Patents by Inventor Nicholas D. Woodman

Nicholas D. Woodman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11953808
    Abstract: A mounting system for an image capture device that includes three pivotably connected arms is disclosed. The first arm includes a first fastener that is lockable and unlockable to allow for connection and disconnection of the image capture device, and a second fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the position of the image capture device relative to the first arm. The mounting system further includes a third fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the relative positioning between the first arm and the second arm, and a fourth fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the relative positioning between the second arm and the third arm. Whereas the first fastener is removable, each of the second, third, and fourth fasteners is captive to (nonremovable from) the mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy Phuong Nguyen, Bessy Liang, John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Scott Alberstein, Joshua T. Druker, Daniel J. Coster, Nicholas D. Woodman, Jesse Patterson
  • Publication number: 20240053660
    Abstract: A camera housing includes a first surface and a second surface noncoplanar with the first surface. A first interconnect mechanism is coupled to the first surface and rotatable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In the collapsed position, protrusions of the first interconnect mechanism extend parallel to the first surface. In the extended position, the protrusions of the first interconnect mechanism extend in a perpendicular manner away from the first surface. A second interconnect mechanism is coupled to the second surface and rotatable between a collapsed position and an extended position. In the collapsed position, protrusions of the second interconnect mechanism include coplanar surfaces and extend adjacent to the second surface. In the extended position, the protrusions of the second interconnect mechanism extend in a perpendicular manner away from the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Bessy Wen-Han Liang, Nicholas D. Woodman, Nicholas Vitale, Huy Phuong Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20230412754
    Abstract: A camera system captures an image in a source aspect ratio and applies a transformation to the input image to scale and warp the input image to generate an output image having a target aspect ratio different than the source aspect ratio. The output image has the same field of view as the input image, maintains image resolution, and limits distortion to levels that do not substantially affect the viewing experience. In one embodiment, the output image is non-linearly warped relative to the input image such that a distortion in the output image relative to the input image is greater in a corner region of the output image than a center region of the output image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Sumit Chawla, Loic Segapelli, Scott Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20230283902
    Abstract: A system including an image capture module and a handheld module. The image capture module includes a body; an image sensor; and a mechanical stabilization system comprising a first gimbal, a second gimbal, and a third gimbal connected to the body and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor of the image capture module relative to the body. The handheld module defines a slot that is keyed to the body of the image capture module. The image capture module, when located within the handheld module, has a low profile so that the third gimbal is protected from damage by the handheld module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Sean Flanigan, Joseph A. Enke, Pablo Lema, Nicholas D. Woodman, Michael Paterson
  • Patent number: 11722631
    Abstract: A camera system captures an image in a source aspect ratio and applies a transformation to the input image to scale and warp the input image to generate an output image having a target aspect ratio different than the source aspect ratio. The output image has the same field of view as the input image, maintains image resolution, and limits distortion to levels that do not substantially affect the viewing experience. In one embodiment, the output image is non-linearly warped relative to the input image such that a distortion in the output image relative to the input image is greater in a corner region of the output image than a center region of the output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Sumit Chawla, Loic Segapelli, Scott Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20230236481
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, electronic components contained in the body, and two finger members. The two finger members movable relative to the body between an extended state and a collapsed state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend outward from the body for receipt by a mount of an external support. In the collapsed state, the two finger members are collapsed toward the body. In the extended state, the two finger members may extend parallel with each other for receipt in parallel slots of the mount of the external support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Vitale, John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Marco Marroquin, Nicholas D. Woodman, Kielan C. Crow
  • Patent number: 11668938
    Abstract: A device including a frame that has first and second openings and a pair of temple arms that pivot relative to the frame. The device includes an imaging unit connected to the frame at a location adjacent to the first opening and capture images through the first opening. The device includes a mechanical switch disposed on the frame or the imaging unit adjacent to the first opening. The device includes lenses fitted within the first and second openings, and the lens that fits within the first opening includes a key interfaceable with the mechanical switch and configured to adjust firmware of the imaging unit based on physical features of the lenses upon interface with the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Daniel J. Coster, Joshua T. Druker
  • Patent number: 11662651
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, electronic components contained in the body, and two finger members. The two finger members movable relative to the body between an extended state and a collapsed state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend outward from the body for receipt by a mount of an external support. In the collapsed state, the two finger members are collapsed toward the body. In the extended state, the two finger members may extend parallel with each other for receipt in parallel slots of the mount of the external support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Vitale, John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Marco Marroquin, Nicholas D. Woodman, Kielan C. Crow
  • Patent number: 11653095
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for image capture. For example, systems may include an image capture module including an image sensor configured to capture images, a connector, and an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the connector; an aerial vehicle configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector and to fly while carrying the image capture module; and a handheld module configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector, wherein the handheld module includes a battery and an integrated display configured to display images received from the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Flanigan, Joseph A. Enke, Pablo Lema, Nicholas D. Woodman, Michael Paterson
  • Publication number: 20230118521
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle including a housing, a first front arm, a first back arm, a second front arm, and a second back arm. The first front arm has an end at a first elevational plane when in a closed position. The first back arm has an end at a second elevational plane when in the closed position, the second elevational plane higher than the first elevational plane to provide an offset. The second front arm has an end at the first elevational plane when in the closed position. The second back arm has an end at the second elevational plane when in the closed position, the second elevational plane higher than the first elevational plane to provide the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Pablo German Lema, Seung Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 11563893
    Abstract: A camera system includes a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing and thermally coupled to the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sensitive to low ambient temperatures and may become damaged if the temperature of the assembly becomes sufficiently low. The camera system comprises a thermal management system that dissipates heat from electronic components of the camera to increase or maintain the temperature of the battery assembly. The thermal management configures the electronic components in different modes to create a step-wise increase of the resistive heat generated in the camera system and thereby increase the temperature of the components in the camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Ihab A. Ali, Todd Gotham
  • Publication number: 20230007154
    Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture module and a base module. The image capture module is releasably connectable to the base module. The image capture module includes an integrated image sensor and optical component for capturing image data. The base module includes a processor. The processor is configured and the base module is calibrated based on identification data provided by the image capture module when releasably connected to the base module. The image information and identification data may be wirelessly transferred from the image capture module to the base module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Ingrid A. Cotoros, Nicholas D. Woodman, Sandor Lee Barna, Jonathan Stern
  • Patent number: 11530047
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a housing, a plurality of first arms, a plurality of second arms, and a landing gear. The housing includes a gimbal attachment to couple a gimbal with a camera. Each of the plurality of first arms and the plurality of second arms rotatably couple with the housing at one end and has a motor coupled with a propeller on the other end. The landing gear includes a plurality of foldable legs and releasably couples with an underside of the housing. The aerial vehicle may be programmed with aerial flight path data that corresponds with a prior traced route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Pablo German Lema, Seung Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 11445126
    Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture module and a base module. The image capture module is releasably connectable to the base module. The image capture module includes an integrated image sensor and optical component for capturing image data. The base module includes a processor. The processor is configured and the base module is calibrated based on identification data provided by the image capture module when releasably connected to the base module. The image information and identification data may be wirelessly transferred from the image capture module to the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingrid A. Cotoros, Nicholas D. Woodman, Sandor Lee Barna, Jonathan Stern
  • Patent number: 11375117
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for image capture. For example, systems may include an image capture module including an image sensor configured to capture images, a base that includes a processing apparatus and a connector, and an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the base, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to send commands to motor controllers of the mechanical stabilization system and includes an image signal processor that is configured to receive image data from the image sensor; and a handheld module configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector, wherein the handheld module includes a display configured to display images received from the image sensor via conductors of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Enke, Sean Flanigan, Pablo Lema, Nicholas D. Woodman, Michael Paterson
  • Publication number: 20220171257
    Abstract: An image capture system includes an image capture device and an integrated sensor-optical component accessory. The integrated sensor-optical component accessory includes at least one of a microphone, a processor, a motion sensor, or an audio sensor. The image capture device configured to control operation of the integrated sensor-optical component accessory with the image capture device when the integrated sensor-optical component accessory is releasably attached to the image capturing device. The image capture device may include a user interface configurable for operation with the integrated sensor-optical component accessory and the image capture device. The integrated sensor-optical component accessory may draw power from the image capture device. The integrated sensor-optical component accessory may include a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Woodman, Ingrid A. Cotoros
  • Patent number: D982065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Scott Alberstein, Bessy Liang, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Daniel J. Coster, Nicholas D. Woodman, Jesse Patterson
  • Patent number: D989164
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Senka Agic Bergman, Arthur Charles Kwun, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Eric McCallister Bennett, Nicholas D. Woodman, Joshua T. Druker, Travis Pynn
  • Patent number: D989165
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Vitale, John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Marco Marroquin, Nicholas D. Woodman
  • Patent number: D1023115
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Vitale, John George Muhlenkamp, IV, Huy Phuong Nguyen, Marco Marroquin, Nicholas D. Woodman