US20010015760A1 - Electronic camera with quick review of last captured image - Google Patents

Abstract

A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates in general to cameras that generate digital images for storage on a removable storage medium. More specifically, the invention relates to a camera that includes a working memory that stores a working image which is updated for each subsequent exposure operation, wherein the working image can be displayed in a quick review mode on a display screen regardless of whether the removable storage medium is attached to the camera. The invention is particularly directed to a hybrid camera that includes both a digital imaging system and a silver-halide imaging system, wherein a working image can be displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether the removable storage medium is attached to the camera or a film cartridge is loaded in the camera.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• There have been a number of conventional electronic still cameras and hybrid cameras either proposed and/or commercially developed. In each of the conventional cameras, electronic images are generally captured and stored on a recording medium that can be removed from the camera or transmitted by a data link to a remote location. Early electronic and hybrid cameras, for example, utilized magnetic recording disks as an image storage medium, while more recent developments in electronics have led to the use of semiconductor device memory cards. It is desirable to include a display screen on the camera to permit images captured and stored on the memory cards to be reviewed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,369 issued to Ishii et al., for example, describes a camera that includes a display device so that an operator can confirm whether the captured image is acceptable. Image display devices large enough to display a digital image of acceptable size, such as a large array liquid crystal device, still consume a relatively large amount of power when active. Accordingly, the batteries of the camera can be quickly drained if the display device is utilized during imaging operations. Further, it would be desirable to be able to review the last captured image regardless of whether the removable memory medium was attached to the camera.[0002]
• In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide a camera that incorporates an apparatus for allowing the camera operator to review a last captured image without causing a large energy drain. It is a further object to provide a camera in which the last captured image can be reviewed regardless of whether a removable memory medium is attached to the camera.[0003]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The invention provides a camera that incorporates a working memory for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator. The display screen is kept in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued thereby conserving energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a removable memory medium is attached to the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in the camera.[0004]
• Specifically, a camera in accordance with the invention may include digital imaging means for generating a digital image representative of a subject scene; fixed working memory means for receiving and storing the digital image generated by the digital imaging means as a working image; a non-volatile memory for storing digital images; a display screen; and control processing means for controlling the operation of the digital imaging means, the fixed working memory means and the display screen. In accordance with the invention, the control processing means generates a digital mode image from the working image stored in the working memory and transfers the digital mode image to the non-volatile memory while retaining the working image in the working memory. The control processing means also selectively generates a display image from a digital mode image stored in the non-volatile memory and transfers the display image to the display screen for display. Finally, the control processing means selectively generates a quick review image from the working image stored in the working memory and supplies the quick review image to the display screen for display without requiring availability of the non-volatile memory.[0005]
• The digital imaging means may generate a plurality of digital images under control of the control processing means; so that, each subsequent one of the plurality of digital images replaces a preceding one of the plurality of digital images as the working image stored in the working memory, whereby the working image is representative of the last subject scene imaged by the camera. A hybrid version of the camera may include a photographic imaging means for imaging the subject scene onto a photographic film plane of the camera under control of the control processing means. The control processing means may include a camera operator interface that includes an image mode selector for selecting one of a film imaging mode, a hybrid imaging mode and the digital imaging mode of operation. The photographic imaging means may image the subject scene onto the photographic image plane in the film imaging mode and the hybrid imaging mode to generate a corresponding photographic film image on a photographic film located at the photographic imaging plane that corresponds with the digital image generated by the digital imaging means. The control processing means may generate a film mode digital image from the working image in the film imaging mode of operation and stores the film mode digital image in an internal fixed base camera memory of the camera, and wherein the control processing means selectively generates a display image from the film mode digital image and transfers the display image to the display screen for display.[0006]
• The camera may include a removable interface connection means for receiving a removable memory device; wherein the non-volatile memory is comprised in a removable memory, such as a card coupled to the interface connection means. The control processing means may generate a hybrid mode digital image from the working image in the hybrid mode of operation and transfer the hybrid mode digital image to the removable memory interface connection means for storage on the memory card. The control processing means may selectively generate a display image from a hybrid mode digital image stored on the memory card coupled to the memory interface connection means and transfers the display image to the display screen for display.[0007]
• The control processing means may activate the display screen for a predetermined time period to display the quick review image. The camera operator interface may include a quick review switch; so that, the control processing means activates the display screen to display the quick review image as long as the quick review switch is activated. Means may be included for storing the quick review image in the non-volatile memory or in removable memory.[0008]
• Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and appreciated after review of the following detailed description of the invention, the appended claims and the drawings.[0009]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:[0010]
• FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera in accordance with the present invention illustrated with a lens cover in a closed position;[0011]
• FIG. 2 is a front view of the camera of FIG. 1 with the lens cover illustrated in an extended position;[0012]
• FIG. 3 is a top view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1;[0013]
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 2 with the lens cover in the extended position;[0014]
• FIG. 5 is a back view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1 with the lens cover in the closed position;[0015]
• FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the system architecture of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1;[0016]
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional division of a base camera memory illustrated in the schematic block diagram of FIG. 6 into a camera status storage section, an album image storage section, and a film mode image storage section;[0017]
• FIG. 8 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting a scroll option;[0018]
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting a starting image for the scrolling function illustrated in FIG. 8;[0019]
• FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting a specific image number as a starting image for the scrolling function illustrated in FIG. 8;[0020]
• FIG. 11 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for a title function;[0021]
• FIG. 12 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for an image format function;[0022]
• FIGS. 13A, B, C and D are illustrations of the a digital mode image format, a hybrid or film mode HDTV image format, a hybrid or film mode panoramic image format and a hybrid or film mode classic image format;[0023]
• FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an image record for a digital image;[0024]
• FIG. 15 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for an album function;[0025]
• FIG. 16 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for a slide show function;[0026]
• FIG. 17 is an illustration of a current film order status window displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5;[0027]
• FIG. 18 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for entering cartridge identification information;[0028]
• FIG. 19 is schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a camera in accordance with the invention to a host computer; and[0029]
• FIG. 20 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayed on a monitor of the host computer illustrated in FIG. 19 for entering camera commands.[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• A hybrid camera in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG. 1 as including a[0031]main camera body10 on which asliding lens cover12 is attached. A silver-halideoptical system14 and a digital imagingoptical system16 are located behind thesliding lens cover12, and are both exposed to scene light when thesliding lens cover12 is extended as illustrated in FIG. 2. Anelectronic flash unit18 is preferably located on a top edge of thesliding lens cover12, such that the extension of thelens cover12 places theelectronic flash unit18 in a position sufficiently distant from the silver-halideoptical system14 and the digital imagingoptical system16 to prevent the occurrence of “red eye” in photographic and digital images captured by the camera. In the illustrated embodiment, a separateoptical viewfinder20 is provided adjacent to thelens cover12, although it will be understood that viewfinders incorporated within or utilizing elements of either the silver-halideoptical system14 and/or the digital imagingoptical system16 may be readily employed. Theoptical viewfinder20 includes a masking device, for example a segmented LCD or mechanical mask, that is used to match the image viewed by a camera operator through theviewfinder20 to a corresponding image format selected by the camera operator. In a preferred embodiment, theoptical viewfinder20 provides several different aspect ratios including: a full VGA aspect ratio corresponding to an aspect ratio, such as 4:3, of the digital imagingoptical system16; an HDTV aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio, such as 7:4, of the silver-halideoptical system14; a classic film aspect ratio, such as 10:7; and a panoramic aspect ratio, such as 20:7. The HDTV, classic and panoramic aspect ratios are the same as those used for the Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras introduced in 1996.
• A top view of the[0032]camera body10 is illustrated in FIG. 3. A liquid crystal display (LCD)status unit22 is provided on the top of themain camera body10 to display various camera status data to the camera operator. TheLCD status unit22 is roughly partitioned into three areas: an area for displaying information specific to film images; an area for displaying information specific to digital images; and a general information area that displays information related to both film images and digital images. In addition to thestatus unit22, various operator controls are provided on the top of thecamera body10 including an image capturemode selector switch23, ashutter button24, azoom control switch25, a picture takingmode selector switch26, a flashmode selector switch28, a timermode selector switch30, and an imageformat selector switch32. As illustrated, imagecapture mode switch23 allows for settings of Digital, Hybrid or Film. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many features of the invention would be applicable in cameras where only Digital and Hybrid modes are provided, or only Digital and Film, or only Hybrid and Film, or only Hybrid. TheLCD status unit22 is preferably mounted on a hingedsupport element34 that is coupled to thelens cover12, such that theLCD status unit22 is tilted toward the camera operator when thelens cover12 is extended during an image capture operation as shown in FIG. 4.
• A color main[0033]screen display unit36 is provided on the back of themain camera body10, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and is preferably recessed from the back surface of themain camera body10 for protection. A main screen operator control unit38 is provided adjacent to the mainscreen display unit36 and includes anedit switch40, anexit switch42 and adirectional switch unit44. Thedirectional switch unit44 is preferably a four directional thumb pad segmented into four different individual directional switches including an updirectional switch46, a downdirectional switch50, a right directional switch48 and a leftdirectional switch52. It will be understood, however, that other types of directional switch units, for example track balls, pressure pads, etc., may be readily employed to enter directional signals. The main screen operator control unit38 is utilized in conjunction with elements of graphical user interfaces displayed on the mainscreen display unit36 to control various camera functions that will be described in greater detail below.
• The[0034]main camera body10 is also provided with amemory card door54, abattery compartment door56 and afilm chamber door58 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thememory card door54 is provided to protect a memory card interface connector located in themain camera body10. Thebattery compartment door56 andfilm chamber door58 are provided in the bottom of themain camera body10 in a conventional manner to provide access to an internal film chamber and a battery compartment.
• The overall system architecture of the hybrid camera is provided in FIG. 6. The basic system components of the system architecture include the silver-halide[0035]optical system14, the digital imagingoptical system16, theelectronic flash unit18, theoptical viewfinder20, afilm transport unit60, a range finding module62, alight sensor64, amain camera controller68, ananalog subsystem unit70, a digital subsystem unit72, acamera operator interface74, and apower supply unit76. A detailed description of each of the basic system components will be provided below.
• The silver-halide[0036]optical system14 preferably includes amulti-element lens78, an aperture/shutter mechanism80, and a zoom/focus mechanism82. The operation of the aperture/shutter mechanism80 and zoom/focus mechanism82 is controlled in a conventional manner by themain camera controller68 to adjust focusing and exposure operations of the silver-halideoptical system14 in response to various inputs including signals received from the range finding module62, thelight sensor64, theshutter button24, and zoomcontrol switch25. The silver-halideoptical system14 is located within thecamera body10 to focus a subject image on afilm plane100 of thefilm transport60 during both a film image capture mode of operation and a hybrid image capture mode of operation as will be described in greater detail below.
• The digital imaging[0037]optical system16 includes a fixed focus, dual focal length,multi-element lens84, a blur filter86, atelephoto drive mechanism88, and an aperture drive mechanism90. Thetelephoto drive mechanism88 moves part of thelens84 to provide multiple focal lengths in accordance with instructions received from themain camera controller68. Similarly, under control of themain camera controller68, the aperture drive mechanism90 adjusts an aperture92 of the digitaloptical system16 to a desired setting. The digital imagingoptical system16 is located within thecamera body10 to focus a subject image onto an electronicCCD image sensor94 provided within theanalog subsystem unit70.
• The[0038]optical viewfinder20 is preferably mechanically linked to the zoom/focus mechanism82 of the silver-halideoptical system14 via amechanical linkage83, such that operation of the zoom/focus mechanism82 causes a corresponding change in theoptical system21 of theoptical viewfinder20. Theoptical viewfinder20, as discussed above, includes amasking device23 that is utilized to appropriately frame the subject image for different imaging formats selected by the camera operator with the imageformat selector switch32. In the preferred embodiment, icons located within theviewfinder20 indicate various operating modes of the camera including digital image capture mode, film image capture mode or hybrid image capture mode. In addition, conventional light-emitting-diode (LED) status indicators are provided within theoptical viewfinder20 to inform the camera operator of various camera conditions while the camera operator is looking through theviewfinder20.
• The[0039]electronic flash unit18, the range finding module62 and thelight sensor64 are of conventional design. A Fuji AF-Module FM6224T31 (available from Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan), for example, is preferably utilized as the range finding module62 to provide subject distance information to themain camera controller68. Although thelight sensor64 can be implemented as a discrete component to provide light level data to themain camera controller68, it is preferable to utilize theCCD image sensor94 provided in theanalog subsystem unit70 to perform the light sensing operation in additional to image capture. Individual pixel elements or groups of pixel elements within theCCD image sensor94, for example, are sampled prior to an exposure operation to provide light level data to themain camera controller68, thereby eliminating the need for a separate light level sensor.
• The[0040]film transport unit60 includes aconventional film drive96 that advances photographic film from a film cartridge located in a film chamber98 to theimage plane100 of thefilm transport unit60, where the photographic film is exposed to scene light by the silver-halideoptical system14 described above, and then to a windingspool102. The film drive96 also works in reverse in a conventional manner to rewind exposed film from the windingspool102 back into the cartridge located in the film chamber98 in response to a rewind signal provided either automatically from themain camera controller68 or by the activation of a rewind switch on thecamera operator interface74. Various sensors, including afilm perforation sensor104 and cartridge sensors106, are provide within thefilm transport unit60 to provide information regarding the presence and type of the film cartridge and the advance of the film to the maincamera control unit68 in a conventional manner. In addition, at least onemagnetic head108 is provided to write data supplied from themain camera controller68 to a magnetic layer provided on the photographic film. For example, as in the known film for APS cameras, specific areas located adjacent to each photographic image are defined as camera magnetic recording tracks and photo-finisher magnetic recording tracks where data is magnetically recorded on a magnetic layer of the photographic film. In some applications, it is also desirable for themagnetic head108 to read data already provided on the magnetic layer of the photographic film for transfer to themain camera controller68.
• The[0041]analog subsystem unit70 includes theCCD image sensor94, a vertical clock drive circuit110, a horizontal clock drive circuit112 and support electronics for theCCD image sensor94 including a correlated double sample (CDS)circuit114, aprogrammable gain amplifier116, and an analog-to-digital (A/D)converter118. In a preferred embodiment, theCCD image sensor94 is a KAI-0320CM device (manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, N.Y.) that includes a 640×480 array of imaging elements with a Bayer color filter array. The signal from theCCD image sensor94 is provided to theCDS circuit114, which takes into account a pixel by pixel reference level provided by theCCD image sensor94. The signal output from theCDS circuit114 is supplied to theprogrammable gain stage116. The use of theprogrammable gain stage116 allows the operating range of the system to be extended under low light conditions by boosting the signal level received from theCCD image sensor94. Theprogrammable gain stage116 is programmed digitally via a serial data connection provided to the digital subsystem unit72. TheAID converter118 converts the sampled and amplified analog signal output from theprogrammable gain stage116 into a ten bit digital value. TheCDS circuit114, theprogrammable gain stage116, and theAID converter118 are preferably implemented with a Philips TDA8786 integrated circuit device. The TDA8786 integrated circuit device also includes a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter (not shown) that is used to control the substrate voltage of theCCD image sensor94, thereby eliminating the need for a potentiometer or other adjustment to provide this function. Accordingly, manufacturing adjustments for variations in different CCD image sensors are greatly simplified. The D/A converter of the TDA8786 integrated circuit device is programmed by the same serial data connection to the digital subsystem72 used to program theprogrammable gain stage114.
