throbber
APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING, CONVERTING AND TRANSMITTING
`A VISUAL IMAGE SIGNAL VIA A DIGITAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
`
`Inventor: David A. Monroe
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 1
`
`

`

`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 non-
`
`provisional 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 ofwhich
`
`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 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 transmit high quality, bi-level images with a high degree of success and has become
`
`commercially acceptable throughout the world. However, gray scale documents are not easily
`
`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.
`
`2
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`[0004] Examples of systems that have addressed some of these issues are shown in U.S. Patent
`
`No. 5,193,012 which shows a video to facsimile signal converter, and U.S. Patent No. 3,251,937
`
`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 media. The most common fom1 involves an input device that converts photographs into
`
`encoded signals for communication over telecommunications facilities or radio. At the receiving
`
`end, reproducing equipment reconverts the encoded image signals by exposing photographic
`
`film or other sensitized paper. The term facsimile is often used 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 television and print media,
`
`although applications are 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 fonn. For applications requiring corrmmnication 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 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 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 I/0 port.
`
`3
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,193,012 discloses a still-video to facsimile conversion
`
`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 half tone conversion technique.
`
`[0010] While the various prior art systems and teclmiques 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, st01ing, 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 exist as integrated or independent units.
`
`[0012] The preferred embodiment permits capture of a video image using a digital
`
`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
`
`4
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`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
`
`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 transmission of visual images of scenes, people and objects is desirable and
`
`sophisticated equipment 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 station.
`
`[0018] The subject invention also permits digitized collection of audio signals through
`
`5
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`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 outjack
`
`to a remote device or via a cellular telephone, land line telephone, wireless radio or
`
`other communication system.
`
`[0019] The digitized image and audio capture features permit association of audio
`
`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
`
`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 halftone fonnat. 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
`
`facsimile systems, as well as to other remote receiving devices such as, by way of
`
`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
`
`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 power unit such as a disposable battery, rechargeable battery source or the
`
`6
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`like. Therefore, the system is adapted to power up when in use and power down or
`
`"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
`
`transmission devices and other high drain components may be isolated and only
`
`powered when needed. This also pem1its use of ancillary functions, such as use as a
`
`cellular telephone, to proceed without draining the power source by powering idle
`
`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 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
`
`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 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 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 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.
`
`7
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`[0026] The remote device may also be used 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 activation for capturing an image upon initiation to a trigger signal to more
`
`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 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 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 invention. This is particularly useful when triggering events are used to initiate
`
`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 oftime both 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 after trigger or only before trigger or prior
`
`to and after the trigger point. Again, as an example, it may be 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,
`
`8
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`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 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 ofthe invention to provide an apparatus
`
`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 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 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 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 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
`
`activated from a remote location for initiating the capture of images by the device.
`
`9
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 9
`
`

`

`[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 via a camera and transmitting it via Group 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 and optional review or viewing of the image prior to transmission.
`
`[0040]
`
`Fig. 3 is similar to Figs. I and 2, but incorporates a data compression scheme
`
`for increasing the capacity of the memory and for increasing efficiency of transmission.
`
`[0041] Fig. 4 includes the capture and transmission configuration of Fig. 2, with
`
`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 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.
`
`10
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 10
`
`

`

`[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 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 is downloaded in a suitable format for
`
`viewing and printing on hard paper copy, a CRT screen 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, 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
`
`is described in detail herein, the invention could be readily adapted to 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 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 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 analog or digital camera device 10 for capturing a visual image in the typical
`
`11
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 11
`
`

`

`fashion. The camera 1 0 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 10 captures a visual 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 compression network 24 for
`
`generating an output signal at 26 which is introduced into a Group III protocol
`
`transmission device 28. The output at 30 of the transmission device 28 is then
`
`transmitted into any standard transmission interface such as, by way of example, hard
`
`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 III receiving system 34 is a typical
`
`Group-III facsimile system comprising a Group-III receiver 36, decoder and
`
`decompressor 38 and binary bit map 40, from which a facsimile hard copy such as plain
`
`paper copy 42 may be generated.
`
`[0050] 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
`
`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
`
`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 tagging a transmitted image with information such as, by way
`
`12
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 12
`
`

`

`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. I, but incorporates a memory and
`
`optional operator viewer system. The image is captured by the camera 1 0 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 applications where near real time
`
`transmission of the image either is not required or is not desirable. It will be noted that
`
`with the exception of the insertion of the memory device 46 and the optional 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 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 !Tiemory may selectively capture images, as indicated by the operator
`
`interface/capture interface 52, or may be programmed to selectively capture periodic
`
`images or all images. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, an optional viewer 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 -~~~jew all images retained in the memory 46 and transmit selective images,
`
`#<:
`
`as desired, to the Group-III transmission system. The remainder of the system of Fig.
`
`2 operates in the same manner as the configuration shown and described in Fig. 1.
`
`[0052] The configuration of Fig. 3 incorporates all of the features of Figs. I and 2, and
`
`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
`
`13
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 13
`
`

`

`store the image, effectively increasing the capacity of the storage device. It is an
`
`objective ofthe 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 the output of the memory device 46 and the rest ofthe 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 permanently archived, or when limited capacity
`
`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 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
`
`ofthe optional embodiments of Figs. 1-3 and adapted for use in combination with any
`
`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
`
`invention. Specifically, once the image is captured by the camera 10 and conditioned
`
`by the gray scale bit map 16, it may be stored and transmitted, or transmitted "real time"
`
`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 ofFigs. 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
`
`indicated by selecting format select switch 60 position A; or PC modem protocol as
`
`illustrated by the JPEG compressor 62 and protocol generator 64, as indicated by
`
`selecting format select switch 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)
`
`14
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 14
`
`

`

`with a compatible compressor 67 (if needed) and compatible protocol generator 75 (if
`
`needed), as indicated by switch position D; or a serial protocol scheme 77, 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
`
`oftransmitting 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 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 ofFigs. 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, 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
`
`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 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 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 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 in video signal with the locations
`
`in RAM to define each frame to be captured. The read/write control 84 controls the
`
`coordination ofthe sync signal 93 with the video signal to define a full frame.
`
`15
`
`Apple Ex. 1003
`
`Page 15
`
`

`

`Basically, when the camera is activated either by the operator or by automation, the
`
`system processor 86 detects the initiation of the camera and capture sequence and sends
`
`a signal via line 88 to the read/write control 84. The read/write control then monitors
`
`the incoming video signal 83 to find the horizontal and vertical sync pulse to identify
`
`the beginning of a frame. The read/write control then initiates writing to memory at the
`
`RAM devices to initiate capture of the frame. The read/write control continues to
`
`"write" to memory until the appropriate sync signal is received, indicating the end of the
`
`frame. At this point a single frame is captured in RAM 71 and/or on the portable
`
`medium RAM 72.
`
`[0056] This frame may now be output from the system via any of the available
`
`transmitting schemes. In the exemplary embodiment, the processor 86 may be any
`
`processor or such as a microprocessor or DSP, with sufficient capability to perform the
`
`described functions. The processor bus is indicated at 87. The circuitry supporting the
`
`processor comprises the processor chip 86 and the control store memory (ROM, Flash
`
`RAM, PROM, EPROM or the like) 92 for

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket