PERSONAL CAMERA FOR A REMOTE VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention provides for the field of remote control vehicles with a camera. The images taken by the camera is sent to the user where they may view the images by a visual device. The vehicle may be a remote control car, boat, or aircraft. The visual device may be goggles, glasses, or some other eye piece. Also, the invention may have a split screen within the projection onto the glasses that may be toggled between the car view and a listing of the car's position on the race track. Moreover, the projection may have the race car's information. There also may be a surrounding view where a camera could show an overhead view of the whole racetrack.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a personal video camera that is mounted to remote control vehicles such as cars, boats, and helicopters and that camera sends the images remotely to a pair of glasses, goggles, screen or any other viewing medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote control vehicles have long been known in the toy industry. The remote control is a term referring to the control of a vehicle by an operator who is located in an area away from the vehicle and who does not have physical contact with the vehicle. Remote control have been used for the control of vehicles and processes that involve environments that are dangerous or hazardous for the operator, such as military, law enforcement, nuclear and chemical applications. Remotely controlled toy vehicles are also well known as entertainment devices. Model remote control airplanes, cars and boats have been popular for years and have provided countless hours of exciting and wholesome activity for entire families.

It is also known that video display devices are limited in their realism because they present a two dimensional image. Many techniques have been applied to simulate a three dimensional image on a two dimensional video display. Most such techniques involve presenting two slightly different images produced by a single camera in a dithered display, with the observer wearing special optical lenses that allow the observer's right and left eyes preferentially to see one of the alternating images.

Visual contact will only enhance the experience of the user. Distance diminishes the level of detail that can be seen, it is known that the seats closest to the performance may be sold for a higher price than seats remote from the performance.

In order to enhance the visual experience from the more remote seating areas, it is known to provide a very large screen video display at such entertainment events in order to provide the attendees with a better view of the performance. Camera operators at the performance record the action from a variety of perspectives and a director selects an image from among those cameras to be projected via the large screen video display. The same concept has been applied to entertainment broadcast on television. There have been many techniques used to provide a television audience with an enhanced view of a performance. These techniques include zoom lenses, cameras mounted on a goal post, and even cameras attached to referees and players participating in the event. The visual experience provided by such prior art techniques is limited because the view of the event is too small, the quality of the image may be distorted or partially blocked, or the view selected by a director is not necessarily a view desired by the particular observer.

It is also known to use radio devices to enhance the entertainment value of a car racing event. Car-to-crew radio communications may be received by fans at a car racing event, thus allowing the fans to hear voice communications during the race. While such devices provide the fans with additional information concerning the race, they fail to make the fans feel as though they are actually participating in the race because they provide only audible information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for the field of remote control vehicles with a camera. The images taken by the camera is sent to the user where they may view the images by a visual device. The vehicle may be a remote control car, boat, or aircraft. The visual device may be goggles, glasses, or some other eye piece. Also, the invention may have a split screen within the projection onto the glasses that may be toggled between the car view and a listing of the car's position on the race track. Moreover, the projection may have the race car's information. There also may be a surrounding view where a camera could show an overhead view of the whole racetrack.

An apparatus for providing a remote camera system is disclosed herein as including: a plurality of cameras adapted for being located at a plurality of locations at an entertainment event for producing a plurality of video signals; a single channel or multi-channel wireless communications system for transmitting wireless communication signals corresponding to the plurality of video signals; and, a plurality of portable personal display units each containing a single channel or multi-channel receiving device and a portable video display device, the portable personal display units adapted for receiving the wireless communication signals and for displaying images responsive to selected ones of the video signals for personal viewing by on-site attendees of the entertainment event.

