APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING, CONVERTING AND TRANSMITTING
`A VISUAL IMAGE SIGNAL VIA A DIGITAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
`Inventor: David A. Monroe
`APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING, CONVERTING AND TRANSMITTING
`A VISUAL IMAGE SIGNAL VIA A DIGITAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
`[0001] This application is a divisional application of and claims priority from a nonprovisional
`United States Application entitled Apparatus For Capturing, Converting And
`Transmitting A Visual Image Signal Via A Digital Transmission System, Serial No.
`09/006,073, having a filing date of January 12, 1998; the specification and drawings of which
`are hereby incorporated by reference.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`(0002] The invention is generally related to image capture and transmission systems and is
`specifically directed to an image capture, compression and transmission system for use in
`connection
`connection with land line and wireless telephone systems.
`DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART
`[0003] Industry has developed and continues to develop and enhance techniques for scanning,
`compressing, transmitting, receiving, decompressing, viewing and printing documents. This
`technology, encompassing the full body of facsimile transmission and reception, is currently in
`widespread use. The current standards, CCITT Group III and Group IV, define methods to scan
`and
`and transmit high quality, hi-level images with a high degree of success and has become
`commercially
`commercially acceptable throughout the world. However, gray scale documents are not easily
`transmitted because
`transmitted because the scanners and algorithms are not tailored to the function. Three
`dimensional objects will not fit
`into the flat document scanners and cannot be transmitted.
` [0004] Examples of systems that have addressed some of these issues are shown in U.S. Patent
`No.
`No. 5,193,012 which shows a video to facsimile signal converter, and U.S. Patent No. 3,251,937
`which
`which discloses a system for transmitting still television pictures over a telephone line.
`[0005] Wire photography, and its extension, radio photography, have long been used by the news
`news media. The most common form involves an input device that converts photographs into
`encoded
`encoded signals for communication over telecommunications facilities or radio. At the receiving
`end,
`end, reproducing equipment reconverts the encoded image signals by exposing photographic film
`or other
`sensitized paper. The term facsimile is often useduse with these products.
`[0006] Still video equipment has recently become available from vendors such as
` Kodak, Canon
`and Sony, and is again primarily used by the television and print media, although applications
`are
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`expanding rapidly in such areas as insurance investigations and real estate transactions. A still
`video
`camera captures a full color still video image that can be reproduced using a special video printer
`that converts the still video image data into hard copy form. For applications requiring
`communication of the still video image, transmit/receive units are available wherein the image
`begins and ends as a video image.
`[0007] The Photophone from Image Data Corporation is an example of a specialty product that
`product that combines a video camera, display and storage facility in a terminal package. One
`terminal can send
`a real time or stored still video image to another for display or storage, or printing on special
`video
`printers. Again, the signal begins and ends as a video image.
`[0008] Another example of a specialty product is peripheral equipment available for personal
`personal computers that enables the input/output, storage and processing of still video images in
`digitized
`formats. For instance, the Canon PV-540 is a floppy disk drive that uses conventional still video
`disks, digitizing and a still video image using a conventional format, and communicates with the
`computer through a standard communications 110I/0 port.
` [0009) U.S. Patent No. 5,193,012 discloses a still-video to facsimile conversion system for
`system for converting the still-video image frame into a half-tone facsimile reproduction without
`having to store
`an entire intermediated gray scale image frame by repeatedly transmitting the still-video image
`frame from a still-video source to an input circuit with a virtual facsimile page synchronization
`module . This system permits image to facsimile conversion by utilizing a halftonehalf tone
`conversion
`technique.
`[0010] While the various prior art systems and techniques provide limited solutions
` to the problem
`of transmitting visual images via a facsimile transmission system, all fall short of providing a
`reliable and convenient method and apparatus for readily capturing, storing, transmitting and
`printing visual images in a practical manner.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0011] The subject invention is an image capture, compression and transmission
` system that is
`specifically designed to permit reliable visual image transmission over land line or wireless
`communications using commercially available facsimile transmission techniques. The invention
`incorporates a camera and signal converter into an integrated unit wherein the converted signal
`may
`be transmitted on a real time basis or may be stored in memory for later recall and transmission.
`The
`design of the invention permits maximum flexibility, with the camera/converter/telephone or
`other
`transmission device being designed in a modular configuration wherein any or all of the devices
`may
`devices may exist as integrated or independent units.
