WO2022040699A1

WO2022040699A1 - Camera device

Info

Publication number: WO2022040699A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/071245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Bruce HEALY
Original assignee: Healy Patrick Bruce
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-20
Publication date: 2022-02-24

Abstract

This disclosure relates to camera devices and associated components. In particular, this disclosure relates to a camera device that can be the camera data source to replace the data source of a built-in camera of a portable electronic device. The camera device can capture a photo or video and send the captured photo or video data to the portable electronic device of a user for processing and/or storage without data being stored on the camera device itself. The camera device can be conveniently controlled via one hand of the user for capturing photos or videos of the user while the user may observe the view of the camera device via the display screen of the portable electronic device held in the other hand of the user.

Description

CAMERA DEVICE

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/068,282, filed August 20, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein and made a part of this specification. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to camera devices and associated components. In particular, this disclosure relates to a camera device that can be a camera data source for a portable electronic device and methods of implementation.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Smartphones commonly include a built-in camera that can capture photos or videos. More and more individuals carry a smartphone with them at all times such that a camera is almost always accessible. This increased accessibility has resulted in individuals capturing increasing numbers of photos and videos, including photos and videos of surrounding environments such as in crowds or of individuals themselves (i.e., “selfies”). Capturing a photo or video of the surrounding environment in a crowd or oneself can be challenging with the built-in camera of the smartphone, especially in crowded environments. Accordingly, it is desirable to have camera device solutions that enable an individual to more easily capture a photo or video of the surrounding environment in a crowd or of oneself or in areas where viewing the screen on the smartphone while capturing a photo or video is difficult.

SUMMARY

[0004] It is desirable to have camera devices that can enable an individual to more easily capture a photo or video of oneself or of the surrounding environment in a crowd, including subject matter above and/or away from the crowd, without having to look up at a smartphone screen as would occur when the user tries to elevate the smartphone over crowds and/or other object/obstacles to take a picture or video over a crowd and/or over other obstacles. For example, a user at a concert would have to elevate the smartphone to position the camera of the smartphone over a crowd of people in order to capture a photo of the show/band while having to look up at the screen of the smartphone in order to see what the image of the photo being captured will be. As another example, taking a picture of oneself in similar crowd settings may necessitate the user to elevate the camera of the smartphone to capture desired subject matter at a certain angle. As such, the camera devices, systems, assemblies, and methods of use and manufacture described herein provide a camera device solution that enables a user to easily capture a photo or video of desired subject matter over obstacles (e.g., crowds) and/or of the user in certain environments (i.e., capture a “selfie”).

[0005] In a crowded environment, such as sporting events, political rallies, graduations, concerts, plays, etc., an individual may hold the phone aloft at arm’s length in an attempt to capture a photo with the built-in camera, which can reduce the view angle of the screen to the user. The reduced view angle and/or glare on the screen under certain lighting conditions can make framing and/or timing the capture of a photo or video guesswork when the phone is held away from the user, raised up, etc. in crowded environments or in environments with obstacles over which the user would like to capture a photo or video. In addition, phones can lack suitable buttons that enable the user to easily control the built-in camera when held away from the user. Other camera devices capture photos and videos that can be communicated to a smartphone of a user but such other camera devices are cumbersome and expensive to manufacture, which can result in a prohibitive cost and burden of use for a large number of individuals.

[0006] In addition, built-in cameras are often on an opposite side of a portable electronic device such as a phone, e.g., smartphone, than a display screen of the portable electronic device, causing the user to blindly (without being able to view the display screen) attempt to orient a built-in camera to capture a suitable selfie photo or video without the guidance of seeing the view captured by the built-in camera on the display screen. Built-in cameras are sometimes disposed on the same side of a phone as a display screen. Such arrangements, however, can require the user to hold the phone in precarious positions away from the user (e.g., over water, at high heights, away from the user in a crowded environment, etc.), which can result in significant financial loss if the phone is dropped or stolen. Despite the camera and screen being disposed on the same side, such arrangements can still fail to provide the user with a convenient view of the captured view of the built-in camera due to a glare on the screen of the phone, which can be worsened when the phone is held away from the user, raised up, etc. in crowded environments or in environments with obstacles over which the user would like to capture a photo or video.

[0007] The camera devices described herein can be paired with a portable device or portable electronic device, e.g., phone such as a smartphone, smart tablets, etc., and function as the camera data source to replace the data source of a built-in camera of the portable device. The camera devices can be paired wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or via a wired connection to the phone. The camera devices can be remote. The camera devices can be sized for fitting in the pocket of the user for convenient carrying. The camera devices can facilitate improved one-handed handling and/or use. The user can hold a handle portion and/or outer housing of the camera device while manipulating one or more conveniently positioned buttons of the camera device with, for example, a fingertip or thumb of a single hand to switch between capturing photos or videos, trigger a light source (e.g., flash), zoom in or out, capture a photo or video, and/or pair the camera device with the user’s phone. The user can observe the view of the camera device via the display (e.g., touchscreen) of the phone in one hand while manipulating the camera device (e.g., aiming the camera device at the subject matter of the photo or video) with the other hand. The buttons may be any suitable type of button including for example, toggle switches, push buttons and/or haptic buttons. In addition, the features of the camera devices may be activatable using voice commands recognized by either the smartphone or the camera device and carried out using suitable voice recognition/command software.

[0008] The camera device can be held away from the user in one hand while the phone is held in the other hand of the user with the screen thereof in a comfortable, glare-free viewing position. An application, e.g., computer program, can display the view from the camera device on the portable device, e.g., phone of the user. The camera device can enable the user to adjust the direction of the lens of the camera device, amount of zoom, lighting, etc. as the user is observing the view of the camera device on the display screen. The camera device can be in communication with the built-in camera or application for the built-in camera of the phone to function as the data source of images, videos, etc. for the phone. The camera device can be held away from the user in precarious positions, but given the low cost of the camera device compared to the user’s phone, the loss or damage of the camera device due to a fall or theft can be insignificant.

[0009] The camera devices described herein can include a unique combination of features that enable the camera device to function as the camera data source to replace the data source of the built-in camera of the phone without necessarily including features that would enable the camera device to function independently of the built-in camera of the phone. In some embodiments, the camera device can function as a camera data source in conjunction with the built-in camera of the phone. The omission of certain functional features that would enable the camera device to function independently of the built-in camera of the phone can permit low cost manufacturing, which can facilitate increased accessibility to a larger demographic of individuals. For example, the camera devices described herein can lack or not have memory to store a captured photo/image and/or video. Instead, the camera devices can capture a photo/image and/or video inputs, convert the inputs into digital data, and relay/send/communicate the photo/image and/or video data to the user’s phone for processing and/or storage. The camera devices may also not process the captured photo and/or video data, including audio data, but rather captures photo and/or video inputs, converts the inputs into to digital data, and sends the data to the phone for processing and/or storage. The camera devices may also not include a power source if they intended for a wired connection and may be powered by the phone to which the camera device is connected via the wired connection. The camera devices can be an inexpensive accessory to a phone that enables the user to take well aimed and framed photos and videos, particularly in crowded situations.

[0010] In one embodiment, the invention provides for a camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; a handle portion in direct or indirect communication with the camera housing for grasping the camera device; a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the invention provides for a camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; an outer housing, wherein the camera housing is configured to be stored within the outer housing in a stowed configuration such that the lens is covered by the outer housing, and wherein the camera housing is configured to extend outside the outer housing in a deployed configuration such that the lens is uncovered; a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or a transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

[0012] In yet a further embodiment, the invention provides for a camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; a cover connected to the camera housing, wherein the cover is configured to cover the lens in a stowed configuration such that the lens is covered by the cover, and wherein the cover is configured to uncover the lens in a deployed configuration; a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or a transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device further comprises a memory that is configured to store image and/or audio data.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise a power source configured to power the camera device.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise a focus mechanism to focus the lens. [0016] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device is configured to be in wireless communication with the portable electronic device and comprises the transceiver and the power source as defined above.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise a plurality of buttons disposed on the camera housing configured to control operation of the camera device, the plurality of buttons optionally being disposed on a side of the camera housing that is opposite the lens.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the plurality of buttons comprises a flash button that is configured to control the light source.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the plurality of buttons comprises a shooting button to command the camera device to capture an image or video.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the plurality of buttons comprises a mode button to command the camera device to switch between a photo capture mode and video capture mode.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the plurality of buttons comprises a zoom in and zoom out button(s) to control a focus mechanism paired with the lens.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the plurality of buttons comprises a pairing button to initiate wireless pairing between the camera device and the portable electronic device.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, simultaneous manipulation of two of the plurality of buttons initiates wireless pairing between the camera device and the portable electronic device.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise a stand configured to support the camera device on a surface.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise an activation switch that is configured to activate the camera device with deployment of the camera housing and deactivate the camera device with stowage of the camera housing.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, an application on the portable electronic device is configured to activate with deployment of the camera housing and deactivate with stowage of the camera housing.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, an application on the portable electronic device is configured to activate with activation of the camera device.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the handle portion and the camera housing are integrated together.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device, optionally including the positioning of the buttons, is adapted for one handed operation to capture the image data.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device and/or features thereof, is operable via a voice command received by the audio sensor on the camera device or by the portable electronic device.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise voice recognition software for determining a voice command and carrying out said voice command.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, any one of the plurality of buttons is a haptic feedback button or a toggle button.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise a spring mechanism with a spring that is configured to assist in deploying the camera housing from within the outer housing.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the spring mechanism further comprises a latch configured to selectively retain the camera housing in the outer housing in the stowed configuration.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera housing comprises a grip aid to assist a user in grasping the camera device, and wherein the grip aid is optionally: a groove, and/or a textured surface on the front and/or back of the camera housing, handle portion, cover or outer housing. [0036] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise enlarged chamfers at corners of the camera device, wherein the enlarged chamfers are configured to engage a surface to prevent damage to the camera device by the surface.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera housing comprising a recess surrounding at least a portion of the lens, and wherein the outer housing comprises a tab configured to cover the lens and be disposed in the recess in the stowed configuration.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, the camera device(s) further comprise an aperture configured to couple with a tether.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, at least one end of the camera device is flat to enable the camera device to stand upright on a substantially flat surface.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the camera device or devices as outlined above, at least one-third of the camera housing is disposed in the outer housing in the deployed configuration.

