Integral With Camera Body Patents (Class 396/424)
  • Patent number: 11830304
    Abstract: Provided herein is an anti-sneak shooting apparatus for a communication device with shooting function and a system thereof. The anti-sneak shooting apparatus comprises a case for receiving the communication device and a locking apparatus. The case has an opening disposed thereon, through which the communication device is put into and removed out of the case and an opaque region for aligning with a camera of the communication device that is put into the case. The locking apparatus is disposed on the case, for locking and unlocking the opening. The apparatus further comprises an anti-theft tag or a RFID tag disposed on the case. The detection system as provided herein is disposed at the exit of the place where shooting is prohibited and can be used in combination with the video supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ningbo Signatronic Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin Li
  • Patent number: 9066006
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image photographing device that includes a display unit displaying a preview image and a control method thereof. The image photographing device includes a judgment unit that judges whether or not lens blind has occurred and a photographing control unit that executes photographing after a predetermined time following an input of a photographing execution command has elapsed, if the judgment unit judges that lens blind has occurred. Even if a user shields a lens by his/her hand during a process of touching the screen of the display unit or pressing a photographing button to execute photographing, photographing is executed after the user's hand has moved out of the visual field of the lens, and thus an image desired by the user may be obtained without disturbance due to lens blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Yun Lee, Yi Lee Seo, Ji Young Yun, Isaac Lee
  • Patent number: 9019430
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of protecting a flexible wiring plate during assembly of the image pickup apparatus, thus improving the ease of assembly and realizing cost reduction due to a decrease in the number of components. A cover member has an opening exposing an image display surface of the display which has a folded flexible wiring plate and covers the rear side of the image pickup apparatus main body. A tripod base member is disposed on a bottom and has an abutting portion and a guide portion. A folded portion of the flexible wiring plate comes into abutment with the abutting portion and covered with the tripod base member. The guide portion guides a leading end portion of the cover member on mounted on the image pickup apparatus main body, and hence the leading end portion of the cover member does not contact with the folded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiko Kano
  • Patent number: 8979398
    Abstract: A garment clip is disclosed. The garment clip houses a camera and comprising a first portion housing operational circuitry and a second portion supporting an image capture component. The second portion has a mass which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions are connected in a configuration such that, when the clip is secured to the garment, the image capture component faces outwardly and the first portion is at least partially concealed by the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amy Aimei Han, Jason Williams
  • Patent number: 8905654
    Abstract: A network camera comprising a casing and a base is provided. The casing has a slot. The base comprises a supporter and a joint rod. The joint rod has a joint terminal and an engaging terminal. The joint terminal is pivotally connected to the supporter. The engaging terminal has an engaging flange engaged within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sercomm Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Chun Hung, Cheng-Chung Chang
  • Publication number: 20140308031
    Abstract: A garment clip is disclosed. The garment clip houses a camera and comprising a first portion housing operational circuitry and a second portion supporting an image capture component. The second portion has a mass which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions are connected in a configuration such that, when the clip is secured to the garment, the image capture component faces outwardly and the first portion is at least partially concealed by the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Microsoft Corporation
  • Patent number: 8810724
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a speaker, a movable barrel having a lens, a fixed barrel where a cam groove engaging with a cam pin provided on the movable barrel and configured to drive the movable barrel is formed on its inner periphery and an exterior part where the fixed barrel is attachable. A sound space is formed by concaving an outer periphery of the fixed barrel, the speaker is arranged so as to cover the sound space, an opening connected with the sound space is formed on the exterior part, and a bottom part of the sound space is located closer to an optical axis of the lens than to the bottom part of the cam groove in the fixed barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Ikezawa
  • Patent number: 8801303
    Abstract: Herein describes, by example, a case structure that includes a first cover, a second cover and a first side frame. The second cover opposes the first cover. An internal space is formed between the first cover and the second cover. The first side frame is arranged between the first cover and the second cover. The first side frame has a reinforcing part and a strap holder part. The reinforcing part is arranged along each of a first side end part of the first cover and a second side end part of the second cover. The reinforcing part is connected to each of the first side end part and the second side end part. The strap holder part connects to an end part of the reinforcing part. The strap holder part is folded in an outward direction from the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8585302
