I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20090002548Al
`
`c19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Liang et al.
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0002548 Al
`Jan. 1, 2009
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) DOCUMENT CAMERA
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Ernie Liang, Los Angeles, CA
`(US); Rajeev Mishra, Manhattan
`Beach, CA (US); Supina Mapon,
`Evanston, IL (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN
`LLP
`P.O BOX 10500
`McLean, VA 22102 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`Epson America, Inc., Long Beach,
`CA (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/824,293
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun.29,2007
`
`100,
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04N 51225
`(2006.01)
`G03B 17100
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................. 348/373; 396/428; 348/E05.024
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`
`A document camera includes a base, a first arm, a second arm,
`and a camera head assembly. The base includes control elec(cid:173)
`tronics. The first arm is connected at a first end to a side of the
`base utilizing a first hinge. The second arm is connected at a
`first end to a second end of the first arm utilizing the second
`hinge. The camera head assembly is connected at a first end to
`a second end of the second arm utilizing the third hinge. The
`camera head assembly includes a lens adjuster and an imag(cid:173)
`ing sensor and movement of the lens adjuster changes an
`orientation of the imaging sensor. The first side of the first arm
`is connected to a first side of the base and a second side of the
`first arm is connected to the second hinge.
`
`125
`
`0
`
`105
`
`120
`
`AVER EXHIBIT 1023
`Aver v. Pathway
`IPR2017-02108
`
`Page 1 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 1 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`100,
`
`125
`
`105
`
`120
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Page 2 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 2 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`220
`
`0
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`Page 3 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent ,\.pp\\catioR fnb\icatioR
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 sneet 3 of 2s
`
`\JS 2009/000254S Al
`
`Page 4 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 4 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`225
`
`235
`
`220
`
`0000000
`
`245
`
`FIG. 2C
`
`Page 5 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 5 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`350
`
`·355
`
`320
`
`340
`
`-------------------------------------------------------~----
`' t _ - - - - _._ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _1
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`FIG. 38
`
`Page 6 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 6 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`..
`(!) -LL
`
`(
`
`0
`0
`~
`
`Page 7 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 7 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`<(
`U')
`
`(!)
`LL
`
`Page 8 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 8 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`FIG. SB
`
`Page 9 of 40
`
`

`

`patent N>Jllication publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 sneet 9 of 2s
`
`~47
`
`f\G. 6
`
`Page 10 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 10 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`710
`
`705
`
`FIG. 7A
`
`715
`
`FIG. 78
`
`Page 11 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`P a t e n t A p p l i c a t i o n P u b l i c a t i o n
`
`Jan. 1, 2009
`
`Sheet 11 0f 28
`
`J a n . 1, 2 0 0 9 S h e e t 1 J o f 2 8
`
`V S 2 0 0 9 1 0 0 0 2 5 4 8 A . I
`
`US 2009/0002548 A1
`
`
`
`0 " "
`
`Page 12 of 40
`
`Page 12 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 12 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`.
`
`)
`
`{
`
`I
`
`\.
`
`'
`
`r==
`::::> z
`w
`::?
`~
`z
`0:::
`::::>
`I-w
`0:::
`=
`
`= (J)
`
`w
`(!)
`<(
`::?
`a..
`~ (J)
`
`('I')
`en
`,......
`
`c ..... .
`(!) -LL
`
`Page 13 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 13 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`Page 14 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 14 of 28
`
`lJS 2009/0002548 Al
`
`Ul co
`
`<(
`
`co .
`C) -u..
`
`Page 15 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 15 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`0
`'o:::t
`O>
`
`T""
`LO
`O>
`
`0
`T""
`O>
`
`m en .
`
`(!)
`LL
`
`0
`en .
`
`(!)
`oLL
`N
`O>
`
`<(
`
`en .
`(!) -LL
`
`Page 16 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. I, 2009 Sheet 16of28 US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`f\G. 10
`
`Page 17 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 17 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`,, __ .
`
`, '
`
`'
`
`'
`
`'
`
`,,'
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`~
`I
`I
`1,
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`,''
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`, '
`
`I
`,1
`
`I
`
`;
`
`I
`
`'
`, '
`
`FIG. 118
`
`Page 18 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. I, 2009 Sheet JS of28 US 200910002548 Al
`
`f\G.12A
`
`f\G. 128
`
`Page 19 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 19 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`, ,
`, , , ,
`,
`
`,
`
`, ,
`, , , , , ,
`
`_/,.///
`
`~--------------------'
`
`',
`',
`' ' ',
`' ' ',
`' ' ',
`' ' ',
`'
`' ',
`',
`
`' ' ' ' ',
`
`',
`',
`',
`' ' ',
`
`.
