United States Patent (19)
`Parulski et al.
`
`73 Assignee:
`
`63
`
`(56)
`
`54 HAND-MANIPULATED ELECTRONIC
`CAMERATETHERED TO A PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`Kenneth A. Parulski, Rochester;
`75 Inventors:
`Robert H. Hamel, Walworth; John J.
`Acello, East Rochester, all of N.Y.
`Eastman Kodak Company,
`Rochester, N.Y.
`(21) Appl. No.: 938,573
`22 Filed:
`Aug. 31, 1992
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 805,220, Dec. 11, 1991, aban
`doned.
`51 Int. Cl'............................................. H04N 5/232
`52 U.S. Cl. .................................... 348/211; 348/376;
`34.8/552
`58) Field of Search ............... 358/442, 479, 310,335;
`348/64, 211, 220,376, 362, 552; H04N 5/232
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,993,865 11/1976 Browne et al. ..................... 358/473
`4,074,324 2/1978 Barrett ................................ 358/296
`4,581,761 4/1986 Ichinokawa et al. ................. 382/13
`4,663,661 5/1987 Weldy et al. ..........
`... 358/44
`4,714,963 12/1987 Vogel .................................. 358/909
`4,738,526 4/1988 Larish ................................. 354/412
`4,751,583 6/1988 Levine ................................. 358/256
`4,805,037 2/1989 Noble.
`. 358/335
`4,827,347 5/1989 Bell .................
`358/210
`4,849,811 7/1989 Kleinerman ....
`... 358/903
`4,855,813 8/1989 Russell et al...
`... 358/22
`4,858,014 8/1989 Zeevi......................
`... 358/209
`4,901,364 2/1990 Faulkerson et al.
`... 382/59
`4,903,132 2/1990 Yamawaki ..........
`358/209
`4.942,477 7/1990 Nakamura.
`358/401
`5,019,699 5/1991 Koenck ......
`235/472
`5,023,635 6/1991 Nealon .................................. 354/76
`
`USOO54027OA
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`11
`45
`
`5,402,170
`Mar. 28, 1995
`
`
`
`5,040,068 8/1991 Parulski et al. ..................... 358/209
`5,065,229 11/1991 Tsai et al. ..........
`... 358/21 R
`5,086,344 2/1992 D'Luna et al. ................. 358/213.15
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0308075 8/1988 United Kingdom .......... H04N 3/15
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“User's Manual for Model 1 Digital Still Camera";
`Dycam, Inc., 1991.
`User's Manual-Kodak CCD 4000B. Sync Camera,
`Eastman Kodak Co., Apr. 1991.
`Primary Examiner-Howard W. Britton
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-David M. Woods
`57
`ABSTRACT
`A portable, electronic camera is connectable to a com
`puter for capturing an image and providing the cap
`tured image to the computer for storage therewith. The
`camera ergonomically acts like an independent, self
`functioning peripheral device while in actuality depend
`ing on instructions from the computer. The camera is
`remotely linked to the computer, e.g., by a cable,
`thereby allowing mobility of the camera independent of
`the computer. The camera includes an electronic image
`sensor, and circuit for driving the sensor to generate an
`image signal that is applied to the computer through the
`remote link. The readiness of the computer to accept an
`image signal is manifested by operative device in the
`camera, which condition the camera for image capture
`in response to a status signal from the computer trans
`mitted through the remote link. In one embodiment, a
`capture switch is positioned on or with the camera for
`user engagement, whereby the operative device inhibits
`actuation of the capture switch until receipt of the status
`signal. In another embodiment, the operative device
`energizes an exposure readiness indicator when the
`status signal is received.
`21 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 1995
`Mar.28, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`5,402,170
`5,402,170
`
`Dp/
`
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`
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`TOULNOD_|YyFTIOY.INODy
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`2/
`
`TWNOSYIdee!HSVT43gc.!j
`YFLNANOD|LNOFUNLAWI+
`
`TWNOIS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`
`
`9)|YOSNIS(92iQF!Wrey
`
`oo
`
`Petitioners’ Exhibit 1024
`Page 0002
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0002
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`5,402,170
`
`2
`<LENSof
`42
`HUTTER
`SHUTT
`
`26
`
`VARIAlf -2.
`
`APERTURE
`
`BLUR FILTER
`
`24D
`
`3G CFA C
`FULL FRAME
`SENSOR
`
`24
`
`24a
`30 - CLOCK DRMERS
`BIAS CIRCUITS
`
`
`
`
`
`VIDEO
`AMPLIFIER
`
`BATTERY
`
`SENSOR
`TIMING
`
`LCD
`VIEWFINDER
`
`40C
`
`VIDEO
`AMD
`COWVERTER
`
`DEFECT
`ROM
`
`DEFECT
`CORRECTION
`
`66
`MICRO
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`E;
`
`SCSI
`INTERFACE
`
`36
`
`SHUTTER
`SWITCH
`
`INDICATOR
`
`LIGHTS
`N36
`
`
`
`
`
`53d
`
`v
`
`READr.
`BUSY
`J38b |
`FAULT
`
`38c
`
`FIG.2
`
`CONNECTOR
`
`34
`
`TO
`COMPUTER
`12
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`5,402,170
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONNECT CAMERA CABLE
`AWD TURN ON COMPUTER
`AWD CAMERA
`
`OPEN CAMERA CAPTURE"
`APPLICATION SOFTWARE
`AWD CHOOSE RESOLUTION,
`COLOR MODE, COMPRESSION
`MODEAWD MAXIMUM
`NUMBER OF IMAGES.
`
`CAMERA READY" LIGHT ON
`
`
`
`COMPOSE PICTURE VIA
`OPTICAL VIEWFIWDER AWD
`DEPRESSCAPTURE"
`BUTTON ON CAMERA TO
`TAKE THE WEXT PICTURE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IMAGE SAVED TO DISC
`(FOLLOWING OFPTIONAL
`COMPRESSION) "BUSY
`LIGHT ON
`
`
`
`
`
`DOWE
`
`CHOOSE OFPTIONS
`FROM CAMERA
`CAPTURE"
`APPLICATION
`SOFTWARE TO
`ALLOW VIEWING
`OF MILIFE
`"THUMBNAL
`IMAGES AWD
`DELETION OF
`UMWAWTED
`IMAGES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CHECK IF THERE IS ROOM
`FOR MORE IMAGES
`
`TURN ON CAMERA
`"FULL LIGHT
`
`FIG.3
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`5,402,170
`
`NEW IMAGES
`IMAGE NAME
`MAX NUMBER OF IMAGES
`IO
`
`COMPRESSION
`MODE
`
`MEMORY REOUIRED
`MEMORY AVAILABLE,
`
`1 MEYTES
`COMPRESSION ON
`5 MBYTES O COMPRESSION OFF
`
`
`
`RESOLUTION
`
`COLOR MODE
`
`768 Y 5/2 PIXELS
`O 584 X 256 PIXELS
`O 192 X 128 PIXELS
`
`24 BIT COLOR
`O 8 BIT COLOR
`O 8 BIT MONOCHROME
`
`FIG.4
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0005
`
`

`

`1.
`HAND-MANIPULATED ELECTRONIC CAMERA
`TETHERED TO A PERSONAL COMPUTER
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 805,220,
`filed Dec. 11, 1990, now abandoned.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention pertains to the field of electronic imag
`10
`ing and, more particularly, to an image acquisition pe
`ripheral operated as an input device to a personal com
`puter or professional workstation.
`2. Background Art
`Video cameras and computer frame grabbers are well
`known in the prior art. A typical system employs a
`video motion camera (such as the CCD 4000 RGB
`Flash-Sync Camera manufactured by Eastman Kodak
`Co., Rochester, N.Y.) and a frame grabber board (such
`as a TARGATM frame store board manufactured by
`20
`TrueVision, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind.) attached to the PC
`bus of a personal computer or professional workstation.
`The camera provides the timing to interface with the
`video frame store board by activating the frame acquire
`line of the frame store board whenever an external
`25
`voltage input to the camera is dropped low (e.g., by
`dropping the "Camera Acquire In' line to the CCD
`4000 camera). While the external voltage input may be
`separately and directly enabled, it is customary when
`using a video camera (such as the CCD 4000 camera)
`30
`with a personal computer to design software to activate
`the camera's frame acquire line from the computer. To
`capture an image into the computer in such a customary
`application, the operator frames the subject while ob
`serving the live camera output on a video monitor, and
`35
`then interacts with the computer keyboard at the proper
`moment. The need to use the computer keyboard fre
`quently interferes with effective use of the camera.