• The digital subsystem unit[0042]72 includes amicrocontroller120, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)122 that includes various timing and data handling circuits, a DRAM or non-volatile workingmemory124, a non-volatile basecamera flash memory126, a read only memory (ROM)128, a memory card interface connector130 for receiving a nonvolatile memory card, LCD interface drive circuitry132 for driving themain screen unit36, and a standard communications interface circuit134 (for example RS232) coupled to adata communications port136 provided on themain camera body10. The digital subsystem unit72 works in cooperation with themain camera controller68 to control the operation of the various system components. In addition, the digital subsystem unit72 interfaces with a host computer to perform various operations when themain camera body10 is coupled to the host computer via thedata communications port136. Thedata communications port136 can either be a hard wire type communications port (i.e. requiring a physical connection to the host computer) or a wireless type communication port (for example infrared or RF).
• The[0043]microcontroller120 is preferably implemented using a Motorola MPC823 PowerPC based reduced instruction set (RISC) microcontroller. In addition to the PowerPC core, this device includes a serial data communications channel for host communication, timers for monitoring or controlling the lengths of events, an LCD controller for providing image data to the mainscreen display unit36, and some digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities to facilitate processing image data. A DRAM controller is also provided by the MPC823 device to allow a direct connection to common DRAM type memories, and bit addressable input/output ports provide for low level control of digital image capture mechanisms, for example, serially programming the Philips TDA8786 integrated circuit device in theanalog subsystem unit70, providing low speed clock signals (line rate and frame rate) to theanalog subsystem unit70, and sensing synchronization event signals from themain camera controller68 and the timing anddata handling ASIC122.
• The timing and[0044]data handling ASIC122 includes basic timing and data handling circuits to provide the interface between the digital subsystem unit72 and the analog subsystem unit72 and theanalog subsystem70, the interface between the MPC823's LCD controller and themain screen36, and the interface between the MPC823 and a non-volatile memory card connected to the interface connection130. For example, for the interface between theanalog subsystem unit70 and the digital subsystem unit72, theASIC122 includes an analog subsystem timing chain that provides clocks signals for the various components of theanalog subsystem unit70 as image data flows from theanalog subsystem unit70 and into the digital subsystem unit72. The timing for theanalog subsystem70 unit is line based, namely, the clocking, conditioning, conversion, and collection of image data for the pixels in a line, but additional timing signals are provided by themicrocontroller120 to begin each line, to begin a frame, and to control electronic exposure. The data handling circuit of theASIC122 collects the ten bit image data from theanalog subsystem unit70, applies a function to the data for the purpose of compressing the data from ten bits to eight bits (selectable between a two bit right shift and a fixed function), packs the data into thirty-two bit words, and places the data into a small FIFO (32 bits wide by 2 bits deep) prior to subsequent transfer to themicrocontroller120. For the interface to themain screen36, theASIC122 provides a timing chain that operates in conjunction with the LCD controller of themicrocontroller120 to refresh the maindisplay screen unit36 by providing both line rate and frame rate signals. TheASIC122 operates autonomously and requires no periodic intervention from themicrocontroller120 in order to continuously refresh the maindisplay screen unit36. For the interface to a non-volatile memory card coupled to the interface connector130, theASIC122 isolates the memory card from the bus of themicrocontroller120 and also provides control signal timing for accessing the memory card.
• As described above, the digital subsystem unit[0045]72 includes three types of memory: DRAM based workingmemory124, read onlymemory128, and EPROM based non-volatile flashbase camera memory126 that is internally fixed within thecamera body10. The workingmemory124 is used during image data collection and processing, and also serves as a frame buffer for the maindisplay screen unit36. TheROM128 is used to store the basic operating instructions for themicrocontroller120 of thedigital subsystem unit70. The EPROM based non-volatile flashbase camera memory126 is used for storage of album images selected by the camera operator and film mode images captured during the film imaging mode of operation that correspond to photographic images. In addition, theflash memory126 is also utilized to store basic camera status and operating data including the various operating modes selected by the camera operator. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, thebase camera memory126 is functionally divided into a camerastatus storage section123 for storing the camera status and operational data, an albumimage storage section125 for storing album images, and a film mode image storage section127 for storing film mode digital images. As will be described in greater detail, the operator can select certain images for album storage in thealbum storage section125 of thebase camera memory126 in addition to storage in a memory card (for example a flash memory card or PCMCIA card) coupled to the interface connector130 or capture on photographic film. Alternatively, rather than using a removable memory card,base memory126 could include a non-volatile memory or storage section for high resolution images captured in any mode.
• The[0046]main camera controller68 includes a microcontroller140 that communicates with the digital subsystem unit72,camera operator interface74, thelight sensor64 and the range finder module62, in order to control the operation of the various system components including the silver-halideoptical system14, the digital imagingoptical system16, and thefilm transport60. In addition, themain camera controller68 includes amagnetics10circuit142 and amotor drive circuit144 to respectively drive themagnetic head108 of thefilm transport unit60 and the various motors in the aperture, telephoto and focusing mechanisms of the silver-halideoptical system14 and the digital imagingoptical system16. Themain camera controller68 also manages power up and power down sequencing, keeps track of calendar and time, and controls the operation of theelectronic flash unit18.
• In a preferred embodiment, a Mitsubishi 38000 series microcontroller is utilized for the microcontroller[0047]140 of themain camera controller68. The Mitsubishi 38000 series microcontroller includes a built-in LCD driver, which can be utilized to drive theLCD status unit22, and a low speed A/D converter with several multiplexed inputs. Several of the AID inputs are used to measure the signals from theperforation sensor104 and cartridge sensors106 provided in thefilm transport unit60. The Mitsubishi 38000 series microcontroller also has an extremely low power mode with low frequency operation, which allows the microcontroller to wake up periodically to keep track of the time. During camera operation, the microcontroller140 can switch to high frequency operation for the duration of any events requiring additional processing power, and then switch back to low frequency to conserve power. If a power on event is detected (actuation of the shutter button, opening of the lens cover, opening and closing the film cartridge door, etc.), the microcontroller140 manages the power up sequencing for other subsystems by enabling appropriate modules within thepower supply unit76. The microcontroller140 holds thedigital subsystem microcontroller120 in reset until its power supply from thepower supply unit76 is stable. An asynchronous serial interface allows themain camera controller68 to receive and send commands to and from the digital subsystem unit72. Various operator controls discussed above that constitute part of thecamera operator interface74 are also sensed by the microcontroller's140 input lines.
• The[0048]camera operator interface74 includes the various operator controls mentioned above in conjunction with the mainscreen display unit36 andLCD status unit22. TheLCD status unit22 is a preferably a monochrome device to reduce power requirements, and includes segments for displaying conventional camera data including: time and date data; battery condition data; film speed data; exposure mode data; flash mode data; the presence of a film cartridge; and the number of film exposures remaining. In addition, theLCD status unit22 includes a segment that indicates the presence of a memory card coupled to the interface connector130, and the number of images that can be stored on the memory card. The mainscreen display unit36 is a thin film transistor (TFT) type active matrix LCD available from Sharp, which includes 384 cells per row by 220 rows in the display, consequently 84,480 bytes of working memory are required for the display frame buffer of the mainscreen display unit36.
• The[0049]power supply unit76 preferably provides power to the other subsystems of the camera from four AA cells77 (lithium or alkaline) or a main source of power via apower adapter connection79. A number of power modules are provided within thepower supply unit76 that can be independently controlled by themain camera controller68 including: anLCD power module150; an analog subsystem module152; amain power module154; an LCDbacklight power module156; a digital subsystem power module158; and a flash charger and control module160. The LCDbacklight power module156 is adjustable by themain camera controller68 to allow customer brightness adjustment and automatic compensation for ambient light level. Power can be switched on and off independently for the analog subsystem module152, the digital subsystem module158, and themain power module154. The flash charger and control module160 charges up aflash capacitor162 of theelectronic flash unit18. A conventional sensing circuit provides an indication to themain camera controller68 when the capacitor160 is charged sufficiently to allow a picture to be taken. Themain camera controller68 triggers the flashtube164 of theflash unit18 by means of a dedicated control line. All of the power modules of thepower supply unit76 can be separately enabled and disabled by themain camera controller68 in order to conserve power.
