WO2003027567A1 - Portable light - Google Patents

Portable light Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003027567A1
WO2003027567A1 PCT/KR2002/001811 KR0201811W WO03027567A1 WO 2003027567 A1 WO2003027567 A1 WO 2003027567A1 KR 0201811 W KR0201811 W KR 0201811W WO 03027567 A1 WO03027567 A1 WO 03027567A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
lighting device
image pickup
portable lighting
pickup unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2002/001811
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hyun-Gi An
Original Assignee
Hyun-Gi An
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hyun-Gi An filed Critical Hyun-Gi An
Publication of WO2003027567A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003027567A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0052—Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable lighting device, and more particularly, to a portable lighting device with a digital camera function to enhance a guarding function at night.
  • a portable lighting device is variously used in our time.
  • a portable lighting device is necessarily used when going out on patrol at night.
  • public peace and order is not secured, so it is necessary to always keep watch in order to prevent crimes such as burglary.
  • a portable lighting device is useful to find out an intruder at night.
  • a conventional portable lighting device cannot provide a basis for tracking an intruder when the intruder runs away.
  • a portable lighting device including a power supply unit supplying electric power to operate the portable lighting device; a lighting unit radiating light at a predetermined region; an image pickup unit, which is installed at one side of the lighting unit to collect image information of the region irradiated by the lighting unit; a first switch turning on or off the lighting unit to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation; a second switch operating the image pickup unit in response to the user's manipulation; a controller, which controls the operation of either the lighting unit or the image pickup unit in response to the operation of the first or second switch and controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the lighting unit and the image pickup unit; a data storage unit storing the image information collected by the image pickup unit; and an interface unit in order to transport the image information stored in the data storage unit to an external device.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a portable lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of a lighting unit and an image sensor unit of the portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is functional block diagram of a portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a portable lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a portable lighting device 100 includes a lighting unit 150 throwing a light to the outside; an image sensor 120, which is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150 to instantaneously pick up image information of a lighted region; a switch unit 110 driving the lighting unit 150 and the image sensor unit 120; a flash memory mount 130 on which a detachable flash memory 160 is mounted; and a universal serial bus (USB) port 140, which provides interface to an external device (for example, a computer) in order to output the image information stored in the flash memory 160 to the external device.
  • the image sensor unit 120 for collecting image information and the flash memory 160 for storing the image information are additionally installed to a usual portable lighting device.
  • the appearance of the portable lighting device 100 and the positions of the elements of the portable lighting device 100 can be
  • a wiring (not shown) for connecting a power supply to a data line is needed.
  • the pattern of the wiring is not fixed. For example, when the image sensor unit 120 is installed at a glass surface of the lighting unit 150, a wiring for applying electric power to the image sensor unit 120 and a wiring for transmitting image data collected by the image sensor 120 are added to the glass surface.
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of the lighting unit 150 and the image sensor unit 120 of the portable lighting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows an example in which the image sensor unit 120 is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150.
  • the image sensor unit 120 is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150 to be aligned with a lighting lamp 151.
  • the image sensor unit 120 includes an image sensor 121, a small processor 122, and a reflective mirror 123.
  • the image sensor 121 is installed such that a predetermined portion of the image sensor 121 is exposed to the outside of the portable lighting device 100 in order to collect image data of a lighted region.
  • the reflective mirror 123 has a semicircular shape and is installed to face the lighting lamp 151 in order to change the direction of light radiated from the lighting lamp 151 toward the image sensor 121. With such arrangement, any of light radiated from the lighting lamp 151 is prevented from being blocked.
  • the processor 122 for controlling the operation of the image sensor 121 is installed between the image sensor 121 and the reflective mirror 123.
  • FIG. 3 is functional block diagram of a portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first switch 310, a second switch 320, a controller 330, a power supply unit 340, a lighting unit 350, an image pickup unit 360, a data storage unit 370, and a USB port interface unit 380.
  • the first switch 310 turns on or off the lighting unit 350 to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation.
  • the second switch 320 operates the image pickup unit 360 in response to the user's manipulation.
  • the first switch 310 is realized as a button or sliding type on/off switch.
  • the second switch 320 includes an elastic body (for example, a tension spring or a plate spring), which is operated by a predetermined pressure applied by the user and is restored to its initial position when the pressure is removed in order to control a single action.
  • the first and second switches 310 and 320 are installed on the outside of a housing of the portable lighting device to be adjacent to each other.
  • the controller 330 selectively controls the operation of either the lighting unit 350 or the image pickup unit 360 in response to the operation of the first or second switch 310 or 320 and controls the power supply unit 340 to supply electric power to the lighting unit 350 and the image pickup unit 360.
  • the power supply unit 340 operates under the authorization of the controller 330 and supplies power to operate the portable lighting device.
  • the lighting unit 350 radiates light at a region under the authorization of the controller 330, and the image pickup unit 360 installed at one side of the lighting unit 350 collects image information of the predetermined region irradiated by the lighting unit 350.
  • the image pickup unit 360 is installed at a predetermined portion (for example, an upper or lower portion) of an external housing of the lighting unit 350 or at the center portion of the lighting unit 350.
  • the image pickup unit 360 includes an image sensor instantaneously capturing image information of a predetermined region and a processor controlling the operation of the image sensor.
  • the image pickup unit 360 includes a timer generating image information collecting time information in order to manage information on time when image information is collected.
  • the data storage unit 370 for example, a flash memory
  • the data storage unit 370 is detachably installed to the body of the portable lighting device.
  • the USB port interface unit 380 provides interface to an external device (for example, a computer) so that image information stored in the data storage unit 370 can be transported on the external device.
  • an external device for example, a computer
  • a digital camera function is added to an existing portable lighting device so that a subject irradiated by the portable lighting device at night can be instantaneously captured and stored as image information.
  • image of an irradiated subject can be instantaneously picked up without hindering an inherent function of the portable lighting device for radiating light forward, so the present invention can be effectively used during night patrol.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)