`Other known scanners that interact with a host com
`puter include U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,364 (Faulkerson et al)
`and U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,761 (Ichinokawa et al). Faulker
`son et al describes an interactive linear scanner system
`(for text) in which a hand-operated optical scanner
`includes a plurality of function keys that are user-pro
`grammable so as to assume certain functions that are
`45
`ordinarily accessed through a keyboard. For instance,
`the function keys can be programmed to provide move
`ment from field-to-field within a spreadsheet program
`while entering data using the scanner, without, e.g.,
`requiring the user to use arrow keys on the computer
`50
`keyboard. The camera exposure functions, however,
`such as control of a light source and the enablement of
`the optical scanning function, are controlled by a video
`processor located in the scanner. Moreover, the image
`data is edited to eliminate duplicative character infor
`55
`mation between successive image data frames. The
`edited frame data is then transmitted via data bus to a
`host computer. In Ichinokawa et al, a video processor is
`detached from a hand-operated scanner. A switch on
`the bottom of the scanner triggers the detached proces
`60
`sor when the scanner is pushed down upon a document.
`The processor then receives image data and additional
`information (e.g., for switching from draw to erase,
`setting coordinates, and changing magnification) from
`the scanner, in turn providing processed data to a host
`computer.
`As alluded to earlier, it is desirable to disassociate the
`camera from keyboard interaction to the extent possi
`
`5,402,170
`2
`ble. In one desirable application, a low cost electronic
`still camera would be tethered to a small, battery oper
`ated notebook or penpad personal computer which
`provides image processing, storage, and display of the
`captured images. By relying on the computer to per
`form these tasks, the camera cost can be greatly re
`duced. In such an application, the computer would
`typically be slung over the shoulder or rested on a table,
`while the user held the camera to compose the image.
`However, if the user must press buttons or pointers on
`the computer to capture each image, as is typical in the
`prior art, the system will be very unwieldy to use since
`the user will have to hold the camera in the right posi
`tion with one hand, while operating the computer with
`the other hand.
`By tethering the camera to the computer, as exempli
`fied by the Faulkerson etal patent, it is possible to have
`both complex camera exposure functions and to control
`some computer functions from the camera itself. The
`complex camera exposure functions remain in the cam
`era, however, which is contrary to the objective of low
`cost. Though it may be feasible, as done in the prior art,
`to download most complex processing to the computer,
`in effect slaving the camera to the computer, it is desir
`able to maintain the ergonomics of a hand-held camera,
`that is, to permit framing, exposure, flash, status indica
`tion, etc., without having to interact with the host con
`puter. What is needed is a design for a tethered com
`puter camera and associated computer software that
`allows the user to easily capture and store multiple
`images from the camera into the computer disk mem
`ory, without needing to interact with the computer at
`the instant each image is captured.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The invention pertains to a portable, electronic can
`era connectable to a computer for capturing an image
`and providing the captured image to the computer for
`storage therewith. In accordance with the invention,
`the camera ergonomically acts like an independent,
`self-functioning peripheral device while in actuality
`depending on instructions from the computer. The cam
`era is linked by signal connection means to the com
`puter, e.g., in one embodiment by a cable, thereby al
`lowing mobility of the camera independent of the com
`puter. The camera includes electronic image sensing
`means, and means for driving the sensing means togen
`erate an image signal that is applied to the computer
`through the signal connection means. The readiness of
`the computer to accept an image signal is manifested by
`operative means in the camera, which condition the
`camera for image capture in response to a status signal
`from the computer transmitted through the signal con
`nection means. In one embodiment, a capture switch is
`positioned on or with the camera for user engagement,
`whereby the operative means inhibits actuation of the
`capture switch until receipt of the status signal. In an
`other embodiment, the operative means energizes an
`exposure readiness indicator when the status signal is
`received.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`The invention will be described in relation to the
`drawings, in which
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image capture
`system for a computer, including a portable, electronic
`camera connected to a conventional personal computer
`according to the invention;
`
`15
`
`65
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0006
`
`

`

`5
`
`15
`
`10
`
`5,402,170
`4.