`[0012] The preferred embodiment permits capture of a video image using a digital
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` camera, an
`analog camera, or a video camera such as a camcorder. The captured video image is then
`converted
`into still frame digitized format for transmission over any of a variety of transmission systems
`ranging from Group-III facsimile to computer, or to a like device at a remote location, in any
`protocol desired. The invention recognizes that once the signal is digitized, the transmission
`protocols are virtually endless.
`[0013] For example, the present invention, permits a still frame visual image to be
` captured at a
`remote location and sent immediately, over wireless communication systems, to a remote
`location
`such as, by way of example, a computer system wherein the image could be merged directly into
`newsprint. The image may also be sent to and printed as a hard copy using any Group-III
`facsimile
`machine, anywhere in the world. Where desired, the images may be stored in memory for later
`recall, and may be
`recall, and may be archived on a portable medium such as a memory card or the like.
`[0014] The system of the subject invention is particularly useful for applications where
`immediate
`immediate transmission of visual images of scenes, people and objects is desirable and
`sophisticated equipment
`sophisticated equipment is not always available for receiving the information. The
`is not always available for receiving the information. The system also provides a unique and
`reliable
`means for transmitting visual data to and from remote locations, such as, by way of example, law
`enforcement and emergency vehicles and the like.
`[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a video
` camera and an
`integral cellular telephone, wherein the telephone using the standard audio mode or future digital
`modes, can be used to transmit and receive visual image signals. A desk model is also disclosed
`and
`permits connection to a standard land line telephonic system. A mobile console model is
`disclosed
`for use in law enforcement vehicles, and the like. Other communication systems are also
`supported
`by the subject invention, including hardwired networks, radio and satellite transmission and the
`like.
`[0016] A local facsimile machine may be incorporated with the unit and can serve as
` a printer for
`providing hard copy of the captured image at the point of capture, as well as being adapted for
`receiving facsimile transmissions in the standard fashion.
`[0017] The circuitry is disclosed for supporting any of the preferred configurations
` from a basic
`real time transmission system via Group-III fax to a comprehensive system supporting both land
`line and wireless transmission of image, audio and documentary data at both a local and remote
`30 station.
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`[0018] The subject invention also permits digitized collection of audio signals through the use of
`the use of an internal microphone, and external input device, a cellular telephone, land line
`telephone, wireless
`radio or other communication system, and digitized audio playback, as well. The playback can
`be
`via an internal speaker, out an external outjackout jack to a remote device or via a cellular
`telephone, land
`line telephone, wireless radio or other communication system.
`10
`[0019] The digitized image and audio capture features permit association of audio with an image,
`with an image, as well as data with the image. Useful data associated with the image includes
`GPS from either
`internal or external GPS devices, range information from ranging devices, date and time, and text
`which may be input from an integrated
`which may be input from an integrated keyboard or from a remote device.
`[0020] It is an important feature of the invention that the system supports storage of
` images in an
`interim storage format including raw video, compressed video, interim gray scale format and/or
`halftonehalf
`tone format. The image can also be stored in the selected output mode, such as by way of
`example,
`a Group III facsimile mode. The versatile capability of the system permits transmission of
`captured
`data to a standard hi-level facsimile machine such as Group III, to gray scale facsimile systems
`or full color
`full color facsimile systems, as well as to other remote receiving devices such as, by waybyway
`of example,
`example, personal computers and network servers. The data may be transferred in any of a
`variety of formats
`and protocols including JPEG, FAX, wavelets, emerging imagery formats, FAX and computer
`data
`protocols. The invention is adapted to operate in multiple modes, with a unitary capture and send
`mode or separate capture and store, and send modes.
`[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the system is adapted for tagging a collected
` image, video, audio, and other data such as a GPS information, with geospatial
`audio, and other data such as a GP S information, with geospatial information and real time clock
`and
`added text. This permits the complete historical data to be transmitted simultaneously with the
`image signal.
