RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application No. 2020900568 filed on 27 February 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for capturing moving image of an event, and in particular, a vehicle mounted system for capturing moving images associated with a driving or riding experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of cameras to capture a visual image of an event is a practice undertaken by most people. This practice may include a photograph of a family gathering, a child’s first day at school, or a wedding/birth. The taking of a photograph of such an event attempts to capture the moment in a manner which can be viewed again, at a later time, to evoke memories of the event.

With ever changing developments in technology and the common availability of a variety of different types and styles of cameras, it is common for not just still images, but moving images, to be captured of any variety of events. As cameras become smaller and less expensive, high quality images of events that have traditionally been difficult to capture are becoming increasingly possible. In this regard, cameras can be strapped to bodies or worn by individuals to capture moving images associated with such pursuits as sky diving, mountain bike riding and other extreme sports, which have traditionally not been possible.

In recent times, the ability to ride in a vehicle for entertainment purposes has become an increasingly popular source of entertainment and amusement. Such rides may include being a passenger in high speed rides in vehicles around a race track; being a passenger in a four-wheel drive vehicle crossing rugged terrain; being a passenger in an aircraft performing combat manoeuvres; as well as passengers in boating adventure rides, roller coasters and the like. In either instance, it is often the thrill or excitement of not merely being a passenger in the vehicle but also experiencing the vision from the point of view of the vehicle that provides the thrill and exhilaration of the experience. Whilst there exist many vehicle mounted camera facilities that provide a means for capturing the vision associated with the experience from the point of view of the vehicle, such vision may be difficult to translate back to the experience of the individual within the vehicle and the reactions that the individual may have had to specific aspects of the experience. Often, it is the ability to view the reaction of the individual in concert with the actual movement of the vehicle that provides the most entertainment, especially placing the vision of the two together.

In amusement parks, most rides have the ability to capture images of the participants as they pass through a particular point in the ride to capture the reaction of the participants at that point. The images can be viewed after the ride and purchased if desired. However, such images typically do not provide vision from the point of 5 view of the person taking the ride and are merely a snap-shot of a reaction of the individual at a point along the ride.

Similarly, for 4-wheel drive tour operators and other types of vehicle “joy-ride” operators, individual passengers may be provided with footage of the vehicle or images of the vehicle during the ride, but there is no direct way of providing the passenger with the ability to capture the experience for the passengers that not only provides vision or footage of the vehicle from the point of view of the passenger, but which also shows the reaction of the passenger as the vehicle is travelling, which can include the ability to capture an expression or body movement of the passenger based on the experience they are undertaking

Thus, there is a need to provide an image capturing system for a vehicle that provides moving image of both the vehicle and the individual passengers travelling in the vehicle and which can be simply downloaded from the vehicle at the end of the ride as a keepsake or memento of the trip.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a system for capturing moving images associated with being a passenger in a vehicle comprising: a vehicle mounted camera having at least one internal facing lens for capturing images within the vehicle and at least one external facing lens for capturing images external to the vehicle; a storage system for storing the captured images in a combined format; and a transfer device for transferring the captured images from the storage system to a destination nominated by the passenger for retention by the passenger as a keepsake.

In one embodiment the wherein the transfer device comprises a computer that transfers the stored images to a data storage device. In one form, the data storage device may be a USB stick. In another form, the transfer device may transfer the captured image to a smart phone associated with the passenger for storage therein.

The vehicle mounted camera may be mountable to a windscreen of the vehicle by way of a mount. The mount may have a suction system to attach to a glass surface of the windscreen. The mount may be mounted to the vehicle such that the camera is suspended therefrom so as to be located adjacent a roof of the vehicle. The computer may contain a touch screen controller for checking and/or correcting alignment of the internal facing lens and the external facing lens of the vehicle mounted camera.

In one form, the vehicle is a four wheel drive vehicle. In another form, the vehicle is a theme park ride. In yet another form, the vehicle is a watercraft. In yet another form, the vehicle is an aircraft.

The vehicle mounted camera may comprise a plurality of internal facing lenses, each internal facing lens being configured to be aligned to capture images associated with a different passenger of the vehicle. The transfer device may comprise a computer processor configured to align each internal facing lens with a passenger of the vehicle.

