083] Further examples of auxiliary units configured for
connection with the wearable device to a common platform are
described with further reference to FIGS. 20-21. In some
embodiments, the auxiliary unit may be configured to connect as an
extension to an electronic wearable device (e.g., a wearable
camera) such that the auxiliary unit and the EWD together form a
wearable device which can connect to a common platform (e.g., a
wearable article such as eyewear). The wearable camera may be any
camera designed to worn on the body or on an article worn on the
body, by way of example only, an eyewear frame. For example, a
wearable camera may be a camera having a sufficiently small form
factor to be able to attach the camera to eyewear, such as by
attaching it to a side of the temple. Although example of auxiliary
unit thus connectable to a EWD is described primarily in connection
with wearable cameras, it will be understood that the EWD may be
any other type of EWD other than camera such as, by way of example
only, an image display system, an air quality sensor, a UV/HEV
sensor, a pedometer, a night light, a blue tooth enabled
communication device such as blue tooth headset, a hearing aid or
an audio system. In some examples, the electronic device may be
worn elsewhere on the body, for example around the wrist (e.g., an
electronic watch or a biometric device, such as a pedometer). The
electronic device 200 may be another type of electronic device
other than the specific examples illustrated. The electronic device
200 may be virtually any miniaturized electronic device, for
example and without limitation a camera, image capture device, IR
camera, still camera, video camera, image sensor, repeater,
resonator, sensor, sound amplifier, directional microphone, eyewear
supporting an electronic component, spectrometer, directional
microphone, microphone, camera system, infrared vision system,
night vision aid, night light, illumination system, sensor,
pedometer, wireless cell phone, mobile phone, wireless
communication system, projector, laser, holographic device,
holographic system, display, radio, GPS, data storage, memory
storage, power source, speaker, fall detector, alertness monitor,
geo-location, pulse detection, gaming, eye tracking, pupil
monitoring, alarm, CO sensor, CO detector, CO2 sensor, CO2
detector, air particulate sensor, air particulate meter, UV sensor,
UV meter, IR sensor IR meter, thermal sensor, thermal meter, poor
air sensor, poor air monitor, bad breath sensor, bad breath
monitor, alcohol sensor, alcohol monitor, motion sensor, motion
monitor, thermometer, smoke sensor, smoke detector, pill reminder,
audio playback device, audio recorder, speaker, acoustic
amplification device, acoustic canceling device, hearing aid,
assisted hearing assisted device, informational earbuds, smart
earbuds, smart ear-wearables, video playback device, video recorder
device, image sensor, fall detector, alertness sensor, alertness
monitor, information alert monitor, health sensor, health monitor,
fitness sensor, fitness monitor, physiology sensor, physiology
monitor, mood sensor, mood monitor, stress monitor, pedometer,
motion detector, geo-location, pulse detection, wireless
communication device, gaming device, eyewear comprising an
electronic component, augmented reality system, virtual reality
system, eye tracking device, pupil sensor, pupil monitor, automated
reminder, light, alarm, cell phone device, phone, mobile
communication device, poor air quality alert device, sleep
detector, doziness detector, alcohol detector, thermometer,
refractive error measurement device, wave front measurement device,
aberrometer, GPS system, smoke detector, pill reminder, speaker,
kinetic energy source, microphone, projector, virtual keyboard,
face recognition device, voice recognition device, sound
recognition system, radioactive detector, radiation detector, radon
detector, moisture detector, humidity detector, atmospheric
pressure indicator, loudness indicator, noise indicator, acoustic
sensor, range finder, laser system, topography sensor, motor, micro
motor, nano motor, switch, battery, dynamo, thermal power source,
fuel cell, solar cell, kinetic energy source, thermo electric power
source, smart band, smart watch, smart earring, smart necklace,
smart clothing, smart belt, smart ring, smart bra, smart shoes,
smart footwear, smart gloves, smart hat, smart headwear, smart
eyewear, and other such smart devices. In some examples, the
electronic wearable device may be a smart device.