`3
`to specify a minimum or maximum number of signals or
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a preferred implementa
`signal connections. For instance, if the camera 10 pro
`tion of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1;
`vides a continuous stream of image signals, the CAP
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the
`TURE OUT line is needed to single out one image
`camera of FIG. 2; and
`frame for capture by the computer 12. Of course, de
`FIG. 4 shows a typical menu selection presented to
`pending upon the embodiment, this could be a separate
`the user by the computer.
`signal (CAPTURE OUT) or it could be, e.g., a bit set in
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`a header that travels with the image signal (IMAGE
`EMBODIMENTS
`OUT). In the latter case, a separate CAPTURE OUT
`signal is unnecessary. If the camera 10 provides a single
`Referring first to FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 is
`still-image signal (rather than a stream of image signals),
`coupled to a personal computer 12 through a computer
`the mere existence of an image signal on the IMAGE
`interface 14. The camera 10 is preferably remotely
`OUT line is determinative of the captured image. In that
`linked to the computer 12 with a cable 16, thus allowing
`case, there is no need to communicate a separate CAP
`a certain amount of mobility for the camera 10 indepen
`TURE OUT signal to single out a particular image
`dent of the computer 12. The interface 14 depends on
`the interface standard used; for example, if the interface
`frame.
`A status signal on the CONTROL IN line controls
`standard accommodates an analog NTSC video signal,
`usage of the shutter release 36 such that the shutter
`the interface 14 is typically a frame store board 14a,
`release 36 only activates a still capture, or pulses the
`such as the aforementioned TARGATM board. Alter
`CAPTURE OUT line, when the status signal is set.
`natively, a digital interface standard may be used; for
`20
`Several alternatives are possible: the status signal could
`instance; if the Small Computer System Interface
`illuminate the indicator lamp 38, passively showing that
`(SCSI) is used, the interface 14 is a SCSI interface board
`the shutter release 36 will have no effect until the lamp
`14b. The choice of interface, as will be shown, deter
`38 is extinguished (i.e., continued depression of the
`mines the type of signal processing employed in the
`shutter release 36 would not be recognized by the com
`camera 10. The computer 12 additionally includes a
`25
`puter 12). Alternatively, the status signal could actively
`conventional keyboard 18 and a conventional disk drive
`inhibit the shutter release 36, e.g., by preventing the
`20, the latter being used to store pictures captured by
`generation of a CAPTURE OUT signal or the initiation
`the camera 10. Although not shown, the computer 12
`of a still exposure. Moreover, the CONTROL IN line
`includes the usual RAM storage for buffering incoming
`may have separate status signals for enabling the shutter
`image data.
`30
`release 36 and illuminating the lamp 38, or if the two
`The camera 10 includes an optical system, repre
`states are mutually exclusive, the two conditions of a
`sented by the lens 22, for directing image light from an
`single binary status signal may manifest both states.
`object to an image sensor 24. The optical system may
`Furthermore, in a preferred implementation, the CON
`optionally include, in certain embodiments, a shutter 26
`and a diaphragm 28 for regulating the quantity of image
`TROL IN line includes several status components for
`35
`illuminating several different status indicator lamps.
`light exposed upon the image sensor 24. The sensor 24
`In one implementation of the invention, the sensor 24
`is biased and driven by a sensor clock generator 30,
`is a scan rate video sensor producing a motion video
`which provides the signals used to clock an output
`signal and the signal processor/controller 32 includes a
`image signal from the sensor 24. The output image sig
`stage for converting the image signal into an analog
`nal is applied to a signal processor/controller 32, the
`NTSC video signal, which is transmitted through the
`complexity and type of processing and control varying
`connector 34 to the computer 12 as the IMAGE OUT
`according to the embodiment. The output of the signal
`signal. Typically the interface 14 in such an application
`processor 32 exits the camera through a connector 34,
`is a framestore board 14a. In the implementation just
`which accepts a suitable connector (not shown) on the
`mentioned, actuation of the shutter switch 36 pulses the
`cable 16. The camera 10 further includes a shutter but
`45
`CAPTURE OUT line, which is connected through the
`ton 36 for initiating either an exposure sequence or a
`connector 34 to, e.g., the capture control line of the
`frame capture, depending upon the embodiment; a sta
`tus indicator 38, which may include a liquid crystal
`framestore board 14a. The framestore board 14a then
`captures a frame from the continuous video signal out
`display (LCD) panel or a plurality of indicator lamps
`put on the IMAGE OUT line. An appropriate signal on
`for indicating the status of the computer 12 to the user
`the CONTROL IN line to the signal processor/con
`(that is, "ready” for another picture, or "busy" process
`ing the just-taken picture) a viewfinder 40, which may
`troller 32 activates the shutter button 36, that is, allows
`the signal processor/controller 32 to output a capture
`be an optical viewfinder (as represented by the lens 40a,
`pulse on the CAPTURE OUT line; likewise, appropri
`40b) or an electronic viewfinder (as represented by the
`ate signals on the CONTROL IN line energize appro
`LCD display 40c connected by broken line 40d to the
`priate indicator lights 38 to tell the user the status of the
`signal processor/controller 32); an electronic flash 42,
`computer 12, that is, whether the computer 12 is ready
`which may be detachable or integrally formed with the
`to capture the next image, whether it is in the process of
`camera; and a power supply 44 for powering the vari
`storing the present image to the disk drive 30, or
`ous circuits and electrically-powered components in the
`whether the drive 20 is full.