    Abstract: A camera device includes a camera body including a camera housing which is formed into a substantially spherical shape, a bracket fixable to a vehicle, and a socket provided on the bracket into which a spherical portion of the camera housing is fittable. The camera body includes an imaging lens which is exposed from the socket. The spherical portion of the camera housing is fitted into the socket so that the imaging lens has an optical axis a direction of which is adjustable in a vertical direction and in a right-left direction relative to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Beat-Sonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Totani
  • Patent number: 8506182
    Abstract: A stabilized stereographic camera system may include an upright support having a longitudinal axis. A camera support coupled to one end of the upright support may mount first and second cameras, the first camera movable with respect to the second cameras. A ballast may be coupled to another end of the upright support. A balance mechanism may move a movable portion of the stereographic camera system relative to the upright support in response to movement of the first camera with respect to the second camera to maintain a constant weight distribution of the stereographic camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 8475059
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Ladan Khamsepoor, Kenneth Ling, Allan Freas Velzy, Kun-Jui Liu, John Kiechel
  • Patent number: 8465216
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a recording device onto a preexisting sex toy is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows a camera mounting enclosure that is connected to a swiveling member that can be rotated upside down so that a standard digital camera can be mounted onto a screw embedded in the camera mounting enclosure. In other embodiments, a pair of gripper arms mounted onto the camera mounting enclosure can be adjusted to different widths that allows for camera phones to be securely held. The gripper arms can also secure an adapter that allows for a web cam to be mounted onto the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jeff Justice
  • Patent number: 8413936
    Abstract: A support device includes a platform, a connecting rod connected with the platform, a main support unit connected with the connecting rod, a weight member connected with the main support unit, two opposite clamping boards each pivotally mounted on the weight member, a swivel mechanism swivelably mounted between the connecting rod and the main support unit, a pivot member pivotally mounted on the swivel mechanism, and an auxiliary support unit connected with the pivot member. Thus, the video camera support device can be operated in two different manners to facilitate a user carrying the video camera. In addition, when the platform is moved by the user, the platform is kept at a horizontal state by provision of the weight member and the clamping boards so that the video camera is moved solidly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Shun Wang
  • Patent number: 8393806
    Abstract: A photo arm is proposed here. A revolving handwheel is equipped for driving a transmission mechanism to bring the photo arm to rotate, so that a camera fixed on the photo arm can shoot from different angles along a circular path. The photo arm is also equipped with a power and signal connecting box for supplying power to the camera and transmitting image information and control instructions. Furthermore, a hoist handwheel is equipped for adjusting the height of the rotation center of the photo arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ortery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8346070
    Abstract: A device for supporting a camera to facilitate capturing stable images from a moving and vibrating platform, such as a helicopter includes a base plate and a vertical post attached to the base plate and extending upwardly from the base plate. A swing arm is fixed to the top of the vertical post in a manner that allows the swing arm to pivot around a vertical axis of the vertical post. A handle is attached to the swing arm and extends upwardly from the swing arm Suspended from the handle below the swing arm is a fixture for supporting the camera. The fixture supporting the camera includes that reduce the transmission of vibrations and shocks to the camera. The device for supporting a camera can be secured in place inside a helicopter without altering the structural integrity of the helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald L. Beasley
  • Patent number: 8280242
    Abstract: A portable camera steady device for use with a camera, having a retractable tensile member whose distal end can be stepped on by a user or hooked to her body or clothing. The device has a swivel mounting member providing two independent and generally perpendicular axes of rotation such that the tensile member extends tangentially from the reel and housing whether the camera is used in the landscape or portrait orientation. A switch is provided to control extension and retraction of the tensile member from a biased reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: West Coast Chain Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Stanfield Young, Boake Paugh
  • Patent number: 8267601
    Abstract: To compensate for changes in weight distribution of transportable, hand-held camera supports when one or both camera translate or pivot in a two-camera stereographic imaging system, the bottom of the elongated camera support attaches to a compensation mechanism. The mechanism has a balance plate movable laterally on a bottom housing. Ballast mounts below the bottom housing. A motor in the bottom housing moves the balance plate and the pole laterally in response to camera pivoting or lateral movement to maintain the center of gravity of the system centered along the longitudinal axis of the elongated support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Campbell, Vince Pace, James Cameron
