Integrated internet camera system

• US 20070028277A1
• Filed: 07/11/2006
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alex is the Best LLC
• Original Assignee: Frank Clemente
• Inventors: Clemente, Frank, Feaser, Ted
• Granted Patent: US 7,633,524 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/105
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6125 involving transmission via Internet transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6175 involving transmission via Internet broadcast-related systems characterised by the transmission system being the Internet H04H60/82
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/64 Computer-aided capture of images, e.g. transfer from script file into camera, check of taken image quality, advice or proposal for image composition or decision on when to take image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet

Abstract

An integrated Internet camera system comprises a website archive and review center (WSARC) for storing and managing images and an Internet direct camera (IDC) for capturing an image, automatically transmitting the image to an account associated with said IDC on the WSARC upon image capture and receiving stored image from the WSARC. The IDC comprises a display for displaying the captured image and the received image. The IDC automatically connects to the WSARC over an Internet connection on power-up.

Claims

1. An integrated Internet camera system, comprising

a website archive and review center (WSARC) for storing and managing images;

and

an Internet direct camera (IDC) for capturing an image, automatically transmitting said image to an account associated with said IDC on said WSARC upon image capture and receiving stored image from said WSARC, and comprising a display for displaying said captured image and said received image; and

wherein said IDC automatically connects to said WSARC over an Internet connection on power-up.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC automatically connects to said WSARC using a secondary mode of communication when a primary mode of communication to said WSARC is unavailable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises a storage device for locally storing said captured image and said received image;

and wherein said storage device stores said captured image only when said IDC loses said connection with said WSARC.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein said stored image is transmitted to said WSARC when said IDC re-establishes said connection with said WSARC.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises an internal battery to power said IDC.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said internal battery is a rechargeable battery.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein said IDC alerts said WSARC when the power of said internal battery is below a predetermined threshold.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein said WSARC is operable to monitor the power of said internal battery and alerts a registered user associated with said IDC if the power of said internal battery is below a predetermined threshold.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises a motion sensor and is operable to record only when a motion is detected by said motion sensor.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said display of said IDC comprises a touch pad for entering a command, a text or labeling images.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said WSARC sends an email message to a predetermined email address associated with said IDC when said connection to said IDC is lost.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of IDCs for monitoring a building, each IDC monitoring different parts of said building.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of IDCs for connecting users located in different locations.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said WSARC is operable to organize the images by event, date or name.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said each of said IDC comprises a SIM card associated with a registered user of said WSARC.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said WSARC is operable to send images received from said IDC to one or more IDCs selected by a register user associated with said IDC.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises a web browser.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC is operable to support voice over IP over said connection.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein said account is associated with a registered user of said WSARC and said images in said account can be viewed by any user given privilege to view by said registered user.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises an infrared or UV sensor to record infrared or UV images.

21. The system of claim 1, further comprising a scope-shaped attachment to said IDC, which provides specialized lighting to record fine cracks and crevices in a machine or a building.

22. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC comprises an image pickup, an optical module for forming an image on the image pickup, and an image capturing module for capturing digital images from said image pickup.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said optical module comprises an auto-focus optical system.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC is a portable camera.

25. The system of claim 1, wherein said IDC is a stationary camera under the control of said WSARC.

26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting device for mounting said IDC and operable to rotate or pivot said IDC, thereby enabling an operator to remotely control said IDC.