[0084] The auxiliary unit may be configured to attach to the camera
through any physical connection between the auxiliary unit and
camera. The physical connection may in some examples also provide
an electrical connection between the camera and auxiliary unit. In
some examples, the physical connection may be operatively
associated with a wired camera interface to enable communicatively
coupling the camera to the auxiliary unit. In some embodiments, the
physical connection between the wearable camera and an auxiliary
unit may provide at least two electrical connection points between
the wearable camera and the auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit may
be configured to function as an extension power source, which when
combined with the onboard power source of the camera forms a
composite power source. In other words, the term composite power
source may be used to refer to any source of power for a EWD (e.g.,
a wearable camera) that includes the internal power supply of the
EWD and at least one external source, such as an external source
that resided inside an attachable auxiliary unit designed to
connect with the EWD through a connection means. In some
embodiments, the physical connection provides no electrical
connection points and any communication between the auxiliary unit
and the EWD is wireless.
[0085] FIG. 20 illustrates an auxiliary unit 2200 attachable to and
detachable from a wearable camera 2100. The camera 2100 may be
implemented according to any of the examples of cameras described
herein. The camera 2100 includes an attachment member 2110 for
removably attaching the camera 2100 to a platform 2300, for example
an eyewear frame or more specifically a temple of an eyewear
frame.
[0086] The camera 2100 and auxiliary unit 2200 are associated with
an attachment system 2400. The attachment system 2400 may be
configured to enable the camera 2100 and auxiliary unit 2200 to be
physically joined to one another to become a single unit attachable
and detachable as a unit from the platform. For example, the camera
2100 may include a first connection portion 2120 and the auxiliary
unit may include a second connection portion 2220 designed for
cooperating fit with the first connection portion 2120. In some
examples, the first connection portion 2120 and the second
connection portion 2220 may provide a wired electrical interface
between the auxiliary unit 2200 and the camera 2100. In some
examples, the first connection portion 2120 and the second
connection portion 2120 may provide a rigid connection between the
camera 2100 and auxiliary unit 2200 such that movement of the
camera 2100 causes movement of the auxiliary unit 2200 and vice
versa. In other embodiments, the connection may be flexible.
[0087] In some embodiments, the connection portion 2120 may include
a female standard connector, such as a female USB connector. The
second connection portion 2210 may include a male standard
connector, such as a male USB connector. The term USB connector is
meant to include any type of USB connector including micro USB
connectors. In some embodiments, the connection portions 2120 and
2220 may include flexible connectors. In some embodiments, the
camera and auxiliary unit may connect mechanically, magnetically,
or otherwise to one another without the physical connection
providing electrical contact points.
[0088] The auxiliary unit 2200 may be implemented according to any
of the examples herein. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit
2200 may include an attachment member 2210 which is configured to
removably attach the auxiliary unit 2200 to the platform 2300. In
some embodiments, the auxiliary unit 2200 may not include the
attachment member 2210 but may instead be considered to be attached
to the platform 2300 (e.g., eyewear temple) via a rigid link
between the auxiliary unit 2200 and camera 2100 and via the
camera's connection to the platform 2300. In some embodiments, the
camera 2100 and/or the auxiliary unit 2200 may be attachable to the
common platform 2300 via magnetic means. In some examples, the
platform 2300 may be a track that includes a ferromagnetic material
(e.g., a magnet, a magnetic metal material, etc.), an eyewear
temple including a ferromagnetic material, of a universal connector
that is attachable and detachable to an eyewear temple wherein the
universal connector includes a ferromagnetic material.
[0089] As described, the attachment member 2110, and optionally
attachment member 2220, may include one or more magnets which can
attract to a metallic component of the common platform 2300 (e.g.,
a metallic surface, a metallic insert, or any implementation of a
metallic track). In some embodiments, the arrangement may be
reversed in that the attachment members 2110 and 2220 may include a
magnetic metallic material which is attractable by a magnetic
material of the common platform 2300. In other embodiments, the
attachment mechanisms as between the attachment member 2110, and
optionally attachment member 2220, and the platform 2300 maybe
purely mechanical in nature, such as a simple post into a slot
arrangement. In still other embodiments, the common platform 2300,
resides inside one or both temples of an eyewear frame.
[0090] In an embodiment, the auxiliary unit 2100 may include a
housing, a camera connector (e.g., a USB connector) and one or more
electronic components at least partially enclosed within the
housing. The camera connector may include at least two electrical
contacts. The one or more electronic components may include a power
source, optionally a memory device, and an interface for
communicatively coupling the auxiliary unit to the camera. The one
or more electronic components may be operatively connected to the
at least two electrical contacts for communicatively coupling the
auxiliary unit to the camera. In some embodiments, the auxiliary
unit 2100 may include an attachment member connected to or integral
with the housing, wherein the attachment member is configured as an
extension of the camera attachment member to enable the wearable
camera and the auxiliary unit to be connected together to a common
platform.
[0091] FIGS. 21A-D show auxiliary units 2200-a through 2200-d
according to further examples of the present disclosure. Each of
the illustrated auxiliary units 2200-a through 2200-d are shown
configured with a USB plug 2222a-d; however it will be understood
that an interface other than a USB interface may be used in other
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0092] In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit may include only a
battery for extending the useful life of the camera. In some
embodiments, the auxiliary unit may include multiple batteries. In
embodiment, the battery connection between the wearable camera and
the auxiliary unit may be via a parallel connection, such that the
voltage of the combined batteries is the same. In some embodiments,
the battery or batteries in the auxiliary unit may be a near exact
match to the internal battery of the wearable camera to optimize
the combined performance of the composite power source. A battery
of the auxiliary unit may be rechargeable and the auxiliary unit
may include battery charging circuit connected to an external
communication interface (e.g., another USB interface, such as a
female USB connector) for coupling the auxiliary unit to an
external power source. For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, the
auxiliary unit 2200-a includes only a battery 2230-a (or multiple
batteries) and any accompanying circuitry, such as for recharging
the battery 2230-a including another connector 2260-a for plugging
into an external charger. As such the auxiliary unit 2200-a can
function as a battery extension or wearable battery pack for the
wearable camera 2100.
[0093] In other embodiments, the auxiliary unit may also include
electronic functions, such as a wireless module for wireless
communication. Wireless communication devices may include
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any other wireless technologies currently
known or later developed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21B-D, the
auxiliary units 2200-b through 2200-d include not only a battery
(as a battery extension to the camera onboard power source) but
also a wireless communication module (e.g., 2240-a and 2240-b,
which may be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other type). In some embodiments,
the attachable accessory may also include electronic storage or
Flash Memory. In most, but not all, embodiments, the auxiliary unit
will include its own power source that is share with the wearable
camera and used to power additional functionality present in the
auxiliary unit. In other embodiments, the battery inside the
wearable camera may provide the power to operate the electronics
inside the auxiliary unit.
[0094] In embodiments where the electronic interface between the
camera and auxiliary unit is a USB connection, the wearable camera
may include charging and power management electronics that will
require the external power source to act like a standard 5V USB
charging port. In this case, the attachable accessory may include a
power boast circuit as illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21D, which may be
configured to drive the power charging circuit inside the wearable
camera. Also in such embodiments, the battery inside the auxiliary
unit may include its own power charging circuit as well as a USB
female connector to be charge from an outside charging source, such
as, a wall adaptor with 5V DC or other 5V USB source, such as a PC,
notebook, or laptop computer. In still other embodiments, the
auxiliary unit may include additional electronic functions that
enhance the performance of the wearable camera.