• The basic function of the above-described hybrid camera in three image capture modes of operations will now be described in greater detail. The three image capture modes of operation include: a digital capture mode in which digital mode digital images are captured and stored on a memory card coupled to the interface connector[0050]130; a film capture mode in which photographic images are captured on photographic film and film mode digital images are captured and stored in thebase camera memory126; and a hybrid capture mode in which hybrid mode digital images are captured for storage on a memory card and corresponding photographic images are captured on photographic film. For the purposes of the initial discussion of the three image capture modes, it will be assumed that: a film cartridge has been loaded in thefilm transport unit60; a memory card has been connected to the interface connector130 of the digital subsystem72; and the camera is in a power down mode in which themain camera controller68 is waiting for an initialization event.
• The[0051]main camera controller68 waits for an initialization event in a power down mode to conserve energy. The initialization event may include, for example, the movement of thelens cover12 to the extended position, which in turn activates a switch that supplies a corresponding signal to themain camera controller68 to power-up. In response to the initialization event, themain camera controller68 enters a power up mode and activates various power modules in thepower supply unit76 to power up the corresponding components of the camera. It should be noted that theanalog subsystem unit70 and electronic subsystem unit72 are powered-up regardless of the type of image capture mode selected, as a full resolution and full size digital working image is generated and stored in the workingmemory124 in each image capture mode. As will be explained in greater detail, however, the processing of the working image varies based on the type of image capture mode selected. Themain camera controller68 activates theLCD status unit22 to display the camera status information stored in theflash memory126, and sets the digitaloptical system16, silver-halideoptical system14 andviewfinder20 to the last image format previously selected or alternatively a default format.
• At this point, the operator can initiate an exposure operation by activating the[0052]shutter button24. Alternatively, the operator may choose to change either the image format or the image capture mode by operating the imageformat selector switch30 and the image capturemode selector switch23 accordingly. If the image format mode is changed, themain camera controller68 controls theviewfinder20 to select the appropriate mask that corresponds to the selected image format setting corresponding to the new image format. The operator may also choose to use thezoom control switch25 to adjust the lens of the silver halideoptical system14 and the digitaloptical system16. Themain camera controller68 controls the operation of the zoom/focus mechanism82 and thetelephoto mechanism88 in response to signals received from thezoom control switch25. At the same time, theoptical system21 of theoptical viewfinder20 is adjusted via themechanical linkage83 coupled to the zoom/focus mechanism82. If the operator does not proceed with an exposure operation or the activation of some other camera function within a predetermined time period, themain camera controller68 deactivates theLCD status unit22 and controls thepower supply unit76 to once again power down the camera to conserve energy.
• As stated above, a digital working image is captured in all three image capture modes of operation that corresponds to an image resolution and has an image size corresponding to an aspect ratio of the[0053]CCD image sensor94. The resolution of a digital image subsequently stored or displayed, however, is varied based on the type of image capture mode selected. In the digital image capture mode, a full resolution digital mode image is stored without cropping in a memory card coupled to the interface connector130. See FIG. 13A, for example. In the film image capture mode, where the digital image will only be utilized for display on the mainscreen display unit36 to show the operator what was captured on film, a film mode image of a lower resolution is prepared by electronically cropping and interpolating the full resolution digital image to respectively correspond to the resolution of the mainscreen display unit36 and to the aspect ratio of the photographic film images, and is stored in thebase camera memory126. See FIGS.13B-D, for example. In the hybrid image capture mode, where it is desirable to match the image size of the digital image to the aspect ratio of the image to be captured on photographic film but retain a high resolution digital image, the digital image is electronically cropped to create a hybrid mode image which is stored in a memory card coupled to theinterface connector30. See also FIGS.13B-D. Accordingly, a film mode image and a hybrid mode image are essentially cropped versions of the digital mode image with respectively different and equal resolutions.
• Prior to exposure in any digital image capture mode, the[0054]main camera controller68 initiates pre-exposure operations, such as autofocusing and exposure control operations to determine subject distance and exposure conditions, in order to properly set the apertures and lenses of the silver-halideoptical system14 and the digital imaging optical16 system and to determine if flash is required. In a preferred embodiment, theshutter button24 is a two position switch. When theshutter button24 is pressed to the first position, a signal is sent to themain camera controller68 to perform the necessary pre-exposure operations. If the camera is in the power down mode, the movement of theshutter button24 to the first position also causes themain camera controller68 to initiate the power up mode prior to performing the pre-exposure operation. When theshutter button24 is pressed to the second position, an exposure signal is sent to themain camera controller68 to initiate an exposure operation.
• When an exposure operation is initiated in the digital image capture mode, the[0055]main camera controller68 informs the digital subsystem unit72 that a full resolution and full size digital mode image is to be captured and stored in a memory card coupled to the interface connector130. Themicrocontroller120 of the digital subsystem unit72 sends the necessary control signals to theanalog subsystem unit70 to initiate image capture with theCCD image sensor94, to process the analog image signals from theCCD image sensor94 with theCDS circuit114, theprogrammable gain amplifier116, and theAID converter118, and to supply a full resolution and full size digital working image to the workingmemory124 of the digital subsystem72. The full resolution and full size digital working image is then transferred to the interface connector130 by themicrocontroller120 for subsequent storage in the memory card as a digital mode image.
• When an exposure operation is initiated in the film capture mode, a full resolution and full size digital working image is again supplied from the analog subsystem unit[0056]72 to the workingmemory124 of thedigital subsystem unit70. At the same time, the aperture/shutter mechanism80 of the silver-halideoptical system14 is activated by themain camera controller68 so that scene light is supplied to theimage plane100 of thefilm transport unit60. Accordingly, a photographic film image is captured that corresponds to the digital working image stored in the workingmemory124. In the case of the film capture mode, however, the digital image will be utilized primarily for display purposes to enable the camera operator to verify what was captured on the corresponding photographic film image. However, by using main control unit38 to enter an editing mode and using the display of FIG. 15, the last captured digital image may still be stored in the memory card. To store a film image for display, themicrocontroller120 of the digital subsystem unit72 generates and transfers a lower resolution representation of the full resolution digital working image as a film mode image in a film image storage section of theflash memory126. In addition, the working image is cropped in size so that the film mode image corresponds to the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographic film image, as the film mode image need only contain the same scene information as the corresponding photographic film image. The reduction of the resolution and size of the film mode image permits the size of the film image storage section in theflash memory126 to be minimized. As theflash memory126 is integrated and internal to the camera structure, it is preferable to minimize the amount of memory required for theflash memory126 in order to reduce the expense and size of the overall camera. Accordingly, standard image compression techniques, for example JPEG, are preferably utilized to compress the film mode image prior to storage. The film mode image is preferably tagged with identification data (ID data) the indicates the film frame number of the corresponding film image, so the film mode images stored in the film mode image storage section127 can be properly matched to their corresponding photographic film images when displayed on the mainscreen display unit36 in response to a display signal supplied to themicrocontroller120 from thecamera operator interface74.
• In the hybrid image capture mode, a full size working image is again captured with a corresponding photographic film image and supplied to the working[0057]memory124 of thedigital subsystem70. As in a film mode capture operation, themicrocontroller120 does not transfer the complete digital image, but generates and transfers a reduced sized digital image to the interface connector130 for storage in the memory card as a hybrid mode image. The reduced sized hybrid mode digital image, as with the film mode image, has an aspect ratio that corresponds to the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographic film image, but maintains the same resolution as the working image stored in the workingmemory124. The effective cropping of the size of the working image to match the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographic image allows for a reduction in the amount of memory required to store a hybrid mode image as compared with a digital mode image. Accordingly, a greater number of hybrid mode images can be stored on the memory card as compared with digital mode images. In the case of either hybrid mode images or digital mode images, it is further preferable to have themicrocontroller120 compress the images prior to storage as with the film mode images. Although a loss of information results from the cropping of the working images when storing a hybrid mode image, the image information removed to produce the hybrid mode image is not required, as the hybrid mode image contains the same image information as the corresponding photographic image. If the camera operator wishes to retain all image information, then a digital mode image should be captured instead of a hybrid mode image in the illustrated embodiment.
