Abstract:
An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/956,989 filed Oct. 23, 1997, and entitled “System and Method For Using a Single Intelligence Circuit in Both a Digital Camera and Printer”. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention generally relates to a system and method for using a single intelligence circuit for a plurality of imaging components. It is specifically concerned with the use of a single portable intelligence module for performing image data processing and memory operations in both image capturing components, such as a digital camera, and image rendering components, such as printers, digital photo albums, digital projectors, etc., in order to simplify the circuitry and reduce the cost of manufacturing such components.  
           [0003]    Techniques for sharing an intelligence circuit between the electronic components used in digital imaging systems are known in the prior art. For example, in the camera system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,617, and assigned to the Eastman Kodak Company, a digital camera is provided as a module that attaches to the signal bus of a PC compatible computer. This system advantageously eliminates the need for a separate intelligence circuit to be incorporated within the camera itself, as the camera in this system can utilize the processor of the computer by way of a PC-compatible interface connector that mates with a bus extension connector on the computer. Digitized data is directly transmitted from the camera to the signal bus of the computer so that the processor of the computer can be used to perform all image processing, storage, and display functions. The elimination of the camera intelligence circuit not only simplifies the circuit architecture, but substantially reduces camera manufacturing costs as the microprocessor used in such circuits costs between $20.00 and $40.00 depending upon the speed and operating abilities required.  
           [0004]    While the camera-computer system disclosed in the &#39;617 patent represents a significant advance in the simplification of digital camera circuitry, its utility is limited since the digital camera must be continuously connected to the PC compatible computer during both the capturing and displaying of images. This limitation would still be present no matter how one attempted to apply the basic idea behind the &#39;617 patent to other image rendering components, such as digital photo albums, digital projectors, scanners, image transfer stations, video phones, digital photo printers, etc. In each case where the intelligence circuit of one or more of the aforementioned imaging components is replaced by the processor of a single PC compatible computer, the component must be inconveniently tethered to a computer which is relatively unportable. Moreover, as the operating software for each type and model of imaging component is different, some sort of technique for providing the PC compatible computer with appropriate software instructions for each component would have to be implemented.  
           [0005]    Clearly, there is a need for a system in which a single portable intelligence module that can be conveniently plugged into both image capturing components, such as digital cameras, and a plurality of different types of image rendering components, such as printers, digital photo albums, digital projectors, etc., in order to simplify the structure of the circuitry used in each imaging component of the system. Ideally, the intelligence module would have the capacity of immediately recognizing the particular type and model of imaging component that it was plugged into, and of executing the particular type of software necessary to operate that particular component for a broad range of imaging components. Finally, it would be desirable if the intelligence module had the capability of both storing and displaying image data received from any one of the imaging components to conveniently afford the system operator with a broad range of image monitoring capabilities and editing options.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    Generally speaking, the invention is an electronic imaging system that overcomes all of the aforementioned limitations that comprises first and second imaging components, each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence control module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The first component converts an image (which may be composed of light that is visible or invisible to the human eye) into image data, the intelligence module stores the data, and the second component converts the data into an image.  
           [0007]    The intelligence module may include a microprocessor for performing the intelligence function required by the imaging components, and a memory circuit for storing the image data generated by the first component. The memory circuit may be detachably connectable to the control module in order to vary the memory capacity of the module. While the memory circuit is preferably formed from a flash memory card, it may also be an optical or magnetic memory.  
           [0008]    Preferably, each of the imaging components includes a memory for storing a set of component operating instructions and the microprocessor of the intelligence module downloads the operating instructions whenever it is detachably connected to a particular imaging component in order to operate the same. To facilitate the operation of the system, the control module preferably includes a screen for displaying images constructed from the image data stored therein.  
           [0009]    The first component of the electronic imaging system may be a digital camera having a photoelectric unit for converting an image into a stream of image data. The second imaging component can be any one of a number of devices for converting image data into an image, such as a printer, a digital photo album, a digital projector, a scanner, an image transfer station, a video phone, a digital photo printer, a computer video screen, or even a global positioning system imaging device. The system may further comprise a telephone connection that includes a video modem for conducting the image data to or from the intelligence module and an image capturing or image rendering component.  
           [0010]    The invention also encompasses a method for generating an image by means of said first and second imaging components and an intelligence module. The system comprises the steps of connecting the intelligence module to a first image capturing component to convert an image into a set of stored image data, disconnecting the module from the first component, and connecting the module to the second component to convert the set of stored image data into a rendered image. In the method of the invention, each of the first and second imaging components includes a memory circuit for storing a set of component operating instructions, and the method further may include the step of downloading the set of component operating instructions into the intelligence module when the module is connected to one of the imaging components.  
           [0011]    Both the system and the method advantageously simplify the circuitry of the components used in digital imaging systems to substantially reduce manufacturing costs with enhanced reliability and little or no trade offs in convenience or operational abilities. The sharing of an intelligence circuit among various imaging components advantageously lowers equipment costs. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the system of the invention, illustrating the intelligence module in combination with an imaging component;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIGS. 2A, 2B, and  2 C are front, back, and bottom views of the intelligence module of the system;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is an exploded, isometric view of the intelligence module, a digital camera, and a digital printer, schematically illustrating how the camera and the printer share the intelligence module;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the intelligence module in combination with a video encoder connected to a video screen;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module of the invention and a film scanner;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 illustrates the intelligence module of the invention in combination with both a video phone and a video terminal in combination with a video screen;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 illustrates how the intelligence module may be used in combination with a personal digital assistant;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module with a digital photo album;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module with an archive station, and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 10 illustrates the combination of the intelligence module with a digital projector. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2A- 2 C, the system  1  of the invention generally comprises an intelligence module  3  in combination with an imaging component  5 . The exterior of the intelligence module  3  includes a rectangular housing  8  having an image display assembly  9  in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen  11 . In the preferred embodiment, the LCD screen is a low temperature, polysilicon-type screen, as such screens can be made with an overall thickness of approximately 1 millimeter and therefore not significantly contribute to the overall thickness of the rectangular housing  8 . Screen  11  is illuminated via a back light panel  13  in a manner well known in the art. Beside and below the screen  11  is a user interface  15  in the form of push buttons  17   a - d . These push buttons allow the system operator to actuate the module  3  and display a desired image on the screen  11 , and to scroll backwards and forwards with respect to a set of images reserved in the memory of the module  3 . An LED display  19  is provided for informing the system operator when the intelligence module  3  has been turned on. An interface connector assembly  21  is provided along the edge of the back face of the housing  8 , as is best seen in FIG. 2B. Finally, a flash card socket  22  is provided along the bottom surface of the rectangular housing for receipt of a flash memory card, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.  
         [0023]    The interior of the intelligence module  3  includes a printed circuit board assembly  23  upon which a microprocessor  25  is mounted. Preferably, the microprocessor  25  is one of the commercially available family of reduced instruction set computers (known as RISC-type processors) that are relatively fast, math intensive, and application-specific. Examples of such processors include the Model 821 Power PC manufactured by Motorola Corporation located in Phoenix, Ariz., and the Model MIPSR-4000 processor manufactured by NEC Electronics located in Tokyo, Japan. Such processors are fully capable of rapidly implementing the JPEG still image compression, decompression, and processing algorithms used in both image capturing and image rendering components. The printed circuit board assembly  23  further includes an EPROM  27  for storing an initialization program for the microprocessor  25 . Generally, the initialization program is started whenever the circuit on the board assembly  23  first receives electrical power as a result of the module  3  being plugged into a component  5 . As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the program stored in the EPROM  27  then proceeds to instruct the microprocessor  25  to read the contents of the personality ROM  43  present in each one of the imaging components  5  of the entire system  1 .  
         [0024]    The circuit on the board assembly  23  further includes a dynamic random access memory or DRAM. Preferably the DRAM  29  should have at least 20 megabyte capacity in order to store the working image and data executable program downloaded from the personality ROM of the component. Examples of commercially available integrated circuits which can be used as the DRAM  29  include the Model MCM51LXXX DRAM manufactured by Motorola, or one of the series of AMD29C 600 DRAMs manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices located Beaverton, Oreg. In both cases, a total of two, 8 megabyte ICs may be used.  
         [0025]    The circuit on the board assembly  23  should further include a flash memory  31  which preferably has at least a 16 megabyte capacity. The flash memory  31  is a non-volatile memory which may be used to store image data processed by the microprocessor  25  when the intelligence module  3  is connected to a power source. Advantageously, the stored image data remains in the flash memory  31  after the module is detached from a power source. A 16 megabyte memory can store either 5 megapixel images in flash or up to 50 JPE6 compound images. A flash memories  31  having the requisite capacities are commercially available from any one of a number of vendors, including an AM29F200 IC manufactured by the AMD Corporation located in Sunnyvale, Calif. If such a component were used, eight 2 megabyte IC&#39;s could be installed on the board assembly  23 .  
         [0026]    The intelligence module  3  may further include an optional flash card memory  33  which is detachably connectable to the printed circuit board assembly  23  via the previously mentioned socket  22 . The provision of such a socket  22  advantageously allows the system operator to expand the capacity of the flash memory  31 , which in turn allows the intelligence module  3  to store a greater amount of image data. In the preferred embodiment, at least one 10 megabyte Model No. SDCFB-10 flash card memory manufactured by the San Disc Corporation located in Santa Clara, Calif. 95054 is used.  
         [0027]    The printed circuit board assembly  23  further includes both a display driver  35  for providing instructions to the LCD image display  9 , and a mechanical programmable controller  37  for providing operational commands to the mechanical systems of the imaging component  5  (such as a lens focusing assembly, a printhead driver, etc.). The display driver  35  is normally part of the liquid crystal display module that forms the image on the display  9 , while the mechanical programmable controller  37  may be an application system integrated circuit (ASIC) manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company in accordance with known technology.  
         [0028]    Finally, the circuit on the board assembly  23  includes an address data and input/output bus  38  for interconnecting all of the principal components  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 , and  37 , as is schematically illustrated.  
         [0029]    With respect reference again to FIG. 1, each of the imaging components  5  that the intelligence module  3  may be used in conjunction with a power source  41  used to power both the component  5  and the intelligence module  3  when the later is connected thereon, and a personality ROM  43 . For each imaging component  5 , the personality ROM  43  includes the software necessary to process the raw color filter array (CFA) image data read from the charge coupled device (CCD) imaging head, as well as the software necessary to operate any auto-focusing, zoom lens, or flash systems present in the camera. If the imaging component  5  is an image rendering component such as a digital camera or film scanner, it may optionally include an image data memory  45  which is separate from the personality ROM  43  for storing the image data received from the CCD imaging head. Such an optional image data memory  45  is not necessary in image rendering components, such as printers, since there is no need for such a component to separately store the data that it ultimately transcribes into an image. If the component  5  includes an additional, specialized microprocessor for operating a zoom lens or flash, the software contained in the personality ROM  43  of the component  5  instructs the microprocessor  25  of the module  3  how to coordinate its efforts with such a dedicated processor. Finally, the imaging component  5  includes an interface contact assembly  47  that interconnects with the previously mentioned interface contact assembly  21  of the intelligence module  3 . The joining of the two contact assemblies  21  and  52  allows both power from the power source  41  and program instructions from the personality ROM  43  to enter the circuit of the intelligence module  3  where the program is executed.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 illustrates how that system  1  may be applied to the combination of a digital camera  50 , and a printer  54 . The digital camera  50  includes a recess or socket  51  for receiving the housing  8  of the intelligence module  3 . When the intelligent circuit  3  is installed, its contact assembly  21  engages the contact assembly  47  of the camera  50 , thereby interconnecting the circuit of the module  3  to the power source (not shown) of the digital camera  50 , as well as its personality ROM  43  and image data memory  45 . ROM  43  and memory  45  are shown as separate components, they may be combined into a single memory. A further embodiment, digital camera  50  may be, for example, a model DC  120  or  210  manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company located in Rochester, N.Y., modified so as to be “lobotomized” of the intelligent circuit that is normally present in this device.  
         [0031]    Once the intelligence module  3  has been mechanically and electrically attached to the digital camera  50 , the module  3  becomes actuated by the camera power source, and the microprocessor  25  downloads the operating program from the ROM  43  into its DRAM  29 . As the camera  50  is being used, microprocessor  25  processes the raw CFA data read from the CCD imaging head of the camera by interpolating red, green or blue colors for each of the pixels as needed and by adjusting the resulting image with a scene balance algorithm (SBA), and then converting the resulting intermediate result into a photo RG  13  color space encoding. The final image data is then J-PEG compressed by the microprocessor  25 , and then converted into a standard imaging file format such as EXIF-R, where component is stored in the flash memory  31  or  33  of the intelligence module  3 .  
         [0032]    After the system operator has captured the desired images with the digital camera  50 , he then detaches the module  3  from the camera body  50  and installs it in a complimentarily shaped socket  55  present in the digital printer  54 . The disconnection of the DRAM  29  from the camera power source causes it “forget” the instructions received from the ROM  43  of the digital camera  50 , so that the memory space can be reused to receive printer operating instructions from the personality ROM  43  located within the printer  54 . The instructions contained within the printer personality ROM  43  instruct the microprocessor  25  as to how to decompress the J-PEG compressed images stored in the flash memory  31  of the module  3 , and how to format the resulting decompressed image data into print instructions for this device. The printer  54  may be a model number DS8650 thermal printer manufactured by the aforementioned Eastman Kodak Company, appropriately “lobotomized” of the microprocessor that is normally present within this device, or any one of a number of prior art color or monochrome printers.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 illustrates how the intelligence module  3  may be used in combination with a video encoder  58  and video screen  60  interconnected by a cable  61 . Like the previously described camera  50  and printer  54 , video encoder  58  includes socket  59  for receiving the intelligence module  3  as well as a contact assembly  47  (not shown). In operation, the video encoder converts compressed images stored in the flash memory  31  of the intelligence module  3  into a video compatible transmission which is relayed to the video screen  60  via coaxial cable  61 . Encoder  58 , like the camera  50  and printer  54 , likewise has a personality ROM  43  that includes instructions that are downloaded into the EPROM  27  of the intelligence module  3  when it is initially installed. In this case, the instructions present on the personality ROM  43  enable the microprocessor  25  to convert the image data stored in its flash member  31  into a video transmission. The circuitry of encoder  58  may be formed, for example, by an IC located in the base of the unit. Both video encoder and decoder ICs are commercially available as Model Nos. P/N BT 864 (encoder) and P/N BT829 (decoder) manufactured by the Brooktree Division of Rockwell Semiconductor Systems, Inc., located in San Diego, Calif.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 illustrates how the intelligence module  3  of the system  1  may be used in combination with a film scanner  63 , such as the “Snap-Shot Photo Scanner” manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company. Scanner  63  includes an opening  64  for receiving an APS color negative developed film cartridge  65 . Scanner  63  includes, in its interior, a CCD imaging head (not shown) and a light source for converting the images contained on the film  65  into sampled RGB digital image data. The operational instructions contained within its particular personality ROM  43  enable the microprocessor  25  of the intelligence module  3  to process the raw image data generated by the scanner&#39;s linear array CCD in much the same way as previously described with respect to the digital camera  50 , the primary difference being that provisions in the software are made to convert negative images from the film  65  into positive ones in the event that the film  65  is developed, negative film. The scanner can likewise handle positive reversed film. The resulting positive images may be displayed on the LCD  11 . Alternatively, the resulting images may further be stored in the local flash memory  31  of the intelligence module  3  or the removable flash card memory  33  for rendering by either the previously mentioned printer  54 , for display on a screen such as the previously described video screen  60 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 illustrates how the intelligence module may be used in conjunction with both a video telephone  70 , a video terminal  76 , and remotely located video screen  75 . The video telephone  70  also includes, in addition to the usual auditory-type equipment, a video conversion circuit such as the one discussed with respect to the video encoder  58 , and the modem  72  for converting the resulting video signals into signals compatible with a transmission over a telephone line  74 . Video telephone  70  includes the usual keyboard  73  for remotely dialing the location of a video screen  75 . Video terminal  76  is in many respects identical to the previously discussed video encoder  58 , the primary difference being the addition of a modem  78  and keypad  80  for converting the video-type image data into data transmittable over a telephone cable  82 . Both the video telephone  70  and video terminal  76  each include personality ROMs  43  for enabling the microprocessor to convert the image data stored in its flash memory  31  first to video signals, and then to telephone-line compatible signals via the modems  72  and  78 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 illustrates the combination of an intelligence module  3  with a personal digital assistant  85 . In this particular combination of the system of the invention, the LCD screen  11  of the intelligence module  3  serves as a screen for the personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA includes the usual keyboard  89  for the typing of alpha-numeric information.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 illustrates the system  1  in terms of the combination of the intelligence module  3  and a device  90  which the inventors refer to as a digital photo album. The digital photo album  90  includes the usual personality ROM  43 , and a battery pack  92  for powering the intelligence module  3 . The sole purpose of the digital photo album  90  is to supply sufficient power via the battery pack  92  and sufficient operating software via the personality ROM  43  so as to allow the intelligence module  3  to display on its LCD screen  11  images stored within its flash memory  31 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 illustrates the system  1  of the invention in terms of the combination of the intelligence module  3  in combination with a device which the inventors have termed an archive station  95 . Archive station  95  includes a slot  97  for the receipt of a recordable optical disk  99  that stores image data. Its particular personality ROM  43  includes instructions that enable the microprocessor  25  to copy images stored in the intelligence module&#39;s flash memory to an organized directory structure on the optical disc  99 . Images are browsed on the LCD display and selected for copy using module buttons  17   a - d.    
         [0039]    Finally, FIG. 10 illustrates the system  1  of the invention as a combination of the intelligence module  3  with a digital projector  100 , such as the Model No. LP 740 unit manufactured by In-focus located in Wilsonville, Oreg. Digital projector  100  converts image data stored in the flash memory  31  of the intelligence module  3  into an image which is projected via lens assembly  101  onto a screen (not shown).  
         [0040]    As a further example, the system  1  may be used in combination with global positioning systems (GPS) which have the capability of rendering a vertical display of the terrain surrounding a given location. In such a combination, the LCD screen  11  of the module  3  would provide the terrain display, and the microprocessor  25  of the module  3  would execute the software contained in a personality ROM  43  contained within the housing of such a GPS. An example of such a GPS device that the system might be used within the housing of such a GPS. An example of such a GPS device that the system might be used within a “lobotomized” GPS 4000 Excel manufactured by Magellan Systems Corporation, a division of Orbital Access Co. located in Dulles, Va.  
         [0041]    From the foregoing, it is clear that the system  1  of the invention encompasses virtually any known combination of image capturing and image rendering components. While the system  1  has been described with respect to the specific image capturing and rendering components illustrated in FIGS.  3 - 10 , the system is, of course, applicable to any type of image capturing or rendering device that requires an intelligence circuit or microprocessor for operation.  
                                         PARTS LIST                                 1.   System        3.   Intelligence module        5.   Imaging component        7.   [Intelligence module]        8.   Rectangular housing        9.   Image display assembly       11.   Liquid crystal screen       13.   Backlight panel       15.   User interface       17.   Push buttons a-d       19.   LED display       21.   Interface contact assembly       22.   Flash card socket       23.   Printed circuit board assembly       25.   Microprocessor       27.   EPROM       29.   DRAM       31.   Flash memory       33.   Optional flash card memory       35.   Display driver       37.   programmable controller       38.   Bus connections       39.   [Imaging component]       41.   Power source       43.   Personality ROM       45.   Optional image data source       47.   Input contact assembly       50.   Digital camera       51.   Socket       52.   Input contact assembly       54.   Printer       55.   Socket       58.   Video encoder       59.   Socket       60.   Video screen (computer)       61.   Cable       63.   Film scanner       64.   Slot       65.   Film canister       70.   Video telephone       72.   Video modem       73.   Keyboard       74.   Telephone cable       75.   Video screen       76.   Video terminal       78.   Video modem       80.   Keyboard       82.   Telephone cable       85.   Personal digital assistant       87.   Display panel       89.   Keyboard       90.   Digital photo album       92.   Battery pack       95.   Archive station       97.   Slot       99.   Optical disc       100.    Digital projector