Digital Camera Patent Abstract
Featured is a digital data storage and transmitting (DDST) device,
particularly suited for use with a digital camera, digital camcorder
or other image/video capturing device, being configured and arranged
so as to cable of downloading the digitized data representative
of the images/pictures taken with the digital camera and to store
this information in the DDST device. The DDST device also is configured
and arranged so the DDST device can upload or transmit the downloaded
picture information to a remote server using any of a number of
communication protocols or techniques known to those skilled in
that art including wireless or cellphone technologies. Also featured
are systems embodying such a DDST device and methods related thereto.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital data storage and transmitting device comprising: a
controller configured and arranged so as to control the operation
of the digital data storage and transmitting device and functionalities
thereof; a storage medium; an I/O mechanism configured and arranged
so as to operably connect the storage medium and a data output of
an image capturing device; a first transmitting apparatus operably
connected to the storage medium; wherein the controller controls
the downloading of digitized image data from the image capturing
device via the I/O mechanism and storage of said data in the device
storage medium, and controls the transmission of the stored downloaded
data from the device storage medium via the transmitting apparatus
to another storage medium serviced by a server remote from the digital
data storage and transmitting device; wherein the image capturing
device is fixed and includes a third transmitting apparatus that
embodies wireless communication protocols and techniques, where
the image capturing device transmits acquired digitized image data
via the third transmitting apparatus after completion of an image
acquisition cycle; wherein the digital data storage and transmitting
device including a fourth transmitting apparatus and is moveable
so as to pass through the viewing area of the image capturing device;
and wherein the controller includes a microprocessor and an applications
program for execution on the microprocessor, the applications program
including instructions and criteria for: downloading digitized image
data from the image capturing device via the I/O mechanism, outputting
a signal from the fourth transmitting apparatus when in a viewing
area of the image capturing device so as to cause the image capturing
device to begin to acquire image data, receiving the digitized image
data being wirelessly transmitted from the image capturing device,
processing the downloaded, received digitized data so that it is
stored in the device storage medium, and transmitting the stored
data from the device storage medium to the another storage medium.
2. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 1,
wherein the device storage medium comprises a non-volatile type
of storage medium.
3. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 2,
wherein the non-volatile type of storage medium comprises one of
flash memory, spindle memory, a non-volatile type of random access
memory or a hard drive.
4. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 1,
wherein the first transmitting apparatus embodies wireless communication
protocols and techniques.
5. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 1,
wherein the applications program further includes instructions and
criteria for: establishing a communications link between the image
capturing device and the microprocessor before the downloading of
data; and establishing a communications link between the microprocessor
and the remote server.
6. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 5,
wherein the applications program further includes instructions and
criteria for: converting the digitized data to be transmitted into
the appropriate format for transmission; and encrypting the transmission.
7. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 1,
wherein the I/O mechanism comprises a port configured and arranged
so as to be compatible with a particular communications protocol
and technique used to communicate the digitized data from the image
capturing device and the device storage medium.
8. The digital data storage and transmitting device of claim 1,
wherein the I/O mechanism includes a second transmitting apparatus
mechanism that embodies wireless communication protocols and techniques.
9. An image capturing and storage system comprising: an image capturing
device that includes a third transmitting apparatus that embodies
wireless communication protocols and techniques; a digital data
storage and transmitting device that is moveable so as to pass through
a viewing area of the image capturing device; a server including
a storage medium; a first communications link removable interconnecting
the image capturing device and the digital storage and transmitting
device, where the first communication link includes the third transmitting
apparatus of the image capturing device; a second communications
link interconnecting the digital data storage and transmitting device
and the server; and wherein the digital data storage and transmitting
device comprises: a controller configured and arranged so as to
control the operation of the digital data storage and transmitting
device and functionalities thereof, a storage medium; an I/O mechanism
configured and arranged so as to operably connect the storage medium
to the first communications link; a first transmitting apparatus
operably connected to the storage medium; and a fourth transmitting
apparatus; wherein the controller controls the downloading of digitized
image data from the image capturing device via the I/O mechanism
and storage of said data in the device storage medium, and controls
the transmission of the stored downloaded data from the device storage
medium via the first transmitting apparatus to the server storage
medium; and wherein the controller includes a microprocessor and
an application program for execution on the microprocessor, the
applications program including instructions and criteria for: outputting
a signal from the fourth transmitting apparatus when in a viewing
area of the image capturing device so as to cause the image capturing
device to begin to acquire image data, downloading and receiving
digitized image data from the image capturing device via the first
communications link and the I/O mechanism, processing the downloaded,
received digitized data so that it is stored in the device storage
medium, and transmitting the stored data from the device storage
medium to the server over the second communication link.
10. The image capturing and storage of claim 9, wherein the device
storage medium comprises a non-volatile type of storage medium,
the non-volatile type of storage medium comprising one of flash
memory, spindle memory, a non-volatile type of random access memory
or a hard drive.
11. The image capturing and storage system of claim 9, wherein
the device I/O mechanism embodies wireless communication protocols
and techniques.
12. The image capturing and storage system of claim 9, wherein
a portion of the second communications link and the device transmitting
mechanism embodies wireless communication protocols and techniques.
13. The image capturing and storage system of claim 9, wherein
another portion of the second communications link comprises a network
infrastructure embodying of at least wired or wireless protocol
technique.
14. A method for capturing images using an image capturing device
and storing the captured images at a remote storage location, the
image capturing device including a third transmitting mechanism
that embodies wireless communication protocols and techniques, where
the image capturing device transmits acquired image data via the
third transmitting device, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a digital data storage and transmitting device including:
a controller configured and arranged so as to control the operation
of the digital data storage and transmitting device and functionalities
thereof, a storage medium, an I/O mechanism configured and arranged
so as to operably connect the storage medium to the image capturing
device, a first transmitting apparatus operably connected to the
storage medium, a fourth transmitting apparatus; (b) outputting
a signal from the fourth transmitting apparatus when digital data
storage and transmitting device is in a viewing area of the image
capturing device so as to cause the image capturing device to begin
to acquire image data, (c) downloading digitized image data from
the image capturing device via the I/O mechanism; (d) receiving
the digitized image data being wirelessly transmitted from the image
capturing device; (e) processing the downloaded, received digitized
data and storing said downloaded data in the device storage medium;
and transmitting the stored downloaded data from the device storage
medium via the first transmitting apparatus to a storage medium
at the remote storage location.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: providing
a server at the remote storage location that is operably coupled
to the remote location storage; establishing a first communications
link removable interconnecting the image capturing device and the
digital storage and transmitting device; and establishing a second
communications link interconnecting the digital data storage and
transmitting device and the server.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein a portion of the second communications
link embodies wireless communication protocols and techniques.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein another portion of the second
communications link comprises a network infrastructure embodying
of at least one of a wired or wireless protocol/technique.
Digital Camera Patent Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for use with a digital
camera, digital camcorder or other image/video capture device that
downloads and/or stores digitized images from the camera, camcorder,
etc. and which also transmits the downloaded images to a remote
site using any of a number of communications protocols or techniques,
more particularly RF communications. Also featured are systems using
such a device and methods related thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is shown in FIGS. 1A-C various views of an exemplary illustrative
digital camera 10 that shows or illustrates some features typically
provided with such cameras. It should be recognized the location
and disposition of such features or elements of the digital camera
10 are illustrative as is well known to those skilled in the art.
Such a digital camera 10 typically includes the optics and circuitry
(not shown) as is known in the art for receiving an optical image,
digitizing the image and storing the digitized image therein.
The illustrated digital camera 10 includes a lens 12 or lens assembly
and a lens cover 14 that is configured and arranged so as to be
moveably disposed between a closed and open position. In the closed
position the lens cover 14 is located so as to cover the lens 12
and in the open position the lens cover is moved laterally so the
lens is exposed for picture taking. The lens 12 and lens cover 14
are any of a number of devices and mechanisms known to those skilled
in the art and thus are not further described herein.
The illustrative digital camera 10 also includes a button 16 that
is provided to function as the shutter release whereby a picture
is taken. As with SLR types of cameras, a user typically composes
the scene or picture in the optical view finder 18 and then fully
depresses the shutter release button 16 so as to "take"
the picture. Alternatively, the scene or picture can be composed
in the LCD monitor or display 20. In addition to displaying the
scene or picture being composed, the LCD display 20 also receives
signals so as to display any of a number of icons or information
such as date and time. The camera 10 also can include a switch 24
so the LCD display 20 is switchable between for example an ON, OFF
or PLAY condition. The digital camera 10 also typically includes
another LCD, a control panel 22 that displays any of a number of
icons or information generally involving the use of the camera,
for example, the resolution, number of pictures, battery status
and the like.
As is known to those skilled in the art, the light comprising the
scene or picture to be taken is manipulated so that it is incident
upon a electronic image sensor (e.g., a CCD solid state imaging
device). The electronic image sensor outputs a multiplicity of signals
that correspond to the image being sensed. These output signals
are digitized and stored in a memory internal to the camera and
thus comprise the picture or scene taken by user. The numbers of
signals that are outputted for a given picture are dependent upon
a number of factors such as the number of pixels comprising the
image sensor and the desired picture resolution.
Now referring also to FIG. 2. after pictures are taken using the
digital camera 10, the user plugs one end of an interconnecting
computer cable 30 into a terminal or port 32 in the camera and the
other end in a port, terminal or other connection of the computer
40. With some cameras, the lens cover 14 also is slid back or located
in the closed position when downloading images. A software application
program(s) is/are installed on the computer 40 for execution on
the processor thereof. The software causes the stored digital data
to be downloaded from the camera 10 to the computer 40 and stored
in the computer storage medium (e.g., hard drive). The software
also allows the images to be manipulated further (e.g., cropping),
if desired, and printed out. After the digitized image data is downloaded,
the data is expunged from the built-in memory of the camera 10 so
additional pictures can be taken.
When downloading digitized data the user also can interconnect
the cable of an AC/DC power adapter (not shown) to the power terminal
34 of the camera 10 so that the camera is not relying on the limited
power being provided by the batteries that typically power such
cameras. The AC/DC adapter also can be used, when possible, during
picture taking to extend the life of the battery power supply.
Because of the limited storage capacity for digitized images in
digital cameras, the software comprising the camera 10 also is typically
configured and arranged to allow the user to view each image or
picture taken and to delete it from the memory when the image is
not acceptable. In such cases the user would view the image using
the LCD monitor or display 20 and if the image is not acceptable,
the shutter release button 16 was adapted to delete the digitized
information when the button is fully depressed. The digital camera
10 typically includes other switches, buttons or mechanism for accomplishing
such reconfiguring of the camera to perform these and other functions.
As indicated the digital camera 10 typically has a limited storage
capacity (e.g., 8 Mb). The built in memory of a typically digital
camera is sized so as to be capable to store a predetermined number
of pictures of the highest picture quality typically on the same
order as the number of pictures that can be taken by a normally
sized roll of 35 mm film (for example 20-30 pictures). In the case
of early versions of digital cameras, once the built-in memory was
filled, the user could not take any more pictures. Consequently,
the manufactures of early digital cameras recommended that the user
download the pictures taken to a personal computer as soon as possible
and that pictures be erased from the camera on a regular basis.
Because of the limitations imposed on the number of pictures with
the highest quality resolution that could be taken using a digital
camera, various methods, schemes, techniques and devices have been
developed in an attempt to overcome or compensate for this limitation.
One technique that has found some acceptance is the use of a plug-in
memory module. In this method a user purchases one or more memory
modules of a predetermined storage capacity. The plug-in module
is plugged into the camera and pictures are taken. When this module
is filled, another is inserted and the process is repeated as and
when needed. Thereafter the information stored on the individual
memory modules is downloaded to the personal computer 40.
In another technique, the digital camera is configured with a built-in
cellular telephone or configured to interface with one so that the
digitized image data in the memory of the camera can be transmitted
to a personal computer. One or more forms of such a technique art
found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,122,526; 6,104,430; 6,038,295; 5,917,542
and 5,806,005. Such a technique also is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,037
which describes a combined electronic silver-halide image capture
system. These systems are premised on the capability of the communications
device being able to download the digitized image data with enough
frequency that the limited storage capacity of the image device
capturing the image would not be a problem. Such systems are necessarily
limited by the extent of signal coverage provided by the transmission
or cellular telephone system as well as the ability of such systems
to handle such data transmissions. Such techniques also necessarily
increase the cost and size of digital camera and/or the need for
specialized components for such cameras.
In addition to still digital cameras, the art has been advancing
to include digital camcorders, that also have still picture taking
capability. These digital camcorders like their still picture brethren
have limited storage capacity and thus are subject to similar limitations
as those described above for the still picture digital cameras.
Thus, there continues to be a need to improve upon the capability
of storing digitized image data as well as the capability for remotely
transmitting such data while at the same time not increasing the
complexity and cost of the device (e.g., digital camera) capturing
the images. It thus would be desirable to provide a device that
allows a user to easily download digitized image data from the camera
to the device including systems and methods related thereto. It
would be particularly desirable to provide such a device that would
allow the digitized image data to be transmitted from the device
to a remote location, more specifically transmitted without requiring
the actions of the user. It also would be desirable to provide such
a device that would be adaptable to download digitized image data
using any of a number of known communication protocols or techniques.
Such a digitized data downloading and transmitting device preferably
would be simple in construction and would not require highly skilled
users to utilize the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention features a digital data storage and transmitting
(DDST) device, particularly suited for use with a digital camera,
digital camcorder or other image/video capturing device, being configured
and arranged so as to be capable of downloading the digitized data
representative of the images/pictures taken with the digital camera
and to store this information in the DDST device. The DDST device
also is configured and arranged so the DDST device can transmit
the downloaded picture information to a remote server using any
of a number of communication protocols or techniques known to those
skilled in that art. Also featured are systems embodying such a
DDST device and methods related thereto.
The DDST device includes I/O mechanisms used for communicating
the digital image data to be downloaded to the storage medium of
the DDST device. In one embodiment, the DDST device includes one
or more ports or terminals to removably receive therein one end
of an electrical or optical cable, the other end of which is received
in the digital camera I/O port. In another embodiment, the I/O mechanisms
embodies wireless technology, whereby the digital data is communicated
wirelessly from the camera to the DDST device.
In further embodiments, the DDST device includes a non-volatile
storage medium whereby digital image data is stored and remains
stored even if the power to the DDST device is removed or otherwise
interrupted. Such nonvolatile storage mediums include flash or spindle
types of memory including for example NVRAM as well as hard drives.
More particularly, the storage medium has a storage capacity far
in excess of that provided in conventional cameras or memory modules.
In specific embodiments the storage medium embodying flash or spindle
memory has a capacity of about 500 Mb or larger, in the range of
from about 500 to about 1000 Mb, or 1000 Mb or larger.
The DDST device also is configured and arranged so as to include
a transmission mechanism so the downloaded digital image data is
communicated to a remote server using any one or a combination of
communication protocols, techniques and technologies. In one embodiment,
the DDST device includes a wireless RF transmission means embodying
known RF wireless communications techniques, technology and RF devices
including satellite systems to establish a wireless communications
link between the DDST device and a remote wireless reception site.
It also is within the scope of the present invention to adapt the
wireless communication means to utilize developing wireless technologies
to establish such a communications link. It also is within the scope
of the present invention for the wireless communications means to
comprise any of a number of devices, modems or circuitry known to
those skilled in the art. The communications link between the reception
site and a remote server can further include any of a number of
network infrastructures known to those skilled in the art including
those embodying wireless technologies.
Once the communications link is established the digitized data
from the digital camera is transmitted to the remote server or storage
site via the communications link. The DDST device also includes
circuitry and/or software driven devices (e.g., processor) so as
to convert the digitized data from the digital camera into the appropriate
format for transmission over the established communications link.
Such circuitry and/or software driven devices also are configurable
so the information be transmitted includes data or information so
as to allow the transmitted information to be received and stored
at the remote site for later retrieval by the picture taker/user
or other authorized party.
The picture/image information transmitted to the remote server/site
is stored at the site in an appropriate storage medium such as a
hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk so the user can retrieve
the information at a later time. In a specific embodiment, the user
contacts the remote storage site using the internet and accesses
the stored data information via an established web site. The user
can further download the information directly to the user's computer,
print the information or take some other action (e.g., cropping,
enlarging, etc.). The remote web site also can be configured to
allow authorized individuals other than the picture taker/user to
gain access to and/or retrieve the stored information.
Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.
Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of
the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures
wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout
the several views and wherein:
FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an exemplary illustrative
conventional digital camera;
FIG. 1B is a back perspective view of the digital camera of FIG.
