Patent Publication Number: US-2005134726-A1

Title: Modular print scanner and digital imaging system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to digital imaging, and more particularly, to a modular digital imaging system including a print scanner.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Digital imaging systems are well known and can include, for example, digital scanners, digital cameras, digital displays, camcorders, digital video recorders, computers, and kiosks. For example, digital flatbed scanners can be connected to a host computer to enable documents and photographic prints to be converted into digital image files which can then be stored, viewed, or transmitted by the computer.  
      Digital cameras can be connected to a host computer by means of a “dock” or other transfer devices in order to transfer digital data to a computer. This digital data can include digital still images (e.g., JPEG files) as well as motion video files (e.g., Quick Time files). One example of such a digital camera is the Kodak EasyShare DX3600 digital camera, which can be connected with an optional docking unit. The digital camera captures digital still images and motion video segments, and stores the images using Flash EPROM memory. The still images and motion video files can be downloaded from the digital camera to the computer using the docking unit.  
      Such a digital camera can include a close focusing (e.g., macro) mode that allows a small object, such as a photographic print, to be captured. However, the resulting digital image of the print might be of limited quality, for example, if the illumination of the print is non-uniform, and if the proper camera to print alignment is not maintained.  
      Accordingly, there exists a need for a digital imaging system which is modular, transportable, and which enables photographic prints to be captured readily and without the use of a computer.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An object of the present invention is to provide a digital imaging system which includes a capture device and a scanner module which illuminates a hardcopy/photographic print and which holds the capture device in an orientation to allow scanning of the print.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide such a scanner module which is compact or can be compactly stored.  
      Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a variety of modular components, including a capture device and a scanner module, that can be combined by a user to form a custom product that has the appearance and function of an integrated digital imaging system.  
      These objects are given only by way of illustrative example, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.  
      According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a scanner module adapted to receive a capture device for capturing a still image, comprising a body having a planar support surface, a recessed area for receiving a hardcopy print to be scanned, and a support member angled relative to the planar support surface; and the support member being adapted to receive the capture device.  
      According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a scanner module adapted to receive a capture device for capturing a still image, comprising a body having a planar support surface, a recessed area for receiving a hardcopy print to be scanned, and a movable support member pivotable relative to the planar support surface; and the movable support member being adapted to receive the capture device, the support member being movable between a first and a second position, the first position provides a scanning position and the second position provides a storage position wherein the capture device is substantially disposed within the recessed area.  
      According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scanner module, comprising a body defining a recessed area for receiving a print to be scanned, a support member adapted to accept a capture device, the support member being pivotably connected to the body about an axis between a first position and a second position wherein the support member is disposed substantially within the recessed area; and power means adapted to provide power to the capture module.  
      According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for scanning a print, comprising a capture device including a capture assembly having a lens and a display for displaying captured images, the capture assembly pivoting relative to the display; and a scanner module including a body having a planar support surface including an area for receiving a hardcopy print to be scanned, and a support member angled relative to the planar support surface, the support member being adapted to receive the capture device. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a capture device.  
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a display module.  
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a digital imaging system comprising the capture device shown in  FIG. 1  and the display module shown in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a CD module.  
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a printer module.  
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a modular digital imaging system including the display module shown in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a scanner module in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a digital imaging system in accordance with the present invention comprising the capture device shown in  FIG. 1  and the scanner module shown in  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a modular digital imaging system in accordance with the present invention including the scanner module shown in  FIG. 7 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures.  
      Reference is made to commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0210333 (Manico et al) titled “MODULAR DIGITAL IMAGING SYSTEM” and U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0218681 titled “DISPLAY MODULE FOR SUPPORTING A DIGITAL IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE” (Manico et al), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
       FIG. 1  shows a capture device  10  in accordance with the present invention. Capture device  10  comprises an image display  12  for displaying a digital image, and a receiving port  14  for receiving a digital data storage device  16 . In  FIG. 1 , receiving port  14  is configured as a slot/aperture adapted to receive a digital data storage device  16  such as a memory card. Other digital data storage devices are known to those skilled in the art. Image display  12  can be a color LCD, an organic light emitting display (OLED), or the like, as known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, capture device  10  can display digital images. Capture device  10  preferably comprises at least one speaker  13 .  