`
`(!)
`LL
`
`0
`N
`('f')
`
`(
`
`0
`0
`("')
`T""
`
`Page 20 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 20 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`I
`I
`I
`\
`I
`\
`I
`\
`I
`\
`\
`\
`I
`\
`I
`I
`I
`I
`\
`I
`\
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`\
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`\
`I
`I
`\
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`FIG. 14A
`
`Page 21 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 21 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`110
`
`105
`
`1410--,
`
`120
`
`i-l --1410
`
`I
`
`,
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`1
`I
`1
`1
`1
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`•I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`1
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`' ' 1
`' ' ' ' I
`
`I
`I
`
`1421
`
`FIG. 148
`
`Page 22 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 22 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`:;
`0.
`.5
`0
`Q)
`
`"'O >
`(/) rn
`-~
`$:
`
`Q)
`
`I
`I
`.....,
`0
`::::J
`I
`Q) c_ Ll') I
`"'O ....., VI
`·- 0:::1 Ll') I
`.,... ~-
`>
`
`0
`C\J
`Ll')
`T"""
`
`~
`0
`E
`Q)
`:lE
`
`0
`(")
`.,...
`Ll')
`.....
`0
`C/)
`• C/)
`Q)
`
`(.) e a..
`
`LO
`,--
`CJ
`u..
`
`0
`0
`l!)
`T"""
`
`~
`(l) .
`C>
`<U
`E·
`
`-c
`
`(l)
`E
`::l
`0
`0
`0
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`
`: c C'\I
`10Ll')
`I (.) .,...
`
`---L-' -------: I Ll')
`L--[--',
`
`-------.
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`:4
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I !. ______ _
`
`0
`co.,...
`en~
`.....
`::::>
`rn ~
`rn ·-
`Q) Q)
`CJ
`-
`~ (/)
`·- c
`$: ~
`I-
`
`Page 23 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 23 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`.
`C>
`LL
`
`r 0
`
`0
`"""
`
`Page 24 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 24 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`.q--,....
`
`::J .....
`a. .....
`"S .9
`0
`C,)
`0 Q)
`Q> c::
`"O c::
`·- 0 > (.')
`
`L()
`ct)
`
`""'
`.....
`~
`0
`E
`Q)
`:2:
`
`0
`M
`.....
`"""
`.....
`0
`(/)
`(/)
`Q)
`C,)
`
`0 ....
`a..
`
`T-
`
`""'
`.
`(!)
`LL
`
`0
`C\J
`""'
`.....
`.....
`Q)
`t:::
`Q)
`>
`c::
`0
`
`0
`Q)
`"O
`
`>
`-
`0
`c::
`0
`"(ii
`·5
`Q)
`(i)
`I-
`
`0
`
`(ij
`c::
`0)
`i:i5
`c::
`0
`'iii
`'5
`Q)
`(i)
`I-
`
`L()
`0
`I'--
`.....
`.....
`Q)
`c::
`::J
`I-
`
`Page 25 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 25 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`'",.
`....
`
`'",.I .,
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`I
`----~--·
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`\
`
`-::J a. co
`
`C\I
`-
`OCXJ
`Q) T"""
`"'O
`5
`
`~
`-<X>
`::J T'""
`a. ...
`'S .9
`Qo
`0 Q)
`Q) c
`"'O c
`·- 0 >O
`
`LO
`C"')
`CXJ
`T'""
`
`~
`0
`E
`Q)
`:;;?
`
`T'"" ... Q) -e
`
`0
`~
`a:
`0
`Q)
`"'O
`
`5
`
`aj -"5>
`
`0
`
`0
`~
`T""" ... 0
`Q) e a...___ __ _.
`
`UJ
`UJ
`
`0
`Q) C\I
`== CXJ
`ni T'""
`Q)
`-
`0 CJ)
`:::;i- ~
`...
`c
`.9
`0
`Zen
`
`Page 26 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 26 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`~
`
`..
`
`"'"
`
`~
`0
`ti)
`ti)
`Q)
`(.) 0
`(.)
`<( C\J
`ti) .,...