1A;
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a portion of the side of the digital
camera of FIG. 1A with a side panel open to reveal hidden ports/terminals;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera of FIG. 1A interconnected
to a personal computer (PC) for downloading image data;
FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a digitized data storage and transmitting
device according to one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a digitized data storage and transmitting
device according to another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 3C is a block diagram of a digitized data storage and transmitting
device according to yet another aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a high level flow diagram generally illustrating the
overall process of capturing images and through the later accessing
of the image data;
FIG. 5A is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the process for
downloading digitized image data from the camera to the digitized
data storage and transmitting device;
FIG. 5B is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the process for
transmitting downloaded digitized image data from the digitized
data storage and transmitting device;
FIG. 5C is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process for processing
the uploaded image data at the server level and accessing such information
from the server;
FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a system according to the present
invention by which digitized data is transmitted from the digitized
data storage and transmitting device to a remote site using wireless
communications;
FIG. 6B is a schematic view of a system according to the present
invention by which digitized data is transmitted from the digitized
data storage and transmitting device to a remote site using cellular
telephone communications;
FIG. 6C is a schematic view of a system according to the present
invention in which the camera is fixed and the digitized data storage
and transmitting device moves between an area where pictures are
taken and a site where digitized data is to be transmitted; and
FIG. 6D is a schematic view of a system according to the present
invention by which digitized data is transmitted from the digitized
data storage and transmitting device to a remote site/server using
an internet communications network.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the various drawing figures, wherein like reference
characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIGS. 3A-C various
aspects and embodiments of a digitized data storage and transmitting
device 100 according to the present invention. In the discussion
hereinafter, reference numeral 100 is used when making general reference
to a digitized data storage and transmitting device according to
any aspect or embodiment of the present invention. However, an alphanumeric
character and/or other character is added when referring to a specific
aspect or embodiment thereof.
There is shown in FIG. 3A, a digitized data storage and transmitting
device (DDST device) 100a according to one aspect of the present
invention. Such a DDST device 100a includes a controller 110 that
controls the overall operation of the DDST device including the
acquisition of digitized image data from a digital camera 10, the
storage of this acquired digital image data and the transmission
of such data to a remote location. In more particular embodiments,
the controller 110 includes a microprocessor 112, random-access
memory (RAM) 114, and one or more software applications or programs
for execution on the microprocessor that otherwise carries out the
control, data acquisition and data transmission functions of the
device.
The microprocessor 112 is any of a number of general purpose microprocessors
such as those manufactured by Intel, AMD and Transmatter. More particularly
the microprocessor 112 also is characterized as being a high speed,
low power, low heat type of general purpose microprocessor. In an
exemplary embodiment the microprocessor 112 is a Strong ARM 1100/1110
as manufactured by Intel. The RAM 114 is any of a number of volatile
type of memories known to those skilled in the art appropriate for
the microprocessor 112 it is to be used with.
The DDST device 100a also includes one or more I/O ports 120a,b
as are known to those skilled in the art that are operably connected
to the controller 110. There are a number of techniques and/or standards
being utilized for the transmission of digitized image data from
digital cameras including digital camcorders. One I/O technique
is commonly referred to as the universal serial bus (USB) more particularly
as USB 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1, another involves the use of a serial port
and yet another embodies IEEE standard 1394, commonly referred to
as Firewire. In the illustrated embodiment, the DDST device 110a
includes two such I/O ports 120a,b, more particularly an I/O port
120 configured for one I/O technique (e.g., USB) and the other being
configured for another technique (e.g., IEEE-1394).
As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera manufacture typically provides
an interconnecting cable 30 one end of which is appropriately terminated
so that it operably engages the port or terminal 32 provided in
the camera 10 (FIG. 1C). The other end of the cable 30 also is appropriately
terminated for the type of I/O connection technique being utilized
for downloading the digitized image data. For example, the other
end is terminated for use with an USB or Firewire type of connector
detail.
In addition to the I/O ports 120a,b for the downloading of data,
the DDST device 100a also includes one or more I/O ports 122a,b
that are operably connected to the microprocessor 110 and which
are configured and arranged for the transfer of the digitized image
data from the DDST device to a server or personal computer using
any of a number of non-wireless techniques known to those skilled
in the art including any of a number of network infrastructures
known to those skilled in the art such as Ethernet, token ring,
FDDI, ATM, Sonet, X.25 and Broadband. In particular embodiments,
one of the I/O ports 122a is configured and arranged so the port
is interconnected directly with the PC using an interconnecting
cable and the other I/O port 122b is configured and arranged so
as to be connected to a network infrastructure.
As discussed hereinafter, the controller 110 includes software
applications or programs for execution on the microprocessor 112
to control the reception of digitized image data from the digital
camera 10 via one of the inputting I/O ports 120a,b and to control
the transmission of the digitized image data stored in the DDST
device 100a from the outputting I/O ports 122a,b. Such control includes
any conversion of the digitized data being received so that it can
be stored in the DDTS device 100a or conversion of the data being
transmitted so it is in an appropriate form for such transmission
from the outputting I/O ports 122a,b.
In a more particular embodiment, the DDST device 100a further includes
one or more switches 130 that are operably connected to the controller
so as to provide manual control over one or more processes or functions
of the DDST device. For example an ON-OFF type of switch can be
provided to selectively turn the DDST device 110a on or off. Other
switches could be provided so as to cause the downloading of digitized
data as well as the transmission of any downloaded data.
In an alternative embodiment, switches 130 are provided that work
in conjunction with a software application or program being executed
on the microprocessor 112 such that one switch causes a cursor to
move between a plurality of icons shown on the LCD display 140 and
another switch causes the selection/de-selection of the highlighted
icon. The software application causes the icons to be displayed
and controls the movement between each icon and the selection/de-selection
process. The LCD display 140 is any of a number of LCD displays
known to those skilled in the art that is appropriate for the type
of information to be displayed. For example, the display can be
a black/white/gray-scale type of display or it can display colors.
The LCD display 140 also can be used much like the LCD monitor 20
of the digital camera to view individual images being stored in
the DDST device 100a.
The DDST device 100a also includes a data storage medium 150 to
which the digitized image data is downloaded to and stored therein.
The data storage medium 150 is any of a number of mediums known
to those skilled in the art where data remains stored in the medium
after power is withdrawn and where data can be removed or erased
there from without requiring the replacement of the medium. Additionally,
the storage medium is of the type that allows large amounts of digitized
data to be stored therein as compared to the limited capacity memory
of conventional digital cameras or digital camcorders (e.g., 8 MB).
In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium
150 comprises non-volatile memory such as flash memory, nonvolatile
random access memory (NVRAM) or spindle non-volatile memory as is
known to those skilled in the art. In an illustrative embodiment,
the storage capacity of the storage medium 150 is about 500 to 1,000
Mb (1 Gb), when the storage medium is comprised of flash or spindle
memory. This far exceeds the capacity of the presently available
memory modules. It should be recognized that the foregoing shall
not constitute a limitation as the DDST device 100a can be configured
and arranged to have a capacity in excess of 1,000 Mb or less than
500 Mb.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium
150 comprises a hard drive as is known to those skilled in the art
such as those used for notebook types of computers. Such hard drives
provide a mechanism for storing even larger amounts of digitized
image data, for example 2 Gb, 10 Gb or 20 Gb of data, but the larger
storage capacity is offset by the additional power requirements
for hard drives.
As to the transmission of digitized data, the DDST device 100a
includes a transceiver 160, an antenna 162 and a signal converter
164. The antenna 162 is any of a number of types and/or shapes of
antennas (e.g., loop type) that is appropriate for the intended
use and the type of transceiver. The transceiver 160 is any of a
number of devices known to those skilled in the art for wireless
transmission including wireless network transmission systems or
techniques and those embodied in cellular telephone technology.
An exemplary wireless network technique includes those systems embodying
a transceiver or transmitter complying with IEEE-802.11 sometimes
referred to as Bluetooth chip. Some digital signal transmission
techniques within the realm of second and third generation of wireless
technologies include CDMA, GSM, TDMA and 1XRTT. In each case, the
transceiver 160 is configured and arranged so as to establish a
communications link between the DDST device 100a and a receiver
or transceiver 804 (FIG. 6A) remote from the location of the DDST
device. For example, with a DDST device 100a having a IEEE-802.11b
compliant transceiver, the corresponding remotely located transceiver/receiver
would be located within about 100 meters or so of the location of
the DDST device and operating at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz.
The converter 164 is provided for configuring the stored digitized
data, into the appropriate form for transmission and includes a
general purpose microprocessor, RAM and one or more software applications
or programs for carrying out the conversion. In addition to the
conversion functionalities, the converter 164 also can include encryption
functionalities, whereby the digitized data is encrypted using any
of a number of encryption techniques known to those skilled in the
art. It should be recognized that it is within the scope of the
present invention for such software applications or programs to
be executed on the controller microprocessor 112 and thus eliminate
the need for a separate component.
The DDST device 110a includes a power supply 180 selected from
any of a number of portable power supplies as is known to those
skilled in the art including rechargeable and non-rechargeable types
of batteries. In an exemplary illustrative embodiment, the power
supply 180 is a rechargeable lithium type of battery. Although not
shown in detail in FIG. 3A, the power supply 180 is operably and
electrically interconnected to the controller 110, the display 140,
the transceiver 160, the converter 164 and the storage device 150
so that power is provided to these various components. Such power
also is preferably selectively supplied to at least certain of these
identified components so as to extend the life of the power supply
180. For example, the transmitter receives power only when a message
is to be transmitted from the DDST device 100a.
In a further embodiment, the DDST device 100a includes a voice
recognition mechanism 170 that includes circuitry/software that
allows a user to effect control using verbal messages or instructions.
For example, the user can verbally instruct the DDST device 100a
to download and/or transmit the downloaded digitized image data.
In the illustrated embodiment, this is implemented within the DDST
device 100a as a separate functional component, however, it is within
the scope of the present invention to integrate into other circuitry/functional
components (e.g., controller 110) comprising the DDST device. In
an illustrative embodiment, the voice recognition mechanism 170
further included a device 172, such as microphone, that receives
the auditory messages from the user and outputs a signal representative
thereof to the voice recognition mechanism.
There is shown in FIG. 3B a DDST device 100b according to a second
aspect of the present invention. Reference shall be made to the
discussion above regarding FIG. 3A for components and functionalities
common to both aspects of the present invention. In the second aspect
of the present invention, the DDST device 100b is configured and
arranged with a second transceiver 168 that is operably coupled
to the antenna 162 and to the controller 110.
The second transceiver 168 in effect functions as another inputting
I/O device for the DDST device 100b by which data can be received
and sent onto the controller 110 for further processing. In this
case, the digital camera, digital camcorder or other image or video
capturing device includes a transceiver such as a Bluetooth chip
so the digitized image data stored therein can be communicated or
downloaded wirelessly from the image capturing device. The second
transceiver 168 is any of a number of devices known to those skilled
in the art which is compatible with and can receive the signal transmissions
emanating from the transceiver or signal transmission device within
the image or video capturing device.
Now referring to FIG. 3C, there is shown a DDST device 100c according
to a third aspect of the present invention. Reference shall be made
to the discussion above regarding FIGS. 3A-B for components and
functionalities common to both aspects of the present invention.
In the third aspect of the present invention, the DDST device 100c
is configured and arranged with a second transceiver 168 and a transmitter
190 that each is operably coupled to the antenna 162 and to the
controller.
In the third aspect of the present invention, the digital camera,
digital camcorder or other image/video capturing device is typically
at a location remote from the DDST device 100c. For example, the
image capturing device can be pre-located so as to take pictures
of people such as tourists passing through a certain location, people
on a ride at an amusement park or tourists riding on buses, boats
or other vehicles used for purposes of touring a city or the like.
To actuate the image capturing device so it can take one or more
pictures, the DDST device transmitter 190 outputs a signal when
the DDST device is in range of the camera, thus triggering or otherwise
causing the camera to begin to take one or more pictures. Upon completion
of the picture taking sequence by the image capturing device, the
camera causes the digitized image data representative of the pictures
taken to be downloaded to the DDST device 100c via the second transceiver
168 and stored in the DDST device. It is within the scope of the
present invention for the transmitter 190 to be used to trigger
more than one image capturing device and to store the digitized
image data of all of the pictures taken by the more than one image
capturing device on the DDST device that triggered each of the image
capturing device.
There is shown in FIG. 4 a high level flow diagram generally illustrating
the overall process of capturing images and through the later accessing
of the image data by the user. Reference shall be made to FIGS.
3A-C for any details or structure of the DDST device 100. Initially,
the user acquires the images using the image capture device such
as a digital camera 10 (FIGS. 1-2) or digital camcorder, STEP 400.
As part of this acquiring of images, each of the signals making
up an image is digitized and the digitized data representative of
the captured image is stored in a memory of that image capturing
device.
At some time following acquiring one or more images, the user transfers
the digitized image data from the image capture device to the DDST
device 100, STEP 402. This transfer or downloading process is more
particularly described below in connection with FIG. 5A. After it
is determined that the digitized image data is successfully downloaded
or transferred, the image capturing device is provided with a signal
or other message that causes the digitized image data to be erased
from the device memory, STEP 404. Thereafter, the user acquires
additional images, STEP 400 and repeats the above process.
After transferring image data to the DDST device 100, the DDST
device 100 transfers or uploads the downloaded data from the DDST
device to a server, STEP 406. According to an aspect of the present
invention, the server typically is remote from the DDST device 100
and so such transfer is accomplished using wireless communications
techniques. This transfer or uploading process is more particularly
described below in connection with FIG. 5B.
After determining that such uploading was successfully completed,
the DDST device 100 receives a signal or message causing the digitized
data that was transferred to be erased from the DDST device storage
medium 150, STEP 408. Alternatively, the user manually erases the
digitized data at a time of their choosing. In addition, the server
archives the transferred or uploaded digitized image data to a dedicated
storage medium operably interconnected to server, Step 410. For
example, the digitized image data is stored in a file location dedicated
for a given user. Thereafter a user or other authorized individual
can access the server stored digitized image data, STEP 412. It
should be recognized that as discussed below in connection with
FIGS. 5A,B additional information (e.g., Metadata) can be provided
along with the digitized image data that can relate to the image
data. For example, an insurance adjuster may include pertinent information
regarding the insured and the claim being made along with the pictures
taken by the adjuster relative to the claim.
As indicated above, the controller 110 includes software applications
or programs for execution on the microprocessor 112 that provide
overall control of any of the hereinabove described DDST devices
100a-100c. The instructions and criteria making up such software
embody the method and techniques hereinafter described. Now referring
to FIG. 5A, there is shown a high level flow diagram illustrating
one embodiment for downloading the digitized image data to a DDST
device according to the present invention. The following refers
to a digital camera for purpose of describing the process of downloading
data, however, it should be recognized that the present methodology
is adaptable for use in downloading digitized image data from digital
camcorders and other image/video capturing devices.
After acquiring the images in the digital camera 10, as provided
in the instructions with the camera, and when a user wants to download
the digitized image data for these acquired images to the DDST device
100, the user establishes a communications link between the camera
10 and the DDST device, STEP 500. As indicated above, establishing
such a link is dependent upon the type of communications protocol
or technique the digital camera 10 is intended to emulate. For example
for USB, the interconnecting cable 30 is plugged into the USB I/O
port 120a of the DDST device 110 thereby operably interconnecting
the camera 10 and the DDST device. With USB, the communications
protocol or manager includes a procedure for identifying newly connected
devices. Thus, the USB communications protocol or manager can be
used to automatically initiate a procedure to completely establish
the communications link and initiate procedures or processes related
to the data or information transfer. In another example, when wireless
communications are established between the camera and the DDST device
100 using Bluetooth chips, the communications protocol(s) for such
chips also can be used to initiate such procedures or processes
related to the data or information transfer.
After the communications link has been established, the DDST device
100 starts the transmission process for transferring the digitized
image data from the memory in the camera 10 to the DDST device and
ultimately to the storage medium 150 of the DDST device, STEP 502.
Specifically the controller 110 establishes an interface with the
circuitry including the applications and programs of the camera
10 over the communications link, for example the interconnecting
cable 30. In the case, where the camera 10 is being interconnected
to the DDST device 100 via a network infrastructure, the DDST device
also emulates the communication protocols that are appropriate for
that network environment.
Before downloading data, a determination is made as to whether
a user identification process is to be implemented, STEP 504. Such
a process is undertaken in those cases, for example, where a verification
or check is to be made to verify that the user is authorized to
upload images to the server. This process also can be used as a
mechanism for transmitting information that can be used to localize
the image data in a predefined server storage location (i.e., predetermined
data folder).
If it is determined that a user identification process is to be
implemented (YES, STEP 504) then the DDST device prompts the user
for the required information such as username and password, STEP
506. The user also could be prompted for other information such
as, for example, the insurance claim number at the same time. This
information can be inputted in any of a number of fashions as is
known to those skilled in the art. For example, an input device
(not shown) such as keyboard is interconnected to one of the I/O
ports 120a,b/122a,b and this information is inputted and stored
in the DDST device 100. When the DDST device is later interrogated,
it automatically transmits the inputted identification information.
Such identification information typically would be inputted along
with the acquisition of the image data. In an alternative embodiment,
the LCD display 140 is configured like the display of PDA's so that
information can be inputted via the LCD screen.
The provided information, such as the username and password, is
checked against a database STEP 508 to determine if the user is
an authorized user, STEP 510. If the provided information does not
check against the database, the user is not an authorized user (NO,
STEP 510) and thus the process returns to again prompting the user
for user identification information (STEP 506). It is not uncommon
for an authorized user to mistype or miss-input required information
in such situations. Also, such procedures typically include a protocol
whereby any communications link is severed if correct information
is not inputted after a given number of attempts.
If the provided information matches the information in the database
and the user is thus considered an authorized user (YES, STEP 510)
or if there was no user identification protocol in effect (NO, STEP
504), then the process proceeds with downloading the digitized image
data to the DDST device 100. Such downloading includes instructing
the digital camera 10 to download the entire contents of the camera's
memory to the DDST device 100. More particularly, the DDST device
controller 100 processes the digitized image data so that the downloaded
data is retrievably stored in the storage medium 180. As part of
the storage process, the controller may implement any of a number
of archiving compression techniques known to those skilled in the
art (e.g., GZIP).
The DDST device 100 also checks to make sure that the download
is successfully accomplished. If not, then the camera is instructed
again to download the image data. If the download is successful,
then the DDST device outputs a signal, message or the like to the
camera 10 so that the successfully downloaded image data is purged
or erased from the camera's memory. In addition, the link between
the camera 10 and the DDST device 100 is broken or terminated. As
indicated above, this frees up the camera's memory as well as the
camera so additional pictures or images can be acquired. The DDST
device also continues, STEP 514, with whatever action that is ongoing
or returns to awaiting to establish a communications link, STEP
500.
Referring now to FIG. 5B there is shown a flow diagram of one embodiment
of the process for transmitting downloaded digitized image data
from the digitized data storage and transmitting device. Following
the downloading of digitized image data to the DDST device 100,
the DDST device initiates the transferring process, STEP 600. It
should be recognized that it is within the scope of the present
information for digitized image data to be stored and transmitted
in parallel or in serial fashion. It also is within the scope of
the present invention for the DDST device to be transmitting image
data of a prior downloading while additional image data is being
downloaded.
The transferring process begins by determining if there is a link
between the DDST device 100 and the remote site, such as by determining
or finding an internet orientated connection such as lan, wan or
digital cellular telephone, STEP 602. If such a connection cannot
be found (NO, STEP 602) then the process is terminated to the startup
screen and the DDST device 100 begins a process of periodically
checking to see or find a link, STEPS 604, 606. More particularly,
the controller 110 is operated so that it repeatedly checks for
such a link after a set period of time has elapsed (for example
1 minute), STEP 606. If a link is not found (NO, STEP 606) then
this checking process continues.
If a link is found initially (YES, STEP 602) or if a link is found
following one of the periodic checks (YES, STEP 606), then the controller
proceeds to establish a communications link between the DDST device
100 and the remote server, STEP 608. As is known to those skilled
in the art, the controller handshakes with the server and there
is a key exchange so the server and DDST device know how the server
will talk to the DDST device. In addition, and where applicable,
the remote server 808 (FIG. 6A) can implement a user identification
process similar to that described above in connection with FIG.
5A to determine if the user is an authorized user. As with the process
described above, if the user is not an authorized user they will
be re-prompted for user identification information. Also if they
are unable to provide the necessary information, the link typically
will be severed after a certain number of attempts.
After the communications link is established, the image data is
uploaded from the DDST device 100 to the remote server 808 (FIG.
6A). More particularly, the file transfer process is started over
an encapsulated protocol, more specifically a custom protocol adapted
to wireless, R-sync over SSH, FTP tunneled through SSH or HTTP or
HTTPS over SSL. A determination is continuously made to see if the
upload is complete, STEP 612. If it is not complete (NO, STEP 612)
then the transfer or uploading of digital images is continued.
If the uploading process is completed (YES, STEP 612) then a signal,
message or the like is sent back to the DDST device 100 indicating
that transfer is complete. In response to the completion of the
download, the controller 110 erases or purges the image data corresponding
to that which has been successfully uploaded from the storage medium
150. In addition the controller 110 severs or terminates the communications
link between the DDST device 100 and the remote server. In those
case where communication is done over a wire or cable, the user
also would unplug the cable.
Now referring to FIG. 5C, there is shown a flow diagram of one
embodiment of a process for processing the uploaded image data at
the server level and for accessing such information from the server.
When the server receives the data file including the digitized image
data, the server verifies the integrity of the transferred file,
STEP 700, using any of a number of techniques or methods known to
those skilled in the art including hash. Because the uploaded data
file is typically a compressed data file, the server also un-compresses
the file, STEP 702 using the technique appropriate for that compressed
data file.
After un-compressing the file, the server stores the data file
in an appropriate manner or fashion on the hard drive being serviced
by the server, STEP 704. Such storing includes for example, saving
the file to a space designated for the user as well as transferring
to a specified account. For example, a folder can be designated
as the storage location for all image data files for a given user.
In addition, such designated space can be further divided and configured
so that files are further segregated into different folders, each
folder having different accessing requirements.
When a user or a requester wants to access a data file stored on
the storage medium being serviced by the server, the requestor/user
submits or makes a request. This access request is processed to
determine if the user/requestor is authorized to access the data
file, STEPS 706, 708. If the requestor does not have authorization
to access the data file (NO, STEP 708), an error/no access granted
message is outputted, STEP 710. If the requestor has authorization
to access the data file (YES, STEP 708), then the server grants
access to the stored data. The access being granted can be limited
to a read only type of access or access to manipulate or further
process the data.
There is shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, a number of systems illustrating
use of a DDST device 100 according to the present invention for
different applications. Each of the below described systems include
a digital camera 10 that is operably coupled to the DDST device
100 for illustration of a system in all of its aspects. It should
be recognized that it is within the scope of the present invention,
for the downloading of digitized image data to be completed and
the camera disconnected from the DDST device 100 prior to the uploading
of the digitized data from the DDST device to the server.
Now referring to FIG. 6A, there is shown a schematic view of a
system 800 according to the present invention in which digitized
image data acquired in a digital camera 10' is downloaded to a DDST
device 100b using wireless communication techniques and transmitted
from the DDST device to a remote site also using wireless communications.
Reference should be made to the foregoing discussion regarding FIG.
3B for further details regarding the DDST device and the wireless
communication with the camera 10'.
The system 800 includes a DDST device 100b, an antenna 802 located
remote from the DDST device, and a transceiver 804 operably coupled
to the antenna. As illustrated, the DDST device 100b sends the wireless
(e.g., RF) transmissions to the system's antenna 802 and the signals
received thereby are processed within the transceiver 804. The transceiver
804 and antenna 802 are any of a number of such devices known to
those skilled in the art that are appropriate for the intended use.
The transceiver 804 is operably coupled to a network infrastructure
806 that in turn is operably coupled to the remotely located server
808. The network infrastructure 806 is any of a number of such networks
as is known to those skilled in the art including Ethernet, token
ring, FDDI, ATM, SONET, X.25 and BROADBAND. Such networks also can
utilize wired or wireless technology to communicate amongst and
between the transceiver and the server 808.
The server 808 is similarly operably coupled by another network
infrastructure 810 to one or more personal computers or workstations
812. The personal computers/workstations 812 provide a mechanism
by which a user or other authorized requestor can access the digitized
data in the server 808, more specifically the storage medium being
serviced by the server.
In a particular embodiment, the first network infrastructure 806
embodies wireless communications and the antenna 802 and transceiver
804 is any of a number of wireless hubs as is known to those skilled
in the art. Further, the DDST device 100b is configured and arranged
so that the DDST device in effect comprises a device of the network
infrastructure 806.
In use, image data is acquired in the digital camera 10' and when
desired by the user such acquired data is downloaded into the DDST
device 100b. Thereafter the downloaded data is transmitted using
wireless communications techniques to the transceiver 804 operably
coupled to a first network infrastructure 806. This downloaded data
is in turn communicated via the network infrastructure to a remotely
located server 808.
Now referring to FIG. 6B there is a schematic view of a system
900 according to the present invention by which digitized data is
transmitted from the DDST device 100a to a remote site using wireless
cellular telephone communications. Reference should be made to the
foregoing discussion regarding FIG. 3A for further details regarding
the DDST device 100a and the communication link established between
the camera 10 and the DDST device.
In the illustrated embodiment, the DDST device 100a communicates
with the remote storage location (i.e., the remote server 808) using
known cell phone communications systems 902. In effect the DDST
device 100a calls the remote server 808 using the cell phone system
902 or is linked to the remote site via the internet. As illustrated,
the device sends the wireless (RF) transmissions to the cell phone
system's tower or antenna 903 and the received signals are transmitted
using other well known communications system components or functionalities
such as landlines 905 or RF towers, etc. to the remote server 808.
The signals from the cell phone system 902 are received at the
remote server 808, processed and converted as needed so they can
be stored in the storage medium 809 thereat. The storage medium
809 includes any of a number of computer readable storage medium
including, but not limited to optical disks, magneto-optical disks,
hard disk drive, and drives employing removable computer storage
media. The remote storage location also includes mechanism(s) for
causing the digitized data to be stored in the storage medium in
a retrievable manner. In the illustrated example, the server and
the executable software therein provides the mechanism for converting
these signals and for storing the digitized data so that each of
the digitized images can be later retrieved by the user or other
authorized person. The server 808 also includes software to validate
that transmissions are from authorized devices and that later transmissions
of the stored image/picture data are to an authorized individual.
In a specific embodiment, and as described above, the re-transmitted
image data is transmitted to the authorized person's computer 910
via a network infrastructure 920 such as that provided by the internet.
As indicated above, there are cases where the camera 10" is
in a fixed location and the DDST device 100c is moveable. Referring
now to FIG. 6C there is shown a schematic view of a system 1000
according to the present invention in which the camera 10"
is fixed and the DDST device 100c can be moved between an area where
pictures are taken and a site or location where digitized data is
to be transmitted. Reference shall be made to FIG. 3C and FIGS.
6A-6B for details of common elements and features.
In the illustrated embodiment, the DDST device 100c is mounted
on a vehicle 1010 that is moveable between any of a number of positions,
one position being the area 1002 where the camera 10" is viewing
and another area 1004 whereat data transmission should occur. In
use, when the DDST device 100c comes into the viewing area of the
camera 10" the transmitter 190 sends out a signal triggering
the camera so that it begins to acquire images/image data. More
particularly, image data including the moving vehicle 1010. After
a predetermined time has elapsed or a prespecified number of pictures
are taken, comprising an image acquisition cycle, the camera 10"
wirelessly communicates with the DDST device 100c so as to download
the acquired image data to the DDST device.
When the vehicle 1010 enters the data transmission area 1004, the
DDST device 100c transmits the downloaded digital image data to
the transceiver 804. As described above in FIG. 6A, this data is
in turn communicated to the remote server 808 so that this information
is accessible to one or more personal computers/workstation 812
via a network.
Now referring to FIG. 6D there is shown a schematic view of a system
1100 according to the present invention by which digitized data
is transmitted from the DDST device 100a to a remote site/server
using an internet communications network. Reference shall be made
to FIG. 3A and FIGS. 6A-6C for details of common elements and features.
In the illustrated embodiment, the DDST device 100a, more specifically
one of the output ports 122a, is interconnected to a first network
infrastructure 806 by means of a cable such as category 5 cable
as is known to those skilled in the art. In this way, the digitized
image data is uploaded to the remote server 808 over the first network
infrastructure from the DDST device.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described
using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes
only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may
be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following
claims.
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