GB2476064A

GB2476064A - Video recording spectacles with removable camera

Info

Publication number: GB2476064A
Application number: GB0921550A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Marcus Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-09
Filing date: 2009-12-09
Publication date: 2011-06-15
Also published as: GB0921550D0

Abstract

A pair of spectacles comprising a frame 10 with a pair of temples, and a removable video recording device 12 attached to the frame. The glasses may comprise a detachable camera securable to one temple and a power supply module, comprising a rechargeable battery, attached to the other temple, with an elastomeric electrical conductor located within the frame to transmit power between the two. A memory slot may receive a removable memory card to store the image data. A microphone may record sound to accompany the video images. Additional independent modules such as a hands-free mobile phone, answering or SMS messaging service, or mp3 music device may be attached to the spectacles. A wireless remote control may provide convenient controls for the camera. This device overcomes the problems of hand-held video cameras which are inconvenient or unsuitable for recording video footage for many leisure activities, such as skiing, cycling, rock climbing and sailing.

Description

Video Equipment This invention relates to video equipment and in particular to video equipment whereby a user can make a video recording of the area in which he is positioned or through which he is passing.

Video recording equipment devices to allow a user to record images of the area in which he is positioned or through which he is passing or travelling are well know.

For example, a number of hand-held video cameras are known. Digital image recording techniques and associated electronic control circuits have also permitted this functionality to be provided, at least to a limited extent, in many digital cameras and mobile telephone devices.

As these known video recording devices are hand-held devices, it will be appreciated that there are a number of situations in which a user cannot conveniently use them. Thus, for example, if a user is undertaking an activity in which he is using one or both of his hands or arms, either to hold something or to assist in maintaining balance, he will be unable to use such traditional hand-held video recording devices.

As many leisure activities, such as for example skiing, cycling or mountain biking, rock climbing, sailing, etc., fall into this category, it will be appreciated that limitations are placed on the areas and types of activity which can be undertaken whilst making a video recording. Even where a user is able to operate a hand-held video camera, holding and operating such a device for an extended period of time may be inconvenient.

It is an object of the invention to provide video equipment suitable for use in such circumstances.

According to the present invention there is provided video equipment comprising a spectacles frame having a face and a pair of temples, and a video recording device removably attachable to the spectacles frame.

It will be appreciated that such an arrangement is advantageous in that the video recording device is supported, in use, by the spectacles frame and so does not require a user to support it in his hands in order to operate it. Consequently, the range of situations and activities in or with which the equipment can be used to make video recordings is enhanced.

The video recording device preferably comprises a video recording module securable to one temple of the frame, a power supply module securable to the other temple of the frame, and an electrical conductor operable to transmit power between the power supply module and the video recording module, the electrical conductor extending across and being supported by the face of the frame, in use. Preferably the electrical conductor is carried within or secured to an elastomeric or similar body attachable to the face.

As the video recording device is arranged in this manner, it will be appreciated that it can be balanced, both in terms of weight and in terms of the visual impact or look of the product. As it is removable, it will be appreciated that a user can simply remove the video recording device when not in use, but may continue to use the associated spectacles.

Conveniently, the video recording device includes a port or slot arranged to house or receive a removable memory device or card on which the recorded information can be stored and by which it can be downloaded onto, for example, a computer. Preferably the port or slot is provided in or on the video recording module.

However this need not always be the case.

The video recording device may include a microphone whereby sound as well as video images can be recorded.

The power supply module conveniently includes a re-chargeable battery.

The frame may additionally be designed to allow other modules to be attached thereto to provide, for example, hands-free mobile telephone, answering or messaging services, and/or playback of audio files to a user. Conveniently the video recording device operates independently of such additional functionality.

To assist in convenient operation of the video recording device, a wireless remote control unit may be provided. For example, the remote control unit maybe a small, hand-held unit, or may be wrist-mounted or the like. However, appropriate control actuators may, and typically will be, provided on the video recording device.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of video equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows the spectacles frame of the equipment at Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the video recording device of the equipment of Figure 1; and Figure 4 illustrates the video equipment being used in conjunction with other function modules.

Referring to the accompanying drawings there is illustrated a video equipment device comprising a spectacles frame 10 to which a video recording device 12 is removably attachable. As shown best in Figure 2, the spectacles frame 10 comprises a face 14 including a lens or lenses and to which is secured a pair of temples 16. The temples 16 are hinged to the face 14 in the usual manner. Although a specific style of frame 10 is illustrated, it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted in this regard and that it is applicable to frames 10 of a wide range of styles.

Each temple 16 is provided with mounting formations 18 to permit the attachment of the video recording device 12 thereto. On each temple 16, the mounting formations 18 comprise a pocket 20 in which a projecting finger 22 of the video recording device 12 is receivable, and a recess 24 arranged to receive a small protrusion 26 of the video recording device 12.

In the arrangement illustrated, the frame 10 is further adapted to permit other audio function modules 28 to be secured thereto. The modules 28 each include electrical connectors arranged to cooperate with pads 30 provided on the temples 16 to permit the transmission of electrical power and signals between the modules 28 via internal conductors provided within the face 14. The audio function modules 28 may perform a range of functions. For example, they may provide hands-free mobile telephone functionality, may perform a telephone messaging or screening function and/or may take the form of an audio media file player. The functionality provided by the modules 28 is independent of the operation and functionality of the video recording device 12, and the video recording device 12 can be operated either with or without the modules 28 fitted. Likewise, the modules 28 can be operated either with or without the video recording device 12 fitted.