`[0022] It is contemplated that the system of the invention would be self-contained with an
`integral
`an integral power unit such as a disposable battery, rechargeable battery source or the
` like. Therefore, the
`system is adapted to power up when in use and power down or "sleep" when not activated,
`"sleep" when not activated, preserving power during idle time. The power systems for the video
`camera, the video input circuits and converters, the modem or other
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`and converters, the modem or other transmission devices and other high drain components may
`be
`isolated and only powered when needed. This also permits use of ancillary functions, such as use
`as a
`30 as a cellular telephone, to proceed without draining the power source by powering idle
`components.
`components. The processor clock rate may also be slowed down during idle mode to further
`conserve power.
`[0023] Where desired, the system also includes camera operation control capability
` through the use
`of a digital/analog circuits for converting digital commands to analog signals for controlling the
`gain,
`pedestal, setup, white clip, lens focus, white balance, lens iris, lens zoom and other functions of
`the
`camera from a local input device, a remote device or as automatic or programmed functions. The
`central processor may also be used to control camera shutter rate. Other camera features and
`parameters
`parameters which may be controlled in this manner are compressor resolution ( such as high,
`medium, low user settings) corresponding to compression rate parameters, field/frame
` mode, color
`or monochrome, image spatial resolution (640x420 pixels, 320x240 pixels, for example), lens
`and
`for example}, lens and camera adjustments, input selection where multiple cameras or video
`sources are used and the like.
`[0024] When an integrated communications device is used, such as by way of
` example, a cellular
`telephone, the telephone can be isolated from the rest of the system to permit independent use,
`and
`to permit independent use, and independent power up and power off and other cellular phone
`functions.
`[0025] In operation, the system permits not only the manual capture, dial (select) and send of
`send of images, but may also be fully automated to capture, dial and send, for example, on a
`timed sequence
`or in response to a sensor such as a motion sensor, video motion detection, or from a remote
`trigger
`device. The remote trigger also may be activated by an incoming telephone signal, for example.
` [0026] The remote device may also be useduse for remote loading and downloading of
` firmware, and
`for setting of the programmable parameters such as to provide remote configuration of sampling
`modes during capture, compression rates, triggering methods and the like.
`[0027] The triggering function permits a multitude of sampling schemes for a simple triggered
`triggered activation for capturing an image upon initiation to a trigger signal to more complicated
`schemes
`complicated schemes for capturing and transmitting images prior to and after receipt of the
`trigger signal. The trigger
`function can be set to operate, for example, on a time per sample and number of sample basis, or
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`time per sample and total sample time basis, or number of samples and total time basis.
`Depending
`on application, the trigger can sample in a prior to and after signal mode, using in combination
`the
`time per sample and number of samples prior and after signal basis, a total time basis, a percent
`prior
`versus percent after trigger basis, time per sample basis, time prior to and time after
` trigger basis,
`and other combination. For example, if the image capture device is positioned to monitor traffic
`accidents at a specific location, and an audio signal sensor identifying a crash were used as the
`30 trigger, it would be desirable to collect image sample both prior to and after the trigger signal.
`The
`number of samples, total sample time, and percentage of samples prior to and after trigger would
`be
`controlled by the specific application.
`(0028] Circular sampling techniques are supported by the data capture system of the present
`present invention. This is particularly useful when triggering events are used to initiate
`transmission of
`transmission of collected image data over the communications system. For example, if a
`triggering event is motion
`detected at a motion sensor, it may be useful to look at the images captured for a period of time
`both prior to and after the actual event. The circuitry of the
`prior to and after the actual event. The circuitry of the subject invention permits any circular
`sampling technique to be utilized depending upon application, such as prior to an after trigger,
`only
`application, such as prior to an after trigger, only after trigger or only before trigger or prior to
`and after the trigger point. Again, as an example, it
`to and after the trigger point. Again, as an example, it may bemay desirable to look primarily at
`images captured before a triggering event if the event is a
`catastrophic event such as an explosion or the like. Other circular sampling techniques may be
`employed, as well, incorporating multiple cameras, for example, wherein different fields are
`sampled
`depending upon the time frame in a sequence of events.
`[0029] It is, therefore, an object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus
` for capturing,
`converting and transmitting a visual image via standard facsimile transmissions systems.
`[0030] It is another object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus for compressing
`the
`compressing the visual image data in order to minimize the capacity requirements of the data
`capture and storage
`system.
`[0031] It is an additional object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus for capturing
`for capturing and storing a visual image for later recall and review and/or transmission.
`[0032] It is yet another object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus for storing a
`storing a captured video image in digital format on a portable storage medium.
`[0033] It is an additional object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus capable of
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`capable of sending and receiving telephonic audio messages, facsimile documents and captured
`visual images
`to and from standard, readily available remote stations.
`[0034] It is a further object and feature of the invention to provide the means and method for
`method for capturing images prior to, prior to and after, or after a triggering event.
`[0035] It is also an object and feature of the invention to provide for multiple triggering events
`events and/or optional viewing or review of the captured images prior to printing or transmission.
`[0036] It is another object and feature of the invention to provide an apparatus which may be
`30 activated from a remote location for initiating the capture of images by the device.
` [0037] Other objects and features will be readily apparent from the drawings and detailed
`description.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0038] Fig. 1. is a block diagram of a basic facsimile camera configuration for capturing an
`image
`an image via a camera and transmitting it via Group IIIGroup-III facsimile transmission to a.
`standard hard copy
`medium.
`[0039] Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. 1, but incorporates a memory storage capability, permitting
`storage
`permitting storage and optional review or viewing of the image prior to transmission.
`[0040] Fig. 3 is similar to Figs. I1 and 2, but incorporates a data compression scheme for
`increasing
`for increasing the capacity of the memory aridand for increasing efficiency of transmission.
`[0041] Fig. 4 includes the capture and transmission configuration of Fig. 2, with multiple
`multiple transmission format capability including Group-III facsimile, personal computer,
`modem, parallel
`and serial transmission schemes.
`[0042] Fig. 5 is an exemplary schematic diagram supporting the configurations shown
` in each of
`Figs. 1-4.
`[0043] Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, are block diagrams of the physical components of
` desktop, portable
`and comprehensive console embodiments of the invention, respectively.
`[0044] Fig. 7 A and 7B are perspective drawings of a hand held device for capturing, storing and
`storing and transmitting an image in accordance with the invention (new drawings to replace
`Frassinito design.
`[0045) Figs. 8A-8L (Formerly Fig. 12) comprises a schematic diagram for an exemplary
`embodiment of the circuit for supporting the subject invention.
` [0046] Fig. 9 is a diagram of the various triggering sequence options.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`[0047] The image capture and transmission system of the subject invention is suited for
`capturing
`capturing one or more single frame analog image or a digital image data signal and transmitting
`the captured
`signal via any of a plurality of transmission schemes to a remote receiving station where the
`image
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`is downloaded in a suitable format for viewing and printing on hard paper copy, a CRT screen
`image, or other medium. The
`image, or other medium. The system is particularly well suited for sending and/or receiving
`images
`via a standard Group III facsimile transmission system and permits capture of the image at a
`remote
`location using an analog or digital camera. Two generic configurations are shown and described,
`described,30 the first, where each image is transmitted as it is captured, and the second, which
`permits capture,
`storage, and selective recall of captured images for transmission. The invention also
`contemplates
`a portable storage medium, wherein the captured stored medium may be removed from the
`capture
`device and archived for later use. While a system for black and white (gray tones) for Group-III
`facsimile transmission
`facsimile transmission is described in detail herein, the invention could be readily adapted to
`transmission of
`transmission of color images utilizing the teachings of the present invention using industry
`standard
`color video standards and circuits. Both portable, or hand held, and stationary, or
` desktop, units are
`described. The circuitry utilized for both is configurations is identical, but stationary
`configurations
`do not need a battery.
`[0048] Figs. 1-5 are circuit configuration diagrams for the various capture, storage and
`transmission
`transmission schemes. The physical embodiments utilized to employ the teachings of the
`schemes taught in Figs.
`1-5 are not limited. Figs. 6-10 are exemplary physical embodiments of the subject invention.
`[0049] Turning now to Fig. 1, the simplest embodiment of the invention incorporates a standard
`a standard analog or digital camera device 10 for capturing a visual image in the typical fashion.
