WO2023069079A1

WO2023069079A1 - Removable imaging sensors and mounts

Info

Publication number: WO2023069079A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/055586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pinche TSAI; Owen P. COLUMBUS; David Quijano; Kun Chih Wang
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2021-10-19
Filing date: 2021-10-19
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: TW202320533A

Abstract

Examples described herein relate to a system. For instance, the system can comprise an imaging sensor positioned in an enclosure, an attachment removably connected to the enclosure comprising a base to receive the enclosure, and a motor to transition the enclosure between a first position and a second position when the enclosure is connected to the base, wherein the first position exposes a lens of the imaging sensor to a recording area and the second position hides the lens of the imaging sensor from the recording area.

Description

REMOVABLE IMAGING SENSORS AND MOUNTS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Systems, including cameras, are used to record images. The systems are activated when recording images and deactivated when images are not being recorded. The systems can use a stand to hold the camera when activated and deactivated. The stand assists the camera when recording an image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system including an imaging sensor and an attachment consistent with the disclosure.

[ 0003] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an apparatus including an enclosure and an attachment consistent with the disclosure.

[0004] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a device including an attachment consistent with the disclosure.

[0005] Figure 4A illustrates an example of a system including an imaging sensor and an attachment in a first position consistent with the disclosure.

[0006] Figure 4B illustrates an example of a system including an imaging sensor and an attachment in a second position consistent with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] A system can include an imaging sensor to record images. The imaging sensor can be connected to an attachment when recording the image. The system will record an image when the imaging sensor of the system is activated and will not record an image when the imaging sensor of the system is deactivated. That is, the imaging sensor turns off when the user is not using the imaging sensor. However, some systems are permanently conneded to an attachment and do not allow for complete privacy when the imaging sensor of the system is deactivated. That is, some imaging sensors are not detachable from an attachment and do not transition the away from a recording area when deactivated. Further, if the imaging sensor in these systems are remotely adivated, the imaging sensor may be able to capture images in a recording area without the knowledge of the user.

[0008] Accordingly, this disdosure describes imaging sensors that are removably conneded to attachments. As such, the systems induding the imaging sensors provide increased privacy when the imaging sensor is deadivated, as compared to imaging sensors that do not transition away from a recording area when deadivated. For example, the system indudes an endosure with an imaging sensor positioned inside. The endosure induding the imaging sensor conneds to a variety of different types of attachments and transitions away from a recording area after deadivation when conneded to each attachment. Hence, the system prevents a user from being recorded or captured in a still image without the knowledge of the user. Thereby providing the user with increased privacy when using and/or setting up and using the imaging sensor.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 induding an endosure 102 and an attachment 104 consistent with the disdosure. In some examples, the system 100 comprises an endosure 102 induding an imaging sensor (e.g., imaging sensor 401 of Figure 4A). That is, the endosure 102 houses the imaging sensor. The endosure 102 is removably coupled to the attachment 104. For example, the endosure 102 induding the imaging sensor can be removably conneded to a base 106 of the attachment 104. As used herein, “attachment” refers to a support stand or other types of bases or mounts used to hold an imaging sensor and/or endosure 102 of an imaging sensor.

[0010] In some examples, the endosure 102 contacts a base 106 of the attachment 104 to conned the endosure 102 to the attachment 104. The base 106 indudes a mounting area 112 to receive a surface of the enclosure 102. That is, a lower surface of the endosure 102 contacts the mounting area 112 to conned the enclosure 102 to the attachment 104. In addition, the base 106 includes a recess 110 to receive an extrusion 108 of the enclosure 102.

[0011] In some examples, the extrusion 108 protrudes out from a lower surface of the enclosure 102. The extrusion 108 is used to secure the enclosure 102 to the base

106 of the attachment 104. For instance, the extrusion 108 can enter the recess 110 on the base 106 to securely connect the enclosure 102 including the imaging sensor to the attachment 104. In some examples, after the enclosure 102 is connected to the attachment 104 and the recess 110 has received the extrusion 108, a fastener 116 can enter a first opening 118 of the base 106 and a second opening 120 of the enclosure 102 to lock the enclosure 102 including the imaging sensor to the base 106 of the attachment 104. In some examples, the fastener 116 can be a spring-loaded fastener (e.g., spring-loaded fastener 316 of Figure 3), disposed within the attachment 104, that locks the enclosure to the base 106 responsive to the enclosure connecting to a mounting area 112. As used herein, a “fastener" refers to a device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. For example, a fastener 116 can be a screw, a nail, a peg, a pin, etc. that joins and locks the enclosure 102 to the base 106 of the attachment 104.

[0012] In some examples, the enclosure 102 transitions between a first position and a second position, relative to the attachment 104, when connected to the attachment 104. For instance, a motor 114 causes the enclosure 102 to transition between a first position and a second position, when the enclosure 102 is connected to the attachment 104. In some examples, the enclosure 102 can include the motor 114 to transition the enclosure 102. In some examples, the motor 114 can cause the enclosure 102 to be positioned so that a lens of the imaging sensor faces a recording area. In some examples, the enclosure 102 including the imaging sensor is in a first position when the lens of the imaging sensor faces a recording area. As used herein, “recording area” refers to an area in which a user intends to capture in an image and/or recording. In some examples, the motor 114 can cause the enclosure 102 to be positioned so that the lens of the imaging sensor faces away from a recording area. The enclosure 102 including the imaging sensor is in a second position when the lens of the imaging sensor faces away from the recording area. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the motor 114 can be positioned inside of the enclosure 102. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the motor 114 can be positioned within other components of the system 100. For instance, in some examples, the motor 114 can be positioned within the attachment 104.

[0013] In some examples, the attachment 104 is a wall attachment that is removably fixed to a vertical planar surface (e.g., a wall, etc.). However, this disclosure is not so limited. For instance, in some examples, the attachment 104 is a stand attachment that is removably fixed to a horizontal planar surface (e.g., a table, counter, or floor, etc.). As used herein, “wall attachment" refers to a support stand placed on a vertical planar surface used to hold an imaging sensor. As used herein, “stand attachment” refers to a support stand placed on a horizontal planar surface used to hold an imaging sensor.

[0014] The motor 114 is to transition the enclosure 102 between a first position and a second position when the enclosure 102 is connected to an attachment. In some examples, the recording area and the orientation of the first position is determined based on the mounting of the attachment 104 on a planar surface (e.g., horizontal planar surface, vertical planar surface). That is, the placement of the attachment 104 dictates the positioning of the enclosure 102 and the lens of the imaging sensor. As such, an adjusting, moving and/or changing the attachment 104 will adjust, move, and/or change the recording area and the orientation of the first position.

[0015] In some examples, the system 100 allows for an enclosure 102 including an imaging sensor to be attached to a plurality of different attachments 104. That is, the enclosure 102 including the imaging sensor is removably connected to a first attachment (e.g., a wall attachment) and then removed and connected to a second attachment (e.g., a stand attachment).

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an apparatus 203 including an enclosure 202 and an attachment 204 consistent with the disclosure. Apparatus 203 can include analogous or similar elements as Figure 1. For example, apparatus 203 includes an enclosure 202, a motor 214, an attachment 204, a base 206, a mounting area 212, an extrusion 208, and a recess 210. [0017] In some examples, the apparatus 203 includes an enclosure 202 and an attachment 204. In some examples, the attachment 204 can be a wall attachment 204, to connect the enclosure 202 including an imaging sensor to a vertical planar surface (e.g., wall). The wall attachment 204 includes a base 206 to support the enclosure 202 including the imaging sensor. The base 206 includes a recess 210 to receive an extrusion 208 of the enclosure 202. The extrusion 108 and recess 210 along with the fastener 216 secures and locks the enclosure 202 to the wall attachment 204. That is, the recess 210 of the base 206 receives an extrusion 208 located on the enclosure 202 to lock the enclosure 202 to the wall attachment 204. In addition, the fastener 216 enters into a first opening 218 of the wall attachment 204 and a second opening 220 of the enclosure 202 to lock the enclosure 202 to the wall attachment 204. Further, the base 206 includes a mounting area 212 used to connect the enclosure 202 to the base 206 of the wall attachment 204.

