Universal lighting system for computer web camera

• US 7,631,979 B1
• Filed: 06/14/2008
• Issued: 12/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael R. Lohmann, Richard D. Brown
• Original Assignee: Michael R. Lohmann, Richard D. Brown
• Inventors: Lohmann, Michael R., Brown, Richard D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sawhney; Hargobind S
• Application Number:
  US12/157,977
• Publication Number:
  US 20090310329A1
• Time in Patent Office: 549 Days
• Field of Search: 362/3, 362/11, 362/16, 362/17, 362/18
• US Class Current: 362/3
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/02 Illuminating scene

Abstract

A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera including a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communication network. A base clamping mechanism is affixed to the computing device. A light array is adjustably connected to the base clamping mechanism for illuminating the subject positioned before the web camera. A diffuser lens is flexibly connected to the base clamping mechanism and sealingly positioned over the web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of the illuminated subject prior to transmission over the communication network.

Claims

1. A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera comprising:

a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communications network;

a base clamping mechanism affixed to said computing device;

a light array adjustably connected to said base clamping mechanism for illuminating said subject positioned before said web camera; and

a diffuser lens flexibly connected to said base clamping mechanism and sealingly positioned over said web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of said illuminated subject prior to transmission over said communication network.

2. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said web camera is integrated into a monitor screen of said digital computing device.

3. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said web camera is mechanically attached to a monitor screen of said digital computing device.

4. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said base clamping mechanism is affixed to a monitor screen of said digital computing device.

5. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said base clamping mechanism includes a battery power supply for energizing said light array.

6. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said base clamping mechanism includes a light switch for controlling electrical power to said light array.

7. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said light array is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes.

8. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said light array is adjustably connected to said base clamping mechanism by a telescopic arm.

9. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said light array is adjustably connected to said base clamping mechanism by a swivel joint.

10. The universal lighting system of claim 1 wherein said diffuser lens is flexibly connected to said base clamping mechanism by a flexible arm.

11. A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera comprising:

a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communications network;

a base clamping mechanism affixed to said computing device, said clamping mechanism including an adjustable clamp wheel for adjusting the clamping pressure of said base clamping mechanism to a monitor screen of said computing device;

a light array adjustably connected to said base clamping mechanism for illuminating said subject positioned before said web camera; and

a diffuser lens flexibly connected to said base clamping mechanism and sealingly positioned over said web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of said illuminated subject prior to transmission over said communication network.

12. The universal lighting system of claim 11 wherein said base clamping mechanism further includes a rubber foot for protecting the surface of said monitor screen of said computing device.

13. The universal lighting system of claim 11 wherein said base clamping mechanism further includes a felt pad for protecting the surface of said monitor screen of said computing device.

14. A universal lighting system for use with a computer web camera comprising:

a digital computing device fitted with a web camera for capturing images of a subject for transmission over a worldwide communications network;

a base clamping mechanism affixed to said computing device;

a light array adjustably connected to said base clamping mechanism for illuminating said subject positioned before said web camera; and

a diffuser lens flexibly connected to said base clamping mechanism and positioned over said web camera for diffusing received light for creating a clear image of said illuminated subject prior to transmission over said communication network, said diffuser lens including a light seal for blocking stray light from entering said web camera.

15. The universal lighting system of claim 14 wherein said light seal is comprised of rubberized neoprene.