U.S. patent application number 15/483073 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-27 for apparatus, system, methods and network for communicating information associated with digital images.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kevin R. Imes. Invention is credited to Kevin R. Imes.
Application Number | 20170215053 15/483073 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58461889 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170215053 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imes; Kevin R. |
July 27, 2017 |
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, METHODS AND NETWORK FOR COMMUNICATING
INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH DIGITAL IMAGES
Abstract
A wireless communications device (WCD) includes an image
processor operable to process information associated with digital
images, a storage medium such as random access memory, flash
memory, minidisk drive, etc. operable to store digital information
associated with digital images. The WCD also includes a wireless
communications module, such as a cellular modem, operable to
wirelessly communicate with a network operable to communicate with
wireless devices. For example, the wireless communications module
may configure the information into a formate (i.e. CDMA, TDMA, GSM,
etc.) such that the information may be wirelessly communicated to a
network operable to receive image/information.
Inventors: |
Imes; Kevin R.; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Imes; Kevin R. |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58461889 |
Appl. No.: |
15/483073 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13725489 |
Dec 21, 2012 |
9622058 |
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15483073 |
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09874423 |
Jun 4, 2001 |
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13725489 |
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60208895 |
Jun 2, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/80 20180201; H04M
2250/10 20130101; H04M 2250/02 20130101; H04M 1/2472 20130101; H04W
12/0804 20190101; H04L 65/4069 20130101; H04W 12/08 20130101; H04W
4/18 20130101; H04M 2250/22 20130101; H04M 2201/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/18 20060101
H04W004/18; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06; H04W 4/00 20060101
H04W004/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile device comprising: memory; and a processing engine in
communication with the memory and operable to wirelessly stream
video and audio to the Internet such that the video and audio are
accessible to a user.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a touch screen.
3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a graphical user
interface on the touch screen.
4. The device of claim 1 further comprising soft keys.
5. The device of claim 1 further comprising reprogrammable
keys.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a graphical
keyboard.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to accept a login ID and password.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a global positioning
system.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to provide Bluetooth capability.
10. The device of claim 1 further comprising an MP3 player.
11. The device of claim 1 further comprising a universal serial bus
port.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to enable cellular telephone calls.
13. A method comprising: accepting through the Internet video and
audio streamed from a mobile device; and streaming the video and
audio to a user.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising accepting a login ID
and password.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising accepting a global
position.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the video and audio are streamed
from the mobile device via Bluetooth.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising enabling cellular
telephone calls.
18. A mobile device comprising: memory; a processing engine in
communication with the memory and operable to wirelessly stream
video and audio to the Internet such that the video and audio are
accessible to a user; and a touch screen having a graphical user
interface and a graphical keyboard.
19. The device of claim 18 further comprising soft keys.
20. The device of claim 18 further comprising reprogrammable
keys.
21. The device of claim 18 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to accept a login ID and password.
22. The device of claim 18 further comprising a global positioning
system.
23. The device of claim 18 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to provide Bluetooth capability.
24. The device of claim 18 further comprising an MP3 player.
25. The device of claim 18 further comprising a universal serial
bus port.
26. The device of claim 18 wherein the processing engine is further
operable to enable telephone calls.
27. The device of claim 26 wherein the calls are cellular telephone
calls.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/725,489 entitled "Apparatus, System,
Methods And Network For Communicating Information Associated With
Digital Images," filed Dec. 21, 2012, which claims the benefit of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/874,423 entitled "Apparatus,
System, Methods and Network for Communicating Information
Associated with Digital Images," filed on Jun. 4, 2001, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/208,895 filed on Jun. 2, 2000, the disclosures of which are
hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to communicating
information, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system,
methods and network for communicating information associated with
digital images.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Advancements in photography have brought about a need for
novel methods for processing digital images. The digital camera,
though in its infancy, may nearly replace conventional imaging
techniques as advancements in digital imagery proliferate. The
development of digital photography includes creating high quality
single shot images using a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) chip which
houses thousands of "sensors" sensitive for red, green and blue
light. Via interpolation, a built-in or external computer
recalculates the original color of each pixel.
[0004] A large problem to overcome for camera designers is the
resolution of the CCD. More "sensors" mean higher resolutions, but
it's technically difficult to create CCD chips with larger surfaces
(larger "negative" format) with more "sensors". The last few years
have brought a breakthrough and resolution is becoming acceptable
for professional use. Modern CCD's on 6.times.6 cm "neg." format
are housing up to 6,000,000 pixels, enough for A4 output.
[0005] During use, light passes through the lens of a digital
camera the same way it does a regular camera. Instead of being
focused on photographic film, the image is focused on a chip called
a charge-coupled device (CCD). The top of the CCD is covered with
transistors that create electrical currents in proportion to the
intensity of the light striking them. The transistors make up the
pixels of the image. A pixel is the minimum, distinct visual piece
of information that a component can display or capture. The pixel
can be made up of only one transistor for black and white
photography or several transistors for color. The more pixels in an
image, the better the resolution. The transistors create a
continuous, analog electrical signal that goes to an
analog-to-digital converter--(ADC). The ADC is a chip that
translates the varying signal to a digital format, which consists
of a continuous stream of 1's and 0's.
[0006] The ADC sends the digital information to a digital signal
processor (DSP)--that has been programmed specifically .to create
photographic images. The DSP adjusts the contrast and detail in the
image, compresses the data that makes up the image so that it takes
up less storage space, and sends the data to the camera's storage
medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a device for communicating
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for communicating information
associated with digital images to a network according to one aspect
of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a device operable to wirelessly
communicate information associated with digital images according to
one aspect of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for wirelessly communicating
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates--a wireless communication system operable
to wirelessly communicate information associated with image
information according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for providing an operating mode
for a wireless communication system according to one aspect of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a network for communicating information
associated with digital images according to one aspect of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for processing communicated
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention; and
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing a digital image
capturing device having programmable exposures according to one
aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The conceptual groundwork for the present invention involves
communicating information associated with digital images between at
least one device and at least one network. According to one aspect
of the invention, information may be communicated by a device
operable to communicate information associated with digital images
to a network such as the Internet. A device may include a
communications module, such as a communications modem, operable to
communicate information between the device and a network. In one
embodiment, the device may communicate with a network location,
such as a website, to communicate information associated with
digital images. As such, a user may allow for a network location to
process communicated information associated with digital
images.
[0018] In a particularized form, the device may include a wireless
communications module or modem operable to communicate information
via a wireless communication network. The wireless communication
network may then communicate the information associated with
digital images to a desirable network location such as a homepage,
an image processing center, an email account, an Internet address,
etc. As such, the present invention advantageously allows a user to
wirelessly communicate information associated with a digital images
from a device to a desirable network location.
