Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A method and system for displaying a series of images captured by
a digital camera, which includes a user interface that includes
a view finder. The method and system first stores each of the captured
images in memory, and then displays a plurality of image cells in
the view finder, wherein each of the image cells corresponds to
one of the captured images. The method and system further provides
at least one of the image cells with an image area for displaying
the corresponding captured image, and further provides the at least
one image cell with an icon area for displaying additional information
regarding the corresponding captured image. Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for displaying a series of images captured by a digital
camera, the digital camera including a user interface that includes
a view finder, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) storing each one of the captured images, each one of the captured
images having one or more media types associated therewith, wherein
the media types include a still image, a burst image, a time lapse
image, a panorama image, a movie clip, and sound;
(b) displaying a plurality of image cells in the view finder, wherein
each of the image cells corresponds to one of the captured images;
(c) providing at least one of the image cells with an image area
for displaying the corresponding captured image;
(d) providing the at least one image cell with an icon area adjacent
to the image area for displaying additional information regarding
the corresponding captured image; and
(e) displaying graphical icons in the icon area indicating the
media types associated with the captured image.
2. A method as in claim 1 wherein step (a) further includes the
step of:
(a1) storing each of the captured images in a file format that
includes compressed image data, thumb nail image data, and information
indicating the associated media types.
3. A method as in claim 2 wherein step (c) further includes the
step of:
(c1) displaying the captured image in the at least one image cell
by displaying the thumb nail image date from the respective file
format.
4. A method as in claim 3 wherein step (a) further includes the
step of:
(a2) storing media type information in the file format regarding
the media types associated with the respective captured images.
5. A method as in claim 3 wherein step (d) further includes the
step of:
(d3) displaying text in the icon area of the at least one image
cell corresponding to the media type information stored in the file
format.
6. A method as in claim 5 wherein step (a) further includes the
step of:
(a3) storing media types comprising multiple images in a multiple
media type file format, the multiple media type format including
plurality of file formats for each of the multiple images, and a
header for pointing to each of the file formats.
7. A system for displaying a series of images captured by a digital
camera, the digital camera including a user interface that includes
a view finder, the system comprising:
means for storing each one of the captured images, each one of
the captured images having one or more media types associated therewith,
wherein the media types include a still image, a burst image, a
time lapse image, a panorama image, a movie clip, and sound;
means for displaying a plurality of image cells in the view finder,
each of the image cells corresponding to one of the captured images,
wherein at least one of the image cells includes an image area for
displaying the corresponding captured image, and an icon area adjacent
to the image area for displaying additional information regarding
the corresponding captured image; and
means for displaying graphical icons in the icon area indicating
the media types associated with the captured image.
8. A system as in claim 7 wherein each of the captured images are
stored in a file format that includes compressed image data, thumb
nail image data, and information indicating the associated media
types.
9. A system as in claim 8 wherein the captured image is displayed
in the at least one image cell by displaying the thumb nail image
data from the respective file format.
10. A system as in claim 9 wherein media type information for each
captured image is stored in a respective file format.
11. A system as in claim 10 wherein text is displayed in the icon
area of the at least one image cell corresponding to the media type
information stored in the file format.
12. A system as in claim 11 wherein media types comprising multiple
images are stored in a multiple media type file format, the multiple
media type format including plurality of file formats for each of
the multiple images, and a header for pointing to each of the file
formats.
13. A digital camera device comprising:
a memory device coupled to the digital camera device for storing
sets of image data, each set of the image data having one or more
media types associated therewith, wherein the media types include
a still image, a burst image, a time lapse image, a panorama image,
a movie lip, and sound;
a memory manager for allocating storage locations within the memory
device to store the sets of image data, the image data stored in
a file format that includes the image data, a thumb nail image of
the image data, and an information field for storing information
regarding the image data, including the associated media types;
and
an interface coupled to the memory device for displaying a plurality
of image cells corresponding to the image data, wherein at least
one of the image cells includes an image area for displaying the
thumb nail image of the corresponding image data, and an icon area
adjacent to the image area for displaying additional information
regarding the corresponding image data, including graphical icons
indicating the media types associated with the captured image.