Abstract

A portable lighting device includes a power supply unit supplying electric power to operate the portable lighting device; a lighting unit radiating light at a predetermined region; an image pickup unit, which is installed at one side of the lighting unit to collect image information of the region irradiated by the lighting unit; a first switch turning on or off the lighting unit to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation; a second switch operating the image pickup unit in response to the user's manipulation; a controller, which controls the operation of either the lighting unit or the image pickup unit in response to the operation of the first or second switch and controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the lighting unit and the image pickup unit; a data storage unit storing the image information collected by the image pickup unit; and an interface unit in order to transport the image information stored in the data storage unit to an external device. Accordingly, a subject irradiated by the portable lighting device at night can be instantaneously captured and stored as image information, so the present invention can be effectively used during night patrol.

Description

PORTABLE LIGHT
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a portable lighting device, and more particularly, to a portable lighting device with a digital camera function to enhance a guarding function at night.
Background Art
A portable lighting device is variously used in our time. In particular, a portable lighting device is necessarily used when going out on patrol at night. In the present day, public peace and order is not secured, so it is necessary to always keep watch in order to prevent crimes such as burglary. In this situation, a portable lighting device is useful to find out an intruder at night. However, a conventional portable lighting device cannot provide a basis for tracking an intruder when the intruder runs away.
Accordingly, when an intruder runs away, tracking the intruder depends on only the remembrance of a patrolman (for example, a guard, and hereinafter referred to as a holder) went out on patrol with a portable lighting device. However, it is impossible for the holder, who instantaneously watched the intruder, to exactly remember features and clothes of the intruder. Even if the holder exactly remember the intruder's feature and clothes, the delivery of information on the intruder's feature and clothes depends on only the holder's oral statement, which decreases accuracy.
Disclosure of the Invention
To solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable lighting device with a digital camera function to enhance a guarding function. To achieve the above object of the present invention, there is provided a portable lighting device including a power supply unit supplying electric power to operate the portable lighting device; a lighting unit radiating light at a predetermined region; an image pickup unit, which is installed at one side of the lighting unit to collect image information of the region irradiated by the lighting unit; a first switch turning on or off the lighting unit to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation; a second switch operating the image pickup unit in response to the user's manipulation; a controller, which controls the operation of either the lighting unit or the image pickup unit in response to the operation of the first or second switch and controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the lighting unit and the image pickup unit; a data storage unit storing the image information collected by the image pickup unit; and an interface unit in order to transport the image information stored in the data storage unit to an external device.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a portable lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of a lighting unit and an image sensor unit of the portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is functional block diagram of a portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Best mode for carrying out the Invention
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a portable lighting device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a portable lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , a portable lighting device 100 includes a lighting unit 150 throwing a light to the outside; an image sensor 120, which is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150 to instantaneously pick up image information of a lighted region; a switch unit 110 driving the lighting unit 150 and the image sensor unit 120; a flash memory mount 130 on which a detachable flash memory 160 is mounted; and a universal serial bus (USB) port 140, which provides interface to an external device (for example, a computer) in order to output the image information stored in the flash memory 160 to the external device. In other words, the image sensor unit 120 for collecting image information and the flash memory 160 for storing the image information are additionally installed to a usual portable lighting device. The appearance of the portable lighting device 100 and the positions of the elements of the portable lighting device 100 can be designed in various forms.
In order to fix the image sensor unit 120 to one side of the lighting unit 150, as shown in FIG. 1 , a wiring (not shown) for connecting a power supply to a data line is needed. The pattern of the wiring is not fixed. For example, when the image sensor unit 120 is installed at a glass surface of the lighting unit 150, a wiring for applying electric power to the image sensor unit 120 and a wiring for transmitting image data collected by the image sensor 120 are added to the glass surface.
FIG. 2 is a detailed diagram of the lighting unit 150 and the image sensor unit 120 of the portable lighting device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the image sensor unit 120 is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150.
The image sensor unit 120 is installed at the center of the lighting unit 150 to be aligned with a lighting lamp 151. The image sensor unit 120 includes an image sensor 121, a small processor 122, and a reflective mirror 123.
The image sensor 121 is installed such that a predetermined portion of the image sensor 121 is exposed to the outside of the portable lighting device 100 in order to collect image data of a lighted region. The reflective mirror 123 has a semicircular shape and is installed to face the lighting lamp 151 in order to change the direction of light radiated from the lighting lamp 151 toward the image sensor 121. With such arrangement, any of light radiated from the lighting lamp 151 is prevented from being blocked. In the meantime, the processor 122 for controlling the operation of the image sensor 121 is installed between the image sensor 121 and the reflective mirror 123.
FIG. 3 is functional block diagram of a portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the portable lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first switch 310, a second switch 320, a controller 330, a power supply unit 340, a lighting unit 350, an image pickup unit 360, a data storage unit 370, and a USB port interface unit 380. The first switch 310 turns on or off the lighting unit 350 to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation. The second switch 320 operates the image pickup unit 360 in response to the user's manipulation. The first switch 310 is realized as a button or sliding type on/off switch. The second switch 320 includes an elastic body (for example, a tension spring or a plate spring), which is operated by a predetermined pressure applied by the user and is restored to its initial position when the pressure is removed in order to control a single action. In addition, for the convenience of users, the first and second switches 310 and 320 are installed on the outside of a housing of the portable lighting device to be adjacent to each other. The controller 330 selectively controls the operation of either the lighting unit 350 or the image pickup unit 360 in response to the operation of the first or second switch 310 or 320 and controls the power supply unit 340 to supply electric power to the lighting unit 350 and the image pickup unit 360.
The power supply unit 340 operates under the authorization of the controller 330 and supplies power to operate the portable lighting device.
The lighting unit 350 radiates light at a region under the authorization of the controller 330, and the image pickup unit 360 installed at one side of the lighting unit 350 collects image information of the predetermined region irradiated by the lighting unit 350. Here, the image pickup unit 360 is installed at a predetermined portion (for example, an upper or lower portion) of an external housing of the lighting unit 350 or at the center portion of the lighting unit 350. In the meantime, the image pickup unit 360 includes an image sensor instantaneously capturing image information of a predetermined region and a processor controlling the operation of the image sensor. In addition, the image pickup unit 360 includes a timer generating image information collecting time information in order to manage information on time when image information is collected.
Accordingly, image information collected by the image pickup unit
360 is stored in the data storage unit 370 (for example, a flash memory) together with corresponding image information collecting time information. Here, the data storage unit 370 is detachably installed to the body of the portable lighting device.
The USB port interface unit 380 provides interface to an external device (for example, a computer) so that image information stored in the data storage unit 370 can be transported on the external device.
When the image information stored in the data storage unit 370 is displayed on the external device, corresponding image information collecting time information stored in the data storage unit 370 can be displayed on the external device in the form of on screen display (OSD).
The above description just concerns an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not restricted to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made thereto within the scope defined by the attached claims. For example, the shape and structure of each member specified in the embodiment can be changed.
Industrial Applicability
According to the present invention, a digital camera function is added to an existing portable lighting device so that a subject irradiated by the portable lighting device at night can be instantaneously captured and stored as image information. According to the present invention, image of an irradiated subject can be instantaneously picked up without hindering an inherent function of the portable lighting device for radiating light forward, so the present invention can be effectively used during night patrol.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A portable lighting device comprising: a power supply unit supplying electric power to operate the portable lighting device; a lighting unit radiating light at a predetermined region; an image pickup unit, which is installed at one side of the lighting unit to collect image information of the region irradiated by the lighting unit; a first switch turning on or off the lighting unit to drive or stop an operation in response to a user's manipulation; a second switch operating the image pickup unit in response to the user's manipulation; a controller, which selectively controls the operation of either the lighting unit or the image pickup unit in response to the operation of the first or second switch and controls the power supply unit to supply electric power to the lighting unit and the image pickup unit; a data storage unit storing the image information collected by the image pickup unit; and an interface unit in order to transport the image information stored in the data storage unit to an external device.
2. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the image pickup unit is installed at a portion of an external housing of the lighting unit or at the center portion of the lighting unit.
3. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the image pickup unit comprises: an image sensor instantaneously capturing image information of a predetermined region; and a processor controlling the operation of the image sensor.
4. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the image pickup unit comprises a timer for setting current time information therewithin and embeds the current time information set by the timer into the collected image information.
5. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the second switch comprises an elastic body, which is operated by a predetermined pressure applied by the user and is restored to its initial position when the pressure is removed, in order to operate the image pickup unit.
6. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the data storage unit is detachably installed at the portable lighting device.
7. The portable lighting device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second switches are installed at the outside of an housing of the portable lighting device to be adjacent to each other.
PCT/KR2002/001811 2001-09-26 2002-09-26 Portable light WO2003027567A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020010059695A KR20030026623A (en) 2001-09-26 2001-09-26 portable light
KR2001-0059695 2001-09-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003027567A1 true WO2003027567A1 (en) 2003-04-03

