Automated video recording device for recording a golf swing

• US 5,210,603 A
• Filed: 01/21/1992
• Issued: 05/11/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Automated Video Services Inc.
• Original Assignee: Donald C. Sabin
• Inventors: Sabin, Donald C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Britton, Howard W.
• Application Number:
  US07/824,237
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 358/93, 358/108, 358/254, 358/335, 434/252
• US Class Current: 348/157
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/807 Photo cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/70 Coin-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/22 in connection with sports or games
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/28 for radio apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/006 with video camera or receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus

Abstract

A portable battery-operated video camera and recorder system that includes illuminated messages and time displays for automated use to allow one to make a video recording of a golf swing or similar activity. The system is weatherproof and completely automated with a vending machine that provides for a predetermined amount of recording time. The video camera lens is mounted strategically and sized to provide the best optical view of a golf swing at a predetermined distance from the golf swing tee-off mat.

Claims

1. A portable vended video camera and recording system for recording a golf swing or similar activity comprising:

a rigid weather resistant housing;

a video camera mounted within said housing, said camera having a lens facing outward from said housing, said camera optically aligned and directed through a clear window disposed along the front wall of said housing;

a video cassette recorder mounted in said housing, having a cassette access mounted through the front wall of said housing near said camera outlet;

a TV monitor mounted in said housing and having a display screen visually mounted and vertically disposed through the front wall of said housing;

a money vending machine mounted inside said housing;

a first prompt message center LCD display device mounted in said front wall of said housing;

an LED time display having a visual display on said first wall housing; and

a microprocessor control circuit connected to said vending apparatus, said video camera, said video monitor, said VCR, said LED time display, and said LCD message center display for controlling sequential operation of said system whereby the user can, through the insertion of paper money, record on a video cassette a golf swing for a predetermined time period.

2. A portable vended system as in claim 1, including a pair of wheels mounted notably to said housing.

3. A portable video camera and recording device for recording a golf swing or similar activity, typically in an area near the golf mat tee at a golf driving range, comprising:

a substantially rigid, water resistant, rectangular housing having four flat planar sides with opposite parallel sides and a flat top surface joined together;

first and second shelves mounted inside of said waterproof housing;

at least one door for accessing the inside of said housing;

a television monitor mounted on one of said shelves, one of said vertical flat surfaces of said housing having an aperture therethrough for mounting said television housing, a water resistant gasket disposed around said television display face of said television monitor, said television display face disposed vertically through a first of the four flat planar sides of said housing;

a video camera mounted on one of said shelves, said video camera having a wide angle viewing lens, said camera optically aligned and directed through a clear window disposed along said first planar side of said housing;

a transparent window mounted on a vertical flat surface of said housing through an aperture that includes a gasket mounted around said window and said window being positioned near said shelf so that the wide angle lens of said video camera is directed out through said window, said video camera window being strategically located relative to the height of said housing surface to provide the proper wide angle viewing to achieve a video picture of said golf swing at a predetermined distance;

one or more batteries for a power source, mounted in the base of said housing;

a visual display mounted near the top of said housing, said display having a means for producing alphanumeric characters for visual transmission from said display;

a microprocessor control means connected to said power source, said video camera, said TV monitor, and said message display face for controlling the sequential operation of each of these units;

vending apparatus for receiving bills and initiating said control means as a function of the receipt of bills;

a plurality of wheels rotatably connected to said housing to permit the portability of said housing;

means for measuring distance from the front face of said housing having said video camera window to self-locate said housing at the proper distance for a golf swing in accordance with the wide angle lens of said video camera; and

a video cassette recording device for recording signals obtained from a video camera connected to said video camera, said video cassette recorder having a cassette receiving chamber, said cassette receiving chamber being affixed to a flat surface of said housing so that a cassette can be inserted or removed from said video cassette recording chamber by the user, said control circuit being connected to said video cassette recorder.

4. A video camera and recording system as in claim 3, said video cassette recorder chamber including a lockable door to prevent access to said video cassette receiving chamber, said locking means connected to said control means and said vending means, whereby said access door to said video cassette chamber is not activated or openable until said vending apparatus is actuated.

5. A video system as in claim 3, including:

VCR cassette receiving chamber door for protecting said VCR, said door having a locking means.

6. A video system as in claim 3, including:

said power source mounted in the bottom of said housing for balance.