      Capture device  10  can comprise a cover member  17 , which is shown in  FIG. 1  as being folded back away from display  12  to abut or be proximate to a side of capture device  10  opposite display  12 .  
      Capture device  10  further comprises at least one selection member  18  for selecting and/or manipulating (e.g., zoom, crop, delete) a digital image displayed on display  12 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a plurality of selection members, shown as buttons, arrows, and a four-way selection button, which can be employed to provide instructions to capture device  10  to display a digital image on display  12 . Display  12  can be configured as a touch screen. Accordingly, a physical contact with display  12  would be used to select or provide instructions to display  12 . The physical contact with display  12  can be accomplished, for example, by a finger contacting display  12  or by employing a stylus. A stylus can be provided with capture device  10  and stored in an aperture  20  disposed in capture device  10  for ready access by a user.  
      The capture device  10  serves as a digital camera, to capture digital still images, in addition to displaying digital images. The capture device  10  can be configured to also capture and display motion video images and sound. Capture device  10  comprises a flash member or other illumination device  22  as well as a lens  28 , which are mounted on a rotating capture assembly  25  which rotates about an axis as shown by arrow B. Lens  28  can be employed when capturing an image. Rotating capture assembly  25  can be rotated to a position which directs lens  28  toward a subject while the user previews the image to be captured on the display  12 .  
      Capture device  10  also comprises an activation member  29  (i.e., shutter button) for activating capture device  10  to capture an image. Capture device  10  can further include elements employed for image capture and image processing, such as an image sensor (e.g., CCD, CMOS), analog-to-digital converter, and digital image processor. Examples of such elements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,218, issued Sep. 18, 2001, titled “Electronic camera for initiating capture of still images while previewing motion images”, by Parulski et al., incorporated herein by reference.  
      Capture device  10  can further comprise a communication port  24  for communicating with another device. Communication port  24  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a USB connection disposed on a lower edge  26  of capture device  10 . Other configurations for a communication port are known to those skilled in the art.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of a first module referred to, for ease of discussion, as a display dock or display module  30 . Display module  30  comprises a body  32  and a support member  34  pivotably connected to body  32  so as to pivot in a direction as shown by arrow A in  FIG. 2 . The pivoting operation may be achieved by manual manipulation by the user. Support member  34  comprises a recess  36  adapted to receive and support capture device  10 . When capture device  10  is positioned in recess  36  and pivoted to a full horizontal position, capture device  10  is disposed within display module  30  in a display recess  62 . As such, display module  30  provides some protection/support/shielding of capture device  10 . Display module  30  can further comprise an electrical connector  37 .  
       FIG. 3  shows capture device  10  disposed within support member  34  of display module  30  to define a digital imaging system  35  in accordance with the present invention. As shown, lower edge  26  of capture device  10  is inserted into recess  36  such that the portion of capture device  10  adjacent lower edge  26  is supported within support member  34 , preferably permitting an unobstructed view of display  12  of capture device  10  by a user/viewer. That is, an image displayed in display  12  can be viewed while capture device  10  is docked within display module  30 ; display  12  is not obstructed from a user&#39;s view. Similarly, speakers  13  are preferably unobstructed by support member  34  so as not to interfere with sound reproduction. Alternatively, display module  30  and support member  34  may be designed to incorporate sound directing ports and/or baffles to enhance the quality of the sound. Display module  30  acts as a holder or support for capture device  10 . Support member  34  can be pivoted to provide a preferred viewing angle of display  12  by a user. In a preferred embodiment, selection members  18  are accessible when capture device  10  is supported by display module  30 .  
      If display module  30  is provided with electrical connector  37 , display module  30  can be configured as a power source for capture device  10  or as a charger for a power supply (e.g., battery) disposed within capture device  10 . Additionally, display recess  62  in display module  30  may incorporate an additional connector for charging additional batteries.  
      Disposed within recess  36  is a communication connector (not shown) which can be matingly connected with communication port  24  of capture device  10  when capture device  10  is docked within display module  30 . When docked, a communication network is established by connecting communication port  24  and the communication connector, thereby permitting the transfer of digital data. For example, display module  30  can comprise a modem and a telephone connector  38  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), whereby digital data can be transmitted by means of a telephone connection. It is recognized that other communication networks known to those skilled in the art can be employed in addition to a wired communication network, for example, a cellular or wireless communication network. An example of a wireless communication network is a radio frequency transponder and receiver disposed with capture device  10  and display module  30 .  
      Display module  30  is one example of a module that can be employed with capture device  10 . Additional modules can be employed with capture device  10 . A compact disc (CD) module  40  is shown in  FIG. 4  as having an opening  42  by which to receive a CD for reading or writing to the CD. A printer module  50  is shown in  FIG. 5  for providing a hardcopy print  52  through a delivery aperture  54 .  
      Preferably, each module is configured to have a complementary shape such that when the modules abut, a modular system is provided.  FIG. 6  generally illustrates a perspective view of such a modular digital imaging system  55  in accordance with the present invention comprising display module  30  and at least one other module. The particular digital imaging system  55  shown in  FIG. 6  comprises display module  30 , CD module  40 , printer module  50 , and another module  60 . Examples of other modules  60  include a DVD module for reading or writing DVDs, a telecommunication module (cellular, wired, or wireless), a videophone module, a stereo module for providing amplified stereo sound and high quality speakers, a battery pack module (for example, comprising a heavy duty battery for providing extended operation of the digital imaging system without recharging or connection to an electrical outlet), a hard drive module, a modem module, a television turner module, a digital tape drive module, computer connection module, illumination module, digital projector, film writer, film scanner, and an additional memory module.  
      Module  60  can be, for example, a “dummy” module. That is, it can be a decorative, functional, or non-functional module. For example, it can be a storage module having a recessed area for storage for batteries, cabling, manuals, print media, memory cards, CDs, or the like. Alternatively, the dummy module may serve as a base to raise the digital imaging system to a particular height for preferred viewing by a user. Alternatively, a transformer for providing electrical power can be disposed within a dummy module.  
      As configured, the modules are docking docks. That is, when a module is docked with another module, a system of docks is formed. The complementary shapes of the modules provides for an interlocking arrangement of the modules, which in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, provides a physically robust digital imaging system.  
      The modules can be arranged in a vertical orientation, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, the modules can be arranged in a horizontal orientation with capture device  10  being disposed on top of or adjacent to one of the modules.  
      With a modular system, the order of the modules is not relevant; any order can be employed, though in a preferred embodiment capture device  10  is disposed on top for optimal viewing.  
      Access to the modules (e.g.,  30 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60 ) is preferably in the same direction (i.e., on the same side) of digital imaging system  55 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Preferably, opening  42  of CD module  40  and delivery aperture  54  of printer module  50  are directed toward the viewer, so as to provide ready access to the modules. Likewise, display  12  is preferably arranged so as to be viewed forward regardless of lens orientation, in the same direction as the access to the modules, for viewing an image through display  12  when capture device  10  is docked in display module  30 . It may be preferred to orient lens  28  toward the user whenever the capture device  10  is inserted in display module  30  to facilitate two way visual communication. Similarly, access for any media (i.e., paper for printer module  50 ) would preferably be obtained from the same forward direction.  
      Once docked, the electrical connection of the module is made with the other modules, particularly display module  30  which provides an interface to capture device  10 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, the user interface for digital imaging system  35 ,  55  is not contained with module  40 ,  50 ,  60 . Rather, user control would be provided by capture device  10  or display module  30 . Accordingly, each time a module  40 ,  50 ,  60  is docked, software for the module would be uploaded or accessed by capture device  10  or display module  30 . This software may be uploaded from firmware within the modules or via the communications link  38  or via the removable digital memory device  16 . As such, a cumulative user interface is provided. The user interface can be designed with a consistent look and feel for all modules added to the system.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective view of a scanner module  130  in accordance with the present invention. Scanner module  130  comprises a body  132  having a recessed area  162  for receiving a hardcopy print to be scanned. An aperture or slot  140  disposed in body  132  can be provided to allow a user to place/slide the hardcopy print into the recessed area  162 . Scanner module  130  further comprises a support member  134  that is pivotably connected to body  132  so as to pivot in a direction as shown by arrow C in  FIG. 7 . Support member  134  includes a recess  136  adapted to receive and support capture device  10 . Support member  134  further comprises a first illumination source  154 , for example a small fluorescent lamp and reflector or the like. Scanner module  130  further comprises a second illumination source  152  disposed on a support  150 , which is pivotably connected to body  132  so as to pivot in a direction as shown by arrow D in  FIG. 7 . Second illumination source  152  may disposed on all, or only a portion of, support  150 . Scanner module  30  can further include an electrical connector  137 .  
      Depressions or recesses can be formed in recessed area  162  to accept illumination sources  152  and  154  when not in use.  
      When capture device  10  is positioned in recess  136  and pivoted in a full horizontal position, capture device  10  is encased by scanner module  130  in recess area  162 . When pivoting support  150  is also pivoted in a full horizontal position, it is similarly disposed within recessed area  162 . As such, capture device  10  and scanner module  130  can be stored in a compact configuration.  
       FIG. 8  shows capture device  10  disposed within scanner module  130  to define a digital imaging system  135  in accordance with the present invention. As shown, lower edge  26  of capture device  10  is inserted into recess  136  such that the portion of capture device  10  adjacent lower edge  26  is supported within support member  134 , permitting an unobstructed view of display  12  of capture device  10 . That is, an image displayed in displayed  12  can be viewed while capture device  10  is docked within scanner module  130 ; display  12  is not obstructed from a user&#39;s view. Similarly, speakers  13  are unobstructed by support member  134  so as not to interfere with sound reproduction. Alternatively, display module  130  and support member  134  may be designed to incorporate sound directing ports and/or baffles to enhance the quality of the sound. Scanner module  130  acts as a holder or support for capture device  10 . Support member  134  is pivotable to provide a proper scanning angle by a user. In a preferred embodiment, selection members  18  are accessible when capture device  10  is supported by scanner module  130  in order to initiate capture of hardcopy prints and review of the resulting digital images.  
      In operation, a hardcopy print is disposed within recessed area  162 . To scan the hardcopy print, rotating capture assembly  25  of capture device  10  is rotated to a position that directs/aims lens  28  at the hardcopy print disposed in recessed area  162 . This position of lens  28  can be set using a “detent” so that the user can easily set the proper position. Alternatively, rotating capture assembly  25  can be rotated to the proper position by a motor. For example, a user can indicate to capture device  10  by means of selection member  18  that hardcopy print capture is desired, and the motor would automatically properly position lens  28 . In a preferred embodiment, lens  28  is centrally disposed on rotating capture assembly  25  so that lens  28  is generally positioned over the center of the recessed area  162  when the hardcopy print is scanned.  
      As indicated above, the position of lens  28  can be set using a “detent” or other registration marker/method so that the user can easily set the proper position. The positioning of lens  28  in the detent can be an indication to capture device  10  that the capture/scan of a hardcopy print is the desired activity, and capture parameters (e.g., focal length and post capture processing) can be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if the position of support member  134  can be set using a detent, then positioning support member  134  in the detent can indicate the same condition to scanner module  130 , which can communicate this condition to capture device  10 . This indication may also cause the illumination sources to become active.  
      Once the lens is in position, activation member  29  (or other selection member  18 ) can be activated to initiate scanning of the hardcopy print whereby capture device  10  captures a digital still image of the hardcopy print. Upon activation, illumination sources  152 ,  154  can illuminate the hardcopy print for scanning. Alternatively, illumination sources  152 ,  154  can be activated prior to initiating scanning.  
      Illumination sources are preferably arranged to provide uniform illumination of the hardcopy print. As such, support  150  and support member  134  may need to be in an angled orientation (i.e., non-perpendicular to body  132 ). Such an orientation may depend on the intensity/amount of illumination of the illumination sources, as known to those skilled in the art. An example of a suitable angled orientation might be a 30-50 degree orientation from vertical. Illumination source  152  may be disposed at a different angled orientation than the other illumination source  154 .  
      An optional diffusing member can be attached to support member  134 . Such a diffusing member can provide for flash member  22  to be used as an illumination source. In operation, capture device  10  would be inserted in support member  134 , the diffusing member would cover flash member  22  and diffuse its output. The diffusing member can be constructed such that light passing through it and onto the hardcopy print would be distributed essentially equally across the hardcopy print.  
      An optional focusing member can be attached to support member  134 . Such a focusing member could allow capture device  10  to be used as a scanner if the optical path of the scanning operation is not within the operational ability of capture device  10 . In operation, capture device  10  would be inserted in support member  134 , the focusing member would be placed in front of lens  28  and the focal length would be adjusted accordingly. The focusing member could be aspheric such that the field of view of capture is closely matched to the hardcopy print. Algorithms can be applied to the captured image to remove any distortions provided by the focusing member.  
      The hardcopy print is preferably uniformly illuminated to provide for optimum scanning. Capture device  10  can be configured to take a “sample” illumination reading prior to scanning and compensate for any non-uniform illumination. For example, if recessed area  162  comprises a white or gray color, capture device  10  can capture an image of recessed area  162  (without the hardcopy print) to determine the illumination, and a correction for the illumination sources  152 ,  154  can be applied when the hardcopy print is scanned. Alternatively, if the spatial non-uniformity or color balance of the illumination is known at the time of manufacture, compensation in the form of a pre-supplied algorithm performing correction can be employed.  
      If the scanning of the hardcopy print is geometrically skewed, the algorithms provided can be employed to correct this condition. If lens  28  of capture device  10  is not positioned substantially above the center of the hardcopy print, a distortion known as “keystoning” might occur. This distortion can be corrected by algorithms in a manner similar to that described above.  
      Scanner module  130  is provided with electrical connector  137  in order to provide power to illumination sources  152 ,  154 . Scanner module  130  can be configured as a power source for capture device  10  or as a charger for a power supply (e.g., battery) disposed within capture device  10 .  
      Disposed within recess  136  is a communication connector (not shown) which can be matingly connected with communication port  24  of capture device  10  when capture device  10  is docked within scanner module  130 . When docked, a communication network is established by connecting communication port  24  and the communication connector, thereby permitting the transfer of digital data. For example, scanner module  130  can dock to other modules to permit digital data to be printed or written to an optical disk, such as a DVD.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9 , scanner module  130  can be stacked/mated with the CD module  40 , printer module  50 , and/or another module  60 . With a modular system, the order of the modules  130 ,  40 ,  50  and  60  is not relevant; any order can be employed. Access to the modules (e.g.,  130 ,  40 ,  50 ,  60 ) is preferably in the same direction (i.e., on the same side) of digital imaging system  155 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Once docked, the electrical connection of the module is made with the other modules, particularly scanner module  130  which provides an interface to capture device  10 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, the user interface for digital imaging system  135 ,  155  is not contained with module  40 ,  50 ,  60 . Rather, user control would be provided by capture device  10  or scanner module  130 . Accordingly, each time a module  40 ,  50 ,  60  is docked, software for the module would be uploaded or accessed by capture device  10  or scanner module  130 . This software may be uploaded from firmware within the modules or via the removable digital memory device  16 . As such, a cumulative user interface is provided. The user interface can be designed with a consistent look and feel for all modules added to the system.  
      The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.  
     Parts list  
     
         
           10  capture device  
           12  display  
           13  speaker  
           14  receiving port  
           16  digital storage device  
           17  cover member  
           18  selection members  
           20  aperture; for stylus  
           22  flash member/illumination device  
           24  communication port  
           25  rotating capture assembly  
           26  lower edge  
           28  lens  
           29  activation member  
           30  display module  
           32  body  
           34  support member  
           35  digital imaging system  
           36  recess  
           37  electrical connector  
           38  telephone connector/communications link  
           40  CD module  
           42  opening  
           50  printer module  
           52  hardcopy print  
           54  delivery aperture  
           55  digital imaging system  
           60  other module  
           62  display recess  
           130  scanner module  
           132  body  
           134  support member  
           135  digital imaging system  
           136  recess  
           137  electrical connector  
           140  slot  
           150  support  
           152  illumination source  
           154  illumination source  
           162  recessed area