`The camera
`10 may be operator activated as indicated at 12, or may be programmed to be activated at
`selected
`intervals or in response to certain conditions. For example, a motion detector may be utilized to
`activate the camera 10 in a surveillance installation. Once activated, the camera 101 0 captures a
`visual image in
`image in typical fashion through a lens (see lens 192, for example, in Fig. 7 A). In the illustrated
`embodiment, the captured image is then transmitted to a gray scale bit map memory
` device 16, from
`which it is output to a half-tone conversion scheme 18 to be input into a binary bit map 20 for
`formatting the captured image in a configuration suitable for transmission via a Group-III
`facsimile
`system. The signal generated at 22 by the binary bit map 20 is input into a Group-III encoding
`and
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`compression network 24 for generating an output signal at 26 which is introduced into a Group
`III protocolGroup-III
`protocol transmission device 28. The output at 30 of the transmission device 28 is then
`transmitted
`transmitted into any standard transmission interface such as, by way of example, hard line
`telephonic
`line telephonic transmission, cellular transmission, radio signal, satellite transmission or other
`transmission system
`32 via a modem or similar device, as needed( as diagrammatically illustrated at 29), to be
`received
`via a compatible interface by a remote Group-III receiving system 34. The Group IIIGroup-III
`receiving
`system 34 is a typical Group-III facsimile system comprising a Group-III receiver 36, decoder
`and
`decompressor 383 8 and binary bit map 40, from which a facsimile hard copy such as plain
` paper copy
`42 may be generated.
`[0050]30 This configuration is particularly well suited where real near time transmission
` is desired,
`for example when the system is operator controlled and a "“real time" image is desired at a
`remote location. An example of such a system may be a photo
`identificationlocation. An example of such a system may be a photo-identification confirmation
`of an
`apprehended suspect in law enforcement use, or transmission of images of damaged assets for
`insurance purposes, or transmission of images of construction job site conditions. This
`configuration
`is also well suited for use in those applications where a sensor activates the system and real time
`transmission of
`transmission of the sensed condition is desired. An example of such a system would be a motion
`activated camera in a surveillance location, where the image is immediately transmitted
` to a remote
`monitoring station. Of course, it will be readily understood by those who are skilled in the art
`that
`are skilled in the art that tagging a transmitted image with information such as, by way of
`example, date, time and location,
`can be incorporated in the transmitted signal so that a receiving station could monitor a plurality
`of
`remote image data capture systems. This is also useful for reviewing a body of previously stored
`or printed images to determine the time and location of such image.
`[0051 The embodiment of Fig. ·2 is similar to Fig. 1, but incorporates a memory and optional
`optional operator viewer system. The image is captured by the camera 10 and conditioned by the
`gray scale
`bit map 16, as in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the output 44 of the bit map 16 is input into a
`standard
`digital memory device 46 for later recall. This configuration is particularly well suited for
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`applications where near real time transmission of the image either is not required or is not
`desirable.
`transmission of the image either is not required or is not desirable. It will be noted that
`It will be noted that with the exception of the insertion of the memory device 46 and the optional
`viewer
`viewer device 48, the capture and transmission system of Fig. 2 is identical to that shown and
`described in Fig. 1. Once the image is captured by the camera 10 and is presented at 44 to the
`to the memory device 46, it is stored for later recall and transmission. The specific type of
`memory device
`is optional and may include, for example, an SRAM device, a DRAM, Flash RAM, hard drive,
`floppy disk, PCMCIA format removable memory (see, for example, the PCMCIA card 50 in Fig.
`7 A), writeable optical media or other storage device. The memory may selectively capture
`images,
`as indicated by the operator interface/capture interface 52, or may be programmed to selectively
`capture periodic
`capture periodic images or all images. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an optional viewer
`device 48
`device 48 is provided. This permits the operator to recall and view all or selective images before
`transmission, as indicated by the operator interface/recall interface 54. This permits the operator
`to
`operator to review all images retained in the memory 46 and transmit selective images, as desired,
`to the Group III
`as desired, to the Group-III transmission system. The remainder of the system of Fig. 2 operates
`in the same manner as the
`30 configuration shown and described in Fig. 1.
