Abstract:
A method for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus is provided. The method comprises producing a first image from a first object with the photographic apparatus; detecting a diagnostic element within the first image; deriving at least a first value from the diagnostic element; deriving at least a first comprehensive value from the first value; determining a first difference between the first comprehensive value and a corresponding comprehensive initialization value derived from at least one initialization value; and assigning a first operational function of the mobile communication terminal to the first difference.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to the Korean Patent Application No. 2002-80469, filed on Dec. 16, 2002, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly, to an apparatus for using a photographic image to operate a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus and method thereof. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   In general, mobile communication terminals include cellular phones or Personal Communication Systems (PCS) having wireless communication capabilities. As the need for video/image communication emerges along with voice communication, several types of mobile communication terminals with an integrated photographic apparatus have been suggested to satisfy this demand. Furthermore, such terminals have become increasingly complex and incorporate many features and functions which a user may find extremely difficult and complicated to operate. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , operative methods for a conventional mobile telecommunication terminal, exemplified in the form of a folding-type mobile telephone, are shown. In  FIG. 1A , the user, exemplified by the hand, operates the mobile terminal by interacting with one or more of the terminal manipulation devices. In the example shown in  FIG. 1A , such devices are in the form of a keypad having buttons. Due to the multiplicity functions and features in mobile terminals, each individual button is directed to a variety of functions. For example, a single button may represent 10 different characters when the mobile terminal is used for text messaging purposes. 
   Alternatively, the single button may represent a “short cut” key to operate a function of the terminal in quickened manner, such as taking a photographic with the integrated photographic apparatus. Ultimately, the number of functions attributed to each terminal manipulation device, which is finite, becomes limited due to acceptable ergonomics in using the mobile terminal. Attributing too many functions to a finite number of keys may result in the terminal losing overall effectiveness and popularity with respect to user-friendliness. Furthermore, as terminals technologically evolve and decrease in size, repetitive engagement of the terminal manipulation devices, which become increasingly smaller, a user will find operation of the terminal more difficult and tedious. 
   In  FIG. 1B , a user, exemplified by the face, operates the mobile terminal via voice command, in which the user verbally communicates a command for the terminal to operate a certain function. In this example, the user states the term, “MY HOUSE,” in order for the terminal to receive, process, and function in the form of dialing the user&#39;s residence. Currently, many voice commands are relegated to performing simple functions, such as dialing a telephone number. Furthermore, audibly distinct terms must be used for each stored number, thereby requiring the user to memorize such terms. This can become difficult when a specific location, such as a user&#39;s residence, has more than one telephone number associated with. Also, the number of voice commands is limited to the internal memory of the terminal, which is finite and likely decreased as the user continuously adds other functions to the terminal. 
   Therefore, an improved solution is needed to provide additional and alternative methods of operating mobile communication terminal. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment, a mobile communication terminal comprises a photographic apparatus connected to the terminal; an image processing unit for processing an image produced by the photographic apparatus, wherein control information is developed from the processed image; and an operational controlling unit for corresponding an operational function of the terminal to the control information. 
   The image processing unit compares at least one initialization value with at least one corresponding value from the control information. The initialization value is set by a user. The image processing unit detects a first difference between the at least one initialization value and the at least one corresponding value. The control information comprises the first difference between the at least one initialization value and the at least one corresponding value processed from the image. In some embodiments, a user sets a first operational function of the terminal to correspond to the first difference. 
   In another embodiment, a method for operating a mobile communication terminal with integrated photographic apparatus is provided. The method comprises photographing an image; processing the image for control information; setting an operational function of the mobile communication terminal to correspond to the control information; and operating the mobile communication terminal based on the control information. The step of processing the image comprises extracting a first value from the processed image; comparing the first value to an initialization value; determining a first difference between the first value and the initialization value; developing first control information derived from the first difference; and generating a control information signal based on the first control information. In some embodiments, the method further comprises photographing an image; extracting at least one value from the image; and setting the at least one value as the initialization value. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus is provided. The method comprises producing a first image from a first object with the photographic apparatus; detecting a diagnostic element within the first image; deriving at least a first value from the diagnostic element; deriving at least a first comprehensive value from the first value; determining a first difference between the first comprehensive value and a corresponding comprehensive initialization value derived from at least one initialization value; and assigning a first operational function of the mobile communication terminal to the first difference. 
   The method may further comprise producing a second image from the first object with the photographic apparatus; detecting a diagnostic element within the second image; and deriving the at least one initialization value from the diagnostic element. At least one threshold value is applied to the comprehensive initialization value. The diagnostic element comprises a preliminary diagnostic element comprising a face featured on a head of an individual; and a secondary diagnostic element comprising a pair of eyes featured on the face of the individual. 
   Values are attributed to a first midpoint located between the eyes; a second midpoint located between a pair of shoulders; a vector drawn through the first and second midpoint; and an angle formed by the vector and a horizontal line joining the shoulders. The comprehensive initialization value comprises an approximate 90° angle formed by the vector and the horizontal line drawn joining the shoulders. In one embodiment, the comprehensive initialization value comprises a vector length measured when a horizontal line drawn joining eyes and containing the first midpoint is approximately parallel to the horizontal line joining the shoulders. 
   These and other embodiments of the present invention will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiments disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate conventional methods of operating a mobile communication terminal according to the related art; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a diagram of a method for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a process for initialization of a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a flow chart of a process for movement detection by a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
   In  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of an apparatus for operating a mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The apparatus comprises an integrated photographic apparatus, such as a camera  10 , mounted on the terminal. The camera  10  reproduces an image on a display screen (not shown) of the terminal. An image processing unit  20  installed on the terminal processes and analyzes images captured by the camera  10  to develop certain information. An operation controlling unit  30  detects the images and correlates corresponding commands to the images, thereby providing to the user operational functions for the terminal. 
   The camera  10  is preferably a digital camera including a sensor (not shown) to receive signals. The image processing unit  20 , through the camera  10 , receives image information including movements occurring in the image, such as an individual&#39;s movement of his lips, blinking of his eyes, or nodding of his head, for example. Such movements comprise a command control, wherein a command transmission, inputted by the user and received by the image processing unit  20 , is correlated with the command control. A command transmission may comprise, for example, picture information, a particular alphanumeric character, or an icon. The operation controlling unit  30  detects the image processed by the image processing unit  20  and, using a predetermined algorithm (discussed in detail below), programs the processed image to operate a function of the terminal, such as scrolling a menu, inputting a selected alphanumeric character, or directing a cursor. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the process for initializing such a function is described herein. In  FIG. 3 , the image of a user&#39;s head is used as an example to operate directional control of a cursor within a terminal&#39;s display. The image of the user&#39;s face is detected by the photographic apparatus integrated in the mobile communication terminal, which is exemplified on the right as a folding-type mobile terminal. Furthermore, features of the user&#39;s face are also detected. Methods for detecting and distinguishing a user&#39;s facial features include a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm of pattern matching methods, a back-propagation neural network algorithm using normalized average face color information, and other suitable methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   In using a SVM algorithm, an object having two categorical features is positioned in one-dimensional space, wherein the object is divided into one hyper-plane. The proper and most suitable hyper-plane is searched and determined to prevent misclassification. With respect to a back-propagation neural network algorithm, a most suitable output value is derived from selected input values and a control weight. This algorithm is more appropriate for classifying and predicting based on a model. For example, a back-propagation neural network algorithm can be used to detect a studied facial shape by using a sliding window to view a black-and-white stationary image, wherein a plurality of facial images can be extracted. 
   In  FIG. 3 , the face of an individual, such as a user, is photographed, wherein the facial region is detected from the photographed image. The individual&#39;s facial features are then separately processed. For example, the positions of the individual&#39;s eyes are detected by drawing a horizontal line  100  connecting the eyes. A vertical line  200  is drawn through a midpoint on line  100  between the individual&#39;s eyes and is extend below to serve as a Y-axis. A horizontal line  300  is drawn across the individual&#39;s shoulders to provide as an X-axis. The intersection point of lines  200  and  300  serves an origin. 
   Rotation of the individual&#39;s head, wherein the individual&#39;s face is moved in either the left or right directions, is measured by the angle θ. Right and left movements of the individual&#39;s face are measured based on reference point located between the individual&#39;s eyes. Alternatively, the angle formed by the tilting of the individual&#39;s head in either the left or right directions, in addition to either forwards or backwards, can be measured. Accordingly, initialization values such as the lengths of lines  100  and  300 , intersection points of liners  100  and  200 , and of  200  and  300 , the distance between intersection points, and the angle θ (initially approximately 90°), would be stored in the image processing unit  20 . 
   The flow chart of  FIG. 4  illustrates the initialization process within the image processing unit  20  with respect to the present example. At step S 1 , an image is photographed by the photographic apparatus or camera  10  integrated in the mobile communication terminal. When the image is inputted to the image processing unit  20 , it is analyzed and processed for detectable information. For example, facial area within the image is determined in step S 2 . If a preliminary diagnostic element, such as a facial area, is not detected (step S 3 ), then step S 1  is repeated. If a facial area or region is detected (step S 4 ), then more detailed information is searched and detected in step S 5 , where eyes are detected, for example. Similar to step S 3 , if information such as the eyes region is not detected (step S 6 ), then photography is repeated in step S 1 . 
   After detecting the more detailed information (step S 7 ), at least one initialization value is attributed to the detailed information. In the present example, three initialization values are attributed (steps S 8 -S 10 ). For example, in referring to  FIG. 3 , a line  100  of measured length is drawn across the distance between the eyes. Another initialization value is the perpendicular line  200 , which is drawn through the midpoint of line  100 . An additional initialization value is the measured line  300  that is drawn across the distance between the shoulders. 
   In step S 11  of  FIG. 4 , comprehensive initialization values, based upon the initialization values obtained in steps S 8 -S 10 , is generated. In the present example, the angle θ, which is formed by the vector (the intersection point of lines  200  and  300  to the intersection point of lines  100  and  200 ) and the either line  100  or line  200 , represents a comprehensive initialization value. Furthermore, the length of the vector also represents a comprehensive initialization value. In step S 12 , preset thresholds may optionally be applied to each initialization value to compensate for environmental conditions and unintentional movement by the user. For example, the initialization value for the angle θ may be a range from approximately 80° to approximately 100°. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5A , an image is captured by a photographic apparatus mounted on the mobile communication terminal at step S 100 . When the image is inputted to the image processing unit  20 , it is analyzed and processed for detectable information, such as facial area within the image, in step S 101 . If the preliminary diagnostic element such as facial area is not detected in step S 102 , then step S 100  is repeated. If a facial area or region is detected in step S 103 , then more detailed information, such as the region containing eyes, is searched and detected in step S 104 . Should the eyes region not be detected in step S 105 , then photography is repeated in step S 100 . 
   After detecting the region containing the individual&#39;s eyes in step S 106 , a comparison value is attributed to the detailed information, where, in this example, a line of measured length is drawn across the distance between the eyes in step S 101 . Another comparison value, such as drawing a perpendicular line through the midpoint of line drawn in step S 107 , is created in step S 108 . An additional comparison value is generated in step S 109 , where a measured line is drawn across the distance between the shoulders of the individual. In step S 110 , comprehensive comparison values are obtained, such as by forming the angle θ 1 occurring between a vector and the line formed in step S 109  and by measuring the length of the vector. The vector is formed from the intersecting points of the lines formed in steps S 107 -S 109 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 5B  and along direction arrow A, the angle θ 1  is measured and compared to the initialization value of angle θ at (step S 111 ). If the angle θ 1  is determined to be less than the minimum threshold (i.e., less than 80°) (step S 111 ), then the operational function corresponding to the sensed movement (e.g., tilting of the head to the left) is conducted (step S 114 ). For example, movement of a cursor to the left within a menu displayed on the display screen would be shown. If the angle θ 1  is determined to be greater than the minimum threshold (i.e., greater than 80°), then the θ 1  is determined whether to be greater than the maximum threshold (i.e., greater than 100°) (step S 112 ). 
   If the angle θ 1  is determined not to be greater than the maximum threshold, then no angular and/or rotational movement is detected, wherein the process is reinitiated (step S 113  along directional arrow B). If the angle θ 1  is determined to be greater than the maximum threshold, then the operational function corresponding to the sensed movement (e.g., tilting of the head to the right) is conducted (step S 114 ). According to the current example, the terminal&#39;s screen would display a movement of the cursor to the right. 
   The vector length is also determined for deviation from the range preset in the initialization value. In step S 115 , if the length is determined to be greater than the maximal initialization value, then the operational function corresponding to the sensed movement (e.g., nodding of the head upwards) is conducted (step S 118 ). In the present example, the operational function would consist of a cursor moving upwards in a display screen. If the vector length is determined not to be greater than the maximal initialization value, then the vector length is determined whether to be less than the minimal initialization value (step S 116 ). 
   If the vector length is determined not to be greater than the minimal initialization value, then no vertical movement is detected, wherein the process is reinitiated (step S 117  along directional arrow C). If the vector length is determined to be less than the minimal initialization value, then the operational function corresponding to the sensed movement (e.g., nodding of the head downwards) is conducted (step S 118 ). According to the present example, the terminal&#39;s screen would display a downwards movement of the cursor. 
   In addition, to cursor control, the apparatus and method of the present invention, in one embodiment, can be applied to video games played on mobile terminals, wherein movements sensed and processed by the present invention can be translated to movements of the game&#39;s protagonist. Additionally, separate movements, such as eye blinking and lip movement, may be incorporated into the algorithms programmed in the apparatus of the present invention to control addition functions of the terminal. In the gaming context, tilting the head to the right while blinking would be translated into the game&#39;s character moving to the right while firing a weapon, for example. In other operational contexts, repeated nodding of the head downwards can be translated into scrolling down a menu, wherein a blink may select a telephone number, for example. This technology may be incorporated into other applications which require user interaction with a text or graphic interface. 
   The embodiments described above are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. Thus, other exemplary embodiments, system architectures, platforms, and implementations that can support various aspects of the invention may be utilized without departing from the essential characteristics described herein. These and various other adaptations and combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed are within the scope of the invention. The invention is defined by the claims and their full scope of equivalents.