`O>
`ti)
`Q)
`Q)
`
`'-·-3:
`
`a
`
`•r
`
`L--i----
`
`ti)
`
`...
`
`ti) ~ 0
`Q) · - M
`Q) Q) O>
`'- (.)
`.,...
`· - Q)
`3: a:
`
`r-- - - - - ,
`I
`I
`: 0 -
`:
`Q)
`... Q ) - 0
`::::J ..q
`C
`-
`I
`:
`1 c cu"Cm
`:
`1
`:8a..~.,...
`L-------1
`
`I
`
`I
`
`""
`0 .,...
`
`(J)
`
`.,... ... Q) -::::J a.
`
`E
`0
`(.)
`
`(j')
`.,....
`.
`·-u..
`
`0)
`
`0
`0
`.,...
`CJ)
`cu
`'-. Q)
`E cu
`(.) -c
`
`Q)
`E
`::::J
`(.)
`0
`0
`
`Page 27 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 27 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`2040
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`,
`, '
`
`I
`
`2050
`
`' I
`2060
`
`~--2030
`
`'--2020
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`~===~~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~
`
`2010
`
`I
`,'
`
`I
`I
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Page 28 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jan. 1, 2009 Sheet 28 of 28
`
`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`2150
`
`2125
`
`2182 r---+.cic:::
`
`0
`
`2183 n--=1-..I..t'
`
`2184 -----1
`
`2185
`218611----J..___[r\
`
`2187-+-if-+---+-+l...I
`
`2130
`
`21l~
`
`FIG. 21A
`
`2181
`
`2180
`
`405
`
`2 30
`
`FIG. 218
`
`Page 29 of 40
`
`

`

`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`Jan. 1, 2009
`
`1
`
`DOCUMENT CAMERA
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0002] The present invention related to a document camera
`which takes a visual image ofa material (object or document)
`placed on a surface where the visual image is taken with a
`video camera, electrically converted to a digital image, and
`transmitted to an external display device.
`[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
`[0004] Over-head projectors (OHP) are most popular
`visual presenters used in fields such as education and legal.
`With significant improvement of CCD (charge coupled
`device) and CMOS sensors, document cameras using the
`CCD or CMOS sensor have been developed and proposed. In
`such a document camera, a visual image of a material, a
`sample, or another subject matter placed on a table is taken
`with a CCD (or CMOS sensor) located above the table. The
`visual image is output as video signals to a display device, i.e.,
`a computer monitor or a projector, etc.
`[OOOS] A number of document camera are available in the
`market. However, many of the document cameras cannot
`capture a larger viewing area, e.g., an area greaterthan 8.5'' by
`11." A large number of the document cameras cannot be
`folded into a convenient storage position.
`[0006]
`In addition, document camera cannot receive wire(cid:173)
`less video input from an external device. Document cameras
`also do not have features that allow the reception of a televi(cid:173)
`sion signal as an input signal. In addition, the document
`camera does not have capabilities of operating like a digital
`video recorder.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of 4 axis/2 telescoping
`arm document camera according to an embodiment of the
`invention;
`[OOOS] FIG. 2A illustrates a 4 axis/3 arm document camera
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of a 3 axis/3
`arm document camera according to an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0010] FIG. 2C illustrates the document camera of FIG. 2B
`in a storage mode according to an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion;
`[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a document
`camera according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a folded side view of the docu(cid:173)
`ment camera illustrated in FIG. 3A according to an embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention;
`[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the docu(cid:173)
`ment camera including input connections and output connec(cid:173)
`tions according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0014] FIG. SA illustrates a document camera in an
`elevated position to capture documents placed in front of a
`base of the portable document imager according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`[OOlS] FIG. SB is a top perspective drawing ofa document
`camera in a further elevated position according to an embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention;
`[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a fully extended document camera
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0017] FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of the camera head
`assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
`
`[OOlS] FIG. 7B illustrates a bottom view of the camera head
`assembly according to an embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion;
`[0019] FIG. 7C illustrates an exploded view of the camera
`head assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0020] FIG. 7D illustrates a split screen menu according to
`an embodiment of the invention;
`[0021] FIG. 7E illustrates a memory menu according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0022] FIG. SA a side view of a document camera including
`extendable legs to add additional height to the document
`camera;
`[0023] FIG. SB illustrates a document camera including