Digital Camera Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to digital cameras, and
more particularly to a method and system for displaying images in
the interface of a digital camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern digital cameras typically include an imaging device which
is controlled by a computer system. The computer system accesses
raw image data captured by the imaging device and then processes
and compresses the data before storing the compressed data into
an internal memory. Efficient operation of the computer is therefore
an important consideration for camera designers and manufacturers.
The memory architecture of a particular computer system determines
data storage techniques and can thus significantly effect the operational
efficiency of the entire digital camera system.
Due to architectural limitations of conventional digital cameras,
there are several drawbacks in the user interface that restrict
how captured images are displayed and manipulated by a user. The
user interface in conventional digital cameras typically includes
a view finder for displaying a series of image cells. Each image
cell, in turn, displays a small version of a corresponding captured
image. Displaying several cells in this manner allows a user to
review several images at once. When the user selects one of the
cells in the view finder, the full-sized version of the image is
then displayed in the view finder.
One problem with conventional digital cameras is that the file
format for storing captured images does not directly support the
display of image cells. For example, most traditional digital cameras
store compressed images in a particular file format in memory. The
file typically includes both a header that optionally stores the
date and time that the image was taken, and the captured image data
itself. The captured image is usually stored in the file as a Joint
Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) data.
When a conventional digital camera is to display a series of image
cells in the view finder, the digital camera must first retrieve
the JPEG data from the appropriate files, decompress the data, and
then process the uncompressed images by resizing the images to the
size of the image cells. One drawback to this approach is that the
decompressing and resizing operations reduce the speed at which
the camera can display the full-sized images in the view finder.
Another drawback is that the file format for storing captured images
does not support the storage of additional information regarding
each image that may be of use to the user. Thus, a conventional
digital camera that has stored many pictures can only offer the
date and time that each image was captured to distinguish the images
for the user.
Accordingly, what is needed is an improved system and method for
displaying captured images in a digital camera. The present invention
addresses such a need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides method and system for displaying
a series of images captured by a digital camera that includes a
user interface which includes a view finder. The method and system
first store each of the captured images in memory, and then displays
a plurality of image cells in the view finder, wherein each of the
image cells corresponds to one of the captured images. The method
and system further provide at least one of the image cells with
an image area for displaying the corresponding captured image, and
further provide the at least one image cell with an icon area for
displaying additional information regarding the corresponding captured
image.
According to the system and method disclosed herein, a file format
is provided that supports the direct display of image cells in the
view finder. In addition, graphical icons are displayed in the image
cell regarding the media types associated with the image, thereby
increasing the ease of use and operation of the digital camera.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera that operates in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment for the imaging
device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment for the computer
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a user interface for the digital
camera.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a digital camera user interface
having expanded cells in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the format of an expanded
cell.
FIG. 7 is a table listing example media types and corresponding
icons that may be associated with a captured image.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment for a extended
file format for storing a captured image that supports the display
of thumb nail images in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a second preferred embodiment for
the extended file format that supports multiple media types.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a multiple image file format
that supports multiple image media types.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in displaying images
in a digital camera. The following description is presented to enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and
is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.
Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles
herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention
is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to
be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features described herein.
The present invention is a digital camera that includes a method
and system for displaying captured images in a digital camera. According
to the present invention, a method and system is provided for supporting
the direct display of image cells in the view finder, and for extending
the image cell of each image in order to provide additional information
regarding the image.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a camera 110 is shown
according to the present invention. Camera 110 preferably comprises
an imaging device 114, a system bus 116 and a computer 118. Imaging
device 114 is optically coupled to an object 112 and electrically
coupled via system bus 116 to computer 118. Once a photographer
has focused imaging device 114 on object 112 and, using a capture
button or some other means, instructed camera 110 to capture an
image of object 112, computer 118 commands imaging device 114 via
system bus 116 to capture raw image data representing object 112.
