초록 ▼

An integrated hands-free, point of view, action-sports, digital video camera (or camcorder) (10) includes: a rotary horizon adjustment controller (14) for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane (16) recorded by an image sensor with respect to the orientation of a camera housing (22);

An integrated hands-free, point of view, action-sports, digital video camera (or camcorder) (10) includes: a rotary horizon adjustment controller (14) for adjusting the orientation of a horizontal image plane (16) recorded by an image sensor with respect to the orientation of a camera housing (22); a laser alignment system with laser sources (48) capable of projecting light to define a horizontal projection axis (52) that is coordinated with orientation of the horizontal image plane (16); a manually operable switch (80), which covers a microphone (90) whenever the switch (80) is in the OFF position, for controlling video data capture; and a “quick-release” mounting system (120) that retains a desired orientation of the camera (10).

대표청구항 ▼

1. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a micropr

1. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front,a top extending between the front and the back,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,a side extending between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back, anda side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height, and whereinthe camera housing has a top surface area at the top, andthe slidably engageable surface forms a major portion of the top surface area. 2. The digital video camcorder of claim 1, wherein the switch activator covers a major portion of the top surface area. 3. The digital video camcorder of claim 1, wherein the top has a nonplanar contour, and the switch activator is positioned at the top and has a nonplanar contour that is configured to slide along the nonplanar contour of the top. 4. The digital video camcorder of claim 1, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between a first direction and a substantially opposite direction. 5. The digital video camcorder of claim 1, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 6. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing, wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front,a top extending between the front and the back,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,a side extending between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back, anda side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height, and whereinthe camera housing has a top surface area at the top, andthe switch activator covers a major portion of the top surface area. 7. The digital video camcorder of claim 6, wherein the top has a nonplanar contour, and the switch activator is positioned at the top and has a nonplanar contour that is configured to slide along the nonplanar contour of the top. 8. The digital video camcorder of claim 6, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between a first direction and a substantially opposite direction. 9. The digital video camcorder of claim 6, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 10. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated;a switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing; anda housing plane that transects the camera housing, wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front,a top extending between the front and the back,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,a side extending between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back, anda side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height, and whereinthe camera housing has a housing length along the housing plane at the top, andthe switch activator has an activator length that forms a major portion of the housing length at the top. 11. The digital video camcorder of claim 10, wherein the top has a nonplanar contour, and the switch activator is positioned at the top and has a nonplanar contour that is configured to slide along the nonplanar contour of the top. 12. The digital video camcorder of claim 10, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between a first direction and a substantially opposite direction. 13. The digital video camcorder of claim 10, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 14. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing, wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front,a top extending between the front and the back,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,a side extending between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back, anda side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height, and whereinthe top has a top surface with a nonplanar contour, andthe switch activator is positioned at the top surface and has a nonplanar contour that is configured to slide along the nonplanar contour of the top surface. 15. The digital video camcorder of claim 14, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between a first direction and a substantially opposite direction. 16. The digital video camcorder of claim 14, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 17. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing, wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front,a top extending between the front and the back,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,two sides extending between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back,a side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height, anda top housing width between the two sides, and whereinthe camera housing has a top housing surface,the slidably engageable surface is recessed beneath the top housing surface and has a slidably engageable surface length,the switch activator has an activator length that is shorter than the slidably engageable surface length, andthe switch activator has an activator width that forms a major portion of the top housing width. 18. The digital video camcorder of claim 17, wherein the top housing surface has a nonplanar contour, and the switch activator is positioned at the top housing surface and has a nonplanar contour that is configured to slide along the nonplanar contour of the top housing surface. 19. The digital video camcorder of claim 17, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between a first direction and a substantially opposite direction. 20. The digital video camcorder of claim 17, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 21. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing, wherein the camcorder further comprises: a front in proximity to the lens,a back in opposition to the front, wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between the front and the back,a top extending between the front and the back,a top surface at the top,a bottom extending between the front and the back, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top,a side between the top and the bottom,a top length between the front and the back, anda side height between the top and the bottom, wherein the top length is greater than the side height. 22. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the manually operable switch controls supply of power to the microprocessor, the image sensor, and the video encoder, such that when the manually operable switch is in the OFF position, the microprocessor, the image sensor, and the video encoder all cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease recording video. 23. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the manually operable switch controls supply of power to additional electronics such that the additional electronics are deactivated when the manually operable switch is in the OFF position and such that the additional electronics are activated when the manually operable switch is in the ON position. 24. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the switch is a magnetically controlled switch. 25. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the switch activator has an activator area that covers a major portion of the slidably engageable surface. 26. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the lens, image sensor, and data storage medium are enclosed within a camera housing and the switch controls activation of the image data recording operation without penetrating the camera housing. 27. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein: the camera housing has a contoured housing surface;the switch activator slidably engageable surface is recessed beneath the contoured housing surface;the switch activator has a contoured switch surface that matches the contoured housing surface; andthe switch activator is mounted such that the contoured switch surface is flush with the contoured housing surface. 28. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, further comprising: an audio encoder that cooperates with the microphone, the microprocessor providing instructions to the audio encoder, and the manually operable switch being adapted for substantially simultaneously controlling a supply of power to the microphone and the audio encoder such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes the microphone and the audio encoder to both receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously causes recording of audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated. 29. The digital video camcorder of claim 28, wherein the manually operable switch controls the supply of power to the microprocessor, the microphone, and the audio encoder, such that when the switch is placed in the OFF position the microprocessor, the microphone, and the audio encoder all cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease recording the audio data. 30. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, further comprising: an audio encoder that cooperates with the microphone, wherein placement of the switch in the ON position causes the microprocessor, the image sensor, the video encoder, the microphone, and the audio encoder all to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously initiate recording of the video data and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 31. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, further comprising: an audio encoder that cooperates with the microphone, wherein placement of the switch in the OFF position causes the microprocessor, the image sensor, the video encoder, the microphone, and the audio encoder all to cease to receive power substantially concurrently and thereby substantially instantaneously cease recording of the video data and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 32. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the manually operable switch activator covers the microphone whenever the manually operable switch is in the OFF position, and wherein the switch activator exposes the microphone whenever the manually operable switch is in the ON position. 33. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, wherein the digital video camcorder is an integrated point of view digital video camcorder that is operable for mounting to a person, a vehicle, or equipment and operable for capturing video during motion of the person, the vehicle, or the equipment, and in which the image data represents a scene during motion of the person, the vehicle, or the equipment. 34. The digital video camcorder of claim 21, further comprising: a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 35. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a first data storage medium;an image sensor for capturing image data through the lens and directly or indirectly providing the image data to the first data storage medium;a video encoder that cooperates with the image sensor;a microprocessor that provides instructions to the video encoder;a microphone for capturing audio data and directly or indirectly providing the audio data to the first data storage medium and/or to a second data storage medium;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone, wherein the manually operable switch has an ON position and an OFF position such that placement of the switch in the ON position causes power to be supplied to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and causes recording of video and audio data onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium to be initiated;a switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing to slidably engage the camera housing;a battery;video and audio recording electronics, including the first data storage medium, the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone; anda pulse power system that draws power from the battery without pre-activation, the pulse power system including an impulse sensor to monitor for activation of the switch activator, wherein placing the switch activator in the OFF position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be without power, wherein placing the switch activator in the ON position triggers the pulse power system to cause the recording electronics to be supplied with power such that the switch activator causes video and audio data to be recorded onto the first data storage medium and/or the second data storage medium. 36. The digital video camcorder of claim 35, wherein the pulse power system is operable to power up the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone and initiate recording directly without any pre-activation whenever the switch is placed in the ON position, and in which the pulse power system cuts power to the image sensor, video encoder, and microphone whenever the switch is placed in the OFF position to immediately stop audio and video capturing operations. 37. A digital video camcorder, comprising: a camera housing;a lens;a front that is in proximity to the lens;a back that is in opposition to the front;a top extending between the front and the back of the camcorder;a bottom extending between the front and the back of the camcorder, wherein the bottom is in opposition to the top;two sides extending between the top and the bottom;a data storage medium;an image sensor;a video encoder;a microprocessor;a microphone;a manually operable switch for controlling operation of the image sensor, the video encoder, and the microphone to initiate video and audio recording; anda switch activator for the manually operable switch, wherein the switch activator is moveable over a slidably engageable surface of the camera housing at the top of the camcorder, wherein the camera housing has a housing length at the top of the camcorder, wherein the slidably engageable surface has a slidably engageable surface length that forms a major portion of the housing length, and wherein the switch activator is slidable in a direction of travel between the back and the front.