[0041] In an even further embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of capturing an image or video using a camera data source and a portable electronic device; pairing the camera data source to the portable electronic device via wired or wireless connection; activating the camera data source; capturing an image or video with the camera data source, sending the captured image or video to the portable electronic device via wired or wireless connection.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the method or methods outlined above, a user’s first hand is implemented to operate the camera data source and the users second hand is implemented to operate the portable electronic device to view the data stream and/or the settings sent from the camera data source.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the method or methods outlined above, the camera data source is a camera device as defined herein. [0044] The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is intended to be non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. In the drawings, similar elements may have reference numerals with the same digits.

[0046] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a camera device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. IB is a rear perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 1A.

[0048] FIG. 1C is a side view of the camera device of FIG. 1 A.

[0049] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustrating a system diagram for one embodiment of a camera device.

[0050] FIG. 2B is an illustration of a user using one embodiment of a camera device.

[0051] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0052] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 3A in a deployed configuration.

[0053] FIG. 3C is a partial view of the camera device of FIG. 3A in the deployed configuration.

[0054] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a deployed configuration.

[0055] FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 4A in the deployed configuration.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a deployed configuration. [0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a deployed configuration.

[0058] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0059] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 7A in a deployed configuration.

[0060] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0061] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 8A in a deployed configuration.

[0062] FIG. 8C is a front view of the camera device of FIG. 8A in the deployed configuration.

[0063] FIG. 8D is a rear view of the camera device of FIG. 8A in the deployed configuration.

[0064] FIG. 8E is a side elevation view of the camera device of FIG. 8A in the stowed configuration.

[0065] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0066] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 9A in a deployed configuration.

[0067] FIG. 9C is a front view of the camera device of FIG. 9A in the deployed configuration.

[0068] FIG. 9D is a rear view of the camera device of FIG. 9A in the deployed configuration.

[0069] FIG. 9E is a side elevation view of the camera device of FIG. 9A in the stowed configuration.

[0070] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0071] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 10A in a deployed configuration. [0072] FIG. 11A is a front view of another embodiment of a camera device in a deployed configuration.

[0073] FIG. 1 IB is a rear view of the camera device of FIG. 11 A in the deployed configuration.

[0074] FIG. 11C is a side elevation view of the camera device of FIG. 11A in a stowed configuration.

[0075] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0076] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 12A in a deployed configuration.

[0077] FIG. 12C is a front view of the camera device of FIG. 12A in the deployed configuration.

[0078] FIG. 12D is a rear view of the camera device of FIG. 12A in the deployed configuration.

[0079] FIG. 12E is a side elevation view of the camera device of FIG. 12A in the stowed configuration.

[0080] FIG. 13 A is a first front perspective view of another embodiment of a camera device in a stowed configuration.

[0081] FIG. 13B is a second front perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 13 A in a deployed configuration.

[0082] FIG. 13C is a rear perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 13 A in the deployed configuration.

[0083] FIG. 13D is another front perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 13 A with a stand in the deployed configuration.

[0084] FIG. 13E is a bottom perspective view of the camera device of FIG. 13A with the stand in the deployed configuration.

[0085] FIG. 13F is an exploded view of the camera device of FIG. 13 A.

[0086] FIG. 13G is another exploded view of the camera device of FIG. 13A.

[0087] FIG. 13H is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an outer housing of the camera device of FIG. 13 A. [0088] FIG. 131 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the camera device with a hole in the outer housing.

[0089] FIG. 13J is a cross-sectional view of the camera device of FIG. 13A in the stowed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Although certain embodiments and examples are described below, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular embodiments described below. Furthermore, this disclosure describes many embodiments in reference to crowded environments or environments with obstacles but any embodiment and modifications or equivalents thereof should not be limited to crowded environments or environments with obstacles. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. All reference to embodiments and examples are intended to be references to non-limiting embodiments and non-limiting examples and are for purposes of illustration of the concepts of the invention. All reference to dimensions are also intended to be non-limiting and the term “about” should be associated with all dimensions. It will be appreciated that use of “can” and “may” herein is intended to be nonlimiting and is associated with non-essential or optional features of the invention and use thereof is interchangeable.

[0091] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one example of a camera device (camera) 100. The camera device 100 can include a handle (handle portion, grasping portion, grip) 105. The handle 105 can be grasped by a user to manipulate (e.g., aim, hold) the camera device 100 with one hand. The handle 105 can be ergonomic, having contours to improve a user’s grip on the handle 105 and/or increase a user’s comfort. The handle 105 can be made of a variety of materials, such as metals, metal alloys, polymers (e.g., plastic, rubber), composites, and others and combinations thereof. The handle 105 can be elongate. The handle 105 can be cylindrical.

[0092] The camera device 100 can include a camera housing (camera) 102 that can include a lens 104 that facilitates capturing photos or videos. The lens 104 can be manipulated to zoom in or out to vary the view captured by the camera device 100. In some variants, the camera housing 102 can house components (e.g., audio sensor, microphone) to capture audio data. In some variants, the camera housing 102 can house a light source to provide illumination, such as a flash. The camera housing 102 can be a variety of shapes, which can include a polygonal prism (e.g., cube, rectangular), rounded prism, cylinder, and/or other shapes. The camera housing 102 can be made of a variety of materials, such as metals, metal alloys, polymers (e.g., plastic, rubber), composites and others and combinations thereof.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. IB, the camera device 100 can include one or more button(s), switch(es), knob(s), toggle(s), and/or other devices to control the camera device 100. The one or more buttons, switch(es), knob(s), toggle(s), and/or other devices can be of varying sizes or in varying locations on the camera device 100 to facilitate convenient control of the camera device 100 by the user. The one or more button(s), switch(es), knob(s), toggle(s), and/or other devices can be on the same or opposite side of the camera device 100 as the lens 104. The one or more button(s), switch(es), knob(s), toggle(s), and/or other devices can be incorporated into the camera housing 102.

[0094] The camera device 100 can include a shooting (shoot, capture, record) button 112 to command the camera device 100 to capture a photo or begin or stop recording a video. The shooting button 112 can be larger than other buttons of the camera device 100 or include a tactile feature, such as a bump, to allow for easy tactile location and manipulation. The shooting button 112 can be centrally positioned relative to other buttons of the camera device 100.

[0095] The camera device 100 can include a flash (lighting, illumination) button 110. The flash button 110 can control a light source of the camera device 100. For example, manipulation of the flash button 110 can alter the brightness, duration, and/or other feature of a flash or light source of the camera device 100. In some variants, the flash button 110 can be manipulated to provide a sustained illumination of light.

[0096] The camera device 100 can include a mode button 108. The mode button 108 can be manipulated by the user to change the camera device 100 between capturing photos or videos. In some variants, manipulation of the mode button 108 can toggle between changing the camera device 100 between capturing photos or videos. [0097] The camera device 100 can include a zoom in button 114. The zoom in button 114 can be used to zoom in (e.g., capture an enlarged image) with the lens 104. The camera device 100 can include a zoom out button 116. The zoom out button 116 can be used to zoom out (e.g., capture a wider or larger image) with the lens 104.

[0098] In some variants, the camera device 100 can be paired with the user’s portable device or portable electronic device, such as a phone (e.g., smartphone) by simultaneously manipulating two or more buttons of the camera device 100 (e.g., pressing two buttons of the camera device 100). The camera device 100 can be paired wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other techniques. In some variants, the camera device 100 can be connected to the phone of the user via a wired connection. In some variants, the camera device 100 can include a separate pairing button to initiate pairing between the camera device 100 and the user’s phone.

[0099] The camera device 100 can have varying sizes. The camera device 100 can be pocket-sized. The camera device 100 can be sized to fit within a small bag, such as a purse. As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1C, the total length of the camera device 100 can be approximately 6-7 inches. In some variants, the total length of the camera device 100 can be less than about 3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, or greater than about 7 inches.

[0100] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a system diagram of the camera device 100 that can be in communication with a portable device (smartphone, mobile device, phone) 146. Components showed in dashed lines such as a paring button 118, audio sensor 128, audio converter 130, and/or spring mechanism 162 may be included in some embodiments of the camera device 100 or may not be included in some embodiments of the camera device 100. It is understood that other components shown in solid lines may also be included or not included in certain embodiments of the camera device 100.

[0101] The camera device 100 can include a transceiver 136. The transceiver 136 can facilitate communication between the camera device 100 and the portable device 146 of the user. In some variants, the transceiver 136 includes a separate transmitter and receiver. The transceiver 136 can facilitate wireless communication between the camera device 100 and the portable device 146, which can include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and/or others. The camera device 100 can send photo, video, and/or audio data to the portable device 146 via the transceiver 136. In some variants, the portable device 146 can send commands to the camera device 100 via the transceiver 136. In some variants, the camera device 100 and the portable device 146 can communicate via a wired connection.

[0102] The portable device 146 can include a transceiver 158, which can be similar to the transceiver 136, as described above, to facilitate communication between the camera device 100 and the portable device 146. The portable device 146 can include a memory 148. The memory 148 can be physically incorporated into the portable device 146 and/or partially or fully located in a remote server but accessible to the portable device 146 via a network.