A remotely controlled toy vehicle is described herein as including: a model vehicle; a first wireless communication apparatus having a first transmitter remote from the model vehicle for sending control signals and having a first receiver attached to the model vehicle for receiving the control signals; a control apparatus attached to the model vehicle and operable to control the direction of travel of the model vehicle in response to the control signals; a video signal generating apparatus connected to the model vehicle and comprising a miniature cameras operable to generate video signals representative of a view from the perspective of the model vehicle; a wireless communication apparatus connected to the video signal generating apparatus and having a single channel or multi-channel transmitter attached to the model vehicle and operable to transmit the video signals to a portable single-channel or multi-channel receiver remote from the model vehicle; and a hands-free video display device connected to the receiver and operable to display an image corresponding to the view from the perspective of the model vehicle to a person wearing the hands-free video display device.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing the intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glasses with the remote cars on a track according to at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glasses with the remote helicopter to at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary image of the remote control with the image and the remote car.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of the projection in the glasses in detail.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of the stereo-optic view of the car in the glasses.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of the stereo-optic view of the helicopter in the glasses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention improves upon the area of remote control vehicles and the camera. There is a vehicle that may be a remote control car, boat, helicopter, drone, or any other device. The vehicle is controlled by a remote control. The remote control directs the motion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on top of the vehicle to capture the image that lies in front. That image may be seen via glasses or goggles.

As seen in FIG. 1, a perspective view of remote control car 102 on a racing track 106. In this embodiment, the scale model track 106 is designed to resemble an automobile racetrack and the racing vehicles 102. In other embodiments, the vehicles may be toy model boats, airplanes, trucks, military vehicles, dune buggies, helicopter, etc. As a non-limiting example, the vehicle may be used and may be operated over a natural surface that is not specifically adapted to a toy vehicle racetrack.

The vehicles, may be self-propelled by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. On top of the cars 102, are cameras 104. As a non-limiting example, the cameras may be multiple or it may be single. The multiple camera scenario would be able to provide a stereo-optic view to the viewer. Moreover, the single camera may be able to project a single view of the scene. Also, as a non-limiting example, may be infrared camera that is able to see in the dark or different wavelengths, the camera may also be a night vision camera that is able to see in the dark. Also, the camera may be a thermal imaging camera whereby the viewer is able to track the heat waves of particular objects.

As further seen in FIG. 1, the viewer may be able to view the images projected to the user on to the inside lens of the glasses 108. As a non-limiting example, the view medium may be glasses, goggles, LCD display on the remote control unit, head gear, etc. The image 110 may be projected or lit up on the lens. In the current example, the glasses is watching from the perspective of the viewer. As a non-limiting example, the user may toggle between the view of the viewer or may activate the camera 104 on the vehicle 102 and watch from the perspective of the car.

As seen from FIG. 2, the invention may be shown in the embodiment of that of a helicopter 202. The helicopter 202 may have a camera 104 attached. The camera 104 would then send the image 110 to the glasses 108.

Again, the vehicles, in this case a helicopter 202 may be self-propelled by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. On top of the helicopter 202, are cameras 104. As a non-limiting example, the cameras may be multiple or it may be single. The multiple camera scenario would be able to provide a stereo-optic view to the viewer. Moreover, the single camera may be able to project a single view of the scene. Also, as a non-limiting example, may be infrared camera that is able to see in the dark or different wavelengths, the camera may also be a night vision camera that is able to see in the dark. Also, the camera may be a thermal imaging camera whereby the viewer is able to track the heat waves of particular objects.

As further seen in FIG. 2, the viewer may be able to view the images projected to the user on to the inside lens of the glasses 108. As a non-limiting example, the view medium may be glasses, goggles, LCD display on the remote control unit, head gear, etc. The image 110 may be projected or lit up on the lens. In the current example, the glasses show the perspective of the view from the helicopter 202. As a non-limiting example, the user may toggle between the view of the viewer or may activate the camera 104 on the vehicle 202 and watch from the perspective of the helicopter.

As seen in FIG. 3, a remote controller is shown 306. The remote controller 306 controls the operations of the vehicle 102. The remote control 306 generates control signals corresponding to the user's command which are then sent to the second radio module which is the vehicle 102 in the present example. The user would manually manipulate the joystick 304 to operate the vehicle 102. The remote control 306 may or may not have an antenna. As a non-limiting example, the remote controller 306 may have a Liquid Crystal Display or LCD that would be operably connected to the cameras 104. The signals from the camera 104 would be displayed on the remote controller 306.

As a non-limiting example, the cameras 104 may move along with the direction of the vehicle 102 or independently to give a greater experience for the user. In addition, the camera 104 moving in conjunction with the operation of the vehicle 102 would give a more realistic experience. It will give the user a feeling that they are actually in the driver's seat inside the remote control car 102 and that they are driving on the scale model track 106. They would be able see the driving around the track 106 and passing by the other cars 102 or being passed by them. It would give the sense they are in the middle of the action.

As seen in FIG. 3, greater detail is shown of the vehicle 102. In the present case, the vehicle is a remote control toy car. Moreover, an antenna 104 is attached to the top of the car 102. As a non-limiting example, the camera 104 may be mounted on top of the car, in front of the car, the side, or any other location on the car to give the desired effect.

As seen in FIG. 4, the glasses 108 may have several options. As a non-limiting example, the user may toggle to a status function. In this status function, the glasses 108 would display the real time information 402 concerning the vehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, it could display the gas level, the speed of the vehicle, the engine temperature, the location of the vehicle, the position of the vehicle in the race, the battery strength, or the signal strength, etc. When the user toggles to another view, the viewer may be able to see the perspective view, if the user toggles to another view, the user may be able to see the view from that of the vehicle 102.

As seen in FIG. 5, the embodiment of the invention shows the glasses 108 in the stereo-optic mode. In this mode, the cameras 104 would be positioned to display a different position to give the view of 3D of the vehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, the glasses 108 may have side flaps 510 that would be able to further project images from to the camera and would give a more of a range of view. As seen in the present example, the viewer would see the stereo-optic of the vehicle 102 would view as if the viewer were actually driving the vehicle 102. In the current example, the view 506 would be that of a toy car on a race track.

As seen in FIG. 6, the embodiment of the invention shows the glasses 108 in the stereo-optic mode. In this mode, the cameras 104 would be positioned to display a different position to give the view of 3D of the vehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, the glasses 108 may have side flaps 510 that would be able to further project images from to the camera and would give a more of a range of view. As seen in the present example, the viewer would see the stereo-optic of the vehicle 102 would view as if the viewer were actually flying the vehicle 102. In the current example, the view 608 would be that of a toy helicopter looking over the city.

As a non-limiting example, in order to expand on the experience of the user, a microphone may be attached to the camera 104 and would be transmitted back to the glasses 108 or some sound receiving device. This would give the viewer the sounds of the race track or the air.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function or operation or both as described herein can be implemented, individually and collectively or both, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the disclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangements which are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible.

Claims

1. A video captured remote controlled model vehicle comprising: a model vehicle;a control device for controlling the direction and speed of travel of said model vehicle in response to control signals;a camera system operably attached to said model vehicle capable of receiving and generating image signals wherein said camera system moves in conjunction with the operation of said model vehicle;a device capable of determining and communicating the status of said model vehicle;a viewing medium wherein images captured by said camera system would be received wherein said images would simulate the visual experience corresponding to the view from the perspective of said model vehicle, wherein the user would have the option of toggling between said images received from said camera system and a listing of said model vehicle's status; anda wireless system comprising: a first transmitter from said control device for sending control signals;a first receiver attached to said model vehicle for receiving the control signals;a second transmitter attached to said model vehicle operable to transmit the signals to a second receiver from said model vehicle to said viewing medium.

2. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said camera system comprises an infrared camera.

3. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said model vehicle is a car.

4. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said model vehicle is a boat.

5. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said model vehicle is a helicopter.

6. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said handle is a dune buggy.

7. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said viewing medium is glasses.

8. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said viewing medium is a LCD display on said control device.

9. The model vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a microphone operably attached to said model vehicle wherein said audio signals would be transmitted to an audio device.

10. The model vehicle of claim 9 wherein said audio device is a headset.

11. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said camera system comprises night vision camera wherein the user may see in the dark.

12. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said device is capable of determining and communicating the status of said model vehicle further comprises race position.

13. The model vehicle of claim 12 wherein said device is capable of determining and communicating the status of said model vehicle further comprises speed of said model vehicle.

14. The model vehicle of claim 13 wherein said device is capable of determining and communicating the status of said model vehicle further comprises said wireless system signal strength.

15. The model vehicle of claim 14 wherein said device is capable of determining and communicating the status of said model vehicle further comprises battery level.

16. The model vehicle of claim 12 wherein said race position status is shown by depicting a representation on said viewing medium of at least a portion of a track and the position of said model vehicle on said track relative to the position of other competing model vehicles on said track.

17. The model vehicle of claim 16 wherein said race position status is shown in real time on said viewing medium.