WO2012071479A2

WO2012071479A2 - Moveable camera for mobile computing and phone devices

Info

Publication number: WO2012071479A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/061971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andy Turudic
Original assignee: Andy Turudic
Priority date: 2010-11-22
Filing date: 2011-11-22
Publication date: 2012-05-31
Also published as: WO2012071479A3

Abstract

A mobile computing device is provided. The mobile computing device includes a first surface including a touch screen and a second surface opposing the first surface. A first image capture window is embedded within the second surface and a socket located within a corner coupling the first surface and the second surface. A moveable ball is disposed with the socket. The moveable ball has a second image capture window embedded within a surface of the moveable ball, wherein the second image capture window is moveable between the first surface and the second surface.

Description

MOVEABLE CAMERA FOR MOBILE COMPUTING AND

PHONE DEVICES

BACKGROUND

[0001] Handheld devices have camera and sensor functionality. Multiple cameras exist on some current mobile computing devices. However, the cameras and sensors on these devices are fixed. Consequently, the functionality offered from the fixed position cameras and sensors is limited by the fixed positions.

[0002] It is in this context that embodiments of the invention arise.

SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile computing device having multiple cameras or a single moveable camera. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple cameras is movable.

[0004] In one embodiment, the mobile computing device is a cell phone or a tablet. The mobile computing device includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface. A first lens for an image capture device disposed on the first planar surface and a second lens for an image capture device is moveably disposed on the computing device. The second lens is operable to move from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position a first surface of the lens is closest to the first planar surface and wherein in the second position the first surface of the lens is closest to the second planar surface. In some embodiments, the second lens is embedded within a rotatable ball.

[0005] In some embodiments a mobile computing device is provided. The mobile computing device includes a first surface including a touch screen and a second surface opposing the first surface. A first image capture window is embedded within the second surface and a socket located within a corner coupling the first surface and the second surface. A moveable ball is disposed with the socket. The moveable ball has a second image capture window embedded within a surface of the moveable ball, wherein the second image capture window is moveable between the first surface and the second surface.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for providing enhanced functionality, such as 3-dimensional video, imaging, or photography, or remote imaging is provided through the movable camera on the mobile computing device.

[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a mobile computing device having a movable camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00010] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a mobile computing device having a movable camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00011] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a back surface of the mobile computing device having a rotatable or movable image capture device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00012] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the computing device with the movable ball removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00013] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the computing device with a housing of the computing device and the outer cover of the movable ball transparent for illustrative purposes in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00014] Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [00015] Figure 7 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an alternative view of the movable ball to the view presented in Figure 6.

[00016] Figure 8 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00017] Figure 9 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the camera lens for a movable camera of the computing device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00018] Figures 10A 10B illustrate an alternative embodiment to the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[00019] Figure 11 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment where the interface/docking connector for the mobile computing device includes a camera or plurality of cameras in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00020] The embodiments described herein provide a method and apparatus related to mobile computing devices and the image capture functionality enabled through these devices. It will be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[00021] Handheld computing devices, such as cell phones and tablets are continually offering additional functionality. Video and photography capability are two functions that users cannot seem to get enough of. The embodiments described herein enable flexibility through movement of a camera, where the movement may be physical movement of the camera sensor or optical redirection of a light path to a sensor of the computing device. In one embodiment the movement or redirection is from rear facing to forward facing and vice versa. The ability to move the camera on the handheld device provides opportunities to offer additional functionality not capable on current handheld devices with the fixed position cameras, such as 3-dimensional video, 3-dimensional still photography, ranging estimation, separate time lapse or timebase image capture; differing aperture, shutter speed, or persistence settings; single camera video conferencing, self portrait and imaging, dual camera 3D video conferencing, 3D self portraiture imaging and video, 3D scanner, infrared remote, infrared transmitter and/or receiver, ambient light metering, automatic display dimming, multiple simultaneous perspective/view still or video photography of movable and immovable objects, simultaneous forward and rearward still and video imaging, remote imaging using the movable camera in conjunction with wired or wireless connections, and multi-spectral or polarization imaging using differing optical filters or responsive cameras of movable and immovable objects, digitally enhanced simulation of variable speed photography, such as BULLET TIME photography, or any combination of the listed functionality.

[00022] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a mobile computing device having a movable camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Computing device 100 includes rotatable/removable/movable ball 102. Rotatable/removable/movable ball ("ball") 102 includes an image capture device such as a camera. One skilled in the art will appreciate that while the illustrations refer to an image capture device embedded in the ball 102, a display device, microphone, speaker, accelerometer, position or other sensor or transducer may be embedded in the ball. In one embodiment, computing device 100 is a cell phone. In another embodiment, ball 102 is configured to rotate a camera lens or image capture device window disposed on ball 102 between a front surface of computing device 100 and a rear surface of the computing device, where the rear surface opposes the front surface. In an additional embodiment, ball 102 is removable from the socket as illustrated in Figure 4.

[00023] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a mobile computing device having a movable camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mobile computing device 100 includes ball 102 mounted on an upper corner of the mobile computing device. In one embodiment mobile computing device is a cell phone where a front surface is a touch screen. One skilled in the art will appreciate that mobile computing device is not limited to a cell phone or smart phone, as any suitable mobile computing device commercially available, such as tablets, readers, laptops, notebook computers, cameras, instrumentation, gaming console, etc., may utilize the embodiment described herein and that mobility is not an essential requirement of the computing device. [00024] Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a back surface of the mobile computing device having a rotatable or movable image capture device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mobile computing device 100 includes camera lenses 104a and 104b. Camera lens 104a is disposed on movable ball 102. In Figure 3, the camera lens 104a on movable ball 102 is rear facing along with the fixed rear facing camera 104b. In one embodiment a plurality of movable ball 102 devices are provided in or on the computing device. In one embodiment the actual camera sensor, e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor may be embedded within movable ball 102. In another embodiment, light through lens 104a is directed through movable ball 102 to a fixed surface within computing device 100. In this embodiment, through movement of ball 102 an optical path is provided to a single sensor/camera embedded within computing device 100. In some embodiments, a mirror that rotates along with the lens ensures the light is directed to the sensor embedded within the device. In another embodiment, ball 102 contains a suitably controlled active, or passive, multiplexing device or filter in the optical path.

[00025] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the computing device with the movable ball removed for illustrative purposes in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Computing device 100 has in empty socket 106 where movable ball 102 of Figures 1 through 3 resides. In one embodiment, the movable ball residing in socket 106 can rotate around a center of the movable ball along one or more axes. In another embodiment, the movable ball rotates in a single angular plane. The movable ball may also be removed and placed into socket 106 in one of two positions, e.g., rear facing and forward facing. The electrical connection to the processor of mobile computing device 100 is provided through socket 106 with a corresponding mating portion of the movable ball, such as extension 108 illustrated with reference to Figure 6. In alternative embodiments, the extension illustrated for the movable ball and socket 106 may provide for the rotation of the ball in-situ, or extension 108 may be eliminated by utilizing the ball surface or a recess, while maintaining the electrical connections. In another embodiment, power for charging energy storage devices in the ball, or power for the components in the ball, are provided through a connector or wireless means and signals are transferred by the same or an alternative wireless means. In an alternative embodiment, components or devices in the ball are powered by components or devices such as an energy storage, energy harvesting, or power generation, device or any combination thereof. In the embodiment where an optical pathway is provided, the rotation of the lens and corresponding optics may be accomplished without concern for maintaining electrical connections between the movable ball and socket 106 of computing device 100. However, for active multiplexing of the optical path, power may be delivered by such design or methods as those described in the embodiments herein.

[00026] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the computing device with a housing of the computing device and the outer cover of the movable ball transparent in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Mobile computing device 100 includes lenses 104a and 104b which direct light to a sensor in order to capture images either as still pictures or video. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the cameras may be embedded on silicon chips through known conventional techniques. Movable ball 102 disposed in an upper corner of computing device 100 has a pathway extending to a central region of movable ball 102 from camera lens 104a. One skilled in the art will appreciate that while Figure 5 illustrates a single movable camera, the embodiments are not limited to a single movable camera. That is, multiple movable balls 102 may be disposed onto computing device 100 in order to have multiple movable cameras. Thus, through the embodiments described herein a user of mobile computing device 100 can perform videoconferencing with the cameras on the mobile device facing the user in one embodiment. In another embodiment one camera can be configured to face forward while a second camera is configured to face backward through the movement provided herein. In addition, both cameras may face rearward and video as well as still images may be captured from one or both of the image capture devices. In another embodiment, the ball may be removed from the computing device and used remotely for applications such as video conferencing, inspection, document viewing, image projection, object scanning, multi-perspective and remote viewing. In one embodiment, remote balls are uniquely identifiable and may transmit or receive information such as doing so concurrently, interleaved, randomly, or as addressed.

