U.S. patent application number 12/820525 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for user-profile systems and methods for imaging devices and imaging devices incorporating same.
This patent application is currently assigned to THERMOTEKNIX SYSTEMS LTD.. Invention is credited to Richard Salisbury, Robin Tucker.
Application Number | 20110314401 12/820525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45329800 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110314401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salisbury; Richard ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
User-Profile Systems and Methods for Imaging Devices and Imaging
Devices Incorporating Same
Abstract
User-profile systems and methods that allow the users of imaging
devices to create, store and retrieve user profiles that allow
users to readily set operating parameters of the imaging devices.
Such user profiles are useful, for example, in situations where a
user encounters differing imaging scenarios having differing
preferred operating-parameter settings. The user can change the
operating parameter settings to the desired settings by selecting
the user profile corresponding to the imaging scenario at hand. In
one embodiment, the imaging device displays a user-profile-access
list to the user from which the user can select a desired one of
the user profiles.
Inventors: |
Salisbury; Richard;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Tucker; Robin; (Ely,
GB) |
Assignee: |
THERMOTEKNIX SYSTEMS LTD.
Cambridge
GB
|
Family ID: |
45329800 |
Appl. No.: |
12/820525 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/771 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23216 20130101;
H04N 5/232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/771 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1. A method of setting at least one operating parameter of an
imaging device having a plurality of operating parameters, the
method comprising: initiating creation of a user profile; storing,
in memory associated with the imaging device, at least one current
operating parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction
with the user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings
data, wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter
setting is a setting for an imaging scenario; receiving from a user
an identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to
the imaging scenario; and storing, in the memory and in association
with the stored preferred-settings data, the scenario identifier
corresponding to the imaging scenario.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising presenting a
home screen of a user-profile manager to a user on a display screen
associated with the imaging device, wherein the user-profile
manager allows the user to create, edit and manipulate user
profiles.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: retrieving
the first scenario identifier from the memory; displaying to a user
the first scenario identifier; receiving a selection of the user
profile as a function of the first scenario identifier; and in
response to said receiving the selection of the user profile,
setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored
preferred-settings data.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said displaying to a user
the first scenario identifier comprises displaying to the user a
user-profile access list that contains the first scenario
identifier displayed in a region of a graphical display.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said receiving the
selection of the user profile includes receiving a selection of the
region of the graphical display.
6. A method according to claim 4, further comprising displaying a
working screen to a user, wherein said displaying to the user the
user-profile access list includes overlaying the user-profile
selection list onto the working screen.
7. A method according to claim 4, further including allowing the
user to assign activation of the user-profile access list to a user
actuator on the imaging device so as to provide the user with
one-step access to the user-profile access list.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said receiving from the
user the identification of the first scenario identifier includes
receiving identification of an image depicting the imaging
scenario.
9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising presenting to
the user a user-profile image-selection screen that displays to the
user one or more images the user can select for the image depicting
the imaging scenario.
10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving
from the user an identification of at least one additional scenario
identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and storing, in
the memory and in association with the stored preferred-settings
data, the at least one additional scenario identifier corresponding
to the imaging scenario.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said receiving the
identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving
identification of a first image and said receiving the
identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier
includes receiving identification of a second image.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said first image is a
thermal image of a subject and the second image is a visible-light
image of the subject.
13. A method according to claim 10, wherein said receiving the
identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving
identification of a first image and said receiving the
identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier
includes receiving identification of a name for the user
profile.
14. A method according to claim 10, wherein said receiving the
identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving
identification of a first image and said receiving the
identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier
includes receiving identification of a voice note describing the
user profile.
15. A method according to claim 1, wherein said user profile has
associated therewith a plurality of scenario identifiers, the
method further comprising providing a configuration control that
allows a user to configure the visual presentation of one or more
of the plurality of scenario identifiers in a user-profile
selection list.
16. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a
selection of the user profile; and in response to said receiving
the selection of the user profile, setting the at least one
operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings data.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: reading a
barcode; and generating the selection as a function of said reading
of the barcode.
18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising: capturing a
live image; automatedly comparing the live image to a stored image
corresponding to the imaging scenario to determine whether a match
exists between the live image and the stored image; and generating
the selection if the match exists.
19. A method according to claim 1, further comprising, prior to
said storing said at least one current operating parameter setting,
receiving from the user the at least one current operating
parameter as a function of the imaging scenario.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said receiving from the
user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of
the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a
thermal-imaging palette setting.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein said receiving from the
user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of
the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal
range setting.
22. A method according to claim 19, wherein said receiving from the
user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of
the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal
tool setting.
23. A machine-readable medium containing non-transitory
machine-executable instructions for performing a method of setting
at least one operating parameter of an imaging device having a
plurality of operating parameters, said non-transitory
machine-executable instructions comprising: a first set of
machine-executable instructions for initiating creation of a user
profile; a second set of machine-executable instructions storing,
in memory associated with the imaging device, at least one current
operating parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction
with the user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings
data, wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter
setting is a setting for an imaging scenario; a third set of
machine-executable instructions receiving from a user an
identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to the
imaging scenario; and a fourth set of machine-executable
instructions storing, in the memory and in association with the
stored preferred-settings data, the first scenario identifier
corresponding to the imaging scenario.
24. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, further
comprising machine-executable instructions for presenting a home
screen of a user-profile manager to a user on a display screen
associated with the imaging device, wherein the user-profile
manager allows the user to create, edit and manipulate user
profiles.
25. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, further
comprising: machine-executable instructions for retrieving the
first scenario identifier from the memory; machine-executable
instructions for displaying to a user the first scenario
identifier; machine-executable instructions for receiving a
selection of the user profile as a function of the first scenario
identifier; and machine-executable instructions for setting the at
least one operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings
data in response to said receiving the selection of the user
profile.
26. A machine-readable medium according to claim 25, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for displaying to a user the first
scenario identifier comprises machine-executable instructions for
displaying to the user a user-profile access list that contains the
first scenario identifier displayed in a region of a graphical
display.
27. A machine-readable medium according to claim 26, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the selection of the
user profile includes machine-executable instructions for receiving
a selection of the region of the graphical display.
28. A machine-readable medium according to claim 26, further
comprising machine-executable instructions for displaying a working
screen to a user, wherein said displaying to the user the
user-profile access list includes overlaying the user-profile
selection list onto the working screen.
29. A machine-readable medium according to claim 26, further
including machine-executable instructions for allowing the user to
assign activation of the user-profile access list to a user
actuator on the imaging device so as to provide the user with
one-step access to the user-profile access list.
30. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the
identification of the first scenario identifier includes
machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of an
image depicting the imaging scenario.
31. A machine-readable medium according to claim 30, further
comprising machine-executable instructions for presenting to the
user a user-profile image-selection screen that displays to the
user one or more images the user can select for the image depicting
the imaging scenario.
32. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, further
comprising: machine-executable instructions for receiving from the
user an identification of at least one additional scenario
identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and
machine-executable instructions for storing, in the memory and in
association with the stored preferred-settings data, the at least
one additional scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging
scenario.
33. A machine-readable medium according to claim 32, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of
a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable
instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said
receiving the identification of the at least one additional
scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a second
image.
34. A machine-readable medium according to claim 33, wherein said
first image is a thermal image of a subject and the second image is
a visible-light image of the subject.
35. A machine-readable medium according to claim 32, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of
a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable
instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of
the at least one additional scenario identifier includes
machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a
name for the user profile.
36. A machine-readable medium according to claim 32, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of
a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable
instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said
machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of
the at least one additional scenario identifier includes
machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a
voice note describing the user profile.
37. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, wherein said
user profile has associated therewith a plurality of scenario
identifiers, said non-transitory machine-executable instructions
further comprising providing machine-executable instructions for a
configuration control that allows a user to configure the visual
presentation of one or more of the plurality of scenario
identifiers in a user-profile selection list.
38. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, further
comprising: machine-executable instructions for receiving a
selection of the user profile; and machine-executable instructions
for setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored
preferred-settings data in response to said receiving the selection
of the user profile.
39. A machine-readable medium according to claim 38, further
comprising: machine-executable instructions reading a barcode; and
machine-executable instructions generating the selection as a
function of said reading of the barcode.
40. A machine-readable medium according to claim 38, further
comprising: machine-executable instructions capturing a live image;
machine-executable instructions automatedly comparing the live
image to a stored image corresponding to the imaging scenario to
determine whether a match exists between the live image and the
stored image; and machine-executable instructions generating the
selection if the match exists.
41. A machine-readable medium according to claim 23, further
comprising machine-executable instructions for receiving from the
user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of
the imaging scenario prior to said storing said at least one
current operating parameter setting.
42. A machine-readable medium according to claim 41, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at
least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging
scenario includes machine-executable instructions for receiving
from the user a thermal-imaging palette setting.
43. A machine-readable medium according to claim 41, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at
least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging
scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal range
setting.
44. A machine-readable medium according to claim 41, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at
least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging
scenario includes machine-executable instructions for receiving
from the user a thermal tool setting.
45. An imaging device having operating parameters settable by a
user, comprising: an image-sensor system having a first sensor for
acquiring images; a user-interface system configured to display
images acquired by said image-sensor system and to display a
graphical user interface to a user; a user-profile manager that:
allows the user to create a user profile containing at least one
user-preferred setting for the operating parameters of the imaging
device, the at least one user-preferred setting corresponding to a
particular imaging scenario; saves, as a function of creating the
user profile, current settings of the operating parameters as
user-profile settings data, the current settings including the at
least one user-preferred setting; allows the user to associate at
least one scenario identifier with the user-profile settings data;
and selects the user profile as a function of the at least one
scenario identifier; and a memory system for storing the
user-profile settings data and storing the at least one scenario
identifier in association with the user-profile settings data.
46. An imaging device according to claim 45, wherein said
user-profile manager allows the user to select the user profile
and, in response thereto, configures the imaging device using the
user-profile settings data.
47. An imaging device according to claim 46, wherein said
user-profile manager presents a user-profile-access list to a user
via said graphical user interface, wherein said user-profile-access
list allows a user to select the user profile, thereby.
48. An imaging device according to claim 47, wherein the imaging
device has an image-acquisition mode and said user interface
includes a control that allows the user to activate said
user-profile-access list with a single activation of said control
while the imaging device is in the image-acquisition mode.
49. An imaging device according to claim 46, wherein said
user-profile-access list includes the at least one scenario
identifier in a manner that the user profile is selectable via the
at least one scenario identifier.
50. An imaging device according to claim 49, wherein said
user-profile manager allows the user to associate a plurality of
scenario identifiers with the user profile.
51. An imaging device according to claim 50, wherein said
user-profile manager allows the user to select one or more of the
plurality of scenario identifiers for displaying in said
user-profile-access list.
52. An imaging device according to claim 45, wherein the at least
one scenario identifier includes an image corresponding to the
imaging scenario.
53. An imaging device according to claim 45, wherein the at least
one scenario identifier includes a voice note.
54. An imaging device according to claim 45, wherein said
image-sensor system includes a visible-light image sensor for
acquiring visible light images, and a thermal image sensor for
acquiring thermal images.
55. An imaging device according to claim 54, wherein the at least
one scenario identifier includes a thermal image.
56. An imaging device according to claim 45, further comprising a
barcode reader, wherein: the at least one image identifier includes
a barcode identifier; and said user-profile manager permits the
user to select the user profile via said barcode reader based on
the barcode identifier.
57. An imaging device according to claim 45, wherein said
image-sensor system includes an image processor that compares
images with one another, wherein: the at least one image identifier
includes a first image; said user-profile manager configured to
select the user profile in response to said image processor
determining a match between a just-acquired second image and the
first image.
58. A method changing at least one operating parameter of an
imaging device to adapt the imaging device to an imaging scenario,
the method comprising: storing on the imaging device a plurality of
user profiles each having associated therewith at least one
operating parameter setting, wherein each of the plurality of user
profiles corresponds to a respective imaging scenario; storing on
the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers
corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles;
allowing the user to select a desired one of the user profiles as a
function of the corresponding respective one of the plurality of
scenario identifiers; and in response to detecting a user selection
of the desired one of the user profiles, implementing in the
imaging device the at least one operating parameter setting
associated with the desired one of the user profiles.
59. A method according to claim 58, wherein each of the plurality
of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier and said allowing
the user to select the desired one of the user profiles includes
reading a barcode.
60. A method according to claim 58, further comprising displaying
on the imaging device ones of the plurality of scenario
identifiers.
61. A method according to claim 60, wherein said plurality of
scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images each depicting
a corresponding imaging scenario, and said displaying includes
displaying ones of the plurality of images.
62. A method according to claim 61, wherein said displaying ones of
the plurality of images includes displaying ones of a plurality of
thermographic images.
63. A method according to claim 58, wherein the imaging device is a
thermographic imaging device having selectable color palettes and
the at least one operating parameter controls selection from among
the selectable color palettes.
64. A method according to claim 58, wherein the imaging device is a
thermographic imaging device having on-screen thermographic tool
functionality and the at least one operating parameter controls the
on-screen thermographic tool functionality.
65. A machine-readable medium containing non-transitory
machine-executable instructions for performing a method changing at
least one operating parameter of an imaging device to adapt the
imaging device to an imaging scenario, said non-transitory
machine-executable instructions comprising: a first set of
machine-executable instructions for storing on the imaging device a
plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at
least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the
plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging
scenario; a second set of machine-executable instructions for
storing on the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers
corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles; a
third set of machine-executable instructions for allowing the user
to select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the
corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario
identifiers; and a fourth set of machine-executable instructions
for implementing in the imaging device the at least one operating
parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user
profiles in response to detecting a user selection of the desired
one of the user profiles.
66. A machine-readable medium according to claim 65, wherein each
of said plurality of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier
and said third set of machine-executable instructions includes
machine executable instructions for reading a barcode.
67. A machine-readable medium according to claim 65, further
comprising machine-executable instructions for displaying on the
imaging device ones of the plurality of scenario identifiers.
68. A machine-readable medium according to claim 67, wherein the
plurality of scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images
each depicting a corresponding imaging scenario, and said
machine-executable instructions for displaying includes
machine-executable instructions for displaying ones of the
plurality of images.
69. A machine-readable medium according to claim 68, wherein said
machine-executable instructions for displaying ones of the
plurality of images includes machine-executable instructions for
displaying ones of a plurality of thermographic images.
70. A machine-readable medium according to claim 65, wherein the
imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having selectable
color palettes and the at least one operating parameter controls
selection from among the selectable color palettes.
71. A machine-readable medium according to claim 65, wherein the
imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having on-screen
thermographic tool functionality and the at least one operating
parameter controls the on-screen thermographic tool
functionality.
72. An imaging device having operating parameters settable by a
user, comprising: an image-sensor system having a first sensor for
acquiring images; a user-interface system configured to display
images acquired by said image-sensor system and to display a
graphical user interface to a user; a user-profile manager that:
stores on the imaging device a plurality of user profiles each
having associated therewith at least one operating parameter
setting, wherein each of the plurality of user profiles corresponds
to a respective imaging scenario; stores on the imaging device a
plurality of scenario identifiers corresponding respectively to the
plurality of user profiles; allows the user to select a desired one
of the user profiles as a function of the corresponding respective
one of the plurality of scenario identifiers; and in response to
detecting a user selection of the desired one of the user profiles,
implements in the imaging device the at least one operating
parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user
profiles; and a memory system for storing the user-profile settings
data and storing the at least one scenario identifier in
association with the user-profile settings data.
73. An imaging device according to claim 72, wherein each of said
plurality of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier and said
user-profile manager allows the user to select the desired one of
the plurality of user profiles using a barcode reader.
74. An imaging device according to claim 72, wherein said
user-profile manager is configured to display on the imaging device
ones of said plurality of scenario identifiers.
75. An imaging device according to claim 74, wherein the plurality
of scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images each
depicting a corresponding imaging scenario, and said user-profile
manager is configured to display ones of the plurality of
images.
76. An imaging device according to claim 75, wherein said
user-profile manager is configured to display ones of a plurality
of thermographic images.
77. An imaging device according to claim 72, wherein the imaging
device is a thermographic imaging device having selectable color
palettes and the at least one operating parameter controls
selection from among the selectable color palettes.
78. An imaging device according to claim 72, wherein the imaging
device is a thermographic imaging device having on-screen
thermographic tool functionality and the at least one operating
parameter controls the on-screen thermographic tool functionality.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to imaging devices.
In particular, the present disclosure is directed to user-profile
systems and methods for imaging devices and imaging devices
incorporating same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many imaging devices often have a wide variety of operating
parameters that can be set by the users of these devices. For
example, some contemporary thermographic cameras, such as the
VisIR.RTM. handheld infrared cameras currently available from
Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom, allow users to
set not only parameters that control how the cameras capture images
but also to set parameters that control how images are presented to
the users, for example, on graphic displays built into the cameras,
to set parameters relating to thermographic tools available to the
users, and to set parameters for how the images are handled within
the cameras.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one implementation, the present disclosure is directed to
a method of setting at least one operating parameter of an imaging
device having a plurality of operating parameters. The method
includes: initiating creation of a user profile; storing, in memory
associated with the imaging device, at least one current operating
parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction with the
user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings data,
wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter
setting is a setting for an imaging scenario; receiving from a user
an identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to
the imaging scenario; and storing, in the memory and in association
with the stored preferred-settings data, the scenario identifier
corresponding to the imaging scenario.
[0004] In another implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to a machine-readable medium containing non-transitory
machine-executable instructions for performing a method of setting
at least one operating parameter of an imaging device having a
plurality of operating parameters. The non-transitory
machine-executable instructions include: a first set of
machine-executable instructions for initiating creation of a user
profile; a second set of machine-executable instructions storing,
in memory associated with the imaging device, at least one current
operating parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction
with the user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings
data, wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter
setting is a setting for an imaging scenario; a third set of
machine-executable instructions receiving from a user an
identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to the
imaging scenario; and a fourth set of machine-executable
instructions storing, in the memory and in association with the
stored preferred-settings data, the first scenario identifier
corresponding to the imaging scenario.
[0005] In still another implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to an imaging device having operating parameters settable
by a user. The imaging device includes: an image-sensor system
having a first sensor for acquiring images; a user-interface system
configured to display images acquired by the image-sensor system
and to display a graphical user interface to a user; a user-profile
manager that: allows the user to create a user profile containing
at least one user-preferred setting for the operating parameters of
the imaging device, the at least one user-preferred setting
corresponding to a particular imaging scenario; saves, as a
function of creating the user profile, current settings of the
operating parameters as user-profile settings data, the current
settings including the at least one user-preferred setting; allows
the user to associate at least one scenario identifier with the
user-profile settings data; and selects the user profile as a
function of the at least one scenario identifier; and a memory
system for storing the user-profile settings data and storing the
at least one scenario identifier in association with the
user-profile settings data.
[0006] In yet another implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to a method changing at least one operating parameter of
an imaging device to adapt the imaging device to an imaging
scenario. The method includes: storing on the imaging device a
plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at
least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the
plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging
scenario; storing on the imaging device a plurality of scenario
identifiers corresponding respectively to the plurality of user
profiles; allowing the user to select a desired one of the user
profiles as a function of the corresponding respective one of the
plurality of scenario identifiers; and in response to detecting a
user selection of the desired one of the user profiles,
implementing in the imaging device the at least one operating
parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user
profiles.
[0007] In still yet another implementation, the present disclosure
is directed to a machine-readable medium containing non-transitory
machine-executable instructions for performing a method changing at
least one operating parameter of an imaging device to adapt the
imaging device to an imaging scenario. The non-transitory
machine-executable instructions include: a first set of
machine-executable instructions for storing on the imaging device a
plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at
least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the
plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging
scenario; a second set of machine-executable instructions for
storing on the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers
corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles; a
third set of machine-executable instructions for allowing the user
to select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the
corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario
identifiers; and a fourth set of machine-executable instructions
for implementing in the imaging device the at least one operating
parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user
profiles in response to detecting a user selection of the desired
one of the user profiles
[0008] In a further implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to an imaging device having operating parameters settable
by a user. The imaging device includes: an image-sensor system
having a first sensor for acquiring images; a user-interface system
configured to display images acquired by the image-sensor system
and to display a graphical user interface to a user; a user-profile
manager that: stores on the imaging device a plurality of user
profiles each having associated therewith at least one operating
parameter setting, wherein each of the plurality of user profiles
corresponds to a respective imaging scenario; stores on the imaging
device a plurality of scenario identifiers corresponding
respectively to the plurality of user profiles; allows the user to
select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the
corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario
identifiers; and in response to detecting a user selection of the
desired one of the user profiles, implements in the imaging device
the at least one operating parameter setting associated with the
desired one of the user profiles; and a memory system for storing
the user-profile settings data and storing the at least one
scenario identifier in association with the user-profile settings
data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings
show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However,
it should be understood that the present invention is not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of setting up
a user-profile in an imaging device;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
implementing a user-profile system in an imaging device;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagram of an imaging device
implementing a user-profile manager;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a thermographic camera
implementing a user-profile parameter-setting scheme;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a high-level schematic diagram of the
thermographic camera of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of the graphical user interface (GUI)
of the thermographic camera of FIG. 4, illustrating a user-profile
manipulation screen;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, illustrating a title-input screen for inputting
name scenario identifiers for associating with ones of user
profiles;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, illustrating an image-selection screen for
choosing image scenario identifiers to associate with ones of user
profiles;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, illustrating a voice-note creation screen for
creating voice-note scenario identifiers for associating with ones
of user profiles;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, showing a working screen with an overlain
user-profile access list that utilizes thermal-image and name
scenario identifiers to represent user-profiles in the access
list;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, showing a working screen with an overlain
user-profile access list that utilizes thermal-image and voice-note
scenario identifiers to represent user-profiles in the access
list;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, showing a working screen with an overlain
user-profile access list that utilizes visible-light-image and
voice-note scenario identifiers to represent user-profiles in the
access list; and
[0023] FIG. 14 is a screenshot of the GUI of the thermographic
camera of FIG. 4, showing a working screen with an overlain
user-profile access list that utilizes thermal-image,
visible-image, name and voice-note scenario identifiers to
represent user-profiles in the access list.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present disclosure is directed to user-profile systems
and methods for imaging devices, as well as imaging devices
utilizing ones of such systems and methods. As described in the
Background section above, imaging devices typically have
user-settable parameters for controlling one or more aspects of
their operation. In some circumstances, for example, users prefer
certain settings for particular imaging scenarios or certain
settings are known to yield desired results, and preferred settings
can vary from one user to the next and/or from one imaging scenario
to another.