[0018] In some examples, the mounting area 212 includes a connector 226 to removably receive and operably engage with a complementary connector 224. In some examples, the connector 226 and the complementary connector 224 may be electrical connectors and may enable electrical communication between the enclosure 202, or electrical components within, and the wall attachment 204, or electrical components within. Connector 226 and complementary connector 224 may include any components suitable for the transmittal of electrical signals, such as pins, pogo pins, pads, contacts, or other electrically-conductive components. The complementary connector 224 are located on the lower surface of the enclosure 202 that contacts the base 206 of the wall attachment 204. That is, the connector 226 and the complementary connector 224 connect the enclosure 202 to the wall attachment 204, while the recess 210, extrusion 208 secures the enclosure 202 to the wall attachment 204. After the enclosure 202 is secured to the wall attachment 204, the fastener 216 locks the enclosure 202 to the base 206 of the wall attachment 204.

[0019] In some examples, the apparatus 203 includes a wall mount 222 to connect the wall attachment 204 to the vertical planar surface. That is, the wall mount 222 connects to the vertical planar surface prior to connecting to the wall attachment 204. The wall attachment is then secured to the wall mount 222 to securely attach the wall attachment 204 to the vertical planar surface. In some examples, the wall mount

222 is removably coupled to a wall bracket (e.g., wall bracket 328 of Figure 3). The wall bracket is an inner frame used to maintain the structure of the wall attachment 204 when secured to the vertical planar surface.

[0020] In some examples, the enclosure 202 includes a motor 214 to rotate the enclosure 202 when connected to the wall attachment 204. That is, the enclosure 202 rotates so that the lens of the imaging sensor is facing a recording area (e.g., a first position). In some examples, the lens of the imaging sensor faces a recording area when the imaging sensor is activated and/or moments prior to activation of the imaging sensor. Hence, the imaging sensor will be able to record images and/or capture a still image when the lens of the imaging sensor is facing the recording area.

[0021] Further, the enclosure 202 rotates so that the lens of the imaging sensor is facing away from the recording area (e.g., a second position). More specifically, the motor 214 causes the enclosure 202 to transition by rotating into a first position when the imaging sensor is to activate and to transition by rotating into a second position when the imaging sensor is deactivated. That is, the lens of the imaging sensor may not face the recording area when deactivated. In some examples, the lens of the imaging sensor not facing a recording area when deactivated provides a user with privacy when the imaging sensor is deactivated. In addition, the lens of the imaging sensor facing away from a recording area when deactivated can provide assurances that the imaging sensor is not recording and/or taking a still image when a user believes the imaging sensor is deactivated. That is, the motor 214 rotates the enclosure 202 to transition the lens of the imaging sensor between the first position and the second position in some examples. However, this disclosure is not so limited. In other examples, the motor 214 can transition the lens of the imaging sensor disposed inside the enclosure between the first position and the second position.

[0022] The apparatus 203 includes an enclosure 202 including an imaging sensor comprising an extrusion 208 and a motor 214 to rotate the enclosure 202 between a first position and a second position. In some examples, the apparatus 203 further includes a wall attachment 204 comprising a base 206 including a recess 210 to receive the extrusion 208. The base 206 includes a mounting area 212 including a connector 226, where the endosure 202 engages with the mounting area 212 through the complementary connector 224. The wall attachment 204 is connected to a wall mount 222 induding a wall bracket to removably couple the wall attachment 204 to a vertical planar surface. As used herein, a “complementary connector” refers to any type of suitable electrical connector to operably engage with a connector, induding pogo pins.$ [0023] In some examples, the endosure induding the imaging sensor is removably connected to an attachment 204, while providing a user with privacy when the imaging sensor is deactivated, by transitioning the endosure 202 into a second position. Further, transitioning the endosure 202 into a second position when the imaging sensor is deactivated provides the user with a visible cue that the imaging sensor is deactivated and not recording. That is, the apparatus 203 provides the user with assurances that the imaging sensor is not recording when deactivated.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a device 305 induding an attachment 304 consistent with the disdosure. Figure 3 can indude analogous or similar elements as Figures 1 and 2. For example, Figure 3 indudes an attachment 304, a base 306, and a wall mount 322.

