Digital Camera Patent Abstract
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a one-time-use
camera. The one-time-use camera includes an electronic digital camera
system for generating digital image data representative of a captured
image. A non-volatile memory is provided in communication with the
electronic digital camera system for storing the digital image data.
The non-volatile memory component includes a memory matrix component,
the matrix memory component including a first layer of parallel
conductors, a second layer of parallel conductors oriented mutually
orthogonal to the first set of parallel conductors, and a functional
medium disposed between the first layer and the second layer. An
addressable cell in the functional medium is defined at an intersection
of each first layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel
conductor. Supplying electrical energy directly to the functional
medium of the cell detects or changes the logical state of the cell,
for reading and writing the digital image data at the matrix memory
component. Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A one-time-use camera comprising: an electronic digital camera
system for generating digital image data representative of a captured
image; a non-volatile memory in communication with the electronic
digital camera system for storing the digital image data, the non-volatile
memory comprising a matrix memory component, the matrix memory component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first set
of parallel conductors, and a functional medium disposed between
the first layer and the second layer, wherein an addressable cell
in the functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first
layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel conductor; and
wherein supplying an electrical energy directly to the functional
medium of the cell detects or changes the logical state of the cell,
for reading and writing the digital image data at the matrix memory
component.
2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the functional medium is made
of an organic material with non-linear impedance characteristics.
3. The camera of claim 1, wherein the functional medium includes
a polymer material.
4. The camera of claim 1, wherein the functional medium includes
an amorphous silicon material.
5. The camera of claim 1, wherein the functional medium includes
a low molecular weight organic material.
6. The camera of claim 1, further comprising an external interface
wherein the external interface is configured for transfer of the
digital image data to an external device.
7. The camera of claim 1, wherein the non-volatile memory component
is removable from the camera.
8. The camera of claim 7, wherein the non-volatile memory component
is replaceable with a second non-volatile memory component for reuse
of the camera.
9. The camera of claim 1, wherein the memory component includes
an external device interface for transferring the digital image
data to an external device.
10. The camera of claim 1, wherein the electronic digital camera
system includes a lens system, a shutter system, a charge coupled
device, an analog to digital converter, a digital signal processor,
and a camera system processor for receiving an image and converting
the image to digital image data stored in the memory component.
11. The camera of claim 1, wherein the electronic digital camera
system includes an external device interface for transferring the
digital image data stored at the memory component to an external
device.
12. A one-time-use camera comprising: an electronic digital camera
system for generating digital image data representative of a captured
image; a non-volatile memory in communication with the electronic
digital camera system for storing the digital image data, the non-volatile
memory comprising a matrix memory component, the matrix memory component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first set
of parallel conductors, and a functional medium disposed between
the first layer and the second layer, wherein an addressable cell
in the functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first
layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel conductor; and
wherein supplying an electrical energy directly to the functional
medium of the cell detects or changes the logical state of the cell,
for reading and writing the digital image data at the matrix memory
component, further comprising a camera housing, wherein the wherein
the non-volatile memory component is attached to the housing.
13. The camera of claim 12, wherein the housing includes a front
portion and a back portion, wherein the non-volatile memory component
is attached to the back portion defining a camera back memory assembly.
14. The camera of claim 13, wherein the camera back memory assembly
is removable from the front portion.
15. The camera of claim 14, wherein the camera back assembly is
replaceable with a second camera back assembly.
16. A one-time-use camera comprising: an electronic digital camera
system for generating digital image data representative of a captured
image, the electronic digital camera system including a mode switch
for allowing a user to select a mode of operation of the camera;
a non-volatile memory in communication with the electronic digital
camera system for storing the digital image data, the non-volatile
memory comprising a matrix memory component, the matrix memory component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first set
of parallel conductors, and a functional medium disposed between
the first layer and the second layer, wherein an addressable cell
in the functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first
layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel conductor; and
wherein supplying an electrical energy directly to the functional
medium of the cell detects or changes the logical state of the cell,
for reading and writing the digital image data at the matrix memory
component.
17. The camera of claim 16, wherein the electronic digital camera
system includes a microphone system for recording sound as part
of the digital image data.
18. The camera of claim 16, including a selectable mode of operation
for recording a still picture as the digital image data.
19. The camera of claim 16, including a selectable mode of operation
for recording still picture and sound associated with the still
picture as the digital image data.
20. The camera of claim 16, including a selectable mode of operation
for recording video as the digital image data.
21. The camera of claim 16, including a selectable mode of operation
for recording video and sound associated with the video as the digital
image data.