[0103] An application (computer program) 150 can be stored on the memory 148. The application 150 can automatically launch on the portable device 146 when the camera device 100, when already paired with the portable device 146, is activated and/or manipulated into a deployed configuration, as explained elsewhere herein. The camera device 100 can be activated via an activation mechanism 160, as described elsewhere herein. The camera device 100 can be activated when the user deploys and/or uncovers the lens 104. In some variants, the application 150 can automatically close when the camera device 100 is deactivated and/or manipulated into a stowed configuration, which can include a position in which the lens 104 is covered. The camera device 100 can be deactivated via the activation mechanism 160, as described elsewhere herein. In some variants, the user can launch and/or close the application 150 via a user interface 152 of the portable device 146, which can include a touchscreen 154 and/or one or more button(s) (toggle(s), switch(es)) 156.

[0104] The application 150 can be used in conjunction with the camera device 100. The application 150 can display the view captured by the camera device 100 on a display, such as the touchscreen 154, of the portable device 146. The application 150 can indicate the status of the camera device 100. The application 150 can indicate the mode of the camera device 100, such as photo mode, video mode, etc. The application 150 can indicate the flash status (e.g., on, auto, brightness level, color, etc.). In some variants, the application 150 does not display buttons for the user to manipulate. In some variants, the application 150 can display informational icons to indicate the status of the camera device 100. In some variants, the application 150 can indicate the power level of a power source 138 of the camera device 100. [0105] The application 150 can display a menu of options to access camera functions of the built-in camera 166 of the portable device 146 for the camera device 100, such as light settings, ISO, shutter speed, panoramic, macro, and/or others, that can be implemented via the camera device 100. The user can, in some variants, hold down the mode button 108 to access the menu of options. The user can, in some variants, use one or more buttons, such as the flash button 110, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, mode button 108, and/or pairing button 118 to navigate the menu, while the shooting button 112 can be used for selecting settings.

[0106] The application 150 can indicate the mode of the camera device 100, such as photo mode, video mode, etc. In some variants, the application 150 can display an icon via a display, such as the touchscreen 154, to indicate that the camera device 100 is in photo mode (e.g., the camera device 100 will capture a photo when the shooting button 112 is manipulated), which can include a camera icon or wording such as “photo mode” or similar language. In some variants, the application 150 can cause the speaker(s) 164 of the portable device 146 to emit a sound that is indicative of the status of the camera device 100. In some variants, the application 150 causes the portable device 146 to emit a sound, such as a shutter sound, and/or display a graphic, such as a shutter opening and/or closing, when capturing a photo. The application 150 can display an icon via a display, such as the touchscreen 154, to indicate that the camera device 100 is in video mode (e.g., the camera device 100 will capture a video when the shooting button 112 is manipulated), which can include a movie camera icon. In some variants, the application 150 displays a movie camera icon via a display, such as the touchscreen 154, to indicate that the camera device 100 is in video mode. In some variants, the application 150 displays an icon, such as a blinking red “REC” icon, via a display, such as the touchscreen 154, when a video is being recorded via the camera device 100.

[0107] The portable device 146 can include a built-in camera 166, as described elsewhere herein. The built-in camera 166 can include functions, shutter speed, slow motion video capture, panoramic, etc., which can be applied to the camera device 100. In some variants, the built-in camera 166 can be used simultaneously with the camera device 100.

[0108] As described elsewhere herein, the camera device 100 can include a lens 104 through which the camera device 100 can capture photos or videos. The lens 104 can be focused via a focus mechanism 122, which can include focusing the lens 104 to zoom in or out. In some variants, the focus mechanism 122 can automatically focus the lens 104 on a feature.

[0109] The camera device 100 can include an image sensor 124. The image sensor 124 can capture image or video data via the lens 104. The camera device 100 can include an image converter 126 that can interpret, convert, and/or otherwise package image or video data captured by the image sensor 124 into digital data for communication to the portable device 146 of a user. The portable device 146 can then process and/or store the image/photo and/or video digital data captured by the camera device 100.

[0110] In some embodiments, the camera device 100 can include an audio (sound) sensor 128. The audio sensor 128 can capture audio data. The camera device 100 can include an audio converter 130 that can interpret, convert, and/or otherwise package audio data captured by the audio sensor 128 into digital data for communication to the portable device 146 of the user. The portable device 146 can process and/or store the audio digital data captured by the camera device 100. The audio sensor 128 can be activated by the user commanding the camera device 100 to capture a video. In some variants, the camera device 100 does not include an audio sensor 128 but instead the application 150 captures audio data via a microphone of the portable device 146.

[0111] The camera device 100 can include a light source (light, illuminator, bulb, flash) 132. The light source 132 can provide illumination, which can include providing a flash for illuminating a field of view of the camera device 100. The light source 132 can provide a sustained source of light, flashes of light, patterns of flashes of light, varying intensities of light, and/or other variations. In some variants, the light source 132 can provide different colors of light, selectable by the user.

[0112] The camera device 100 can include a shutter 134, which can be an electronic shutter (e.g., rolling shutter). The shutter 134 can allow or prohibit light from passing through the lens 104 to the image sensor 124. The shutter 134 can allow light to pass from the lens 104 to the image sensor 124 to capture a photo or video. The shutter 134 can prohibit light for passing from the lens 104 to the image sensor 124, when not capturing a photo or video. In some variants, the camera device 100 does not include a shutter 134, but instead, the image sensor 124 can be activated or deactivated to capture a photo or video. [0113] The camera device 100 can include a power source 138. The power source 138 can include one or more batteries. In some variants, the power source 138 is one or more rechargeable batteries, which can include lithium-ion (LiOn), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and/or others. In some variants, the power source 138 is one or more single-use batteries, which can include alkaline, zinc-carbon, and/or others. In some variants, the power source 138 is connected to the portable device 146 via a wired connection to draw power for the camera device 100.

[0114] The camera device 100 can include a user interface 120. The user interface 120 can include one or more button(s), switch(es), knob(s), toggle(s), touchscreen(s), and/or other devices to enable the user to control one or more features of the camera device 100. The various features, which can include the foregoing, can be disposed at varying positions on the camera device 100, which can at least include being disposed on the same side or opposite side of the camera device 100 as the lens 104.

[0115] The camera device 100 can include a shooting (shoot, capture, record) button 112 to command the camera device 100 to capture a photo or begin or stop recording a video. The manipulation (e.g., pressing, pushing) of the shooting button 112 can control the shutter 134 (e.g., activate, deactivate, reconfigure, open, close) to allow or block light from passing through the lens 104 to the image sensor 124. In some variants, manipulation of the shooting button 112 can activate or deactivate the image sensor 124 to capture a photo or begin or stop recording a video. In some variants, manipulation of the shooting button 112 can activate or deactivate the audio sensor 128 to capture audio data, which can be in tandem with the image sensor 124 capturing a video. The shooting button 112 can be larger than other buttons of the camera device 100 to facilitate convenient manipulation thereof while the user is pointing the camera device 100.

[0116] The camera device 100 can include a mode button 108. The mode button 108 can change the camera device 100 between configurations for capturing photos or videos. In some variants, manipulation of the mode button 108 can toggle between changing the camera device 100 between configurations for capturing photos or videos.

[0117] The camera device 100 can include a flash (lighting, illumination) button 110. The flash button 110 can control a light source 132 of the camera device 100. For example, the manipulation of the flash button 110 can alter the brightness, duration, and/or other feature of a light source 132 of the camera device 100. In some variants, the flash button 110 can be manipulated to provide a sustained illumination of light. The flash button 110 can be manipulated to change between flash modes such as on, off, auto, or sustained (e.g., stay on).

[0118] The camera device 100 can include a zoom in button 114. The zoom in button 114 can be used to zoom in (e.g., capture an enlarged view) with the lens 104. The camera device 100 can include a zoom out button 116. The zoom out button 116 can be used to zoom out (e.g., capture a wider or larger view) with the lens 104.

[0119] In some embodiments, the camera device 100 can include a pairing button 118. The pairing button 118 can be pressed by the user to pair the camera device 100 with a portable device 146, which can either be wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) and/or wired. In some variants, the camera device 100 does not have a separate pairing button 118, but instead, the user can simultaneously press two or more of the shooting button 112, mode button 108, flash button 110, zoom in button 114, and/or zoom out button 116 to pair the camera device 100 with the portable device 146.

[0120] In some embodiments, the camera device 100 can include an integrated stand (tripod) 140. The stand 140 can be incorporated into the camera device 100 and deployed for use as needed. In some variants, the stand 140 can be used for capturing a video. The user can press the shooting button 112 to begin capturing a video while the camera device 100 is supported by the stand 140, enabling the user to walk away from the camera device 100 during filming. In some variants, the camera device 100 can include a timer. The user can position the camera device 100 with the stand 140 and press the shooting button 112 to initiate a delayed photo capture that is counted down via the timer. In some variants, the camera device 100 can be used with a separate stand.

[0121] The camera device 100 can include an activation mechanism 160. The activation mechanism 160 can activate or deactivate the camera device 100, which can activate or deactivate the application 150. In some variants, the activation mechanism 160 is a button, toggle, or switch. In some variants, the user can manipulate the activation mechanism 160 to activate or deactivate the camera device 100. In some variants, positioning the camera device 100 in a deployed configuration or position can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to activate the camera device 100. In some variants, positioning the camera device 100 in a stowed configuration or position can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to deactivate the camera device 100. The stowed configuration can be one in which the lens 104 of the camera device 100 is covered. The deployed configuration can be one in which the lens 104 of the camera device 100 is uncovered. In some variants, the image sensor 124 detects when the lens 104 is uncovered and activates the camera device 100 and/or application 150. In some variants, the image sensor 124 detects when the lens 104 is covered and deactivates the camera device 100 and/or application 150.

[0122] In some embodiments, the camera device 100 can include a spring mechanism 162 to assist in placing the camera device 100 in the stowed and/or deployed configuration, as described elsewhere herein. The spring mechanism 162 can include one or more springs, latches, clips, and/or other components to assist the camera device 100 in being selectively positioned in a stowed or deployed configuration.

[0123] The camera device 100 can include a memory 142 having instructions 144 to cause certain functions and components of the camera device 100 to function as discussed herein. In some variants, the memory 142 cannot store photo, video, and/or audio data captured by the image sensor 124 and/or audio sensor 128. The memory 142 can be limited to storing instructions 144 for performing functions of the camera device 100 described herein.

[0124] FIG. 2B illustrates a user using a camera device 100. The camera device 100 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein. The camera device 100 can be used with a portable electronic device or phone 146 as discussed herein. As illustrated, the user can look at a display 154 of the phone 146 while using the camera device 100 with the display 154 of the phone 146 showing the image the lens 104 of the camera device 100 is generating for either photo or video capture as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the user can hold the camera device 100 in one hand and hold the phone 146 in the other hand.

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the phone 146 may have a built-in camera 166. The camera device 100 can be used in lieu of the phone camera 166 to substitute or augment the functions of the built-in camera 166 as discussed herein, such as the camera device 100 replacing the built-in camera 166 as the data source for photo/image and/or video data sent to the phone 146 for processing and/or storage. [0126] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 200. The camera device 200 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0127] FIG. 3A illustrates the camera device 200 in a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the camera housing (camera, internal housing, deployable housing) 102 can be disposed within the outer housing (handle, handle housing, housing, lower housing) 106 of the camera device 200. The outer housing 106 can be used as a handle to aim and/or control the camera device 200. The outer housing 106 can be hollow. The outer housing 106 can have a cavity (void) that is sized to receive the camera housing 102 therein. A top (cap, end) 202 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside the outer housing 106 when the camera device 200 is in the stowed configuration. In some variants, the user can grab the top 202 to pull the camera housing 102 out of the outer housing 106 in the direction of arrow 206 to uncover the lens 104 and place the camera device 200 in a deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0128] In some variants, the camera device 200 can include a spring mechanism 162, enabling the user to push the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 such that the camera housing 102 is free to be sprung in the direction of arrow 206 by the spring mechanism 162. In some variants, a latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, can retain the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106 until the user pushes the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 to free the camera housing 102. Once free, the spring mechanism 162, which can include a spring or some other elastic member, can push the camera housing 102 to the deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B. The user can push the top 202 back toward the outer housing 106 until the latch, clip, or hook releasably retains the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106, placing the camera device 200 in the stowed configuration. The deployment of the camera housing 102 from within the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 200 in the deployed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to activate the camera device 200, buttons of the camera device 200, and/or the application 150. The stowage of the camera housing 102 into the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 200 in the stowed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to deactivate the camera device 200, buttons of the camera device 200, and/or the application 150. [0129] As shown in FIG. 3B, at least a portion of the camera housing (housing, upper housing, internal housing) 102 can be exposed or uncovered in the deployed configuration. A portion of the camera housing 102 can remain or remains within the outer housing 106. In some variants, 2/3 of the camera housing 102, which can include the top 202, can be exposed outside the outer housing 106, while 1/3 of the camera housing 102 can remain disposed within the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration. In some variants, less than 1/6, 1/6— 1/3, 1/3— 1/2, 1/2-2/3, or more than 2/3 of the camera housing 102 can be exposed outside the outer housing 106, while more than 5/6, 5/6— 2/3, 2/3-1/2, 1/2— 1/3, or less than 1/3 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed inside the outer housing 106. The lens 104 of the camera housing 102 can be exposed or uncovered in the deployed configuration, enabling the camera device 200 to capture a photo or video. A light source 132 can be exposed or uncovered in the deployed configuration, which can be used as a flash and/or provide sustained illumination. The light source 132 can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. The light source 132 can be disposed proximate the lens 104. In some variants, the light source 132 can indicate when the camera device 200 is capturing a video, which can include emitting a red light. In some variants, the light source 132 can provide a flash when capturing photos.

[0130] The camera device 200 can include various buttons, as shown in FIG. 3C. The buttons can be disposed on the side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the lens 104, which can include being directly opposite the lens 104. Disposing the buttons opposite the lens 104 can advantageously reduce the overall size of the camera device 200 when in the stowed configuration and/or increase the proportion of the camera device 200 that the user’s fingers are wrapped around for example the handle 105 or outer housing 106, which can strengthen an individual’s grip or grasp on the camera device 200 to decrease drops.

[0131] For example, if the buttons were disposed lower or higher than opposite the lens 104, more of the camera housing 102 may be exposed in the deployed configuration — thereby increasing the overall size and/or length of the camera device 200 and/or reducing the proportion of the camera device 200 that the user’s fingers are wrapped around, which can weaken an individual’s grip or grasp on the camera device 200 and increase drops. The outer housing 106 can include ergonomic features to enhance a user’s grip or comfort, which can include grooves or ridges such as a plurality (e.g., three) of horizontal ridges on the side of the outer housing 106 that is the same as the lens 104. The buttons can be disposed proximate the top 202. In some variants, the buttons can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104, enabling the user to see the buttons while the lens 104 is directed at the face of the user.

[0132] The camera device 200 can include a shooting button 112. The shooting button 112, as described elsewhere herein, can be used to command the camera device 200 to capture a photo or start and stop capturing a video. The shooting button 112 can be larger than the other buttons for convenient manipulation. The other buttons of the camera device 200 can be disposed circumferentially about the shooting button 112. The shooting button 112 can be disposed directly opposite the lens 104 on the camera housing 102.

[0133] The camera device 200 can include a zoom in button 114. The zoom in button 114, as described elsewhere herein, can be used to command the camera device 200 to zoom in with the lens 104. The camera device 200 can include a zoom out button 116. The zoom out button 116, as described elsewhere herein, can be used to command the camera device 200 to zoom out with the lens 104. The zoom in button 114 and the zoom out button 116 can be disposed on opposite sides of the shooting button 112. The zoom in button 114 and zoom out button 116 can be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the shooting button 112. The application 150 can display, via a display such as the touchscreen 154, of the portable device 146, the zoom status.

[0134] The camera device 200 can include a mode button 108. The mode button 108 can be used to switch the camera device 200 between a video-capturing mode and a photo-capturing mode. The application 150 can display icons to indicate whether the camera device 200 is in the video-capturing mode or photo-capturing mode via a display, e.g., touchscreen 154, of the portable device 146. The mode button 108 can be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the shooting button 112.

[0135] The camera device 200 can include a flash button 110. The flash button 110 can be used to control the light source 132 of the camera device 200, which can include changing the light source 132 between flash modes such as on, off, auto, or sustained (e.g., stay on). The flash button 110 can alter the brightness, duration, and/or other feature of a light source, which can include color. The flash button 110 can be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the shooting button 112. The flash button 110 and the mode button 108 can be disposed on opposing sides of the shooting button 112. The flash button 110, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, and/or mode button 108 can be the same size and/or shape. The application 150 can display, via a display such as the touchscreen 154, of the portable device 146, the flash (e.g., illumination) status.

[0136] The camera device 200 can include a power source 138 (e.g., battery), as described elsewhere herein. The power source 138 can be disposed inside the camera device 200, such as inside the outer housing 106. The camera device 200 can include a port that can be connected to a power supply via a cable or cord for charging the power source 138. The application 150 can display, via a display such as the touchscreen 154 of the portable device 146, the power status of the power source 138.

[0137] The camera device 200 and the other camera devices described herein can be made of a variety of materials, which can include metals (e.g., aluminum), metal alloys, polymers (e.g., plastics), and/or others. The camera device 200, which can include the outer housing 106, and the other camera devices described herein can be manufactured via a variety of techniques, which can include extrusion, molding, injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), and/or others. In some variants, the outer housing 106 and/or other features of the camera device 200 can be formed by molding plastic, which can be one or more colors. Inserts can be inserted when molding the plastic for creating surface features for branding, labeling, etc. or foil stamping. The molded plastic can be plated.

[0138] The camera device 200 can be a variety of shapes. The camera device 200 can include flat ends, which can enable the camera device 200 to stand up on a flat surface. The camera device 200 can include flat lateral sides. The camera device 200 can include a central portion running the length of the camera device 200 that is enlarged (e.g., the thickness of the camera device 200 gradually increases from one lateral side to a center portion and then gradually decreases from the center portion to the other lateral side). The thicker central portion can enable the user to more easily grip the camera device 200. The camera device 200 can include ridges, recesses, grooves, areas of a higher coefficient of friction, combinations thereof, etc. to facilitate holding the camera device 200. [0139] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 300 in a deployed configuration. The camera device 300 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0140] The camera device 300 can include a camera housing 102 that is coupled to an outer housing 106 via a pivot (joint, hinge) 302. The camera housing 102 and outer housing 106 can rotate relative to each other about the pivot 302 to rearrange the camera device 300 into stowed or deployed configurations. In the deployed configuration, as illustrated, the camera housing 102 can be rotated out from within a cavity (void, hollow, gap) 308 of the outer housing 106.