[0025] In one embodiment, one or more users can create and save one
or more user-profiles, each of which contains user-desired settings
for operating parameters of the imaging device for a particular
imaging scenario. After saving of the user-profile(s), a user can
select any profile for use in an imaging scenario wherein the user
desires the saved setting(s) to be implemented. In response to the
selection of a user profile, the relevant parameters of the imaging
device are automatically set to the settings saved in that profile.
As should be apparent from this brief overview and as described
below in detail, user-profile systems and methods of the present
disclosure can greatly simplify the process of changing imaging
devices from one set of settings to another.
[0026] Prior to providing a specific detailed example in the
context of a combined thermographic/visible-light camera (i.e., a
specific imaging device), concepts implemented in that example are
first described more broadly immediately below to give the reader
an explicit understanding that the broad concepts indeed can have
applicability to other types of imaging devices, such as
photographic still cameras (e.g., SLRs, point-and-shoots, etc.),
video cameras, infrared-only cameras, optical scanners, and
photocopiers, among others. After reading this entire disclosure,
those skilled in the art will appreciate the broad range of
applications to which concepts disclosed herein can be applied.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
exemplary method 100 for creating and storing one or more user
profiles, each of which, as mentioned above, includes settings data
for setting various operating parameters of the imaging device at
issue. At step 105, various parameters of the imaging device at
issue are set by a user to desired settings for a particular
imaging scenario. As used herein and in the appended claims, the
term "imaging scenario" and like terms refer to a scenario
involving capturing, viewing, saving, manipulating, applying tools
to an image or set of images, and sending of images to an external
device, individually and in any combination thereof. Regarding
image capturing, imaging scenarios can arise from preferred,
desired and/or necessary image-capture conditions, such as type of
subject, subject lighting, subject movement, subject temperature
and photographic effect (e.g., stop motion, effect of motion, such
as background blur, etc.), among others. As for image viewing,
imaging scenarios can arise from preferred, desired and/or
necessary conditions of viewing images on a graphical display, such
as display intensity, color palette, size of displayed image,
number of images displayed at once, type of images displayed at
once (e.g., a visible-light image displayed at the same time as a
thermographic image), orientation of displayed image, display of
image metadata, such as histogram(s), aperture setting and shutter
speed, among others. Concerning image saving, imaging scenarios can
arise from preferred, desired or necessary conditions of file type
(e.g., RAW, jpeg, etc.), image size (resolution), file naming
convention and storage location, among others. Regarding applying
tools, imaging scenarios can arise from preferred, desired and/or
necessary application of tools, such as a spot-temperature tool for
thermographic images, an areal-average-temperature tool for
thermographic images, an overexposure alert tool for visible-light
images, etc. Regarding sending of images to an external device,
imaging scenarios can arise from preferred, desired and/or
necessary conditions of sending of images to a external device,
such as a computer, for example, using any wired or wireless
communications system and/or protocol. For example, in some imaging
scenarios it may be desired to send captured images directly to a
computer via an available wireless router, whereas in other
scenarios wherein such wireless communication is not available, the
image can be saved locally on the imaging device. Step 105 is shown
in phantom lines because, for example, in a case wherein the
parameters of the imaging device are already set to the intended
settings, this step need not be performed.
[0028] At step 110, the creation of a user profile is initiated.
From a user's perspective, this step can be achieved using any of a
variety of means, including making selections from a menu-based
graphical user interface (GUI) running on the imaging device at
issue, actuating one or more hard and/or soft controls on the
imaging device, speaking one or more commands to a
voice-recognition system on the imaging device, or providing
instructions using any suitable input means, and any combination
thereof. From the imaging device's perspective, step 110 can
include the electronic creation of the user-profile in response to
input received from the user, for example, by any of the means just
mentioned. This creating of the user profile can be performed, for
example, by implementing conventional file creation software
instructions and/or database management software, as will be known
by those skilled in the art.
[0029] At step 115, one or more scenario identifiers are associated
with the user profile to facilitate retrieval of the profile after
it has been saved. A scenario identifier can be any of a wide
variety of items that can be used to identify the user profile to a
user and/or be used to select the profile and/or apply the settings
stored in the profile in response to the selection. Example
scenario identifiers include descriptive names (e.g., "Timothy's
Kiln Preferences", "Fuse Boxes with Image Tools", "Fuse Boxes
without Image Tools", "Motor Control Center H-32", "Backlit
Subject", "John's Image-Scanning Preferences", "Jeff's Image
Display Settings", etc.), an image corresponding to the imaging
scenario (e.g., a stock or previously captured image of the same or
similar subject, a stock or previously captured image showing
photographic effect(s) desired in the imaging scenario, such as
stop motion of a relatively fast subject, motion blur, etc.), an
aural note (e.g., a recorded voice note describing the imaging
scenario and/or settings in the file) and an identifier suitable
for efficient bar-coding (e.g., a numeral in a sequential series of
numerals, etc.). It is noted that multiple scenario identifiers of
like and/or different types can be associated with the same user
profile. For example, a particular user profile might have
associated therewith each of a descriptive name, a previously
captured visible-light image, a previously captured thermal image,
a voice note and a bar-coding identifier. FIG. 2 and accompanying
description provide examples of roles scenario identifiers can play
in the use of a user profile.
[0030] From a user's perspective, step 115 can be achieved using
any of a variety of means suitable for the particular scenario
identifier at issue. For example, a user can input into the imaging
device a descriptive name using a hard or soft keyboard (e.g., a
QWERTY-style keyboard or a phone-style keyboard) or using a
voice-recognition system. For stock images, if the images are
pre-loaded onto the imaging device, the user can select each image
in a GUI, for example, using a user-profile manager screen. If the
stock image(s) are not pre-loaded, the user could, for example,
upload the desired image(s) or first load a set of images and then
select the desired one(s). Similarly, if a desired-image is one
that was previously captured using the imaging device, the user can
select that image using a GUI running on the imaging device.
Previously captured images that have already been off-loaded from
the imaging device can be reloaded into the imaging device using
any suitable means, for example, wireless or wired transfer or via
a memory card. Aural notes can be, for example, created as digital
audio files using sound recording functionality built into the
imaging device, if any, or can be created off-board the imaging
device and imported to the device in any suitable manner. Barcode
identifiers could be manually input by a user, for example, via a
user-profile manager running on the imaging device or could be
assigned automatically by a user-profile manager or other
application.
[0031] From the imaging device's perspective, step 115 can include
receiving one or more scenario identifiers from the user and/or
another device on which the identifier(s) are stored or input by
the user. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can use a GUI of a
user-profile manager running on the imaging device to control the
input of the scenario identifiers into the imaging device. Step 115
can also include the association, or linking, of each scenario
identifier to the corresponding user-profile settings data. This,
too, can be handled by a user-profile manager onboard the imaging
device. As described below in connection with FIG. 2, this
association allows the scenario identifiers to be used as selection
tools that allow the user to select a desired user profile and
cause the imaging device to be set to the operating parameter
settings using user-profile settings data corresponding to the
selected scenario identifier.
[0032] At step 120, the user-profile settings data, which include
current imaging device parameter settings, are saved for later
retrieval and use. This step may also involve saving each of the
scenario identifiers associated with a particular set of
user-profile settings data. From the user's perspective, step 120
can involve the user actuating/selecting a hard or soft control, an
icon, a hyperlink, etc., for example, in a user-profile manager
running on the imaging device. Such a selectable/actuatable item
may indicate "Save Profile", "Save and Exit", or the like. From the
imaging device's perspective, step 120 can involve receiving an
indication that the user wants to save current imaging device
parameter settings and then carrying out the necessary software
instructions for effecting the save. For example, step 120 may
involve moving settings data from short-term memory to long-term
memory, querying various imaging device systems for parameter
settings, among others. It is noted that steps 110, 115 and 120 do
not necessarily need to be performed in that order. Rather they may
be performed in a different order, and some can be performed
substantially simultaneously with one another. For example, step
110 of creating a user profile may automatically trigger the
simultaneous saving of the user-profile settings data at step 120.
In this case, step 115 of associating one or more scenario
identifiers with the user profile can occur after step 120.
[0033] At step 125, steps 105, 110, 115 and 120 can be repeated as
many times as the one or more users of an imaging device desire to
set up user profiles. Such repeating of those steps can occur at
virtually any time throughout the life of the imaging device to
create a library of user profiles.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 of implementing one or more
user profiles in an imaging device. Each of the user profiles may
have been created using method 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2,
method 200 can begin at step 205, in which an imaging scenario is
identified. From a user's perspective, the step can involve the
user recognizing a particular imaging scenario for which the user
would like to use the imaging device with certain operating
parameter settings and at least suspecting that the imaging device
contains a saved user profile having those settings. For example,
the imaging device may be a thermographic camera, and the desired
settings may involve settings for thermographic tools and color
palette for the thermal image. From the imaging device's
perspective, step 205 can involve direct identification of the
imaging scenario, for example, via image recognition or barcode
input (see below explanation of these relative to step 215).
[0035] At optional step 210, a list of user profiles already saved
and stored on the imaging device is retrieved and displayed. From
the user's perspective, this step can involve for example, the user
actuating a hard or soft control, such as a button, icon or
hyperlink, or navigating on one or more screens of a GUI of a
user-profile manager running on the imaging device. From the
imaging device's perspective, step 210 can include receiving an
indication from the user to display the list and then retrieving
and displaying the list. This step is optional because in some
embodiments, such as embodiments wherein image recognition and/or
barcodes are used, the user does not have to make a selection from
among a list, and, consequently, the user does not need to see the
list. That said, the list can be displayed, if desired, for example
showing the selected imaging scenario highlighted.
[0036] At step 215, a desired one of the one or more stored user
profiles is selected. From the user's perspective, this can be
accomplished, for example, by viewing a list of available user
profiles and selecting the desired user profile from the list using
any available selection means, such as a touch screen, joy stick,
touchpad, multi-directional toggle, hard or soft button, etc. For
example, thumbnails of images used as scenario identifiers can be
displayed as selectable icons or hyperlinks that, when selected,
cause the imaging device to retrieve the corresponding user-profile
settings data. Similarly, descriptive names can be used as icons or
hyperlinks to the corresponding respective user-profile settings
data. As another example, if the imaging device includes a barcode
reader or is in communication with a barcode reader, the user can
use the reader to read a barcode, which a user-profile manager
running on the imaging device will use to retrieve the
corresponding user-profile settings data. In this connection, in a
thermographic-imaging context, barcodes could be placed onto or in
proximity to pieces of equipment or other imaging subjects.
Alternatively, barcodes could be printed on sheets of paper that
the thermographer carries during an imaging session. As those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate, other barcode scenarios
are possible.
[0037] In yet another example, if one of the scenario identifiers
used is a previously captured image of a particular subject, for
example, a piece of equipment being thermographed, a selection
process can involve image recognition. In one embodiment, before
capturing a desired image of the subject, the user could capture a
"pre-image" of the subject. The imaging device would then subject
this pre-image to one or more image-recognition algorithms that
would then determine whether or not the subject matches any of the
previously stored image-type scenario identifiers. If a match is
found, in some embodiments the imaging device may be configured to
automatically change the operating parameters of the imaging device
to the settings contained in the corresponding user-profile
settings data, perhaps with some sort of confirmation being
provided by the imaging device to the user that the change has been
made. Such an indication can be, for example, an aural indication
(e.g., a tone, spoken word or phrase, etc.), visual indication
(e.g., pulsing of a light, display of a pop-up message on a
graphical display etc.) or a tactile indication (e.g., a momentary
vibration of the imaging device or component thereof), or any
combination thereof, among others. In other embodiments, the
imaging device may be configured to ask the user to confirm that
imaging scenario that the device has identified through image
recognition is the correct one. This can be done by identifying to
the user the imaging scenario, for example, by displaying (e.g.
visually or aurally) any one or more of the scenario identifiers
and requiring the user to either accept or reject the identified
scenario. The imaging device can be configured to receive an
acceptance or rejection of the identified scenario in any one or
more of a number of ways. For example, the imaging device could
require the user to actuate a hard control or soft control, select
an icon or speak a command, among others.
[0038] From the imaging device's perspective, step 215 can involve
receiving an indication from the user to retrieve a certain user
profile and, in response thereto, retrieving the corresponding
user-profile settings data. At step 220, operating parameters of
the imaging device are automatically set according to the settings
data corresponding to the selected user profile. Step 220 may be
performed in any manner that suits the architecture of the imaging
device. Those skilled in the art will readily understand how step
220 can be executed given the device architecture at issue. As an
example, settings from the settings data can be loaded into
settings registers within imaging device control circuitry that are
used for changing parameter settings.
[0039] At step 225, the imaging device is operated using the
parameter settings saved in the selected user profile. From the
user's perspective, this step can include the user operating the
camera using various imaging device controls and features, such as
shutter release actuator, live view, image-review, and imaging
tools, such as a spot temperature tool and an areal average
temperature tool, among others. From the imaging device's
perspective, step 225 can include receiving commands from the user
from one or more user interface controls, for example, shutter
release actuator, touch screen controls, joy stick,
multi-directional toggle, touchpad, among others, and provide the
functionality corresponding to those commands in accordance with
the operating parameter settings in the selected user profile.
[0040] At step 230, another imaging scenario is identified, and
method 200 proceeds back to step 210 and repeats steps 210, 215,
220, 225 and 230. This cycling can continue as many times as the
one or more users desire to implement a saved user profile.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary imaging device 300 that
includes systems for implementing user-profile methods 100 and 200
of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. In this example, user profile
functionality is enabled in imaging device 300 by a user-profile
manager 304, which in the embodiment shown is a software-based
utility having machine-executable instructions 308 stored in a
memory system 312 onboard the imaging device. Also in the example
shown, user-profile manager 304 utilizes a user interface system
316 that can include one or more hard controls 320, for example,
mechanical buttons, joystick, multi-direction toggle, click-wheel,
touchpad, etc. and at least one graphical display, which in this
example is a touchscreen display 324. Touchscreen display 324 is
particularly useful in this embodiment because user-profile manager
304 is a GUI-based application that presents various informational
and interactive GUI screens 328 to the user via the display. Each
GUI screen 328 can be provided with one or more soft controls 332,
such as soft buttons, selectable icons, selectable hyperlinks, etc.
that a user can select by appropriately touching the touchscreen
display 324 and/or using another input device, such as a joystick,
multi-direction toggle, click-wheel, touchpad, etc.
[0042] Memory system 312 can include short-term memory, read-only
memory, long-term read-write memory, onboard memory, removable
memory and any combination thereof. In one example,
machine-executable instructions 308 are stored in onboard,
long-term read-write memory to ensure availability of user-profile
manager 304 and to allow the instructions to be updated via
software updates. Such memory can also include machine-executable
instructions (not shown) that provide imaging device 300 with other
functionality. FIG. 3 illustrates memory system 312 as also
containing a plurality of saved user profiles 336(1) through
336(N), wherein N is the highest value in an increasing series of
integers starting from one. Each of these user profiles 336(1)
through 336(N) has the functionality described above in connection
with FIGS. 1 and 2 and includes corresponding saved user-profile
settings data 340(1) through 340(N) and at least one associated
scenario identifier 344(1) through 344(N). User profiles 336(1)
through 336(N) could also be stored in onboard, long-term
read-write memory to ensure their availability and to allow them to
be readily added to, deleted and changed. Those skilled in the art
will readily understand how to provide imaging device 300 with a
suitable memory system 312 that is suitable for the type of imaging
device.
[0043] Imaging device 300 also includes an imaging system 348 which
can include a lens system 352, a shutter-speed system 356, and an
aperture system 360. In the example shown, imaging device 300 is a
thermographic camera capable of capturing not only thermographic
images, but visible-light images, as well. As such, imaging system
348 includes a thermographic sensor 364 and a photographic sensor
368 and any necessary supporting circuitry (not shown), such as
image-processing circuitry for processing raw sensor data. Lens
system 352 includes one or more lenses 372 and any necessary lens
controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the
lens(es), such as autofocus and aperture-setting. Shutter-speed
system 356 and aperture system 360 include controllers (not shown)
suitable for controlling shutter speed and aperture, depending upon
the type of sensor(s) and lens(es) used. These systems are well
known for a wide variety of imaging devices and, so, do not need to
be described in detail.
[0044] In this embodiment, imaging device 300 further includes an
external communications system 376 and a barcode-reading system
380, each of which is briefly described below, since those skilled
in the art will readily understand how to implement each of these
systems. External communications system 376 can include any wired
or wireless communications devices, such as any one or more of USB,
Firewire, Ethernet ports, one or more radio transceivers, such as a
Bluetooth transceiver, WiFi transceiver, etc., and/or an infrared
transceiver, among others, for transmitting information from and to
imaging device 300. Information transmitted can include images
captured using imaging device 300, software updates, new software
for enhancing functionality of the device, user profiles and stock
and other previously captured images for use as scenario
identifiers, among other things. Barcode reading system 380
includes a barcode reader 384 and corresponding software for
reading barcodes, for example, for the purposes described above
relative to FIG. 2 and method 200.
[0045] As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, FIG. 3
is largely a functional diagram and, therefore, does not depict
specific hardware that implements these systems. However, those
skilled in the art will readily recognize that such hardware will
typically include one or more processors (one processor 388 shown
for convenience) for executing machine-executable instructions,
such as instructions 308, for providing imaging device 300 with its
functionality and other circuitry (not shown) that allows various
ones of systems 312, 316, 348, 352, 356, 360, 376, and 380 to
communicate and/or otherwise interact with one another and/or with
the one or more processors 388. Those skilled in the art will also
recognize that the functional abstraction of FIG. 3 typically also
leads to the fact that at least some of system 312, 316, 348, 352,
356, 360, 376, and 380 overlap various components of the hardware.
For example, user-interface system 316 may overlap touchscreen
display 324, processor 388, memory system 312 and specialized
display-driver circuitry (not shown). Those skilled in the art will
understand the various overlaps that may be present in a particular
imaging device they are designing.
[0046] In this example, user-profile manager 304 handles all
aspects of the user-profile features, including creating, storing
and retrieving user profiles, identifying when a user has selected
a user profile, identifying a user profile (e.g., via image
recognition or barcode) and setting operating parameters of imaging
device 300 using a selected one of user-profile settings data
340(1) through 340(N). User-interface system 316 is linked to
user-profile manager 304 because one or more of the settings in
user-profile settings data 340(1) through 340(N) can apply to
operational settings of touchscreen display 324, such as
backlighting intensity. In addition, user-profile manager 304
passes information to user-interface system 316, such as to provide
GUI screens 328 to touchscreen display 324, and passes information
from the user-interface system to the user-profile manager, such as
to provide indications of the actuation of hard and soft controls
320, 332.
[0047] User-profile manager 304 links to memory system 312 not only
because of the interaction resulting from the storage and retrieval
of user profiles 336(1) through 336(N), but also because the memory
system also includes machine-executable instructions 308 that
underlie the user-profile manager. User-profile manager 304 also
links to each of imaging system 348, lens system 352, shutter-speed
system 356, aperture system 360, external communications system 376
and barcode-reading system 380 because the user-profile manager
either can control one or more operating parameters of that system
or otherwise communicates with that system, or both. For example,
user-profile manager 304 can change operating parameters of imaging
system 348, such as the sensitivity of either or both of sensors
364, 368 and type of file created by the imaging system (e.g., RAW,
JPEG, etc.). In addition, if the image-recognition feature is used,
it may be implemented in a way that user-profile manager 304
receives a captured image to be analyzed directly from imaging
system 348. User-profile manager 304 can also change operating
parameters of shutter-speed system 356, aperture system 360, and/or
external communications system 376. Regarding barcode-reading
system 380, user-profile manager 304 can be configured to receive
barcode data from barcode reader 384.
[0048] FIGS. 4-14 and the following description thereof illustrate
various user-profile features discussed above in the context of a
handheld camera 400 (FIGS. 4-6) that has both a thermographic
sensor for capturing thermographic images and a visible-light
sensor for capturing photographic images, typically at the same
time the camera captures corresponding thermographic images. In one
example, camera 400 is an IR/visible imaging camera similar to the
VisIR.RTM. 640 camera mentioned in the Background section
above.
[0049] Referring first to FIG. 4, in this example camera 400
includes an articulated housing 404 having a main body 404A and a
sensor/lens pod 404B that is pivotably mounted to the main body.
Sensor/lens pod 404B includes a thermographic lens 408 (and
corresponding thermographic image sensor 600 (see FIG. 6)), a
photographic lens 412 (and corresponding photographic image sensor
604) and a light-emitting-diode 416 for providing both flash and
continuous photographic lighting.
[0050] As seen in FIG. 5 camera 400 has a rear panel 500 that
includes video display, for example a touchscreen display 504 or
other sort of electronic flat-panel display. As described below in
detail, in this example display 504 provides a number of functions,
including a viewfinder for displaying one or more live images, a
monitor for displaying one or more stored images and/or data
relating to the live and/or stored images, a display for displaying
a GUI 508 for camera 400, a display for one or more graphical tools
and/or soft camera controls and an input device for receiving user
input, e.g., via a finger or stylus, in conjunction with the
graphical tools and/or soft camera controls. Camera 400 also
includes a number of hard controls, such as joystick 512 and a user
button 516. Joystick 512 can be used to navigate and make
selections within GUI 508 to augment/supplement touch navigation
and selection techniques available via touchscreen display 504.
User button 516 is a button to which a user can assign a preferred
user function to avoid having to navigate through GUI 508 each time
the user desires to use the assigned function. Those skilled in the
art will be readily familiar with the various types of soft and
hard camera controls, such that they need not be described in any
detail herein, other than to the extent necessary to describe how
unique features of the present disclosure may be implemented.
[0051] Camera 400 further includes a variety of data ports 520A-F
that can provide connection points for the transfer of data to and
from one or more devices, for example, a memory card or other
external storage device, a computer, such as a laptop computer, a
docking station, etc. As those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate, examples of data port types that data ports 520A-F may
be include, without limitation, a memory card port, a parallel
port, universal serial bus port, and RS 232 connector port, an
Ethernet port, a video-signal port (analog or digital) or any other
standard or proprietary port.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system configuration 608 of
various components of camera 400 of FIGS. 4 and 5 that provide the
camera with its functionality, including the unique functionality
described below. As mentioned above, camera 400 includes
thermographic and photographic image sensors 600, 604. As those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate each of image sensors
600, 604 may be any suitable type. In the present example,
thermographic sensor 600 is a microbolometer uncooled focal plane
array (available, e.g., from FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville,
Oreg.) and photographic image sensor 604 is a CMOS CCD
640.times.480 array with 24-bit color. Of course, these particular
sensors are merely exemplary.
[0053] Each image sensor 600, 604 is in electrical communication
with a corresponding image preprocessor 612, 616 that performs
signal-processing functions on the raw output of the corresponding
image sensor to provide a suitable processed image signal for
further use. It is noted that in other embodiments, the
functionality of preprocessors 612, 616 may be incorporated into a
single preprocessor or even a multi-function or general-purpose
processor, such as main processor 620. Those skilled in the art
will readily understand the function of preprocessors 612, 616 such
that further details need not be described in this disclosure. Main
processor 620 may be composed of one or more integrated circuits
(ICs) that generally controls the overall operation of camera 400
(FIGS. 4 and 5) and any lower level functionality that a designer
may relegate to the main processor. Examples of ICs suitable for
use as main processor 620 include, but are not limited to an
application specific IC, a system-on-chip IC and a general-purpose
processor IC.
[0054] System configuration 608 of camera 400 (FIGS. 4 and 5) also
includes memories 624A-C in communication with main processor 620
for storing, among other things, user-profiles 628, image data 632,
thermographic tool data 636, system data 640 and software 644
(including a user-profile manager 648) for controlling the camera
and providing a user interface 652 to a user of the camera for
controlling the various functions and features of the camera. As
those skilled in the art, each memory 624A-C may be of any suitable
type including fixed and removable memory.
[0055] Some or all of data ports 520A-F (also in FIG. 5) may have
corresponding respective drivers, such as serial driver 656,
depending on the port type. Those skilled in the art will
understand driver requirements depending on the ports selected for
use on camera 400. System configuration 608 may also include a
wireless communication device 660 for communicating information to
and from external equipment, such as personal computer 664.
Examples of a wireless communication device suitable for use as
wireless communication device 660 include, without limitation, a
Bluetooth device (e.g., an IEEE 802.15.11 device), a WiFi device
(e.g., an IEEE 802.11 device), etc. System configuration 608 may
also include a display driver 668 electrically coupled between main
processor 620 and touchscreen display 504 for controlling the
operation of the display, i.e., the display of screen images,
including live and stored visual and thermographic images,
thermographic tools, soft camera controls, etc. Those of ordinary
skill in the art are familiar with display drivers that may be used
for display driver 668 such that it is not necessary to describe
this driver in detail.
[0056] In this example, software 644 allows a user to set dozens of
operating parameters of camera 400 with desired settings. For
example, a user can select a color palette from among several
palette choices to use when displaying an image, select a
temperature span mode, select a temperature range, select whether
or not touchscreen display displays a picture within a picture, set
image calibration parameter such as emissivity, background
temperature, atmospheric transmission value), set tool placement
and set tool calibration, among others. In a predictive maintenance
scenario, a user may be required to view many different kinds of
equipment. For each different type of equipment, the user may
prefer slightly different operating parameter settings in camera
400. For example, for high-temperature thermography, the user may
prefer a higher temperature range and an "Ironbow" color palette,
whereas, for investigating a fuse-box, the user may prefer a lower
temperature range and a black-and-white color palette. As described
below, user-profile manager 648 provides this user with the ability
to create a user profile 628 for each imaging scenario where the
user desires particular operating parameter settings for that
scenario. After user profiles 628 have been saved, the user can
then retrieve each of them and apply them to camera 400 as desired.
In this connection, user-profile manager 648 is configured to allow
quick recognition of a user profile 628 by the user. For example,
user profile manager 648 allows the user to associate each profile
with an infrared image and/or a visual image, along with a voice
note explaining what that particular profile should be used
for.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7, and also to FIGS. 4-6, FIG. 7
illustrates a user-profile editing home screen 700 of GUI 508 that
is provided to touchscreen 504 by user-profile manager 648. In this
example, editing screen 700 allows a user to create and add new
user profiles (not shown), modify/add scenario identifiers and copy
and delete existing user profiles 628 that have already been stored
in one of memories 624A-C. In the particular instance shown,
editing screen 700 includes a stored profile pane 704 that displays
scenario identifiers for four user profiles 628A-D already stored,
here thermal images 708A-D, visible-light images 712A-D and names
716A-D. The scenario identifies for each of the four user profiles
628A-D shown form a selectable grouping. If a user wants to copy or
delete one of user profiles 628A-D or wants to add to or modify the
corresponding scenario identifier(s), the user can select that
profile by, for example, touching or tapping on touchscreen 508 at
the onscreen location of any one of the corresponding scenario
identifiers 708A-D, 712A-D, 716A-D or moving a cursor to any one of
the corresponding identifiers and pressing a selection button
(e.g., using joystick 512), and then select the corresponding one
or more of the desired soft selectors, here "Rename . . . "
selector 720, "Choose image . . . " selector 724, "Make Copy"
selector 728, "Remove" selector 732. In FIG. 7, user profile 628B
is shown as being selected by the highlighting 736. The user can
select any one of selectors 720, 724, 728, 732 using any of the
techniques mentioned above for selecting one of user profiles
628A-D.
[0058] To add a new profile, the user would select "Add New . . . "
selector 740, for example, using any one of the techniques
mentioned above for selecting one of user profiles 628A-D. Before
doing this, the user would first set one or more of the operating
parameters of camera 400 to the desired setting(s). In response to
the user selecting "Add New . . . " selector 740, user-profile
manager 648 stores the then-current operating parameters in one of
memories 624A-C and presents a naming screen 800 (FIG. 8) to the
user via GUI 508, which is displayed on touchscreen 504. Naming
screen 800 includes a soft keyboard 804 for entering a name/title,
an "Ok" selector 808 for saving a name/title just entered and
returning to editing screen 700 and a "Cancel" selector 812 for
returning to the editing screen without saving any changes that may
have been made. A title/name window 816 displays the title/name as
it is appears before, during and/or after creation or revising.
[0059] To associate one or more images to a user profile, the user
would select "Choose image . . . " selector 724 on user-profile
editor screen 700 (FIG. 7), for example, using any one of the
techniques mentioned above for selecting one of user profiles
628A-D. In response to selecting "Choose image . . . " selector
724, user-profile manager 648 presents an image-selection screen
900 (FIG. 9) to the user via GUI 508, which is displayed on
touchscreen 504. Referring briefly to FIG. 9, image-selection
screen 900 displays images of image files, here files 904A-L, that
are available for use as scenario identifiers for user profiles. In
this example, each image file 904A-L contains both a thermal image
and a visible-light image. However, in other circumstances, for
example, wherein camera 400 is set to a thermal-image-only mode or
a visible-image-only mode, each image file may only contain a
single image. Image-selection screen 900 allows a user to select a
desired one of the image files, for example, using any one of the
techniques mentioned above for selecting one of user profiles
628A-D. Here, image file 904L having the filename "Hot Phase.tgw"
has been selected, as indicated by highlighting 908. Once selected,
an image file can be de-selected using any one of the selecting
techniques noted above. If a user has selected an image-file and
wants the images therein to be associated with the user profile
currently being edited using user-profile editing home screen 700,
while the selected image file is highlighted the user would select
return control 912 that returns GUI 508 to the user-profile editing
home screen. When an image file is associated with a user profile,
if it is not currently stored in onboard long-term memory (e.g., if
it is on a removable memory card), user-profile manager 648 will
copy that file over to the onboard long-term memory so that it will
be available even if the user removes the memory card. User-profile
manager 648 will also create a record of the association, for
example, using a lookup table, which the user-profile manager will
also store in onboard long-term memory.
[0060] In addition to associating images with user profiles, the
user can also associate a voice note with each of the user
profiles, if desired. If so, the user can select record-voice-note
control 744 on user-profile editing home screen 700 (FIG. 7), for
example, using any one of the techniques mentioned above for
selecting one of user profiles 628A-D. In response to
record-voice-note control 744, user-profile manager 648 presents a
voice-note editing screen 1000 (FIG. 10) to the user via GUI 508 on
touchscreen 504. Referring briefly to FIG. 10, a voice-note editing
screen 1000 displays any images 1004A-B currently associated with
the user profile currently selected on user-profile editing home
screen 700 (FIG. 7), here "Kilns" user profile 628B. Voice-note
editing screen 1000 also includes a "Start Recording Sound" control
1008, a "Playback Sound" control 1012, a "Delete Sound" control
1016 and a "Set Volume" slider control 1020, each of which has the
function suggested by its name. In FIG. 10, "Start Recording Sound"
control 1008 is highlighted, indicating that camera 400 has created
a unique sound file and is recording sound it picks up via a
microphone (not shown) built into the camera. While camera 400 is
recording, the user can speak whatever voice note desired to be
recorded. When the user is done speaking, the user can simply
de-select "Start Recording Sound" selector 1008 using any one of
the selection techniques noted above. When the user is done
recording, the user can select return control 1024 to return GUI
508 to user-profile editing home screen 700. User-profile manager
648 associates the sound file created to the user profile selected
on user-profile editing home screen 700, here user profile
628D.
[0061] Referring back to FIG. 7, user-profile editing home screen
700 also includes a couple of other features. For example,
user-profile editing home screen 700 includes a "Profile List"
dropdown list 748 that allows a user to select a desired one of
already-stored user profiles 628. This provides an alternative
selection mechanism to the select-a-scenario-identifier mechanism
described above. The user activates dropdown list 748 using a list
control 752. When dropdown list 748 appears, the user can scroll
through it and make a selection using known scrolling and selection
techniques. In response to a selection being made from dropdown
list 748, user-profile manager 648 will highlight the corresponding
scenario identifier(s) in stored profile pane 704, above. Adjacent
to list button 752 is a play-voice-note control 756 that allows a
user to review the voice note associated with the user profile that
is currently selected. If an associated voice note does not exist,
play-voice-note control 756 will be "grayed-out" as it is in this
example, meaning that this button is not selectable.
[0062] User-profile editing home screen 700 also includes an
"Options" dropdown list 760 that allows a user to customize the
presentation of scenario identifiers, such as thermal images
708A-D, visible-light images 712A-D and names 716A-D to the user
when camera 400 is in a use mode, i.e., when the camera is not in a
user-profile editing mode and the user can select any of stored
user profiles 628 for application to an imaging scenario. As
described below, during such camera operation, a list of stored
user profiles 628 can be viewed in a quick-access mode, which a
user can readily enter by assigning it to user button 516 so that
the user can access the quick-access mode by the push of a single
button. Options available for customizing the presentation of
scenario identifiers include a "Show Title" option 764 (shown as
being selected in FIG. 7 by virtue of checkbox 768 being checked),
a "Show Visible-Light Image" option (not shown, but having a
corresponding checkbox), a "Show Thermal Image" option (not shown,
but also having a corresponding checkbox) and a "Show Voice Note
Icon" option (not shown, but also having corresponding checkbox).
The options not seen in FIG. 7 can be revealed by the user
selecting a list control 772 that activates the dropdown aspect of
"Options" dropdown list 760. When "Options" dropdown list 760 is
active, the user can check and uncheck checkboxes 768 as desired to
customize the presentation of user profiles 628.
[0063] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate the look of GUI 508 (FIG. 5) when the
user has selected various sets of option in "Options" dropdown list
760 (FIG. 7). FIG. 11 illustrates a working-mode screen 1100 (as
opposed to a user-profile setup screen, e.g.,) that displays a
thermal image 1104 (here, a recall thermal image having the
filename "Cement kiln.tgw", but can also be a live image) with a
user-profile quick-access list 1108 overlying the thermal image. As
mentioned above, the user can cause camera 400 (FIG. 4) to display
quick-access list 1108 by pressing user button 516 (FIG. 5) if such
function has been assigned to this button. In this example, the
user has selected, in "Options" dropdown list 760 (FIG. 7), to
display for each user profile in user-profile quick-access list
1108 a thermal-image scenario identifier 1112A-D and a
user-profile-name scenario identifier 1116A-D corresponding to that
user profile. To select one of the user-profiles represented by
thermal-images scenario identifiers 1112A-D and user-profile-name
scenario identifiers 1116A-D, the user can, for example, touch
touchscreen 504 (FIG. 5) at the one of regions 1120A-D of
user-profile quick-access list 1108 corresponding to the desired
user profile. Alternatively, the user could navigate a cursor (not
shown) using joystick 512 (FIG. 5) to that one of regions 1120A-D
and, while the cursor is located in that region, press the
joystick, which in this example also functions as a selection
button. In response to the desired user profile being selected,
camera 400 sets various ones of its operating parameters with the
settings stored in the selected user profile.
[0064] FIG. 12 is largely the same as FIG. 11, but shows an
alternatively configured user-profile quick-access list 1200. In
this example of user-profile quick-access list 1200, each user
profile is represented by a thermal-image scenario identifier
1204A-D and, if available a recorded-voice-note scenario
identifier, which is represented in the quick-access list by
speaker icon 1208. Again, the user can cause camera 400 (FIG. 4) to
display quick-access list 1200 by pressing user button 516 (FIG. 5)
if such function has been assigned to this button. Alternatively,
the user can navigate to the list using other features of GUI 508
(FIG. 5) that are not illustrated. In this example, the user has
selected, in "Options" dropdown list 760 (FIG. 7), to display for
each user profile in user-profile quick-access list 1200 a
corresponding thermal-image scenario identifier 1204A-D and, if a
voice note exists for that user profile, a sound icon 1208. The
user can select a desired user profile, for example, by touching
touchscreen 504 (FIG. 5) at the one of thermal-image scenario
identifiers 1204A-D of user-profile quick-access list 1200
corresponding to that user profile. Alternatively, the user could
navigate a cursor (not shown) using joystick 512 (FIG. 5) to that
one of thermal-image scenario identifiers 1204A-D and, while the
cursor is located in that identifier, press the joystick. In
response to the desired user profile being selected, camera 400
sets various ones of its operating parameters with the settings
stored in the selected user profile. If the user wants to review
the voice note corresponding to the user profile represented by
thermal-image scenario identifier 1204C, the user could touch
touchscreen 504 at sound icon 1208 or navigate to and select the
sound icon using joystick 512. In this example, there are more user
profiles than there is room to display the corresponding
thermal-image scenario identifiers 1204A-D, so GUI 508 (FIG. 5)
provides a scroll-down soft button 1212 that a user can use to see
more identifiers not already displayed.
[0065] FIG. 13 is essentially the same as FIG. 12, except that the
user-profile quick-access list 1300 utilizes visible-light-image
scenario identifiers 1304A-D in place of the thermal-image scenario
identifiers 1204A-D of FIG. 12. The user set this configuration by
selecting only the "Show Visible-Light Image" and "Display
Voice-Note Icon" options in "Options" dropdown list 760 (FIG. 7).
All functionality of quick-access list 1300 can be the same as the
functionality described above relative to user-profile quick-access
list 1200 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is essentially the same as each of
FIGS. 12 and 13, except that the user-profile quick-access list
1400 utilizes not only thermal-image scenario identifiers 1404A-D
and visible-light-image scenario identifiers 1408A-D, but also
user-profile name scenario identifiers 1412A-D and voice-note
scenario identifiers (represented by sound icon 1416), as well. The
user set this configuration by selecting all of the "Show Thermal
Image", "Show Visible-Light Image", "Show Title" and "Display
Voice-Note Icon" options in "Options" dropdown list 760 (FIG. 7).
All functionality of quick-access list 1400 can be the same as the
functionality described above relative to user-profile quick-access
lists 1108 and 1200 of FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively.
[0066] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and
additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *