In one of Microsoft's latest patent applications they note that their clip-on wearable camera invention will allow users to capture photos and/or video "hands-free," especially while they're moving. Microsoft's newly proposed camera, that is much smaller than a GoPro camera, could be very popular with active people, those at school, at a convention or those on vacation that simply want to be able to naturally capture their adventures and/or events hassle-free. It's like having the convenience of Google Glass without the geeky look.
Microsoft's patent filing notes that one aspect of their invention provides a garment clip housing to a camera. The clip comprises both a first portion, which houses operational circuitry of the camera, and a second portion, which supports an image capture component of the camera, with the image capture component being connected to the operational circuitry. The second portion of the clip has a mass which is less than the first portion of the clip, and the first and second portions are connected in a configuration so that, when the clip is secured to the garment, the image capture component faces outwardly and the first portion of the clip is at least partially concealed by the garment.
Another aspect provides a camera having a camera module housed in a clip portion of a garment clip. The camera module has a lens for capturing an image. The lens faces through an opening of the clip portion. The clip portion is pivotably mounted to a body portion which houses operational circuitry connected to the camera module.
Microsoft further notes that the clip portion may be forward of the body portion such that the camera has a center of gravity behind the clip portion. That is, the camera may have a center of gravity such that, when the camera is secured to a garment worn by (e.g.) a user with the body portion concealed by the garment, the center of gravity may be between the user's body and the clip. This prevents the camera from tilting forward.
While the camera will provide limited storage, the camera will support a memory a flash memory card. Microsoft states that the camera may be operated by the user with physical buttons on the clip itself. Alternatively or additionally, the camera may be operated via a separate electronic device, such as a smart phone or tablet and wirelessly communicate and transfer files.
And lastly, Microsoft's camera design which houses the operational circuitry will be encased in a water-resistant wall.
Microsoft filed their patent application back in Q2 2013. The US Patent Office published it last week. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.
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