CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application is a PCT application claiming priority to a Russian Patent Application No.: 2020124423 filed on July 23, 2020, entitled “CAMERA DEVICE ”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates generally to video monitoring devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are many electronic devices capable of tracking various types of activities associated with a vehicle (or a driver thereof) as it moves. Some of these electronic devices generally include onboard video recorders (such as dash cams) configured to continuously record the view in front of the vehicle, for example, for providing video evidence in case of an accident. Other of these electronic devices may include electronic devices for monitoring a current physical condition of the driver of the vehicle. The latter typically include an onboard camera device pointed at the driver as he/she operates the vehicle. The onboard camera device may be configured to continuously receive imaging data associated with the driver (for example, that of his/her face) and further analyze the imaging data for detecting certain indications of the physical condition of the driver that may be associated with a higher risk of a road accident. For example, the onboard camera device may be configured to detect indications of the driver being fatigued, drowsy, or incapacitated (for under an influence of alcohol or other substances). In response to detecting such indications, the onboard camera device may be configured to generate an alert signal informing the driver of his/her physical condition being potentially inappropriate for operating the vehicle. Thus, the more accurately the onboard camera device is configured to detect the indications of the inappropriate physical condition of the driver is he/she operates the vehicle, the more effectively road accidents may be averted.

[0004] Certain prior art devices have been proposed to address the above-identified technical problem. [0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2018/0026669-A1 published on January 25, 2018, assigned to SEEING MACHINES Ltd., and entitled “Phone Docking Station for Enhanced Driving Safety” discloses a mount (1) for supporting a mobile device (3) having a wireless transceiver (60) within a vehicle (5) having a driver. The mount (1) includes a body (7) having a supporting formation (9) adapted to releasably support the mobile device (3) in a supported operative position within the vehicle (5). The mount (1) also includes an electrical interface (25) for connecting to an external power source, the interface (25) being positioned to engage a complementary electrical port (27) of the mobile device (3) when the mobile device (3) is in the operative position to supply power to the mobile device (3). The mount (1) and the mobile device (3) collectively define an illumination device (29, 31) and a first camera (33) that cooperate to obtain predetermined performance information about the driver.

[0006] Chinese Utility Model Patent No.: 207078088-U granted on March 09, 2018 and entitled “A Kind of Drive Recorder of Adjustable Angle ” discloses an angle adjustable vehicle event data recorder, including the mounting panel, be equipped with spacing hole on the mounting panel, the spacing down the hole spacing post that is connected with, the bottom of mounting panel is equipped with first motor, the output shaft bottom of first motor is equipped with the connecting plate, the connecting plate is connected with the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket in connection has the base, the base is connected with the mount pad, the side of mount pad is equipped with the camera, the side of mounting bracket is equipped with control switch group, this angle adjustable vehicle event data recorder, the user operates adjustment button group, thereby make control switch group control the work of first motor, thereby the left and right sides shooting angle to the camera is adjusted, the user operates the 2nd adjustment button group, thereby control the work of second motor through control switch group, thereby the upper and lower shooting angle to the camera is adjusted, operate comparatively simply, convenient to use person's use.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences of the prior art.

[0008] The developers of the present technology have appreciated that the indications associated with the current physical condition of the driver may be more accurately detected if the imaging data associated with the driver could be received at different angular positions of the onboard camera device relative to a mounting base thereof.

[0009] Further, the developers have realized that an activity in a surrounding area of the vehicle and a passenger, for example, may also significantly contribute to an elevated risk of road accidents, and thus the road accidents may be more effectively avoided if the onboard camera device were capable of capturing secondary imaging data indicative thereof To that end, the onboard camera device may be further configured to generate the alert signal based on analyzing (which can be continuous) the imaging data associated with the driver and the secondary data associated with the surrounding of the driver (for example, other passengers).

[0010] Thus, non-limiting embodiments of the present technology are directed to a camera device including a processor, a primary camera, and a mechanical connecting portion allowing for an adjustable angular position of the primary camera relative to a mounting base of the camera device, and further defining an interface port for a secondary camera controllable by the processor, thereby allowing the processor to process at least two independent imaging data flows: one is from the primary camera and the other one is from the secondary camera.

[0011] Therefore, in accordance with a first broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a camera device mountable on a surface. The camera device comprises: a body portion including: a camera device housing including a top, a bottom, and sidewalls, at least one of the sidewalls defining a port; a top assembly connectable to the top of the camera device housing, the top assembly defining a primary lens aperture; a primary camera including a primary lens received in the primary lens aperture and facing outwardly therefrom; a memory storage; a processor communicatively coupled to: the memory storage; the primary camera. The processor is configured to: receive, from the primary camera, first data representative of a camera device surrounding; a mount assembly for mounting the camera device onto the surface; a connecting portion interconnecting the mount assembly to the body portion, the connecting portion including: a first linking element connected to the bottom of the camera device housing; a second linking element connected to the mount assembly; a pivot connection provided between the first linking element and the second linking element; a push button associated with the pivot connection for changing a rotation angle between the first linking element and the second linking element by selectively fixing the pivot connection in one of a plurality of operational angles.

[0012] In some implementations of the camera device, any one of the sidewalls of the camera device housing defines a microphone aperture; the camera device further includes a microphone received in the microphone aperture, facing outwardly therefrom, and communicatively coupled to the processor; and the receiving the first data further includes receiving, using the microphone, an audio signal associated with one of a driver and a passenger of the vehicle.

[0013] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is further configured to be connectable, via the port, to a secondary camera, the secondary camera being a non-smart camera.

[0014] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is configured to control the secondary camera.

[0015] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is further configured to: receive, from the secondary camera, second data representative of a secondary camera surrounding; analyze the first data and the second data; in response to the analyzing rendering a result indicative of a safety event: record, using at least one of the primary camera and the secondary camera, data indicative of the safety event for a predetermined period of time, thereby generating a data packet; store, in the memory storage, the data packet.

[0016] In some implementations of the camera device, the surface is a part of a vehicle, and wherein the primary camera is for monitoring an activity associated with the driver of the vehicle, and the safety event is associated with a condition of the driver.

[0017] In some implementations of the camera device, the condition of the driver is one of sleepiness, fatigue, and drunkenness.

[0018] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is further configured to generate an alert notification associated with the safety event.

[0019] In some implementations of the camera device, the alert notification is at least one of a visual and audio notification.

[0020] In some implementations of the camera device, at least one of the sidewalls defines a light aperture for receiving a light source; and wherein the generating the alert notification comprises powering on the light source. [0021] In some implementations of the camera device, at least one of the sidewalls of the camera device housing defines a speaker aperture; and wherein: the camera device further includes a speaker received in the speaker aperture; and the generating the alert notification comprises causing the speaker to reproduce a predetermined audio feed.

[0022] In some implementations of the camera device, the surface is a part of a vehicle, and wherein the secondary camera is for monitoring an activity associated with the passenger of the vehicle, and the safety event is associated with a behavior of the passenger.

[0023] In some implementations of the camera device, the surface is a part of a vehicle, and wherein the secondary camera is for monitoring a surrounding area of the vehicle, and the safety event is associated with road safety rules.

[0024] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is configured to be communicatively coupled, via a communication link, to a server, and is further configured to stream one of the first data and the second data to the server.

[0025] In some implementations of the camera device, one of the sidewalls of the camera device housing defines a card slot aperture; and wherein: the camera device further includes a SIM card slot received in the card slot aperture; and the communication link between the server and the processor is based on a SIM card insertable in the SIM card slot.

[0026] In some implementations of the camera device, the camera device further includes a removable non-volatile memory card slot received in the card slot aperture; and the memory storage comprises a removable non-volatile memory card insertable in the removable nonvolatile memory card slot.

[0027] In some implementations of the camera device, the camera device further includes: an infrared (IR) filter installed on the primary lens; and an IR light source.

[0028] In some implementations of the camera device, wherein the camera device further includes an obscuring cover installed on the primary lens.

[0029] In some implementations of the camera device, the processor is further configured to be connectable, via a wireless interface, to at least one electronic device.

[0030] In some implementations of the camera device, the wireless interface comprises a wireless interface port defined on the top assembly of the camera device.

[0031] In some implementations of the camera device, the wireless interface is one of a bar code, a Quick Response (QR) code, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag.

[0032] In some implementations of the camera device, at least one of the sidewalls defines ventilation orifices.

[0033] In the context of the present specification, "electronic device" denotes any computer hardware that is capable of running software appropriate to the relevant task at hand. In the context of the present specification, the term "electronic device" implies that a device can function as a server for other electronic devices and client devices, however it is not required to be the case with respect to the present technology. Thus, some (non-limiting) examples of electronic devices include personal computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), smart phones, and tablets, as well as network equipment such as routers, switches, and gateways. It should be understood that in the present context the fact that the device functions as an electronic device does not mean that it cannot function as a server for other electronic devices. The use of the expression "an electronic device" does not preclude multiple client devices being used in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request, or steps of any method described herein.

[0034] For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly, downwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by a user or operator of the camera device. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or sub-assemblies of the device, separately from the device should be understood as they would be understood when these components or sub-assemblies are mounted to the device.

[0035] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above- mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0036] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0038] Figure 1 depicts a top-front-left side perspective view of a camera device, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0039] Figure 2 depicts a bottom-rear-left side perspective view of the camera device, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0040] Figure 3 depicts a partially exploded perspective view illustrating at least some components of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0041] Figure 4 depicts a front side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0042] Figure 5 depicts a rear side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0043] Figure 6 depicts a right side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0044] Figure 7 depicts a left side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0045] Figure 8 depicts a top side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0046] Figure 9 depicts a bottom side elevation view of the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology;

[0047] Figure 10 depicts a flowchart diagram of a method for monitoring an activity associated with a vehicle, the method being executable by the camera device of Figure 1, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring initially to Figures 1 , 2, and 3, there is depicted a camera device 100 including a body portion 102 and a mount assembly 104, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[0049] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 can be positioned by an operator of the camera device 100, using the mount assembly 104, on a support surface (not depicted), such as one of inner surfaces (for example, that of a windshield) of a vehicle (not depicted). To that end, the camera device 100 may typically be installed at a point forward of a driver (in a direction of travel of the vehicle) and facing towards the driver of the vehicle (both not depicted), and further may be configured to (1) receive data associated with a camera surrounding area (not depicted) of the camera device 100; (2) analyze the received data; (3) in response to the analyzing rendering a result indicative of a safety event, execute an action associated with the safety event.

[0050] In the context of the present specification, the term “safety event” is broadly refers to an event associated with an elevated risk of accident for the vehicle, which may be caused by a current physical condition of the driver or a current road situation associated with an unsafe behaviour of other road users (such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and the like).

[0051] The structure and operation of the camera device 100 will now be described in sections respectively dedicated to the body portion 102 and the mount assembly 104 thereof.

Body Portion

[0052] With continued reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the body portion 102 includes a camera device housing 108 configured to receive a plurality of hardware components for implementing the above- mentioned functionality of the camera device 100, which be described further below. The camera device housing 108 is covered by a top assembly 106. It should be noted that the plurality of hardware components has been omitted in Figure 3 for the sake of clarity and simplicity of the present description and associated illustrations.