[0019] In an exemplary form, a user may capture images using a
device comprised of a digital camera and a wireless communications
modem and format information associated with an image such that the
images may be wirelessly communicated via a network operable to
communicate with the device. As such, a user may process digital
images and wirelessly communicate information associated with the
digital images to a wireless network operable to receive the
communicated information. The information may then be communicated
to a network location or address operable to process the
information representing the digital images. In one embodiment, the
information may then be used to print or process the digital images
as conventional "photographs" if desired. In this manner, a user
may have the processed images delivered to a user selected location
such as a home, place of business, etc. As such, a user may
efficiently capture digital images via a wireless communication
network allowing a user to capture images and receive images in a
desirable format to various locations with minimal user
interaction.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a device for communicating
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention. An electronic device, illustrated generally at
100, includes a processing engine 103 operable to process
information associated with digital images, a memory 104 operable
to store information associated with digital images and a
communication port 105 operable to receive and transmit
information. Device 100 may include a communications module 106 for
communicating information to a communication network 107 such as a
global communication network, the Internet, an Intranet, a wireless
communication network, etc. Communications module 106 may be
further operable to communicate information to a desktop computer
or client terminal operable to receive and transmit information. As
such, communications module 106 may be configured as a series,
parallel, and/or series-parallel communication device operable to
communicate information and may employ several different types of
communication protocols. For example, communications module may
include a wireless or wireline modem operable to transfer
information between device 100 and network 107. In another
embodiment, communications module 106 may be removably coupled to
device 100 for periodically communicating information between
device 100 and a communication network, desktop computer, portable
computer, or other electronic devices.
[0021] Communication of information may be initiated automatically
upon device 100 processing information associated with digital
images or by a user selecting one or more keys or buttons (not
expressly shown) operably associated with communications module
106, device 100 and/or image source 101. For example, device 100
may communicate information upon a user selecting a capture button
(not expressly shown) associated with recording a digital image and
transfer image information via communications module 106 to
communication network 107. As such, one-touch processing of digital
images and associated information may be employed. In a similar
manner, a series of images and associated information stored within
memory 104 may be communicated with a single touch of a button
associated with image source 101, device 100 or communications
module 106. In this manner, a series of images and associated
information may be processed and transferred to a desktop computer
system, network, etc. with a single touch of a button.
[0022] During use, device 100 may receive digital image information
via input port 102 and process the information such that the
information may be communicated via communications module 106. For
example, device 100 may be coupled to an image source such as a
digital camera having a communication port operable to communicate
information associated with the digital images. One example of a
communication port may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
operable to serially communicate information via a USB. USB
communication ports and USB protocols are well known in the art.
Digital information may be communicated to device 100 and
information may be formatted into a format operable to be
communicated using communications module 106. For example,
information associated with digital images may be formatted, as
required, into a format operable to be communicated to a network
using communications module 106 operable as a-modem such as a 56 k
flex modem. Processing engine 103 may format image information
based on several different processing characteristics and desired
processes as described below.
[0023] In another embodiment, device 100 may receive information
from a conventional digital camera, process information into a
communicable format, and communicate information to a network, such
as the Internet.
[0024] In one embodiment, device 100 may be integrated into a
digital camera operable to record digital images. As such, the
digital camera including device 100 provides an integrated system
that advantageously provides a digital camera communication system
operable to communicate with a network such as the Internet for
processing digital images.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for communicating information
associated with digital images to a network according to one aspect
of the invention. The method may be employed within a program of
instructions embodied within a computer readable medium, a memory
device, encoded logic, or other devices or systems operable to use
a portion or all of the method illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0026] The method begins generally at step 200 and may be well
suited for use in association with electronic device 100
illustrated in FIG. 1 or other electronic devices or systems. At
step 201 information associated with a digital image is received
and an associated process is determined at step 202. For example,
one or more processes may be employed for processing a digital
image and may include sending an email, updating a web site,
updating a virtual private network, integrating content with one or
more databases, dynamic generation of a website and/or web pages,
updating/Integrating with network data, creating traditional
prints, creating projects, or other processes operable to employ
digital image information. As such, deterministic processing of
information may be associated with a digital image 203 and
additional information may be added if needed at step 204. For
example, a user may include a memo in association with a digital
image, add an identifier to identify a digital image, and/or
provide a recorded audio message to be provide in association with
a digital image. Processing information operable to identify a
determined process may also be provided for identifying an
associated process.
[0027] The method then proceeds to step 205 and formats image
and/or image information based on a determined process associated
with a digital image. Additional processing may include, but is not
limited to, compressing an image, filtering an image, generating
thumbnails, flagging an image for subsequent thumbnail generation,
resizing an image, converting an image to a different format such
as VGA, black and white, grayscale, etc. and/or updating a database
associated with a digital image. The method may also encode
processing information and/or destination information associated
with a digital image as a part of the digital image thereby
providing a digital image having process information. For example,
a digital image may be encoded to include process information
and/or destination information within a portion of a digital image,
such as a header, operable to uniquely identify a process for
processing a digital image. In this manner, digital
image/information may be communicated to a destination and
translated to determine an associated process to employ for
processing a digital image/information. In one embodiment,
deterministic processing may be encoded within the name or title of
the digital image. For example, a series of characters may be
include as a part of the image name for determining a process to be
employed upon communicating information associated with a digital
image to a destination.
[0028] Upon formatting an image/information, the method proceeds to
step 206 where the method determines if software is available for
communicating information. For example, a digital camera may be
coupled to one or more different communication modules for
communicating information associated with digital images. As such,
a client device such as a computer system, communication module,
modem, etc. may not include software such as a program, driver,
etc. operable to allow image information to be communicated to a
computer and/or network location. As such, the method proceeds to
step 207 and may provide client software operable to enable
communication of image/information. For example, a temporary
program may be copied to a client operable to communicate image
information to a destination and upon completing transferring
information may remove/delete itself from the system. In this
manner, a program unique to an electronic device may be temporarily
used with one or more systems thereby providing a client
independent platform for communicating image/information.
[0029] Upon determining if client software is available, at step
208, the method determines if a network is available for
communicating image/information. If a network is not available, the
method proceeds to step 209, and image/information may be stored
locally on the device, within memory associated with a desktop
computer, electronic device, etc. or transferred to other storage
mediums.
[0030] Upon a network becoming available, the method proceeds to
determine a destination for image/information at step 210. For
example, image/information may be stored locally with a client,
uploaded to a destination at a specific time, manually uploaded by
a user, automatically communicated or other combinations for
communicating image/information. In one embodiment, an image may
include destination and/or processing information as a portion of
the image information. As such, the method may read a portion of
the image (i.e. header, etc.) and determine one or more
destinations for communicating the images/information. For example,
a network location such as a website/network address, may be
encoded as a part of the image and accessed to determine a
destination for a image/information. In another embodiment,
information may be provided in association with a digital image for
identifying a destination for the digital image. For example, a
file may be accessed to determine a destination for a specific
image name thereby providing a destination for the digital image.