The captured raw image data is transferred over system bus 116 to
computer 118 which performs various image processing functions on
the image data before storing it in its internal memory. System
bus 116 also passes various status and control signals between imaging
device 114 and computer 118.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment
of imaging device 114 is shown. Imaging device 114 preferably comprises
a lens 220 having an iris, a filter 222, an image sensor 224, a
timing generator 226, an analog signal processor (ASP) 228, an analog-to-digital
(A/D) converter 230, an interface 232, and one or more motor 234.
In operation, imaging device 114 captures an image of object 112
via reflected light impacting image sensor 224 along optical path
236. Image sensor 224 responsively generates a set of raw image
data representing the captured image 112. The raw image data is
then routed through ASP 228, A/D converter 230 and interface 232.
Interface 232 has outputs for controlling ASP 228, motors 234 and
timing generator 226. From interface 232, the raw image data passes
over system bus 116 to computer 118.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment
for computer 118 is shown. System bus 116 provides connection paths
between imaging device 114, power manager 342, central processing
unit (CPU) 344, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) 346, input/output
interface (I/O) 348, read-only memory (ROM) 350, and buffers/connector
352. Removable memory 354 connects to system bus 116 via buffers/connector
352. Alternately, camera 110 may be implemented without removable
memory 354 or buffers/connector 352.
Power manager 342 communicates via line 366 with power supply 356
and coordinates power management operations for camera 110. CPU
344 typically includes a conventional processor device for controlling
the operation of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, CPU 344
is capable of concurrently running multiple software routines to
control the various processes of camera 110 within a multi-threading
environment. DRAM 346 is a contiguous block of dynamic memory which
may be selectively allocated to various storage functions.
I/O 348 is an interface device allowing communications to and from
computer 118. For example, I/O 348 permits an external host computer
(not shown) to connect to and commnunicate with computer 118. I/O
348 also permits a camera 110 user to communicate with camera 110
via an external user interface and via an external display panel,
referred to as a view finder.
ROM 350 typically comprises a conventional nonvolatile read-only
memory which stores a set of computer-readable program instructions
to control the operation of camera 110. Removable memory 354 serves
as an additional image data storage area and is preferably a non-volatile
device, readily removable and replaceable by a camera 110 user via
buffers/connector 352. Thus, a user who possesses several removable
memories 354 may replace a full removable memory 354 with an empty
removable memory 354 to effectively expand the picture-taking capacity
of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
removable memory 354 is typically implemented using a flash disk.
Power supply 356 supplies operating power to the various components
of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, power supply 356 provides
operating power to a main power bus 362 and also to a secondary
power bus 364. The main power bus 362 provides power to imaging
device 114, I/O 348, ROM 350 and removable memory 354. The secondary
power bus 364 provides power to power manager 342, CPU 344 and DRAM
346.
Power supply 356 is connected to main batteries 358 and also to
backup batteries 360. In the preferred embodiment, a camera 110
user may also connect power supply 356 to an external power source.
During normal operation of power supply 356, the main batteries
358 provide operating power to power supply 356 which then provides
the operating power to camera 110 via both main power bus 362 and
secondary power bus 364.
During a power failure mode in which the main batteries 358 have
failed (when their output voltage has fallen below a minimum operational
voltage level) the backup batteries 360 provide operating power
to power supply 356 which then provides the operating power only
to the secondary power bus 364 of camera 110. Selected components
of camera 110 (including DRAM 346) are thus protected against a
power failure in main batteries 358.
Power supply 356 preferably also includes a flywheel capacitor
connected to the power line coming from the main batteries 358.
If the main batteries 358 suddenly fail, the flywheel capacitor
temporarily maintains the voltage from the main batteries 358 at
a sufficient level, so that computer 118 can protect any image data
currently being processed by camera 110 before shutdown occurs.
According to the present invention, the flexible architecture of
the digital camera provides an improved method for displaying captured
images in a digital camera. More specifically, the present invention
provides a method and system for directly displaying image cells
and for extending the cells of each image, such that the cells contain
additional information regarding the image. In a preferred embodiment,
image cells are extended through the use of an extended file format,
and the additional information contained in the extended image cells
takes the form of graphical icons, as explained further below.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a user interface 400 for the
digital camera as described in co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 08/702,286, filed on Aug. 23, 1996, entitled "A Method
and System For Grouping Images In A Digital Camera," and assigned
to the Assignee of the present application. In one preferred embodiment,
the user interface includes a view finder 402, an image capture
button called a photo button 404, a four-way navigation control
button 406, a menu button 408, a menu area 410 within the view finder
402, and function keys 412. The user interface may also include
an optional sound button 414 and a mode button 416.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4, the user interface 400 operates
in two modes: view finder mode and review mode. In a preferred embodiment,
the photo button 404 is a two position button. The view finder mode
begins when a user aims the camera at an object 112 and presses
the photo button 404 into the first position. Once this occurs,
the view finder 402 displays the image of the object 112 as shown
through the camera's imaging device 114. The user may then press
the photo button 404 into the second position to capture the image
shown in the view finder 402. Review mode begins by pressing any
other button on the interface 400.
Referring again to FIG. 4, once in the review mode, the view finder
402 displays a series of cells 418 that represent the digital images
that have been captured in the digital camera. The view finder 402
is shown here as displaying nine image cells 418. Each cell 418
displays a small-sized image corresponding to one of the captured
images. The user may navigate through the series of displayed cells
418 in the view finder 402 using the four-way navigation control
button 406 in order to select which image is displayed full-sized
in the view finder 402. The cell 418 currently selected by the four-way
navigation control 406 is encircled with a highlighted area 419,
which is shown as a selection rectangle. Other shapes for the highlighted
area are also suitable.
Although the user interface 400 provides many advantages, the cells
418 for displaying captured images suffer the same drawbacks as
the cells used in conventional digital cameras. The principal drawbacks
being a general failure in aiding the user in distinguishing among
the captured images, and the requirement of processing each captured
image in order to display its corresponding image cell 418.
According to the present invention, the failure of aiding the user
in distinguishing among captured images is addressed by expanding
the image cells 418, and by including additional information in
the expanded image cells 418, besides a small graphic of the captured
image.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a digital camera user interface
430 displaying a series of expanded cells 420 in accordance with
the present invention. The user interface 430 is also shown with
another preferred embodiment for the layout of the interface buttons,
where like components in FIGS. 4 and 5 have like reference numerals.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the format of an expanded
cell 420. According to the present invention, each cell 420 includes
an image area 422 and an icon/information area 424. The icon/information
area 424 may be placed in various positions relative to the image
area 422. However, in a preferred embodiment, the icon/information
area 424 is displayed on the right-hand side of each cell 420 as
shown.
The icon/information area 424 is for displaying one or more graphical
icons, and/or for displaying text information. The icons and text
information displayed in the icon/information area 424 indicate
to the user what media types have been associated with the image
displayed in the image area 422. As used conventionally, the phrase
"associating a media type with an object" means identifying
the specific types of media included in that object, such as graphics,
text, and sound.
FIG. 7 is a table listing example media types and corresponding
icons that may be associated with a captured image. The media type
of a captured image may represent a single image, a time lapse or
burst image, a movie clip, or a panorama. The media type may also
represent sound, where the corresponding icon indicates that a sound
clip is attached to the image displayed in the image area 422.
Other media types may also be associated with a captured image
that are not shown in FIG. 7, such as a snide show and a folder,
for example. A slide show comprises several images stored sequentially
in the same file, while a folder is one or more images stored in
the directory or folder. With such media types, the image area 422
would display the first image in the group or a representative image
from the folder, and the icon/information area 424 would display
an graphical icon representing a slide show or folder, respectively.
Displaying icons and text information in the icon/information area
424 according to the present invention provides the user with an
automatic method for categorizing and identifying common groups
of captured images.