  • Patent number: 8251598
    Abstract: A camera holder includes a supporting frame, a sliding block, and an adjustable assembly. The supporting frame includes a receiving cavity. The sliding block is received in the receiving cavity and slidably attached to the supporting frame. The sliding block and the supporting frame cooperatively support a camera. The adjustable assembly includes a shaft, a gear, a gear rack, a base, and a revolving head. The shaft is attached to the supporting frame. The gear is mechanically coupled to the shaft. The gear rack is meshed with the gear rack. The base is arranged on a horizontal plane and attached to an end of the gear rack to support the supporting frame. The revolving head is attached to the gear, and the revolving head is configured for rotating the gear such that the gear and the gear rack cooperatively raise or lower the camera relative to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chai-Wei Lee, Hou-Yao Lin, Sheng-Jung Yu
  • Patent number: 8206045
    Abstract: Embodiments of hands-free camera holders according to the present disclosure can enable a user to obtain the exact picture they want by giving them complete control of the camera position. A hands-free camera holder can include a camera support member, e.g., a platform, that is connected by way of an adjustable frame. In optional embodiments, the user can connect to the frame by way or a collar/harness. By using a switch, or trigger means, that is connected to the camera, to take the picture, the framing of the picture is not disturbed, whether activated by the user or an assistant. The separate switch concept/means can also enable individuals with disabilities to use other parts of their body to operate the camera. Using adaptive technology, any reliable movement can be used as a trigger for the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Theresa M. Sweeney, Mark Whittaker
  • Patent number: 8157457
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Ladan Khamsepoor, Kenneth Ling, Allan Freas Velzy, Kun-Jui Liu, John Kiechel
  • Patent number: 8120645
    Abstract: An adjuster plate is provided between a front rail and a camera unit body having cameras. Pre-dimensioned positioning pins protrude from upper and lower surfaces of the adjuster plate. The positioning pins protruding from the upper surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the front rail. The positioning pins protruding from the lower surface of the adjuster plate are positioned by being fitted in pin fitting holes provided in the camera unit body. Even when the positions of the pin fitting holes in the front rail are changed, it is possible to cope with the change by only changing the protruding positions of the positioning pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Katahira, Nobuo Namiki
  • Patent number: 8102424
    Abstract: A housing of a thermal imaging camera includes a camera portion, in which an thermal imaging assembly is mounted, and to which a focusing assembly is mounted, on a first side thereof, and to which a display is mounted, on a second side thereof; a handle portion of the housing extends from a bottom side of the camera portion of the housing at an angle, away from the first side of the camera portion. The housing is configured for ergonomic handling wherein an index finger of a hand may readily activate the focusing assembly, when the hand is wrapped about the handle portion of the housing. The hand may be a right hand or a left hand, and the camera may further include additional features to provide support for single-handed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Justin M. Sheard, Joseph V. Ferrante, Peter A. Bergstrom, Kirk R. Johnson, Christopher W. Lagerberg, Ferdinand Y. Laurino, Michael E. Loukusa
  • Patent number: 7916211
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The image apparatus has: a camera body; a viewfinder unit including a frame; a revolving mechanism for revolving the frame; a frictional mechanism including a detachable plate and giving frictional resistance to the frame and maintaining rotation of the frame; and a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking rotation of the frame. The lock mechanism includes a cylindrical member and a manipulating member for locking. When the manipulating member is rotated in one direction, the manipulating member moves the cylindrical member toward the detachable plate. The part of the frame around a pivot-receiving hole is held between the front end of a barrel and the detachable plate. When rotated in the other direction, the manipulating member permits the cylindrical member to move away from the detachable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Okudaira
  • Patent number: 7899320
    Abstract: A battery pack for mounting to a camera and camera stand is described. The battery pack has attachment means on opposite sides. The attachment means are of complementary design so that the battery pack can be mounted between the camera and the stand. Each attachment means permits linear adjustment of the camera. The two means provide parallel linear adjustment of the camera with respect to the battery pack and of the battery pack with respect to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Vitec Group PLC
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7878718
    Abstract: An image photographing apparatus includes a main body, and a gripping unit rotatably disposed on the main body. The gripping unit includes a first member that protrudes from and is rotatably disposed on a side surface of the main body to adjust in a linear direction, and a second member fixed at approximate right angles to the first member. With this construction, a user can photograph while freely changing a position of her/his hand according a photographing angle that she/he wants to photograph at, in a position that a gripping state to the apparatus is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeon-moo Chung, In-shik Kim