[0025] As illustrated in Figure 3, the device 305 indudes an attachment 304. In some examples, the attachment 304 can be a wall attachment 304. The wall attachment 304 indudes a base 306. In some examples, the base 306 of the wall attachment 304 contacts an endosure (e.g., endosure 202 of Figure 2) to securely connect the endosure to the wall attachment 304. The endosure is locked to the wall attachment 304 using a fastener 316. In some examples, the fastener 316 can be a spring-loaded fastener 316 disposed within the wall attachment 304 to lock the endosure to the base 306, responsive to the endosure connecting to a mounting area. However, this disdosure is not so limited. For example, the fastener can be a removably connected from the wall attachment 304, as shown in Figure 1. In some examples, the wall attachment 304 can connect the endosure to the vertical planar surface. That is, the wall attachment 304 can connect to a wall mount 322 to connect the endosure to the vertical planar surface.

[0026] In some examples, the wall mount 322 indudes a rigid wall bracket 328 to removably couple the wall attachment 304 to a vertical planar surface. For instance, the wall mount 322 is coupled to a rigid wall bracket 328 which is securely connected to a vertical planar surface. The wall mount 322 includes a hook 330 to accept a protrusion of the rigid wall bracket 328 and connect the wall mount 322 to the rigid wall bracket 328. Further, a mount fastener 332 is used to ensure a secure connection between the wall mount 322 and the rigid wall bracket 328. That is, the device includes a wall mount 322 to receive a protrusion of the rigid wall bracket 328 and lock the rigid wall bracket 328 to the wall mount 322 through a mount fastener 332. However, this disclosure is not so limited. For example, the mount fastener 332 can connect the wall attachment to the wall mount 322. That is, the wall mount can be irremovable connected to the rigid wall bracket and the mount fastener can connect the wall attachment to the wall mount.

As used herein, a “rigid” refers to the ability to be unbendable and/or unable to be forced out of shape. $$ [0027] When the wall mount 322 and the rigid wall bracket 328 are connected, the wall attachment 304 connects to the wall mount 322 to position the wall attachment 304 on a planar surface. That is, the wall attachment 304 can connect to different types of planar surfaces, such as, a vertical planar surface, a horizontal planar surface, an angled planar surface, etc. For example, the wall attachment 304 can connect to a wall, a ceiling, an angled wall or ceiling, etc. In some examples, the rigid wall bracket 328 is used to prevent the wall attachment 304 from bending and/or bowing when attached to the wall mount 322. That is, the rigid structure of the wall bracket 328 prevents the flexible structure of the wall attachment 304 from bending when connected to the wall mount 322. For instance, without the rigid wall bracket 328, the wall attachment 304 could bend when being fastened to the wall mount 322 with fasteners. However, with the rigid wall bracket 328, the structure of the wall attachment 304 is maintained. That is, the wall bracket 328 exerts a force onto the wall mount 322 and the wall attachment 304 to maintain the shape of the wall mount 322 and the wall attachment 304, when the wall attachment 304 is being fastened to the wall mount 322. As used herein, “bending" refers to shaping or forcing and object into a curve or angled positioned. As used herein, “bowing” refers to the act of causing an object to bend.

