U.S. patent application number 10/034273 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for replaceable hardware component of a camera control unit for video systems.
Invention is credited to Amling, Marc R., Chatenever, David.
Application Number | 20030123856 10/034273 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21875360 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030123856 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chatenever, David ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Replaceable hardware component of a camera control unit for video
systems
Abstract
A video imaging system is provided including a camera head for
transmitting image data to a CCU, a CCU for receiving and
processing the image data into a usable format, a storage device
accessible by the camera control unit, information stored on the
storage device, and wherein the information is used by the camera
control unit for selecting hardware in the camera control unit to
process the image data.
Inventors: |
Chatenever, David; (Santa
Barbara, CA) ; Amling, Marc R.; (Santa Barbara,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
21875360 |
Appl. No.: |
10/034273 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/224 ;
348/E5.042; 386/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 2005/2255 20130101;
H04N 5/23206 20130101; H04N 5/23209 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/107 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/765 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A video imaging system, comprising: a camera head for
transmitting image data; a camera control unit for receiving and
processing said image data from said camera head; a storage device
accessible by said camera control unit; and information stored on
said storage device; said information used by said camera control
unit for selecting hardware in said camera control unit to process
the image data.
2. The video imaging system according to claim 1, further
comprising a camera head identifier received by said camera control
unit for retrieving said information from said storage device.
3. The video imaging system according to claim 2, wherein said
camera head transmits said camera head identifier.
4. The video imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
camera head includes said storage device.
5. The video imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
camera control unit further comprises at least one replaceable
hardware component.
6. The video system according to claim 5, wherein said information
specifies said at least one replaceable hardware component.
7. The video system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one
replaceable hardware component further includes a processor.
8. The video system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one
replaceable hardware component further includes a memory
device.
9. The video system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one
replaceable hardware component further includes a field
programmable gate array.
10. The video system according to claim 5, further comprising a
video bus and said at least one replaceable hardware component
attaches to said video bus.
11. The video imaging system according to claim 5, wherein said
replaceable hardware component includes a connector.
12. The video imaging system according to claim 11, wherein said
connector receives the image data.
13. The video imaging system according to claim 11, wherein said
connector outputs a signal processed from the image data.
14. The video imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
camera control unit further comprises hardware capable of
processing at least two different types of image data.
15. The video imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
information routes the image data received by said camera control
unit to the hardware capable of processing a specified type of
image data.
16. The video imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
information enables said camera control unit to issue commands to
said camera head.
17. A video imaging system, comprising: a camera head for
transmitting image data; and a camera control unit for receiving
and processing the image data from said camera head; said camera
control unit includes at least one replaceable hardware
component.
18. The video imaging system according to claim 17, further
comprising a storage device accessible by said camera control
unit.
19. The video imaging system according to claim 18, further
comprising information stored on said storage device.
20. The video imaging system according to claim 17, further
comprising a connector for outputting a signal processed from the
image data.
21. The video imaging system according to claim 17, wherein said at
least one replaceable hardware component processes at least two
different types of image data.
22. A video imaging system, comprising: a camera head for
transmitting image data; a camera control unit for receiving and
processing the image data from said camera head; said camera
control unit includes at least one replaceable hardware component;
and software executing on said camera control unit for selecting
hardware in said camera control unit to process the image data.
23. The video imaging system according to claim 22, further
comprising a storage device accessible by said camera control
unit.
24. The video imaging system according to claim 23, wherein said
software for selecting hardware is stored on said storage
device.
25. A method for video imaging, comprising the steps of: providing
a camera for transmitting image data; providing a camera control
unit for processing the transmitted image data; coupling a storage
device to the camera control unit; storing information on the
storage device; retrieving the information from the storage device;
executing the information on the camera control unit; and selecting
hardware in the camera control unit to process the image data.
26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step
of coupling at least one replaceable hardware component to the
camera control unit.
27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step
of configuring the at least one replaceable hardware component.
28. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step
of processing at least two different types of image data.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of copending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/______ for a "Programmable and
Reconfigurable Camera Control Unit for Video Systems" filed Nov. 9,
2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a camera control unit for
processing video signals from many different types of video cameras
and, more particularly, the invention relates to selecting a
replaceable and configurable hardware component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cameras and Camera Control Units ("CCUs") are generally used
together to acquire and process images. A camera and CCU may be
housed as a single unit or may be separate from one another, being
connected, for example, by a cable or wireless connection. A camera
may be remotely held away from a CCU in situations where space is
limited or mobility is desired, such as during endoscopic surgery.
Cameras used during endoscopic surgery are typically referred to as
heads or camera heads, which house single or multiple imaging
devices, such as charge coupled devices and the like, for image
acquisition. Typically, acquired, or picked up, image data is sent
by the camera head to the CCU. Upon receiving the image data from
the camera head, the CCU normally processes the signal to display
the acquired image on a viewing device, which is generally used by
a medical professional and/or for storage on various media (video
cassette recorder, floppy disk, hard drives, compact disks, digital
video disks, and the like) and/or for transmission to remote
locations in various manners, such as by the Intranet, Internet,
radio transmission, and the like.
[0004] Additionally, the CCU typically sends commands to the camera
head to adjust various settings (i.e. color balance, electronic
shutter for light sensitivity, and other optical and electronic
characteristics).
[0005] Traditionally, CCUs are compatible with a limited number of
camera heads. A CCU's hardware is usually difficult to configure
for proper communication with varying types of camera heads because
camera heads use varying types of imaging devices that can differ
in pixel resolution, timing requirements (i.e. PAL, NTSC,
Progressive, and other formats), signal output type (i.e. analog or
digital), physical size, and in other characteristics.
[0006] Analog video system types differ in scanning principles,
resolution capability, sampling rates, aspect ratios,
synchronization, bandwidth, and the like. Moreover, video system
types may differ between broadcast, closed circuit, and computer
applications. Analog video systems are typically classified as
either composite (luminance and chrominance components multiplexed
into a single signal) or component (separate signals for each
chrominance component, and synchronization signals). In
broadcasting applications, composite formats are generally used.
For closed circuit systems (such as video production and editing,
medical, industrial, and scientific applications) typically
component formats are used. The primary composite analog video
standards usually used are PAL, NTSC, and SECAM, with one specific
standard used in different geographical areas.
[0007] Digital video systems are typically differentiated by their
application. Advanced television (ATV), high definition television
(HDTV), and computer systems may differ in format and signal
characteristics. In some areas, digital video formats and standards
are currently being developed and adopted. The Society of Motion
Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is typically in the
business of defining and adopting voluminous digital video formal
standards. As each is adopted, various applications, and
application improvements generally will also be realized. Some
digital video standards currently in use are: IEEE-1394
FireWire.RTM., ISO/IEC IS 13818, International Standard (1994),
MPEG-2, and ITU-R BT.601-4 (1994) Encoding Parameters of Digital
Television for Studios.
[0008] Furthermore, there may be variability from device to device
of the same type, which could affect camera head performance.
Additionally, commands sent from the CCU to the camera head are
generally unique depending upon the camera head type being used.
Moreover, as repairs, modifications, or improvements are made to
camera heads, the CCU, which was originally designed to be
compatible with the older camera head, may become incompatible and
may require upgrading as well.
[0009] This overall variability in camera heads, either caused by
imaging device technologies or by CCU command characteristics,
often results in a CCU being specifically designed to be compatible
with each camera head type utilized. Also, consumers may desire
different capabilities related to specific applications of the
cameras, such medical, industrial, and scientific uses.
Capabilities include picture to picture, reverse video, electronic
zoom, still image capture, and stereoscopic video interface.
[0010] Moreover, CCUs are typically designed for use with camera
head technologies currently in existence, and not designed to
anticipate and accommodate camera heads yet to be developed. Hence,
CCUs are typically not designed to be compatible with future camera
head technologies; particularly, image device and image signal
transmission technologies. These differences between older and
newer camera heads also contribute to compatibility problems.
[0011] Because CCUs are usually compatible with limited quantities
of camera heads, CCUs are typically discarded in favor of ones that
were designed concurrently and/or to be compatible with particular
camera head technologies. Consequently, CCUs have become an added
expense often associated with changing imaging devices or camera
heads. Further, it is typically desired for camera heads to be
improved due to the demand from consumers to have the latest
technology and advancement in equipment. Moreover, CCUs used in
medical and veterinary fields are increasingly being mounted
permanently in equipment bays or carts and/or permanently mounted
within the walls of surgical operating rooms themselves. The
expense associated with replacing CCUs to maintain compatibility
with camera heads is subsequently passed onto consumers.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,166 to D'Alfonso et al. ("'166 patent")
generally relates to a video camera system for reading operating
parameter information from a memory device located on the camera
head and typically using the information to adjust the camera
control unit. This often permits interchangeable camera heads to be
used with camera control units.
[0013] However, the information is not usually transferred to, and
stored on, the control unit to overwrite an overwritable or
configurable portion of the control unit. Generally, the '166
patent does not disclose a configurable or programmable hardware
device. Instead, the '166 patent only requires reading information
from a memory device, which is located apart from the control unit.
Also, the '166 patent does not typically relate to selecting
hardware that is to process image data. Additionally, the '166
patent does not typically relate to replaceable and configurable
hardware coupled to the camera control unit.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,868 to D'Alfonso et al. ("'868 patent"),
a continuation of the '166 patent, generally relates to a processor
which reads, upon the camera head being operatively engaged to the
control circuitry, data stored on a memory device. Generally, the
'868 patent does not typically relate to data stored on the memory
device for selecting hardware that is to process image data.
Additionally, the '868 patent does not typically relate to
replaceable and configurable hardware coupled to the camera control
unit.
[0015] Therefore, what is desired is to provide a CCU that is
capable of maintaining compatibility with camera heads utilizing
various technologies. What is also desired is to provide data for
selecting CCU hardware that is to process image data. What is
further desired is to provide a CCU having replaceable and
configurable hardware components, thereby resulting in a CCU
capable of maintaining performance compatibility with various
camera heads utilizing various technologies. Still another desire
is to provide a CCU capable of adapting to application needs.
Further, another desire is to provide a CCU having expandable
and/or alterable capabilities as improvements become available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
video imaging system that selects a hardware component for
configuring the CCU.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide a video
imaging system that receives and uses information for selecting a
configurable hardware component.
[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide a video
imaging system that selects a configurable hardware component from
a plurality of replaceable hardware components.
[0019] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by
providing a video imaging system which includes a camera head for
transmitting image data to a CCU, a CCU for receiving and
processing the image data into a usable format, a storage device
accessible by the camera control unit, information stored on the
storage device, and wherein the information is used by the camera
control unit for selecting hardware in the camera control unit to
process the image data.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the video imaging system further
includes a camera head identifier received by the camera control
unit for retrieving the information from the storage device. In
further embodiments, the camera head transmits the camera head
identifier. In certain other embodiments, the information routes
the image data received by the camera control unit to the hardware
that is capable of processing a specified type of image data. In
still other embodiments, the camera head includes the storage
device.
[0021] The invention further includes at least one replaceable
hardware component on the camera control unit. The replaceable
hardware component also includes a connector, wherein the connector
receives the image data and outputs a signal processed from the
image data. In certain embodiments, the hardware component should
further be able to process at least two different types of image
data.
[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the video imaging
system, includes a camera head for transmitting image data, a
camera control unit for receiving and processing the image data
from the camera head, and wherein the camera control unit further
includes at least one replaceable hardware component.
[0023] In another embodiment, the video imaging system includes a
camera head for transmitting image data, a camera control unit for
receiving and processing the image data from the camera head,
wherein the camera control unit includes at least one replaceable
hardware component, and software executing on the camera control
unit for selecting hardware in the camera control unit to process
the image data.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a method for video
imaging is provided including the steps of providing a camera for
transmitting image data, providing a camera control unit for
processing the transmitted image data, coupling a storage device to
the camera control unit, storing information on the storage device,
retrieving the information from the storage device, executing the
information on the camera control unit, and selecting hardware in
the camera control unit to process the image data.
[0025] The method further includes the step of coupling at least
one replaceable hardware component to the camera control unit. In
certain embodiments, the method further includes the step of
configuring the at least one replaceable hardware component. In
other embodiments, the method further includes the step of
processing at least two different types of image data.
[0026] Further objectives and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent from a consideration of the drawings and
ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 depicts the system in accordance with the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed view of the configurable
hardware component in accordance with FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a more detailed view of the selected hardware
component in accordance with FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a method for video imaging
in accordance with FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts system 10 for video imaging, comprising a
camera head 12 for transmitting image data, and camera control unit
("CCU") 20 for receiving and processing image data. System 10
further includes at least one storage device 40 for storing a
program.
[0032] Camera head 12 acquires image data 32 and transmits it to a
selected hardware component 82 for processing. Camera head 12 may
include one or more imaging devices, utilizing a variety of
technology types. Camera head 12 may further include known or novel
imaging device types. Camera head 12 is interchangeable, or used
together, with an endoscope or other medical instruments for
transmitting image data.
[0033] CCU 20 is the main controller of the video system. It
transmits commands 34 to camera head 12 to adjust 48 various
settings and desired image data. Hardware component 82 then
receives and processes the image data 32 transmitted from camera
head 12 into a usable format for viewing, which includes viewing on
a display 49.
[0034] Storage device 40 includes any medium for storing
applications and/or programs. Storage device 40 may be located
internally or externally of CCU 20 and/or camera head 12. In
addition, storage device 40 may further be a removable storage
medium or a remote location, such as the Intranet or Internet.
[0035] Once CCU 20 and camera head 12 are in communication, CCU 20
makes requests 88 for and/or receives 24 information 84, which is,
in some embodiments, stored on storage device 40.
[0036] In certain embodiments, request 88 includes a request for
information 84 and/or for camera identifier, either of which
indicates the type of camera 12 that is being coupled to CCU 20.
Identifier and/or information 84 are unique to the different types
of cameras with which they correspond. Camera identifier and/or
information 84, therefore, provides useful data to CCU 20 so that
the correct hardware component 82 is properly selected 86 to
process image data 32. FIG. 3 more particularly depicts the
selection of hardware component 82.
[0037] Once hardware component 82 has been selected, hardware
component 82 receives and processes 28 image data 32 transmitted by
camera head 12. Hence, CCU 20 may thereafter issue commands 34 to
camera head 12 to adjust 48 its operating characteristics, and
camera head 12 may send confirmation to CCU 20 that such commands
were received and/or that camera head 12 will comply.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a more particular embodiment for video
imaging. System 102 for video imaging includes a camera head 12 for
transmitting image data, and CCU 20 for receiving and processing
image data. System 102 further includes at least one storage device
40 for storing a program.
[0039] Camera head 12 acquires image data 32 and transmits it to
CCU 20 to process 28 a usable image. Camera head 12 may include one
or more imaging devices, utilizing a variety of technology types.
Camera head 12 may further include known or novel imaging device
types. Camera head 12 is interchangeable, or used together, with an
endoscope or other medical instruments for transmitting image
data.
[0040] CCU 20 is the main controller of the video system. It
transmits commands 34 to camera head 12 to adjust various settings
and desired image data 48. CCU 20 then receives and processes 28
the image data 32 transmitted from camera head 12 into a usable
format for viewing, which includes viewing on a display 49.
[0041] Storage device 40 includes any medium for storing
applications and/or programs. Storage device 40 may be located
internally or externally of CCU 20 and/or camera head 12. In
addition, storage device 40 may further be a removable storage
medium or a remote location, such as the Intranet or Internet.
[0042] Once CCU 20 and camera head 12 are in communication, CCU 20
makes requests and/or receives 24 program 42, which is, in some
embodiments, stored on storage device 40.
[0043] Once the program has been transmitted, CCU 20 executes the
program that in turn modifies, or configures, CCU 20. In
programming, or modifying/configuring, CCU 20, the program may
overwrite an existing application contained in CCU 20. The existing
application may have been used for compatibility purposes between
CCU 20 and a pre-existing camera head (that is a camera head
previously in communication with CCU 20). Because the pre-existing
camera head has been replaced with camera head 12, the program may
overwrite the existing application so that camera head 12 may be
compatible with CCU 20. Once modified, or programmed and/or
reconfigured, CCU 20 receives and processes 28 image data 32
transmitted by camera head 12. Hence, CCU 20 may thereafter issue
commands 34 to camera head 12 to adjust 48 its operating
characteristics, and camera head may send confirmation to CCU 20
that such commands were received and/or that camera head 12 will
comply.
[0044] FIG. 3 more specifically depicts the hardware component of
the invention. As shown, camera control unit 20 receives 202
information 84 for selecting hardware. As mentioned above under
FIG. 1, information 84 is stored and transmitted from storage
device 40. Once received, CCU 20 uses the information to select 86
which hardware component or components, from a plurality of
replaceable hardware components 204, to process image data.
[0045] Selecting 86 which replaceable hardware component 204 to
process image data 32 includes using information 84 to determine or
specify which component or components of the plurality of
replaceable hardware components to process image data 32. Selecting
86 hardware further includes, after specifying component 204, using
or causing CCU 20 to use information 84 to route image data 32 to
the specified component. In certain embodiments, selecting 86
hardware also includes processing or causing CCU 20 to process the
hardware. This includes executing a program on CCU 20 for
processing image data 32.
[0046] Replaceable hardware component 204 is configured to enable
CCU 20 to process image data 32 into a useable signal, such as a
viewable image on a monitor 49 or other output 44. Image data 32 is
inputted into connector 206, which is coupled to replaceable
hardware component 204 for configuration. Additionally, the
processed 208 image data is outputted from replaceable hardware
component 204 via connector 206 or via CCU 20, as shown.
Replaceable hardware component 204 also issues commands 34 via
connector 206 and/or CCU 20 to camera head 12 to adjust camera
settings via connector 206.
[0047] Connector 206 connects the image data transmissions to
component 204. In certain embodiments, image data 32 is transmitted
through a wire and has a serial port connection at the end of the
wire that requires a mating serial port at the connector to
transmit image data 32. In other embodiments, image data is
transmitted through a wire with a USB port, which requires a mating
USB port at the connector. Still, in other embodiments, wires use
other types of ports to transmit image data to connector 206.
Therefore, the invention provides a plurality of connectors 206 to
accommodate various types of connections for receiving image data
32 from camera 12. In certain embodiments, connector 206 is an
adapter to adapt the image data connection to the replaceable
hardware component connection.
[0048] In certain embodiments, component 204 and connector 206 are
a part of CCU 20, where image data 32 and processed image data 208
are transmitted to and from connector 206 at a point located on CCU
20. In other embodiments, external connector 207 is accessible from
outside CCU 20. External connector 207 includes all the limitations
of connector 206 but is positioned external of CCU 20 so that image
data 32 and processed image data 208 are transmitted to and from
external connector 207 at a point located outside of CCU 20, such
as a port. Similarly, in certain embodiments, external replaceable
hardware component 205 includes all the limitations of component
204 but is further external of CCU 20 so that it processes image
data outside of CCU 20.
[0049] In certain embodiments where external replaceable hardware
component 205 is accessible outside of CCU 20, external component
205 includes a module, cartridge, circuit board, or any pluggably
connected configurable hardware.
[0050] A plurality of replaceable hardware components are provided
to accommodate various types of image data for processing. Image
data 32 is not typically capable of being processed by a single
universal hardware component because image data 32 varies according
to protocol, format, or other characteristics. Therefore, the
invention provides a plurality of replaceable hardware components
204 for processing image data 32. In certain embodiments,
replaceable hardware component 204 is a module that plugs into CCU
20.
[0051] Component 204 plugs into CCU 20 via bus 212, which provides
command, control, and communication connectivity between component
204 and CCU 20. Protocol characteristics of bus 212 are dictated by
the requirements of component 204 that is connected to bus 212.
[0052] In certain embodiments, component 204 includes a storage
device, video switch, and component processor. The storage device
stores functionality data related to specific functionality of the
replaceable hardware component to which the storage device is a
part. The video switch receives processed image data from the
component processor and routes it according to commands issued by
CCU 20.
[0053] The component processor is a device that receives and
executes software, such as field programmable fate arrays and
computer programmable logic devices. The storage device is
accessible to the component processor so that programs, such as the
functionality data, on the storage device can be executed by the
component processor to modify component 204.
[0054] Although four replaceable hardware components 204 are shown
in FIG. 3, this is merely for exemplary purposes since more or less
components 204 may be used. Also, because the type of hardware
component to be used by the invention depends upon the type of
image data, and its connection to connector 206, and that image
data and connections can vary greatly, component 204 is removable
and replaceable with other replaceable hardware components that are
better suited to process the desired image data.
[0055] If the number and types of replaceable hardware components
in CCU 20 were fixed, the invention's versatility would be limited.
Providing every type of component and connector in CCU 20 would
increase the size of CCU 20, making it bulkier to maneuver than
needed. Even providing every type of component and connector in CCU
20 would unduly limit the invention in the years to come, when new
types of cameras and, therefore, image data requirements may render
CCU 20 outdated. Therefore, component 204 is a removable and
replaceable hardware component that can be interchanged with other
configurable hardware components.
[0056] In some embodiments, connector 206 is a permanent part of
component 204 whereby switching component 204 also means switching
connector 206. in other embodiments, plurality of components 204
and plurality of connectors 206 are capable of being mixed and
matched to accommodate image data 32.
[0057] Determining which component of a plurality of components to
use to process image data is determined by CCU 20, which uses
information 84 in order to select the component(s) for processing
the image data. In certain embodiments, more than one component 204
is selected, as shown by the dashed lines. Similarly, more than one
connector 206 is selected, also shown by the dashed lines. CCU 20
can select more than one replaceable hardware component to receive
and process more than one type of image data when, for example, at
least two different types of image data are transmitted to CCU 20.
In certain embodiments, this occurs when different cameras 12 are
being used, which in turn transmit varying image data to CCU 20. In
these embodiments, CCU 20 contemporaneously processes multiple
types of image data.
[0058] In certain embodiments, replaceable hardware component 204
includes an internal component processor, internal component
storage device, a data bus, and a video bus. In certain other
embodiments, replaceable hardware component 204 further includes a
field programmable gate array and/or computer programmable logic
device.
[0059] The component processor is any type of device capable of
receiving and executing software programs. In some embodiments, the
component processor includes a digital signal processor,
microcontroller, or a microprocessor.
[0060] The component storage device is any storage medium
accessible by the component processor and, in certain embodiments,
is storage medium 40.
[0061] The data bus provides command, control, and communication
connectivity for CCU 20 and all components 204. The video bus
transmits information related to the image data going to and from
component 204. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the video bus
is universal in that it accepts pluggably standard-sized hardware
components. In further embodiments, the video bus transmits data
related only to imaging. Hence, no textual data is transmitted.
[0062] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a method 90 for video
imaging comprising the steps of determining 92 when camera 12 is in
communication with control unit 20, retrieving 94 information 84
from storage device 40, using 96 information 84 to select hardware,
selecting 98 the type of replaceable hardware component 204 to
process image data, and configuring 100 replaceable hardware
component 204 to be compatible with camera 12.
[0063] An electronic system determines 92 when control unit 20 and
camera 12 are in communication with each other. The electronic
system may determine 92 the communication through any number of
ways including a mechanical switch, RF, optical, electrical, or
magnetic coupling, signal, or the like.
[0064] Upon determining 92 communication between camera 12 and
control unit 20, control unit 20 retrieves/receives 94 information
84 from storage device 40, which includes any medium for storing
applications and/or information 84.
[0065] After information 84 has been retrieved/received 94, control
unit 20 uses 96 the information to select the appropriate hardware
component 204 to process the image data. Using 96 information 84
includes opening, compiling, and/or running a program, whereby the
program is launched and performs the functions/operations for which
the program was written.
[0066] Concurrent with or after using 96 information 84, method
includes programming or configuring 100 control unit 20 to enable
control unit 20 to process image data 32 transmitted from camera
12. Programming or configuring 100 control unit 20 may include
reprogramming/overwriting an existing application on control unit
20.
[0067] Once programmed, control unit 20 may thereafter issue
commands to camera 12 and process image data 32 transmitted from
camera 12. Control unit 20 may further send the processed image
data to a displayable medium, such as a monitor, or to a second
storage device, such as recording device 44 or an Internet
location.
[0068] Although the invention has been described with reference to
a particular arrangement of parts and/or features, many other
modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of
skill in the art.
* * * * *