PORTABLE DOCUMENT CAMERA AND ASSEMBLY FOR ENABLING SAME

• US 20120169888A1
• Filed: 07/08/2011
• Published: 07/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shannon Elizabeth Clark
• Original Assignee: Shannon Elizabeth Clark
• Inventors: Clark, Shannon Elizabeth
• Granted Patent: US 9,323,134 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/16 Details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/32 Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/38 by folding , e.g. pivoting or scissors tong mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/00 Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles heads thereof F16M11/02 ; undercarriages thereof F16M11/20 ; adapted to be stuck in the ground A45F3/44 ; sockets or holders for poles or posts E04H12/22; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles supports for measuring instruments G01D11/30; supports for casings of remote control switching devices H01H9/025
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/00 Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/561 Support related camera accessories

Abstract

A small, lightweight assembly that enables document camera functionality, along with other features and functionalities is disclosed. Examples of additional functionality provided with some embodiments include split-screen viewing, high quality screen shots, and digital zoom.

Claims

1. A document camera assembly comprising:

a camera; and

an adjustable stand, the stand comprising a platform and one or more legs;

wherein the one or more legs are adjustable in length to position the platform in either a retracted or expanded position; and

wherein the platform includes an opening to retain the camera in a downward orientation.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more legs are each pivotable about the stand to enable a collapsed position for portability.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more legs are each telescoping to adjust in length between the retracted and expanded position.

4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a computer that is connected to the camera and programmed to enable the document camera functionality.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the computer is programmed to perform one or more of the following:

(i) enabling digital zooming;

(ii) capturing of views;

(iii) autosaving images of documents/artifact;

or (iv) enabling side-by-side viewing of another software presentation.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the camera is a webcam.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the camera is integrated or coupled to one or more light sources.