Motorized camera with automated image capture

{
  "publication_number": "US10491816B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Motorized camera with automated image capture",
  "abstract": "A motorized camera captures images of an object detected within one or more of its detection areas. The motorized camera moves or repositions its movable imaging device to target various locations, and captures one or more images including the object and before, during, or as the imaging device is moved. One or more sensors monitor the detection areas for the object and identify the detection area at which the object is present. Various operations of the motorized camera can be conditioned on specific circumstances or environmental conditions relevant to image capture or the operation of the motorized camera.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A motorized camera comprising: a movable imaging device; a motor coupled to the movable imaging device; one or more sensors that detect the presence of an object at one or more of a plurality of areas and generate output identifying a particular area of the plurality of areas when the object is detected; wherein, in response to detecting the presence of the object, the motor moves the movable imaging device according to a sequence comprising moving the movable imaging device to a first position to target the particular area identified in the output, and thereafter moving the movable imaging device to at least one second position to target at least one other area of the plurality of areas in a particular order; wherein, during the sequence, the movable imaging device captures an image while at the first position and one or more additional images while at the at least one second position; and a storage device that stores the image and the one or more additional images.",
    "2. The motorized camera of claim 1 further comprising a watertight enclosure.",
    "3. The motorized camera of claim 1 further comprising an internal power source.",
    "4. The motorized camera of claim 1 further comprising one or more illuminators that illuminate at least a portion of the location.",
    "5. The motorized camera of claim 1 further comprising a processor that positions the image and the one or more additional image adjacent to one another to generate a single combined image.",
    "6. The motorized camera of claim 1 further comprising a communication device that transmits the image and the one or more additional images to one or more external devices.",
    "7. The motorized camera of claim 1, wherein the image is stored in a different directory than the one or more additional images on the storage device.",
    "8. A motorized camera comprising: an imaging device; a motor that rotates the imaging device; one or more sensors that detect the presence of an object at one or more of a plurality of areas and generate output identifying a particular area of the plurality of areas when the object is detected; wherein, in response to detecting the presence of the object, the motor rotates the imaging device according to a sequence comprising moving the imaging device to at least one first position to target the particular area identified in the output, and thereafter rotates the imaging device to at least one second position to target at least one other area of the plurality of areas in a particular order; wherein, during the sequence, the imaging device captures an image while at the at least one first position and one or more additional images while at the at least one second position; and a storage device that stores the image and the one or more additional images.",
    "9. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising a processor that positions the image and the one or more additional image adjacent to one another to generate a single combined image.",
    "10. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising an internal power source.",
    "11. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising one or more illuminators that illuminate at least a portion of the location.",
    "12. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising a communication device that transmits the image to one or more external devices.",
    "13. The motorized camera of claim 8 further comprising a watertight enclosure.",
    "14. A motorized camera implemented method comprising: monitoring a plurality of areas with one or more sensors for the presence of an object; detecting the object at a particular area of the plurality of areas, and generating output identifying the particular location with the one or more sensors; upon detection of the object: moving an imaging device according to a sequence comprising moving the imaging device a first time with a motor to target the particular area identified in the output, and moving the imaging device at least a second time with the motor to one or more other areas of the plurality of areas in a particular order; and capturing an image of the particular area with the imaging device, and capturing one or more additional images during the sequence; and storing the image and the one or more additional images on a storage device.",
    "15. The method of claim 14 further comprising transmitting the image and the one or more images to one or more external devices via a communication device.",
    "16. The method of claim 14 further comprising positioning the image and the one or more additional images adjacent to one another to generate a single combined image with a processor.",
    "17. The method of claim 14 further comprising activating one or more illuminators when capturing the image.",
    "18. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing an enclosure to mount the motorized camera at an outdoor location.",
    "19. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing an internal power source that powers the motor, one or more sensors and imaging device."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Field of the Invention\n\nThe invention relates to automated image capture systems and in particular to a motorized event capture camera with panoramic capture sequences.\n\nRelated Art\n\nPhotographs and other captured images are widely used to record events, objects, animals, and people. As such, captured images are highly desirable for personal use and for commercial use, especially if the captured image is a high quality image.\n\nCapturing a desired image can be difficult. Environmental conditions such as the amount and color of available light can have negative effects on a photograph or other captured image. In addition, depending on the situation, there may be few vantage points which can be easily, safely, or conveniently used to capture an image. Sometimes, the ideal vantage point may be hazardous or simply inconvenient. For example, few photographers may wish to spend a night in the mountains or a day in the desert to capture an image. Moreover, the object to be captured may move unpredictably. Therefore to capture a desired image of such an object a great deal of time and patience is often required.\n\nFrom the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.\n\nA motorized camera capable of capturing images in an automated sequence when an object, such as an animal, is detected is disclosed herein.",
  "cpc": [
    "H04N 23/698",
    "H04N 23/56",
    "H04N 23/62",
    "H04N 5/2256",
    "H04N 5/23216",
    "H04N 5/23238"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "H04N 5/225",
    "H04N 5/232"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "DUCO TECHNOLOGIES Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Howard Unger"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-02-10",
  "publication_date": "2019-11-26",
  "grant_date": "2019-11-26",
  "priority_date": "2011-06-20",
  "application_number": "US-201514618991-A",
  "family_id": "47353362",
  "cited_by_count": 2,
  "citations": [
    "US20060049930A1",
    "US7471334B1",
    "US20100208068A1",
    "US20090160936A1"
  ]
}