CA2314776A1 - Portable video surveillance device - Google Patents
Portable video surveillance device Download PDFInfo
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- CA2314776A1 CA2314776A1 CA 2314776 CA2314776A CA2314776A1 CA 2314776 A1 CA2314776 A1 CA 2314776A1 CA 2314776 CA2314776 CA 2314776 CA 2314776 A CA2314776 A CA 2314776A CA 2314776 A1 CA2314776 A1 CA 2314776A1
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- boom
- camera
- video
- surveillance device
- portable
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
- H04N7/183—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a single remote source
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- Accessories Of Cameras (AREA)
Abstract
A portable video surveillance device for looking around corners or around obstructions. The video surveillance device consists of an elongated telescoping boom having a video camera mounted towards one end and a video monitor mounted towards the opposite end of the boom.
The video camera is pivotally mounted to the end of the boom by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation such that the camera collects a right-side-up video image. The bracket is further adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot the camera into the right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved. The video monitor is rotatably mounted to the boom such that the boom can rotate about the longitudinal access of the boom permitting the user to position the video camera by rotating the boom while maintaining the video monitor in an appropriate position for viewing. The video monitor may have access ports permitting the user to hook up a secondary video monitor to the device. A counter-balance is releasably attachable to the end of the boom opposite the video camera. The counter-balance preferably consists of a cylindrical tube housing a plurality of rechargeable batteries, which provide the entire unit with electrical power.
The video camera is pivotally mounted to the end of the boom by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation such that the camera collects a right-side-up video image. The bracket is further adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot the camera into the right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved. The video monitor is rotatably mounted to the boom such that the boom can rotate about the longitudinal access of the boom permitting the user to position the video camera by rotating the boom while maintaining the video monitor in an appropriate position for viewing. The video monitor may have access ports permitting the user to hook up a secondary video monitor to the device. A counter-balance is releasably attachable to the end of the boom opposite the video camera. The counter-balance preferably consists of a cylindrical tube housing a plurality of rechargeable batteries, which provide the entire unit with electrical power.
Description
CANADA
TITLE: Portable Video Surveillance Device INVENTORS: BOCK, Hans MORMILE, Giovanni FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to hand held boom mounted video surveillance cameras.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Remote video surveillance is an important law enforcement activity. In situations involving hostage takings, bomb threats or other criminal activity, law enforcement officers may be required to enter buildings where armed law breakers or explosive devices may lurk. Due to the dangers involved in such operations, remote video surveillance devices have been introduced to assist officers in this difficult task. Usually, these remote video surveillance devices have comprised video cameras mounted onto remotely operated robot vehicles. These robot vehicles have been successfully employed in numerous hostage taking and bomb threat situations. Even sophisticated video surveillance robots have their limitations however.
Firstly, remotely operated video surveillance robots tend to be very expensive to purchase and very difficult to operate. Considerable time and expense is required to train operators in the proper use of these devices. Furthermore, do to their bulk and the ancillary equipment necessary to operate them, robotic video surveillance devices cannot be as quickly deployed as may be required. Also, due to the physical limitations of the robotic vehicles used in these systems, this type of remote video surveillance cannot be deployed in several situations where obstacles or tight corners are involved. In such situations, law enforcement officers have no choice but to take the task in hand and enter the building themselves; therefore, what is required is a portable device which assists officers in locating danger.
Attempts have been made provide law enforcement officers with portable viewing aids to assist them while entering dangerous buildings. Night vision goggles are one example. These aids are quite limited in their application since they do not permit the officers to see around corners or obstacles. Boom mounted video cameras have been used in other fields, most notably the news and entertainment field, to allow camera crews to view around obstacles, such as crowds of people. United States patent no. 5,065,249 to Horn et al. discloses one such device.