• In a preferred embodiment, the last captured working image remains in the working[0058]memory124 until a new exposure operation is initiated regardless of the image capture mode selected, and regardless of whether the film cartridge is removed from the film chamber98 or the memory card is removed from the interface connector130. Aquick review switch37, illustrated in FIG. 5, is provided on the back of thecamera body10. At any time after the capture of an image and before capture of a next image, thereview switch37 can be activated by the camera operator to display the last captured working image on the mainscreen display unit36 as a review image. The last captured working image thus can be displayed without requiring the availability of the non-volatile memory of the memory card. Activation of thereview switch37 provides a signal to themicrocontroller120 to initiate the transfer of the working image stored in the workingmemory124 to the LCD drive circuit132 for subsequent display on the mainscreen display unit36 as a review image. It should be noted that during the exposure operation described above, the mainscreen display unit36 is not activated unless specifically turned on by the camera operator. Accordingly, when thereview switch37 is activated, themicrocontroller120 activates the mainscreen display unit36 to display the review image, either for a predetermined period of time or until thereview switch37 is deactivated, and then deactivates the mainscreen display unit36 to enter the power conservation mode.
• In contrast to the last working image, the film mode images stored in the film mode image storage section[0059]127 of theflash memory126 are preferably erased by themicrocontroller120 when the film is rewound into the cartridge. The size of the film mode image storage section127 of theflash memory126 need therefore only be sufficient to store a number of film mode images corresponding to the maximum number of film images that could be captured on one film cartridge. As stated above, it is desirable to limit the size of the film mode image storage section127 to reduce the expense and size of the camera. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, digital images corresponding to images captured on photographic film are only retained in the hybrid image capture mode unless selected for album storage as will be described in greater detail.
• The camera operator can initiate a review of all digital images stored in either a memory card or the[0060]base camera memory126 by activating the main screen displayunit operation switch39, thereby sending a display signal to themicrocontroller120. Review of film mode images corresponding to images captured on film is accomplished by setting the main screen displayunit operation switch39 to the illustrated “F” or “FILM” setting. In response, themicrocontroller120 retrieves the digital film mode image stored in the film mode image storage section127 of thebase camera memory126 corresponding to the last photographic film image taken and displays the image on the mainscreen display unit36. The camera operator can then manually scroll through digital film mode images in forward and reverse directions by utilizing the right directional switch48 of the main screen operator control unit38 or the leftdirectional switch52. Similarly, digital images stored in either the digital image capture mode or hybrid image capture mode can be displayed and scrolled by utilizing the same directional switches and setting theoperation switch39 to the illustrated “D” or “DIGITAL” setting. In addition, instead of starting at the last image stored in either thebase camera memory126 or the memory card, a menu option window can be displayed on the mainscreen display unit36 to allow the operator to select a specific image as the first image to be displayed.
• Still further, instead of requiring the operator to enter a manual command to scroll through each image, a “slide show” option is preferably provided to allow the automatic scrolling of images after either predetermined time periods or time periods selected by the operator. For example, upon setting the[0061]operation switch39 to a selected setting, themicrocontroller120 of the digital subsystem72 sends a scroll option window to the mainscreen display unit36 for display. The scroll option window includes a “Manual Scroll” icon and an “Slide Show” icon as illustrated in FIG. 8. The camera operator utilizes the main screen operator control unit38 to enter control signals to themicrocontroller120 to select the desired scroll option. Themicrocontroller120 sends an image selection list to themain screen display36 for operator selection that includes a “Last Image Recorded” icon and a “Selected Image” icon as shown in FIG. 9. If the “Last Image Recorded” icon is selected by the operator, themicrocontroller120 controls the transfer and display of the stored digital images in either manual or automatic scrolling modes starting with the last image recorded and then decrements. If the “Selected Image” icon is selected by the operator, themicrocontroller120 controls thedisplay unit36 to display a selected image list as illustrated in FIG. 10. The operator can then scroll through the numeric list and select the desired starting image using the main screen operator control unit38. Alternatively, different user interfaces can be employed, for example scrolling numbers or the display of a virtual keyboard on thedisplay unit36, to allow the operator to select a specific image as the start image. Still further, a small keyboard or keypad can be incorporated in the camera as part of thecamera operator interface74. If the automatic scroll mode is selected, a further user interface window (not shown) is displayed on themain display screen36 to allow the operator to select a desired time period between images or a default time period previously stored in memory.
• In addition to scrolling through the stored images, a more advanced graphical user interface can be incorporated to permit the operator to select various camera functions. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, camera function icons are displayed in an[0062]icon group200 on the mainscreen display unit36 to edit information related to the images (including conventional APS data), obtain help information, enter user defined data into the camera or perform other functions. Animage display area202 is used to display the digital image being reviewed or edited thedisplay area202 to indicate the respective position of the displayed digital image in its associated memory. A functionname display area206 displays the camera function currently selected. A functiondata entry area208 displays data associated with the selected camera function. If desired, theicon group200 can be generated as transparent icons that can be laid over the displayed digital image, so that the size of theimage display area202 can be expanded and the camera operator can see the displayed digital image through the displayed icons.
• Each camera function selectable by the camera operator has a corresponding individual icon in the[0063]icon group200. In the illustrated example, a copy number function is accessed by selecting a copy number icon210, an image format function is accessed by selecting an image format icon212, a title function is accessed by selecting a title icon214, an album function is accessed by selecting an album icon216, and a magnifying function is accessed by selecting a magnification icon218. The camera operator activates theedit switch40 to cause the first function icon displayed in theicon group200, in this case the copy number icon210, on the mainscreen display unit36 to be highlighted. The updirectional switch46 and the down direction switch50 are utilized to advance through the displayed function icons until the desiredtitle icon208 is highlighted. For example, by activating the down direction switch50 twice, the highlighted icon sequentially moves from the copy number icon210 to the image format icon212 and then to the title icon214. Once the desired function icon is highlighted, for example the title icon214, the operator presses theedit switch40 to enter the highlighted function mode. The name of the function mode is displayed in the functionname display area206 of the mainscreen display unit36 and the current data for the selected image is displayed in the functiondata entry area208. In the case of titles, the updirectional switch46 and the downdirectional switch50 are utilized to scroll through pre-programmed tides. Alternatively, the operator can enter a desired title by scrolling through and selecting individual characters displayed in the functiondata entry area208. A function is exited by pressing theexit switch42.
• In a preferred embodiment, if the operator changes the title of one digital image and then uses the directional switches to selected another digital image without exiting the title function, the title selected for the previous digital image will be automatically selected for the newly selected digital image. The title will continue to be maintained for all digital images viewed in the title function mode until the camera operator either exits the function or selects a new title. Accordingly, the camera operator can modify a sequence of images to have the same title in a quick and convenient manner.[0064]
• The camera operator can change the image format of the displayed hybrid or film mode image by selecting the image format function icon[0065]212 to enter the image format function as illustrated in FIG. 12. The operator can select image formats including classic, HDTV and panoramic formats associated with conventional APS cameras. Film mode images and hybrid mode images are stored and displayed on themain screen display36 in a 9:16 aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio of the silver-halide image system14, and digital mode images are stored and displayed in a 3:4 aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio of theCCD image sensor94. The image format selected by the operator before the image was captured is displayed in the functiondata entry area208. The operator then uses the main screen operator control unit38 to edit the image format selection. In a preferred embodiment, the full available digital image for a given image capture mode is displayed and amask220 may be used to indicate to the operator which portions of the image will be excluded for a given selected digital image, when an eventual photographic print is made from the corresponding film image. FIG. 12, for example, illustrates a digital mode image that is being displayed in HDTV format. Accordingly, the operator can change an image format, for example from classic format to a panoramic format, and compare the differences between the two formats before making a final decision as to which format is desired for the selected image. FIG. 13A illustrates an uncropped digital format. FIGS. 13B, C and D illustrate the same digital format cropped, respectively, to the film or hybrid HDTV format, the film or hybrid panoramic format, and the film or hybrid classic format.