The combined format of the images may comprise displaying the images together in real time. According to another aspect, thepresent invention provides a method of enhancing an experience of being a passenger in a vehicle comprising: capturing moving image external of the vehicle as the vehicle is moving; capturing moving image internal of the vehicle as the vehicle is moving; superimposing the captured external or internal moving image on the other of the captured external or internal moving image; storing said superimposed moving images; and copying the stored superimposed moving images onto one or more storage devices for use by the passenger as a keepsake of the experience.

In one embodiment of this aspect, the step of superimposing the captured external or internal moving image on the other of the captured external or internal moving images may comprise overlaying the images in real time.

Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for capturing moving images associated with being a passenger in a vehicle comprising: a vehicle mounted camera having an internal facing lens for capturing images within the vehicle and an exterior lens for capturing images external to the vehicle; a storage system for storing the captured images in a superimposed format; a personal memory storage device; and a copying device capable of copying the captured images from the storage system to the personal memory storage device for retention by the passenger as a keepsake. Accordingly, in yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of enhancing an experience of being a passenger in a vehicle comprising: capturing moving image external of the vehicle as the vehicle is moving; capturing moving image internal of the vehicle as the vehicle is moving; superimposing the captured external or internal moving image on the other of the captured external or internal moving image; storing said superimposed moving images; and following said experience, copying the stored superimposed moving images onto a personal storage device for use as a keepsake of the experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a vehicle with the system of the present invention mounted therein;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of a camera suitable for use with the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a copying device suitable for use in copying images taken by the system of the present invention for transfer to a memory card to be given to a passenger as a keepsake;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a memory card in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the storage element exposed; and

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a memory card in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the storage element in a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The system of the present invention will be described below in relation to its use in a vehicle such as a four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle to capture images associated with a ride taken therein. However, it will be appreciated that the system of the present invention could be equally employed in use with other type of vehicles, such as high performance racing vehicles, watercraft and aircraft, theme park rides and still retain the spirit of the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a partial section of 4WD vehicle 10 employing the system of the present invention is shown. The 4WD vehicle 10 has a front or driver’s seat 11 in proximity to a steering wheel 13. A windscreen 14 is provided to provide a means for the driver present in the driver’s seat to see externally of the vehicle 10 to direct the vehicle’s path of travel. The vehicle 10 has an interior space 12 which accommodates passengers therein, which may include any number from 1 - 8, depending upon the size of the vehicle.

In accordance with the system of the present invention, a bi-directional camera 20 is mounted to the windscreen of the vehicle 10 as shown, the camera 20 is capable of recording moving images in the direction of arrows ‘A’ and ‘B’.

Images recorded in the direction of arrow “A’ are essentially images associated with the passengers within the vehicle 10, and may be reactions of the passengers such as facial expressions and the like, to the path taken by the vehicle. These reactions could be expressions of pleasure and happiness that may be associated with a view external to the vehicle, or may be expressions of shock or fright, associated with a steep decline/incline or river passage that the vehicle may be undertaking. Images recorded in the direction of arrow Έ’ are essentially images taken through the front windscreen 14 of the vehicle depicting the passage of the vehicle as it passes through the terrain. These images depict the driver’s view of the terrain being travelled by the vehicle and that which the passengers are experiencing.

Turning to Figure 2, one embodiment of a camera 20 is shown. The camera 20 is mountable to the windscreen 14 of the vehicle 10 by way of a mount 22. The mount 22 may be a conventional mounting system that employs a suction system to attach to the glass surface of the windscreen, although other mounting systems are also envisaged. The mount 22 typically provides a steady and stable support for the camera 20 to ensure that the cameras 20 are maintained in a steady and secure position with respect to the vehicle, to ensure that the moving image captured is of sufficient quality. The mount 22 is mounted to the vehicle such that the cameras 20 are suspended therefrom so as to be located adjacent the roof 15 of the vehicle. In this configuration, the presence of the camera 20 is not located in the direct field of vision of the driver and passengers and does not reduce the driver’s visibility through the windscreen.

The camera 20 has a front lens (not shown) to capture moving image footage in the direction of arrow ‘B’, as discussed above. The opposing side of the camera, as shown in Fig. 2, has a screen 23 to display the footage captured by the front lens. A rear lens 24 is also provided on the rear surface of the camera to capture moving image footage of passengers present in the vehicle 10, in the direction of arrow A. the camera 20 also includes a microphone to capture audio associated with the moving image footage of the passengers within the vehicle 10.

The camera 20 is able to record the moving image footage in the direction of arrow ‘A’ and arrow ‘B’ and is able to store the captured moving image footage in a removable memory device 26, such as a conventional USB stick or the like. For multiple passenger vehicles, such as 4WD adventures, boating experiences or theme park rides, multiple USB sticks can be recorded to virtually instantly.

The stored moving image footage is configured such that the footage captured in the direction of arrow ‘A’ is superimposed over the footage captured in the direction of arrow ‘B\ typically by placing the image in a top right hand corner of the footage captured in the direction of arrow ‘B\ Other arrangements of the footage are also possible and may be selected depending upon the requirements of the individual. In any event, the footage in the direction of arrows ‘A’ and ‘B’ that is captured and stored is in a format that presents both footage at the same time and in synchronicity, such that the reactions of the passengers captured in the footage of arrow ‘A’ is as a result of the passage of the vehicle as captured in the footage of arrow ‘B\

It will be appreciated that during the ride/journey, the moving images will be captured and stored and at the conclusion of the ride/journey, each passenger will be able to obtain a copy of the image as a keepsake or memento of the event.

In order to provide copies of the images taken by the camera, each passenger may be provided with a memory card 30, as depicted in Figures 4 and 5. The memory card 30 is a dedicated card provided by the tour operator which is essentially the same size as a regular credit card such that it can be carried by the passenger with their credit card. The card may be printed on both sides with an image associated with the tour operator or any other desired image and a portion of the card may be provided with a microchip that is capable of storing data thereon, in the same was as a conventional USB storage device. In the embodiment as shown, the microchip is formed in a portion of the card that can be simply rotated to extend away from the body of the card in the manner as depicted in Fig. 4. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements are also envisaged and that the memory card may be a simple USB device. The images may be recorded as they occur and be immediately transferred to the storage device or multiple storage devices via the computer processor.

The computer processing unit 40 contains a touch screen controller allowing for camera alignment to be checked by an operator prior to use. The computer processing unit 40 may also have an on/off button to control the system as well as a facility to provide actual viewing from as part of the set-up process. A built-in USB multi hub may also be provided to record multiple visions onto the USB sticks simultaneously and extra USB ports 41 may be provided as desired.

Following the ride/journey, the tour operator may remove the memory stick 26 from the processing unit 40 and if multiple copies of the footage are required, the tour operator may place extra memory sticks 26 into the processing unit 40. Once the images have been copied to the memory stick 26, the operator will be able to remove the copy/copies of the footage of the event as a keepsake of the overall experience. In an alternative embodiment, the passenger may nominate an email address or may provide a link to their smart phone whereby the captured and compiled images can be sent to their nominated destination by Wi-Fi or over a mobile network

As the images are captured in a superimposed format, by simply replaying the images the passenger can view the ride/journey from the point of view of the passenger and can also view imaged of their reactions, and the reactions of the other passengers, to specific aspects of the ride/journey.

It will be appreciated that the system and method of the present invention provides a convenient means for capturing the experiences of a ride/journey from the point of view of the vehicle as it travels along a path as well as the reaction of the passengers to the sights and experiences along the journey. Such a system and method requires minimal effort and ensures that safety of the passenger and driver is maintained, as passengers are not required to create their own footage and are not tempted to undo their seatbelt to take the footage. Further to this, as the footage is captured from the a camera mounted to the vehicle, the footage captured is of a high quality and is not prone to shaking or poor focus, as is often the case when such footage is taken by passengers within a moving vehicle. As the system utilise video captured from two or more cameras and compiles the captured images, it is possible for operators to superimpose or otherwise prerecord information about their company together with the video image for capture as a marketing and advertising feature.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the system uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.