System and method for providing wide-area imaging and communications capability to a handheld device
US12244964B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2007/145
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a system and method for utilizing a wireless, handheld communication device to image a scene in multiple directions, so as to include multiple parties in addition to the user, and also, optionally, to project images on a plurality of display screens. The housing of the smartphone is adapted to provide a multi-camera and multi-screen arrangement. More particularly, the housing of the smartphone is adapted to include (at least) a front-directed camera and a rear-directed camera on respective front and rear faces, and openings along the left and right side edges for small-scale cameras and associated protective windows that are directed to image the left and right areas adjacent to the phone. The side cameras can also be provided in a removable case and a hub can be used to coordinate data feeds, including those from peripheral devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.