The present invention also eliminates the need for processing captured
images when displaying the image cells 420. This is accomplished
by extending the file format used to store the captured images.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment for a extended
file format 460 for storing a captured image in accordance with
the present invention. The extended file format 460 includes a standard
header 462 for storing the date and time the image was captured,
and JPEG data 464 representing the captured image in compressed
form. And in contrast to prior file formats, the extended file format
460 also includes a small version of the captured image, referred
to here as a thumb nail image 466.
Including the thumb nail image 466 in the extended file format
460 enables the digital camera to directly display an image in the
image area 422 without processing the JPEG data 464. When the digital
camera 118 is to display a series of image cells 420 in the view
finder 402, the corresponding file formats 460 are first retrieved
from memory. The digital camera 118 then displays the thumb nail
image 466 directly from the file 460 in the image area 422 of the
cell 420, rather than first decompressing and resizing the JPEG
data 464. Avoiding the processing the actual JPEG data 464 in this
manner improves the speed at which the camera 118 may display the
series of image cells 420 in the view finder 402.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a second preferred embodiment for
the extended file format 470 that supports multiple media types.
As in the previous embodiment, the extended file format 470 includes
a standard header 462', JPEG data 464', and a thumb nail image 466'.
To enable different media types to be associated with a captured
image, the extended header 470 also includes an information field
472 and a sound field 474.
The information field 472 comprises a series of tags for storing
information regarding the image represented by the JPEG data 464'.
Media type tags indicate the media type of the image, such as whether
the image is a single image or a panorama image, for example. The
media type tags are used to select the type of icon is displayed
in the icon/information area 424 of a cell 420 when the thumb nail
466 of the image is displayed.
In operation, when the digital camera 118 is required to display
a set of cells 420 in the view finder 402, the digital camera 118
first retrieves each image's extended file 470 from memory. After
the appropriate file is retrieved, the thumb nail 466' is displayed
in the image area 422 of the cell 420. While the thumb nail is being
displayed, the tags stored in the information field 472 are read.
Based on the content of the tags, the appropriate icon is then displayed
in the icon/information area 424 of the cell 420.
Besides media tags, the information field 472 may also include
other types of tags for storing additional information regarding
the image and/or the camera 118 itself. For example, a tag could
be used to indicate the settings of the camera 118 at the time the
image was captured, or indicate the identity of the camera manufacturer,
for instance. The information in these tags may be accessed through
the buttons on the camera interface 430. The information may then
be displayed either as text in the icon/information area 424, or
displayed in a dialog box that is displayed in the view finder 402.
Displaying media icons and other information in the icon/information
area 424 provides the advantage of indicating to the user information
regarding the images that the user otherwise would not have immediate
access to. This feature provides a digital camera interface that
is both easy to user and more user friendly than traditional interfaces.
Referring still to FIG. 9, as stated above the expanded file format
470 also includes a sound field 474. The sound field 474 contains
digital sound data that has been recorded for the image using the
sound button 414, or contains a sound clip that has otherwise been
associated with the image. When the user selects one of the cells
420 in the view finder 402, the full-sized image is displayed in
the view finder 402 from the JPEG data 464, while sound is played
using the sound from the sound field 474.
The extended file format 470 of the present invention also supports
multiple image media types. Multiple image media types are media
types that comprise more than one image. Examples include a timelapse,
a slide show and a movie clip. In multiple image media types, the
multiple images are preferably stored in one file.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a multiple image file format
480 that supports these multiple image media types. As shown, the
multiple image file format 480 preferably includes a series of extended
file formats 470 that correspond to each image in the multiple image
file. The multiple image file format 480 also includes a header
482 pointing to each of the extended file formats 470'. In operation,
the file is retrieved and the header 482 is read in order to sequentially
access each of the extended file formats 470. Each of the extended
file formats 470 are then used to display their respective images
in the view finder 402. Other formats for the multiple image file
format 480 may also be used. For example, the file format 480 could
comprise only one header 482, one thumbnail, and multiple JPEG data
files.
A method and system for displaying images in the interface of a
digital camera has been disclosed. Although the present invention
has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one
of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could
be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within
the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many
modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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