As such, a file may include assorted information for one or more
digital images and may be accessed to determine network locations
and processing associated with each image. For example, a file may
include an image name, one or more processing destinations for the
image/information, processing associated with each
image/information at a selected destination, the source providing
the image, a user I.D. a Login I.D, passwords, image format
information, etc. operable to be used in providing deterministic
processing of image/information, etc. A digital image may further
include information internal to the image file and the method may
access the information to determine one or more destinations.
[0031] Upon determining a destination, the method proceeds to step
211 and establishes communication with the one or more destinations
for the image/information and, at step 212, may authenticate a
device/user prior to allowing transferring of image/information.
Upon authenticating a device/user, the method proceeds to step 213
where the method may create one or more directories for storing the
images if needed and to step 214 where images/information are
transferred based on one or more transfer protocols. The method
then proceeds to step 215 and proceeds to process images based on
processing information provided in an association with an
image/information, after which the method ends at step 216. The
method of FIG. 2 may be initiated via a client, device, image
capturing device, etc. operable to initiate processing of
images/information. Additionally, portions or all of the method of
FIG. 2 may be used to process one or more images, as a batch
process, and/or may be automatically employed within an electronic
device, image capturing device, desktop computer, client, network,
etc. operable to use the method of FIG. 2.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a device operable to wirelessly
communicate information associated with digital, images according
to one aspect of the invention. A wireless communications device
(WCD), illustrated generally at 300, includes an image input module
302 operable to provide information associated with digital images,
a memory device 307 such as random access memory, flash memory,
minidisk drive, etc. operable to store information associated with
digital images and an associated memory controller 306. WCD 300 may
further include an audio input module 301 operable to receive an
audio signal or file. A user interface module 304 is provided for
enabling user interaction with WCD 300 and a display module 305 may
be used to display images/information to a user. WCD 300 also
includes a communications module 308 operable to communicate with
one or more networks such as a wireless/wireline network. For
example, communications module 308 may be operable to communicate
information via a format (i.e. CDMA, T.DMA, GSM, etc.) such thai:
the information may be wirelessly communicated to a network
operable to receive the information or via conventional TCP/IP for
wireline communication WCD 300 includes a processing engine 303
operable to provide deterministic processing information for images
and associated information. WCD 300 may also include one or more
processors operable to process image information. For example, WCD
.300 may include an image processor (not expressly shown) operable
to record digital and a communication processor operable to
communicate image information and associated process information.
The processors may be integrated as a single chip or as a
"system-on-a-chip" for communicating image information having
associated process information.
[0033] In one embodiment, communications module 308 for the digital
camera may include a code division multiple access and advanced
mobile phone system (CDMA/PCS/AMPS) cellular technology for
wirelessly communicated digital information. Qualcomm's Mobile
Station Modem (MSM.TM.) chipset and system software may include a
MSM3300 single-chip baseband processor modem that interfaces
directly with the IFR3300.TM., RFR3100.TM. and RFT3100'' * chips,
and the PM1000.TM. power management chip. The MSM3300 chipset and
system software may include advanced technologies such as global
position location and Bluetooth, as well as multimedia features
such as Qtunes.TM. MP3 player software and Compact Media'Extension
(CMX.TM.) MIDI based multimedia software. The MSM3300 device
integrates both digital and analog functions on a single chip. The
low-power, low-cost MSM3300 includes ari.ARMPTDMI'l** RISC
microprocessor, and Qualcomm's powerful QDSP2000.TM. digital signal
processor core.
[0034] The MSM3300 and associated chipset includes a MSM3300 modem,
a RFT3100 analog-baseband-to-RF upconverter, a IFR3300
IF-to-baseband downconverter, a RFR3100 RF-to-IF downconverter and
a PM1000 power management ASIC. During use, the MSM3300 performs
baseband digital signal processing and executes the subscriber unit
system software and serves as the central interface device in the
subscriber unit, connecting RF and baseband circuits as well as
memory and user interface features. The MSM3300 device also
includes complete digital modulation and demodulation systems for
both CDMA and AMPS cellular standards as specified in IS-95A and
IS-95B. Processing engine 303 may include an embedded
microprocessor within the MSM3300 device.
[0035] WCD 300 may further include global positioning capabilities
for providing location information of WCD 300--One such technology
may include Qualcomm's gpsOne Technology which may be associated
with the MSM3300 Chipset. The gpsOne position location technology
merges Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite and network
information* WCD 300 utilizing a GPS module such as gpsOne collects
measurements from a GPS constellation and a cellular/PCS network
and sends the information to the Position Determination Entity
which optimizes the position location calculation based on existing
information.
[0036] WCD 300 may also include a Bluetooth wireless communication
module. Bluetooth is a Global Specification for Wireless
Connectivity and allows replacement of various cables that connect
one device to another using a universal short-range radio link. For
example, Bluetooth radio technology built into both a <t
cellular telephone and a laptop would replace the cumbersome cable
used today to connect a laptop to a cellular telephone. Printers,
PDAs, desktops, fax machines, keyboards, joysticks and virtually
any other digital device can be part of the Bluetooth system. In
addition to untethering devices by replacing the cables, Bluetooth
radio technology provides a universal bridge to existing data
networks, a peripheral interface, and a mechanism to form small,
private ad hoc groupings of connected devices away from fixed
network infrastructures. The Bluetooth air interface is a
frequency-hopping Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation
in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. The modulation rate is IMbps,
and its architecture offers a low-cost, simple radio solution. The
Bluetooth baseband functionality may be incorporated as a part of
WCD 300 and may also be operable to facilitate dial-up networking
via an external communications module (not expressly shown) such as
a wireless hub operable to communicated with a global network such
as the Internet.
[0037] Communication module 308 may also include Universal Serial
Bus (USB) for faster data transfers between WCD 300 and a device or
network. Communication module 308 may also provide both an Internet
Protocol (IP) stack support and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
support operable to provide network independent Internet
connectivity.
[0038] WCD 300 may also include Digital CMOS Image (DCI) sensor
(not expressly shown) for image capture and a Color Liquid Crystal
Display (LCD) driver to allow viewing of both still and moving
images in full color.
[0039] During use, WCD 300 may be operable as a digital camera and
may record images in a digital format process images using
processing engine 303 for providing process information and
communicating images/information using one or more networks. As
such, a user may utilize WCD 300 without having to connect WCD 300
to a landline or hard wire operable to communicate with a network
such as the Internet. Through providing WCD 300 comprised of a
digital camera, a user may digitally record images and wirelessly
communicate digital images advantageously reducing processing time
while increasing efficiency and flexibility for processing digital
images.
[0040] In one embodiment, WCD 300 may be operable as a device
similar to a disposable camera. For example, a user may purchase
WCD 300 comprised of a digital camera and having a predetermined
number of digital exposures. A user may then use WCD 300 (e.g.
record digital images) and wirelessly communicate information
associated with digital images to a network operable to receive
image information. A user may then use WCD 300 until all of the
available exposures have been used in a similar manner to utilizing
all available exposures within a disposable camera. Upon using all
of the available exposures, a user may then contact a vendor (i.e.
phone, Internet, etc.) and request and/or purchase additional
exposures for WCD 300. The vendor may then configure WCD 300 for a
desirable number of exposures. For example, the vendor may
wirelessly communicate with WCD 300 and reconfigure/reprogram WCD
300 for additional exposures. In this manner, a user may purchase
various amounts of digital exposures as needed without having to
return WCD 300 to a vendor or purchase an additional WCD 300. In
another embodiment, a user may return WCD 300 to the vendor or a
representative and have the vendor reconfigure WCD 300 for
additional exposures.
[0041] In another embodiment, exposures may be provided or accessed
via a server or network location. For example, a processing center
(not expressly shown) may be operable to determine the number of
exposures available for WCD 300. As such, the processing center may
determine the availability of exposures for WCD 300 and enable
communication based upon the number of available exposures. For
example, the processing center may allow wireless communication of
from WCD 300 if a user has prepaid or provided for access. Upon the
number of exposure being used, wireless communication may be
terminated until the user "buys" additional access or
exposures.
[0042] In another embodiment, WCD 300 may allow a user to
wirelessly communicate digital information to a network for an
access fee. In a similar manner to conventional cellular phones or
long distance carriers, a user may utilize WCD 300 via a
"pay-as-you-go" contract plan allowing a user to pay a monthly fee,
or a fee for the number of images (i.e. size of files communicated,
amount of time, etc.) communicated by WCD 300 to communications
network 310.
[0043] In another embodiment, WCD 300 may be operable to be coupled
to a communications port of a conventional portable electronic
device such as a digital camera or digital video recorder. As such,
WCD 300 may receive information communicated from the digital
camera or digital video recorder and wirelessly communicate
information to communication network 310 operable to communicate
wireless information. For example, WCD 300 may be coupled to a
digital video recorder via a communications port. The WCD may then
receive information from the digital video recorder and process
information representing the recorded digital video imagery into a
format that may be wirelessly communicated. Upon formatting the
information, WCD 300 may communicate information to a network
operable to receive the wirelessly communicated information.
[0044] For example, a user may want to wirelessly communicate
streaming video or a video file associated with a wedding. As such,
a user may record video and audio and wirelessly communicate
information to a network operable to receive wirelessly communicate
information representing a digital recording of the wedding.
Information may then be processed such that a user may access the
information. For example, information may be wirelessly
communicated to a network and processed into a format such that a
user may access a network location operable to communicate
information associated with the wedding. In this manner, an
individual that may not have been able to attend a wedding may
receive the wirelessly communicated representing the wedding at a
network location using a device operable to receive the information
representing the wedding. In one embodiment, a website may provide
a user access to the wirelessly communicated information. As such,
the website may provide access to the event in a "virtual" manner
without the user having to be physically present at the wedding.
Therefore, a user may purchase WCD 300 as a retrofit for a digital
recorder. However, in other embodiments, WCD 300 may comprise a
digital video recorder.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for wirelessly communicating
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention. The method may be employed within a program of
instructions embodied within a computer readable medium, a memory
device, encoded logic, or other devices or systems operable to use
a portion or all of the method illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0046] The method begins generally at step 400. At step 401
information associated with a digital image is received and an
associated process is determined at step 402. For example, one or
more processes may be employed for processing a digital image and
may include sending an email, updating a website, updating a
virtual private network, integrating with content or one or more
databases, dynamic generation of a website and/or web pages,
updating/Integrating with network data, creating traditional
prints, creating projects, or other processes operable to employ
digital image information. As such, deterministic processing of
information may be associated with a digital image and additional
information may be added if needed at step 403. For example, a user
may include a memo in association with a digital image, add an
identifier to identify a digital image, and/or provide a recorded
audio message to be provide in association with a digital image.
Processing information operable to identify a determined process
may also be provided for identifying an associated process.
[0047] The method then proceeds to step 404 and formats image
and/or image information based on a determined process associated
with a digital image. Additional processing may include, but is not
limited to, compressing an image, filtering an image, generating
thumbnails, flagging an image for subsequent thumbnail generation,
resizing an image, converting an image to a different format such
as VGA, black and white, grayscale, etc. and/or updating a database
associated with a digital image. The method may also encode
processing information and/or destination information associated
with a digital image as a part of the digital image thereby
providing a digital image having process information. For example,
a digital image may be encoded to include process information
and/or destination information within a portion of a digital image,
such as a header, operable to uniquely identify a process for
processing a digital image. In this manner, digital
image/information may be communicated to a destination and
translated to determine an associated process to employ for
processing a digital image. In one embodiment, deterministic
processing may be encoded within the name or title of the digital
image. For example, a series of characters may be include as a part
of the image name for determining a process to be employed upon
communicating information associated with a digital image to one or
more destinations.
[0048] The method then proceeds to step 405 and determines a
priority based on an associated process. For example, image
information that must be communicated without delay would include a
high priority and image information that is not time sensitive
would include a lower priority. Priority may be used to determine
if a wireless network should be used to communicate an
image/information or if a wireline network should be used.
Additionally, priority for communicating an image may be altered
based on the amount of storage capacity available for a device. For
example, as capacity decreases a priority for an image may be
altered thereby queuing an image for wireless communication. Other
priorities may also be used to establish a type of communication to
use for communicating image information. For example, an image may
include a low priority and as such would not need to be
communicated in whole via a wireless network. As such, an image may
be segmented and at periodic times into portions of an image having
associated identifying properties and may be wirelessly
communicated to a destination. As such, a balancing out of network
loading may be maintained for communicating voluminous image
information.
[0049] Upon determining a priority, the method proceeds to step 406
where the method determines what network to use for communicating
image information. For example, an image/information may be
selected for wireless communication while one or more other images
may not be selected for wireless communicating. As such, an
image/information may be communicated to a network via an
appropriate communication network. Upon determining which network
to use, the method proceeds to step 407 and determines if a network
is available. If the network is not available the method proceeds
to step 408 and stores image/information within memory until a
network is available. If the network is available, the method
proceeds to step 409 and encodes the image/information for
communication and communicates the image/information at step 410.
Upon communicating the image/information, the method proceeds to
step 411 and translates the communicated image information and to
step 412 to initiate a process associated with the communicated
image/information. The method then proceeds to step 413 where the
method ends.
[0050] In one embodiment, the method may process the information
such that conventional photographs are provided using the
communicated image/information. Additionally, the photographs may
be forwarded to a physical location such as the user's home
address, business address, designated address, etc. In another
embodiment, the information may be stored at a network location for
future processing.
[0051] In another embodiment, the images/information may be
forwarded as an email to an email address operable to receive the
information. In another embodiment, the information may be stored
at a network location operable to allow a user to select which
digital images should be processed. As such, a user may communicate
various numbers of photos to a network location and process the
photos as desired.