22. A method of using a one-time-use camera comprising: defining
a digital camera including a camera housing, an electronic digital
camera system for generating digital image data representative of
a captured image; and a non-volatile memory including a write once
memory matrix component in communication with the electronic digital
camera system for storing the digital image data; capturing an image
using the digital camera and storing the image as digital image
data in the non-volatile memory; removing the non-volatile memory;
and
transferring the digital image data from the non-volatile memory
to a portable medium; defining the write once memory matrix component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first set
of parallel conductors, and a functional medium disposed between
the first layer and the second layer, wherein an addressable cell
in the functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first
layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel conductor.
23. The method of claim 22, defining the portable medium as photographic
prints.
24. The method of claim 22, defining the portable medium as a digital
video disk.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising replacing the non-volatile
memory with a second non-volatile memory such that the one-time-use
camera is available for reuse.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of replacing the non-volatile
memory with a second non-volatile memory includes replacing the
second portion of the housing with a third housing portion having
the second non-volatile memory attached thereto.
27. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of sending
the portable medium to a user.
28. The method of claim 22, including defining the functional medium
to include an organic material having non-linear impedance characteristics.
29. The method of claim 22, including defining the functional medium
to include an amorphous silicon material.
30. The method of claim 22, including defining the functional medium
to include a polymer.
31. The method of claim 22, including defining the functional material
to include a low molecular weight organic material.
32. A disposable digital camera comprising: an electronic digital
camera system for generating digital image data representative of
a captured image, the electronic digital camera system includes
a lens system, a shutter system, a charge coupled device, an analog
to digital converter, a digital signal processor, and a camera system
processor for receiving an image and converting the image to digital
image data; a non-volatile memory in communication with the electronic
digital camera system for storing the digital image data, the non-volatile
memory comprising a matrix memory component, the matrix memory component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first set
of parallel conductors, and a flexible, substantially planar functional
medium disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein
the functional medium is made of an organic material with non-linear
impedance characteristics, the functional medium including a polymer
material, and wherein an addressable cell in the functional medium
is defined at an intersection of each first layer parallel conductor
and second layer parallel conductor; and wherein supplying an electrical
energy directly to the functional medium of the cell detects or
changes the logical state of the cell, for reading and writing the
digital image data at the matrix memory component.
33. The camera of claim 32, further comprising a camera housing,
the housing including a front portion and a back portion, wherein
the non-volatile memory component is attached to the back portion
defining a camera back memory assembly, wherein the camera back
memory assembly is removable from the front portion.
34. The camera of claim 33, the back portion having a major surface,
the matrix memory component having a substantially planar, layer-like
structure attached to the major surface of the back portion.
35. A method, comprising: attaching a first housing portion having
a memory formed therein to a second housing portion to form a one-time-use
digital camera; capturing digital images with the one-time-use digital
camera; removing the first housing portion from the second housing
portion; and retrieving the digital images from the first housing
portion.
36. The method of claim 35, comprising: storing the digital images
in the memory; and retrieving the digital images from the memory
in the first housing portion.
37. The method of claim 35, comprising: disposing of the first
housing portion.
38. The method of claim 35, comprising: reusing the second housing
portion; replacing the first housing portion with a third housing
portion having a memory; and attaching the third housing portion
to the second housing portion to form another one-time-use digital
camera.
39. The method of claim 35, comprising: forming the first housing
portion and the second housing portion of a polymeric material.
40. The method of claim 35, comprising: providing the memory as
a nonvolatile memory.
41. The method of claim 35, comprising: providing the memory as
a write-once memory.
42. The method of claim 35, comprising: capturing digital images
with the one-time-use digital camera until the memory in the first
housing portion is full; and replacing the first housing portion
with a third housing portion having a memory with available storage.
43. The method of claim 35, wherein capturing digital images includes
capturing still images.
44. The method of claim 35, wherein capturing digital images includes
capturing motion images.
45. The method of claim 35, wherein capturing digital images includes
capturing sound associated with the digital images.
46. The method of claim 35, further comprising providing the first
housing portion as a camera back assembly.
Digital Camera Patent Description
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to one-time-use or "disposable"
cameras, and more particularly, to a system and method for a one-time-use
or disposable digital camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Disposable cameras provide a relatively inexpensive method for
a user to capture memories on a photosensitive film without purchasing
an expensive camera or if they have forgotten their camera while
away from home (e.g., while on vacation). Disposable cameras are
often sold in convenient places close to places where a user may
have a need for such a camera, such as in convenience stores, shopping
malls, or vacation places. A typical disposable camera includes
a plastic housing, lens and shutter system, a film advance system,
and photosensitive film preloaded within the housing. Images are
captured on the film. The film is advanced manually. After the maximum
number of pictures have been taken, the entire camera is brought
to a developer. The developer removes the film from the camera for
processing. The camera is either disposed of by the developer, or
portions of the camera may be recycled by the manufacturer for reuse
in a new one-time-use camera and resold to a consumer.
More advanced disposable cameras include a flash system and battery
which automatically recharges for the next subsequent picture. Other
electronics may be included within the disposable camera, such as
an LED indicator for notifying a user that the flash has recharged
to a level suitable for use.
Disposable cameras have many limitations. Disposable cameras typically
do not employ focusable lens systems or autofocus lens systems,
limiting picture quality. Further, since typical disposable cameras
are manual, many other automatic features are not included with
the camera such as automatic film advance and camera display features.
Known disposable cameras are also limited to capturing an image
on a photosensitive medium (i.e., film) and are not capable of storing
video (i.e., motion) or sound. Images captured on film using the
disposable camera are not directly available in a digital format.
Digital cameras utilize image sensor technology and memory storage
for capturing and storing images in a digital format. The digital
format allows images to be available instantly with no need for
a chemical development process necessary for a conventional camera
using light-sensitive films. The image is captured utilizing a charge
coupled device (CCD) or CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor)
sensors. Camera electronics are utilized for converting the image
into a digital format. The number of pictures a user may take is
limited by the size and type of memory included in the digital camera.
Once the camera memory is full, it can be downloaded to a personal
computer or other device and the pictures are deleted from the camera.
Modern digital cameras use removable memory storage, typically
in the form of a memory card. Once a memory card is full it can
be removed from the camera and replaced by a another memory card.
Also, with additional hardware, memory cards can be inserted directly
into a personal computer and photos read to the personal computer
similar to accessing a hard disk drive. One known removable memory
storage is CompactFlash available from SanDisk Corporation. CompactFlash
cards weigh very little (approximately 11.4 grams) and are 43.times.36.times.3.3
mm. CompactFlash cards are based on flash memory technology and
provide non-volatile storage of digital images. Known CompactFlash
cards have memory capacities in the range of 4 megabytes to 48 megabytes.
Another known removable memory storage is a Smart Media card (also
known as SSFDC--solid state floppy disk card) available from Toshiba
Corporation. Smart Media cards are smaller and lighter than compact
flash cards, weighing 0.48 grams with a form factor of 45.times.37
mm and a thickness of only 0.78 mm. Smart Media cards have a memory
storage capacity less than CompactFlash cards, with a known maximum
capacity in the range of 16 megabytes. Known higher-end or professional
digital cameras may use very small hard disk drives, known as microdrives,
as their storage medium. One known microdrive is available from
IBM Corporation. The IBM microdrive uses a single one-inch diameter
platter that weighs just 16 grams and spins at 4,500 rpms. The microdrives
have much higher capacity than flash memory but consume substantially
more space and power. At this time, the use of disk drives as a
storage medium for everyday use digital cameras are even more impractical
due to fragility and reliability reasons, because of the moving
parts and extremely tight mechanical tolerances to which the hard
drives are built.
The need exists for a relatively inexpensive disposable camera
which includes the benefits of digital cameras such as storing a
captured image in a digital format, including the ability to store
both still and video images, with sound, in a digital format.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a digital camera. In one aspect,
the digital camera is a one-time-use or disposable digital camera
for storing an image in a digital format readily available for use.
The present invention also provides a method of using a one-time-use
or disposable digital camera which allows a customer to receive
their images in a digital format on a portable storage medium, such
as a digital video disk.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a one-time-use
camera. The one-time-use camera includes an electronic digital camera
system for generating digital image data representative of a captured
image. A non-volatile memory is provided in communication with the
electronic digital camera system for storing the digital image data.
The non-volatile memory includes a memory matrix component, the
matrix memory component including a first layer of parallel conductors,
a second layer of parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal
to the first set of parallel conductors, and a functional medium
made of a polymer material disposed between the first layer and
the second layer. An addressable cell in the functional medium is
defined at an intersection of each first layer parallel conductor
and second layer parallel conductor. Supplying electrical energy
directly to the functional medium of the cell detects or changes
the logical state of the cell, for reading and writing the digital
image data at the matrix memory component.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method
of using a one-time-use camera. The method includes defining a digital
camera including a camera housing having a first portion and a second
portion, an electronic digital camera system for generating digital
image data representative of a captured image, and a non-volatile
memory attached to the second portion of the housing and in communication
with the electronic digital camera system for storing the digital
image data. An image is captured using the digital camera and stored
as digital image data in the non-volatile memory. The non-volatile
memory is removed. The digital image data is transferred from the
non-volatile memory to a portable medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera illustrated in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of
the digital camera of FIG. 1, wherein a portion of the digital camera
including a memory is removable from the digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the
removable portion of a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a mode selector used with a digital camera according to the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a matrix memory component used in a digital camera according
to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating
one exemplary embodiment of an intersecting region defining a cell
in the matrix memory component of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of an
electrical representation of the matrix memory component of FIG.
7.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of a cell in a matrix memory component
used in a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another
exemplary embodiment of a matrix memory component used in a volumetric
configuration for a digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a method of using a digital camera according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments
in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood
that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not
to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a digital camera in accordance with the present invention at
20. Digital camera 20 is suitable for use as a one-time-use or disposable
camera by employing a unique, relatively inexpensive electronic
digital camera system for generating digital image data representative
of a captured image, in combination with a non-volatile memory for
storing the digital image data. In one preferred embodiment, the
non-volatile memory is secured to a removable portion of the camera
housing. In one preferred embodiment, the non-volatile memory is
a relatively inexpensive memory which includes a matrix memory component
including a first layer of parallel conductors oriented mutual orthogonal
to a second layer of parallel conductors, separated by a functional
medium including a polymer material. Supplying electrical energy
directly to the functional medium of the cell detects or changes
the logical state of the cell, for reading and writing the digital
image data representative of captured images at the matrix memory
component. The one-time-use digital camera 20 is relatively inexpensive,
while employing many features associated with high-end digital cameras
used by professional photographers. The digital camera 20 can capture
both high-quality (i.e., high resolution) still images and high
frame rate, motion images. Additionally, the digital camera 10 can
record sound associated with those captured images.
Digital camera 20 is substantially contained within housing 22.
In one aspect, housing 22 is made of a rigid polymeric material
(i.e., plastic). Housing 22 includes multiple openings for operational
and user features of digital camera 20. In one aspect, housing 22
includes push button 24, lens system 26, view finder 28, display
30, and flash system 32. Inage capture button 24 is operated by
a user to capture an image with digital camera 20. The captured
image may be a still image or video (i.e., motion). Lens system
opening 26 provides for operation of a lens system and shutter assembly
to allow a photographed image to be captured by the digital camera
20. Display 30 is utilized to display operational features of digital
camera 20, such as the number of pictures taken, battery status,
etc. Display 30 may comprise an electronic or liquid crystal display,
and may display other features as known in digital cameras. Flash
system 32 includes flash 34 and flash ready indicator 36. In one
aspect, flash 34 is a rechargeable flash. In one aspect, flash ready
indicator 36 provides a blinking indication that flash 34 is fully
recharged and ready for use.
In one embodiment, digital camera 20 includes mode selector 38,
allowing digital camera 20 to be switched between different modes
of operation. In one aspect, mode selector 38 operates to switch
or change the operational mode of digital camera 20 between a still
image mode 40 (indicated as S), a still image with sound mode 42
(indicated as SS), a video (motion) mode 44 (indicated as V) and
a video with sound mode 46 (indicated as VS).
FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a rear view of the
digital camera shown in FIG. 1. Digital camera 20 may automatically
advance to the next digital image storage location, or may include
advance mechanism 48 for manually advancing between stored digital
images or other display features. The housing 22 of digital camera
20 also includes removable portion 50. In one embodiment, the removable
portion 50 is located on the back or rear side of digital camera
20. Removable portion 50 is utilized to access a non-volatile memory
located with in digital camera 20 where the digital images are stored.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of the digital camera of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates removable portion
50 being removed from a front portion 52 to access a non-volatile
memory 54 of digital camera 20. In one embodiment, the non-volatile
memory 54 is attached to the back or removable portion 50 to define
a removable camera back memory assembly 56. The camera back memory
assembly 56 includes tab mechanisms 58 which allow the camera back
memory assembly 56 to be securely and operationally attached to
digital camera 20, while also allowing removal of the camera back
memory assembly 56 from the digital camera 20. Once the memory component
54 in camera back memory assembly 56 has been used (or is full),
the camera back memory assembly 56 is removed from the digital camera
20. In one aspect, a second camera back memory assembly 56 is secured
to the digital camera 20 using similarly aligned tab mechanisms,
allowing digital camera 20 to be reused.
FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of camera back memory
assembly 56. The non-volatile memory 54 is positioned within removable
portion 50, and preferably secured to a major surface of the removable
portion 50. In one aspect, the memory 54 has sufficient memory capacity
to hold both still and motion images. For example, memory 54 can
be 100 to 200 megabytes to hold approximately 100 still images or
a combination of 25-50 still images and 15 minutes worth of video
or motion with sound. The capture images can be very high resolution
images. Greater memory capacities can be achieved with a larger
size or volume memory 54. The non-volatile memory 54 is installed
"at the factory" in the portion 56. After use, the camera
back memory assembly 56 is removable from the digital camera 20
at a processing location, where the digital images can be immediately
downloaded to a user friendly medium, such as a digital video disk,
videotape, network storage location, and/or prints of the images.
As such, the user is not required to have the use of a computer.
The camera back memory assembly can be replaced with a second camera
back memory assembly on the digital camera 20 for use, being available
to be sold again to another user. As such, the one-time-use camera
may be reused or recycled. A user obtains their memories or captured
images in a digital form, providing them with great flexibility
and the use of those images. Further, the one-time-use digital camera
20 according to the present invention provides for an inexpensive
method to capture video or motion based memories (e.g., a child's
first steps, a child's first words or memories from a vacation).
Further, since these memories are in a digital format, they may
be readily shared electronically or on prints with friends and family
members.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of digital camera 20, suitable for use as a one-time-use digital
camera. Digital camera 20 includes electronic digital camera system
60 and non-volatile memory 54. Electronic digital camera system
60 generally includes lens system 62, shutter system 64, filter
system 66, solid state image capture array 68, analog to digital
(A/D) converter 70, digital signal processor (DSP) 72, buffer 74,
and camera processor 76. Camera processor 76 controls and processes
operational signals for electronic digital camera system 60. For
example, camera processor 76 receives user input 78 via camera control
80, which includes inputs from mode selector 38 or other manual
user inputs, such as depression of the image capture button 24 by
a user. The camera processor 76 also controls other exposure parameters
and illumination parameters (e.g., operation and timing of flash
82).
Image capture array 68 is positioned behind lens system 62 for
capture of a still or motion photographed image. In one aspect,
image capture array 68 comprises a charge coupled device (CCD).
Optionally, a filter system 66 may be positioned between the lens
system 62 and image capture array 68. Shutter system 64 (e.g., a
shutter and aperture mechanism) is responsive to an exposure control
signal received from camera processor 76 via driver 84 for exposing
the image capture array 68 to the image focused thereon by lens
system 62 in a conventional manner. The image capture array 68 is
responsive to a driver 86 in order to develop raw, analog image
information which is amplified and supplied to A/D converter 70.
The array driver 86, operated by a timing generator 88 in response
to the camera processor 76, clocks out the analog image information
to the A/D converter 70 after exposure of the image array 68 is
complete. The A/D converter 70 digitizes the raw, analog image information
as a digital information set and supplies it to buffer memory 74.
The information set is then retrieved by camera processor 76 and
optionally subjected to compression before being stored in non-volatile
memory component 54.
Optionally, microphone (MIC) 90 is utilized for receiving a sound
signal associated with a captured image. Read only memory (ROM)
92 and random access memory (RAM) 94 are utilized for corresponding
persistent and temporary storage of camera processor control programs
and signal processing data. Additionally, camera processor 76 provides
an output to control display 30 to display output parameters and
features (e.g., number of images captured, amount of memory available,
battery status, etc.).
Electronic digital camera system 60 may also include external interface
90 (indicated as 90A). External interface 90A provides an external
interface to external devices for transfer of images captured by
digital camera 20 to the external device or medium. For example,
external interface 90 may comprise a USB port (universal serial
bus interface port, as known to one skilled in the art).
Non-volatile memory 54 includes matrix memory component 100 and
external interface 90B. Non-volatile memory 54 may include other
electronics for communicating with electronic digital camera system
60. Matrix memory component 100 provides for persistent storage
of images captured via electronic digital camera system 60. The
captured images are stored in a digital format in matrix memory
component 100. Optionally, external interface 90 (indicated as 90B)
is located at non-volatile memory component 54. As such, digital
images stored in matrix memory component 100 can be transferred
to an external device via external interface 90B. The external devices
(not shown) may provide for transfer of the digital images to a
user readable medium, such as a digital video disk or hard disk
drive.
FIG. 6 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of mode selector 38.
In particular, mode selector 38 provides an output signal (such
as the completion of a control circuit) to camera processor 76 via
camera control 80 which is representative of the desired user mode.
In one aspect shown, digital camera 20 includes still image mode
40, still image mode with sound 42, video or motion mode 44, and
video with sound mode 46. A desired mode can be manually selected
by a user. Through operation of the electronic digital camera system
60, including control via camera processor 76, the digital camera
20 can produce both high-quality (e.g., high resolution) still images
via still image mode 40 and high frame rate motion images via video
or motion mode 44. Optionally, sound associated with the captured
images may be recorded via the selection of still image mode 42
or video or motion with sound mode 46.
Matrix memory component 100 provides a relatively inexpensive,
reliable, high-capacity storage medium suitable for use with a one-time-use
digital camera. In one embodiment, matrix memory component 100 is
a write once memory. In one preferred embodiment, the matrix memory
component 100 includes a first layer of parallel conductors and
a second layer of parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal
to the first set of parallel conductors. A functional medium is
disposed between the first layer of parallel conductors and the
second layer of parallel conductors. An addressable cell in the
functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first layer
of parallel conductors. Supplying an electrical energy directly
to the functional medium of the cell detects or changes the logical
state of the cell, for reading and writing digital image data representative
of the captured images at the matrix memory component 100. In one
embodiment, the functional medium is made of an organic material.
In one aspect, the functional medium includes a polymer material.
In one aspect, the functional medium includes an amorphous silicon
material. In one aspect, the functional medium includes a low molecular
weight organic material. In one aspect, matrix memory component
100 has a capacity of 100 to 200 megabytes for storing a combination
of still images or motion images. In one aspect, component 100 is
capable of storing 100 still images or 25-50 still images and 15
minutes of video or motion images. In another aspect, matrix memory
component 100 is greater than 200 megabytes.
FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a matrix memory
component suitable for use with one-time-use digital camera 20.
The electrically addressable passive device according to the invention
is realized as a matrix addressable component or device. Matrix
memory component 100 includes a first layer of parallel conductors
110, a second layer of parallel conductors 112, and a functional
medium 114 disposed (i.e., positioned) between conductor layer 110
and conductor layer 114. The functional medium or layer 114 is provided
in the form of a planar layer. The functional medium 114 is an organic
material with non-linear impedance characteristic, and may include
different substances added in order to realize desired detecting
or switching functions. On an upper surface of layer 114 there are
provided lines for electrical addressing in the form of a plurality
of electric conductors 110, and on the lower surface of the layer
114 there are correspondingly provided lines for electrical addressing
in the form of parallel electric conductors 112, the conductors
110, 112 being provided mutually orthogonal such that they form
a matrix. In FIG. 7 the device is shown with x conductors 110 and
y conductors 112 such that the conductors form a planar orthogonal
x, y matrix. A logic cell 120 in the device is generated in the
functional medium 114 volume between two intersecting electric conductors
110, 112. This is emphasized by the formation of an element 120.sub.kl
in the intersection point between the k'th conductor 110 and the
l'th conductor 112.--If all elements 120 are formed with a rectifying
function, the component or device may be represented by an electric
network of rectifying diodes, such as shown by the equivalent diagram
in FIG. 9.
The opposing portions of the conductor 110.sub.k and 112.sub.l
in an intersection point comprises together the electrode means
E.sub.kl of the logic cell 120.sub.kl, as the anode 122 in the electrode
means may be the conductor 110.sub.k and the cathode 124 in the
electrode means the conductor 112.sub.l. For several of the purposes
of the present invention the cell 120.sub.kl is denoted as a logic
element or logic cell, as the material or the functional medium
in the cell by the addressing may assume different physical or chemical
states which represent electrically detectable logical values.
In section this is shown schematically in FIG. 8, wherein the functional
medium 114 is provided in the form of a layer between the conductors
100.sub.k, 112.sub.l, the anode 122 and the cathode 124 of the electrode
means E.sub.kl, being comprised by respectively the relevant portion
of the conductor 110.sub.k and the relevant portion of the conductor
112.sub.l, in the intersection point between the conductors. In
this intersection point, i.e., between the anodes 122 and the cathode
124, a passive logic cell is formed, in FIG. 8 denoted as 120.sub.kl
in order to indicate that it is located between the conductor 110.sub.k
and the conductor 112.sub.l. FIG. 8 is, of course, only a section
of FIG. 7 and it is to be understood that the whole section taken
along the conductor 110, 112 will show a total of y logic cells
120 and y conductors 112.sub.y. If x.noteq.y, the device is rectangular,
and if x=y, the device is square with x.sup.2 cells.
A more complex embodiment of the device according to the invention,
exemplified as a section through a cell 120 is shown in FIG. 10.
Here the electric conductor 110 is provided on a substrate 130,
while the electric conductor 112 correspondingly is provided on
a substrate 132. As shown in FIG. 8 the conductors 110, 112 might
contact the functional medium 114 directly, but in the embodiment
in FIG. 10 it is further shown provided dielectric layers 134, 136
between, respectively, the conductors 110, 112 or the substrates
130, 132. Hence the electrode means E by its anode 122 and its cathode
124 no longer contacts the functional medium 114 directly, but indirectly
via the dielectric layer 134, 136, such that an indirect electric
coupling is formed through the cell 120. This coupling could for
instance be inductive or capacitive. If the dielectric layers 134,
136 are absent, the electrode means E will, of course, contact the
functional medium 114 directly and a corresponding direct or ohmic
coupling is obtained through the cell 120.
Briefly stated the volume between the anode 122 and the cathode
124 of the electrode means E, the scale of which roughly is defined
by the widths of the conductors 110, 112 and the distance therebetween,
i.e. the thickness of the functional medium 114, defines a logic
cell 120 which for instance forms a detector element in an optical
detector or a memory element in a data storage device or a switching
element in a data processing device.
The anode 122 and the cathode 124 which surrounds the functional
medium 114 are included in the electrode means E which, when an
electric voltage is applied thereto, will cause a physical or chemical
change of state in the functional medium 114. This will cause a
change in the electric impedance between the anode 122 and the cathode
124 and this impedance change can be detected on the electric conductors
110, 112 which form the electrode means E in question. The logical
state or the logical value in each intersection point between 110
and 112 or in each cell 120 may then be determined by measuring
the electric impedance between the electric conductors 110, 112
which form the electrode means E of the cell 120.
The matrix memory component used in the digital camera according
to the present invention employs a functional medium 114 with non-linear
impedance characteristic and formed by one or more organic materials
and this has far-reaching implications in regard of constructural
flexibility, operational features and costs. An important feature
of using a functional medium of this kind is the possibility of
an extensive use of purely passive addressing even in very large
matrices, e.g. from 10.sup.6 to 10.sup.8 elements provident with
a density of for instance 10.sup.8 elements per cm.sup.2, as there
will not be required any discrete active circuit elements in the
intersection points.
The device used with the digital camera 20 according to the invention
forms a substantially plane layer-like structure, and as such it
is possible to stack such plane layer-like structures layerwise
and form a volumetric logic device, for instance a volumetric memory
device. This may be realized as in FIG. 11, wherein there is shown
a volumetric device of this kind consisting of stacked layers of
structures, indicated as 100.sub.a, 100.sub.b, 100.sub.c . . . 100.sub.n
shown in section through a row of the cells 120 of the device, one
of which is indicated in the Figure. The embodiment of the logic
device according to the invention and the method used for electrical
addressing in a matrix-based format at the same time realize proximity
addressing, i.e. the signals for addressing are conveyed in immediate
connection to the functional medium 114 and the influences this
over the electrode means E which in FIG. 11 is shown for a logic
cell 120 with respectively the anode 122 and the cathode 124 in
the structure 100.sub.a. If several structures 100.sub.a, . . .
100.sub.n are stacked upon each other, they must be mutually isolated,
preferably by an isolating layer 130 which may be electrically,
thermally or optically isolating.
In principle each cell 120 of the device may have a very small
extension, for instance of the magnitude of some ten nanometers
and even less if the functional medium 114 for instance is based
on layers of e.g. polymer materials, amorphous silicon material,
etc. The thickness of the structure of 100 becomes correspondingly
small and hence it will be seen that the device according to the
invention with the use of electrical addressing of the cell in proximity
shall render it possible to implement a volumetric data storage
device with very large capacity both with regard to storage density
and transfer rates. The device used in the digital camera according
to the present invention has a close analogy in principally correspondingly
implemented optical data storage devices based on proximity addressing
and realized in volumetric embodiment. Such optical data storage
devices are moreover disclosed and discussed in international patent
application PCT/NO97/00154 which is included by reference, such
that no further details shall be discussed in connection with the
embodiment in FIG. 11 and the use of the device and the method according
to the invention in volumetrically implemented data storage or data
processing devices, but reference only made to what has been disclosed
in the above-mentioned patent application.
Another memory suitable for use as non-volatile memory in the digital
camera according to the present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,055,180 to Gudesen et al., entitled, "Electrically Addressable
Passive Device, Method for Electrical Addressing of the Same and
Uses of the Device and the Method," issued Apr. 25, 2000. The
entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,180 to Gudesen et al. is
incorporated herein by reference. Another memory suitable for use
as a non-volatile memory in the digital camera according to the
present invention is disclosed in PCT International Application
No. WO 99/08325 to Inganas et al., entitled "Electrode Means,
Comprising Polymer Materials, With or Without Functional Elements
and an Electrode Device Formed of Said Means," having an international
filing date of Jul. 13, 1998. The entire disclosure of PCT International
Publication No. WO 99/08325 is incorporated herein by reference.
Another memory suitable for use in the digital camera according
to the present invention is disclosed in PCT International Publication
No. WO 00/38234 to Gudesen et al., entitled "Scalable Data
Processing Apparatus," having an international filing date
of Dec. 3, 1999. The entire disclosure of PCT International Publication
No. WO 00/38234 is incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment
of a method of using the one-time-use digital camera according to
the present invention. In step 150, a digital camera is defined
as including a camera housing, an electronic digital camera system
for generating digital image data representative of a captured image,
and a non-volatile memory in communication with the electronic digital
camera system for storing the digital image data. In one aspect,
the camera housing includes a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the non-volatile memory is attached to the second portion
of the housing and in communication with the electronic digital
camera system for storing the digital image data. In one aspect,
the second portion is the back of the housing.
In step 152, an image is captured using the digital camera and
the image is stored as digital image data in the non-volatile memory.
In one aspect, the digital image data includes one or more still
images. In another aspect, the digital image data includes one or
more still images with sound associated with the still images. In
another aspect, the digital image data includes motion images. In
another aspect, the digital image data includes motion images with
sound associated with those motion images.
In step 154, the non-volatile memory is removed from the digital
camera. In one aspect, wherein the non-volatile memory is attached
to a second portion of the housing, the second portion of the housing
and the non-volatile memory are removed from the digital camera.
In one preferred embodiment, the non-volatile memory is attached
to a back portion of the housing.
In step 156, the digital image data is transferred from the non-volatile
memory to a portable medium. In one aspect, the portable medium
is a digital video disk. In another aspect, the portable medium
is a CD-ROM. In another aspect, the portable medium is photographic
prints. The non-volatile memory may include an external interface
for aiding in transferring the digital image data from the non-volatile
memory to an external device for producing the portable medium including
the digital image data.
The portable medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, videotape, etc.) containing
the digital image data is sent back to the user. In one aspect,
the digital camera including the non-volatile memory is brought
to a developer or mailed to a central developing location. The digital
image data is transferred from the non-volatile memory to a portable
medium. The portable medium containing the digital image data is
sent back to the user. The non-volatile memory associated with the
digital camera is replaced with a second non-volatile memory. As
such, the digital camera is available for reuse and resale.
In one preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of defining
the non-volatile memory to include a write once memory matrix component
including a first layer of parallel conductors, a second layer of
parallel conductors oriented mutually orthogonal to the first layer
of parallel conductors, and a functional medium disposed between
the first layer and the second layer, wherein an addressable cell
in the functional medium is defined at an intersection of each first
layer parallel conductor and second layer parallel conductor. In
one aspect, the functional medium is an organic material having
non-linear impedance characteristics. In one aspect, the functional
medium includes a polymer material. In one aspect, the functional
medium includes an amorphous silicon material. In one aspect, the
functional medium includes a low molecular weight organic material.
With the unique write once memory matrix component used in the digital
camera according to the present invention, the digital image data
representative of captured still images and/or motion images are
"locked" in memory and cannot be overwritten. Further,
the non-volatile memory can be replaced with a second non-volatile
memory in the digital camera. As such, the digital camera is refurbished
and available for reuse. For example, the digital camera with a
second non-volatile memory can be sent back into the retail channel
for resale. Further, the one-time-use digital camera according to
the present invention provides a relatively inexpensive way for
both still and motion images to be captured without requiring the
purchase of an expensive digital camera or video camera.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described
herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment,
it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated
to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific
embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Those with skill in the chemical, mechanical,
electromechanical, electrical, and computer arts will readily appreciate
that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety
of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations
or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore,
it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by
the claims and the equivalents thereof.
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