The video recording device 12 comprises a first, battery housing 32 adapted to be secured, in use, to one of the temples 16 of the frame 10, and a second, video recording housing 34 adapted to be secured to the other of the temples 16. The manner in which the housings 32, 34 are secured in position is as outlined hereinbefore, using the fingers 22 and protrusions 26 receivable within the corresponding pockets 20 and recesses 24. The housings 32, 34 fit to the outside of the temples 16 and are designed in such a manner that, when correctly fitted, they appear to be an integral part of the temples 16. The first housing 32 houses a rechargeable battery (not shown) which is conveniently rechargeable by connection of a suitable cable thereto. Alternatively, the video recording device 12 may be receivable within a corresponding docking station, the battery being recharged when correctly positioned in the docking station. The second housing 34 carries a video camera 36 and appropriate control circuitry (not shown) to control the operation thereof.

Conveniently, the second housing further includes a port (not shown) within which a removable memory card can be fitted to permit storage of recorded images on the memory card for subsequent transfer to, for example, a computer or the like.

The video camera 36 and associated control circuitry may take a wide range of forms and have a range of functionality. Conveniently, an auto-focussing function is provided, and compensation for ambient light, etc is preferably made. However, a number of other functions may be incorporated. The precise nature of the video camera 36 and associated circuitry is not of relevance to the invention, but it will be appreciated that a man skilled in the art will be aware of a number of suitable devices and associated circuit arrangements. If desired, the video camera 36 may have a microphone associated therewith to permit audio as well as video recordings to me made.

The housings 32, 34 are preferably water tight, providing protection for the components located therein when used in wet environments.

The housings 32, 34 are interconnected by an elastomeric material, flexible bar 38 which, in use, extends across the top of the face 14. The bar 38 may include a part 38a designed in such a manner as to bear against and cushion the users brow, in use, in a similar fashion to ski goggles or the like. However, in some applications this may not be required and the design may be modified accordingly. The bar 38 contains internal electrical conductors whereby electrical power can be supplied from the battery to the components located within and associated with the second housing 34. The bar 38 conveniently defines a groove within which a part of the upper edge of the face 14 is received to assist in ensuring that the bar 36 is correctly positioned relative to the face 14. It also serves to assist in creating the impression that the video recording device 12 is a part of the frame 10, when correctly fitted. Centrally of the bar 38 is provided a nose piece 40 which is adapted to connect to the nose piece supports 42 of the frame to further enhance the integral appearance of the overall device and the robustness of the mounting of the video recording device 12 to the frame 10.

Although not illustrated, the video recording device 12 is provided with control actuators to allow the operation thereof to be controlled. Further, if desired, a remote control unit may be provided to control the operation of the video recording device 12.

The remote control device could be a small handheld device or, alternatively, could be arranged to be worn on the wrist or the like. In either case, it conveniently communicates with the video recording device 12 via a Bluetooth or similar communications link, and the housing 34 is preferably provided with a suitable communications circuit to allow such communication and control.

In use, where a user wishes to make a video recording then, with the spectacles frame 10 worn in the usual manner and with the video recording device 12 secured thereto, he can control operation of the video recording device 12 in order to make a video recording, either using the on-board control actuators or using a remote control device. As the video recording device is spectacles frame mounted rather than of hand-held form, it will be appreciated that video recordings can be made whilst a wide range of activities are undertaken, including those in which a user would not normally be able to hold and use a video camera, such as whilst skiing, cycling or the like. After recording has been completed, a memory card on which the recorded images are stored can be removed and used to transfer the images to a computer or other suitable device for long term storage and playback.

As outlined hereinbef ore, the video recording device 12 may, if desired, be used in conjunction with other function modules mounted upon the spectacles frame 10.

Where the user no longer wishes to make a video recording but wishes to continue using the spectacles, then the video recording device 12 can be removed from the frame 10 by manipulating the nose piece 40 to disconnect it from the supports 42 of the frame and then flexing the bar 36 to allow retraction of the protrusions 26 and fingers 22 from the respective formations 18 and so permit separation of the device 12 from the frame 10. Once removed, an alternative nose piece (not shown) can be fitted to the nose piece support 42.

It will be appreciated that the arrangement described hereinbefore may be modified or altered significantly without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A video equipment device comprising a spectacles frame having a face and a pair of temples, and a video recording device removably attachable to the spectacles frame.
2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the video recording device comprises a video recording module securable to one temple of the frame, a power supply module securable to the other temple of the frame, and an electrical conductor operable to transmit power between the power supply module and the video recording module, the electrical conductor extending across and being supported by the face of the frame, in use.
3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the electrical conductor is carried within or secured to an elastomeric or similar body attachable to the face.
4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the video recording device includes a port or slot arranged to house or receive a removable memory device or card on which the recorded information can be stored.
5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the port or slot is provided in or on the video recording module.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the video recording device includes a microphone whereby sound as well as video images can be recorded.
7. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the power supply module includes a re-chargeable battery.
8. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame is additionally designed to allow other modules to be attached thereto to provide additional functionality.
9. A device according to Claim 8, wherein the additional functionality comprises at least one of hands-free mobile telephone, answering or messaging services, and playback of audio files to a user.
10. A device according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the video recording device operates independently of such additional functionality.
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a wireless remote control unit.