`extendable legs to add additional height to the document
`camera;
`[0024] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate use of a macro lens
`which slides over a document camera lens according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[002S] FIG. 10 illustrates a base for increasing a height of a
`document camera according to an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion;
`[0026] FIG. llA illustrates a bottom view of an attachable
`document camera attached to a projector according to an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0027] FIG. llB illustrates a top perspective view of an
`attachable document camera attached to a projector accord(cid:173)
`ing to an embodiment of the present invention;
`[002S] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrates a retractable VGA
`output cable according to an embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 12A includes a VGA output cable in a retracted position
`and FIG. 12B includes a VGA output cable in an extended
`position;
`[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates a portable document camera
`according to an embodiment of the invention;
`[0030] FIG. 14A illustrates a top perspective view of the
`document camera of FIG. 4 placed vertically on a surface;
`[0031] FIG. 14B illustrates a side view of the document
`camera of FIG. 4 placed vertically on a surface according to
`an embodiment of the present invention;
`[0032] FIG. lS illustrates a block diagram of a document
`camera including wireless USB video input according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates a document camera including
`power outlets according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates a document camera including a
`built-in TV tuner according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`[003S] FIG. lS includes a document camera including a
`digital video recorder and disk storage capacity according to
`an embodiment of the invention;
`[0036] FIG. 19 includes a document camera including
`interfaces for wireless keyboard accessories according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates a cable diagram for cabling in the
`document camera illustrated in FIG. 4 according to an
`embodiment of the invention;
`[003S] FIG. 21A illustrates a top view of circuit boards in a
`base according to an embodiment of the invention; and
`
`Page 30 of 40
`
`

`

`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`Jan. 1, 2009
`
`2
`
`[0039] FIG. 21B illustrates a side view of circuit boards in
`a base according to an embodiment of the invention
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0040]
`In this application, the camera which captures
`images is referred to as a document camera. The camera may
`also be referred to as a document imager, a visualizer, a
`document visualizer, a visual presenter, DOAR presenter, an
`object display camera, and a portable image input device.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of 4 axis/2 telescoping arm
`document camera according to an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion. The document image camera 100 includes a base 120, a
`camera head assembly 110, a first hinge 105, a first arm 125,
`and a second arm 145. The first arm 125 is connected to a base
`120 on a side surface of the base 120 via a first hinge 105. The
`first arm 125 is connected to the second arm 145 via a second
`hinge 140. The second arm 145 is connected to the camera
`head assembly 110 via a third hinge 150.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the first hinge
`[0041]
`105 may have an axis of rotation of 90 degrees. In an embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention, the second hinge 145 may have an axis
`ofrotation ofl 80 degrees. In an embodiment of the invention,
`the thirdhinge 150 may have an axis ofrotation of270 or360
`degrees.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the first hinge
`[0042]
`105 may have an axis of rotation of up to 270 degrees. In an
`embodiment of the invention, the second hinge 140 may have
`an axis of rotation of up to 360 degrees. In an embodiment of
`the invention, the third hinge 150 may have an axis of rotation
`of up to 270 degrees.
`[0043] FIG. 2A illustrates a 4 axis/3 arm document camera
`according to an embodiment of the invention. The document
`image camera includes a base 220, a camera head assembly
`210, a first hinge 205, a first arm 225, a second hinge 230, a
`second arm 235, a third hinge 240, a third arm 245, a fourth
`hinge 250, and a camera head assembly 210. The base 220 is
`connected to the first arm 225 via a first hinge 205. The first
`arm 225 is connected to a second arm 235 via a second hinge
`230. The second arm 235 is connected to a third arm 245 via
`a third hinge 240. The third arm 245 is connected to the
`camera head assembly 210 via a fourth hinge 250.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the first hinge
`[0044]
`205 has an axis of rotation of 90 degrees. The second hinge
`230 has a rotation axis ofl 80 degrees. The thirdhinge 240 has
`a rotation axis of 180 degrees. The fourth hinge 250 has an
`axis of rotation of approximately 270 degrees.
`[0045] FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of a 3 axis/3
`arm document camera according to an embodiment of the
`present invention. The portable document camera includes a
`base 220, a first hinge 205, a first arm 225, a first telescoping
`portion 227, a second hinge 230, a second arm 235, a second
`telescoping portion 237, a third hinge 240, a third arm 245,
`and a camera head assembly 250. The first arm 225 is con(cid:173)
`nected to the base via a first hinge. In an embodiment of the
`invention, the first arm 225 rotates in a counterclockwise
`direction from a base 220. The first arm 225 includes a tele(cid:173)
`scoping portion 227. The end of the first arm 225 including
`the telescoping portion 227 is attached to the second arm 235
`via a second hinge 230. The second arm 235 includes a
`telescoping portion 237. The end of the second arm 235
`includes including the telescoping portion 237 is attached to
`a third arm 245 via a third hinge 240. The third arm 245
`includes a camera head assembly 250. In the embodiment of
`the invention illustrated in FIG. 2B, the camera head assem-
`
`bly 250 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. The camera
`head assembly 250 may also rotate in a clockwise direction.
`[0046] FIG. 2C illustrates the document camera of FIG. 2B
`in a storage mode according to an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion. In this storage mode, the first arm 225 lies parallel (or
`alongside) a first side of the base 220. The second arm 235 lies
`alongside (or parallel) to the first arm 235 and also the first
`side of the base 220. The third arm 245 lies alongside (or
`parallel) to a second face of the base 220. The third arm 245
`is positioned at a 90 degree angle to the first arm 225 and the
`second arm 235.
`[0047] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a document
`camera according to an embodiment of the invention. The
`portable document image capture includes a base 310, a first
`U-shaped arm 320, a second arm 330, a third arm 340, and a
`document camera assembly 350. The first U-shaped arm 320
`is a connected to the base via a pivot 355. In an embodiment
`of the invention, the pivot 355 has a range of greater than 180
`degrees. The second arm 330 may fit into the hole of the first
`arm 320 as is illustrated in FIG. 3A. The second arm 330 is
`extendable from a bottom of the hole formed by the first
`U-shaped arm 320 to a top portion of the first U-shaped arm
`320. The second arm 330 is connected to the third arm 340 via
`a second pivot 360. In an embodiment of the invention, the
`range of operation of a third arm 340 in relation to the second
`arm 330 is approximately 360 degrees. In other words the
`pivot 360 may have a range of operation of approximately 360
`degrees. The third arm 340 is connected to the camera assem(cid:173)
`bly 350 via a third pivot 365. In an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion, the third pivot 365 may have a range of operation of
`approximately 360 degrees. The document camera assembly
`350 includes a rotating camera head 370. The rotating camera
`head 370 may rotate approximately 360 degrees. As is illus(cid:173)
`trated in FIG. 3A, a control panel 375 may be located on a top
`surface of the base 310. FIG. 3B illustrates a folded side view
`of the document camera illustrated in FIG. 3A according to an
`embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B shows that the second
`arm 330 slides into the U-shaped opening of the first arm 320.
`The first arm 320 rotates on the first pivot 355 in a clockwise
`direction so that the first arm 320/second arm 330 rest on top
`of a face of the base 310. The third arm 340 rotates on the
`second pivot 360 (in a counterclockwise direction) and lies on
`the first arm 320/second arm 330, as is illustrated in FIG. 3B.
`[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the docu(cid:173)
`ment camera including input connections and output connec(cid:173)
`tions according to an embodiment of the invention. The base
`120 includes input ports for a number of different input
`media. In the embodiment of the invention, the base 120
`includes a memory card input port 405. Illustratively, this
`may be a Memory Stick, a SD card, a Multi-Media Card
`(MMC) memory card, a Compact Flash (CF) card, or a XD
`memory card.
`[0049]
`In an embodiment of the invention, the base 120
`may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 410. The USB
`port 410 may only be an input port to receive data. The USB
`port may be a bi-directional port to both transmit and receive
`data. FIG. 4 illustrates that the USB port 410 is a USB Type A
`receptacle. The base may also include a second USB recep(cid:173)
`tacle 420. The second USB port 420 may only be an input port
`to receive data, or alternatively may be a bidirectional port to
`both transmit and receive data. FIG. 4 illustrates that the USB
`port 420 is a USB Type B connector. In embodiments of the
`invention, the base 120 may only include one of the USB Type
`A input receptacle and the B type input receptacle. In embodi-
`
`Page 31 of 40
`
`

`

`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`Jan. 1, 2009
`
`3
`
`ments of the invention, the USB receptacle may be mini-USB
`Type A receptacle, a mini-USB Type B receptacle, a Micro
`Type A receptacle, a Micro Type B receptacle, or a Micro
`TypeAB receptacle.
`[OOSO] The base may also include a S-video input and out(cid:173)
`put connector 42S. The S-video input and output connector
`42S receives S-video input from an outside source which is
`able to be stored in memory. The S-video connector may also
`only be utilized for one of input or output. In an embodiment
`of the invention, the base 120 may include a composite video
`input or output connector. The connector may receive com(cid:173)
`posite video in the format of an analog television (picture
`only) signal. The composite video may be in a standard for(cid:173)
`mat, e.g., NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. The base 120 includes a
`power on/power off button 430.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the base 120
`[OOSl]
`may include a RGB input or output connector. The connector
`may receive RGB input from a monitor or computer display.
`The base 120 may also include an additional RGB output
`connector for driving two monitors and the same time. In an
`embodiment of the invention, the base 120 may include a
`VGA output connector 440 and a VGA input connector 44S.
`There may also be an additional VGA output connector (not
`shown). This allows for the VGA output signal to be trans(cid:173)
`mitted to a second monitor at the same time as being trans(cid:173)
`mitted to a projector or a computer display. In an embodiment
`of the invention, the base 120 may also include a VGA con(cid:173)
`nector 440, which may be utilize for input and/or output. In an
`embodiment of the invention, the VGA input connector 44S
`may receives VGA input from a device, e.g., a monitor, and
`the base 120 may pass this video through to the VGA output
`connector 440. The base also includes a DC power connector
`4SO. A power cord with transformer connects the DC power
`connector 4SO to an AC power source, e.g., a AC mains wall
`socket. In an embodiment of the invention, the base 120 may
`also include a Kensington lock slot (or security slot) 43S to
`which a Kensington lock can be attached. Because of the
`markets for the document camera is the education market
`(e.g., elementary, junior high, and secondary education) and
`the legal market (e.g., courtrooms), it is important to have a
`lock to prevent the document cameras from being removed
`from a classroom or a courtroom.
`[OOS2] FIG. 4 also illustrates the compact and sleek design
`of the document camera when the document camera is in a
`storage or carrying position. One face 460 of the base 120 is
`curved. In an embodiment of the invention, the curvature is
`semi-circular. Illustratively, this may be the face that includes
`the video output connector 440 and the video input connector
`44S. When the document camera is in a storage position, the
`first arm 12S lies flush alongside a second face 461 of the base
`120. In an embodiment of the invention, the second face 461
`is at a right angle to the first face 460. In embodiments of the
`invention, the first arm's 12S height from the ground, when
`the first arm 12S is in resting position, has a height that is less
`than or equal to the height, from the ground, of the base 120.
`The second hinge 140 is curved at one end and the curvature
`is substantially similar to the curvature of the first face 460 of
`the base 120 of the document camera. In other words, if the
`document camera were viewed from a side view opposite
`where the first arm 12S is resting, a viewer would see the first
`arm 12S or second hinge 140 does not rise above the height of
`the base because 1) the curvature of the first face 460 of the
`base 120 would be similar or larger than the curvature of the
`
`second hinge 140 and 2) height of the first arm 12S is similar
`or smaller than the height of the base 120.
`In an embodiment of the invention, the length of the
`[OOS3]
`hinge 140 and the first arm 12S may be equal to or within two
`to three inches of the length of the base 120. The second arm
`14S (as noted before) is connected to the first arm 12S via the
`second hinge 140. The second arm 14S lies next to the first
`arm 12S. The second arm 14S has a height that is less than or
`equal to the first arm 12S and also the base 120. When viewing
`the document camera from a side opposite where the first arm
`12S and the second arm 14S are resting, a viewer would see
`that the height of second arm 14S (in the resting or storage
`position) may not be larger than the height of the base 120
`because the height may be the same or smaller than the height
`of the base 120. In addition, in an embodiment of the inven(cid:173)
`tion, a length of the second arm 14S is equal to or within two
`to three inches of the base 120.
`[OOS4] The second arm 14S is connected to the camera head
`assembly 110 by the third hinge lSO. In an embodiment of the
`invention, the third hinge lSO is at a second end of the second
`arm 14S. The width of the second hinge lSO may be equal or
`substantially similar to a width of the second arm 14S. This
`appears to make the second hinge lSO an extension of the
`second arm. In the closed (or rest position), the camera head
`assembly 110 lies next to a third face 462 of the base 120. In
`an embodiment of the invention, the length of the camera
`head assembly (illustrated as reference number 470) is equal
`or close to equal to the width of the base 120 added to the
`width of the first arm 12S. In an embodiment of the invention,
`the height of the camera head assembly 110 (illustrated by
`reference number 47S) is equal or substantially similar to the
`length (illustrated by reference number 476) of the thirdhinge
`lSO. Both a top surface of the camera head assembly 110 and
`a face of the thirdhinge lSO are curved. As illustrated in FIG.
`4, the curvature may be semi-circular. This provides the por(cid:173)
`table document imager with a curved face on two sides. The
`dimensions of the base 120, the first arm 12S, the second
`hinge 140, the second arm 14S, the third hinge lSO, and the
`camera head assembly 110 result in the portable document
`image having a rectangular footprint when viewing the docu(cid:173)
`ment imager from above. The portable document imager also
`includes a control panel 480.
`[OOSS] The compact design of the document camera results
`in a small footprint. In an embodiment of the invention, the
`document camera may have a length ofless than 11 inches, a
`width of less than 6 inches, and has a height of less than 2
`inches. In an embodiment of the invention, the base 120 may
`have length of 8.81 inches and a width of 5.59 inches. In an
`embodiment of the invention, when the first arm 12S and the
`second arm 14S are extended to a fully extended position (by
`extending the telescoping portions of both arms), the camera
`head assembly 110 may be a position that is approximately 25
`inches above a horizontal surface. In an embodiment of the
`invention, the first arm 12S may have a telescoping portion
`127 with a length of3314 inches. The second arm 14S may have
`a telescoping portion 147 with a length of3314 inches.
`[OOS6] FIG. SA illustrates a document camera in an
`elevated position to capture documents placed in front of a
`base of the document camera according to an embodiment of
`the invention. As illustrated in FIG. SA, the first arm 12S is
`raised from a surface on which the base 120 lies at approxi(cid:173)
`mately a 45 degree angle. In the embodiment of the invention
`illustrated in FIG. SA, the first arm 12S is rotated in a coun(cid:173)
`terclockwise direction from its resting position. In other
`
`Page 32 of 40
`
`

`

`US 2009/0002548 Al
`
`Jan. 1, 2009
`
`4
`
`•
`
`words, the first arm 12S has been rotated on the first hinge at
`approximately a 45 degree angle from the base 120. The
`second arm 14S is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the
`first arm 12S via the second hinge 140. In this embodiment of
`the invention, the second arm 14S is rotated in a clockwise
`direction from its resting position. As illustrated in FIG. SA,
`this results in a second arm 14S being parallel to the surface
`on which the base 120 rests and being in a parallel plane to the
`base 120. The second arm 14S includes a telescoping section
`147. The telescoping section 147 extends the length of the
`second arm 14S so that the camera head assembly 110 is
`positioned above the surface and not immediately above the
`base 120.As illustrated in FIG. SA, the camera head assembly
`110 has been rotated approximately 90 degrees (using the
`third hinge lSO) from its position in the rest position or
`configuration. As illustrated in FIG. SA, the camera head
`assembly 110 has been rotated in a clockwise direction. In
`this position, the lens dial 112 (and thus the lens and camera)
`are pointed towards the surface on which a document or
`object is resting. The document is illustrated by reference
`number 131 in FIG. SA. In this embodiment of the invention,
`as pictured in FIG. SA, the document camera may view docu(cid:173)
`ments or objects up to 8.5'' by 11 11
`[OOS7] FIG. SB is a top perspective drawing ofa document
`camera in a further elevated position according to an embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention
`illustrated in FIG. SB, the first arm 12S is rotated between 45
`degrees and 70 degrees from the base via the first hinge. As
`illustrated, the first arm 12S is rotated in a counterclockwise
`direction. The second arm 14S is rotated between 45 degrees
`and 85 degrees from the first arm 12S utilizing second hinge
`140. As illustrated in FIG. SB, the second arm 14S is rotated
`in a clockwise direction from the first arm 12S. This results in
`the second arm 14S resting slightly pointed upward, as com(cid:173)
`pared to the plane of the surface on which the base lies. A
`telescopic section 147 of the second arm 14S is extended to
`increase the height that the second arm 14S rests above the
`surface. The camera head assembly 110 is connected to the
`second arm 14S via the third hinge lSO. As illustrated in FIG.
`SB, the telescopic section