[0141] In some variants, the camera housing 102 and the outer housing 106 can share a common central longitudinal axis A in the deployed configuration. To place the camera device 300 in the stowed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be rotated, e.g., in the direction of rotated position 306 or the opposite direction, about the pivot 302 such that the camera housing 102 is disposed within the cavity 308 of the outer housing 106. In some variants, the camera housing 102 can only be rotate 180 degrees relative to each other between the stowed and deployed configurations. In some variants, the camera housing 102 can be rotated 360 degrees relative to each other and/or beyond. The pivot 302 can include an aperture (hole, orifice) 304. The aperture 304 can be coupled to one or more devices such as a tether, rope, clip, carabineer, hook, etc. to help avoid loss of the camera device 300.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 4B, the camera device 300 can have one or more buttons to control the camera device 300, which can at least include any of the buttons described herein. The buttons can be disposed on a side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the lens 104. The buttons can be disposed more proximate the pivot 302 than opposite the lens 104. In some variants, the buttons can be disposed more proximate opposite the lens 104 than the pivot 302. In some variants, the buttons can be disposed substantially opposite the lens 104. In some variants, the buttons can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. The camera device 300 can include a shooting button 112, mode button 108, and/or zoom button 310. The shooting button 112 can be centrally disposed between the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The zoom button 310 can control the focus mechanism 122 to zoom in or out with the lens 104. The mode button 108 can switch the camera device 300 between a video or photo capture mode. [0143] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a camera device 400 in a deployed configuration. The camera device 400 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0144] The camera device 400 can include a camera housing 102 and an outer housing 106. The camera housing 102 and outer housing 106 can be portions of the camera device 400. In the deployed configuration, a cover (shield, flap) 404 can be rotated (flipped) up about a hinge (pivot, joint) 408 to uncover the lens 104. In some variants, the hinge 408 can resist rotation of the cover 404 due to gravity but to a degree that can be overcome by the force of the user, which can enable the cover 404 to remain in the illustrated deployed configuration until manipulated by the user. In some variants, the cover 404 can incorporate a spring mechanism 162 to assist in rotating the cover 404 between the stowed and deployed configurations. The camera device 400 can include a recess 402 to assist the user in grasping the cover 404 while in the stowed configuration covering or shielding the lens 104. The recess 402 can be disposed proximate a periphery of the cover 404 in the stowed configuration. The recess 402 can be disposed in the outer housing 106 proximate the camera housing 102.

[0145] The rotation of the cover 404 to the deployed configuration can activate the camera device 400, buttons (e.g., controls) disposed on the side of the camera housing 102 or outer housing 106 opposite the lens, and/or application 150. The rotation of the cover 404 to the stowed configuration can deactivate the camera device 400, buttons (e.g., controls disposed on the side of the camera housing 102 or outer housing 106 opposite the lens, and/or application 150. The camera device 400 can include an activation mechanism 160 to facilitate the foregoing activations and deactivations.

[0146] The camera device 400 can include an aperture 304. The aperture 304 can enable the camera device 400 to be coupled to one or more devices such as a tether 406, rope, clip, carabineer, hook, etc., which can help avoid loss of the camera device 400. The aperture 304 can be disposed through the outer housing 106. The aperture 304 can be disposed through a comer of the outer housing 106.

[0147] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a camera device 500 in a deployed configuration. The camera device 500 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein. [0148] The camera device 500 can include a camera housing 102. The camera housing 102 can include a lens 104. The camera housing 102 can enclose internal components. The camera housing 102 can be disposed within a cavity of an outer housing 106 of the camera device 500 in a stowed configuration, covering the lens 104 and/or button(s) disposed on the camera housing 102. The camera housing 102 can extend out of the outer housing 106 in a deployed configuration as illustrated. The camera housing 102 and/or outer housing 106 can include a triangular periphery, which can assist the user in handling and orienting the camera device 500. In some variants, the camera housing 102 and/or outer housing 106 can include other shaped peripheries, which can include polygonal (e.g., square, rectangle, hexagon, etc.), circular, oval, irregular, and/or others. The camera device 500 can include any of the buttons described herein in reference to other camera devices.

[0149] The camera device 500 can include a spring mechanism 162, enabling the user to push the camera housing 102 toward the outer housing 106 such that the camera housing 102 is free to be sprung out of the outer housing 106 by the spring mechanism 162 to the deployed configuration. In some variants, a latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, can retain the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106 until the user pushes the camera housing 102 toward the outer housing 106 to free the camera housing 102. Once free, the spring mechanism 162, which can include a spring, can push the camera housing 102 to the deployed configuration as illustrated. The user can push the camera housing 102 back toward the outer housing 106 until the latch, clip, and/or hook releasably retains the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106, placing the camera device 500 in the stowed configuration.

[0150] The deployment of the camera housing 102 from within the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 500 in the deployed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to activate the camera device 500, button(s) of the camera device 500, and/or the application 150. The stowage of the camera housing 102 into the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 500 in the stowed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to deactivate the camera device 500, button(s) of the camera device 500, and/or the application 150. In the deployed configuration, as illustrated, a portion of the camera housing 102 can remain disposed within the outer housing 106. The proportions of the camera housing 102 disposed within and outside the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration can vary, as described elsewhere herein.

[0151] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of an example of a camera device 600. The camera device 600 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0152] FIG. 7A illustrates the camera device 600 in a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed in the outer housing 106. A portion of the camera housing 102, the top 202, can be disposed outside the outer housing 106. The outer housing 106 can include a tab (flange, projection) 604, which can be rounded. The outer housing 106 can include a rounded periphery. The tab 604 can be disposed in a recess (gap, groove) 606 of the top 202 such that the lens 104 of the camera device 600 is covered. The top 202 can be rounded. The end of the outer housing 106 on the opposing end of the camera device 600 can be rounded. The camera device 600 can be in the shape of a capsule, being cylindrical with rounded ends. The camera device 600 can have other shapes, which can at least include prisms with varied peripheries such as polygonal, irregular, and/or others. The ends of the camera device 600 can be flat, rounded, pointed, and/or others.

[0153] FIG. 7B illustrates the camera device 600 in a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can extend outside of the outer housing 106 to expose the lens 104 and/or button(s) 602 to control the camera device 600, which can include any of the buttons described herein. In the deployed configuration, a portion of the camera housing 102 can remain disposed within the outer housing 106. The proportions of the camera housing 102 disposed within and outside the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration can vary, as described elsewhere herein. An end portion 608 of the camera housing 102 that can include the lens 104 and top 202 can pivot (rotate, tilt) about a hinge 610, as illustrated by the rotated position 306, relative to the remainder of the camera housing 102.

[0154] The deployment of the camera housing 102 from within the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 600 in the deployed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to activate the camera device 600, button(s) of the camera device 600, and/or the application 150. The stowage of the camera housing 102 into the outer housing 106 (i.e., placing the camera device 600 in the stowed configuration) can trigger the activation mechanism 160 to deactivate the camera device 600, button(s) of the camera device 600, and/or the application 150.

[0155] The camera device 600 can include a spring mechanism 162, enabling the user to push the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 such that the camera housing 102 is free to be sprung out of the outer housing 106 by the spring mechanism 162 to the deployed configuration. In some variants, a latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, can retain the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106 until the user pushes the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 to free the camera housing 102. Once free, the spring mechanism 162, which can include a spring, can push the camera housing 102 to the deployed configuration as illustrated. The user can push the top 202 back toward the outer housing 106 until the latch, clip, and/or hook releasably retains the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106, placing the camera device 600 in the stowed configuration.

[0156] FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate views of an example of a camera device 700. The camera device 700 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0157] The camera device 700 can be positioned in a stowed or deployed configuration. FIGS. 8A and 8E illustrate the camera device 700 in the stowed configuration with the camera housing 102 disposed within the outer housing 106. As discussed elsewhere herein, the outer housing 106 can include a cavity in which the camera housing 102 can be disposed. A portion of the camera housing 102, e.g., the top 202, can be disposed outside of the outer housing 106 in the stowed configuration. The top 202 can include a tab 702 that extends toward the outer housing 106. The tab 702 can extend into a recess (gap, groove) 704 of the outer housing 106. In some variants, the user can place the camera device 700 in the deployed configuration by grasping the top 202 and pulling the camera housing 102 away from the outer housing 106. In some variants, the camera device 700 can include a spring mechanism 162, enabling the user to push the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 such that a latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, releases the camera housing 102 to allow a spring of the spring mechanism 162 to push the camera housing 102 away from the outer housing 106 to the deployed configuration as illustrated in FIGS 8B-8D — as described elsewhere herein. The user can return the camera device 700 to the stowed configuration by pushing the camera housing 102 toward the outer housing 106 such that the latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, retains the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106.

[0158] In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can extend outside of the outer housing 106 to uncover the lens 104 and/or one or more buttons, which can include any of the button(s) described herein, for controlling the camera device 700. In the deployed configuration, a portion of the camera housing 102 can remain disposed within the outer housing 106. The proportions of the camera housing 102 disposed within and outside the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration can vary, as described elsewhere herein.

[0159] The camera device 700 can include a light source 132 disposed proximate the lens 104 in the camera housing 102, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, and/or one or more light sources 132 disposed on the top 202 (e.g., the tab 702). The light source(s) 132 can provide a flash or indication of the status of the camera device 700, as described elsewhere herein.

[0160] The camera device 700 can include one or more button(s), toggle(s), switch(es), display screen(s), and/or other mechanisms to enable the user to control the camera device 700 and/or application 150. The camera device 700 can include a shooting button 112, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, flash button 110, mode button 108, and/or pairing button 118, as described elsewhere herein. The button(s) of the camera device 700 can be disposed on the side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the lens 104. The button(s) of the camera device 700 can be disposed on a portion of the camera housing 102 that is more proximate the outer housing 106 than the top 202. In some variants, the button(s) of the camera device 700 can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. In some variants, the button(s) of the camera device 700 can be disposed on a portion of the camera housing 102 that is more proximate the top 202 than the handle 105 in the deployed configuration.