  • Patent number: 7871206
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an apparatus body having a substantially box-like shape and having an imaging lens provided on the front side; and a cover member including a sliding portion slidably supported on the front surface of the apparatus body, a pivotal portion pivotally supported at a side portion of the apparatus body and including a standing piece that faces the front surface of the apparatus body, and a connecting portion that connects the standing piece to the sliding portion, wherein causing the standing piece to face the front surface of the apparatus body produces a lens blocking state in which the imaging lens is blocked, whereas causing the standing piece to stand on the front surface of the apparatus body not only forms a grip formed of the pivotal portion and the connecting portion but also produces a lens unblocking state in which the imaging lens is unblocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7810511
    Abstract: A device may include a receiving surface to receive a cleaning device adapted to clean a surface of a lens when the device is proximate to the surface of the lens. The device may further include a mounting surface to moveably support the device on a host surface, where the host surface further supports a lens. The mounting surface may further maintain the device in a first position that maintains the cleaning device proximate to the surface of the lens to remove a foreign object from the surface of the lens, and maintain the device in a second position that maintains the cleaning device away from the surface of the lens to allow the lens to receive optical information related to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Nils Gustav Fagrenius, Sven Rune Fredrik Palmqvist, Johan Martin Wedel, Carl Magnus Waldt, Eva Tina Rålin, Sten Ola Håkansson
  • Patent number: 7726887
    Abstract: A case for accommodating a camera includes a wrist cuff, a connector secured to the wrist cuff, and a strap having opposite ends coupled to the connector. The wrist cuff includes two elastic members, and a through hole with two openings at opposite ends of the through hole. The elastic members are arranged at opposite end portions of the wrist cuff for closing the openings when the elastic members are in normal state, and the elastic members are deformable so as to open the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Tsung Su, Ying-Chieh Tsai, Ming-Hui Chiu
  • Patent number: 7722264
    Abstract: A camera includes a body having a front plate and a rear plate, a lens module mounted on the front plate, a slot defined in the rear plate, and an elongated deformable wire. The deformable wire is received in the slot, and the deformable wire is deformable between a first configuration where the deformable wire is received in the slot, and a second configuration where the deformable wire is released from the slot and reshaped to support the body on an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Ling Kao, Kang-Shun Hsu
  • Patent number: 7711450
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-deuk Im, Il-kyun Jung
  • Patent number: 7619682
    Abstract: There is provided a pivot hinge mechanism to support a main body and grip unit of a video camera pivotably in relation to each other. It includes a stationary plate to be installed to one of the main body and grip unit, rotating plates to be installed to the other of the main body and grip unit, and a spindle to support the rotating plates rotatably in relation to the stationary plate. The stationary plate and each of the rotating plates have formed therein a first and second openings, respectively, through which a harness routed between the main body and grip unit is penetrated. The first and second openings are formed to overlap each other at least partially in an angular range in which the grip unit is pivoted in relation to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ei Igarashi
  • Patent number: 7595837
    Abstract: There is provided a grasp member joined to the top portion of an image pickup apparatus body including a lens barrel unit at the front end and a display unit at the rear end through leg portions. Here, the front one of the leg portions is joined to the image pickup apparatus body at an offset position to the left from an optical axis of light incident on the lens barrel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Kobayashi, Masakazu Okuda, Nobutaka Kanayama, Yoshiaki Akutagawa, Hidenori Tomita
  • Patent number: 7477318
    Abstract: A digital camera capable of selectively taking still images and moving images, includes a camera body including a photographing optical system; a grip mounted to the camera body to be rotatable relative to the camera body; a first manual operational member adopted for making the digital camera take the still images; and a second manual operational member adopted for making the digital camera take the moving images. The grip includes two adjacent non-parallel surfaces, neither of which faces the camera body, the first manual operational member and the second manual operational member being provided on one and the other of the two adjacent non-parallel surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7422379
    Abstract: A stand for a camera device, the stand comprising an attachment element which is detachably fastened to the camera device and at least one support element which is displaceably connected to the attachment element. The support element is displaceable between at least two positions, a “storage” position where the at least one support element essentially lies up against an outer surface of the camera device and an “active” position where the at least one support element is displaced away from the outer surface of the camera device in order to provide a support for supporting the camera device in a steady orientation on a surface. The attachment element and the supporting element are furthermore arranged such that the attachment element remains fastened to the camera device during the displacement of the supporting element between its storage position and its active position. In this way, a stand is provided which may be very easy and convenient for the user to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Markus Agevik, Anders Lundquist
