Abstract:
A user captures an original digital image, which is then selected for post-processing within the image capture device. The user selects a number of images from a defined list of multiples. The image capture device then down-samples the original image and duplicates the down-sampled image to create multiple tiles of the original image. Optionally, the tiled image may then be stored in a memory by the image capture device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     In the field of digital imaging, many photographers, both beginning and advanced, have a desire to make their images more personal. One method of doing this involves the use of image post-processing methods to add effects such as borders, color filters, and textures to their images. However, the application of many of these effects are typically accomplished through trial and error, and in some cases, the order in which effects are performed will be critical to the development of the final image. Users often are able to remember that they applied a number of effects to a given image, but are unable to precisely duplicate the series of effects on subsequent images.  
         [0002]     Currently, the application of complex and powerful digital image effects requires the user to transfer raw images to a computer where (often expensive) software is used to apply the effects to their images. For users desiring to either directly couple their digital camera (or other image capture device) to a printer, there currently are only a very limited number of image effects available on camera, or within the printer firmware.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A user captures an original digital image, which is then selected for post-processing within the image capture device. The user selects a number of images from a defined list of multiples. The image capture device then down-samples the original image and duplicates the down-sampled image to create multiple tiles of the original image. Optionally, the tiled image may then be stored in a memory by the image capture device.  
         [0004]     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]      FIG. 1  is an example of a user captured original digital image from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention.  
         [0006]      FIG. 2  is an example multiple image created from the original digital image of  FIG. 1  from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 3  is an example multiple image including a positive gutter width created from the original digital image of  FIG. 1  from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention.  
         [0008]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an example method for the creation of multiple images within an image capture device according to the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 5B  is a rear view of an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention from  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0011]     This description of the preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” and “right” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected,” “coupled,” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is an example of a user captured original digital image from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention. An example original digital image  100  is shown. This original digital image  100  may be captured by a user using any of a variety of image capture devices, such as digital cameras or cell phones, within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is an example multiple image created from the original digital image of  FIG. 1  from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention. In this example embodiment of the present invention a user has selected a multiple of 4 from an enumerated list of multiples provided to the user by the image capture device. In this example embodiment of the present invention, the original digital image  100  has been down-sampled by a factor of 2 in the horizontal dimension and a factor of 2 in the vertical dimension resulting in a down-sampled image  200 , ¼ the size of the original digital image  100 . This down-sampled image was then tiled twice on the horizontal axis and twice on the vertical axis, resulting in a tiled image of four smaller images. This example embodiment represents an x-axis tiling parameter of 2, and a y-axis tiling parameter of 2. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a very wide variety of multiples may be included on the enumerated list presented to the user, resulting in a wide variety of down-sampling amounts, and a wide variety of tiling parameters. Also, these multiples need not be limited to powers of two since, for example, a multiple of 6 may be offered to the user, and may result in a 2×3 or a 3×2 tiling all within the scope of the present invention. The tiling parameters may be calculated by a processor within the image capture device, or may be found on a look up table within a memory for faster results. Likewise, the down-sampling amount may be calculated by a processor within the image capture device, or may be found on a look up table within a memory for faster results. Please refer to  FIG. 5  for a block diagram of an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention including these features described above.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is an example multiple image including a positive gutter width created from the original digital image of  FIG. 1  from an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention. In this example embodiment of the present invention a user has selected a multiple of 4 from an enumerated list of multiples provided to the user by the image capture device. The user has also selected a non-zero gutter width from a selection offered to the user by the image capture device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the user may be prompted to enter a numerical amount for the gutter width, while other embodiments may allow the user to select a gutter width from an enumerated list of possibilities. In this example embodiment of the present invention, the original digital image  100  has been down-sampled by a factor of 2 in the horizontal dimension and a factor of 2 in the vertical dimension resulting in a down-sampled image  300 , ¼ the size of the original digital image  100 . This down-sampled image was then tiled twice on the horizontal axis and twice on the vertical axis, resulting in a tiled image of four smaller images. This example embodiment represents an x-axis tiling parameter of 2, and a y-axis tiling parameter of 2. Gutters  302 ,  304  corresponding to the gutter width selected by the user are placed between the smaller images. Note that while this example embodiment of the present invention uses identical gutter widths for the vertical gutter  302  and the horizontal gutter  304 , other embodiments may allow the user to choose differing gutter widths for the two types of gutters within the scope of the present invention. In the context of the present invention, the horizontal gutter runs parallel to the x-axis and separates rows tiled down-sampled images, while the vertical gutter runs parallel to the y-axis and separates columns of tiled down-sampled images. Also note that while the gutters in this example embodiment of the present invention are white, other embodiments may allow the user select a color to be used for the gutters.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an example method for the creation of multiple images within an image capture device according to the present invention. In a step  400 , an original digital image is captured. In a step  402 , a user is prompted to select a multiple from an enumerated list. In the context of the present invention, “multiple” is used to designate the number of smaller tiled images desired in the final image. In an optional step  404 , a user is prompted to select one or more gutter widths. In the context of the present invention, “gutter width” is used to designate the width of the gutter between the smaller tiled images. In an optional step  406 , the user is prompted to select a gutter color. In a step  408 , a down-sample amount is calculated from the selected multiple. In a step  410 , the original image is down-sampled by the down-sample amount. In a step  412 , the down-sampled image is multiplied and tiled using the selected multiple and gutter width. In a step  414 , the tiled image is stored in a memory. In an optional step  416 , the user is prompted to select a paper size. In an optional step  418 , the paper size, stepped image, and gutter are previewed on a display.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a front view of an example embodiment of an image capture device according to the present invention. In this example embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera is designed including a body  500 , a lens  502 , an image sensor  504  configured to sense an image projected onto it by the lens  502 , a memory  506 , electrically coupled with the image sensor  504  configure to store image data, image metadata and custom effect files. The digital camera also includes a processor  514  configured to receive a multiply parameter selected by a user, optionally receive a gutter width selected by a user, calculate a down-sample amount, down-sample an original digital image, multiply and tile the down-sampled digital image, and store the tiled image in the memory  506 . This example digital camera also includes a shutter button  508 , a viewfinder  510 , and a flash  512 . In some example embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the memory  506  may be non-volatile memory.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5B  is a rear view of an example embodiment of the image capture device according to the present invention from  FIG. 5A . This example digital camera also includes a display  516  (such as an LCD) electrically coupled to the memory  506  configured to display digital images and menus allowing a user to select a variety of multiply parameters. In this example embodiment of the present invention, a user interface is shown on the display  516 . This user interface includes a list of multiples  518  and a list of gutter widths  520 , allowing the user to select a multiple and a gutter width from each of the enumerated lists. Those of skill in the art will recognize that there are a wide variety of user interfaces possible allowing these selections, all within the scope of the present invention. For example, the multiple may be graphically presented to the user by displaying in real time the resultant down-sampled and stepped image with arrow buttons allowing the user to increase or decrease the multiple, without the user ever needing to know the numeric value of the multiple. Likewise, gutter width may be displayed to the user in real time, and interactively allow the user to increase and decrease gutter width until a pleasing result is achieved. Also, there are a wide variety of methods to allow a user to choose a gutter color known in the art. For example a user may be able to select the color of a portion of the image and have the gutter color set to the color of the selected pixel (or pixels).  
         [0018]     Paper size may also be selected by the user in some embodiments of the present invention. The image capture device may offer the user a selection of paper sizes to choose from, and represent the paper size in the display as the stepped image is previewed for the user. This allows the user to interactively select a combination of paper size, multiple, gutter width, and gutter color all within the image capture device and the scope of the present invention.  
         [0019]     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.