`10
`[0052] The configuration of Fig. 3 incorporates all of the features of Figs. I1 and 2, and
`additionally,
`additionally, includes an interim data compression and decompression scheme to permit
`increased utilization of
`the memory or storage medium 46. As shown in Fig. 3, an interim format compressor 56 is
`inserted
`between the gray scale bit map 16 and the memory device 46. This permits compression and
`reduction of the data required to store the image, effectively increasing the capacity of the
`storage device. It is an
`device. It is an objective of the storage device to preserve the gray scale quality of the image for
`viewing at the location of capture. An interim format decompression device 58 is inserted
`between
`inserted between the output of the memory device 46 and the rest of the system, whether the
`optional viewer 48 is
`utilized, or the output is entered directly into the half-tone convertor 18. The interim
`compression/decompression scheme is particularly useful when all of the image data is to be
`when all of the image data is to be permanently archived, or when limited capacity portable
`media are used, such as, by way of
`portable media are used, such as, by way of example, floppy disks or a portable PCMCIA card. It
`will be noted that the remainder of the system
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`shown in Fig. 3 is identical to the system shown and described in Fig. 2.
`[0053} Fig. 4 illustrates the use of the image capture and/or retention configured in any of the
`of the optional embodiments of Figs. 1-3 and adapted for use in combination with any of a
`variety of
`of a variety of transmitting and receiving schemes such as, by way of example, the Group-III
`system shown in Figs.
`1-3, a modem, direct connection to a personal computer, serial or parallel transmission, or any
`selected transmitting/receiving protocol. This illustration demonstrates the versatility of the
`system
`once the image has been captured, converted and conditioned by the image capture device of the
`subject
`subject invention. Specifically, once the image is captured by the camera 10 and conditioned by
`the
`by the gray scale bit map 16, it may be stored and transmitted, or transmitted "real time" via any
`via any transmitting and receiving scheme. As shown in Fig. 4 the image capture device includes
`the
`memory device 46 and the optional viewer 48 for incorporating maximum capability. However,
`any
`of the schemes of Figs. 1-3 would be suitable for producing a transmittable signal. In the
`embodiment shown, a format select interface switch 60 is positioned to receive the fully
`conditioned
`signal on line 59. This would permit either automated or manual selection of the transmitting
`protocol, including the Group-III facsimile system previously described in connection with Figs.
`1-3, as
`as indicated by selecting format select switch 60 position A; or PC modem protocol as illustrated
`illustrated by the JPEG compressor 62 and protocol generator 64, as indicated by selecting
`format select switch
`30 position B; or the wavelet compressor and PC modem protocol, as illustrated by the wavelet
`compressor 66 and PC modem protocol generator 68 by selecting switch position C; or any
`selected
`conversion network 65, (if needed) with a compatible compressor 67 (if needed) and compatible
`protocol generator 757 5 (if needed), as indicated by switch position D; or a serial protocol
`scheme 77, with serial
`with serial drivers 79 directly to a hardwired personal computer 81 by selecting switch position E.
`Of course, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that one or a plurality of
`of transmitting protocols may be simultaneously selected. Depending on the protocol
` selected, the
`signal output is generated at the selected output module and introduced to a communications
`a communications interface module 83 via a modem or other device, as needed, for transmission
`via a transmission
`system to a compatible receiving station such as the Group-III facsimile device 34, the personal
`computer 85, the video telephone 89, and/or other server or receiving device 91 for distribution.
`[0054] An exemplary circuit supporting the configurations of Figs. 1-4 is shown in
` Fig. 5. With
`specific reference to Fig. 5, an analog camera is indicated by the "video in" signal at 70.
`Typically,
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`the video signal is a composite video/sync signal. The diagram shows all of the signal processing
`necessary to sync up to an NTSC signal 70 coming out of the analog camera and processed for
`introduction into an integral RAM memory 71 and/or a portable RAM memory via interface 73.
`An analog to digital (AID) converter 74 converts the video portion of the analog signal from the
`camera and
`camera and produces the digital signal for output at line 76. The digital output data on path 76 is
`introduced into a data multiplexer circuit 81 and into the RAM memory unit(s) 71, 72. In the
`In the exemplary embodiment, the portable RAM memory 72 is an image card such as, by way
`of example,
`a PCMCIA SRAM card or a PCMCIA Flash RAM card. However, it will be readily understood
`that
`it will be readily understood that any suitable RAM memory configuration can be used within
`the teachings of the invention. It is
`desirable to store compressed rather than raw data in card 72 because of space and transmission
`speed factors.
`[0055] As the signal at 70 is introduced into the circuit, the sync detector 78 strips the sync
`signal
`sync signal portion off of the video signal. The sync signal drives the video address generator 80
`for providing
`a signal used to generate an address signal at the address multiplexer circuit 82 for synchronizing
`the scanned