  • Patent number: 7385647
    Abstract: A housing cover of an image photographing apparatus has a main body mounting therein a deck for recording and reproducing information on an image input through a camera unit and a circuit board. A housing is openably hinged on one side of the deck to mount and separate an image recording medium to and from the deck. A door encloses an outside of the housing and is formed on one side of an outer casing of the main body. The door includes a groove part engaged with the housing by a plurality of screws. The groove part is provided with a hand grip for concealing the screws exposed to the outside and forming a grip part for a user to grip. Accordingly, gripability for carriage and use, and an aesthetic appearance of the image photographing apparatus are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheul-hae Park
  • Patent number: 7380997
    Abstract: A monitor camera (1) has a front glass (13) and a glass hold-down plate for holding the front glass (13). The glass hold-down plate has an outer surface in a region continues to the front glass (13), and the outer surface is flush with or stepped back from an outer surface of the front glass (13). Further, the glass hold-down plate has a hold-down portion vertical to the direction of the thickness of the front glass (13), the hold-down portion presses the held-down portion stepped back from the outer surface of the front glass (13). The above structure prevents the field of vision of the monitor camera (1) from being hindered by natural substances including snow lying on the front glass and enhances waterproof property of the monitor camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Takahashi, Toshio Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7380996
    Abstract: A camera platform for installing a camera in the inside of an automobile is designed in such a manner that even when a camera is rotated to capture rearward images, the camera does not interfere with a room mirror. Since the shaft of a rotation portion is divided into a rotation shaft and a ball shaft, an arm part of the camera platform is rotated without the necessity of rotating the camera main body in the vicinity of the room mirror, so that it becomes possible to carry out rearward image capturing operations. Moreover, since the rotation shaft of the arm part is designed to be offset from the camera attaching center line by 20 mm, it becomes possible to prevent a cable extending from above the camera from contacting with an arm attachment part of a mount, even when the camera is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Kouchi, Kazumi Teratani, Hisao Kobayashi, Keiichi Teranishi
  • Patent number: 7290740
    Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory T. Joy, Jon M. Congdon
  • Patent number: 7280151
    Abstract: A video camera is disclosed which can make photographing without any compulsion. A rotary grip is provided on a side face of a camera body so as to be rotatable relative to the camera body, the camera body having an image pickup device, a camera lens and a circuit board of various circuits. A hand strap is attached to the rotary grip. For carrying the video camera, the fingers other than the thumb of one hand are inserted between the rotary grip and the hand strap so that the tips thereof are caught on a peripheral surface of the rotary grip. A liquid crystal display monitor and an operating unit are integral with the peripheral surface of the rotary grip, and when the rotary grip is rotated relative to the camera body unit, the hand strap, as well as the liquid crystal display monitor and the operating unit, also rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kojima, Yuichiro Kota, Minoru Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6955484
    Abstract: A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness (1a) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness (1a) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness (1a) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness (1a) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness (1a) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness (1a) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Nicholas D. Woodman
  • Patent number: 6942400
    Abstract: This invention relates to an image pickup apparatus having a stable holding mechanism which can pivot through a predetermined amount to switch between two predetermined positions in using and repositing states, and enables stable phototaking operation. The image pickup apparatus has a grip member which assists the grip of the image pickup apparatus main body for the user and can pivot through a predetermined amount about a pivot support to switch between two predetermined positions in using and repositing states. The pivot support which pivotally supports the grip member is arranged at a corner of the side surface of the image pickup apparatus main body farthest from the phototaking optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Shibayama
  • Patent number: 6768868
    Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The motion detector camera can include a first power source connected to the camera mechanism and a separate, second power source connected to the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include a shutter button located external to the housing to manually activate the camera mechanism. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: IP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Schnell
  • Patent number: 6735387
    Abstract: A motion detector camera including a housing having a mounting member in a bottom surface for mounting the housing to a tripod, the housing having an film advance mechanism for automatically advancing a film of the camera after each exposure. The camera includes a wide angle lens attached to a front surface of the housing, a motion detector attached to a front surface of the housing, and a flash attached to the housing and having a range of at least 23 feet. The camera also includes a controller for controlling the flash and a shutter of the camera, wherein the controller receives a signal from the motion detector indicating a triggering event and the controller causes the flash to flash if necessary and causes the shutter to form an exposure on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Tim Schnell
  • Patent number: 6698942
    Abstract: A mount for use in the outdoors to support a camera for recording images of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities. The camera mount comprises a pivot and a rotatable support plate atop a clamping mechanism, which will clamp upon square, rectangular, and round shaped shafts. A camera is statically fastened to the rotatable support plate by a thumbscrew extending through a round hole and tightened. The pivot and rotatable support plate mount to the clamping mechanism with a bolt extending through holes aligned in each and a threaded knob, that when tightened or loosened on the bolt adjusts compressive tension on the clamping mechanism; also, securing the desired angle of rotation. An embodiment is shown of an alternate position of the bottom of the clamping mechanism for mounting on smaller round shafts. A method of mounting a camera for use in the recording of flora, fauna, and participants in outdoors-recreational activities is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffery Scott Ward
  • Patent number: 6663299
    Abstract: A universal camera and flash unit mount having a camera mounting plate to which a handle may be detachably connected. A camera mounting plate is adjustably carried on the mount. The end of the handle, as well as the mount having ball joint to which flash arms may be selectively attached and adjustable to a wide range of lighting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Craig Shupak
  • Patent number: 6470146
    Abstract: A one-time-use camera includes a rear cover part that has an integral door cover portion and an integral remaining cover portion, that is weakened between the door and remaining cover portions to allow the door cover portion to be pivoted open relative to the remaining cover portion to permit a film cartridge to be removed from the camera, and that has a carrystrap post on the door cover portion. An accessory belt clip has a plurality of co-acting fingers which are spaced apart less than a thickness of the carrystrap post and are resiliently flexible away from one another to be able to engage the carrystrap post to releasably grip the canrystrap post. The belt clip that rests against the remaining cover portion when the co-acting fingers releasably grip the carrystrap post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Jude A. Sangregory
  • Patent number: 6384863
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed digital camera includes a hand grip that can be comfortably held by one hand and a lens assembly that is positioned above and connected to the hand grip by a telescoping and rotating device. The hand grip has one or more buttons including a shutter trigger located on a front surface of the hand grip, and one or more command control buttons located on a back surface of the hand grip. The lens assembly includes a memory device that stores digital images or videos and a micro display viewfinder located on a back surface of the lens assembly. The lens assembly may also include a fill-in flash and/or a telescoping flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Barry Bronson
  • Patent number: 6374052
    Abstract: To provide a camera configured to be supported by the hands of a photographer on the bottom surface of the body thereof whose operability is improved by allowing various settings to be easily made with the camera body supported reliably and allowing a set value to be stored and retrieved with a small number of operation members, a configuration is provided which includes a grip portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of a photographic optical system provided in a predetermined position of a lateral surface of the body of the camera and an operating member for allowing input of information to cause execution of a predetermined operation, the operating member being provided in the vicinity of the grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Satoh, Hirohide Fukazawa, Akira Kasai, Kazuo Akai, Nobuharu Namikawa, Jun Inoue
  • Patent number: 5946512
    Abstract: A camera comprising a spindle for supporting an image recording disk to be rotated about a center axis, and a handgrip which is to be hand held at an angular position, is characterized in that the handgrip is supported for rotation about the center axis to vary the angular position at which the handgrip is hand held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Monte D. Lavine, Stanley H. Caplan, Philip R. Ashe
  • Patent number: 5880783
    Abstract: A CCD camera including a photographic lens assembly having a photographic lens for picking up an image, a steering element at one side, and a signal output circuit, an adjustment block coupled to the steering element of the photographic lens assembly and having a steering element, and a circuit box coupled to the steering element of the adjustment block and having a circuit board to which the signal output circuit of the photographic lens assembly is connected, wherein by means of the steering elements of the photographic lens assembly and the adjustment block, the adjustment block can be moved to adjust the position of the photographic lens assembly relative to the circuit box horizontally as well as vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Hsi-Kuang Ma