Family

ID=19714703

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2002/001811 WO2003027567A1 (en) 2001-09-26 2002-09-26 Portable light

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (1) KR20030026623A (en)
WO (1) WO2003027567A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102317675A (en) * 2009-11-12 2012-01-11 格伦.布西 Multifunction flashlight

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4321657A (en) * 1979-10-19 1982-03-23 Freezinhot Bottle Co., Ltd. Torch
JPH07211102A (en) * 1994-01-14 1995-08-11 Tsuinbaade Kogyo Kk Portable lighting device
JPH1166901A (en) * 1997-08-12 1999-03-09 Porta Kogyo:Kk Portable lighting equipment and usage thereof

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5815929U (en) * 1981-07-24 1983-01-31 尾崎　好弘 flashlight with camera
JPS59131728U (en) * 1983-02-22 1984-09-04 奈良岡　義信 Ultra-compact infrared camera and flashlight with infrared strobe
JPH05128902A (en) * 1991-10-31 1993-05-25 Masami Takahashi Flashlight with camera having recording function
JPH0660701A (en) * 1992-08-03 1994-03-04 Masami Takahashi Flashlight with camera
JP3636331B2 (en) * 1993-09-30 2005-04-06 東芝ライテック株式会社 Built-in camera street light
JP3992782B2 (en) * 1997-04-16 2007-10-17 ローヌ・プーラン油化アグロ株式会社 Herbicide composition for paddy field
JP2000035608A (en) * 1998-07-17 2000-02-02 Fine Opt Kk Close-up illumination device for compact charge coupling element camera

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4321657A (en) * 1979-10-19 1982-03-23 Freezinhot Bottle Co., Ltd. Torch
JPH07211102A (en) * 1994-01-14 1995-08-11 Tsuinbaade Kogyo Kk Portable lighting device
JPH1166901A (en) * 1997-08-12 1999-03-09 Porta Kogyo:Kk Portable lighting equipment and usage thereof

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102317675A (en) * 2009-11-12 2012-01-11 格伦.布西 Multifunction flashlight
EP2499422A2 (en) * 2009-11-12 2012-09-19 Glenn Bushee Multifunction flashlight
EP2499422A4 (en) * 2009-11-12 2014-01-22 Glenn Bushee Multifunction flashlight

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR20030026623A (en) 2003-04-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9918000B2 (en) Zero delay predictor signal synchronization system and method
HK1058469A1 (en) Imaging device
EP0902589A3 (en) Digital imaging system
JP2003298902A (en) Imaging and displaying wireless remote control unit for digital camera and video camera
EP2958315B1 (en) Camera device and method for controlling a camera device
US20060205364A1 (en) Multifunctional portable electronic device
US7214896B2 (en) Electronic apparatus having illumination button
US6853805B2 (en) Camera remote system and methods associated therewith
WO2003027567A1 (en) Portable light
JP2006175607A (en) Printing system
KR200299953Y1 (en) portable light
JP2001075166A (en) Camera with remote control device
JP4419938B2 (en) Intercom device
KR200272803Y1 (en) Cellular Phone Having Camera and Flash
JP2598193Y2 (en) Waterproof device for camera
JP2001021985A (en) Charging device and camera system
CN214707864U (en) Wireless remote control shooting portable handle
JP2004078011A (en) Digital camera
JP2000352749A (en) Electronic camera
KR20030054947A (en) Equipment attached flash of a portable telephone having a photographic function
KR20030054953A (en) A portable telephone having a photographic function
JP2006197019A (en) Video camera recorder and infrared remote commander
JP2000155877A (en) Security system
JP2001194711A (en) Image pickup device
JP5056641B2 (en) Power supply

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KZ LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC PT SE SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP