Two-part camera system
First Claim
1. A camera system, comprising:
- an imaging unit for capturing images, the imaging unit comprising;
an imager that converts light into electrical signals, and an imaging unit electrical connector electrically coupled to the imager; and
a viewing device, removable from the imaging unit, the viewing device comprising;
a viewing device electrical connector, being suitable for coupling with the imaging unit electrical connector and carrying electrical signals from the imaging unit, a memory that stores an image based on electrical signals from the imaging unit, a display for viewing an image stored in the memory, and a processing unit that controls the imager and the viewing device.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A camera system is provided to record experiences, as moving or still images, directly into devices that may have various and sundry other functions. The camera system is intended to allow users to instantly view and share recorded images with others without any processing requirements. Users may view and share a recorded image anywhere and without any additional devices such as televisions or computers, and users may personalize items such as key chains, charms and other gift items. The camera system has two components: an imaging unit for capturing images and a viewing device. The imaging unit contains an imager that converts light into electrical signals, and an electrical connector. The viewing device, removable from the imaging unit, contains: an electrical connector that couples to the electrical connector on the imaging unit and carries electrical signals from the imaging unit, a memory that stores an image from the imaging unit, a display for viewing an image stored in the memory, and a processing unit that controls the imager and the viewing device. The viewing device does not contain an imager for capturing images, while the imaging unit does not include one or more or all of a memory for storing image information, a display for viewing an image, a processing unit for controlling the imager and the viewing device, or a power supply.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A camera system, comprising:
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an imaging unit for capturing images, the imaging unit comprising;
an imager that converts light into electrical signals, and an imaging unit electrical connector electrically coupled to the imager; and
a viewing device, removable from the imaging unit, the viewing device comprising;
a viewing device electrical connector, being suitable for coupling with the imaging unit electrical connector and carrying electrical signals from the imaging unit, a memory that stores an image based on electrical signals from the imaging unit, a display for viewing an image stored in the memory, and a processing unit that controls the imager and the viewing device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A camera system, comprising:
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an imaging unit for capturing images, the imaging unit comprising;
means for converting light into electrical signals, and means for communicating the electrical signals to another device; and
a viewing device, removable from the imaging unit, the viewing device comprising;
means for receiving electrical signals from the imaging unit, means for storing the electrical signals received by the receiving means, means for viewing as an image the electrical signals stored by the storing means, and means for controlling the light converting means and the viewing device. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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23. A viewing device capable of being attached to and removed from an imaging unit, the imaging unit including an imager that coverts light into electrical signals and an electrical connector electrically coupled to the imager, the viewing device comprising:
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a viewing device electrical connector, being suitable for coupling with the imaging unit electrical connector and carrying electrical signals from the imaging unit, a memory that stores an image based on electrical signals from the imaging unit, a display for viewing an image stored in the memory, and a processing unit that controls the imager and the viewing device. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. A method to store an image for later viewing, comprising the steps of:
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providing an imaging unit, wherein the imaging unit includes an imager that converts light into electrical signals, and an electrical connector electrically coupled to the imager, electrically connecting the imaging unit to a viewing device, wherein the viewing device has an electrical connector suitable for coupling to the imaging unit, and means for storing electrical signals, converting light into electrical signals in the imaging unit, communicating the electrical signals to the viewing device using the electrical connection, storing the electrical signals in the viewing device detaching the imaging unit from the viewing device, and pressing a play button on the viewing device. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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30. A method to store an image for later viewing, comprising the steps of:
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providing an imager that converts light into electrical signals;
providing memory in a device for storing an image based on the electrical signals from the imager, wherein the device has a non-camera function selected from the group consisting of;
a refrigerator magnet, a locket, a photo album cover, a trophy, an award plaque, a memento, a purse, a lady'"'"'s compact, a key fob, a paperweight, a pen and pencil set, a letter opener, a coffee cup, a pendant, a brooch, a pocket knife, a money clip, a holiday ornament, a thermometer, a barometer, a diary, a picture frame, a wallet, a desk ornament, a souvenir, a mouse pad, a figurine, a golf ball marker, a tool, a bag name tag, a name tag, an identity tag, a napkin holder, a place marker, a bookmark, an article of clothing, a notebook, a hair brush, a mirror, a notepaper holder, a bottle opener, a corkscrew, a pet'"'"'s collar, and a pet'"'"'s identification tag;
providing a display in a device for showing the image stored in the memory;
recording an image so as to store it in memory;
using the device for a non-camera function; and
activating the device so as to cause the image stored in memory to be shown on the display. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33)
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Specification