http://on.fb.me/1LzF6iV

This week Google patented the famous backpack-sized trekker Street View camera.

System and method for capturing images of a geographic area
8,941,777

Inventors: Ratner; Daniel (San Francisco, CA)
Applicant:
Name City State Country Type

Google Inc.
Mountain View
CA
US
Assignee: Google Inc. (Mountain View, CA)
Appl. No.: 13/664,508
Filed: October 31, 2012

Abstract
A system for capturing images while a user is traversing a geographic area is disclosed. The system may include a frame configured to extend across a first shoulder and a second shoulder of the user and along at least a portion of a back side and a front side of the user. The system may also include a camera coupled to the frame on the back side or the front side of the user. The camera may be configured to capture at least one image of the geographic area. Additionally, the system may include a stabilizing device coupled to the frame on the other of the back side or the front side of the user. The stabilizing device may be configured to counterbalance an amount of weight supported by the frame on the opposed side of the user such that the frame is balanced across the shoulders of the user.