Modular digital camera
AssigneeRed.Com, Inc.
InventorJames H. Jannard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Modular digital camera systems, such as modular digital still and motion cameras are disclosed. Individual modules may be removed from the system and replaced, such as to benefit from upgraded technology, while preserving the remaining modules in the system. The modules may be disassembled and reconstructed to convert the physical form of the camera, such as between still configurations, motion configurations, ENG configurations, DSLR configurations and studio configurations. Universal lens mount modules are provided, to enable use of lens systems from a variety of commercial manufacturers.
Claims20
A modular camera, comprising a camera body having an image sensor and a first bus segment, a first module having a second bus segment, and a second module having a third bus segment;
- each of the camera body, the first module and the second module releasably connectable to each other;
- wherein at least one assembled configuration of the modules places the bus segments in communication with each other in a manner that permits functional electrical communication among each of the modules.
An image capturing apparatus, comprising:
- an electronic image sensor having a plurality of sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements detect light and provide an output representative of the detected light;
- a digitizing module that converts the output representative of the detected light into a digital format;
- a processor configured to communicate the digitized sensor output onto a digital bus;
- and
- a housing that contains the electronic image sensor, the digitizing module, and the processor, wherein the housing comprises:
- a bus interface configured to electronically connect the digital bus to a detachable module;
- and
- an engagement mechanism configured to physically fasten the housing with the detachable module.
A modular camera, comprising:
- a camera body comprising an image sensor and a first module interface, the first module interface comprising a mating portion and an electrical coupling portion;
- and
- a plurality of modules each releasably and functionally engageable with the camera body and with each of the other of the plurality of modules, each of the modules comprising:
- a first interface, comprising a mating portion and an electrical coupling portion, the mating portion of the first interface releasably mechanically matable with the mating portion of the first module interface and the electrical coupling portion of the first interface electrically couplable with the electrical coupling portion of the first module interface so as to communicate signals between the camera body and the module;
- a second interface, comprising a mating portion and an electrical coupling portion, the mating portion of the second interface releasably mechanically matable with the mating portion of the first interface of each of the other of the plurality of modules and the electrical coupling portion of the second interface configured to be electrically couplable with the electrical coupling portion of the first interface of each of the other of the plurality of modules;
- and
- a bus segment for communicating signals between the first interface and the second interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.