Patent Application
20150381857
The GroPro (and similar) compact cameras are used to record sporting (and other) activities. The pointing or aiming of the camera is often not known and cannot be verified by the user. By adding a small visible laser device with a switch, the user can confirm the mounted geometry is properly aligned. This accessory can be attached or built into the waterproof cover of the GoPro cameras used to mount these devices, or attached directly to the camera.
GoPro cameras are used to film/record many activities. GoPro cameras are small, rugged, waterproof and come with many mounting geometries. Common mounting schemes include: helmets, race-cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, etc. It is common for the camera to be mounted in a way where you cannot see the camera (such as the helmet mounts) where pointing/alignment are not precise. The guessing method is then used to aim the camera in the right direction which might be different from what the user thinks he or she is aiming at. This is more problematic when the camera shifts during use.
GoPro cameras have a LCD screen that can attach to the back of the camera that aids in aiming the camera. This device is helpful in only mounts where the users are able to accesses and view the camera. The LCD screen is not practical for mounts such as the helmet mount or chest mount where it is difficult to see the camera or the back of the camera. The LCD screen also draws energy from the GoPro cameras battery limiting the amount of record time.
GoPro video cameras are used for sports and action and do not normally include a viewfinder. They are often employed in remote locations where the initial alignment must be verified. The laser beam is a quick and easier method for the user to adjust and lock the camera alignment or to verify its alignment later.
The availability and low cost of laser diodes makes this device a practical solution to confirm aiming/alignment of the GoPro camera. The laser diode can be any visible wavelength. The red (630-670 nm) used for barcode scanners are very common. Other visible wavelengths are also available. In addition, the green (532-nm) diode pumped Nd: YAG-SHG laser pointers can be used. It is recommended that the laser selected be classified as eye safe, such as Class IIIa or 1M laser pointers. All these laser diode devices operate at low power with typical voltages of 3 VDC. This makes it easy to power them with common batteries. Suggested devices can utilize AA, AAA, N, LR44, CR2032, or any compatible battery. An On/Off switch will be included and can be a momentary switch with an external button or any single-pole switching device.
The proposed package is small to minimize weight and to fit into the common GoPro geometry. The waterproof cover is the most common accessory used for mounting and its back panel can be modified to include this device. The laser diode module, the switch, and batteries can be molded into this cover to minimize the added weight and volume of this device. The battery selection, such as CR2032 or LR44 also complements this smaller footprint. A similar but functionally identical package would allow the user to attach this device with adhesive tape or Velcro to the back of the existing cover back panel.
The design must include the laser normal (perpendicular) to the camera cover back panel and pointing in the same direction as the FOV (Field of View) of the camera. This can be determined with adequate precision by mechanical tolerances. Location of the laser is shown to one side of the camera lens. It can however, be located on either side or above/below the lens. The laser can also be attached directly to the camera or the mounting device and function in the same manner.
The basis of the GoPro laser is a diode laser powered by batteries. The whole laser assembly can be either built into the backdoor of a GoPro case or it can be made so it attaches to the backdoor or the case. The backdoor fits all cameras so the laser is universal for all GoPro cameras. The laser runs parallel with the lenses of the camera for accurate aiming. The whole assembly is built to be completely water proof and to endure the rugger during use. It is designed to fit the backdoor where it won't interfere with other mounts or during use, but to be still easily located. The laser can be powered by any battery that meets its requirements to use it. The battery pack is located on the backdoor where it will be out of the way. The laser wraps around to the side of the camera for accurate aiming. Batteries will be fully incased and waterproof. A door with a rubber gasket will allow for ease of accesses to batteries and optimal water protection. The momentary switch will be a rubber boot to ensure a tight water seal. The laser can also be equipped with a tilt sensor. The tilt sensor would disable the power so that the switch would not activate the laser when it is aimed well above the horizon as a safety device. Even though these lasers are classified as eye safe to prevent damage from the laser beam, they are very bright and can be a nuisance to others. The intend is for the user to only activate the laser in a safe and controlled mode during initial setup and for periodic verifications that the device is still aimed properly.