[0028] Figure 4A illustrates an example of a system 400 including an imaging sensor 401 and an attachment 404 in a first position consistent with the disclosure. Figure 4A can include analogous or similar elements as Figures 1 , 2, and 3. For example, system 400 includes an enclosure 402, an attachment 404, and a base 406. [0029] In some examples, the system 400 includes an enclosure 402 and an attachment 404. The enclosure 402 is removably connected to the attachment 404. In some examples, the attachment 404 can be a stand attachment 404, to connect the enclosure 402 including an imaging sensor 401 to a horizontal planar surface (e.g., floor, counter, or table, etc.). However, this disclosure is not so limited. In other examples, the stand attachment 404 can connect to different types of planar surfaces, such as, a horizontal planar surface, an angled planar surface, etc. For example, the stand attachment 404 can connect to a table, a countertop, a ceiling, a surface that is positioned on an angle (e.g., tilt).

[0030] The stand attachment 404 includes a base 406 to support the enclosure 402 including the imaging sensor 401. The enclosure 402 contacts a mounting area (e.g., mounting area 112 of Figure 1) to connect to the base 406 of the stand attachment 404. The base 406 includes a recess (e.g., recess 110 of Figure 1) to receive an extrusion (e.g., extrusion 108 of Figure 1) of the enclosure 402. In some examples, the recess of the base 406 receives the extrusion located on the enclosure 402 to securely connect the enclosure 402 to the stand attachment 404. In some examples, a fastener (e.g., fastener 116 of Figure 1) is used to lock the enclosure 402 to the stand attachment 404. In some examples, enclosure 402 connects to the stand attachment 404 through a complementary connector (e.g., complementary connector 224 of Figure 2) and a connector (e.g., connector 226 of Figure 2). That is, the complementary connector of the enclosure 402 removably connects to the connector of the stand attachment 404 to enable electrical communication therebetween.

[0031] In some examples, the system 400 includes a motor (e.g., motor 114 of Figure 1) to rotate the enclosure 402 between a first position (illustrated in Figure 4A) and a second position (illustrated in Figure 4B). In some examples, the first position exposes a lens of the imaging sensor 401 to a recording area. In some examples, the motor will rotate the enclosure 402 in a first direction 409 to rotate the enclosure 402 into the first position. That is, when the enclosure 402 is in a second position and the imaging sensor 401 is about to activate, the enclosure 402 rotates in a first direction 409 to face the lens of the imaging sensor 401 towards a recording area. In some examples, the motor is positioned inside the enclosure 402. That is, the enclosure 402 will transition into a first position before imaging sensor 401 is activated. The lens of the imaging sensor 401 will face a recording area when activated and face away from a recording area when deactivated. Hence, the system 400 provides a user with privacy when the imaging sensor is deactivated. In some examples, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the imaging sensor 401 is visible on one side of the enclosure 402. As such, the lens of the imaging sensor 401 is able to capture images and/or recordings from one side of the enclosure 402.

[0032] In some examples, system 400 comprises an enclosure 402 including an imaging sensor 401 to removably connect to a stand attachment 404. The system 400 further comprise a base 406 disposed on the stand attachment 404 including a mounting area positioned on the base 406, where the enclosure 402 including the imaging sensor 401 is removably connected to the mounting area using a complementary connector. The system 400 uses a fastener to lock the enclosure 402 to the base 406. The system 400 includes a motor to rotate the enclosure 402 between a first position and a second position when the enclosure 402 is connected to the stand attachment 404. The enclosure 402 includes an extrusion to secure the enclosure 402 to the base 406. In addition, the base 406 includes a recess to receive the extrusion and connect the enclosure 402 to the stand attachment 404.

[0033] Figure 4B illustrates an example of a system 400 including an imaging sensor 401 and an attachment 404 in a second position consistent with the disclosure. Figure 4B can include analogous or similar elements as Figures 1 , 2, 3 and, 4A. For example, system 400 includes an enclosure 402, a stand attachment 404, a base 406, and an imaging sensor 401.

[0034] In some examples, the system 400 includes a motor (e.g., motor 114 of Figure 1) positioned inside of the enclosure 402 to rotate the enclosure 402 from a first position into a second position. In some examples, the second position hides the lens of the imaging sensor 401 from the recording area. In some examples, the motor will rotate the enclosure 402 in a second direction 411 to rotate the enclosure 402 into a second position. That is, when the enclosure 402 is in the first position and the imaging sensor 401 deactivates, the enclosure 402 rotates in the second direction 411 to transition the enclosure 402 into the second position and provide the user with privacy. In some examples, when the enclosure 402 is in a second position the lens of the imaging sensor 401 faces away from a recording area. In some examples, when in the second position, the lens of the imaging sensor 401 is facing a horizontal surface (e.g., a table top, desk surface, etc.) on which the stand attachment 404 is disposed such that the lens is incapable of capturing images or video of users or participants in the area surrounding the system 400.

[0035] That is, the enclosure 402 will transition into a second position when the imaging sensor 401 deactivates. The lens of the imaging sensor 401 will face away from a recording area when deactivated and the enclosure 402 is in a second position. In some examples, transitioning the enclosure 402 into a second position when the imaging sensor 401 is deactivated, allows a user to be sure that the imaging sensor 401 is deactivated. Further, if the imaging sensor 401 were to activate when in a second position, the imaging sensor 401 will not be able to record anything in the recording area, because of the orientation of the imaging sensor 401 when in the second position. As such, the system 400 provides a user with increased privacy, compared to systems that do not transition the imaging sensor out of a recording area when not in use. Further, the system 400 provides the user with security that the imaging sensor 401 is not recording in a recording area when not being used by the user.

[0036] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures can be identified by the use of similar digits. For example, 102 can reference element “02" in Figure 1 , and a similar element can be referenced as 202 in Figure 2.

[0037] Elements shown in the various figures herein can be capable of being added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense. [0038] The above specification and examples provide a description of the method and applications and use of the system and method of the present disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the scope of the system and method, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.

It should be understood that the descriptions of various examples may not be drawn to scale and thus, the descriptions can have a different size and/or configuration other than as shown therein.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A system comprising: an imaging sensor positioned in an enclosure; an attachment removably connected to the enclosure comprising a base to receive the enclosure; and a motor to transition the enclosure between a first position and a second position when the enclosure is connected to the base, wherein the first position exposes a lens of the imaging sensor to a recording area and the second position hides the lens of the imaging sensor from the recording area.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is connected to a mounting area using a complementary connector.

3. The system of claim 2, comprises a fastener to lock the enclosure to the base, wherein the mounting area is disposed on the base.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the fastener is spring loaded fastener to lock the enclosure to the base responsive to the enclosure connecting to the mounting area.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment is a wall attachment that is removably fixed to a vertical planar surface.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment is a stand attachment that is removably fixed to a horizontal planar surface.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the motor rotates the enclosure to transition the lens of the imaging sensor between the first position and the second position.

8. An apparatus, comprising: an enclosure including an imaging sensor comprising: an extrusion; and a motor to rotate the enclosure between a first position and a second position; a wall attachment comprising: a base including a recess to receive the extrusion; and a mounting area including a complementary connector, wherein the enclosure is to engage with the mounting area through the complementary connector; and a wall mount including a rigid wall bracket to removably couple the wall attachment to a vertical planar surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the enclosure is locked to the base of the wall attachment with a fastener.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the wall mount is to: receive a protrusion of the rigid wall bracket; and lock the wall bracket to the wall mount through a mount fastener.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the wall mount is irremovably connected to the rigid wall bracket and a mount fastener connects the wall attachment to the wall mount.

12. A device comprising: an enclosure including an imaging sensor to removably connect to a stand attachment; a base disposed on the stand attachment including a mounting area, wherein the enclosure including the imaging sensor is removably connected to the mounting area using a complementary connector; a fastener to lock the enclosure to the base; and a motor to rotate the enclosure between a first position and a second position when the enclosure is connected to the stand attachment.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the enclosure includes an extrusion to secure the enclosure to the base.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the base includes a recess to receive the extrusion and connect the enclosure to the stand attachment.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the motor is positioned inside the enclosure.