[0161] The camera device 700 can include an aperture 304. The aperture 304 can enable the camera device 700 to be coupled to one or more devices such as a tether, rope, clip, carabineer, hook, etc., which can help avoid loss of the camera device 700. The aperture 304 can be disposed through the outer housing 106. The aperture 304 can be disposed through a comer of the outer housing 106.

[0162] The camera device 700 can be a variety of shapes. The camera device 700 can include flat ends, which can enable the camera device 700 to stand up on a flat surface. The camera device 700 can include an oval periphery. The camera device 700 can have other shaped peripheries, which can include circular, polygonal, etc.

[0163] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 800. The camera device 800 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0164] The camera device 800 can be positioned in a stowed or deployed configuration. FIGS. 9A and 9E illustrate the camera device 800 in the stowed configuration with the camera housing 102 disposed in the outer housing 106, as described elsewhere herein. A top 202 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside of the outer housing 106 in the stowed configuration. The outer housing 106 can include a first front groove 802 on one side and/or, as displayed in FIG. 9D, a first rear groove 803 on an opposite side. The first front groove 802 and/or first rear groove 803 can enable the user to more easily grasp the camera device 800. In some variants, the user can place the camera device 800 in the deployed configuration by grasping the top 202 and pulling the camera housing 102 away from the outer housing 106. In some variants, the camera device 800 can include a spring mechanism 162, enabling the user to push the top 202 toward the outer housing 106 such that a latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, releases the camera housing 102 to allow a spring of the spring mechanism 162 to push the camera housing 102 away from the outer housing 106 to the deployed configuration as illustrated in FIGS 9B-9D — as described elsewhere herein. The user can return the camera device 800 to the stowed configuration by pushing the camera housing 102 toward the outer housing 106 such that the latch, clip, or hook, which can be spring operated, retains the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106.

[0165] In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can extend outside of the outer housing 106 to uncover the lens 104, light source 132, and/or buttons, which can include any of the buttons described herein, for controlling the camera device 800. In the deployed configuration, a portion of the camera housing 102 can remain disposed within the outer housing 106. The proportions of the camera housing 102 disposed within and outside the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration can vary, as described elsewhere herein.

[0166] The camera housing 102 can include a second front groove 804 on one side, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, and a second rear groove 805, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, on an opposite side. The second front groove 804 and second rear groove 805 can assist the user in gripping or grasping the camera device 800. The second front groove 804 and second rear groove 805 can be centered between lateral sides of the camera housing 102. In some variants, the second front groove 804 and/or the second rear groove 805 can extend into the top 202. The first front groove 802 can be overlaid over the second front groove 804 in the stowed configuration and act as a rail for the camera housing 102 as the camera housing 102 is slid in and out of the outer housing 106. Similarly, the first rear groove 803 can overlay the second rear groove 805 in the stowed configuration and act as a rail for the camera housing 102 as the camera housing 102 is slid in and out of the outer housing 106.

[0167] The camera device 800 can include a light source 132 disposed proximate the lens 104 in the camera housing 102, as illustrated in FIG. 9C. The light source 132 can be disposed under the lens 104. The light source 132 can be centered between lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The light source 132 can be disposed within the second front groove 804.

[0168] The camera device 800 can include one or more button(s), toggle(s), switch(es), display screen(s), and/or other mechanisms to enable the user to control the camera device 800 and/or application 150. The camera device 800 can include a shooting button 112, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, flash button 110, mode button 108, and/or pairing button 118, as described elsewhere herein. The button(s) of the camera device 800 can be disposed on the side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the lens 104. The button(s) of the camera device 800 can be disposed on a portion of the camera housing 102 that is more proximate the outer housing 106 than the top 202. In some variants, the button(s) of the camera device 800 can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. In some variants, the button(s) of the camera device 800 can be disposed on a portion of the camera housing 102 that is more proximate the top 202.

[0169] The camera device 800 can include an aperture 304, which can be used as described herein. The aperture 304 can be disposed through the outer housing 106. The aperture 304 can be disposed through a corner of the outer housing 106.

[0170] The camera device 800 can be a variety of shapes. The camera device 800 can include flat ends, which can enable the camera device 800 to stand up on a flat surface. [0171] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 900. The camera device 900 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0172] FIG. 10A illustrates the camera device 900 in a stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed in the outer housing 106. A top 202 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed proximate an opening 902 to a cavity of the outer housing 106. The top 202 can be accessible to the user.

[0173] FIG. 10B illustrates the camera device 900 in a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can extend out of the outer housing 106 such that a lens 104 and/or light source 132 of the camera device 900 are exposed. The light source 132 can be disposed proximate the lens 104. The lens 104 and/or light source 132 can be disposed in the camera housing 102. As described elsewhere herein, the camera device 900, button(s) of the camera device 900, and/or application 150 can be activated with the deployment of the camera housing 102 from the outer housing 106 and deactivated with the stowage of the camera housing 102 within the outer housing 106. In some variants, the camera device 900 can include an activation mechanism 160 to activate and deactivate. In some variants, the camera device 900 can include a spring mechanism 162 to assist in deploying and stowing the camera housing 102 from within the outer housing 106, as described elsewhere herein. Varying proportions of the camera housing 102 can be deployed outside of the outer housing 106, as described elsewhere herein. The camera device 900 can include any of the button(s) or other user interface features described elsewhere herein to control the camera device 900 and/or application 150.

[0174] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 1000. The camera device 1000 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0175] FIGS. 11A and 1 IB illustrate the camera device 1000 device in a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can extend out of the outer housing 106 such that the lens 104 and/or light source 132 of the camera device 1000 are exposed. The light source 132 can be disposed proximate the lens 104. The camera housing 102 can include a top 202 that is disposed outside of the outer housing 106 with the camera device 1000 in the stowed configuration, as shown in FIG. 11C. The top 202 can be rounded. The top 202 can include a recess (groove) 606 that surrounds at least a portion of the lens 104. The outer housing 106 can have a tab (flange) 604 that corresponds to the recess 606. The tab 604 can cover the lens 104 and be disposed in the recess 606 with the camera device 1000 placed in the stowed configuration.

[0176] The camera housing 102 can have a second front groove 804. The second front groove 804 can be equidistantly spaced away from the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The second front groove 804 can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. The lens 104 can be disposed inside the second front groove 804. The lateral sides of the second front groove 804 can be disposed on or outside of the lateral sides of the tab 604. The second front groove 804 can help the user grasp the camera device 1000.

[0177] The camera device 1000 can include one or more user interface features (e.g., button(s), switch(es), toggle(s), etc.) for controlling the camera device 1000 and/or the application 150. The camera device 1000 can include the button(s) described elsewhere herein. The camera device 1000 can include a shooting button 112, zoom out button 116, zoom in button 114, flash button 110, mode button 108, and/or other buttons, as described elsewhere herein. The buttons can be disposed at varying positions on the camera device 1000, which can include proximate the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration. The buttons can be covered in the stowed configuration. The buttons can be disposed on the same side of the camera housing 102 and/or the opposite side of the camera housing 102 as the lens 104. The shooting button 112 can be larger than the other buttons. The shooting button 112 can be centered between the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The flash button 110, mode button 108, zoom out button 116, and/or zoom in button 114 can be the same size and disposed around the shooting button 112. The buttons can be varying shapes and sizes, which can include circular, polygonal, irregular, and/or others.

[0178] The camera housing 102 can have a second rear groove 805 disposed on a side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the second front groove 804 and/or lens 104. The second rear groove 805 can be centered between the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The second rear groove 805 can help a user to grasp the camera device 1000.

[0179] The camera device 1000 can include an activation mechanism 160 to activate and deactivate the camera device 1000 during deployment or stowage. The camera device 1000 can include a spring mechanism 162 which can facilitate deployment and stowage, as described elsewhere herein. The camera device 1000 can include an aperture 304, as described elsewhere herein.

[0180] FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 1100. The camera device 1100 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0181] FIGS. 12A and 12E illustrate various views of the camera device 1100 in the stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed in the outer housing 106. The top 202 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside of the camera housing 102 and accessible to the user. The camera device 1100 can include chamfers 1104 disposed at the comers of the camera device 1100. The chamfers 1104 can provide shock absorbance if the camera device 1100 is dropped. The chamfer 1104 can be enlarged such that the chamfers 1104 engage a surface if the camera device 1100 is dropped as opposed to other surfaces and/or features of the camera device 1100.

[0182] FIGS. 12B-12D illustrate various views of the camera device 1100 in the deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside, i.e., extend out of, the outer housing 106 to expose the lens 104. The top 202 of the camera housing 102 can include a recess 606 disposed around at least a portion of the lens 104. The outer housing 106 can include a tab (flange) 604 that corresponds to the recess 606. The tab 604 can cover the lens 104 and be disposed in the recess 606, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the stowed configuration.

[0183] The camera housing 102 can include a second front groove 804. The lens 104 can be disposed in the second front groove 804. The second front groove 804 can be centered between the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The second front groove 804 can help the user to grasp the camera device 1100. The camera housing 102 can include a second rear groove 805. The second rear groove 805 can be disposed on a side of the camera housing 102 that is opposite the lens 104 and/or second front groove 804. The second rear groove 805 can be centered between the lateral sides of the camera housing 102. The second rear groove 805 can help the user grasp the camera device 1100.

[0184] The camera device 1100 can include a front textured surface 1102. The front textured surface 1102 can be disposed on the outer housing 106. The camera device 1100 can include a rear textured surface 1103 disposed on the outer housing 106. The rear textured surface 1103 can be disposed on a side of the outer housing 106 that is opposite the front textured surface 1102. The front textured surface 1102 and/or rear textured surface 1103 can include a texture that increases friction between a user’s hand and the camera device 1100 to help prevent inadvertent drops.

[0185] The camera device 1100 can include one or more user interface features, which can include the button(s) described elsewhere herein. The camera device 1100 can include a shooting button 112, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, mode button 108, flash button 110, and/or other button(s) to control the camera device 1100 and/or application 150. The zoom in button 114 and zoom out button 116 can be triangular and disposed on opposite sides of the shooting button 112. The mode button 108 and flash button 110 can be circular and disposed on opposite sides of the zoom out button 116. The zoom in button 114, shooting button 112, and/or zoom out button 116 can be disposed in the second rear groove 805 of the camera housing 102. The button(s) of the camera device 1100 can be disposed at varying positions, which can include the same or opposite side of the front textured surface 1102 as the lens 104. As described elsewhere herein, the button(s) of the camera device 1100 can be covered in the stowed configuration.

[0186] The camera device 1100 can include an activation mechanism 160 to activate and deactivate the camera device 1100 during deployment or stowage. The camera device 1100 can include a spring mechanism 162 which can facilitate deployment and stowage, as described elsewhere herein.

[0187] FIGS. 13A-13J illustrate various views of an example of a camera device 1200, with FIG. 13H illustrating an outer housing 106. The camera device 1200 can include any of the features of other camera devices described herein.

[0188] FIGS. 13A and 13J illustrate the camera device 1200 in the stowed configuration, with FIG. 13J illustrating a cross-sectional view. In the stowed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed in the outer housing 106. The top 202 of the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside of the camera housing 102 and accessible to the user. FIGS. 13F and 13G illustrate exploded views of the camera device 1200.

[0189] FIGS. 13B-13E and 131 illustrate various views of the camera device 1200 in the deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the camera housing 102 can be disposed outside, i.e., extend out of, the outer housing 106 to expose the lens 104. The top 202 of the camera housing 102 can include a recess 606 disposed around at least a portion of the lens 104.

[0190] The camera device 1200 can include a bottom textured surface 1202. The bottom textured surface 1202 can be disposed on the outer housing 106. The camera device 1200 can include a top textured surface 1203. The top textured surface 1203 can be disposed on the camera housing 102. The top textured surface 1203 can be disposed on a side or proximate an end of the camera housing 102 distal to the bottom textured surface 1202. The top textured surface 1203 can be disposed on the front side and/or the rear side of the camera housing 102. The bottom textured surface 1202 can be disposed on a side or proximate an end of the outer housing 106 distal to top textured surface 1203. The bottom textured surface

1202 can be disposed on the front side and/or the rear side of the outer housing 106. The bottom textured surface 1202 and/or top textured surface 1203 can include a texture such as ribs or protrusions that increases friction between a user’s hand and portions of the camera device 1200 to facilitate the opening of the camera housing 102 relative to or from the outer housing 106 as well as help prevent inadvertent drops, including while opening. For example, the user may grip the bottom textured surface 1202 and the top textured surface

1203 to pull apart or deploy the camera housing 102 from the outer housing 106 from the stowed to the deployed configuration as discussed herein.

[0191] The camera device 1200 can include one or more user interface features, which can include the button(s) described elsewhere herein. The camera device 1100 can include a shooting button 112, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, mode button 108, flash button 110, and/or other button(s) to control the camera device 1100 and/or application 150. The zoom in button 114 and zoom out button 116 can be triangular and disposed on opposite sides of the shooting button 112. The mode button 108 can be disposed between the other buttons. The button(s) of the camera device 1200 can be disposed at varying positions, which can include the same or opposite side of the camera device 1200 as the lens 104. As described elsewhere herein, the button(s) of the camera device 1200 can be covered in the stowed configuration.

[0192] The camera device 1200 can include an activation mechanism 160 to activate and deactivate the camera device 1100 during deployment or stowage. The camera device 1100 can include a spring mechanism 162 which can facilitate deployment and stowage, as described elsewhere herein. Further, the camera device 1200 can have one or more retention mechanisms 1206. The retention mechanism 1206 can function to guide and/or restrict movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106. The retention mechanism 1206 can limit the movement the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106.

[0193] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F, 13G, and 131, the retention mechanism 1206 can be an elongated, plate-like, flat spring 1208. The flat spring 1208 can extend substantially a vertical length of the camera housing 102. The flat spring 1208 can be secured to and/or within the camera housing 102 (see FIG. 131). The flat spring 1208 can have one or more, retainers, protrusions, or extensions 1210, 1211 that extent from a planar surface of a major surface 1212 of the flat spring 1208 outwardly toward and/or from the periphery of the camera housing 102 and/or the outer housing 106 (see FIG. 131). For example, the extensions 1210, 1211 can extend from the periphery of the camera housing 102 toward an inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 (see FIG. 13H) when the camera housing 102 is in the outer housing 106 in the stowed configuration. The extensions 1210, 1211 can contact the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 to provide a friction fit, sliding movement between the camera housing 102 and the outer housing 106.

[0194] As illustrated in FIG. 131, both of the extensions 1210, 1211 can be moved out from and away from contacting the outer housing 106 in the deployed configuration. As the user moves the camera housing 102 into the outer housing 106, one of the or a first extension 1210 will contact the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 to provide a first level friction fit movement that is relatively smooth and easy for the user to move the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106. As the camera housing 102 is moved further into the outer housing 106, one of the or the second extension 1211 can contact the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 as the camera housing 102 moves into the stowed configuration. Both the first and second extensions 1210, 1211 contacting the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 can provide a relatively increased level of friction of resistance to movement (compared to just one extension in contact with the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106) to provide a second level friction fit movement that is relatively more difficult for the user to move the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106. This can help retain the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 in the stowed configuration by inhibiting movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106, while still allowing the user to move the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 into the deployed configuration when the user desires while minimizing movement of the camera device 1200 into the deployed configuration without the user doing so.

[0195] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F and 13G, the retention mechanism 1206 can have a stop 1216. The stop 1216 can be a flat pin, boss, or extension 1216 of the flat spring 1208. The flat extension 1216 can further provide friction based movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 as discussed herein. The flat extension 1216 can also extend from and beyond periphery of the camera housing 102. The flat extension 1216 can mate, engage, and/or interact with a detent or cutout in the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106 such that when the flat extension 1216 engages the detent of the camera housing 102, the camera housing 102 is inhibited from moving in the deployed configuration further out of from the outer housing 106.

[0196] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F and 13G, the camera device 1200 can further include set fasteners or screws 1218 that engage extruded screw bosses 1220 of the outer housing 106 (see FIG. 13H). The set screws 1218 can engage the flat extension 1216 in the deployed configuration to inhibit movement of the flat extension 1216 beyond the set screws 1218 in the outer housing 106, and consequently, limiting the movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 once in the deployed configuration. Since the flat extension 1216 engages the set screws 1218 moving in the deployment direction, the flat extension 1216 can remain free to move in the stowed direction to allow movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 into the stowed configuration from the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, a similar arrangement can be arranged between any detents of the outer housing 106 and the flat extension 1216 when, for example, set screws 1218 are not used or the detents are used in conjunction with the set screws 1218 to limit movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106. In some embodiments, the set screws 1218 can retain the camera housing 102 and/or outer housing 106 against detents of the camera housing 102 and/or flat extension 1216. [0197] As illustrated in FIG. 13H, the outer housing 106 can have one or more extruded fastener or screw bosses 1220. The bosses 1220 can be formed on the inner surfaces 1214 of the outer housing 106. The bosses 1220 can mate, engage, and/or interact with the set screws 1218 as discussed herein. The bosses 1220 can also have detents or cutouts to engage with the flat spring 1208, and in particular the flat extension 1216 as discussed herein. The bosses 1220 can have a concave or circular outer surface (corresponding to the inner surface 1214 of the outer housing 106) and a convex or circular inner surface that can be threaded for engagement with, for example, set screws 1218 and/or cap screws 1224 as discussed herein.

[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 131, the camera housing 102 can have one or more channels or guides 1221 extending on sides of the camera housing 102 along the deployment or stowing directions. While one channel 1221 is illustrated in FIG. 131, the camera housing 102 can have another channel 1221 on the other side of the camera housing 102 to correspond to the two bosses 1220 illustrated in FIG. 13H.

[0199] The channels 1221 can have a concave shape that corresponds to the convex outer shape of the bosses 1220. The channels 1221 can have a shape that allows the camera housing 102 to move or slide relative to the outer housing 106 in the deployment or stowing directions as discussed herein while restricting or inhibiting movement in other directions such as inhibiting rotational or rocking movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106. As illustrated in FIG. 131, the extensions 1210, 1211 can protrude through openings in the channel 1221 to extend beyond the surface of the channels 1221 toward the bosses 1220 to guide and/or friction restrict the movement of the camera housing 102 relative to the outer housing 106 as discussed herein.

[0200] FIG. 13J illustrates the camera device 1200 in a stowed configuration. The outer surfaces of the camera housing 102 can slide relative to the inner surfaces of the outer housing 106. The outer surfaces of the camera housing 102 can have relatively tight tolerances to substantially be in close proximity to and/or contact the inner surfaces of the outer housing 106 in the stowed configuration. The outer housing 106 can be sized to enclose all or substantially all of the camera housing 102 while the top 202 remains outside of the outer housing 206 as discussed herein. [0201] As illustrated in FIGS. 13G and 13F, the outer housing 106 can connect, engage, and/or mate with a bottom section or cap 1222. The cap 1222 can connect to the outer housing 106 via one or more cap fasteners or screws 1224. The cap screws 1224 can connect, engage, and/or interact with the bosses 1220 to securely fasten the cap 1222 to the outer housing 106. The cap 1222 can have one or more indentations or cutouts 1225 to accommodate the screws 1224 such that the screws 1224 substantially do not protrude beyond a periphery or boundary of the cap 1222 and/or are substantially flush with outer surfaces of the cap 1222.