These boom mounted camera devices tend to be quite bulky and cumbersome to use. Camera movements, especially the panning movements, are motor controlled, rendering these devices both expensive to purchase and difficult to operate. Finally, since they do not provide the user with a quick means for positioning the camera, they are not suitable for the fast pace situations where taking a quick view is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a portable, light and robust video surveillance device. The present video surveillance device consists on video camera and video monitor mounted to an elongated support boom having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends. The video camera is pivotally mounted towards the first end of the boom by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation wherein the camera collects a right-side-up video image.
The bracket is adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot into the right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved. The device also has a video monitor operatively coupled to the video camera for displaying the video image collected by the camera. The video monitor is mounted to the boom at a position towards the second end of the boom.
TITLE: Portable Video Surveillance Device INVENTORS: BOCK, Hans MORMILE, Giovanni FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to hand held boom mounted video surveillance cameras.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Remote video surveillance is an important law enforcement activity. In situations involving hostage takings, bomb threats or other criminal activity, law enforcement officers may be required to enter buildings where armed law breakers or explosive devices may lurk. Due to the dangers involved in such operations, remote video surveillance devices have been introduced to assist officers in this difficult task. Usually, these remote video surveillance devices have comprised video cameras mounted onto remotely operated robot vehicles. These robot vehicles have been successfully employed in numerous hostage taking and bomb threat situations. Even sophisticated video surveillance robots have their limitations however.
Firstly, remotely operated video surveillance robots tend to be very expensive to purchase and very difficult to operate. Considerable time and expense is required to train operators in the proper use of these devices. Furthermore, do to their bulk and the ancillary equipment necessary to operate them, robotic video surveillance devices cannot be as quickly deployed as may be required. Also, due to the physical limitations of the robotic vehicles used in these systems, this type of remote video surveillance cannot be deployed in several situations where obstacles or tight corners are involved. In such situations, law enforcement officers have no choice but to take the task in hand and enter the building themselves; therefore, what is required is a portable device which assists officers in locating danger.
Attempts have been made provide law enforcement officers with portable viewing aids to assist them while entering dangerous buildings. Night vision goggles are one example. These aids are quite limited in their application since they do not permit the officers to see around corners or obstacles. Boom mounted video cameras have been used in other fields, most notably the news and entertainment field, to allow camera crews to view around obstacles, such as crowds of people. United States patent no. 5,065,249 to Horn et al. discloses one such device.
These boom mounted camera devices tend to be quite bulky and cumbersome to use. Camera movements, especially the panning movements, are motor controlled, rendering these devices both expensive to purchase and difficult to operate. Finally, since they do not provide the user with a quick means for positioning the camera, they are not suitable for the fast pace situations where taking a quick view is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a portable, light and robust video surveillance device. The present video surveillance device consists on video camera and video monitor mounted to an elongated support boom having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends. The video camera is pivotally mounted towards the first end of the boom by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation wherein the camera collects a right-side-up video image.
The bracket is adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot into the right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved. The device also has a video monitor operatively coupled to the video camera for displaying the video image collected by the camera. The video monitor is mounted to the boom at a position towards the second end of the boom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one end of the invention showing the video camera;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the video monitor portion of the invention;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the invention showing the camera pointed in a first direction;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the invention showing the camera pointed in the opposite direction to that shown in figure 4;
FIGURE 6 is a conceptual view showing a user using the video surveillance device to monitor events around a street corner;
FIGURE 7 is a conceptual view showing a user monitoring the events on a rooftop using the video surveillance device of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring firstly to Figure l, the video surveillance device made in accordance with the present invention is shown generally as item 10, and consists of elongated boom 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. A video camera 18 is mounted unto first end 14 and a video monitor 20 is mounted towards second end 16 of boom 12. Counter-balance 22 is releaseably mounted to end 16 of boom 12. Video monitor 20 is operatively coupled to video camera 18 via cable 24. Counter-balance 22 is provided with re-chargeable batteries which supplies electrical power to video monitor 20 and video camera 18. Video cameral8 is adapted to gather a video image and transmit it to video monitor 20, which in turn is adapted to display the image on video screen 26. Video camera 18 is pivotally mounted unto pivot arm 28 which permits the video camera to pivot relative to pivot arm 28 such that the video camera always hangs beneath pivot arm 28 and in front of the camera. Video camera 18 is also provided with lamp 30 which projects a beam of light in situations where additional illumination may be required. Video monitor 20 is mounted unto collar 32 which is in turn rotatably mounted unto boom 12 such that the boom may be rotated relative to collar 32.
Boom 12 preferably consists of a telescoping boom arm whose length can be adjusted by simply twisting boom extension collars 34 and 36 as required. It will be understood that any manner of telescoping boom device can be used to form boom 12, provided it is both strong and relatively compact. When the device is not in use, extension 22 may be decoupled from end 16 of boom 12 in order to shorten the length of the entire device. Preferably extension 22 consists of an elongated tubular member configured to contain a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries supply the entire device with electrical power. Since rechargeable batteries tend to be heavy, placing these rechargeable batteries in counter-balance 22 actually counter-balances the weight of boom 12. Extension 22 must be sufficiently long in order to house all of the rechargeable batteries necessary to power unit 10 for an extended period of time.
By incorporating these batteries into extension 22, both their weight and their size can be utilized to not only counter-balance boom 12 but also to add additional length to the overall unit, thereby by making the unit more effective. When the unit is to be transported, extension 22 may be decoupled from end 16 to thereby shorten the length of the entire unit for ease of transport.
Extension 22 is provided with recharging port 86 which permits the rechargeable batteries in the extension to be recharged by plugging an appropriate battery re-charger into the port.
Referring now to Figure 2, pivot arm 28 preferably consists of an L-shaped member having a first end 38 rigidly mounted to end 14 of boom 12 and a second section 40 extending perpendicular from first section 38. First section 38 is co-axle to elongated axis 42 of boom 12.
S Video camera 18 is mounted to end 42 of second section 40 of pivot arm 28 via pivotal attachment 44. Pivotal attachment 44 is configured such that elongated access 46 of video camera 18 is parallel to second section 40 of pivot arm 28 and perpendicular to elongated access 42 of boom 12. Pivotal attachment 44 and end 42 are configured such that pivotal attachment 44 can pivot freely about end 42 with relatively little friction, thereby permitting camera 18 to hang downwardly from second section 40 of arm 28 regardless of how boom 12 is positioned.
Video camera 18 has viewing lens 48 which is adapted to permit an image to be projected into the camera body S0. Camera body 50 contains various electronics components necessary to turn the image into an electronic signal which is sent through cable 24 projecting out rear end 52 of camera 18. Camera 18 is provided with lamp 30 which is adapted and configured to project a beam of light forward of lens 48. Lamp 30 may consist of a plurality of individual lights 54.
Lights 54 may comprise LEDS or small incandescent lamps. Alternatively for night vision applications, lights 54 may comprise infrared LED'S.
Referring now to Figure 3, video monitor 20 consists of an electronic video monitor having a digital video screen 26, control buttons 56, first video output 58, secondary video output 60, housing 62, pivotal attachment member 64, and pivotal adjusting knob 66. Housing 62 is attached to pivotal attachment member 64, which is in turn attached to collar 32. Pivotal attachment member 64 permits housing 62 to be tilted relative to boom 12 simply by turning adjustment knob 66. Collar 32 is configured to be graspable by a user and preferably has an outside surface covered by foam rubber or non-slip plastic. Collar 32 is rotatably mounted unto boom 12 such that the collar can rotate about central axis 42 of boom 12. End 16 of boom 12 is provided with coupling mechanism 68 which is configured to mate with a complimentary coupling element found on end 70 of counter-balance 22.
Video monitor 20 is provided with a video signal via cable 24 which extends through boom 12. Video monitor 20 is also supplied with electrical power from rechargeable batteries which are found in counter-balance 22. Preferably counter balance 22 consists of a series of rechargeable batteries which when coupled to end 16 of boom 12, make electrical contact with a power cord (not shown) which is in turn operatively coupled to monitor 20.
Monitor 20 is configured to convert the video signal received through cable 24 into a video image on screen 26. First video output 58 is provided on video monitor 20 to permit a user to couple video monitor 20 to another video monitor (not shown). Secondary video output 60 is also provided on video monitor 20 to enable an additional video to be coupled to video monitor 20. Secondary video output 60 may also have an integral power jack to permit video monitor 20 to be operated for extended periods of time.
Referring now to Figures 4 and S, video camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28 via pivotal attachment member 44 such that the video camera can pivot freely downward from pivot arm 28. Together, pivot arm 28 and attachment member 44 form a mounting bracket which positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation such that it collects a right-side-up video image. If boom 12 is rotated 180 degrees from the position shown in figure 4 to the position shown in figure 5, camera 18 will rotate such that lens 48 will point in the opposite direction. However, since pivotal attachment member 44 permits camera 18 to pivot freely about pivot arm 28, camera 18 will automatically pivot down-wards such that it hangs from pivot arm 28. As a result, the video image captured by camera 18 will always remain in the appropriate right-side-up orientation since camera 18 will still be hanging below pivot arm 28.
As shown in Figure 4, video camera 18 is pointed to receive an image from one side of longitudinal access 42 of boom 12. When boom 12 is rotated 180 degrees into the position shown in Figure 5, camera 18 likewise rotates so that lens 48 is positioned in the opposite direction from the position shown in Figure 4; however, since the camera automatically pivots into the right-side-up orientation, the image collected by lens 48 likewise remains in the same right-side-up orientation.
The operation of the boom camera device will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. When user 72 wishes to view events occurring around corner 74, the user simply takes video surveillance device 10 and extends boom 12 such that camera 18 is positioned beyond corner 74. The length of boom 12 can be extended by extending boom arm 76. Boom arm 76 can be secured tightly to the remainder of boom 12 simply by twisting boom extension collars 34 and 36. With boom 12 adjusted to the appropriate length, camera 18 can be positioned just beyond corner 74 so that the image taken by camera 18 will be displayed on monitor 20. Operator 72 can tilt monitor 20 such that the operator can view the image clearly.
Operator 72 can rotate boom 12 180 degrees and thereby rotate camera 18 to view down both sides of alleyway 78 past corner 74. Since video camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28, camera 18 will always collect a right-side-up image, regardless of which direction the camera points. Since video monitor 20 is mounted to collar 32, which is in turn rotatably mounted to boom 12, operator 72 may quickly rotate boom 12 while maintaining video monitor 20 in the appropriate position for viewing. Counter balance 22 is rigidly mounted to end 16 of boom 12. By having one hand on counter-balance 22 and another hand on collar 32, operator 72 may easily rotate boom 12 while maintaining video monitor 20 in an appropriate position for viewing. Since the rechargeable batteries contained in extension 22 are relatively heavy compared to hollow boom 12, the entire boom camera can be manipulated relatively easily by operator 72.
Referring now to Figure 7, if operator 72 wishes to take a view from a roof top 84, then he may simply extend boom extensions 76 to lengthen boom 12 in order to position camera 18 as high up as possible. Prior to extending camera 18 over rooftop 84, operator 72 may connect a secondary video cable 80 to monitor 20 at an appropriate video port and then hook up video cable 80 to a secondary monitor such as video display goggles 82. By attaching secondary video monitor 82 to video monitor 20, user 72 can grasp boom camera device 10 at the end of counter balance 22 in order to position camera 18 as high as possible. Again, since camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28, the camera will remain positioned in the correct vertical orientation in order to get a right side up image of events occurring on rooftop 84.
In addition to viewing around corners and on rooftops, the video surveillance device of the present invention can be used by customs agents to look into extended cab trailers, thereby making it easier to inspect their contents. The boom camera device can also be used to inspect underneath cars, or even into large containers which are awkwardly positioned.
Again, since the video camera is pivotally mounted at the end of the extendable boom, the video camera will always be positioned in the correct vertical orientation in order to gather an appropriate right side up image. Hence the video monitor will generally display a right side up image which can be more easily interpreted by the user.
The present invention is both light and robust, making it an ideal video surveillance tool for police raids, swat team operations or even bomb disposal. Since the video camera can be positioned be simply twisting or turning the boom, the device is suitable for use in quick paced operations such as customs inspections, vehicle inspections and police work.
A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed steps could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of one end of the invention showing the video camera;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the video monitor portion of the invention;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the invention showing the camera pointed in a first direction;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the invention showing the camera pointed in the opposite direction to that shown in figure 4;
FIGURE 6 is a conceptual view showing a user using the video surveillance device to monitor events around a street corner;
FIGURE 7 is a conceptual view showing a user monitoring the events on a rooftop using the video surveillance device of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring firstly to Figure l, the video surveillance device made in accordance with the present invention is shown generally as item 10, and consists of elongated boom 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. A video camera 18 is mounted unto first end 14 and a video monitor 20 is mounted towards second end 16 of boom 12. Counter-balance 22 is releaseably mounted to end 16 of boom 12. Video monitor 20 is operatively coupled to video camera 18 via cable 24. Counter-balance 22 is provided with re-chargeable batteries which supplies electrical power to video monitor 20 and video camera 18. Video cameral8 is adapted to gather a video image and transmit it to video monitor 20, which in turn is adapted to display the image on video screen 26. Video camera 18 is pivotally mounted unto pivot arm 28 which permits the video camera to pivot relative to pivot arm 28 such that the video camera always hangs beneath pivot arm 28 and in front of the camera. Video camera 18 is also provided with lamp 30 which projects a beam of light in situations where additional illumination may be required. Video monitor 20 is mounted unto collar 32 which is in turn rotatably mounted unto boom 12 such that the boom may be rotated relative to collar 32.
Boom 12 preferably consists of a telescoping boom arm whose length can be adjusted by simply twisting boom extension collars 34 and 36 as required. It will be understood that any manner of telescoping boom device can be used to form boom 12, provided it is both strong and relatively compact. When the device is not in use, extension 22 may be decoupled from end 16 of boom 12 in order to shorten the length of the entire device. Preferably extension 22 consists of an elongated tubular member configured to contain a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries supply the entire device with electrical power. Since rechargeable batteries tend to be heavy, placing these rechargeable batteries in counter-balance 22 actually counter-balances the weight of boom 12. Extension 22 must be sufficiently long in order to house all of the rechargeable batteries necessary to power unit 10 for an extended period of time.
By incorporating these batteries into extension 22, both their weight and their size can be utilized to not only counter-balance boom 12 but also to add additional length to the overall unit, thereby by making the unit more effective. When the unit is to be transported, extension 22 may be decoupled from end 16 to thereby shorten the length of the entire unit for ease of transport.
Extension 22 is provided with recharging port 86 which permits the rechargeable batteries in the extension to be recharged by plugging an appropriate battery re-charger into the port.
Referring now to Figure 2, pivot arm 28 preferably consists of an L-shaped member having a first end 38 rigidly mounted to end 14 of boom 12 and a second section 40 extending perpendicular from first section 38. First section 38 is co-axle to elongated axis 42 of boom 12.
S Video camera 18 is mounted to end 42 of second section 40 of pivot arm 28 via pivotal attachment 44. Pivotal attachment 44 is configured such that elongated access 46 of video camera 18 is parallel to second section 40 of pivot arm 28 and perpendicular to elongated access 42 of boom 12. Pivotal attachment 44 and end 42 are configured such that pivotal attachment 44 can pivot freely about end 42 with relatively little friction, thereby permitting camera 18 to hang downwardly from second section 40 of arm 28 regardless of how boom 12 is positioned.
Video camera 18 has viewing lens 48 which is adapted to permit an image to be projected into the camera body S0. Camera body 50 contains various electronics components necessary to turn the image into an electronic signal which is sent through cable 24 projecting out rear end 52 of camera 18. Camera 18 is provided with lamp 30 which is adapted and configured to project a beam of light forward of lens 48. Lamp 30 may consist of a plurality of individual lights 54.