[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21B, the auxiliary
unit may include features like a buzzer or vibrator 2250 that could
provide feedback, such as an alert or status indication, to user of
the wearable camera that would normally be provided by the internal
audio source inside the camera. In this manner the alert function
that may otherwise be provided by the camera may be offloaded to
the auxiliary unit. As described herein, various functions that may
otherwise be typically provided by the camera, such as wireless
communication means for example Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, could be
offloaded to the auxiliary unit thus reducing the side of the
camera and the auxiliary unit being detachable when not in use.
[0096] As further shown in FIG. 21D, the auxiliary unit 2200-d may
include additional functionality such as a voice communication
module 2270. The voice communication module may be configured to
provide functionality similar to, for example, those found in
Apple's SIRI, Amazon's Alexa, Microsoft Kinect or other voice
recognition technologies. The voice communication module may enable
the wearer of the camera and the auxiliary unit to control the
camera and get status information from the camera using voice
commands or queries. In some embodiments, the auxiliary unit (e.g.,
auxiliary unit 2200-d) may include a microphone and a speaker which
may be operatively associated with the voice communication module,
if present.
[0097] Further inventive examples are described in the following
enumerated paragraphs.
[0098] A1. A camera system comprising: a wearable camera comprising
a memory configured to store photos or video captured with the
wearable camera and comprising a camera controller and an onboard
battery having onboard power capacity; and an auxiliary unit
comprising: an auxiliary battery having auxiliary power capacity
greater than the onboard power capacity; a camera interface
configured to communicatively couple the auxiliary unit to the
camera to recharge the onboard battery or to receive data from the
camera; and an external communication interface configured for
coupling the auxiliary unit to an external power source or a
computing device for transferring data received from the camera to
the computing device.
[0099] A2. The camera system of paragraph A1, wherein the camera
interface comprises a wired interface.
[0100] A3. The camera system of paragraph A2, wherein the wired
interface comprises a male USB connector.
[0101] A4. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the
auxiliary unit is implemented as a camera case having a
configuration in which the camera case at least partially encloses
the camera when the camera is connected to the camera
interface.
[0102] A5. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the
camera case further comprises a display.
[0103] A6. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the
camera case further comprises one or more switches configured to
activate one of a plurality of external communication
components.
[0104] A7. The camera system of paragraph A6, wherein the one or
more switches includes at least one actuator configured to at least
partially expose or conceal a wired connector plug.
[0105] A8. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the
camera interface comprises a wireless interface.
[0106] A9. The camera system of paragraph A8, wherein the wireless
interface is configured to wirelessly charge the onboard
battery.
[0107] A10. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein the
camera interface comprises a wired interface configured for
receiving data from the camera and further comprises a wireless
interface configured to wirelessly charge the onboard battery.
[0108] A11. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the
external communication interface comprises a wired communication
interface.
[0109] A12. The camera system of paragraphs A11, wherein the wired
communication interface includes at least one male connector.
[0110] A13. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the
camera interface includes one of a male USB connector or a female
USB connector and wherein the external communication interface
includes a male LIGHTNING connector, a male USB connector, or
both.
[0111] A14. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the
external communication interface comprises a wireless communication
interface.
[0112] A15. The camera system of paragraph A14, wherein the
external communication interface comprises a Wi-Fi chip, a
Bluetooth chip, or both.
[0113] A16. The camera system of paragraph A14, wherein the
external communication interface comprises a dual band chip which
includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.
[0114] A17. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A16, wherein the
auxiliary unit includes a configuration in which the auxiliary unit
at least partially encloses the camera when the camera is coupled
thereto.
[0115] A18. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises a user interface.
[0116] A19. The camera system of paragraphs A18, wherein user
interface includes a display.
[0117] A20. The camera system of paragraphs A19, wherein said
display is configured to be used as a viewfinder to adjust the
positioning of the camera while capturing an image.
[0118] A21. The camera system of paragraph A18-A20, wherein user
interface includes one or more functional indicators, one or more
user controls, or a combination thereof.
[0119] A22. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises volatile memory.
[0120] A23. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises non-volatile memory.
[0121] A24. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises volatile and non-volatile
memory.
[0122] A25. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein the
auxiliary unit has an overall length of 120 mm or less and an
overall width of 90 mm or less.
[0123] A26. The camera system of paragraphs A25, wherein the
overall length is 70 mm or less and the overall width is 45 mm or
less.
[0124] A27. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the
external interface comprises a iOS communication module configured
to enable direct wired communication between the auxiliary unit and
a iOS mobile computing device.
[0125] A28. The camera system of paragraph A1, wherein the camera
interface is wired and the external interface is wireless, the
camera interface is wireless and external interface is wired, the
camera interface and the external interface are both wired
interfaces, or the camera interface and the external interface are
both wireless.
[0126] A29. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein the
auxiliary unit is a mobile auxiliary unit.
[0127] A30. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the
computing device is a mobile computing device.
[0128] A30. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the
computing device is a cloud server.
[0129] A31. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the
auxiliary unit comprises an indicator configured to provide an
indication of status of the camera.
[0130] A32. The camera system of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein the
indicator is configured to provide the indication of status of the
camera only when the camera is docked to the auxiliary unit.
[0131] C1. An auxiliary unit attachable to and detachable from a
wearable camera which includes a camera attachment member for
removably attaching the camera to eyewear, the auxiliary unit
comprising: a housing; a camera connector provided at an opening in
the housing and comprising at least two electrical contacts; one or
more electronic components at least partially enclosed within the
housing, wherein the one or more electronic components are
connected to the at least two electrical contacts; and an
attachment member connected to or integral with the housing,
wherein the attachment member is configured as an extension of the
camera attachment member to enable the wearable camera and the
auxiliary unit to be connected together to a common platform.
[0132] C2. The auxiliary unit of paragraph C1, wherein the
auxiliary unit and camera are connectable together to an eyewear
temple.
[0133] C3. The auxiliary unit of paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the
attachment member is a rigid member.
[0134] C4. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C3, wherein the one
or more electronic components comprises a camera communication
interface, an external communication interface, a user interface,
an auxiliary battery having auxiliary power capacity greater than
onboard power capacity of the wearable camera, an auxiliary memory,
or a combination thereof.
[0135] C5. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C4, wherein the one
or more electronic components include a battery.
[0136] C6. The auxiliary unit of paragraph C5, wherein the battery
is a rechargeable battery.
[0137] C7. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C6, wherein the one
or more electronic components include wireless communication
component.
[0138] C8. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C7, wherein the
wireless communication component comprises a Wi-Fi chip, a
Bluetooth chip, or a combination of the two.
[0139] C9. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C8, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises a vibrator.
[0140] C10. The auxiliary unit of paragraphs C1-C9, wherein the
auxiliary unit further comprises a voice communication module.
[0141] C11. The auxiliary unit of paragraph C10, wherein voice
communication module comprises a microphone and a processor
configured to perform voice recognition and control an operation of
the auxiliary unit responsive to a voice command.
[0142] C12. The auxiliary unit of paragraph C10 or C11, wherein the
voice communication module further comprises a speaker.
[0143] It will be understood that any of the auxiliary units
described herein may be implemented as a case which is configured
to at least partially enclose a wearable electronic device such as
a wearable camera.
[0144] The above detailed description of examples is not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the method and system for wireless
power transfer to the precise form disclosed above. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the method and systems for
wireless power transfer are described above for illustrative
purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the
scope of the system, as those skilled in the art will recognize.
For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given
order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having
operations, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order,
and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added,
subdivided, combined, and/or modified. While processes or blocks
are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or
blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at
different times. It will be further appreciated that one or more
components of base units, electronic devices, or systems in
accordance with specific examples may be used in combination with
any of the components of base units, electronic devices, or systems
of any of the examples described herein.
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