United States Patent
`[19]
`[11] Patent Number:
`5,893,037
`
`Reele et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 6, 1999
`
`US005893037A
`
`[54] COMBINED ELECTRONIC/SILVER-HALIDE
`IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM WITH
`
`5,402,171
`5,717,454
`
`3/1995 Tagami et a1.
`2/1998 Adolphi et a1.
`
`.......................... 348/219
`........................... 348/64
`
`CELLULAR TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors:
`
`83111119] R9919, Rochester; A1311 L-
`Kerusa Faimert, both of NY
`
`[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,
`NY-
`
`[21] APPL N05 7393237
`
`[22]
`
`Filed:
`
`OCt' 29’ 1996
`Related US. Application Data
`
`[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 353,023, Dec. 9, 1994, abandoned.
`
`................................
`;
`nt.
`.
`H04Q 7/32 H04N 7/18
`C] 6
`51
`I
`.
`.
`.
`............................ 455/556, 455/557, 334:5;
`[52] US. Cl.
`_
`[58] Fleld of Search ................................ 348/14, 219, 64;
`455/557> 556; 358/527
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3/1981 Lemelson et al.
`........................ 358/85
`4,258,387
`
`4/1989 LebOWitz """"""
`379/40
`478257457
`
`i’ggg’fig 1%1383 3:53: 66: :11:
`3233791:
`
`4/1991 Guichard et a1.
`..
`5,008,924
`379/53
`...... 354/412
`6/1991 Hoshino et a1.
`5,027,149
`
`7/1991 Ota et al. ................. 358/209
`5,032,918
`,,,,,,,, 358/85
`5,036,390
`7/1991 Masunaga ..
`
`5,042,082
`8/1991 Dahlin ........
`..... 455/33.1
`5,124,915
`6/1992 Krenzel
`......
`------ 364/420
`
`........
`5,191,601
`3/1993 Ida et al.
`
`~~~~~~~~ 379/53
`..
`5,194,955
`3/1993 Yoneta et al.
`""" 358/209
`
`...... 361/683
`5,212,628
`5/1993 Bradbury
`7/1993 Sakai ................ 358/209
`5,231,501
`
`2/1995 Caci ................. 364/514
`5,392,223
`
`.............................. 348/14
`5,396,269
`3/1995 Gotoh et al.
`
`Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 18, No. 675, Grp. E1648,
`Dec. 20, 1994, for JP 6—268582 (Kawazu et al), Sep.22,
`1994.
`
`Popular Science, Tokyo Motor Show, Hydrogen Rotary
`Engine, Feb. 1992, p. 14.
`Qualcomm Incorporated, “CD—7000 CDMA Digital Por-
`table Phone”, Jan. 1993.
`
`Primary Examiner—Andrew M. Dolinar
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Thomas H. Close
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Acombined electronic/silver-halide image capture system is
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`capable of transmitting electronic image data using conven-
`tional cellular telephone transmission technology. The sys-
`tem includes a camera unit and a cellular telephone that can
`be electrically coupled to the camera unit. The camera unit
`has both a photographic film plane and an electronic image
`sensor. A mechanism is provided for directing scene light
`from a scene to be imaged to at least one of the photographic
`film plane and the electronic image sensor, wherein the
`electronic image sensor generates analog image signals in
`response to incident scene light. Aprocessing unit receives
`the analog image signals generated by the electronic image
`sensor and generates digital image signals represented of the
`scene to be imaged. Amemory unit is prov1ded to selectively
`store the digital image signals generated by the processing
`unit The camera unit also Preferably includes a diSPlay SO
`that the digital image signals generated by the processing
`means can be Viewed by the operator of the system. The
`digital image signals are supplied to a cellular telephone
`Which transmits the digital image signals to a remote loca-
`tion When the camera unit is electrically coupled to the
`cellular telephone"
`
`26 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Iron Dome, Exh 1003
`
`Iron Dome, Exh 1003
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 0f5
`
`5,893,037
`
`
`
`FIG. 1
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Exh p. 2
`
`Exh p. 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 0f 5
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`5,893,037
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`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 0f 5
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`5,893,037
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`US. Patent
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`Apr. 6, 1999
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 6, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f5
`
`5,893,037
`
`
`
`TELEPHONE
`
`CAMERA
`
`MODULE
`
`
`
`
`
`CAMERA
`CELLULAR
`V/EWF/NDER
`TELEPHONE
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`Exh p. 6
`
`

`

`5,893,037
`
`1
`COMBINED ELECTRONIC/SILVER-HALIDE
`IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM WITH
`CELLULAR TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY
`
`This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/353,
`023, filed Dec. 09, 1994, now abandoned.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`to combined
`invention relates in general
`The present
`electronic/silver-halide image capture systems. More
`specifically,
`the invention relates to an electronic/silver-
`halide image capture system that is capable of transmitting
`captured image data via cellular communications transmis-
`sion.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Imaging systems have been proposed that combine both
`electronic imaging technology and conventional silver-
`halide photographic film for image capture. US. Pat. No.
`4,714,962 issued to Levine, for example, discloses a dual
`electronic camera that permits an image to be captured both
`electronically and on photographic film. The dual capability
`of the imaging system permits a user to electronically
`capture an image for previewing prior to exposing the
`photographic film, thereby insuring that the subject of inter-
`est has been appropriately selected and framed while the
`event of interest is occurring without having to wait until
`photographic prints are made. In addition, dual image cap-
`ture has the benefit of providing a silver-halide image of a
`scene that is much less susceptible to tampering than stored
`electronic image data, and can therefore be utilized for
`archive purposes or as evidence that the electronic image
`data has not been altered.
`
`Dual electronic/silver-halide image capture systems are
`particularly useful
`in news gathering and surveillance
`operations, where it may be desirable to electronically
`capture an image for approval prior to creating a photo-
`graphic exposure. In such cases, the location of the imaging
`system operator may be remote from the individual charged
`with approving the image to be captured, and the electroni-
`cally captured image data must be transmitted to the remote
`location for preview. In such situations,
`the silver-halide
`image may be required in addition to an electronic image to
`meet evidence, archival storage requirements, or high reso-
`lution large format output requirements.
`While methods have been developed for transmitting
`electronic image data to a remote locations using satellite
`transmission or conventional radio technology, there exists
`a need for reducing the expense and complexity of the data
`transmission system in electronic/silver-halide image cap-
`ture systems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a combined electronic/
`silver-halide image capture system that is capable of trans-
`mitting electronic image data using conventional cellular
`telephone transmission technology. The system includes a
`camera unit and a cellular telephone that can be electrically
`coupled to the camera unit or, alternatively, a single module
`that integrates the camera unit and cellular telephone unit.
`The camera unit has both a photographic film plane and
`an electronic image sensor. A mechanism is provided for
`directing scene light from a scene to be imaged to at least
`one of the photographic film plane and the electronic image
`sensor. The electronic image sensor generates analog image
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
`
`40
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`45
`
`50
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`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`signals in response to incident scene light. Aprocessing unit
`receives the analog image signals generated by the elec-
`tronic image sensor and generates digital
`image signals
`representative of the scene to be imaged. A memory unit is
`provided to selectively store the digital image signals gen-
`erated by the processing unit. The camera unit also prefer-
`ably includes a display so that the digital image signals
`generated by the processing means can be viewed by the
`operator of the system.
`The cellular telephone includes transmission/receiving
`circuitry for transmitting and receiving cellular band signals.
`A microphone supplies a voice signal to the transmission/
`receiving circuitry, which transmits the voice signal as a
`cellular band signal in a conventional manner. A speaker is
`provided for generating an audible signal in response to a
`cellular band signal received by the transmission/receiving
`circuitry in a conventional manner. The cellular telephone
`preferably includes a voice recognition unit for identifying
`a voice signal supplied by the microphone means as a voice
`command, wherein the voice command is utilized to control
`the operation of at least one of the camera unit and the
`cellular telephone. Similarly, a voice generation unit
`is
`provided to supply a voice message signal to the speaker of
`the cellular telephone in response to a command signal,
`wherein the speaker generates an audible voice message in
`response to the voice message signal.
`As was stated above, the camera unit and the cellular
`telephone can be provided as two separate devices that are
`electrically coupled via interface connectors. It is preferably,
`however,
`that the camera unit and cellular telephone be
`combined as an integrated module.
`Additional advantageous features of the invention are
`described in the following detailed description of the pre-
`ferred embodiments of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The invention will be described in greater detail with
`reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a combined electronic/
`photographic camera utilized in the imaging system of the
`invention;
`FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the camera illustrated in
`
`FIG. 1 and a cellular telephone to be utilized in the imaging
`system of the invention;
`FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the camera
`illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
`FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the cellular
`telephone illustrated in FIG. 3;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention
`
`wherein the camera and cellular telephone are combined as
`a single unit; and
`FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention
`that includes a base unit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a combined electronic/
`silver-halide camera unit 10 utilized in the imaging system
`of the invention. The camera unit 10 includes a standard lens
`
`system 12, an electronic flash unit 14 and an sensor unit 16,
`which includes a light sensor and an autofocus sensor. As
`shown in FIG. 2, a viewfinder 18, a display unit 20, and an
`operator control interface 22, are located on the back of the
`camera unit 10. The display unit 20 is preferably a high
`resolution liquid-crystal-display (LCD). The camera unit 10
`
`Exh p. 7
`
`Exh p. 7
`
`

`

`5,893,037
`
`3
`includes an interface connector 24 that connects with a
`corresponding interface connector 26 provided on a cellular
`telephone 28, thereby permitting the camera unit 10 and
`cellular telephone 28 to be coupled together and electrically
`connected. Alternatively, an interface cable (illustrated by
`dashed lines) can be provided between the interface con-
`nectors 24, 26, thereby permitting the cellular telephone 28
`to be electrically connected without requiring the physical
`attachment of the cellular telephone 28 to the camera 10.
`Still further, the camera 10 and cellular telephone 28 can be
`equipped with infrared transmitters and receivers (or similar
`devices), in order to establish a wireless data communica-
`tions link in place of a physical connection. The cellular
`telephone 28 includes a conventional LCD display 30,
`keypad 32, and retractable antenna 34.
`A functional block diagram of the camera unit 10 is
`illustrated in FIG. 3. The lens unit 12 images scene light onto
`an electronic image sensor 44 that is controlled by a camera
`control circuit 50. The camera control circuit 50 controls the
`
`operation of a variable aperture 36 and shutter mechanism
`38, in response to an exposure initialization signal supplied
`from the operator control interface 22 and signals supplied
`by the sensor unit 16, to provide a proper exposure. The
`camera control circuit 50 preferably includes a general
`purpose microprocessor, memory and associated circuitry,
`although an application specific integrated circuit or discrete
`hardware components may also be utilized. The electronic
`image sensor 44 generates an analog output signal that is
`supplied to a analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 46, which
`converts the analog output signal into a digital signal that is
`supplied to image processing circuitry 48. The image pro-
`cessing circuitry 48 performs various processing functions
`in a conventional manner to generate a digital image signal
`that can be selectively supplied to the display unit 20 or a
`memory unit 52. The memory unit 52 preferably includes
`standard PCMIA interface slots into which removable non-
`
`volatile flash EEPROM memory cards (for example
`RD1001 Memory Cards available from Fuji Microdevice
`Co., particularly well suited to sound annotated image
`operations which will be described in greater detail at a later
`point) can be inserted, although a fixed memory unit may
`also be utilized. A beam deflection mechanism 42 is pro-
`vided in the optical path of the camera 10 to deflect
`incoming scene light to a photographic image plane 40
`where a photographic film is loaded. The beam deflecting
`mechanism 42 may include a movable mirror
`(as
`illustrated), a beam splitter, or any other type of mechanism
`that permits the incoming scene light to either be selectively
`or simultaneously supplied to the photographic image plane
`40 and the electronic image sensor 44. If scene light is
`simultaneously supplied to both the photographic image
`plane 40 and the electronic image sensor 44, then separate
`shuttering mechanisms must be provided to permit selective
`exposure of either the photographic image plane 40 or the
`electronic image sensor 44. Alternatively, the photographic
`image plane 40 and electronic image sensor 44 can be
`simultaneously exposed. Although not specifically
`illustrated, an automatic winding mechanism is preferably
`provided to automatically load and advance the photo-
`graphic film in a conventional manner. The interface con-
`nector 24 is coupled to the camera control circuit 50 and to
`the memory unit 52, thereby permitting control signals and
`data to pass between the camera 10 and cellular phone 28.
`As shown in FIG. 4, the cellular phone 28 includes a
`cellular transmitter/receiver circuit 54 coupled to the
`antenna 34. Cellular band voice transmission signals
`received by the transmitter/receiver circuit 54 are supplied to
`
`10
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`25
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`65
`
`4
`a speaker 62 in a conventional manner. Similarly, a micro-
`phone 64 is coupled to the transmitter/receiver circuit 54 in
`a conventional manner to enable cellular band transmission
`of voice signals to remote locations. Operation of the
`transmitter/receiver circuit 54 is controlled by a cellular
`control unit 60 (incorporating a microprocessor, application
`specific integrated circuit and/or discrete components) that is
`also coupled to the display 30 and the keypad 32. An A/D
`converter 56 and a D/A converter 58 are provided to permit
`analog signals received by the transmitter/ receiver circuit
`54 from the speaker 62 or antenna 34 to be converted to
`digital signals and supplied to the cellular control unit 60,
`and to permit digital data supplied from the cellular control
`unit 60 to be converted to an analog signal for transmission
`by the transmitter/receiver circuit 54. The display 30 is used
`to display various messages to the operator of the telephone
`as is readily known in the art. Avoice recognition unit 66 is
`also preferably included to permit voice control of the
`cellular phone 28. An operator speaks into the speaker 62
`and the signal generated by the speaker 62 is digitized and
`supplied to the voice recognition unit 66. The voice recog-
`nition unit 66 processes the digitized signal to identify a
`voice command. A signal representative of the voice com-
`mand is then supplied to the cellular control circuit 60,
`which controls the operation of the cellular telephone 28
`accordingly. Thus, the cellular telephone 28 can be con-
`trolled either by voice command or by entering data via the
`keypad 32. In addition, the operator of the camera 10 can
`also be controlled by transmitting the signals representative
`of the voice command to the camera control unit 50 when
`
`the cellular telephone 28 is electrically coupled to the
`camera 10.
`
`Similarly, the cellular telephone 28 is provided with a
`voice generator 68, that generates a digital signal represen-
`tative of human speech in response to data supplied by the
`cellular control circuit 60. The digital signal is converted to
`an analog signal by the D/A 58 and supplied to the speaker
`62, wherein the operator is provided with audible voice
`messages indicative of various operating conditions of the
`cellular telephone 28. Thus, messages can be communicated
`to the operator either by the display 30 or through the use of
`the voice generator 68. As with the voice recognition unit 66,
`the voice generator 68 can also be utilized to generate
`audible voice messages based on data supplied by the
`camera control circuit 50 when the cellular telephone 28 is
`coupled to the camera 10.
`Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
`show the cellular telephone 28 as being a separate unit from
`the camera 10, it will be understood that the two separate
`units may be readily combined within a single housing as an
`integrated module. FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block
`diagram of a combined camera/telephone module 82 or
`integrated electronic/silver-halide image capture system in
`accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The
`
`combined camera/telephone module 82 includes the same
`basic components as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3
`and 4, although the separate camera control circuit 50 and
`cellular control circuit 60 is combined into a single central
`control unit 70. In addition, the keypad 32 of the cellular
`telephone 28 is combined with the operator control interface
`22 of the camera 10, such that a single operator control
`interface 22' is provided. The functions of the display 20 of
`the camera 10 and the display 30 of the cellular telephone 28
`are also combined in a similar manner into a single display
`20‘.
`
`A typical operating scenario for the illustrated system will
`now be described. The operator initiates an image capture
`
`Exh p. 8
`
`Exh p. 8
`
`

`

`5,893,037
`
`5
`mode using a mode selector provided on the operator control
`interface 22 of the camera 10. Assuming previewing is
`desired,
`the operator selects an electronic image capture
`mode to command the camera control unit 50 to initiate
`operation of the aperture 34, shutter 36 and electronic image
`sensor 44 to electronically capture a scene to be imaged. The
`analog output signal from the electronic image sensor 44 is
`converted to a digital signal by the A/D converter 46 and
`supplied to the image processing circuit 48. The digital
`image signal generated from the image processing circuit 48
`is preferably simultaneously supplied to the display 20 and
`the memory unit 52. The operator views the captured image
`on the display 20 to determine if the subject is properly
`framed and exposed. If the captured image is not acceptable,
`the operator can erase the image from the memory unit 26
`by activating an erase button (not shown) on the operator
`control interface 22 to send an erase command signal to the
`camera control unit 50. If the captured image is acceptable,
`the operator may switch to a photographic mode using the
`mode selector to capture the subject on photographic film
`loaded in the photographic film plane 40. The camera
`control unit 50 controls the operation of the beam deflection
`mechanism 42 to direct the scene light onto the photographic
`image plane 40 and initiates an exposure operation.
`In the event that the operator wishes to have the electronic
`image previewed at a remote location, the operator, after first
`attaching the cellular phone 28 to the camera 10 via interface
`connector 24 and interface connector 26 if separate devices
`are utilized, initiates a telephone call to the remote location
`by dialing the appropriate number on the keypad 32 or
`alternatively by entering a voice command via the micro-
`phone 64. The cellular phone 28 establishes a communica-
`tion link with the remote location, for example by using
`conventional modem communication protocols, and a mes-
`sage indicating that the remote location is ready to receive
`is displayed on the display 30 of the cellular phone 28 and/or
`an audible voice message is generated by the voice generator
`68 over the speaker 62. The operator activates an image
`transmission selector on the operator control interface 22 of
`the camera unit 10 to command the camera control unit 50
`
`to download the digital image signal stored in the memory
`unit 52 to the cellular phone 28 for transmission over the
`established communications link. After transmission is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`complete, the operator can detach the cellular phone 28 from
`the camera 10 and establish voice communications with the
`
`45
`
`remote location. If the electronic image transmitted to the
`remote location is deemed to be acceptable, the operator
`proceeds with a photographic imaging operation if desired to
`capture the subject on photographic film.
`It will be understood that the operating scenario presented
`above is simply intended to illustrate the operation of the
`invention, and other operating modes are possible. For
`example, the digital image signals stored in the memory unit
`52 can be transmitted via the cellular phone 28 either before
`or after the completion of a photographic exposure opera-
`tion. In addition, the operator may not wish to capture each
`subject both electronically and photographically, but
`instead, may be captured as only an electronic image or a
`photographic image if desired.
`The combination of both image capture and cellular
`phone structures provides a number of unique advantages
`that cannot be obtained using independent devices. For
`example, the microphone 64 of the cellular phone can be
`utilized to provide voice or sound annotation of images
`captured by the camera 10. In such a situation, the operator
`selects a sound annotation mode from a selector provided on
`the operator control interface 22 and speaks into the micro-
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`phone 64 of the cellular phone 28. The signals from the
`microphone are digitized and supplied to the memory unit
`52, where they are indexed by the camera control circuit 50
`to a corresponding electronic image or photographic image
`captured by the camera 10. In addition, the display 20 can be
`utilized to display an image of a calling party when the
`operator is using the cellular phone 28, and an image of the
`operator taken by the camera 10 can be transmitted to the
`calling party, thereby providing a video conferencing capa-
`bility.
`In a further embodiment of the invention illustrated in
`FIG. 6, at
`least one of the camera 10 and the cellular
`telephone 28 (if separate units are utilized as illustrated by
`the dotted line) or the combined camera/telephone module
`82 (if the camera and cellular telephone are provided as an
`integrated module) is provided with an interface connector
`80 that couples to a base unit 72. The base unit 72 includes
`recharging circuitry 74 for recharging batteries (not shown)
`contained in the camera 10 and the cellular telephone 28 or
`the camera/telephone module 82. In addition, the base unit
`72 includes video circuitry 76 for converting the digital
`image signals stored in the memory unit 52 of the camera
`unit 10 into a video signal (either a standard television signal
`or other video format signal) for display on a television or
`monitor
`that can be coupled to the base unit 72.
`Alternatively, the base unit 72 includes a compact disc (CD)
`drive 78 that permits the digital image data stored in the
`memory 52 to be downloaded to a CD. Alternatively, the
`interface 80 can be used to couple the combined camera/
`telephone module 82, camera 10 or cellular telephone 28 to
`a device other than the base unit 72, for example, a com-
`puter.
`The invention has a number of advantages over conven-
`tional single imaging systems. For example, photographic
`images taken in conjunction with electronic images can be
`used to prove that the electronic images have not been
`altered. In addition, the electronic images can be used for
`remote verification and approval, while the photographic
`images enable large enlargements to be made from high
`resolution negatives for magazines, posters and professional
`publishing applications.
`The invention has been described with reference to certain
`
`It will be understood,
`preferred embodiments thereof.
`however,
`that modifications and variations are possible
`within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the
`cellular telephone 28 can be integrated with the base unit 72
`and built into a console of an automobile, a television set or
`a video recorder unit. In such a case, the camera unit 10
`would contain an interface connector to couple to the base
`unit. The cellular communication functions of the invention
`
`may be provided by a wireless modem card (for example,
`Personal MessengerTM 100D available from Motorola) that
`can be inserted into the PCMIA slot of the memory unit 52.
`In addition, the memory unit 52 is a read-only-memory, in
`a further preferred embodiment of the invention, to ensure
`the integrity of the electronic image data being stored and
`therefore provide a further safeguard against manipulation
`of the electronic image data. Finally, the camera control unit
`50 or central control unit 70 preferably provides an editing
`function to allow multiple images to be retrieved from the
`memory unit 52 and combined as a single image and
`individual images to be cropped prior to transmission.
`
`INDUSTRIAL UTILITY
`
`The invention provides a combined electronic/silver-
`halide image capture system with cellular transmission
`
`Exh p. 9
`
`Exh p. 9
`
`

`

`5,893,037
`
`7
`capability that is useful in capturing images in both elec-
`tronic form and with conventional photographic film, and
`transmitting the images captured in electronic form to
`remote locations.
`
`REFERENCE NUMERALS
`
`10 Camera Unit
`
`12 Lens System
`14 Electronic Flash Unit
`16 Sensor Unit
`18 Viewfinder
`
`20 Display Unit
`20' Combined Display
`22 Operator Control Interface
`22' Combined Operator Control Interface
`24 Interface Connector
`26 Interface Connector
`
`28 Cellular Telephone
`30 Display
`32 Keypad
`34 Antenna
`
`36 Aperture
`38 Shutter Mechanism
`
`40 Photographic Image Plane
`42 Beam Deflection Mechanism
`
`44 Electronic Image Sensor
`46 A/D Converter
`48 Image Processing Circuitry
`50 Camera Control Unit
`
`52 Memory Unit
`54 Transmitter/Receiver Circuit
`56 A/D Converter
`58 D/A Converter
`60 Cellular Control Unit
`
`62 Speaker
`64 Microphone
`66 Voice Recognition Unit
`68 Voice Generator
`70 Central Control Unit
`72 Base Unit
`
`74 Recharging Circuitry
`76 Video Circuitry
`78 Compact Disc Unit
`80 Interface Connector
`
`82 Camera/Telephone Module
`What is claimed:
`
`1. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system with
`cellular transmission capability comprising:
`a camera unit including a photographic film plane and an
`electronic image sensor, exposure means for directing
`scene light from a scene to be imaged to at least one of
`the photographic film plane and the electronic image
`sensor, wherein the electronic image sensor generates
`an analog image signal in response to incident scene
`light, processing means for receiving the analog image
`signal generated by the electronic image sensor and
`generating a digital image signal representative of the
`scene to be imaged, memory means for selectively
`storing the digital image signal generated by the pro-
`cessing means, and camera control means for control-
`ling the operation of the electronic image sensor, the
`exposure means, the processing means and the memory
`means;
`
`a cellular telephone including transmission/receiving
`means for transmitting and receiving cellular band
`signals; microphone means for supplying a voice signal
`to the transmission/receiving means which transmits
`
`8
`the voice signal as a cellular band signal, speaker
`means for generating an audible signal in response to a
`cellular band signal received by the transmission/
`receiving means, and cellular control means for con-
`trolling the operation of the transmission/receiving
`means; and
`coupling means for electrically coupling the camera unit
`to the cellular telephone, wherein the digital image
`signal stored in the memory means is supplied to the
`transmission/receiving means of the cellular telephone
`for transmission as a cellular band signal to a remote
`location and wherein the coupling means comprises a
`first interface connector located on the camera unit and
`
`a second interface connector locating on the cellular
`telephone, wherein the first interface connector mates
`directly to the second interface connector.
`2. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera unit further com-
`prises a display means for selectively displaying the digital
`image signal generated by the processing means.
`3. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises
`a first interface connector located on the camera unit, a
`second interface connector located on the cellular telephone,
`and an interface cable connecting the first and second
`interface connectors.
`
`4. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, wherein the cellular telephone further
`comprises voice generation means for supplying a voice
`message signal to the speaker means of the cellular tele-
`phone in response to a command signal supplied by at least
`one of the camera control means and the cellular control
`
`means, wherein the speaker means generates an audible
`voice message in response to the voice message signal.
`5. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base unit that
`interfaces to at least one of the camera unit and the cellular
`
`telephone.
`6. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 5, wherein the base unit includes video
`processing circuitry that converts the digital image signal
`stored in the memory means of the camera unit into a video
`signal.
`7. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 6, wherein the base unit includes a compact
`disc drive that transfers the digital image signal stored in the
`memory means of the camera unit to a compact disc.
`8. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory means comprises a
`read-only-memory.
`9. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system as
`claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera control means
`includes means for editing the digital image signal stored in
`the memory means.
`10. An electronic/silver-halide image capture system with
`cellular transmission capability comprising:
`a camera unit including a photographic film plane and an
`electronic image sensor, exposure means for directing
`scene light from a scene to be imaged to at least one of
`the photographic film plane and the electronic image
`sensor, wherein the electronic image sensor generates
`an analog image signal in response to incident scene
`light, processing means for receiving the analog image
`signal generated by the electronic image sensor and
`generating a digital image signal representative of the
`scene to be imaged, memory means for selectively
`storing the digital image signal generated by the pro-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Exh p.10
`
`Exh p. 10
`
`

`

`5,893,037
`
`9
`cessing means, and camera control means for control-
`ling the operation of the electronic image sensor, the
`exposure means, the processing means and the memory
`means;
`
`a cellular telephone including transmission/receiving
`means for transmitting and receiving cellular band
`signals; microphone means for supplying a voice signal
`to the transmission/receiving means which transmits
`the voice signal as a cellular band signal, speaker
`means for generating an audible signal in response to a
`cellular b