Lights 54 may comprise LEDS or small incandescent lamps. Alternatively for night vision applications, lights 54 may comprise infrared LED'S.
Referring now to Figure 3, video monitor 20 consists of an electronic video monitor having a digital video screen 26, control buttons 56, first video output 58, secondary video output 60, housing 62, pivotal attachment member 64, and pivotal adjusting knob 66. Housing 62 is attached to pivotal attachment member 64, which is in turn attached to collar 32. Pivotal attachment member 64 permits housing 62 to be tilted relative to boom 12 simply by turning adjustment knob 66. Collar 32 is configured to be graspable by a user and preferably has an outside surface covered by foam rubber or non-slip plastic. Collar 32 is rotatably mounted unto boom 12 such that the collar can rotate about central axis 42 of boom 12. End 16 of boom 12 is provided with coupling mechanism 68 which is configured to mate with a complimentary coupling element found on end 70 of counter-balance 22.
Video monitor 20 is provided with a video signal via cable 24 which extends through boom 12. Video monitor 20 is also supplied with electrical power from rechargeable batteries which are found in counter-balance 22. Preferably counter balance 22 consists of a series of rechargeable batteries which when coupled to end 16 of boom 12, make electrical contact with a power cord (not shown) which is in turn operatively coupled to monitor 20.
Monitor 20 is configured to convert the video signal received through cable 24 into a video image on screen 26. First video output 58 is provided on video monitor 20 to permit a user to couple video monitor 20 to another video monitor (not shown). Secondary video output 60 is also provided on video monitor 20 to enable an additional video to be coupled to video monitor 20. Secondary video output 60 may also have an integral power jack to permit video monitor 20 to be operated for extended periods of time.
Referring now to Figures 4 and S, video camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28 via pivotal attachment member 44 such that the video camera can pivot freely downward from pivot arm 28. Together, pivot arm 28 and attachment member 44 form a mounting bracket which positions the camera in a right-side-up orientation such that it collects a right-side-up video image. If boom 12 is rotated 180 degrees from the position shown in figure 4 to the position shown in figure 5, camera 18 will rotate such that lens 48 will point in the opposite direction. However, since pivotal attachment member 44 permits camera 18 to pivot freely about pivot arm 28, camera 18 will automatically pivot down-wards such that it hangs from pivot arm 28. As a result, the video image captured by camera 18 will always remain in the appropriate right-side-up orientation since camera 18 will still be hanging below pivot arm 28.
As shown in Figure 4, video camera 18 is pointed to receive an image from one side of longitudinal access 42 of boom 12. When boom 12 is rotated 180 degrees into the position shown in Figure 5, camera 18 likewise rotates so that lens 48 is positioned in the opposite direction from the position shown in Figure 4; however, since the camera automatically pivots into the right-side-up orientation, the image collected by lens 48 likewise remains in the same right-side-up orientation.
The operation of the boom camera device will now be explained with reference to Figure 6. When user 72 wishes to view events occurring around corner 74, the user simply takes video surveillance device 10 and extends boom 12 such that camera 18 is positioned beyond corner 74. The length of boom 12 can be extended by extending boom arm 76. Boom arm 76 can be secured tightly to the remainder of boom 12 simply by twisting boom extension collars 34 and 36. With boom 12 adjusted to the appropriate length, camera 18 can be positioned just beyond corner 74 so that the image taken by camera 18 will be displayed on monitor 20. Operator 72 can tilt monitor 20 such that the operator can view the image clearly.
Operator 72 can rotate boom 12 180 degrees and thereby rotate camera 18 to view down both sides of alleyway 78 past corner 74. Since video camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28, camera 18 will always collect a right-side-up image, regardless of which direction the camera points. Since video monitor 20 is mounted to collar 32, which is in turn rotatably mounted to boom 12, operator 72 may quickly rotate boom 12 while maintaining video monitor 20 in the appropriate position for viewing. Counter balance 22 is rigidly mounted to end 16 of boom 12. By having one hand on counter-balance 22 and another hand on collar 32, operator 72 may easily rotate boom 12 while maintaining video monitor 20 in an appropriate position for viewing. Since the rechargeable batteries contained in extension 22 are relatively heavy compared to hollow boom 12, the entire boom camera can be manipulated relatively easily by operator 72.
Referring now to Figure 7, if operator 72 wishes to take a view from a roof top 84, then he may simply extend boom extensions 76 to lengthen boom 12 in order to position camera 18 as high up as possible. Prior to extending camera 18 over rooftop 84, operator 72 may connect a secondary video cable 80 to monitor 20 at an appropriate video port and then hook up video cable 80 to a secondary monitor such as video display goggles 82. By attaching secondary video monitor 82 to video monitor 20, user 72 can grasp boom camera device 10 at the end of counter balance 22 in order to position camera 18 as high as possible. Again, since camera 18 is pivotally mounted to pivot arm 28, the camera will remain positioned in the correct vertical orientation in order to get a right side up image of events occurring on rooftop 84.
In addition to viewing around corners and on rooftops, the video surveillance device of the present invention can be used by customs agents to look into extended cab trailers, thereby making it easier to inspect their contents. The boom camera device can also be used to inspect underneath cars, or even into large containers which are awkwardly positioned.
Again, since the video camera is pivotally mounted at the end of the extendable boom, the video camera will always be positioned in the correct vertical orientation in order to gather an appropriate right side up image. Hence the video monitor will generally display a right side up image which can be more easily interpreted by the user.
The present invention is both light and robust, making it an ideal video surveillance tool for police raids, swat team operations or even bomb disposal. Since the video camera can be positioned be simply twisting or turning the boom, the device is suitable for use in quick paced operations such as customs inspections, vehicle inspections and police work.
A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed steps could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A portable video surveillance device comprising;
.cndot. an elongated support boom having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends, .cndot. a video camera pivotally mounted towards the first end of the boom by a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket positioning the camera in a right-side-up orientation wherein the camera collects a right-side-up video image, the bracket adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot into said right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved, and .cndot. a video monitor operatively coupled to the video camera for displaying the video image collected by the camera, said video monitor mounted to the boom at a position towards the second end of the boom.
.cndot. an elongated support boom having a longitudinal axis and opposed first and second ends, .cndot. a video camera pivotally mounted towards the first end of the boom by a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket positioning the camera in a right-side-up orientation wherein the camera collects a right-side-up video image, the bracket adapted to permit the camera to automatically pivot into said right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved, and .cndot. a video monitor operatively coupled to the video camera for displaying the video image collected by the camera, said video monitor mounted to the boom at a position towards the second end of the boom.
2. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 1 wherein the mounting bracket mounts the camera such that the weight of the camera keeps the camera in the right-side-up orientation when the boom is moved.
3. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 2 wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first member mounted to the first end of the boom and a second member mounted to the camera, the second member being pivotally mounted to the first member, the mounting bracket positioning the camera such that a majority of the weight of the camera is positioned below the point of attachment of the first and second members.
4. A portable surveillance device as defined in claim 2 wherein the mounting bracket positions the camera such that the camera is pointed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boom.
5. A portable surveillance device as defined in claim 3 wherein the first member comprises an elongated arm having a longitudinal axis and opposing first and second ends, the arm being rigidly mounted to the boom at the first end of the arm, the second member being pivotally mounted towards the second end of the arm.
6. A portable surveillance device as defined in claim 5 wherein the arm is mounted to the boom such that the longitudinal axis of the arm is positioned at a substantially perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the boom, the second member positioning the camera such that the camera is pointed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the boom.
7. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 1 wherein the video monitor is rotatably mounted to the boom such that the monitor can be rotated relative to the boom about the longitudinal axis of the boom.
8. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 7 wherein the video monitor is mounted to a collar member, the collar member being rotatably mounted to the boom, the collar being adapted to be grasped by a user.
9. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 1 wherein the video monitor has a video output port.
10. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 9 further comprising a second video monitor adapted to be coupled to the video output port.
11. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 10 wherein the second video monitor is adapted to be worn on a user's head.
12. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 1 further comprising an elongated extension member rigidly and detachably mountable to the second end of the boom.
13. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 12 wherein the elongated extension member has an outside surface adapted to be grasped by a user and wherein the extension member is provided with at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical power to the monitor and camera.
14. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 13 wherein the elongated extension member comprises a tube having a longitudinal axis, the tube being rigidly and detachably mountable to the second end of the boom such that the tube is coaxially aligned with the boom.
15. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a lamp for projecting a beam of light in front of the video camera.
16. A portable video surveillance device as defined in claim 15 wherein the lamp projects a beam of infra red light and the camera is adapted to view infra red video images.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2314776 CA2314776A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2000-07-31 | Portable video surveillance device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2314776 CA2314776A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2000-07-31 | Portable video surveillance device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2314776A1 true CA2314776A1 (en) | 2002-01-31 |
Family
ID=4166818
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2314776 Abandoned CA2314776A1 (en) | 2000-07-31 | 2000-07-31 | Portable video surveillance device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2314776A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2219197A1 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2004-11-16 | Praesentis, S.L. | Extendible operating and inspection arm |
| EP1604244A2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2005-12-14 | Thomas H. S. Harris | Operator supported remote camera positioning and control system with beam, handle and front end assemblies |
| WO2006079175A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-08-03 | Glenn Stuart Wills | Camera boom |
| CN100568079C (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2009-12-09 | 托马斯·H·S·哈里斯 | The remote camera positioning system |
| CN108561734A (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2018-09-21 | 国家电网公司 | Portable inspection auxiliary rod and cruising inspection system |
| CN109185617A (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2019-01-11 | 广州腾岛绿电力技术开发有限公司 | A kind of intelligent monitor system convenient for safeguarding |
| CN110719390A (en) * | 2019-10-24 | 2020-01-21 | 武汉艾崴科技有限公司 | Portable cloth defense camera |
| SE2150078A1 (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2022-07-26 | Bill Andersson Fordonslyftar Ab | Handheld inspection device |
-
2000
- 2000-07-31 CA CA 2314776 patent/CA2314776A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1604244A2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2005-12-14 | Thomas H. S. Harris | Operator supported remote camera positioning and control system with beam, handle and front end assemblies |
| EP1604244A4 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2008-07-30 | Thomas H S Harris | Operator supported remote camera positioning and control system with beam, handle and front end assemblies |
| CN100568079C (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2009-12-09 | 托马斯·H·S·哈里斯 | The remote camera positioning system |
| AU2004219160B2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2010-07-08 | Thomas H. S. Harris | Operator supported remote camera positioning and control system with beam, handle and front end assemblies |
| ES2219197A1 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2004-11-16 | Praesentis, S.L. | Extendible operating and inspection arm |
| WO2005108018A1 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2005-11-17 | Praesentis, S.L. | Extendible operating and inspection arm |
| WO2006079175A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-08-03 | Glenn Stuart Wills | Camera boom |
| CN108561734A (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2018-09-21 | 国家电网公司 | Portable inspection auxiliary rod and cruising inspection system |
| CN109185617A (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2019-01-11 | 广州腾岛绿电力技术开发有限公司 | A kind of intelligent monitor system convenient for safeguarding |
| CN110719390A (en) * | 2019-10-24 | 2020-01-21 | 武汉艾崴科技有限公司 | Portable cloth defense camera |
| SE2150078A1 (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2022-07-26 | Bill Andersson Fordonslyftar Ab | Handheld inspection device |
| WO2022159026A1 (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2022-07-28 | Bill Andersson Fordonslyftar Ab | Handheld inspection device |
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