• The film mode images, hybrid mode images and digital mode images are stored as image records that include an ID file, an image information file (IIF) and an image data field (IDF) as illustrated in FIG. 14. The ID file contains data identifying the images and includes, for example, the frame number tag of a corresponding photographic film image in the case of film mode images and hybrid mode images. The IIF contains image data related to the images and includes, for example, conventional APS data in addition to other data associated with the image that can be entered by the camera operator through the[0066]camera operator interface74 or downloaded via thedata communications port136. The IDF contains the actual pixel data for the digital image. When an editing operation is performed, the IIF for the corresponding digital image is updated with the edited data by themicrocontroller120. Further, in the cased mode images, the operator edited data is also written back to the magnetic recording tracks of the corresponding photographic film image. Accordingly, changes selected by the operator, as with data written to the film during the image capture operation, can be transmitted to a photo finisher with the exposed photographic film.
• Data is conventionally written to the magnetic recording tracks of the photographic film by the[0067]magnetic head108 after an exposure operation is completed and the film is advanced from one frame to the next frame by thefilm transport unit60. Accordingly, when editing information has been entered with respect to film mode images or hybrid mode images, the photographic film is rewound and advanced once again by thefilm transport unit60 so that the edited data can be written to photographic film by themagnetic head108. Alternatively, the editing information can be written to the photographic film during a rewind operation prior to removing a film cartridge from the camera. In this manner, it is possible to edit data written to the photographic film at any time, either prior to the removal of the film cartridge98 or even after re-insertion of a film cartridge into the film chamber98.
• If the camera operator would like to save a particular image for future review, even after a film cartridge or memory card is removed, the camera operator can select the album function icon[0068]216 in the function icon group as illustrated in FIG. 15. When the album function216 is selected, the digital image displayed on the mainscreen display unit36 can be selectively stored as an album image in the albumimage storage section125 of thebase camera memory126 by using the directional switches to select either a “Yes” or “No” album copy option. A stored album image remains in thebase camera memory126 until specifically deleted by the camera operator. Accordingly, the camera includes an integrated album of stored images that remains with the camera. If desired, the albumimage storage section125 of thenon-volatile flash memory126 can be further sub-divided into different album storage sub-sections (125a,125b,125c,125d, etc. as shown in FIG. 7), so that the camera operator can store related images (for example related by subject, date or time) in the same album sub-section or different camera operators can utilize different album sub-sections to store their respective images. In the event of different camera operators, password protections are preferably utilized so that deletion and/or viewing of images can be performed only by the operator that stored the images.
• Album images, as with film mode images, have a resolution corresponding to the resolution of the main[0069]screen display unit36. The size of the album image preferably corresponds to the size of the underlying digital image selected for album storage. For example, if a film mode image or a hybrid mode image is selected for album storage, the size of the album image will correspond to the image size of the hybrid mode image. Alternatively, if a digital mode image is selected from album storage, the size of the album image will correspond to the image size of the digital mode image.
• The images stored in the album may be accessed by setting display[0070]unit operation switch39 to the “A” or “ALBUM” position shown in FIG. 5. An image in the album will be displayed onmain display unit36. The directional switches48,52 may then be used to scroll up or down and change the image displayed. Theedit switch40 may be used to display the screen of FIG. 16 and the slide show feature discussed above can also be utilized to display the album images. FIG. 16, for example, illustrates aslide show icon222 that, when selected, allows the camera operator to activate the slide show feature. While in the slide show function, the updirectional switch46 and the downdirectional switch50 are used to control the speed at which images are presented or a default speed can be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, themicrocontroller120 will control the display of each album image once when the camera is powered by batteries77 and then exit the function to conserve energy. When the camera is connected to a main power source via thepower adapter connector79, themicrocontroller120 will control the display of the album images so that they continue to scroll through until the operator activates theexit switch42. A delete icon228 may be used to remove images from the album.
• Other functions include a magnifying function that allows the operator to temporarily magnify the image of the[0071]main display screen36 when the magnification icon218 is selected, a utilities function that allows the operator to enter time and date information when theutilities icon224 is selected, a help function that the operator can access to obtain information from a help menu when thehelp icon226 is selected, and a print copy function that can be accessed by clicking on the print copy icon210. By entering the number of print copy function, the camera operator can select the number of prints desired from a photographic film image corresponding to either a film mode digital image or a hybrid mode digital image. The number of prints data is then written to the corresponding photographic film image by themagnetic head108. Similarly, an image processing function is preferably incorporated that permits the operator to crop and pan images, where the image processing data is written to the photographic film for subsequently retrieval and use by a photo finisher.
• In order to offer the operator the opportunity to edit image information prior to removal of a film cartridge from the film chamber[0072]98, it is preferable not to have the film automatically rewind after the completion of a roll. Instead, an indicator is provided, for example an LED indicator in the viewfinder, informing the camera operator that the end of roll has been reached. At this point, the camera operator can press a rewind switch to institute film rewinding if editing of image information is not desired. If editing is desired, however, the camera operator turns on themain display unit36 themicrocontroller120 causes a current film order window of the type illustrated in FIG. 17 to be display indicating the type of images captured. The camera operator can then activate theedit switch40 to cause the camera to go into the modes described above or activate theexit switch42 to cause film rewinding.
• It is desirable to provide a mechanism for identifying the hybrid mode images stored on the memory card with the film cartridge containing the corresponding film images. In one embodiment, the detection of the insertion of a film cartridge by the cartridge sensors[0073]106 causes themicrocontroller120 to display a film cartridge identification prompts illustrated in FIG. 18. The camera operator then utilizes the main screen operator control unit38 to scroll through alphanumeric characters until a desired character is highlighted. The camera operator then presses theedit switch40 to select the highlighted character which is then displayed in aID display area230. The camera operator continues to select characters until theexit switch42 is pressed to exit the function. The user is prompted to enter a roll identification code each time a film cartridge is inserted into the film chamber98. Themicrocontroller120 then tags each film mode image and hybrid mode image with the roll identification code and frame number for each corresponding photographic image as part of the ID file.
• Alternatively, an automatic mechanism for providing roll identification can be incorporated into the camera. For example, the cartridge sensors[0074]106 include a cartridge identification sensor107 that reads an optically encoded or magnetically encoded roll or cartridge identification code provided on a film cartridge, and supplies the identification code to themain camera controller68 for transfer to themicrocontroller120. Themicrocontroller120 can therefore automatically tag each digital image, whether a film mode image or hybrid mode image, with the corresponding film cartridge ID. Although it is preferable to include the cartridge identification sensor107 within the film chamber98, it is also possible to provide the cartridge identification sensor107 in themain body10 of the camera in a manner permitting the camera operator to pass a film cartridge over the cartridge identification sensor107 prior to inserting it into the film chamber98. Also, theCCD array94 could be used to image an identification code on a cartridge held before the camera, after whichcontroller120 would process the image of the cartridge to extract the code. Still further, themain body10 can be provided with a detachable “wand” with the cartridge identification sensor107 located on the end of the wand, thereby allowing the camera operator to scan the film cartridge with the wand to enter the cartridge identification data. In addition, roll or cartridge identification code can be provided on the magnetic layer of the photographic film, such as in the form of a header file on the leader portion of the film. Themagnetic head108 is then used to read the header file and transfer the roll identification code to themain camera controller74 and subsequently themicrocontroller120. Themicrocontroller102 then stores the roll identification code as part of the ID file for a hybrid mode image or a film mode image.
• In a preferred embodiment, only those hybrid mode images corresponding photographic film images located on the film cartridge presently retained within the camera are displayed during a scrolling, review or editing operation, thereby preventing the camera operator from editing information related to a hybrid mode image when the editing information cannot be stored on the corresponding photographic film image. Alternatively, the camera operator may be permitted to scroll through all of the hybrid mode images stored on the memory card. In the event, however, that the camera operator attempts to edit a hybrid mode image that does not have a corresponding photographic film image on the presently retained film cartridge, a warning indication is displayed on the main[0075]display screen unit36 advising the operator to insert the correct film cartridge. Once the correct film cartridge is inserted, the camera operator is permitted to edit the information and the information is updated on the magnetic recording tracks of the corresponding photographic film image.
