IP Library › Granted Patent US 10,708,542
Granted Patent B1
US 10,708,542 · App. 16/110,588 · Granted Jul 7, 2020

Video conference call camera for an automobile

Inventor: Clifford D. Griffin (Lake Alfred, FL)
H04N7/142H04N5/2252H04W4/40
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,708,542
App. No.
16/110,588
Granted
Jul 7, 2020
Kind
B1
Abstract

A digital camera is integrated into the dashboard of an automobile which features the ability to participate in video conference calls with an occupant of the vehicle. The camera will be configured to be in communication with a vehicle microphone, touchscreen and adjustable rollerball control. Wireless communication will also be enabled. The camera is further configured to prohibit operation of the camera while the automobile is not in park.

Claims (36)

1. A video conference device, comprising:

a camera assembly having a camera housing with a microprocessor in wireless communication with a remote device and a lens disposed upon an exterior face of said camera housing;

a roller ball assembly having a roller ball housing and a roller ball secured within said roller ball housing and in electrical communication with said microprocessor;

a lock switch assembly having a switch housing and a switch disposed upon an exterior face of said switch housing and in electrical communication with said microprocessor; and

an ignition interlock in electrical communication with a power source and said microprocessor, wherein said ignition interlock restricts operation of said video conference device to periods of time when an automobile is not being operated;

wherein said roller ball assembly is in electrical communication with said camera assembly via a first plurality of wires;

wherein said lock switch assembly is in electrical communication with said camera assembly via a second plurality of wires;

wherein said camera assembly is disposed within said automobile;

wherein said camera assembly is in direct electrical communication with said power source via a third plurality of wires, said power source is an automobile battery;

wherein said camera assembly is operated by a touchscreen control panel of said automobile;

wherein said camera assembly is transmitting video data;

wherein a position of said camera lens is operably controlled by said roller ball; and

wherein said camera lens is secured in said position by activation of said switch.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a microphone in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor receiving and transmitting an audio signal.

3. The device of claim 2 , further comprising a touch control display in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor;

wherein said touch control permits a user to operate said device.

4. The device of claim 3 , further comprising a wi-fi transmitter in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor.

5. A video conference device, comprising:

a camera assembly having a camera housing with a microprocessor in wireless communication with a remote device and a lens disposed upon an exterior face of said camera housing;

a roller ball assembly having a roller ball housing and a roller ball secured within said roller ball housing and in electrical communication with said microprocessor;

a lock switch assembly having a switch housing and a switch disposed upon an exterior face of said switch housing and in electrical communication with said microprocessor;

a cellular transmitter; and

an ignition interlock device in electrical communication with a power source and said microprocessor, wherein said ignition interlock device restricts operation of said video conference device to periods of time when an automobile is not being operated;

wherein said roller ball assembly is in electrical communication with said camera assembly via a first plurality of wires;

wherein said lock switch assembly is in electrical communication with said camera assembly via a second plurality of wires;

wherein said camera assembly is disposed within a dashboard of said automobile;

wherein said camera assembly is in direct electrical communication with said power source via a third plurality of wires, said power source is an automobile battery;

wherein said camera assembly is operated by a touchscreen control panel of said automobile;

wherein said camera assembly is transmitting video data; and

wherein said cellular transmitter is interfacing with at least one cellular network;

wherein a position of said camera lens is operably controlled by said roller ball; and

wherein said camera lens is secured in said position by activation of said switch.

6. The device of claim 5 , further comprising a microphone in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor receiving and transmitting an audio signal.

7. The device of claim 6 , further comprising a touch control display in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor;

wherein said touch control permits a user to operate said device.

8. The device of claim 7 , further comprising a wi-fi transmitter in electrical communication with said power source and said microprocessor.

Continuity (1)
Provisional Application 62549210 · Aug 23, 2017
Cited By (2)
US 12,395,607 US 12,479,294