[00027] Still referring to Figure 5, sensor 103 is provided at an end of the optical pathway from lens 104a. Electrical connections 107 provide a signal pathway from sensor 103 to extension 108 to deliver the signals and captured image data to processor 111 and/or memory 113. As mentioned above, sensor 103 may be integrated into mobile device 100 as opposed to ball 102 in one embodiment.

[00028] Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Movable ball 102 includes an orifice or aperture to accommodate camera lens 104a. In another embodiment, the shell of the ball is comprised of the same optical material as the lens, enabling the shell and lens to be integrated. Extension 108 extends from a portion of the surface of movable ball 102. In one embodiment, extension 108 consists of a movable or fixed electrical connector that allows power and/or signals to be exchanged between the computing device 100 and electrical devices, e.g., cameras or other sensors, within the ball and is configured to allow power and signal connectivity for various permitted ball orientations. In one embodiment, the exchange of signals for "reverse-plugged" balls can be accomplished using methods familiar to those versed in the art such as electronically, spatially through symmetry, or mechanically. In another embodiment, extension 108 consists of a wired (the term "wired" is not constrained to electrical conductors, but can include physical links such as fiber optics) or wireless (the term "wireless" includes technologies such as optical, acoustic, radio frequency (RF), ultra- wideband (UWB), etc., if not specifically called out as "RF", and typically propagates in media such as in bulk solids, liquids, gases, and vacuum) device that permits connectivity between the device(s) within the ball and computing device 100. In one embodiment, form and fit standardization and utility of design allows different ball functions to be physically and/or electrically interchangeable within socket 106 or another host, such as a docking device, battery pack, RF adapter, etc. In an alternative embodiment, extension 108 consists of an optical coupler that connects the optics within the ball 102 with a sensing device or camera in or on computing device 100. In another embodiment, the ball may be continuously rotated, versus having quantized allowable positions and extension 108 consists of a connector or interface that allows such rotation. In another embodiment, such rotational capability exists on the mating connector to extension 108, such as socket 106 of Figure 4, when quantized or continuous rotation is allowable by design. While ball 102 is illustrated as spherical, one skilled in the art that other shapes may be integrated into the embodiments while maintaining the scope of the embodiments covered through this application. [00029] Figure 7 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an alternative view of the movable ball to the view presented in Figure 6. Movable ball 102 has camera lens 104a disposed on an outer surface and within an aperture of the movable ball. Extension 108 extends from a portion of the surface of movable ball 102. In some embodiments, extension 108 mates with a channel defined within socket 106, where the channel provides electrical communication between extension 108 as the moveable ball rotates.

[00030] Figure 8 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Camera lens 104a is disposed at one end of optical waveguide 110. In another embodiment, waveguide 110 is optional. Within the central region of the movable ball is the embedded sensor 103, which may be another type of sensor or transducer in one embodiment. In another embodiment, mirrors, prisms, waveguides, filters, and other optics may be embedded within or upon the ball 102 to direct a light pathway to a sensor in or on the computing device. In yet another embodiment, ball 102 is a hollow shell that contains or facilitates optical, electrical, or other such types, of devices and components along with corresponding features, connectors, signal traces, and substrate to facilitate such devices and components.

[00031] Figure 9 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the camera lens for a movable camera of the computing device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Camera lens 104a may be composed of any suitable lens material utilized for cameras.

[00032] Figures 10A 10B illustrate an alternative embodiment to the movable ball in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiments of Figures 10A and 10B, computing device 100 is provided with attachment 200 in order to enable the rear camera 206 to capture images in front of the computing device or the front camera 208 to capture images behind the computing device. Attachment 200 covers a top surface of computing device 100 and the corresponding mirrors, prisms, waveguides, or other such optics, depending on the configuration, direct light to either front camera opening 208 or rear camera opening 206. For simplicity and brevity, a mirrored embodiment is discussed. In Figure 10A mirrors 204 and 202 provide a light path for images in back of computing device 100 so that camera opening 208 can capture those images. In Figure 10B cover 200 is oriented such that the rear camera opening 206 is provided a light path to objects in front of computing device 100 through mirrors 204 and 202. In another embodiment, the light path traverses a different edge of the computing device 100 than shown in Figures 10A or 10B.

[00033] One skilled in the art will appreciate that by angling mirrors 204 and 202 at approximately 45°, the corresponding cameras are enabled to access and capture images from a viewpoint that is on the other side of the corresponding camera. It should also be appreciated that the mirrors may be movable, and that attachment 200 can be extended or collapsed to adjust the imaging relationship between the two cameras. In one embodiment the openings providing access to mirrors 202 and 204 have covers, optical filters, lens mounts, shutters, multiplexing devices or lenses disposed over the openings in order to protect from external dust or to facilitate further modification of the light path. In another embodiment, an aperture may be provided for scene or subject illumination devices integrated into computing device 100. In yet another embodiment, scene or subject illumination devices may be incorporated within or upon attachment 200. It should be appreciated that this attachment essentially functions as a backward-looking periscope to provide a light path from an opposing surface of the camera lens in one embodiment and may provide the full capability that two cameras or imaging devices can enable.

[00034] Figure 11 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment where the interface or docking connector for the mobile computing device includes a camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment computing device 100 has image capture device opening 206 and is docked with interface connector 300. Interface/docking connector 300 has image capture device opening 302 disposed thereon. In one embodiment, image capture device opening 206 and image capture device opening 302 are aligned. In another embodiment, a singular connector, a hinged connection, a translation capable connection, or a plurality of connectors, are docked with interface connector 300 to allow image capture device opening 302 to move in a manner, such as rotate, translate, slide, or flip, resulting in quantized or continuous orientations. In one embodiment, image capture device opening 302 can face forward or rearward. In another embodiment, a forward and a rearward camera is used in conjunction with interface connector 300. [00035] It should be appreciated that the embodiments may be achieved through a movable camera that functions as front or back facing, with the movable ball as just one way to achieve this. In other embodiments, a movable camera can be realized by using methods known to those versed in the art such as a flip phone lid incorporating the camera, a flip bar with just the camera on the bar, a stick that plugs into or onto the phone to face either direction, or a cylinder or surface containing a camera within or thereupon with an axle or end pins to define an axis of rotation, are other examples of alternatives. While the embodiments refer to rear and front facing, it should be appreciated that any angle of rotation may be provided for the movable camera so that rear, front, side or any combination of these views may be accommodated. The full rotation of the camera around multiple axes can accommodate this embodiment, as well as customized quantized, or continuous, positions of the camera. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile computing device may be oriented in either a landscape or portrait orientation and rotation or flipping of captured images can be performed as necessary through known software techniques or through any combination of translation, rotation, movement, or removal of a camera relative to another camera. In another embodiment, the movable camera may be displaced from the body of computing device 100 using either wired, networking, or wireless methods to provide information connectivity between the camera and computing device 100. In another embodiment, one or more movable cameras may be incorporated in a system, or systems, connecting to singular or multiple computing devices 100. Thus, one ball may be connected contemporaneously to multiple computing devices as an embodiment or method. In another embodiment, the movable cameras are incorporated into, or can be docked to, devices or objects such as ear buds, headphones, eyewear, helmets, armbands, belts, or clothing, or any other host device or platform including vehicles, machinery, power docking station, battery docking station, or a mounting device such as a tripod, gun sight, caltrop, transparent housing, waterproof housing, or ball docking device or adapter. In another embodiment an instantiation of ball function, which could be interchangeable in another embodiment with a ball of a different function in socket 106, can contain various devices, or combinations thereof, such as cameras, sensors, microphones, speakers, 3D glasses display synchronization devices, presentation control or synchronization devices, projection devices, 3D mice, 3D pointers, motion sensors, infrared remote control transmitters and receivers, or accelerometers, or any other directional or remote device/sensor/actuator/transducer/transmitter/receiver/telemetry or any combination thereof. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the movable ball is illustrative as a housing and not meant to be limiting. That is, the housing may be any suitable shape that encloses or mounts the camera or other device within the housing. For example the housing may be a clear overlay of the camera or other sensor. Additionally, the movement of the ball or housing may be achieved through alternate means, such as motor or solenoid, ejection spring, etc.

[00036] Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with various computing system configurations such as hand-held, mobile, or fixed devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, cloud computers, embedded controllers, signal processors, wireless processors, instrumentation as non-limiting examples. The invention can also be practiced as a method in shared or distributed, information or computing, environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked to other processing devices and/or a singularity or plurality of the ball, through a physical, optical or wireless connection or network.

[00037] With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood that the invention can employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take forms such as those of electrical, optical, or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated.

[00038] Any of the operations described herein that form part of the invention are useful machine operations. The invention also relates to a device or an apparatus for performing these operations. The apparatus can be specially constructed for the required purpose, or the apparatus can be a general-purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, various general- purpose machines can be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be more convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform the required operations.

[00039] Although the method operations were described in a specific order, it should be understood that other housekeeping operations may be performed in between operations, or operations may be adjusted so that they occur at slightly different times, or may be distributed in a system which allows the occurrence of the processing operations at various intervals associated with the processing, as long as the processing of the overlay operations are performed in the desired way.

[00040] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the present claims and any future claims.

Claims

1. A mobile computing device, comprising:

a first planar surface;

a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface;

a first lens for an image capture device disposed on the first planar surface; and a second lens for an image capture device moveably disposed on the computing device, wherein the second lens is operable to move from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position a first surface of the lens is closest to the first planar surface and wherein in the second position the first surface of the lens is closest to the second planar surface.

2. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein in the first position, the first surface of the lens is coplanar with the first planar surface.

3. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the second lens is pivotable.

4. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the second planar surface includes a touch screen.

5. The mobile computing device wherein the second lens is in communication with a mirror.

6. The mobile computing device of claim 5, wherein the mirror moves when the second lens moves.

7. A mobile computing device, comprising:

a first surface;

a second surface opposing the first surface;

a first image capture window for an image capture device, the first image capture window disposed on the first surface; and

a second image capture window for an image capture device, the second image capture window moveably affixed to the computing device, wherein the second image capture window is rotatable around an axis to move from a first position to a second position.

8. The mobile computing device of claim 7, wherein the first position is about 180 degrees or rotation along the axis from the second position.

9. The mobile computing device of claim 7, wherein the second image capture window is embedded into an aperture of a moveable ball and wherein an image capture senor is embedded within the moveable ball.

10. The mobile computing device of claim 9, wherein the moveable ball is mounted into a socket of the mobile computing device.

11. The mobile computing device of claim 10, wherein the socket is located at a corner of the mobile computing device.

12. The mobile computing device of claim 7, wherein the first image capture window is coplanar with the second image capture window when the second capture window is rotated to the first surface.

13. The mobile computing device of claim 7, wherein the movable ball includes an optical pathway traversing through the moveable ball, the optical pathway enabling access to an image capture sensor embedded within the mobile computing device external to the moveable ball.

14. A mobile computing device, comprising:

a first surface including a touch screen;

a second surface opposing the first surface;

a first image capture window embedded within the second surface;

a socket located within a corner coupling the first surface and the second surface; and

a moveable ball disposed with the socket, the moveable ball having a second image capture window embedded within a surface of the moveable ball, wherein the second image capture window is moveable between the first surface and the second surface.

15. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the socket includes a channel configured to accept an extension of the moveable ball.

16. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the moveable ball is rotatable around an axis.

17. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the moveable ball includes an optical pathway extending therethrough.

18. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the moveable ball includes an image capture device in optical communication with the second image capture window.

19. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the moveable ball is removable from the socket.

20. The mobile computing device of claim 14, wherein the second image capture window is coplanar with the first image capture window when the second image capture window is moved to the second surface.