Abstract: A light bulb adapter camera system and method for same are provided. The system comprises a housing and a data processor having an interface to accept digital image information and an output to supply network formatted digital image information. The system also includes a light bulb compatible screw base for mounting the camera adapter in a light bulb socket and for accepting AC current. A light bulb female socket is typically included to accept a light bulb and to supply AC current, so that the fixture continues to enjoy use as a light bulb fixture, supplying light for the camera. In one aspect of the system the camera is mounted in the housing. A joint between the housing and the screw base is used for rotating and tilting the housing so that the camera-viewing angle can be changed. The system can also interface to microphone and audio speaker interfaces.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a hot-swappable digital camera head. The system comprises a processing unit with a port to receive digital image information from a camera head. The processing unit includes a memory, and a digital signal processor to process the image information and compress it for storage in the memory. The processor unit can supply either processed (raw) image information, or compressed image information. The detachable head includes a lens, a light sensing device, and a port for connection to the processing unit port, to supply the digital image information. The processing unit can be attached to one of a plurality of head models, where each head model supplies digital image information in a potentially different image information format. The differences in formats can be related to the light sensing device used or variance between manufacturer interfaces.