[0202] As illustrated in FIGS. 13C, 13E, 13F, and 13G, the cap 1222 can house and be connected, engage, and/or interact with a tripod mount 1226. The tripod mount 1226 can connect to standard camera tripods to enhance the features/functions of the camera device 1200 as discussed herein. For example, the camera device 1200 attached to a tripod via the tripod mount 1226 can be held higher by the user by grasping the tripod and elevating the camera device 1200 even higher over crowds and/or obstacles while being connected to a top end of the tripod held by the user. The camera device 1200 can be paired with a remote as discussed herein to control the functions of the camera 1200 while the user is grasping the tripod, away from being able to manipulate the controls on the body of the camera device 1200. The tripod mount 1226 can connect to standard camera tripods to allow a user to user the camera device 1200 from a distance.

[0203] As illustrated in FIGS. 13D and 13E, the cap 1222 may be connected, engage with, and/or interact with a stand 1228 in any suitable manner. The stand 1228 can be pivotally connected to the cap 1222. The stand 1228 can move or rotate, for example, 90 degrees relative to the cap 1222 such that the stand 1228 protrudes beyond the perimeter or boundary of the cap 1222 to allow the camera device 1200 to stand on a support surface without the user holding the camera device 1200. The stand 1228 can allow the user to use the camera device 1200 at a distance.

[0204] The cap 1222 may further have one or more flanges or lips 1230 that extend downwardly to substantially a vertical level of the stand 1228 to help balance and support the weight of the camera device 1200 when using the stand 1228. The stand 1228 can also have one or more flanges or lips 1232 that extend downwardly to substantially a vertical level of the flanges 1230 of the stand 1228 to help balance and support the weight of the camera device 1200, when for example, using the camera device 1200 from a distance.

[0205] In some embodiments, to use the camera device 1200 from a distance, the camera device 1200 can be designed to function with a remote that has the same or similar controls as discussed herein for the button controls such as shooting button 112, zoom in button 114, zoom out button 116, flash button 110, mode button 108, and/or pairing button 118. The remote can communicate with the camera device 1200 via any suitable wireless protocol, including Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The remote can control the camera device 1200 for the camera device 1200 to function as discussed herein. The remote may be used to control the camera device 1200 in crowded environments or environments with obstacles as discussed herein without using the controls on the camera device 1200 itself. For example, the user may use a tripod with the camera device 1200 as discussed herein and control the camera device 1200 via the remote while elevating or raising the camera device 1200 higher on the tripod, away from the user being able to manipulate the controls on the camera device 1200 itself. As another example, the remote can be used when the user is using the camera device from a distance with, for example, a tripod via the tripod mount 1226 and/or the stand 1228. In some embodiments, the remote can also be used to facilitate pairing the camera device 1200 with a portable device such as a smartphone.

[0206] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F and 13G, the camera housing 102 can be formed from two pieces or halves that are joined via any suitable connection mechanism including such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, interference/friction fit mechanisms, snap fit mechanisms, and the like, which can include using male and female mating parts (e.g., tongue-and-groove corresponding parts). The camera housing 102 can be formed from any suitable material as discussed herein.

[0207] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F-13H, the outer housing 106 may be formed from a monolithic single piece of material. The material can be, for example, extruded aluminum or any other suitable material as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 131, the outer housing 106 can have an opening, cutout, or hole 1233. The opening 1233 can be positioned in the outer housing 106 such that in the stowed position or configuration, the light source 132 is aligned with the opening 1233 for the light source 132 to be visible while in the outer housing 106. The light source 132 in the stowed configuration can function as a flash light or a status indicator such as camera device 1200 being on and/or on standby, ready for use, when in the stowed configuration. The light source 132 in the stowed configuration can function as a battery level indicator (e.g., indicating power or charging level of the battery).

[0208] As illustrated in FIGS. 13F and 13G, the camera housing 102 can contain or house a printed circuit board 1234 that has the electronic components of the camera device(s) discussed herein. The printed circuit board 1234 can be positioned in the camera housing 102. The printed circuit board 1234 can be connected to a power source or battery 138 for powering the camera device(s). The battery 138 can be positioned in the camera housing 102. The printed circuit board 1234 can be connected to a communication and/or power port 1236. The port 1236 can be positioned in the camera housing 102 and be exposed for use (charging and/or sending/receiving electronic communications) through a corresponding opening in the camera housing 102. In some embodiments, the port 1236 is a USB-C port. In some embodiments, the port is any other suitable USB type port or other electronic communication and/or power port. The printed circuit board 1234 can be connected to and control the lens 104 and associated components. The printed circuit board 1234 can be connected to and control the light source 132 and associated components. The printed circuit board 1234 can be connected to any other electronic component of the camera devices as discussed herein, including as discussed in reference to FIG. 2A.

[0209] Various embodiments and examples of assemblies have been disclosed. Although the assemblies have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Various features of each example or embodiment may be combined, added to or substituted for features in another example or embodiment and such combinations, additions and substitutions are within the contemplated invention and are the intent of the inventor to be encompassed by the invention. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; a handle portion in direct or indirect communication with the camera housing for grasping the camera device; a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or a transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

2. A camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; an outer housing, wherein the camera housing is configured to be stored within the outer housing in a stowed configuration such that the lens is covered by the outer housing, and wherein the camera housing is configured to extend outside the outer housing in a deployed configuration such that the lens is uncovered;

-45- a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or a transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

3. A camera device configured to be a camera data source for a portable electronic device, the camera device comprising: a camera housing comprising a lens; an image sensor configured to capture image data via the lens; an image converter configured to convert the image data for communication; a cover connected to the camera housing, wherein the cover is configured to cover the lens in a stowed configuration such that the lens is covered by the cover, and wherein the cover is configured to uncover the lens in a deployed configuration; a light source that is configured to provide a flash of, or sustained light, the light source being disposed on the same side of the camera housing as the lens; an audio sensor configured to capture audio data; an audio converter configured to convert the audio data for communication; and an output port adapted for wired connection to a portable electronic device enabling communication of the converted image data and/or audio data to the portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device; or a transceiver configured to communicate the converted image data and/or audio data to a portable electronic device to be processed by the portable electronic device and/or to be displayed on the portable electronic device.

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4. The camera device of Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the camera device further comprises a memory that is configured to store image and/or audio data.

5. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source configured to power the camera device.

6. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a focus mechanism to focus the lens.

7. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera device is configured to be in wireless communication with the portable electronic device and comprises the transceiver and the power source as defined in claim 5.

8. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of buttons disposed on the camera housing configured to control operation of the camera device, the plurality of buttons optionally being disposed on a side of the camera housing that is opposite the lens.

9. The camera device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a flash button that is configured to control the light source.

10. The camera device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a shooting button to command the camera device to capture an image or video.

11. The camera device of claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a mode button to command the camera device to switch between a photo capture mode and video capture mode.

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12. The camera device of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a zoom in and zoom out button(s) to control a focus mechanism paired with the lens.

13. The camera device of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the plurality of buttons comprises a pairing button to initiate wireless pairing between the camera device and the portable electronic device.

14. The camera device of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein simultaneous manipulation of two of the plurality of buttons initiates wireless pairing between the camera device and the portable electronic device.

15. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a stand configured to support the camera device on a surface.

16. The camera device of any one of claims 2 to 15, further comprising an activation switch that is configured to activate the camera device with deployment of the camera housing and deactivate the camera device with stowage of the camera housing.

17. The camera device of any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein an application on the portable electronic device is configured to activate with deployment of the camera housing and deactivate with stowage of the camera housing.

18. The camera device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein an application on the portable electronic device is configured to activate with activation of the camera device.

19. The camera device of any one of claims 1 and 4 to 18, wherein the handle portion and the camera housing are integrated together.

20. The camera device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the camera device, optionally including the positioning of the buttons, is adapted for one handed operation to capture the image data.

21. The camera device of any of one the previous claims, wherein the camera device and/or features thereof, is operable via a voice command received by the audio sensor on the camera device or by the portable electronic device.

22. The camera device of claim 21, further comprising voice recognition software for determining a voice command and carrying out said voice command.

23. The camera device of any one of claims 8 to 22, wherein any one of the plurality of buttons is a haptic feedback button or a toggle button.

24. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring mechanism with a spring that is configured to assist in deploying the camera housing from within the outer housing.

25. The camera device of claim 24, wherein the spring mechanism further comprises a latch configured to selectively retain the camera housing in the outer housing in the stowed configuration.

26. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera housing comprises a grip aid to assist a user in grasping the camera device, and wherein the grip aid is optionally: a groove, and/or a textured surface on the front and/or back of the camera housing, handle portion, cover or outer housing.

27. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising enlarged chamfers at corners of the camera device, wherein the enlarged chamfers are configured to engage a surface to prevent damage to the camera device by the surface.

28. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera housing comprising a recess surrounding at least a portion of the lens, and wherein the outer housing comprises a tab configured to cover the lens and be disposed in the recess in the stowed configuration.

29. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aperture configured to couple with a tether.

30. The camera device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the camera device is flat to enable the camera device to stand upright on a substantially flat surface.

31. The camera device of any one of claims 2 to 30, wherein at least one-third of the camera housing is disposed in the outer housing in the deployed configuration.

32. A method of capturing an image or video using a camera data source and a portable electronic device; pairing the camera data source to the portable electronic device via wired or wireless connection; activating the camera data source; capturing an image or video with the camera data source, sending the captured image or video to the portable electronic device via wired or wireless connection.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein a user’s first hand is implemented to operate the camera data source and the users second hand is implemented to operate the portable electronic device to view the data stream and/or the settings sent from the camera data source.

34. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the camera data source is a camera device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 31.