• In a further embodiment, instead of writing a cartridge identification code on the hybrid mode image, a memory card identification code can be written to a film cartridge or the magnetic recording tracks of each corresponding photographic film image. In such a case, the[0076]microcontroller120 keeps an identification table that indicates which film exposure corresponds to a given hybrid mode image. For example, when a film cartridge is removed, the information contained in the table is written to the photographic film, preferably in the form of a header file at the leader portion of the photographic film. Accordingly, when a memory card is inserted into the camera and the editing mode is selected to edit hybrid mode images, themicrocontroller120 can identify whether the film cartridge presently in the camera would contain images corresponding to the hybrid mode image desired to be edited. If not, the operator is notified and prompted to change the film cartridge. When a new cartridge is entered the identification table is updated with the information corresponding to that particular cartridge. It would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other addressing schemes can be employed to provide identification tags for corresponding rolls and memory card.
• As illustrated in FIG. 19, the[0077]camera body10 can be connected to ahost computer232 viadata communication port136. When tethered to thehost computer232, all operator inputs usually selected by the various switches provided by thecamera operator interface74 can be sent to the camera by thehost computer232. Accordingly, the camera can be operated remotely by a local operator working on thehost computer232 or a remote operator working on aremote computer234 linked to thehost computer232 by any form ofcommunication link233. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface is displayed on amonitor236 of the host computer232 (or the remote computer234) including virtual switches representing each of the actual control switches of the camera as illustrated in FIG. 20. Utilizing an interface device such as a “mouse”, the operator can “click” on any of the virtual control switches to activate the corresponding function in the camera as if the actual button or switch on the camera were being depressed.
• As it may be desirable to have the computer operator remain at the computer instead of using the[0078]viewfinder20 to frame a subject image, a virtual viewfinder is provided by utilizing theCCD image sensor94 to image the subject scene, either in a still image mode or a motion image mode, and supply a digital viewfinder image238 to thecomputer monitor236 for viewfinding purposes. For example, a working image is captured every second and supplied from the workingmemory124 to thehost computer232 via thedata communication port136 under control of themicrocontroller120. When the subject image is appropriate, the computer operator then activates the virtual shutter button displayed on thecomputer monitor236 to cause image capture.
• The computer operator can perform a variety of image processing functions on digital images downloaded from the camera. For example, image processing software can be utilized in the[0079]host computer232 to perform zoom, pan and crop functions on any portion of a displayed image, attach special borders for special occasions, and print the edited images on a printer. Image data generated by thehost computer232 can be transferred back to the camera to update the image information files of film mode images stored in thebase camera memory126 or of hybrid mode and digital mode images contained in a memory card coupled to the interface connector130. In addition, data generated by the host computer can be transferred to the camera for writing on the magnetic layer of the photographic film by themagnetic head108. Accordingly, a computer operator can generate photo-finishing data on thehost computer232 and transfer the photo-finishing data directly to the photographic film in the camera, such that when the film is presented to a photo-finisher, the data can be retrieved from the photographic film and utilized in a photo- finishing operation. Still further, album images contained in thehost computer232 can be transferred to the camera for storage in the albumimage storage section125 of thebase camera memory126.
• The utilization of the[0080]host computer232 to perform editing operations provides the advantage of having more advanced processing power available to perform the editing operations and a larger monitor making it easier to view the edited images. However, the same editing functions can be included within the functions available to the camera operator. The camera operator can therefore perform image processing functions including zooming, cropping and panning utilize thecamera control interface74 in conjunction with a user interface displayed on the maindisplay screen unit36. Similarly, data corresponding to the editing operation is stored on the photographic film by writing the editing data to the film with themagnetic head108.
• The camera structure described above provides a number of distinct technical advantages. The provision of the album[0081]image storage section125 in the internalbase camera memory126 provides a convenient and practical method of allowing the camera operator to store digital images that can be easily transported and displayed. The provision of thequick review switch37 enables an camera operator to quickly review the last image captured, while at the same time conserving energy by allowing themain display screen36 to remain deactivated until specifically required for the quick review. The provision of the data communication port allows the camera to be conveniently coupled to thehost computer232, thereby allowing thehost computer232 to control the operation of the camera. In addition, thehost computer232 can transfer data, including album images, directly for storage in themain camera memory126 or a memory card coupled to the interface connector130, and also transfer data to photographic film contained in the camera by writing the data to the photographic film with themagnetic head108. Still further, thecamera operator interface74 in operation with the maindisplay screen unit36 provides a convenient method of entering cartridge identification data into the camera, thereby allowing hybrid mode images stored on a memory card to be tagged with the cartridge identification code of a film cartridge containing corresponding photographic images.
• The invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof. It will be understood, however, that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary graphical user interface. It will be understood, however, that specifics of the user interface utilized to present and select camera functions can vary widely. In addition, modifications in the overall architecture of the camera are possible. For example, a single optical system can be utilized to provide scene light to both the[0082]CCD image sensor94 and theimage plane100 of thefilm transport unit60.
Parts List
• [0083]10 . . . main camera body
• [0084]12 . . . sliding lens cover
• [0085]14 . . . silver-halide optical system
• [0086]16 . . . digital imaging optical system
• [0087]18 . . . electronic flash unit
• [0088]19 . . . masking device
• [0089]20 . . . optical viewfinder
• [0090]21 . . . optical system
• [0091]22 . . . LCD status unit
• [0092]23 . . . image capture mode selector switch
• [0093]24 . . . shutter button
• [0094]25 . . . zoom control switch
• [0095]26 . . . picture taking mode selector switch
• [0096]28 . . . flash mode selector switch
• [0097]30 . . . timer mode selector switch
• [0098]32 . . . image format selector switch
• [0099]34 . . . hinged support element
• [0100]36 . . . main screen display unit
• [0101]37 . . . review switch
• [0102]38 . . . main screen operator control unit
• [0103]39 . . . display mode selection switch
• [0104]40 . . . edit switch
• [0105]42 . . . exit switch
• [0106]44 . . . directional switch unit
• [0107]46 . . . up directional switch
• [0108]48 . . . right directional switch
• [0109]50 . . . down directional switch
• [0110]52 . . . left directional switch
• [0111]54 . . . memory card door
• [0112]56 . . . battery compartment door
• [0113]58 . . . film chamber door
• [0114]60 . . . film transport unit
• [0115]62 . . . range finding module
• [0116]64 . . . light sensor
• [0117]68 . . . main camera controller
• [0118]70 . . . analog subsystem unit
• [0119]72 . . . digital subsystem unit
• [0120]74 . . . camera operator interface
• [0121]76 . . . power supply unit
• [0122]77 . . . AA cells
• [0123]78 . . . multi-element lens
• [0124]79 . . . power adapter connector
• [0125]80 . . . aperture/shutter mechanism
• [0126]82 . . . zoom/focus mechanism
• [0127]84 . . . multi-element lens
• [0128]86 . . . blur filter
• [0129]88 . . . telephoto drive mechanism
• [0130]90 . . . aperture drive mechanism
• [0131]92 . . . aperture
• [0132]94 . . . image sensor
• [0133]96 . . . film drive
• [0134]98 . . . film chamber
• [0135]100 . . . image plane
• [0136]102 . . . winding spool
• [0137]104 . . . film perforation sensor
• [0138]106 . . . cartridge sensors
• [0139]107 . . . cartridge identification sensor
• [0140]108 . . . magnetic head
• [0141]110 . . . vertical clock drive circuit
• [0142]112 . . . horizontal clock drive circuit
• [0143]114 . . . CDS circuit
• [0144]116 . . . programmable gain amplifier
• [0145]118 . . . AID converter
• [0146]120 . . . microcontroller
• [0147]122 . . . application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)
• [0148]124 . . . DRAM working memory
• [0149]125 . . . album storage section
• [0150]126 . . . base camera flash memory
• [0151]127 . . . film mode image storage section
• [0152]128 . . . read only memory (ROM)
• [0153]130 . . . memory card interface connector
• [0154]132 . . . LCD interface drive circuitry
• [0155]134 . . . standard communications interface circuit
• [0156]136 . . . data communications port
• [0157]140 . . . microcontroller
• [0158]142 . . . magnetics I/O
• [0159]144 . . . motor drivers
• [0160]150 . . . LCD power module
• [0161]152 . . . analog subsystem module
• [0162]154 . . . main power module
• [0163]156 . . . LCD backlight power module
• [0164]158 . . . digital subsystem power module
• [0165]160 . . . flash charger and control module
• [0166]162 . . . a flash capacitor
• [0167]164 . . . flashtube
• [0168]200 . . . icon group
• [0169]202 . . . image display area
• [0170]204 . . . a scroll bar
• [0171]206 . . . function name display area
• [0172]208 . . . function data entry area
• [0173]210 . . . copy number icon
• [0174]212 . . . image format icon
• [0175]214 . . . tile icon
• [0176]216 . . . album icon
• [0177]218 . . . magnification icon
• [0178]220 . . . mask
• [0179]222 . . . slide show icon
• [0180]224 . . . utilities icon
• [0181]226 . . . help icon
• [0182]228 . . . delete icon
• [0183]232 . . . host computer
• [0184]233 . . . communications link
• [0185]234 . . . remote computer
• [0186]236 . . . monitor
• [0187]238 . . . digital viewfinder image

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:

1. A camera comprising:

digital imaging means for generating a digital image representative of a subject scene;

fixed working memory means for receiving and storing the digital image generated by the digital imaging means as a working image;

a non-volatile memory for storing digital images;

a display screen; and

control processing means for controlling the operation of the digital imaging means, the fixed working memory means and the display screen;

wherein the control processing means generates a digital mode image from the working image stored in the working memory and transfers of the digital mode image to the non-volatile memory while retaining the working image in the working memory;

wherein the control processing means selectively generates a display image from a digital mode image stored in the non-volatile memory and transfers the display image to the display screen for display; and

wherein the control processing means selectively generates a quick review image from the working image stored in the working memory and supplies the quick review image to the display screen for display without requiring availability of the non-volatile memory.

2. A camera as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein the digital imaging means generates a plurality of digital images under control of the control processing means, and wherein each subsequent one of the plurality of digital images replaces a preceding one of the plurality of digital images as the working image stored in the working memory, whereby the working image is representative of the last subject scene imaged by the camera.

3. A camera as claimed in

claim 1

, further comprising photographic imaging means for imaging the subject scene onto a photographic film plane of the camera under control of the control processing means.

4. A camera as claimed in

claim 3

, wherein the control processing means includes a camera operator interface that includes an image mode selector for selecting one of a film imaging mode, a hybrid imaging mode and the digital imaging mode of operation.

5. A camera as claimed in

claim 4

, wherein the photographic imaging means images the subject scene onto the photographic image plane in the film imaging mode and the hybrid imaging mode to generate a corresponding photographic film image on a photographic film located at the photographic imaging plane that corresponds with the digital image generated by the digital imaging means.

6. A camera as claimed in

claim 5

, wherein the control processing means generates a film mode digital image from the working image in the film imaging mode of operation and stores the film mode digital image in an internal fixed base camera memory of the camera, and wherein the control processing means selectively generates a display image from the film mode digital image and transfers the display image to the display screen for display.

7. A camera as claimed in

claim 5

, further comprising a removable interface connection means for receiving a removable memory device; wherein the non-volatile memory is comprised in a removable memory card coupled to the interface connection means.

8. A camera as claimed in

claim 7

, wherein the control processing means generates a hybrid mode digital image from the working image in the hybrid mode of operation and transfers the hybrid mode digital image to the removable memory interface connection means for storage on the memory card.

9. A camera as claimed in

claim 8

, wherein the control processing means selectively generates a display image from a hybrid mode digital image stored on the memory card coupled to the memory interface connection means and transfers the display image to the display screen for display.

10. A camera as claimed in

claim 5

, wherein the digital imaging means generates a plurality of digital images under control of the control processing means, and wherein each subsequent one of the plurality of digital images replaces a preceding one of the plurality of digital images as the working image stored in the working memory, whereby the working image is representative of the last subject scene imaged by the camera.

11. A camera as claimed in

claim 1

, wherein the control processing means activates the display screen for a predetermined time period to display the quick review image.

12. A camera as claimed in

claim 4

, wherein the camera operator interface includes a quick review switch, and wherein the control processing means activates the display screen to display the quick review image as long as the quick review switch is activated.

13. A camera as claimed in

claim 1

, further comprising means for storing the quick review image in the non-volatile memory.

Images