[0052] In one embodiment, a pull (or push) technology associated
with wireless communication may be employed for communicating
image/information. Pull technology is a type of wireless
communication that does not require persistent two-way wireless
communication for communicating information. For example, a
wireless device may establish a one-way communication thereby
reducing the amount of overhead associated with establishing a
two-way communication protocol.
[0053] In one embodiment, the method may be used to establish
communication between a network and a device. For example,
communication may be initiated by a device by applying power to the
device. As such, a transceiver associated with the device may
communication with the network and establish a communication
link.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a wireless communication system operable
to wirelessly communicate information associated with image
information according to one embodiment of the invention. Wireless
communication system (WCS) 500 includes a display 501 such as an
active matrix, LCD, touch screen and the like operable to display
information, input device such as a pointing device 509, selection
button 510 and browser buttons such as home button 511, back button
512, favorite button 514 and forward button 513. WCS 500 further
includes several other function button (F1-F6) 503, 504, 505, 506,
507, 508 operable to be using in association with WCS 500. For
example, one or more buttons 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508 may be
programmed/re-programmed for functions such as magnification of a
captured image, communication functions for initiating
communication of image/information, email function for emailing
image information, and other functions that may be used in
association with processing, manipulating, etc.
images/information.
[0055] WCS 500 further includes a communications module operable as
a wireless communications module (not expressly shown) that may
wirelessly communicate information to a network operable to
communicate with WCS 500. For example, a communications module may
be operable to wirelessly communicate information using one or more
types of wireless communication.
[0056] A user may wirelessly communicate with a network such as the
Internet using WCS 500 operable to receive and communicate wireless
information providing access to the Internet. Such communications
may include using a WAP operable to wirelessly communicate
information associated with the Internet. A browser may be provided
with WCS 500 allowing a user may navigate using forward button 513,
back button 512, home button 511, favorite button 514, etc.
operable to allow a user to navigate the Internet.
[0057] WCS 500 may further include software and hardware operable
to allow a user to browse the Internet and access selective
information in a desirable manner. For example, a user may access a
website operable to receive information representing digital
images. A user may preview an image and communicate a desired image
to a website operable to receive information representing the
recorded images. In this manner, a user may communicate information
(i.e. print photos, request photo processing, email information,
etc.) without having to access the Internet via a computer or
hard-line, landline, etc.
[0058] In one embodiment, WCS 500 may be programmed or
re-programmed for additional/updated functionality. For example, a
new service or information associated with a current or existing
service, may be wirelessly communicated to WCS 500 and stored
within memory associated with WCS 500. In this manner, WCS 500 may
be remotely reprogrammed expanding/updating the functionality of
WCS 500 thereby enabling WCS 500 to be configured and/or
re-configured as needed.
[0059] In one embodiment, a service request may be communicated to
a network for processing via a land-line, wire-line, etc. using a
communication module operably associated with WCS 500. For example,
wireless service may not be available for communicating with a
network. As such, WCS 500 may be operable to communicate in a
client-server based mode for requesting, processing, uploading
image information, accessing the Internet, etc.
[0060] In one embodiment, a user may capture an image and preview
an image using display 501. An image may be stored within memory
associated with WCS 500 and displayed upon a user selecting a
preview button 502. A user may record a plurality of images and
preview the images by selecting a preview button 502. As such, a
user may use the browser buttons 511-514 to navigate recorded
images in a similar manner to navigating a network such as the
Internet. For example, a user may select forward button 513 or back
button 512 to navigate images. In one embodiment, a user may return
to a first image by selecting home button 511. A user may also
select favorite button 514 to "mark" an image to be saved or
wirelessly communicated. In this manner, a user may wirelessly
communicate selected images, to desirable network locations.
Through wirelessly communicating information, access can "free up"
memory within WCS 500.
[0061] In another embodiment, WCS 500 may wirelessly communicate
information associated with a digital image to an email address.
For example, a user may record a digital image and wirelessly
communicate information comprised of the digital image to one or
more email addresses. For example, WCS 500 may be operable to
access a mail list comprised of one or more email addresses. As
such, a user may select an email function and wirelessly
communicate information associated with the digital image to a
network operable to receive the wirelessly communicated
information. The email may then be communicated to a desirable
email address selected by the WCS user. For example, a user may
want to email a photo of the Grand Canyon to his or her parents
while the user is on vacation. The user, lacking assess to a
land-line while at the Grand Canyon, can email a digitally recorded
image to a desirable email address for his or her parents by
selecting WCS's 500 email function operable to send an email to a
desirable email address. In this manner, a user can send a "digital
postcard" to one or more email addresses.
[0062] In another embodiment, a user may input an email address
utilizing an input device such as a graphical keyboard, a digital
notepad, and/or scribe 515 similar to a Palm device, or other input
devices configurable to allow a user to input a desirable email
address. As such, a user may input an email address and/or a
message. A user may then use WCS 500 compose and communicate an
email comprised of the digital photograph to an email address.
Display 501 may be operable as a touch screen allowing a user to
select function, such as soft keys, access and input/provide
information, etc. in a similar manner to a Palm device.
[0063] In another embodiment, a user may access a list of email
addresses stored accessible by WCS 500. In another embodiment, a
user may access an Internet email account for emailing digital
images. Other embodiments may include providing a user access to
address list via the Internet. As such, a user may access email
addresses in a plurality of ways for wirelessly communicating
information to an email address.
[0064] In another embodiment, WCS 500 may include an audio input
port (not expressly shown) operable to receive an audio input. User
may use WCS 500 to record a digital audio file allowing a user to
wirelessly communicate an audio file in association with digital
image information. As such, a user may record a digital image using
WCS 500 and further record an audio file to be associated with the
captured image. A user may then wirelessly communicate the
information to a network. For example, a user may email a digital
photo and provide an audio file associated with the digital photo
to a selected email account. For example, a user may want to record
an audio message such as "Hello from the Grand Canyon" and provide
a digital photo of the Grand Canyon in association with the
recorded message. In this manner, a user may wirelessly communicate
an email having a digital image and an audio file utilizing WCS
500.
[0065] In another embodiment, WCS 500 may allow a user to select
the type of image, such as black and white, color, etc., the
resolution of the image, the magnification of the image, the F stop
of the device, etc. and other film attributes commonly know in the
art. As such, WCS 500 advantageously allows a user to select make
capture a desirable digital image representations and wirelessly
communicate images to a network. For example, a user may want to
record a black and white image in addition to a color image. As
such, the present invention allows a user to select unique
qualities of the image prior to communicating the
images/information to a network.
[0066] In another embodiment, WCS 500 may be operable as a video
image recorder, such as a digital video recorder, operable to
wirelessly communicate video information to a network. For example,
a user may want to record a baseball game and wirelessly
communicate the baseball game, comprised of video information, and
in one embodiment, associated audio information, to a network.
[0067] In one embodiment, WCS 500 includes memory operable to store
digital images. The memory may be operable as a removable storage
medium associated with storing information. As such, information
may be stored locally within WCS 500. The digital information may
then be removable memory device associated with the device such
that a user may swap memory storage devices. As such, several
different memory devices may be used to store desirable information
and wirelessly communicate desirable information to a network using
WCS 500.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrate a method for providing an operating mode
for a wireless communication system according to one aspect of the
invention. The method may be employed within a program of
instructions embodied within a computer readable medium, a memory
device, encoded logic, or other devices or systems operable to use
a portion or all of the method illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0069] The method begins generally at step 600 and may be used in
association with wireless communication system (WCS) 500
illustrated in FIG. 5 or with other systems or devices operable to
use the method of FIG. 6. At step 601 the method determines an
operating mode requested for a WCS. For example, a user may select
a browsing mode, an image capturing mode, a web authoring mode, a
custom or specific application, or other programs/applications that
may be employed by WCS operable to communicate information via a
wireless network. Upon determining an operating mode, the method
proceeds to step 602 and deploys the selected operating mode. For
example, a user may want to launch a browser to preview images,
access the Internet, access an Intranet, etc. The method may also
employ an image capturing mode operable to allow a user to record
images and associate processing with a captured image. A user may
also select a web authoring mode allowing a user a multi-source
editing platform. For example, a user may author a webpage using
one or more digital images associated with a WCS. As such, a user
may provides `tags` to image information and communicate authored
website/content to a network location operable to receive the
content. In this manner, a user may integrate image content with a
website from a remote location without having to manually upload
images or alter a path or destination during upload. In this
manner, deterministic processing of image information may
automatically provide processing information for an
image/information communicated by a wireless communication
system.
[0070] In another embodiment, a user may select a operating mode
associated with a custom application or program accessible by a
wireless communication system. The program may be local to the
wireless communication system or the application may be used in
combination with a server wirelessly coupled to the wireless
communication system. For example, portions of an application may
be resident to the wireless communication system while other
portions of an application may be resident to a server. In this
manner, processing and wireless communication of information may be
reduced at the wireless communication system.
[0071] One example of a custom application may be directed towards
the insurance industry for assisting with claims processing. A
claims adjuster may be in the field previewing a property that
received damage during a storm. As such, a claims adjuster may
access a companies Intranet and/or database for entering/modifying
a claim. Additionally, the claims adjuster may record several
images and communicate the images in association with the claim to
document the claim. In this manner, the wireless communication
system using the custom application may serve as an extension to
the insurance companies Intranet for processing claims.
[0072] In another embodiment, a user may select an Infoimaging
application operable to provide image information in addition to
other information for processing. For example, a user may select an
application operable to create a project to be used in association
with a image/information. For example, a project may include
periodically inspecting a construction site for constructing a
building and may include processing images and associated
information (i.e. date, time, notes, etc.). As such, periodic
inspection of a building may be necessary during different stages
of a project. As such, a project may be updated/created using a
custom application.
[0073] In another embodiment, an Infoimaging application may be
operable to provide listing images and/or information for real
estate. For example, a real estate professional may author a
webpage or update listing information for a multiple listing
service by providing images and/or information. In another
embodiment, a real estate professional may allow a client to
capture images and take notes. As such, information may be
associated with a home tour and upon the information and/or images
being communicated to a network, a website may be dynamically
generated/updated for the client thereby providing a list of home
tours.
[0074] Upon deploying an operating mode the method proceeds to step
604 and formats/processes images/information if needed. The method
then proceeds to step 601 and repeats.
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates a network for communicating information
associated with digital images according to one aspect of the
invention. A network, illustrated generally at 700, may be operable
to communicate information associated with digital images and
includes receiving an input from a network communication device
(NCD) 701 operable to communicate information associated with
digital images. For example, NCD 701 may communicate with the
network via a communications module coupled to a device operable to
communicate information associated with digital images. In this
manner, NCD 701 may be used in associated with a network for
communicating digital image information and information
accordingly.
[0076] In one embodiment, NCD 701 may communicate with global
communication network 704 such as the Internet or an Intranet via a
landline operable to communicate information between a device and a
network. In this manner, a user may couple NCD 701 to a network
such as the Internet and communicate images/information to a
network location such as a website operable to receive information
associated with digital images and process images and information
as needed.
[0077] In another embodiment, NCD 701 may communicate with wireless
communications network 702 operable to communicate information
associated with digital images. For example, wireless
communications network 702 may include a digital network operable
to communicate digital information associated with the
images/information. Additionally, wireless communication network
702 may be operable to communicate with a global communications
network such as the Internet 704 via first server 703. As such, NCD
701 operable to wirelessly communicate information may communicate
with one or more networks 702, 704. Information may then be
communicated to a network location associated with the global
communication network 704 such as a second server 705 or website
operable to receive and process information associated with digital
images. For example, the website may convert the information into a
format operable to provide conventional photographs representing
digital images. In another embodiment, the information may be
forwarded as an email to an email address, stored at a network
location for future access by one or more users, etc.
[0078] In one embodiment, NCD 701 may be operable similar to a
disposable camera having a predetermined number of exposures. NCD
701 may then be used to wirelessly communicate with wireless
communication network 702 and/or global communication network 704
and a user may digitally record an image and communicate
information associated with the image to a network location. For
example, NCD 701 may include a device identifier for identifying
NCD 701 when communicating with wireless communication network 702.
NCD 701 may then be recognized by wireless communication network
702 and then communicate information. Wireless communication
network 702, having identified NCD 701, may then communicate
information to a processing center. Upon a user using all of the
exposures, the user may purchase additional exposures and a
wireless signal may be communicated to NCD 701 to reprogram NCD 701
for additional exposures. In this manner, a user may purchase
desirable amounts of exposures without having to purchase a new
camera or NCD 701.
[0079] In one embodiment, the network may be operable to
dynamically generate a website in response to receiving wirelessly
communicated information associated with digital images from NCD
701. For example, a website may include one or more webpages
uniquely generated for the user of NCD 701 and may be operable to
use Java based objects for improved navigation, appearance, and
functionality of the website and associated simulations. Java is an
object oriented language which may be executed by a Java
interpreter and run on most computers and operating systems such as
UNIX, Macintosh OS, and Windows. Additionally, network 700 may be
operable to utilize many different types of markup languages for
accessing and providing information associated with digital image
information. Markup languages may include, for example, hyper text
mark-up language (HTML), extensible mark-up language (XML),
wireless mark-up language (WML), etc. and various communication
protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP), Transmission Control/Internet Protocol (TC/IP),
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP),
Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), Image Transfer Protocol (ITP),
etc. for communicating information associated with digital images.
For example, network 700 may be operable to use TCP/IP and/or WAP
communication in which a client terminal, such as wireless device,
requests service (such as sending a Web page) by another computer,
such as a server coupled via the network. In this manner,
information associated with digital images may be communicated
using TC/IP communication and/or WAP.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for processing communicated
information associated with digital images according to one aspect
of the invention. The method may be employed within a program of
instructions embodied within a computer readable medium, a memory
device, encoded logic, or other devices or systems operable to use
a portion or all of the method illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0081] The method begins generally at step 800. At step 801 a
network location, such as a website, processing center, Intranet,
wireless communication server, etc., receives a request to process
image/information. For example, the image and/or associated image
information may be communicated to a processing center operable to
receive and process images/information. Upon receiving a request to
process information, the method proceeds to step 802 and
authenticates the requesting source. For example, a device/client
may request processing using a semi-private of private network. As
such, a device I.D., User I.D., Login I.D., password, etc. may be
provided and authenticated to validate a request. Upon validating a
request information is received at step 803 from the requesting
source. In one embodiment, one or more directories may be created
for storing the images/information. Upon receiving the
images/information, the method proceeds to step 804 and determines
if the images/information need to be translated. For example, the
images may be communicated using a specific protocol and/or format
and may require translating to a format operable to be used by a
processing center. For example, an image may be communicated to a
network location via a wireless network. The image may be
communicated in segments and as such may require assembly prior to
processing. For example, a 100 Kilobyte image may be communicated
in fifty segments with each segment representing a specific portion
of an image file. As such, and image may be assembled into a format
using each of the fifty segments.
[0082] Upon translating images/information if needed, the method
proceeds to step 805 and communicates a confirmation or request for
a segment that may not have been received or may have been
corrupted during communication. For example, segment thirty-seven
of fifty may not have been received or may have become corrupted
during communication. As such, the method may send a request to an
originating device for the specific segment needed for the image.
In this manner, a segment may be retrieved when needed.
[0083] In one embodiment, a network may communicate
image/information in a discrete packet including a segment of
image/information. Some wireless communication systems may include
a transfer protocol for an entire image. However, other wireless
networks may not have such a protocol. As such segmenting
image/information using a wireless communication system and
translating the segmented information into an image file may be
well suited for such networks. For example, a digital paging
network may be operable to communicate binary information between
an originating source and a destination. As such, the paging
network may be configured to communicate two kilobytes of
information per transmission. A digital image/information may be
segmented by a wireless communication system and communicated to a
destination/processing center and reassembled to provide the
image/information into its original format. In one embodiment, a
wireless communication system may include several paging
transceivers operable to communicate several segments of
information. As such, an increase in bandwidth may be realized by
the wireless communication system for communicating
images/information employing plural transceivers.
[0084] Upon confirming and/or requesting image/information the
method proceeds to step 806 and determines the process requested.
For example, the processing information may be included within the
image file or provided in association with an image. As such, the
method accesses image information and proceeds to step 807 and
processes an image based on a process selected via a wireless
communication module. For example, processing may include
converting a digital image into a traditional prints and delivering
the traditional prints to a physical location. As such, the method
may queue images/information until a predetermined number of images
are received. For example, a user may have purchased fifty photos.
As such, upon all fifty photos being communicated to the processing
center, the fifty photos may be queued for traditional processing
and delivered accordingly. In this manner, delivery and processing
information (i.e. street address, size prints, color, type, custom,
etc.) may be provided in association with or within the image
information and extracted prior to converting the images into
traditional prints. As such, image/information may include several
different types of information for processing at a processing
center. Upon processing the images/information, the method proceeds
to step 808 where the method ends. In this manner,
images/information having deterministic processing information may
be communicated to one or more destinations.
[0085] One application for using the method of FIG. 8 may include
dynamically generating websites and/or associated web pages using
deterministic processing information included within an image file
or in association with an image. For example, a real estate
professional may use a digital camera operable to capture image
information. One such device may include a personal digital
assistant, such as a Palm device, having image capturing
capabilities. A program resident to a Palm may allow real estate
professional to enter a listing number identifying a property being
toured. The agent may then allow a client to take photographs and
associate notes, memos, audio files, data, etc. with digital images
while touring a home. In this manner, a client may tour several
homes throughout the day and capture images/information for each
home. Images/information may then be processed/formatted to include
deterministic processing data for dynamically generating home
tours. The images/information for each client may then be
communicated via a wireless or wireline network and home tours may
be dynamically generated for each client within a virtual private
network for viewing. A process center may combine the
images/information with listing data to create a personalized
website for each client. In this manner, an agent may generate web
based home tours for their clients using images/information having
deterministic processing information.
[0086] Other embodiments of the method of FIG. 8 may be realized in
accordance with the present invention. For example, processing may
include determining the number of exposures remaining in a wireless
communications device. As such, the method may communicate a signal
to the device in response to determining the number of exposures
remaining In another embodiment, processing may include
communicating with a wireless communication device to provide
additional exposures. For example, a user may access a website,
contact a vendor, etc. and purchase additional exposures. As such,
a processing center operable to communicate with the device may
provide additional exposures. For example, the processing center
may provide information to a wireless network operable to
communicate with a wireless device. The information may include
information that may be downloaded or received by the wireless
device for reconfiguring the device for additional exposures. Other
embodiments of communicating with the wireless device from the
processing center may include transmitting other types of
information to the device. Such information may include
advertising, emails, etc.
[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing a digital image
capturing device having programmable exposures according to one
aspect of the invention. The method may be employed within a
program of instructions embodied within a computer readable medium,
a memory device, encoded logic, or other devices or systems
operable to use a portion or all of the method illustrated in FIG.
9.
[0088] The method begins generally at step 900. At step 901 the
method determines the number of exposures available for a wireless
communication device operable as a digital camera. For example, a
user may have paid for fifty exposures and have used fifteen of the
exposures leaving a total of thirty-five remaining. As such the
method displays the number of exposures at step 902 and determines
the number of exposures at step 903. If the number of exposures is
equal to zero, the method proceeds to step 912 and notifies a user
that no exposures are available. The method then proceeds to step
913 where a user may request additional exposures and to step 914
where the camera is re-programmed for a new number of exposures.
For example, a user may request and purchase exposures via
Internet, wireless network using the camera, conventional wireline,
telephone service, etc. Upon purchasing the exposures, a signal may
be communicated the camera reprogramming the camera for additional
exposures. Upon determining the number of exposure does not equal
zero, the method proceeds to step 904 where the network processing
is enabled and to step 905 where a user may capture an image. Upon
a user capturing an image, the method proceeds to step 906 where
the method determines a processing to be associated with the image
and to step 907 where a counter is decreased indicating that an
exposure has been used. The method then proceeds to step 908 where
the image/information is communicated to a destination for
processing. For example, a user may want to create an online photo
album, generate traditional prints to be processed, email an
image/information, or other processes operable to be used in
association with digital images. The method then proceeds to step
909, where the method ends.
[0089] In one embodiment, information may be wirelessly
communicated having a certain level of encryption thereby allowing
a user to securely communicate image information and/o request for
additional photos, credit card information, confidential
information, etc. Encryption is the conversion of data into a form,
called a cipher, that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized
people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back
into its original form, so it can be understood. Simple ciphers
include the substitution of letters for numbers, the rotation of
letters in the alphabet, and the "scrambling" of voice signals by
inverting the sideband frequencies. More complex ciphers work
according to sophisticated computer algorithms that rearrange the
data bits in digital signals.
[0090] In order to easily recover the contents of an encrypted
signal, the correct decryption key is required. The key is an
algorithm that "undoes" the work of the encryption algorithm.
Alternatively, a computer can be used in an attempt to "break" the
cipher. The more complex the encryption algorithm, the more
difficult it becomes to eavesdrop on the communications without
access to the key.
[0091] Encryption/decryption is especially important in wireless
communications. This is because wireless circuits are easier to
"tap" than their hard-wired counterparts. Nevertheless,
encryption/decryption is a good idea when carrying out any kind of
sensitive transaction, such as a credit-card purchase online, or
the discussion of a company secret between different departments in
the organization.
[0092] Wireless communication of information associated with
digital images may be provided in a plurality of ways. Some
examples of wireless communication systems and protocols operable
to be used with the present invention are provided below and may
include, but are not limited to, CDMA, GSM, TDMA, PCS, UMTS, and
GPS.
[0093] Wireless refers to a communications, monitoring, or control
systems in which electromagnetic or acoustic waves carry a signal
through atmospheric space rather than along a wire. In most
wireless systems, radio-frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) waves are
used. CDMA (code-division multiple access)
[0094] CDMA, one of the three wireless telephone transmission
technologies, takes an entirely different approach from GSM and the
similar TDMA. CDMA, after digitizing data, spreads it out over the
entire bandwidth it has available. Multiple calls are overlaid over
each other on the channel, with each assigned a unique sequence
code. The digital wireless personal communication service (PCS) is
expected to use CDMA widely in the United States.
[0095] GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) GSM (Global
System for Mobile communication) is a digital mobile telephone
system that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world.
GSM uses a variation of time division multiple access (TDMA) and is
the most widely used of the three digital wireless telephone
technologies(TDMA, GSM, and CDMA). GSM digitizes and compresses
data, then sends it down a channel with two other streams of user
data, each in its own time slot. It operates at either the 900 MHz
or 1800 MHz frequency band. GSM is the de facto wireless telephone
standard in Europe. GSM has over 120 million users worldwide and is
available in 120 countries, according to the GSM MoU Association.
Since many GSM network operators have roaming agreements with
foreign operators, users can often continue to use their mobile
phones when they travel to other countries. American Personal
Communications (APC), a subsidiary of Sprint, is using GSM as the
technology for a broadband personal communications service (PCS).
The service will ultimately have more than 400 base stations for
the palm-sized handsets and is part of an evolution of wireless
mobile telecommunication that includes High-Speed Circuit-Switched
Data (HSCSD), General Packet Radio System(GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM
Environment (EDGE), and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service
(UMTS).
[0096] TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
[0097] TDMA (time division multiple access) is a technology used in
digital cellular telephone communication to divide each cellular
channel into three time slots in order to increase the amount of
data that can be carried. TDMA is used by Digital-American Mobile
Phone Service (D-AMPS), Global System for Mobile communications
(GSM), and Personal DigitalCellular (PDC). However, each of these
systems implements TDMA in a somewhat different and incompatible
way. An alternative multiplexing scheme to FDMA with TDMA is code
division multiple access (CDMA), which takes the entire allocated
frequency range for a given service and multiplexes information for
all users across the spectrum range at the same time.
[0098] PCS (Personal Communlcabxons Services)
[0099] PCS (personal communications services) is a wireless phone
service somewhat similar to cellular telephone service but
emphasizing personal service and extended mobility. It's sometimes
referred to as digital cellular (although cellular systems can also
be digital). Like cellular, PCS is for mobile users and requires a
number of antennas to blanket an area of coverage. As a user moves
around, the user's phone signal is picked up by the nearest antenna
and then forwarded to a base station that connects to the wired
network. The phone itself is slightly smaller than a cellular
phone. PCS is being introduced first in highly urban areas for
large numbers of users.
[0100] The "personal" in PCS distinguishes this service from
cellular by emphasizing that, unlike cellular, which was designed
for car phone use with transmitters emphasizing coverage of
highways and roads, PCS is designed for greater user mobility. It
generally requires more cell transmitters for coverage, but has the
advantage of fewer blind spots. Technically, cellular systems in
the United States operate in the 824-849 megahertz (MHz) frequency
bands; PCS operates in the 1850-1990 MHz bands. Several
technologies are used for PCS in the United States, including
Cellular Digital Packet Data(CDPD) and Global System for Mobile
(GSM) communication. GSM is more commonly used in Europe and
elsewhere.
[0101] UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) UMTS
(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) is a so-called
"third-generation (3G)," broadband, packet-based transmission of
text, digitized voice, video, and multimedia at data rates up to
and possibly higher than 2 megabits per second (Mbps), offering a
consistent set of services to mobile computer and phone users no
matter where they are located in the world.
[0102] Based on the Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication
standard, UMTS, endorsed by major standards bodies and
manufacturers, is the planned standard for mobile users around the
world by 2002. Once UMTS is fully implemented, computer and phone
users can be constantly attached to the Internet as they travel
and, as they roam, have the same set of capabilities no matter
where they travel to. Users will have access through a combination
of terrestrial wireless and satellite transmissions. Until UMTS is
fully implemented, users can have multi-mode devices that switch to
the currently available technology(such as GSM 900 and 1800) where
UMTS is not yet available.
[0103] Present cellular systems are mainly circuit-switched, with
connections always dependent on circuit availability.
Packet-switched connection, using the Internet Protocol (IP), means
that a virtual connection may always be available to any other end
point in the network. It will also make it possible to provide new
services, such as alternative billing methods (pay-per-bit,
pay-per-session, flat rate, asymmetric bandwidth, and others). The
higher bandwidth of UMTS also promises new services, such as video
conferencing. UMTS promises to realize the Virtual Home Environment
(VHE) in which a roaming user can have the same services to which
the user is accustomed when at home or in the office, through a
combination of transparent terrestrial and satellite connections.
The spectrum for UMTS has been identified as frequency bands
1885-2025 MHz for future IMT-2000 systems, and 1980-2010 MHz and
2170-2200 MHz for the satellite portion of UMTS systems.
[0104] Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in
detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions
and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing
from their spirit and scope. For example, the present invention may
be realized in association with several different types of wireless
communication devices which may include, but are not limited to,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular communication devices,
cellular telephones, wireless paging devices, wireless computing
systems, or other systems and/or wireless devices.
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