[0053] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device housing 108 includes a plurality of sidewalls 109 and a bottom portion 209. As it can be appreciated, the plurality of sidewalls 109 form an open convex surface, whose horizontal cross-section, parallel to the top assembly 106, has a form of a rounded comer square.

[0054] According to the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the plurality of sidewalls 109 may define various apertures and ports (not separately numbered) for receiving at least some of the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100 and connecting external devices thereto, which will be described in greater detail below. For example, the plurality of sidewalls 109 may define a power port 112 for connecting the camera device 100 to an external electrical power source and with one or more electronic devices (such a smartphone or a tablet, not separately depicted) using a wired connection. It is contemplated that the plurality of sidewalls 109 may have additional ports (not depicted) without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0055] Also, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, for providing free air cooling to the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100, at least one of the top assembly 106 and the camera device housing 108 may define a plurality of ventilation orifices 309. The plurality of ventilation orifices 309 may vary in shape and number suitable for providing necessary air exchange between the camera device housing 108 and the outside environment. By way of example, and not as a limitation, the plurality of ventilation orifices may be defined in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 109 substantially covering a surface thereof.

[0056] Further, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the top assembly 106 includes a protrusion 307 extending downwardly therefrom and further defining, on an outer surface thereof, locking indents 306 for attaching the top assembly 106 to the camera device housing 108, thereby assembling the body portion 102 of the camera device 100. The protrusion 307 can be implemented as a square protrusion, but other form factors are also envisioned.

[0057] To that end, the camera device housing 108 may include locking protrusions 308 located along the top of the camera device housing 108, on an inner surface of the plurality of sidewalls 109, and projecting inwardly with respect thereto. Further, by receiving the locking protrusions 308 within the locking indents 306, the top assembly 106 may be attached (and be detachably secured) to the camera device housing 108, such that the protrusion 307 is received by the inner surface of the camera device housing 108. In this regard, it is contemplated that a number of the locking indents 306 may be equal to a number of the locking protrusions 308. It should be noted that the number of the locking protrusions 308 may vary in certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology comprising, for example, one, two, or three along each of the plurality of sidewalls 109.

[0058] It should further be noted that, before attaching the top assembly 106 to the camera device housing 108, the locking indents 306 may be aligned relative to the locking protrusions 308. To that end, the top assembly 106 may further include support beams 310 projecting downwardly from an inside of the protrusion 307; and the camera device housing 108 may further include sliding guides 312 located in rounded comers formed by the plurality of sidewalls 109 and projecting above the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108. Thus, alignment of the locking indents 306 of the top assembly 106 relative to the locking protrusions 308 of the camera device housing 108 may be achieved when the support beams 310 of the former are received in the sliding guides 312 of the latter. Also, the sliding guides 312, when received in the top assembly 106, may allow for additional horizontal fixation thereof relative to the camera device housing 108.

[0059] Further, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the bottom portion 209 of the camera device housing 108 may be defined, in the camera device housing 108, by tapering the plurality of sidewalls 109 downwardly. Thus, the bottom portion 209 may define a cone-shaped protmsion 208 located in the center thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. As such, the bottom portion 209 may be configured to receive, in the cone-shaped protmsion 208, the mount assembly 104, which allows for connecting the body portion 102 with the mount assembly 104.

[0060] It is also contemplated that the top assembly 106 and the camera device housing 108 may further include mounting members 314 projecting inwardly with respect to the camera device housing 108 (for example, for receiving the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100). Generally speaking, implementation of each of the mounting members 314 may depend on a respective one of the plurality of hardware components, however, for example, and not as a limitation, the mounting members 314 may include installation enclosures, protrusions defining respective screw holes, mounting brackets, and the like. It is further contemplated that the supporting beams 310 may also be configured to be used for mounting at least part of the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100.

[0061] Further, it is contemplated that at least some of the below described plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100 may be implemented as microchips and thus may be positioned on one or more printed circuit boards. In such embodiments, the camera device housing 108 may be associated with the mounting members 314 defined therein for receiving the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100.

[0062] First, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may include a processor (not depicted). When the camera device is assembled, the processor is communicatively coupled with the top assembly 106 (for example, by a wired connection).

[0063] It should be noted that, in some embodiments of the present technology, the processor may comprise one or more processors and/or one or more microcontrollers configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the operation of the camera device 100. In various non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be implemented as a single-chip, multiple chips and/or other electrical components including one or more integrated circuits and printed circuit boards. The processor may optionally contain a cache memory unit for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or additional computer information. By way of example, the processor may include one or more processors or one or more controllers dedicated for certain processing tasks of the camera device 100 or a single multi-functional processor or controller.

[0064] Moreover, explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage.

[0065] Further, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may include a communication module (not depicted). Such communication module may be configured for implementing one of communication protocols (both wireless and wired) enabling the processor to be connected with other electronic devices or remote servers. Various examples of how the communication module may be implemented include, without being limited to, a Bluetooth™ communication module, a UART™ communication module, a Wi-Fi™ communication module, an LTE™ communication module, and the like.

[0066] According to the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, communication between the processor and other ones of the plurality of hardware components, such as the communication module, as well as amongst each other, may be implemented by one or more internal and/or external buses (e.g. a PCI bus, universal serial bus, IEEE 1394 “Firewire” bus, SCSI bus, Serial-ATA bus, etc.), to which a respective one of the plurality of hardware components of the camera device 100 is electronically coupled.

[0067] Configuration, components, and a manner of assembling the top assembly 106 will now be described.

[0068] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the top assembly 106 may be configured to capture light reflected off objects located in the camera surrounding area, thereby generating main image data (also referred to herein as “first image data”) representative thereof. For example, in those non-limiting embodiments of the present technology where the camera device 100 is positioned on the support surface such that it is directed towards the driver of the vehicle, the main image data may be representative of certain current facial features of the driver. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology where the camera device 100 is positioned on the support surface to be directed outside the vehicle, the main image data may be representative of a vehicle surrounding area (not depicted) of the vehicle.

[0069] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may include a primary image sensor (not depicted) communicatively coupled with the processor. Generally speaking, the primary image sensor may be configured, by the processor, to generate image data by converting an incoming flow of light into electrical signals. Non-limiting examples of implementing the primary image sensor may include, for example, a charge-couple device (CCD) image sensor and a complementary metal-oxide- semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0070] In some non- limiting embodiments of the present technology, the primary image sensor may be configured to generate the image data in a form of an image sequence taken with a predetermined time interval. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the image data may comprise video image data continuously recorded by the primary image sensor during a predetermined period.

[0071] In a specific non-limiting example, the primary image sensor can be implemented as a CMOS image sensor of a type available from Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation of 4-14-1 Asahi-cho, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa, 243-0014, Japan. It should be expressly understood that the primary image sensor can be implemented in any other suitable equipment.

[0072] Further, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may comprise a primary camera lens (not depicted). Broadly speaking, the primary camera lens may comprise an optical assembly configured for receiving and focusing the incoming flow of light, reflected off a given scene (such as the camera surrounding area) for direction thereof to the primary image sensor for further processing. Further, a particular configuration (such as spatial curvature and dimensions thereof) of the primary camera lens may be said to define a field of view (both horizontally and vertically) of the camera device 100, which can be, according to various non- limiting embodiments of the present technology, in either direction, from 55 to 80 degrees.

[0073] Accordingly, with continued reference to Figure 3, the top assembly 106 may be configured to receive the primary camera lens, for generating the main image data representative of the camera surrounding area. In this regard, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the top assembly 106 may define, on an outer surface thereof, an upper indentation 316, which may further define a primary camera lens aperture 317 for receiving the primary camera lens.

[0074] Certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology have been developed based on a premise that the main image data generated, by the primary image sensor, in response to receiving the incoming flow of light of a specific wavelength spectrum, such as an infrared (IR) spectrum, may include lesser image noise (caused, for example, by the Sun or other light sources, or otherwise insufficiency of lighting) compared to operating with light of a visible spectrum.

[0075] Thus, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, in order to filter out radiation of the visible spectrum from the incoming flow of light received by the primary camera lens, the top assembly 106 may further comprise an IR filter 110 that may be flush mounted (that is, vertically, on one level with) in the upper indentation 316.

[0076] Broadly speaking, the IR filter 110 is a bandpass optical filter configured to pass electromagnetic radiation of various portions of the IR spectrum, such as 700 nm to 1650 nm, 700 nm to 790 nm, 800 nm to 890 nm, and the like.

[0077] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a surface of the IR filter 110 may be coated with an obscuring coating camouflaging the primary camera lens such that it is not visually recognizable by one of the driver and the passenger when the camera device 100 is installed within the vehicle. It should be noted that such camouflaging may be achieved by other means (such as a separate cover or the like).

[0078] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may further comprise an IR light source (not depicted) communicatively coupled with the processor. This could lead to an increased resolution of the main image data received from the camera surrounding area.

[0079] Broadly speaking, the IR light source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined (operating) wavelength of the IR spectrum. For example, the IR light source may comprise one or more IR light emitting diodes (LEDs) with an operating wavelength of about 850 nm. Alternatively, the IR light source may comprise one or more IR LEDs with an operating wavelength of about 940 nm. As another example, the IR light source may comprise one or more IR LEDs configured to operate within a predetermined wavelength range, such as from 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0080] Thus, according to the certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the top assembly 106 may be configured to accommodate the IR light source by forming respective one or more IR LED apertures 319 in the upper indentation 316. The one or more IR LED apertures 319 may be located at the rear of the primary camera lens aperture 317, as depicted in Figure 3; however, this may not be the case in each and every embodiments of the present technology. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the one or more IR LED apertures 319 may be located one at the front and on a side of the primary camera lens aperture 317. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the one or more IR LED apertures 319 may be defined in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108.

[0081] Thus, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, during the operation of the camera device 100, the processor may be configured to: (1) cause the IR source to emit light towards the camera surrounding area for detecting one or more objects therein; and (2) cause the primary image sensor to generate the main image data in response to receiving, through the primary camera lens, at least a portion of the so emitted light reflected off the one or more objects in the camera surrounding area.

[0082] Now, configuration and components of the camera device housing 108 will be described.

[0083] Broadly speaking, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device housing 108 may be configured to (1) receive additional data at least from the camera surrounding area; (2) analyze the main image data and the additional data for detecting therein indications of the safety event; and (3) in response to analyzing rendering a result indicative of the safety event, generate an alert notification.

[0084] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the additional data may include audio data and auxiliary image data (also referred to herein as “second image data”).

[0085] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108 may define a secondary camera port 116 communicatively coupled to the processor, whereby the processor is configured to be connectable to a secondary camera device (not depicted).

[0086] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device may be a non-smart camera device. In the context of the present technology, the term “non-smart camera device” denotes a camera device that includes an image sensor and a respective optical assembly for generating image data, however does not include a separate processor for independent control thereof. In other words, the non-smart camera device does not have a separate (dedicated) processor that is configured, for example, to cause the image sensor to generate respective image data and for further processing and analyzing thereof. To that end, to provide control to the secondary camera device, an external processor is required, to which the non-smart camera device may be coupled, for example, via a respective wire connection.

[0087] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device may include a secondary image sensor and a secondary camera lens, both implemented, for example, similarly to the primary image sensor and the primary camera lens, respectively. Further, the processor of the camera device 100 may be coupled to the secondary camera device, via the secondary camera port 116, to provide control thereto for generating and processing the auxiliary image data. Akin to the main image data captured by the primary camera device, the auxiliary image data may be an image sequence or video data.

[0088] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device also may be installed on a support surface, for example, on the one or another of inner surfaces of the vehicle, and may be configured to be directed outside of the vehicle. Thus, the auxiliary image data may be representative of the vehicle surrounding area.

[0089] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device may be pointed to a passenger of the vehicle, and the auxiliary image data may hence be representative of current facial features of the passenger.

[0090] The implementation of the secondary camera port 116 generally depends on a specific implementation of the secondary camera, and in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera port 116 may be implemented as a micro coaxial connector (MCX) configured for receiving the auxiliary image data of up to 1080p and 30 frames per second, for example.

[0091] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, for receiving the audio data, two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109 may define a respective one of a first microphone aperture 120 and a second microphone aperture 420, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. Furthermore, a given one of the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420 can be of a circular form.

[0092] It should be noted that positioning of the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420, in respective ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109, is not limited - it can be also placed towards the top assembly 106 of the camera device 100, and centered horizontally along the respective one of the two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109, as an example and as depicted in a specific non-limiting embodiment thereof. [0093] Accordingly, in these embodiments, the camera device 100 may further comprise at least two microphones (not depicted) respectively receivable by the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420 and communicatively coupled to the processor. In this regard, the processor may be configured to receive and analyze the audio data received from one of the at least two microphones. For example, the audio data may be indicative of spoken utterances of one of the driver and the passenger of the vehicle.

[0094] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to: (1) receive, from the primary image sensor, the main image data; (2) receive, from the secondary image sensor, the auxiliary image data; (3) receive, from one of the at least two microphones, the audio data; and (4) analyze the received data for detecting therein the indications of the safety event.

[0095] To that end, for analyzing at least one of the main image data and the auxiliary image data, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to have access to and execute one or more computer vision algorithms. By way of example, the processor may be configured to execute an image classification computer vision algorithm, an object detection computer vision algorithm, an object tracking computer vision algorithm, a semantic segmentation computer vision algorithm, and the like. Other computer vision algorithms may also be used by the processor for processing image data without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0096] Thus, as previously mentioned, the camera device 100 may be directed towards the driver of the vehicle (both not depicted) resulting in that the main image data may be representative of certain facial features of the driver. Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to analyze the main image data for detecting one or more indications of a current physical condition of the driver, which may cause the safety event. As an example, the processor may be configured to determine that driver’s eyes have been closed or squinting for a predetermined period, which may be indicative of the driver being one of fatigued or sleepy. In another example, the processor may be configured to determine that pupils of the driver’s eyes have been dilated wider than normal for a predetermined period, which may be indicative of the driver being intoxicated - drunk, for example.

[0097] Further, as the secondary camera device may be directed towards the outside of the vehicle, and the auxiliary image data may be representative of the vehicle surrounding area, the processor, for example, may be configured to determine that the driver is about to drive through an intersection on a red light. In another example, the processor may be configured to determine that the driver systematically crosses stop lines at traffic lights or does not keep distance before another vehicle driving ahead. Also, in those embodiments where the secondary camera device is pointed to the passenger of the vehicle, the processor may be configured to determine, based on the current facial features of the passenger, his or her current physical condition, such as a condition associated with drunkenness or excessive agitation, as an example.

[0098] Finally, the processor may be configured to analyze the audio data for peaks (or valleys) in power thereof, which may be indicative, for example, of one of the driver and the passenger being emotional. In another example, the processor may be configured to determine that it is unusually quiet in the vehicle, which may be indicative of the driver having fallen asleep or having a life-threatening condition - such as heart attack, as an example.

[0099] As previously mentioned, having detected the indications of the safety event, the processor may be further configured to generate the alert notification. According to the nonlimiting embodiments of the present technology, the alert notification may be one of a visual alert notification and an audio alert notification.

[00100] Thus, with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 7, two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109 may respectively define a first light aperture 118 and a second light aperture 418, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[00101] In certain non- limiting embodiments of the present technology, a given one of the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418 may be of a rectangular form, vertically elongated along a respective one of the two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109. Further, the given one of the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418 may be horizontally centered along the respective one of the two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109, as it is defined in the depicted embodiments of the present technology.

[00102] In those non- limiting embodiments of the present technology where the two opposite ones of the plurality of sidewalls 109 define both the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420, and the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418, the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418 may be located lower than the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420, respectively. However, in other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the location of the given one of the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418 is not limited within the plurality of sidewalls 109.

[00103] Thus, the camera device 100 may further comprise at least two light sources, such as a first light source 320 and a second light source 322, communicatively coupled to the processor of the camera device 100 and receivable by the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418. Each of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 may be mounted within the camera device housing 108 using an associated plurality of mounting holes 324.

[00104] According to certain non- limiting embodiments, having detected the indications of the safety event, the processor may be configured to power on at least one of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 to draw driver’s attention. How the processor may be configured to power on the at least one of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 is not limited and may comprise, for example, causing the at least one light source to fade-in, fade-out, blink, and the like. Other modes of operating the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 can also be used without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[00105] In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 may comprise a plurality of LEDs corresponding to various colors of emitted light, such as red, green, and blue, for example.

[00106] In specific non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, each of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322 may be implemented as a LED of a type available from Kingbright Company, LLC of 225 Brea Canyon Road, City of Industry, CA 91789, USA. It should be expressly understood that the primary image sensor can be implemented in any other suitable equipment.

[00107] Now, with reference to Figures 1 and 4, one or more of the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108 may further define a speaker grid 114, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[00108] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the speaker grid 114 may be defined as a plurality of orifices further defining a rectangular form (however, other form factors are also envisioned). Further, the speaker grid 114 may be horizontally centered on a respective one of the plurality of sidewalls 109.

[00109] Further, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may further include a speaker (not depicted) communicatively coupled to the processor of the camera device 100 and mounted within the camera device housing 108. Accordingly, the speaker grid 114 may be configured to output audio signal generated by the speaker.

[00110] Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, having detected the indications of the safety event, the processor may be configured to cause the speaker to reproduce a predetermined audio feed, thereby drawing the driver’s attention.

[00111] Further, according to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, having generated the alert notification, the processor may be further configured to record data indicative of the safety event for a predetermined period (such as from several seconds to several minutes, for example). To that end, the processor may be configured to use at least one of the primary image sensor and the secondary image sensor, as well as at least one microphone. Thus, having detected the indications of the safety event, the processor may be configured to record, for the predetermined period, data indicative of at least one of the driver, the passenger, and the vehicle surrounding area. By doing so, the processor may be configured to generate a data packet, which further may be stored, transmitted to one or more electronic devices (such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, and the like, which may be associated with the operator of the camera device 100), or streamed to a remote server, in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

[00112] With reference to Figures 2, 3, and 5, one or more of the plurality of sidewalls 109 may further define a card slot aperture 204, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. In the depicted embodiments, the card slot aperture 204 is of an oval-like shape horizontally elongated and centered along a respective one of the plurality of sidewalls 109. However, it should be expressly understood that shapes of the card slot aperture 204 may vary depending on specific card slots received therein, and as such, other shapes of the card slot aperture 204 may be defined in the one or more of the plurality of sidewalls 109 without departing from the scope of the present technology. [00113] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the card slot aperture 204 may be configured to receive a removable non-volatile card slot 326, which may further be communicatively coupled to the processor of the camera device 100. To that end, the removable non-volatile card slot 326 may be configured to receive a removable nonvolatile card insertable therein, which may further be used by the processor of the camera device 100 to store the data packet including the data indicative of the safety event. A nonlimiting example of the removable non-volatile card may be implemented as a Secure Digital™ (SD™) card; however, other formats of removable non-volatile cards may be used by the processor to store the data packet without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[00114] Further, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may further include a SIM card slot (not depicted) communicatively coupled to the processor, which the card slot aperture 204 may be configured to receive. According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the card slot aperture 204 may be configured to receive both the removable non-volatile card slot 326 and the SIM card slot simultaneously.

[00115] Further, the SIM card slot may thus be configured to receive a SIM card insertable therein, which may further be configured to provide a network connection (enabling an LTE connection, for example) to the camera device 100. Finally, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to use the so provided network connection to stream the data indicative of the safety event, being recorded by at least one of the primary image sensors, secondary image sensor, and at least one microphone, to the remote server. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, by using the so provided network connection, the processor may be configured to transmit the data packet to a given electronic device.

[00116] With continued reference to Figures 2, 3, and 5, the camera device 100 may further comprise a functional button 202 receivable by a functional button aperture 206 defined by the plurality of sidewalls 109, in accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology.

[00117] According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functional button aperture 206 may be of substantially a rectangular shape horizontally elongated along in a respective one of the plurality of sidewalls 109. Further, the functional button aperture 206 may be defined to be horizontally centered along the respective one of the plurality of sidewalls 109. In those non-limiting embodiments of the present technology where the card slot aperture 204 and the functional button aperture 206 are defined in a same one of the plurality of sidewalls 109, the functional button aperture 206 may be located above the card slot aperture 204, where both may be horizontally aligned relative to each other.

[00118] The functional button 202 may be mounted within the camera device housing 108 in the functional button aperture 206 by use of an associated mounting assembly 328. Further, the functional button 202 may be communicatively coupled to the processor of the camera device 100 and may thus be implemented, in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, as a programmable (or otherwise software-defined) button. In this regard, the functional button 202 may be configured to trigger several actions in response to specifically predetermined patterns of pressing thereof, such as long strokes, short strokes, and certain combinations thereof.

[00119] Thus, in certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the functional button 202 may be configured to: (1) turn on and turn off the camera device 100; (2) reset configuration of the processor of the camera device 100; (3) execute actions with respect to the removable non-volatile card (such as formatting thereof, for example); and (4) initiate a wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, for example) with the electronic device. Other actions to be executed by use of the functional button 202 may be assigned thereto by the processor of the camera device 100 without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[00120] Thus, by using the functional button 202, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to establish the wireless connection with the given electronic device to transmit thereto the data packet including data indicative of the safety event.

[00121] Also, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, one of the top assembly 106 and the camera device housing 108 may define a wireless interface port (not depicted) communicatively coupled to the processor of the camera device 100. In these embodiments, the wireless interface port may be associated with a local wireless interface and may hence be configured to provide a local wireless connection between the processor and the given electronic device. [00122] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the local wireless interface port may be one of a bar code and a Quick Response (QR) code (both not depicted) associated with the camera device 100. Thus, in these embodiments the local wireless connection may be initiated by a given electronic device scanning, using suitable software, a respective one of the bar code and the QR code.

[00123] In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the wireless interface port may be implemented as a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag (not depicted) associated with the camera device 100. To that end, the local wireless connection between the processor and the given electronic device may be established by placing the electronic device within a predetermined distance from the NFC tag (and thus, from the camera device 100).

[00124] Thus, via the so established local wireless connection, the processor may be configured to transmit the data packet to the given electronic device, according to certain nonlimiting embodiments of the present technology.

Mount Assembly

[00125] According to the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the mount assembly 104 may be configured for ( 1 ) mounting the camera device 100 on the support surface and (2) adjusting an angular position of the top assembly 106 relative to the support surface.

[00126] With reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the mount assembly 104 may include a first linking element 122, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology. The first linking element 122 may be configured to be received into and secured to the cone- shaped protrusion 208 of the bottom portion 209 of the camera device housing 108. By so doing, the first linking element 122 may be configured to interconnect the body portion 102 and the mount assembly 104.

[00127] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first linking element 122 may be coupled to the bottom portion 209 of the camera device housing 108 using a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 330, each or some of the plurality of cylindrical protrusions 330 defining a respective screw hole.

[00128] Further, with continued reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4, according to certain nonlimiting embodiments of the present technology, the mount assembly 104 may further include a second linking element 124. The second linking element 124 may further include a mount base plate 332 and a base protrusion 334 extending upwardly therefrom. In certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the second linking element 124 may define a hollow inside thereof (not separately numbered) configured to receive therein additional structural elements of the mount assembly 104, as will be described below.

[00129] Thus, the second linking element 124 may include an adhesive disk 212 attached to the mount base plate 332 for coupling the mount assembly 104 to the support surface. This coupling can be executed by means of a suction cup, for example. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the mount base plate 332 of the second linking element 124 may be configured to provide other ways of mounting the camera device 100 onto the support surface, such as a screw mounting, and the like.

[00130] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the first linking element 122 and the second linking element 124 may be interconnected therebetween by a pivotal connection (not separately numbered). With reference to Figures 3 and 6, the base protrusion 334 of the second linking element 124 may define a pivot hole 336 for receiving a pivot screw 338 providing the pivotal connection between the first linking element 122 and the second linking element 124. Thus, the first linking element 122 may change an angular position thereof relative to the second linking element 124 by rotating around the pivot screw 338.

[00131] With reference to Figures 1, 3, and 8, according to the non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the mount assembly 104 may further include a fixation mechanism 340 for selectively changing the angular position of the of the first linking element 122 relative to the second linking element 124. In the specific non-limiting embodiment, the selective changing is achieved, for example, by pressing a push button 126. As it can be appreciated, the fixation mechanism 340 may be received in the hollow inside of the second linking element 124, and may further include an internal base plate 342 and a locking protrusion 346 extending upwardly therefrom.

[00132] The internal base plate 342 may include a plurality of base screw holes 344 for flush mounting the fixation mechanism 340 into the hollow inside of the second linking element 124. Further, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the internal base plate 342 may define at least one slide guide 354 protruding upwardly therefrom and allowing the locking protrusion 346 slide on the internal base plate 342. [00133] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the locking protrusion 346 may include a pinion mechanism 348 receivable by the hollow inside of the second linking element (for example, in a similar pinion mechanism defined therein) and defining a plurality of angular positions of the first linking element 122 relative to the second linking element 124. To that end, the base protrusion 334 may define a push button aperture 350 configured to receive the push button 126 and a push spring 352.

[00134] Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, pushing the push button 126 may cause compression of the push spring 352, which, in turn, may cause the locking mechanism 349 to slide, in the at least one slide guide 354, along the internal base plate 342, thereby unlocking the pinion mechanism 348 and allowing the first linking element 122 to freely rotate relative to the second linking element 124. Further, by releasing the push button 126, the pinion mechanism 348 locks fixing the first linking element 122 in a selected one of the plurality of angular positions relative to the second linking element 124.

[00135] By doing so, an operator of the camera device 100 may change the angular position of the top assembly 106 (and thus that of the primary camera lens) relative to the support surface, onto which the camera device 100 has been mounted, thereby defining the camera device surrounding area associated therewith. For example, the operator of the camera device 100 may adjust the angular position of the top assembly 106 for better capturing certain features of the driver.

[00136] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to execute a method 1000 for detecting a safety event associated with a vehicle. The method 1000 will now be described in greater detail.

[00137] As previously mentioned, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may be installed onto the support surface, such as one of the inner surfaces (such as that of the windshield) of the vehicle (not depicted) by using the adhesive disk 212 attached to the mount assembly 104. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may be installed to be directed towards the driver (not depicted) of the vehicle. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the camera device 100 may be installed within the vehicle to face towards the outside thereof. [00138] Further, by using the pivotal connection (not separately numbered) provided by the pivot screw 338 and the push button 126, the operator of the camera device 100 may adjust the angular position of the body portion 102 thereof relative to the support surface, thereby defining the camera surrounding area of the camera device 100. For example, the operator may select one of the plurality of angular positions, defined by the pinion mechanism 348, of the first linking element 122 (coupled to the body portion 102) relative to the second linking element 124 (attached to the support surface), such that the top assembly 106 would be directed towards the driver’s face.

[00139] Further, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108 may define the secondary camera port 116 for providing a respective communication link between the processor of the camera device 100 and the secondary camera device (not depicted). In these embodiments, the secondary camera device can be a non-smart camera device, which is to denote that the secondary camera device does not have a dedicated processor for providing control thereto. Thus, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to provide, via the respective communication link, control to the secondary camera device.

[00140] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device may also be installed on one of the inner surfaces of the vehicle such that it faces towards one of the outside of the vehicle and an interior of the vehicle. In specific non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the secondary camera device may be installed to be directed towards a face of the passenger (not depicted) of the vehicle.

[00141] Finally, by using the power port 112, electrical power may be supplied at least to one of the camera device 100 and the secondary camera device; and by using the functional button 202, the camera device 100 and the secondary camera device may be put into operation (turned on), triggering the processor to execute the method 1000 for detecting the safety event associated with the vehicle, as will be described immediately below.

STEP 1002: RECEIVING, FROM THE PRIMARY CAMERA, FIRST DATA REPRESENTATIVE OF A CAMERA DEVICE SURROUNDING

[00142] At step 1002, the processor may be configured to cause the primary image sensor of the camera device 100 to generate the main image data. The main image data is representative of the camera surrounding area defined by the angular position of the camera device 100 (specifically, the top assembly 106) relative to the support surface. As previously mentioned, in those embodiments of the present technology where the top assembly 106 is directed towards the driver’s face, the main image data can be representative of certain facial features of the driver.

[00143] Further, by using at least one microphone of the camera device 100 received in a respective one of of the first microphone aperture 120 and the second microphone aperture 420 defined in the plurality of sidewalls 109, the processor may be configured to receive the audio data. According to some non-limiting embodiments, the audio data may be indicative of spoken utterances produced by one of the driver and the passenger of the vehicle.

STEP 1004: RECEIVING, FROM THE SECONDARY CAMERA, SECOND DATA REPRESENTATIVE OF A SECONDARY CAMERA SURROUNDING

[00144] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, at step 1004, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to cause the secondary image sensor of the secondary camera device to generate the auxiliary image data. As previously mentioned, depending on how the secondary camera device is installed within the vehicle, the auxiliary image data may be representative of one of certain facial features of the passenger and the vehicle surrounding area.

STEP 1006: ANALYZING THE FIRST DATA AND THE SECOND DATA

[00145] At step 1006, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to analyze at least one of so received the main image data, the auxiliary image data, and the audio data.

[00146] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, in order to analyze a given one of the main image data and the auxiliary image data, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to have access to and execute one or more computer vision algorithms, as described above.

[00147] Further, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to analyze the audio data for peaks and valleys in power thereof exceeding respective predetermined thresholds, In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to analyze other characteristics of the audio data, such as an associated frequency, an amplitude, a level of noise, and the like.

STEP 1008: IN RESPONSE TO THE ANALYZING RENDERING A RESULT INDICATIVE OF A SAFETY EVENT, RECORDING, USING AT LEAST ONE OF THE PRIMARY CAMERA AND THE SECONDARY CAMERA, DATA INDICATIVE OF THE SAFETY EVENT FOR A PREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME, THEREBY GENERATING A DATA PACKET

[00148] At step 1008, according to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to detect indications of the safety event associated with the vehicle and execute a respective action associated therewith.

[00149] For example, the processor may be configured to determine, based on the main image data, that a current physical condition of the driver may be associated with an elevated risk of a road accident. In other words, the processor may be configured to determine that the driver is fatigued, drowsy, or intoxicated (such as drunk, for example), as described above.

[00150] In another example, based on the auxiliary image data, in those embodiments where the secondary camera device is directed towards passenger’s face the processor may be configured to determine that a current physical condition or a behavior of the passenger may be associated with an elevated risk of a road accident. In other words, the processor may be configured to determine, for example, that the passenger is being excessively agitated or aggressive, as described above.

[00151] In yet another example, based on the audio data, the processor may be configured to determine that one of the driver and the passenger being emotional or there is some life- threatening event at least to one of them, as described above.

[00152] Finally, having detected the indications of the safety event, the processor may be configured to cause at least one of the camera device 100 and the secondary camera device to record data indicative of the safety event, that is, that respectively associated with at least one of the driver, the passenger, and the vehicle surrounding area. By doing so, the processor may be configured to generate the data packet for further storing and transmission thereof, for example.

[00153] According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may further be configured to generate the alert notification for the driver to draw his or her attention. It is not limited in which sequence the processor is configured to generate the alert notification with respect to the generating the data packet; and in various non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to generate the alert notification either before or after the generating the data packet.

[00154] As previously mentioned, the alert notification may comprise the visual alert notification and the audio alert notification. For example, the visual alert notification may be generated by the processor powering on at least one of the first light source 320 and the second light source 322, respectively received by the first light aperture 118 and the second light aperture 418, as described above.

[00155] Further, the audio alert notification may be generated by the processor causing the speaker (not depicted) of the camera device 100 to reproduce the predetermined audio feed. Accordingly, the reproducing of the predetermined audio feed may be output by the speaker grid 114 defined in at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 109 of the camera device housing 108, as described above.

STEP 1010: STORING, IN THE MEMORY STORAGE, THE DATA PACKET

[00156] At step 1010, according to certain non- limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor of the camera device 100 may be configured to store the so generated data packet including the data indicative of the safety event associated with the vehicle.

[00157] To that end, in some non-limiting embodiments, the camera device 100 may include the card slot aperture 204 for receiving the removable non-volatile card slot 326, to which the processor may be communicatively coupled. Thus, the processor may be configured to store the data packet in a removable non-volatile memory card insertable in the removable nonvolatile card slot 326. In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the removable non-volatile memory card may be an SD card.

[00158] Further, in some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the processor may be configured to stream the data indicative of the safety event to the remote server. To that end, the camera device 100 may include the SIM card slot (not depicted) receivable in the card slot aperture 204 for inserting a SIM card, which may further provide a network connection (such as a 3G/4G network connection) between the processor and the remote server, as described above.

[00159] Finally, the processor ma/ be configured to transmit the data packet to one or more electronic devices, which may be communicatively coupled thereto.

[00160] In some non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, a given electronic device may be coupled to the processor using a wire connection via the power port 112. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present technology, the given electronic device may be coupled to the processor via a wireless connection (such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless connection) initiated by pressing the functional button 202.

[00161] Finally, the given electronic device may be coupled to the processor via a local wireless connection provided by a respective local wireless interface. The local wireless connection may be established between the processor and the given electronic device depending on a configuration of the respective wireless interface. According to some nonlimiting embodiments of the present technology, the respective local wireless interface may be implemented as one of the bar code, the Quick Response (QR) code, and the Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, as described above.

[00162] The method 1000 hence terminates.

[00163] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.