`camera 10.
`60
`A second, preferred implementation of the invention,
`For purposes of broadly describing the functions of
`is shown in FIG. 2 in block diagram form wherein
`the camera 10, the signal processor/controller 32 is
`identical reference characters are used to identify com
`shown as outputting CAPTURE OUT and IMAGE
`ponents similar to those described in FIG. 1. In this
`OUT signals to the computer 12. In particular, the pro
`implementation the signal processor/controller 32 gen
`cessor/controller 32 is operative to condition the cam
`65
`erates a digital color image signal for application
`era for image capture in response to a CONTROL IN
`through the connector 34 to the SCSI interface board
`signal received from the computer 12. These signals are
`14b (shown in FIG. 1). A still image signal is generated
`exemplary of the supported functions and are not meant
`
`50
`
`55
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0007
`
`

`

`15
`
`10
`
`5,402, 170
`6
`5
`porated herein by reference.) The user also specifies the
`by the image sensor 24, which in this embodiment in
`image group name and the maximum number of images
`cludes a full-frame sensor 24a, such as the Model KAF
`to be saved. The computer then calculates the required
`0400 (768X512 pixels) manufactured by Eastman
`storage space to determine if the required amount of
`Kodak Company, and a "3-Green' color filter array
`24b. The principle of the "3-green' color filter pattern,
`disk memory is sufficient. Once the selections are made,
`along with the concomitant use of a blur filter 50, such
`the camera "ready' lamp 38a is lit, and the user can
`as a birefringent optical filter, is described in U.S. Pat.
`close the computer (if required) and sling it over the
`No. 4,663,661, "Single Sensor Color Video Camera
`shoulder while holding the camera.
`with Blurring Filter' which is assigned to the same
`The user frames the image and depresses the capture
`assignee as the present application and incorporated
`button 36. This begins a sequence which fires the flash
`herein by reference. The signal processor/controller 32
`42 if required, actuates the shutter 26, and reads the
`includes a video amplifier 52, which applies an ampli
`digitized image sensor data, a line at a time, over the
`fied video signal to a video analog/digital (A/D) con
`SCSI bus (connection 16) to the computer RAM mem
`verter 54. Sampling noise is removed from the digital
`ory. Depending on the capture options selected, the
`video signal in a digital correlated double sampling
`data is either stored directly from RAM to the hard disc
`circuit 56. (A suitable digital sampling circuit 56 is dis
`20 (or other non-volatile computer memory), is com
`closed in Ser. No. 522,030, filed May 11, 1990, entitled
`pressed using, e.g., the aforementioned known image
`"Digital Correlated Double Sampling Circuit for Sam
`compression method, etc. The first image is stored as
`pling the Output of an Image Sensor', which is an al
`image group name 1, and subsequent images are stored
`lowed application assigned to the same assignee as the
`20
`as image group name 2, image group name 3, etc. While
`present application and incorporated herein by refer
`this happens, the computer turns off the "ready” lamp
`ence.) Imager defects are corrected in a defect correc
`38a and illuminates the "busy" lamp 38b, so the user
`tion stage 58 (the actual defect locations are stored in a
`knows that the computer operations are occurring,
`defect ROM 60). Red, green, and blue look up tables
`without having to look at the computer display screen.
`(LUTs) 62 are provided for gamma correction and
`25
`Assuming that the current image number is less than the
`white balance. The output signals are converted to the
`maximum number of images so that there is room to
`SCSI standard by a SCSI interface 64 and transmitted
`store more images (and that the flash has recharged if
`through the connector 34 to the SCSI interface board
`required), the "ready' lamp 38a is illuminated so that
`14b in the computer 12.
`the user knows that the next image may be framed and
`A programmed microprocessor-driven controller 66
`30
`captured. If the disk drive 20 (or other storage device)
`provides the commands, instructions, and signals neces
`is full, or other problems are noted, then the "fault'
`sary to operate the camera, in particular responding to
`lamp 38c is illuminated. The user then proceeds to sub
`control inputs from the computer 12 through the SCSI
`stitute another disk (if drive 20 uses removable media),
`interface 64 to initiate a still exposure sequence subject
`move or delete some images, or otherwise correct the
`to actuation of the shutter switch 36. In other words,
`35
`problem, and the "ready' lamp 38a is again illuminated.
`the controller 66 waits for instructions from the com
`If the storage medium is filled, a mosaic of small,
`puter 12 before recognizing an input from the shutter
`"thumbnail' images may be produced on a single screen
`switch 36. During the interim, indicator lamps 38a, 38b,
`image of the computer's monitor to facilitate choice of
`38c are illuminated to indicate the condition of the cam
`unwanted images.
`era 10 relative to the computer 12. The indicator lamps
`The invention has been described in detail with par
`are illuminated by a signal from the controller 66 pursu
`ticular reference to a presently preferred embodiment,
`ant either to specific instructions from the computer 12
`but it will be understood that variations and modifica
`or, particularly if only one lamp is used, by the absence
`tions can be effected within the spirit and scope of the
`of an enable signal for the shutter switch 36.
`invention. For instance, while analog and SCSI inter
`The camera shown in block form in FIG. 2 is particu
`45
`faces have been described, it is also feasible to use the
`larly adapted for connection through a digital interface,
`parallel and serial ports conventionally available on a
`such as a SCSI interface, to a small light-weight com
`personal computer.
`puter, such as a laptop computer with an LCD display
`What is claimed is:
`and a large capacity hard disk drive. With that utility in
`1. A portable, electronic camera connectable to a
`mind, the operation of the camera of FIG. 2 is described
`50
`computer for capturing an image and providing the
`in the self-explanatory flow-chart shown in FIG. 3. The
`captured image to the computer for storage therewith,
`user begins by connecting the camera 10 to the com
`said camera comprising:
`puter 12 and turning on the power supply 44. The user
`signal connection means for linking the camera to the
`opens a "tethered camera' application program in the
`computer;
`computer 12 and selects capture parameters from a
`55
`means for sensing an image;
`menu shown in FIG. 4. The options can include the
`means for driving said sensing means to generate an
`color mode (8 or 24 bit color or monochrome images),
`image signal corresponding to the image, and for
`storing the full resolution images or lower resolution
`applying the image signal to said signal connection
`subsampled images (e.g. allowing the user the choice of
`means for transmission to the computer;
`full resolution (e.g., 512x768 pixel) images or lower
`60
`operative means for conditioning the camera for
`resolution (e.g., 256x384, or 128X 192 pixel) images,
`image capture in response to the readiness of the
`i.e., thereby using lower resolution to allow more in
`computer for accepting an image signal, said opera
`ages to be stored in the memory), storing compressed or
`tive means responsive to a status signal from the
`uncompressed images, and so on. (A suitable image
`computer transmitted through said signal connec
`compression technique for images from a "3-green'
`65
`tion means, whereby the computer is adapted for
`color image sensor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`storage of the image signal after providing the
`5,065,229, "Compression Method and Apparatus for
`status signal; and
`Single-Sensor Color Imaging Systems', which is incor
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1024
`Page 0008
`
`

`

`15
`
`5,402,170
`8
`7
`means for driving said sensing means to generate an
`exposure release mean connected to said driving
`image signal corresponding to the image, and for
`means for initiating the generation of an image
`applying the image signal to said signal connection
`signal, thereby capturing an image, and wherein
`means for transmission to the computer;
`said operative means inhibits actuation of said ex
`means for indicating the readiness of the computer for
`posure release means until receipt of said status 5
`accepting an image signal, said indicating means
`signal indicates that the computer is ready to re
`responsive to a status signal from the computer
`ceive the image signal.
`transmitted through said signal connection means;
`2. A camera as claimed in claim 1 wherein the camera
`and
`further comprises a capture switch for outputting a
`a capture switch for outputting a capture command
`capture command signal, and wherein said driving 10
`signal for initiating the capture of an image signal
`means generates a single image signal corresponding to
`corresponding to a selected image, whereby the
`a still image in response to the occurrence of the capture
`computer initiates storage of the image signal after
`command signal and the receipt of the status signal from
`providing the status signal and receiving the cap
`the computer.
`ture command signal.
`3. A camera as claimed in claim 1 wherein the camera
`12. A camera as claimed in claim 11 for use with a
`further comprises an exposure readiness indicator and
`computer including a framestore capture circuit having
`wherein said operative means energizes said exposure
`a capture input for actuating the capture of an image,
`readiness indicator when said status signal indicates that
`and wherein;
`the computer is ready to receive the image signal.
`said driving means generates a series of image signals
`20
`4. A camera as claimed in claim 3 wherein said expo
`corresponding to a series of images; and
`sure readiness indicator has a plurality of indicator
`the capture command signal output by said capture
`states and wherein the status signal has a plurality of
`switch is applied to the capture input of the frames
`components each actuating a corresponding one of said
`tore capture circuit in order to initiate the capture
`indicator states to show that the computer is ready to
`of a particular image signal.
`receive an image signal, that the computer is busy pro
`13. A camera as claimed in claim 11 wherein said
`cessing an image signal, and that a storage device in the
`readiness indicating means toggles between two states
`computer is full.
`indicating whether or not the computer is ready to
`5. A camera as claimed in claim 1 wherein the image
`accept an image signal, and wherein said capture switch
`signal generated by said driving means comprises a 30
`is rendered effective in outputting a capture command
`stream of image signals corresponding to a stream of
`signal after said readiness indicating means has changed
`consecutive images, and wherein the camera further
`to the state indicating that the computer is ready to
`comprises a capture switch for outputting a capture
`accept an image signal.
`command signal to the computer to identify an image
`14. A camera as claimed in claim 11 further including
`signal selected from the stream of image signals.
`35
`a cable interface connecting said signal connection
`6. A camera as claimed in claim 5 for use with a
`means with the computer whereby the camera remains
`computer including a framestore capture circuit having
`tethered to the computer.
`a capture input for initiating the capture of an image,
`15. A portable electronic camera connectable to a
`and wherein;
`computer through a peripheral interface for capturing
`the capture command signal output by said capture 40
`an image and providing the captured image over the
`switch is applied to the capture input of the frames
`interface for storage with the computer, said camera
`tore capture circuit in order to initiate the capture
`comprising:
`of a particular image signal.
`means for sensing an image and generating an image
`7. A camera as claimed in claim 1 wherein specific
`signal;
`image capture options are specified through interaction 45
`an interface controller for controlling the transmis
`with the computer, and wherein said driving means
`sion of data between the camera and the computer;
`outputs a common image signal that is subsequently
`a capture switch for generating a capture signal that
`configured in the computer according to the specified
`initiates a still exposure;
`capture options.
`means responsive to (a) a control signal from the
`8. A camera as claimed in claim 7 wherein the specific 50
`computer transmitted through the interface con
`image capture options are used for a multiplicity of
`troller for enabling said sensing means to generate
`images.
`a still image signal and (b) actuation of said capture
`9. A camera as claimed in claim 7 wherein said image
`switch for triggering the enabled sensing means to
`capture options include storage of either a full resolu
`capture a desired still image; and
`tion image or a subsampled image.
`status indicator means responsive to a status signal
`from the computer transmitted through the inter
`10. A camera as claimed in claim 7 wherein said sens
`ing means includes a color filter array for generating
`face controller for indicating when the computer is
`color-responsive signals and said image capture options
`ready to accept a still image signal.
`include storage of either a color or a monochrome im
`16. A camera as claimed in claim 15 wherein said