US20070052856A1 - Composite image selectivity - Google Patents

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM, CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION, AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
• The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).
Related Applications
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled ESTIMATING SHARED IMAGE DEVICE OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OR RESOURCES, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Jun. 2, 2005, Ser. No. 11/143,970, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date;
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled SHARED IMAGE DEVICE DESIGNATION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Jul. 26, 2005, Ser. No. 11/190,516, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date;
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled SAVED-IMAGE MANAGEMENT, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud, as inventors, filed Oct. 31, 2005, Ser. No. 11/263,587, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled CONDITIONAL ALTERATION OF A SAVED IMAGE, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud, as inventors, filed Nov. 1, 2005, Ser. No. 11/264,701 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled IMAGERY PROCESSING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Feb. 2006, Ser. No. 11/364,496 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled DATA MANAGEMENT OF A DATA STREAM, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Mar. 15, 2006, Ser. No. 11/376,627 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled STORAGE ACCESS TECHNIQUE FOR CAPTURED DATA, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filed Apr. 3, 2006, Ser. No. 11/397,357 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled THIRD PARTY STORAGE OF CAPTURED DATA, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filed Apr. 13, 2006, Ser. No. 11/404,104 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled DATA STORAGE USAGE PROTOCOL, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filed Apr. 14, 2006, Ser. No. 11/404,381 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled DEGRADATION/PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT OF CAPTURED DATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed May 15, 2006, Ser. No. 11/434,568, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled DUAL MODE IMAGE CAPTURE TECHNIQUE, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed May 19, 2006, Ser. No. 11/437,284, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled ENHANCED VIDEO/STILL IMAGE CORRELATION, naming Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 23 May 2006, Ser. No. 11/440,409, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present application constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitled CAPTURING SELECTED IMAGE OBJECTS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 18 Aug. 2006, Ser. No. ______, attorney docket # 0605-003-003D-000000, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
• All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
• Various possible system embodiment implementations are disclosed herein. For example an exemplary image access system may include a computerized user-interface for facilitating selection of one or more visual components to be incorporated in a composite work, a data record that includes an identification of one or more captured images having a possible visual component available for display and retrieval, a display module operatively coupled with the computerized user-interface to enable viewing of a representation of the possible visual component, and a processing module for accomplishing retrieval of a selected visual component for incorporation in the composite work.
• Some exemplary methods of composite image selection may include obtaining access to a collection of captured images, providing a computerized user-interface that is capable of display of a representation of various visual elements that are part of a captured image from the collection, and allowing a user to have viewing access to the display of the representation in order to make a selection of a possible component element to be incorporated as part of a composite work. Related aspects may include providing an input technique that enables an identification of the user's selection of the possible component element; and establishing a record of the selection made by the user, which record facilitates future availability of the selection.
• Another exemplary method of creating a composite visual work may include identifying a collection of captured images, associating rights-related information with one or more component elements of the captured images, presenting a representation of at least one of the captured images for viewing by a user, and enabling compliance with the rights-related information in connection with a selection of a specified component element of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work.
• An exemplary computer program product may include one or more computer programs for executing a process that includes displaying a representation of one or more captured images, providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images in order to facilitate a user's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work, providing an input technique that enables identification of the user's selection of the specified visual component, and establishing a record of the user's selection of the specified visual component.
• A computer program product embodiment may include storage media and/or signal communication media for encoding instructions for executing the process.
• The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary system that includes a thin computing device that may interface with an electronic device.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may be implemented.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may be implemented.
• FIG. 4 depicts one implementation of an exemplary environment in which the methods and systems described herein may be represented.
• FIG. 5 depicts a high-level flowchart of an exemplary operational process.
• FIG. 6 shows several alternative implementations of the high-level flowchart ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 shows several other alternative implementations of the high-level flowchart ofFIG. 5;
• FIG. 8 shows additional alternative implementation features regarding saved digital images.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing exemplary data storage communication embodiments.
• FIG. 10 schematically illustrates other possible features incorporated in an exemplary separate storage facility/location.
• FIG. 11 schematically illustrates other possible features incorporated in an exemplary capture/transmitting device.
• FIG. 12 is a high level flow chart showing another exemplary data storage access embodiment.
• FIGS. 13-17 are detailed flow charts illustrating additional exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 18 illustrates another exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing exemplary embodiments for a capture device and a separate data storage facility.
• FIG. 20 is a high level flow chart showing a further exemplary process embodiment.
• FIGS. 21-26 are detailed flow charts illustrating other exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 27 illustrates a further exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIGS. 28-29 are high level flow charts showing additional exemplary process embodiments.
• FIGS. 30-36 are detailed flow charts illustrating further exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 37 illustrates another exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIG. 38 shows a schematic diagram for an exemplary system embodiment incorporating video and still image modules.
• FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram for an exemplary system for capturing both still image frames and video data streams.
• FIGS. 40-41 are high level flow charts showing further exemplary process embodiments.
• FIGS. 42-49 are detailed flow charts illustrating other exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 50 illustrates a further exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various exemplary embodiments for correlating captured video streams and still images.
• FIG. 52 is a high level flow chart illustrating another exemplary process embodiment.
• FIGS. 53-57 are detailed flow charts depicting other exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 58 illustrates an additional exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIG. 59 is a schematic block diagram showing various exemplary implementation features for capturing multiple exposures.
• FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary components that may be used for capturing and processing multiple exposures.
• FIG. 61 is a diagrammatic representation of exemplary embodiment features for retrieval of captured image elements to be incorporated in a composite visual work.
• FIG. 62 is a high level flow chart illustrating a further exemplary process embodiment.
• FIGS. 63-68 are detailed flow charts showing other exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 69 is a high level flow chart illustrating another exemplary process embodiment.
• FIG. 70 is a detailed flow chart depicting additional exemplary embodiment features.
• FIG. 71 illustrates an exemplary computer program product embodiment.
• FIG. 72 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary features incorporated in a user-interface display embodiment.
• FIG. 73 is a schematic bock diagram illustrating exemplary embodiment features for a composite image selection system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.
• FIG. 1 provides a brief, general description of an illustrative and/or suitable exemplary environment in which embodiments may be implemented. InFIG. 1, as in the other figures, the figure is an example of an environment and does not suggest any limitation as to the structure, scope of use, or functionality of an embodiment. An embodiment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in an exemplary environment. For example, in certain instances, elements of an environment and/or a method may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other instances, other elements may be deemed necessary and added.
• FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary system that includes athin computing device20 that may interface with an electronic device (not shown). The electronic device may include one or more functional elements51. For example, the electronic device may include any item having electrical and/or electronic components playing a role in a functionality of the item, such as a limited resource computing device, a game console, a digital camera, a cell phone, a printer, a refrigerator, a car, and an airplane. The thin computing device includes aprocessing unit21, asystem memory22, and a system bus23 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read-only memory (ROM)24 and random access memory (RAM)25. A basic input/output system (BIOS)26, containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between sub-components within the thin computing device, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM. A number of program modules may be stored in the ROM and/or RAM, including anoperating system28, one ormore application programs29,other program modules30, andprogram data31.
• A user may enter commands and information into thecomputing device20 through user input devices, such as a number of switches and buttons, illustrated ashardware buttons44, which may be associated with the electronic device and connected via asuitable interface45. Input devices may further include a touch-sensitive display screen32 with suitableinput detection circuitry33. The output circuitry of the touch-sensitive display screen is connected to the system bus23 via avideo driver37. Other input devices may include amicrophone34 connected through asuitable audio interface35, and a physical hardware keyboard (not shown). In addition to thedisplay32, thecomputing device20 may include other peripheral output devices, such as at least onespeaker38.
• Other external input oroutput devices39, such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, an external computer readable medium, or the like may be connected to theprocessing unit21 through aUSB port40 andUSB port interface41, to the system bus23. Alternatively, the other external input andoutput devices39 may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or other port. Thecomputing device20 may further include or be capable of connecting to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate connection port (not shown). The computing device may further include or be capable of a connection with a network through anetwork port42 andnetwork interface43, and/or throughwireless port46 andcorresponding wireless interface47. Such a connection may be provided to facilitate communication with other peripheral devices, including other computers, printers, and so on (not shown). It will be appreciated that the various components and connections shown are exemplary and other components and means of establishing communications links may be used.
• Thecomputing device20 may be designed to include a user interface having a character, key-based, other user data input via the touchsensitive display32 using a stylus (not shown). Moreover, the user interface is not limited to an actual touch-sensitive panel arranged for directly receiving input, but may alternatively or in addition respond to another input device, such as themicrophone34. For example, spoken words may be received at themicrophone34 and recognized. Alternatively, the computing device may be designed to include a user interface having a physical keyboard (not shown).
• The device functional elements51 are typically application specific and related to a function of the electronic device. The device functional elements are driven by a device functional element(s)interface50, which coupled with the system bus23. A functional element may typically perform a single well-defined task with little or no user configuration or setup, such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cell phone connecting with an appropriate tower and transceiving voice or data information, and/or a camera capturing and saving an image.
• In the description that follows, certain embodiments may be described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by one or more computing devices, such as thethin computing device20 ofFIG. 1. As such, it will be understood that such acts and operations, which are at times referred to as being computer-executed, include the manipulation by the processing unit of the computer of electrical signals representing data in a structured form. This manipulation transforms the data or maintains them at locations in the memory system of the computer, which reconfigures or otherwise alters the operation of the computer in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. The data structures in which data is maintained are physical locations of the memory that have particular properties defined by the format of the data. However, while an embodiment is being described in the foregoing context, it is not meant to be limiting as those of skill in the art will appreciate that the acts and operations described hereinafter may also be implemented in hardware.
• Embodiments may be described in a general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An embodiment may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
• Embodiments may be implemented with numerous other general-purpose or special-purpose computing devices, computing system environments, and/or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with an embodiment include, but are not limited to, personal computers, handheld or laptop devices, personal digital assistants, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network, minicomputers, server computers, game server computers, web server computers, mainframe computers, and distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.
• FIG. 2 illustrates anexemplary system200 in which embodiments may be implemented. The system includes adigital camera210 having image capture and image storage functionality. Thedigital camera210 includes a computing device (not shown), such as thethin computing device20 described in conjunction withFIG. 1, that is operable to interact with functional elements of the digital camera. The digital camera also includes a plurality ofuser interfaces220. The plurality ofinterfaces220 includes adisplay232. In alternative embodiments, the display may provide a textual, a visual display, and/or a graphical display. In a further embodiment, the display may include touch screen functionality operable to accept a user input. The plurality of user interfaces of the camera also includes amicrophone234, aspeaker238, and a plurality oftangible buttons244A-244E. One or more of the tangible buttons may include a light emitter, such as alight emitting device246A. Further, one or more of thetangible buttons244A-244E may include a vibrator operable to provide a tactile display. Thedisplay232 and thetangible buttons244A-244E may have any functionality appropriate to the digital camera. For example, thebutton244E may be assigned to operate a camera element, such as a shutter function. Thebutton244A may be assigned an “enter” function, andbuttons244B and244C may be respectively assigned a scroll up and scroll down function relative to a menu displayed on thedisplay232. Thebutton244D may be assigned to operate another camera element, such as a lens zoom function. The digital camera also includescontext sensors250, which may be selected, for example, to produce relevant information about an environment extrinsic to the digital camera. The context sensors are illustrated as anexternal temperature sensor252 and alight intensity sensor254. The digital camera further includes aUSB port240, anetwork port242, and/or a wireless port (not shown).
• In addition, thedigital camera210 includes a lens (not shown) and an image acquisition module (not shown). The image acquisition module controls the lens, a shutter, an aperture, and/or other elements as necessary to capture an image through the lens. In an embodiment, capturing images using digital cameras or camcorders may be equated with photography as performed by conventional film cameras. A captured image may be processed, stored, viewed, and/or distributed by the digital camera. The digital camera also includes a system memory (not shown), such as thesystem memory22 of thethin computing device20 ofFIG. 1. The system memory includes saved operating systems and programs necessary to operate the digital camera. In addition, the digital camera may include a computer readable media (not shown), such as the computer readable medium described in conjunction withFIG. 3 below.
• Thedigital camera210 includes operability to receive a user input through an interface of the plurality ofinterfaces220. For example, in an embodiment, detecting a user touch to thebutton244D may be received as an instruction and/or a selection. Another detected user touch to another user interface of the plurality ofuser interfaces220 may be received as another instruction and/or a selection. The user touch may be detected by a user interface physically incorporated in the aspect of thedigital camera210 or proximate thereto. In an alternative embodiment, a user input may be received by detecting a signal responsive to a sound or voice received by themicrophone234. For example, a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to a spoken command to themicrophone234 may be received as an instruction to activate a program associated with the digital camera. Further, a detection of a signal responsive to a sound or voice may be received by themicrophone234.
• FIG. 3 illustrates anexemplary system300 in which embodiments may be implemented. The system includes adigital camera310. The digital camera includes animage acquisition module320 operable to capture an image, animage management module330, and a computer readable medium, illustrated as computerreadable media340.
• In an embodiment, thedigital camera310 may include a computing device (not expressly shown) that handles any required processing. For example, the computing device may include at least a part of the system described in conjunction withFIG. 1, including thethin computing device20, that may interface with at least one functional element of the digital camera. In an embodiment, the digital camera may include a processing unit, illustrated as aprocessing unit350, and asystem memory355, which may be substantially similar to theprocessing unit21 and thesystem memory22 respectively ofFIG. 1. In another embodiment, the digital camera may include at least a part of theexemplary system200 and/or thedigital camera210 described in conjunction withFIG. 2.
• Theimage management module330 includes an operability to save a captured image at a resolution in the computerreadable medium340 and in a user-accessible form. In an embodiment, the operability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an operability to save a captured image in a format at least substantially suitable for presentation by a visual display of thedigital camera310, such as a display screen. For example, the operability to save a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form may include an operability to save a captured image at a resolution in a JPEG format, a GIF format, a TIFF format, or a PDF format. In another embodiment, the operability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an operability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium after data representative of the captured image has been decoded and processed from a raw format. Typically, the raw data is decoded and/or processed from a raw format, i.e., raw image data, into a JPEG format, a GIF format, a TIFF format, or a PDF format. In a further embodiment, the operability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an operability to save the captured image in a form accessible to a user of the digital camera in the computer readable medium. For example, the form accessible to a user of the digital camera may include a JPEG format, a GIF format, a TIFF format, a PDF format, or a raw format where the digital camera allows a user access to a saved captured image in a raw format.
• In an embodiment, an “image” may include a full image. In another embodiment, an “image” may include a portion of an image, a segment of a full image, a thumbnail of an image, and/or an icon that pertains to an image. Another embodiment of an “image” may include a photograph and/or a digital image that can be captured by an image capture device such as, for example, thedigital camera310. Certain embodiments of a streaming image may include a video that may be captured by the digital camera, such as, for example, a digital camcorder camera.
• The term “resolution” may include an indication of a measurement of image detail, such as may be expressed as pixels per inch, dots per inch, or samples per inch, etc. In certain embodiments, a file size of an image is a function of its resolution, and in certain embodiments of relatively limited storage-capability cameras, relatively few high-resolution images can be saved.
• In another embodiment, a “user-accessible form” may include at least one of a location in the computer readable medium that allows a user to access a file saved therein, a file formatted to allow a user of thedigital camera310 to view and/or manipulate the captured image, a property of the captured image written to the computer readable medium, and/or an organization of the computer readable medium that allows a user to access a file saved therein. For example, data indicative of the captured image written to a hard drive in a JPEG format generally allows a user to view and/or manipulate the captured image. In an embodiment, a user-accessible storage medium may include all or any portion of any computer readable storage medium that allows a user, typically through a user interface, to act with respect to and/or interact with the image, such as viewing the image, manipulating the image, and/or directing the image to another location.
• Theimage management module330 also includes an operability to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met. In an embodiment, the condition may include a condition corresponding in part or whole to a state of the computer readable medium, a presence and/or absence of a predetermined content of the saved captured image, a characteristic of the saved image, an image storage administrative criterion, and/or a temporal criterion. In a further embodiment, a condition does not include an automatic or standing condition that normally occurs upon completion of a processing, for example, completion of decoding raw image data into a more machine usable and/or user viewable format.
• Examples of decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image include, but are not limited to, changing a resolution of a saved captured image, resampling a saved captured image, adjusting an exposure of a saved captured image, adjusting some image content of a saved captured image, and/or adjusting image composition of a saved captured image. As described within this document, certain embodiments of the decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image are configurable to decrease the resolution of the image such as by utilizing pixel-combination and/or combination of multiple images. The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image may include altering image intensity and/or color values. The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image may in certain embodiments, but not others, be equated to sizing the resolution of an image downward, and may other embodiments be implemented by removing pixels from the saved captured image. The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image may pertain in certain embodiments, but not others, to altering the color values and/or the color intensities of a particular image. The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image may pertain to decreasing the density of the pixels forming the image. During a resolution decreasing process, in certain embodiments of a display or projector, a footprint of pixels may be suitably altered to effectively change the resolution of the at least one image.
• In an embodiment, the computerreadable media340 may include a variety of computer readable media products. The computer readable media may include any storage media accessible by a computing device, and includes both removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not of limitation, computer-readable media may include any computer storage media. Computer storage media includes removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic devices, such as magnetic disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, or other magnetic storage devices; optical devices, such as CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or other optical disk storage; memory cards, such a flash memory card; and/or any other medium which may be used to store the captured information and which can be accessed by a computing device. Combinations of any of the above may also be included within the scope of a computer-readable medium.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where the computerreadable media340 includes at least one instance of a computer readable medium. Illustrated instances of a computer readable medium include a computer storage device348, a non-removable non-volatile medium346, and/or a removablenon-volatile medium344. In an embodiment, the computer storage device may include any device capable of storing data, such as, for example, a mass storage device, a disk drive, and/or a tape drive. In another embodiment, the non-removable non-volatile medium may include a non-volatile magnetic disk or other medium. In a further embodiment, the removable non-volatile medium may include an optical disk such as a CD ROM, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, and/or digital video tape.
• In an embodiment, the computerreadable medium340 includes a non-volatile computer storage device. In another embodiment, the computer readable medium includes a non-volatile computer readable medium. In a further embodiment, the computer readable medium includes a removable non-volatile computer readable medium.
• In an embodiment, theimage acquisition module320 operable to capture an image includes an image acquisition module operable to capture a still image, an image stream, and/or a combination of a still image and an image stream. In another embodiment, the image acquisition module operable to capture an image includes an image acquisition module operable to capture at least one of a visual image, an audio image, and/or a combination of a visual image and an audio image. In a further embodiment, the image acquisition module operable to capture an image includes an image acquisition module operable to capture an image in response to a received instruction from another digital device. The received instruction from another digital device may include an instruction received from another digital camera. The received instruction may direct capture of the image, or may include data responsive to which the image acquisition module captures the image.
• In an embodiment, theimage management module330 operable to save a captured image at a resolution in a computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an image management module operable to save a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible album of images stored in a computer readable medium. In another embodiment, the image management module operable to save a captured image at a resolution in a computer readable medium includes an image management module operable to save a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible collection of images stored in a computer readable medium. In a further embodiment, the image management module operable to save a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an image management module operable to save a captured image at a resolution in a user-accessible data structure.
• In an embodiment, theimage management module330 operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium using a lossy compression algorithm if a condition is met. In another embodiment, the image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a time exceeds a preselected time threshold. The preselected time threshold may exceed five seconds. The preselected time threshold may exceed at least a selected one of ten seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, thirty minutes, ninety minutes, five hours, twelve hours, one day, one week, one month, or one year.
• In a further embodiment, theimage management module330 operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a time value is inside a preselected time window. In an embodiment, the image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met where the condition corresponds to at least one of a storage space availability in the computer readable medium, a user established parameter, a preselected content of the image, and/or a parameter established by a storage management algorithm. In another embodiment, the image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition independent of the operation to save a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium is met. In a further embodiment, the image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is met includes an image management module operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if a condition responsive to an examination of at least one other captured image saved in the computer readable medium is met. For example, a condition responsive to an examination of at least one other captured image saved in the computer readable medium may include examining a content and/or context of the at least one or more other saved captured images for a repetition and/or duplication. If at least one other saved captured image is examined and found to be repetitive and/or duplicative of the saved captured image, the condition would be met and the image management module would operate to reduce the resolution of the saved captured image. In an alternative embodiment, the image management module may include an operability to reduce the resolution of the at least one other saved image in response to the condition being met.
• In an embodiment, theimage management module330 may further include an image management module operable to further decrease the resolution of the captured image saved in the computer readable medium if another condition is met.
• FIG. 4 depicts one implementation of an exemplary environment in which the methods and systems described herein may be represented. In the depictedexemplary environment100, are illustrated a variety of exemplary sensors: adigital video camera102 operated by one or more users represented by user104; adigital video camera106 used in conjunction with a digitalstill camera108, both operated by one or more users represented by user110; and asensor suite112 comprising more than one sensor represented bysensor114 and sensor116 (wherein thesensors114 and116 may be but need not be physically co-located, and may be but need not be of the same type, e.g.,sensor114 may be an infrared device andsensor116 may be a radar device), the sensor suite being operated by one or more users represented by user118. The exemplary sensors represent a variety of devices for the detection and/or the recording and/or the transmission of imagery aspects, e.g., images, including but not limited to digital video cameras, digital still cameras, digital sensor (e.g. CCD or CMOS) arrays, and radar sets. The exemplary users104,110, and/or118 may, for example, operate the exemplary sensors manually or may supervise and/or monitor their automatic operation. The exemplary users104,110, and/or118 may operate the exemplary sensors in physical proximity to the sensors or remotely. The exemplary sensors may also operate autonomously without exemplary users104,110, and/or118.
• The exemplary sensors may be used to detect and/or record and/or transmit images of a wide variety of objects, represented inFIG. 4 by exemplary objects, asphere120 and acube122. Thesphere120 and thecube122 are representative of any objects or groups of object, images of which may be detectable and/or recordable and/or transmissible by the exemplary sensors, including but not limited to persons, animals, buildings, roads, automobiles, tracks, aircraft, ships, spacecraft, landscape and/or seascape features, vegetation, and/or celestial objects. When used together in any given example herein, theexemplary sphere120 and theexemplary cube122 generally represent two distinct objects which may or may not be of the same or of a similar type, except where otherwise required by the context, e.g., asphere120 and acube122 used together in an example may represent a first particular object and a second particular object, e.g., a particular person and a particular building, or a particular first aircraft and a particular second aircraft, respectively. When used alone in any given example herein, the designated exemplary object, e.g., thesphere120 or thecube122, generally represents the same object, except where otherwise required by the context, e.g., asphere120 used alone in an example generally represents a single object, e.g., a single building, and acube122 used alone generally represents a single object, e.g., a particular person.
• Each of the exemplary sensors may detect and/or record and/or transmit images of the exemplary objects in a variety of combinations and sequences. For instance, thedigital video camera102 may detect and/or record and/or transmit an image of thesphere120 and then an image of thecube122 sequentially, in either order; and/or, thedigital video camera106 may detect and/or record and/or transmit a single image of thesphere120 and thecube122 together.
• Similarly, thedigital video camera106 may detect and/or record and/or transmit an image of thesphere120 and of thecube122 sequentially, in either order, and/or of thesphere120 and thecube122 together, before, after, partially simultaneously with, or simultaneously with an operation of the digitalstill camera108. The digitalstill camera108 may detect and/or record and/or transmit an image of thesphere120 and of thecube122 sequentially, in either order, and/or of thesphere120 and thecube122 together, before, after, partially simultaneously with, or simultaneously with an operation of thedigital video camera106.
• Similarly, thesensor114 and thesensor116 of thesensor suite112 may detect and/or record and/or transmit an image of thesphere120 and then of thecube122 sequentially, in either order, and/or of thesphere120 and thecube122 together, before, after, partially simultaneously with, or simultaneously with respect to each other.
• Such images may be recorded and/or transmitted via a computer or computers represented by thenetwork124 and/or directly to aprocessor126 and/orprocessing logic128, which accept data representing imagery aspects of the exemplary objects. Theprocessor126 represents one or more processors that may be, for example, one or more computers, including but not limited to one or more laptop computers, desktop computers, and/or other types of computers. The processing logic may be software and/or hardware and/or firmware associated with theprocessor126 and capable of accepting and/or processing data representing imagery aspects of the exemplary objects from the exemplary sensors. Such processing may include but is not limited to comparing at least a portion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion of the data from the other sensor, and/or applying a mathematical algorithm to at least a portion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion of the data from the other sensor. Such processing may also include, but is not limited to, deriving third data from the combining at least a portion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion of the data from another sensor.
• The exemplary sensors may be capable of detecting and/or recording and/or transmitting one or more imagery aspects of the exemplary objects, the one or more imagery aspects being defined in part, but not exclusively, by exemplary parameters such as focal length, aperture (f-stop being one parameter for denoting aperture), t-stop, shutter speed, sensor sensitivity (such as film sensitivity (e.g., film speed) and/or digital sensor sensitivity), exposure (which may be varied by varying, e.g., shutter speed and/or aperture), frequency and/or wavelength, focus, depth of field, white balance (and/or white point, color temperature, and/or micro reciprocal degree or “mired”), and/or flash. Some or all of the parameters that may define at least in part imagery aspects may have further defining parameters. For example, a frequency and/or wavelength parameter may be associated with one or more bandwidth parameters; and a flash parameter may be associated with one or more parameters for, e.g., duration, intensity, and/or special distribution. Note that although certain examples herein discuss bracketing and/or imagery aspects and/or exemplary parameters in the context of more or less “still” images for sake of clarity, techniques described herein are also applicable to streams of images, such as would typically be produced bydigital video cameras102/106 and thus the use of such, and other, exemplary terms herein are meant to encompass both still and video bracketing/aspects/parameters/etc. unless context dictates otherwise. For instance, the bracketing might include bracketing over, say, 20 frames of video.
• Each of the exemplary sensors may detect and/or record and/or transmit one or more imagery aspects of an exemplary object at more than one setting of each of the available parameters, thereby bracketing the exemplary object. Generally, “bracketing” includes the imagery technique of making several images of the same object or objects using different settings, typically with a single imagery device such asdigital video camera106. For example, thedigital video camera106 may detect and/or record and/or transmit a series of imagery aspects of thecube122 at a number of different f-stops; before, after, partially simultaneously with, and/or simultaneously with that series of imagery aspects, anotherdigital video camera106 and/or another type of sensor, such assensor114 may detect and/or record and/or transmit a series of imagery aspects of thesphere120 and of thecube122 at a number of different white balances. Theprocessor126 and/or theprocessing logic128 may then accept, via thenetwork124 or directly, data representing the imagery aspects detected and/or recorded and/or transmitted by thedigital video cameras106 or by thedigital video camera106 and thesensor114. Theprocessor126 and/or theprocessing logic128 may then combine at least a portion of the data from one of the sensors with at least a portion of the data from the other sensor, e.g., comparing the data from the two sensors. For example, deriving an identity of color and orientation from the bracketing imagery aspect data of twocubes122 fromdigital video camera106 andsensor114.
• Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the explicitly described examples involving the exemplary sensors (thedigital video camera102, thedigital video camera106, the digitalstill camera108, and thesensor suite112 includingsensor114 and sensor116), the exemplary users (users104,110, and118), the exemplary objects (thesphere120 and the cube122), thenetwork124, theexemplary processor126, and theexemplary processing logic128 constitute only a few of the various aspects illustrated byFIG. 4.
• FIGS. 5-8 are a series of flowcharts depicting exemplary implementations of processes. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations via an overall “big picture” viewpoint and thereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of the “big picture” flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional steps building on one or more earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g., beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an overall view and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easy understanding of the various process implementations. In addition, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the style of presentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/or object-oriented program design paradigms.
• FIG. 5 depicts a high-level flowchart of an exemplary operational process.Operation201 shows accepting first data representing a first imagery aspect of an object, wherein the first data includes first bracketing data characterized by a first bracketing parameter, and second data representing a second imagery aspect of the object, wherein the second data includes second bracketing data characterized by a second bracketing parameter (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using a digitalstill camera108 and data representing an imagery aspect of thesphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different frequencies using digital video camera106).
• Operation202 depicts combining at least a portion of the first data and at least a portion of the second data (e.g., combining, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, the data representing the imagery aspect of thesphere120 and the data representing the imagery aspect of the sphere120).
• Operation204 depicts an optional process component that includes deriving third data from the combining at least a portion of the first data and at least a portion of the second data (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, using character and pattern recognition algorithms, a probable identification of acube122 as a specific cube of interest from combining data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different white balances using adigital video camera106 with data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashes using digitalstill camera108; or, e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, using parallax, a distance of asphere120 by combining data representing an imagery aspect of thesphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses using asensor114 of asensor suite112 and data representing an imagery aspect of thesphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses using asensor116 of a sensor suite112).
• FIG. 6 shows several alternative implementations of the high-level flowchart ofFIG. 5. Previously describedoperation201 may include one or more of the following operations:301,302,304,306,308, and/or309.
• Operation301 shows an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include an f-stop setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using asensor114 of asensor suite112 and data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using asensor116 of the sensor suite112).
• Operation302 depicts an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include an exposure setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures using adigital video camera106 and data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures using a still video camera108).
• Operation304 illustrates an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a frequency and/or a wavelength setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different wavelengths using adigital video camera102 and data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different wavelengths using a digital video camera102).
• Operation306 shows an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a focus setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses of asensor114 of asensor suite112 and data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses of asensor116 of a sensor suite112).
• Operation308 illustrates an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a white balance setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different white balances using adigital video camera102 and data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different white balances using the digital video camera102).
• Operation309 depicts an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a flash setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashes using adigital video camera106 and data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashes using a digital still camera108).
• FIG. 7 shows several other alternative implementations of the high-level flowchart ofFIG. 5. Previously describedoperation202 may include one or more of the following operations:400 and/or402.
• Operation400 shows an aspect comparing at least a portion of the first data with at least a portion of the second data (e.g., comparing, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using adigital video camera106 with data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures using digitalstill camera108, as when, e.g., a comparison of apparent spatial orientation or orientations of thecube122 in f-stop bracketing images to apparent spatial orientation or orientations of thecube122 in exposure bracketing images may be useful in estimating a single spatial orientation characterization for the cube122).
• Operation402 depicts an aspect applying a mathematical algorithm to at least a portion of the first data and at least a portion of the second data (e.g., applying an algorithm, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, for edge detection, such as a “Laplacian-of-Gaussians” (“LoG”) filter and/or a PLUS filter, and/or for registration accomplished by applying known techniques to data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different white balances using asensor116 of asensor suite112 and to data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashes using digital still camera108).
• As further depicted inFIG. 7, previously describedoperation204 may include one or more of the following operations:404,406,408 and/or410.
• Operation404 shows deriving third data representing an object identification of the object (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, from combining a result of a noise reduction algorithm applied to data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using asensor114 ofsensor suite112 and a result of a comparable noise reduction algorithm applied to data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures using asensor116 ofsensor suite112, an identification of thesphere120 as aspecific sphere120 of interest, as when, e.g., the noise reduction algorithm or algorithms yield resulting images of unique surface features of thesphere120, permitting identification of thesphere120 with respect to a reference image or description of thesphere120 with a characterizable degree of confidence).
• Operation406 depicts deriving third data representing an object designation of the object (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, from combining data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different white balances using adigital video camera102 and data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures using adigital video camera102 and then applying a character-recognition algorithm to the combination, a designation of thecube122 with a distinguishing label for reference, as when, e.g., the character-recognition algorithm or algorithms recognize a serial number painted on thecube122, allowing designation of thecube122 with a unique distinguishing label with a characterizable degree of confidence).
• Operation408 illustrates deriving third data representing a spatial position of the object (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, from combining a result of applying a range-determination algorithm to data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses using asensor114 of sensor suite112 (where the spatial position and orientation of thesensor114 are known or can be derived) and a result of applying a range-determination algorithm to data representing an imagery aspect of asphere120 including a set of bracketing images taken at different frequencies using asensor116 ofsensor suite112, a distance of thesphere120 from the sensor suite112 (where the spatial position and orientation of thesensor116 are known or can be derived)).
• Operation410 shows (deriving third data representing an edge and/or a boundary and/or an outline of the object (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor126 and hardware/software/firmware ofprocessing logic128, from combining a result of applying an edge detection algorithm, such as a “Laplacian-of-Gaussians” (“LoG”) filter and/or a PLUS filter, to data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different f-stops using adigital video camera102 and a result of applying a comparable edge detection algorithm to data representing an imagery aspect of acube122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different focuses using adigital video camera102, an edge of thecube122 at which the image of thecube122 and one or more background items and/or one or more foreground items are contiguous).
• FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplaryoperational flow1100 in which embodiments may be implemented. After a start operation, the exemplary operational flow moves to ahold operation1110. The hold operation saves a digital image in a form in a user-accessible storage medium. Achange operation1120 alters the form of the saved digital image if a condition is met. The operational flow may then proceed directly or indirectly to an end operation. As shown inFIG. 8, thechange operation1120 may include one or more additional exemplary operations such asoperations1122,1124,1126,1128,1132,1134,1136,1138,142,1144,1146 and/oroperation1148.
• As further depicted inFIG. 8, if a condition is met, theoperation1122 compresses the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation1124 reduces a resolution of the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation1126 reduces a resolution of the saved digital image sufficiently to meet a selected objective. For example, the selected objective may include a preselected objective or a substantially contemporaneously selected objective. By way of another example, a selected objective may include constructing a panorama that includes the digital image, creating a high dynamic range composite that includes the digital image, and/or a selected depth of field. If a condition is met, theoperation1128 aggregates the saved digital image with another digital image.
• As additionally illustrated inFIG. 8, if a condition is met, theoperation1132 archives the saved digital image to another user-accessible storage medium. If a condition is met, theoperation1134 deletes the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation1136 crops the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation1138 transfers the saved digital image to another user-accessible storage medium.
• As depicted in other illustrated examples, if a condition is met, theoperation1142 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saved digital image includes a presence of a selected subject. If a condition is met, theoperation1144 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saved digital image does not include a presence of a selected subject. If a condition is met, theoperation1146 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saved digital image includes a presence of a selected subject having a presence in at least one other digital image saved in the user-accessible storage medium. For example, a presence of a selected subject may include a selected frequency of a presence of a selected subject. If a condition is met, theoperation1148 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saved digital image includes a selected subject absent from at least one other digital image saved in the user-accessible storage medium.
• The schematic block diagram ofFIG. 9 illustrates various features of exemplary embodiments includingseparate storage location1335, originalsource capture device1340, intermediatesource capture device1345, and capture &access device1350. A system implementation may include various combinations of features shown inFIG. 9. For example, originalsource capture device1340 associated withuser1341 may have capability for transferring selected captured data viacommunication link1342 to separatestorage location1335. Awireless communication link1343 may also be used for such transfer to separatestorage location1335.
• The intermediatesource capture device1345 associated with user1346 is shown receivingdata inputs1347,1348 and may have capability for transferring selected captured data viacommunication link1349 to separatestorage location1335. The hybrid capture/access device1350 associated with one or more users1351 may have capability for both transferring selected captured data to separatestorage location1335 as well as accessing saved versions of the selected captured data available at the separate storage location (see bidirectional communication link1352).
• In some instances a designated device may be approved for implementing a transfer and/or access to theseparate storage location1335. In other instances an authorized party (e.g., user associated with the capture device or with access device, authorized third party, etc.) may be authorized for implementing a transfer and/or access from many types of designated devices to theseparate storage location1335.
• The schematic diagram ofFIG. 9 shows exemplary system embodiment components that may includeaccess device1355, approvedaccess device1360, approvedautomated access device1365, and approvedaccess device1370.
• Possible aspects may include an authorizedparty1356 associated withaccess device1355 having acommunication link1357 via cable to separatestorage location1335. Another possible aspect may include athird party1361 associated withapproved access device1360 having acommunication link1362 via dial-up line toseparate storage location1335. A further possible aspect may include the approvedautomated access device1365 having awireless communication link1366 to separatestorage location1335.
• Another possible aspect may include multiple entities such as authorizedparty1371, authorizedparty1372, andthird party1373 associated withapproved access device1370 having a communication link1374 (e.g., radio signal, television signal, etc.) viasatellite1375 to separatestorage location1335.
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 10, various exemplary embodiment features related toseparate storage location1380 may include aseparate storage interface1382 that has possible communication links withcapture device1384, capture &access device1385,access device1386, authorizedparty1387 andthird party1388. In some implementations adata recipient1389 may be connected via a distribution link to theseparate storage interface1382.
• An exemplarydata storage module1390 may include one or moresaved data versions1392,non-altered data components1393, modifieddata components1394, transformeddata1396, and regenerateddata1397. An illustrated possible feature may includecentralized storage media1400, and in some instances activedata storage files1402 and archived data storage files1404. Further aspects in some implementations may include distributedstorage media1406 andremovable storage media1408.
• Processing of data may be accomplished by an exemplarycomputerized storage system1410 incorporated as an integral part of theseparate storage location1380 or remotely linked to theseparate storage location1380. Thecomputerized storage system1410 may includeprocessor1412,controller1414, one ormore applications1416, andmemory1418.
• Additional types of storage-related modules may includeidentifier records1420,storage protocol1422,storage organization categories1424,storage management algorithm1426, andstorage management tasks1428.
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 11, exemplary embodiment features incorporated in acapture device1430 includeuser interface1432 for authorizedusers1434,1436 as well as for authorizedparty1438. In some instancessuch user interface1432 may also be available to an owner or operator of aseparate storage location1440 that is linked (see1446) to thecapture device1430.
• Other communication links to thecapture device1430 may include an input channel for original captureddata1442, and another input channel for transmitted captureddata1444.
• It will be understood that various functional aspects may be incorporated with the capture device and/or with the separate storage location. Accordingly the illustrated embodiment features ofFIG. 11 may include previously describedidentifier records1420,storage protocol1422,storage organization categories1424,storage management algorithm1426, andstorage management tasks1428.
• Of course it will be understood that the various exemplary type of records and data files are disclosed herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Some of the specified file parameters and records may not be included in certain implementations, and additional types of file parameters and records may be desirable additions in other implementations.
• Acomputer apparatus1450 incorporated in thecapture device1430, or in some instances remotely linked to thecapture device1430, may includeprocessor1452,controller1454, one ormore applications1456, andmemory1458. Additional aspects operably coupled with thecapture device1430 may includeintegrated storage media1460,temporary storage1466, distributed storage media1462, andremovable storage media1464.
• Further types of data storage files may include actual captureddata1467, modified captureddata1468, one ormore data exemplars1472, one ormore data samples1474, and in some instances various transformeddata excerpts1476. Depending on the circumstances additional aspects may includedata selection rules1478, and adata selection program1479 to process the captured data and facilitate a determination of which captured data will be immediately or ultimately transferred to the separate storage location. It will be understood that various records may be maintained at the transmitting device and/or at a destination storage facility to identify which individual or groups of captured data have been transferred, and in some instances providing addition details regarding the nature (e.g., resolution, future access limitations, etc.) of the selected captured data that has been transferred.
• It will be further understood that aspects of suchdata selection rules1478 ordata selection program1479 may be incorporated at the destination storage facility or at the transmitting device in order to achieve efficient and desirable transfer results. Some embodiments may provide somewhat sophisticated rules, including an ability to detect redundancies and carry out selection policies and goals. For example, a storage algorithm regarding soccer match data may seek to transfer at least one high resolution shot of each goal attempted or made, as well as limiting transferred spectator images to not more than ten per match and limiting transferred action player images to not more than fifty per match. Similarly a policy guideline may provide predetermined limits regarding transferred audiovisual data for each soccer match. Of course, availability of local storage capacity associated with the transmitting device may result in temporary (or perhaps long term) retention policies regarding certain types of captured data (current topical interest, additional time for pre-transfer review, etc.).
• As disclosed herein, some exemplary system embodiments and computer program implementations may provide one or more program applications that include encoded process instructions for implementing a storage management algorithm that allows accessibility by a particular device to selected captured data having a quality parameter that is within an operational capability range of the particular device. Another possible implementation may provide one or more program applications that include encoded process instructions for implementing a storage management algorithm that retains for future accessibility the selected captured data having a quality parameter that exceeds an operational capability of a transmitting device.
• Additional exemplary system embodiments and computer program implementations may provide one or more program applications that include encoded process instructions for implementing a storage management algorithm that facilitates accessibility to the different storage organization categories based on one or more of the following parameters: creator, participant, originator, source, owner, proprietary, public domain, goal, subject matter, event, established policy, selected policy, custom policy, redundancy, variety, resolution, reproduction, replication, captured quality, device quality, captured fidelity, device fidelity, commercial value, personal value, expected future use, recipient, required access frequency, expected access frequency, potential distribution, taxonomy, common theme, tag, classification, device capability, device attribute, device parameter, storage capability, storage attribute, storage parameter, device setting, user task, device context, user context, device history, and user history.
• Other exemplary system embodiments may provide data storage files that include a saved version of selected captured data received from one or more of the following type of transmitting devices: still camera, audio recorder, digital audio recorder, audio-visual recorder, video recorder, digital video recorder, video camera, video/still camera, data recorder, telephone, cell phone, transceiver, PDA, computer, server, printer, fax, multi-function device, scanner, copier, surveillance camera, data sensor, mote, distributed imaging element, ingested sensor, medical sensor, medical imaging, health-monitoring device, traffic management device, media library, media player, vehicle sensor, vehicular device, environmental sensor, implanted device, mobile unit, fixed unit, integral, applied device, worn device, remote, radio, communication unit, scheduler, private, public, shared, residential, business, and office.
• Additional possible system features may provide one or more transmitting devices for transferring the selected captured data via a communication link to the data storage files at a separate storage facility. Further possible system aspects may include one or more transmitting devices configured to implement transferring of the selected captured data based on one or more of the following criteria: rule, user input, user state, configuration, commercial, personal, context, space, device memory, device capability, bandwidth, separate storage memory, separate storage capability, separate storage accessibility, cost, task, preference, storage protocol, security, privacy, affiliation, and membership.
• In some instances an exemplary implementation may include one or more transmitting devices that are owned or controlled by an entity that is an owner or operator of the separate storage facility.
• Further exemplary system embodiments may provide one or more transmitting devices that include a portable transmitting device having one or more of the following storage capabilities: dedicated wireless link to remote storage, non-dedicated wireless link to remote storage, wireless link to multiple remote storage units, volatile memory, permanent memory, rewritable memory, internal memory, removable memory, backup memory, distributed memory, flash memory, and memory card.
• Additional process components incorporated in a computer program product may include retaining at a separate storage facility for future availability some selected captured data having a given quality characteristic, which selected captured data is received via a communication link with a capturing device. A related incorporated process component may include retaining for future availability one or more of the following types of selected captured data: real-time, time-delayed, original, copied, scanned, faxed, sensed, detected, derived, computed, modified, composite, enhanced, reduced, filtered, edited, condensed, compressed, compiled, retransmitted, forwarded, stored, cached, prefetched, processed, raw, live, batched, and uploaded.
• Other process components incorporated in a computer program product may include enabling future accessibility by an authorized user or approved device or recipient party to the selected captured data pursuant to the storage protocol. A related incorporated process component may include providing one or more of the following parameters associated with or incorporated in an identity record to facilitate the future accessibility: exemplar, abbreviation, indicia, symbol, code, name, title, icon, date, excerpt, characteristic, form, alternate format, listing, reorganization, aggregation, summary, reduction, representation, sample, thumbnail, image, preview, group specimen, sub-group element, unique, non-unique, arbitrary, global, semantic, public, private, and encoded.
• A further process component incorporated in a computer program product may include providing an identifier record that is operably coupled to one or more of the different organization categories. In some implementations an incorporated process feature related to the identifier record may include providing the identifier record at the separate storage facility. Another possible incorporated process feature related to the identifier record may include providing the identifier record at the capturing device or other approved device.
• Referring to the high level flow chart ofFIG. 12, anexemplary process embodiment1500 for managing data storage may include receiving data at a separate storage facility via a communication link from one or more transmitting devices, which data includes selected captured data (block1501); maintaining some or all of the selected captured data at the separate storage facility as a saved version that is stored in accordance with a safekeeping arrangement (block1502); and confirming a storage access protocol wherein an identifier record provides a specified identification of an applicable storage organization category (block1503). A further possible process feature may include enabling restricted future access to the saved version of the selected captured data in accordance with the safekeeping arrangement by providing an operable coupling between the identifier record and the applicable storage organization category of the separate storage facility (block1504).
• Additionalexemplary process embodiments1505 are shown inFIG. 13 which illustrates previously describedcomponents1501,1502,1503,1504 along with other possible features such as establishing an identifier record generated by a transmitting device (block1506), and establishing an identifier record generated by the separate storage facility (block1507). A further possible aspect related to restricted future access to the saved version of selected captured data may include providing such future access via a communication channel with a transmitting device or other approved device (block1508).
• It will be understood that some implementations may provide an authentication relationship between a collection of identifier records and an approved device (e.g., capture device, transmitting device, personal mobile device, etc.). Data security may then be accomplished by providing limited logon rights, lockout schemes, or other restricted device usage techniques. The pertinent identifier record(s) can be activated pursuant to specified device interaction with the separate storage facility.
• Some implementations may include providing the future access via a communication channel with an authorized user associated with a transmitting device or other device (block1509). Another possible feature may include providing the future access via a communication channel with an authorized third party (block1511).
• It will be understood that some embodiments may provide an authentication relationship between a collection of identifier records and an authorized user or authorized third party. This results in future access to the separate storage facility becoming potentially more global. For example, such an authorized user or authorized third party who moves to any appropriate convenient device can generate or acquire the pertinent identifier record(s) necessary for activating a management task (e.g., retrieval, reorganization, status change, distribution authorization, etc.). In other words, such an appropriate convenient device temporarily becomes an “approved device” so long as its user qualifies as an “authorized user” or authorized third party.
• Additional possible aspects illustrated inFIG. 13 include activating the future access in response to a recognizable query from a transmitting device or other approved device (block1512). A further possible aspect includes activating the future access in response to a recognizable query from an authorized user associated with a transmitting device or from an authorized user associated with an approved device (block1513). Yet another possible feature may include activating the future access in response to a recognizable query from an authorized third party (block1514).
• Theexemplary embodiments1515 shown inFIG. 14 show previously disclosedprocess components1501,1502,1503 along with various possible fee arrangements. For example, some implementations may include providing restricted availability to the selected captured data based on a fee schedule (block1516), and in some instances providing the fee schedule that includes a fee allocation paid to an entity responsible for the separate storage facility (block1517). Another possible aspect may include providing the fee schedule that includes a fee allocation paid by an authorized user (block1518).
• Additional process components may include receiving selected captured data having a given quality characteristic (block1519), maintaining some or all of the selected captured data without a significant loss of the given quality characteristic (block1521), and receiving selected captured data having a modified quality characteristic that was changed from a previous given quality characteristic (block1522).
• Further illustrated exemplary features inFIG. 14 include maintaining the selected captured data at the separate storage facility in accordance with a quality downgrade schedule (block1526), and maintaining the captured data at the separate storage facility in a format that enables automatic retrieval of the saved version pursuant to the storage access protocol (block1527).
• Other possible aspects may include maintaining the captured data at the separate storage facility in a format that enables distribution of the saved version to one or more third party recipients pursuant to the storage access protocol (block1528), and providing restricted availability to the selected captured data based on a fee schedule that includes a fee allocation paid by a third party recipient (block1529).
• The detailed flow chart ofFIG. 15 illustrates various exemplary embodiment features1530 including previously describedcomponents1502,1503,1504 along with various possible aspects relating to the saved version of the selected captured data. For example, some embodiments may include implementing a storage format for the saved version of the selected captured data based on substantially non-altered data components (block1531). Other embodiments may include implementing a storage format for the saved version of the selected captured data based on regenerated or transformed data components (block1532).
• Additional process components may include providing an exemplar or abbreviation or indicia that is recognized by an authorized party and that is operably coupled to the identifier record to facilitate a storage management task concerning the saved version of the selected captured data (block1533). A related aspect may include processing a storage management task initiated by one or more of the following: owner of separate storage facility, operator of separate storage facility, transmitting device user, transmitting device, authorized party, approved device, and recipient party (block1534). Further related aspects may include providing one or more of the following type of exemplar or abbreviation or indicia: symbol, code, name, title, icon, date, excerpt, characteristic, form, alternate format, listing, reorganization, aggregation, summary, reduction, representation, sample, thumbnail, image, preview, group specimen, sub-group element, unique, non-unique, arbitrary, global, semantic, public, private, and encoded (block1536).
• Other possible aspects illustrated inFIG. 15 include processing the selected captured data to accomplish an allocation of the selected captured data among one or more storage organization categories, which allocation is determined by the authorized user associated with a transmitting device (block1537) or by an entity responsible for the separate storage facility (block1538).
• Referring to the exemplary embodiment features1540 shownFIG. 16, previously described process features1501,1502,1503,1504 may in some instances also include receiving the selected captured data at one or more of the following types of storage facilities: backup, archive, removable, rewritable, permanent, server, base station, network storage, web site, central, integrated, distributed, dispersed, fragmented, non-altered, transformed, encoded, bitmap, compression, volatile, replicated, third party, storefront, mobile, vehicle, residence, office, shared, proprietary, and rights-managed (block1541).
• Additional possible aspects may include implementing one or more of the following types of storage organization guidelines to facilitate future access by an authorized party or approved device or recipient party: original high resolution, permanent high resolution, temporary high resolution, lower resolution, temporary lower resolution, permanent lower resolution, deleted high resolution, deleted lower resolution, deleted content, included content, excluded content, subject matter, event, author, creator, participant, redundancy, repetition, quality, size, resolution, fidelity, tagged, preview, sample, group, sub-group, composite group, individual, personage, entity, item, content, composition, summary, augmentation, attribute, content category, frequency, and inventory (block1542).
• Another exemplary feature may include providing the different storage organization categories based at least in part on one or more of the following type of parameters: temporal, available device memory, available storage location memory, user selected, device limitation, storage location requirement, and recipient choice (block1543).
• The exemplarydetailed embodiments1545 shown inFIG. 17 include previously described process features1501,1502,1503 along with other possible aspects. For example, some implementations may provide one or more of the following types of identifier records to facilitate access to the saved version of the selected captured data: exemplar, abbreviation, indicia, symbol, code, name, title, icon, date, excerpt, characteristic, form, alternate format, listing, reorganization, aggregation, summary, reduction, representation, sample, thumbnail, image, preview, group specimen, sub-group element, unique, non-unique, arbitrary, global, semantic, public, private, and encoded (block1546).
• Another possible aspect relating to an identifier record may include enabling an authorized party or approved device or recipient party to locate the saved version and/or execute a storage management task concerning the saved version of the selected captured data by reference to the identifier record (block1547). It will be understood that in some embodiments the identifier record is operably coupled with a recognizable element that an authorized user can “look at” or authorized device can detect (e.g., identify) in order to locate selected captured data and/or execute a storage management task. However in other embodiments such a recognizable element (e.g., representative sample, thumbnail, exemplar, topical pointer, etc.) may directly function as the identifier record that is operably coupled to the separate storage facility.
• Further possible features may include receiving one or more of the following types of selected captured data at the separate storage location: text, image, graphics, voice, music, sound, audio, video, audio/visual, monochrome, color, data log, measurement, instruction, biomedical, financial, sensor, environmental, personal, public, transactional, shopping, commercial, security, automotive, device-diagnostic, game, and virtual world (block1551).
• FIG. 17 also illustrates other possible aspects including receiving one or more of the following types of selected captured data at the separate storage location: still image, image stream, and combination of still image and image stream (block1552). Yet another possible aspect may include receiving some or all of the selected captured data to be saved at the separate storage location based at least in part on a set of rules configured by an authorized user associated with the transmitting device (block1553).
• Theexemplary embodiment1555 shown inFIG. 18 illustrates a computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing a process (block1556). Such a process may include retaining at a separate storage facility for future availability some selected captured data having a given quality characteristic, which selected captured data is received via a communication link with a capturing device (block1557); and implementing a storage protocol for keeping a saved version of the selected captured data at the separate storage facility, which storage protocol includes different organization categories (block1558).
• Further possible programmed process components may include providing an identifier record that is operably coupled to one or more of the different organization categories (block1559), and enabling future accessibility by an authorized user or approved device or recipient party to the selected captured data pursuant to the storage protocol (block1561).
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 19, one or moreexemplary capture devices1565 may providedata storage files1570 that store captured data in bothlong term memory1571 andtemporary memory1572. An exemplary data management technique may includerepresentative thumbnails1573 andother exemplars1574 that serve as an identifier link (e.g., directly and/or through an identifier record) to different categories of captured data. Visual access to the captured data as well as to thethumbnails1573 andexemplars1574 may be provided to a device user in various ways such as byviewer1576.
• As disclosed herein, a particular process for choosing selected captured data to be transferred to aseparate storage facility1567 may be accomplished by aprogram control module1575 and/or bymanual control1577. Various types of transferability communication channels1569 may be used that incorporate short and long distance communication media connections (e.g., Internet, wireless, cable, LAN, WAN, etc.) in order to provide periodic back and forth transfers between an approved external unit such ascapture device1565 and one or more separate storage facilities such as1567.
• In some exemplary implementations, various storage management functions may be performed at theseparate storage facility1567 under control of an owner/operator1568 or in some instances under remote control by an approved device or authorizeduser1566. Accordingly the illustrated separatestorage facility embodiment1567 includesdata storage files1580 withlong term memory1581 andtemporary memory1582 that store inventory data versions of the selected captured data received from a transmittingcapture device1565.
• An exemplary data management technique at theseparate storage facility1567 may includerepresentative thumbnails1583 andother exemplars1584 that serve as an identifier link (e.g., directly and/or through an identifier record) to different categories of stored inventory data versions (e.g., replicated, enhanced quality, downgraded quality, transformed, regenerated, etc.). Visual access to the inventory data versions as well as tothumbnails1583 andexemplars1584 may be provided in various ways such as bymonitor1586. Transferability management is shown to be subject to instructions from program control module1585 as well as bymanual control1587.
• It will be understood that a particular separate data storage facility may have numerous authorized users and designated devices providing selected captured data under different safekeeping arrangements and related fee schedules. These same authorized users and designated devices as well as other patrons may be subject to additional accessibility guidelines and related fee schedules. Accordingly the illustrated examples are not intended to be limiting, and it is understood that changes may be made to accommodate the needs and desires of all different types of users and patrons.
• The high level flow chart ofFIG. 20 illustrates anexemplary process embodiment1650 for a data storage protocol technique that includes providing a separate storage facility that receives selected captured data via a communication link from at least one transmitting capture device, which capture device includes local memory capacity (block1651); maintaining some or all of the selected captured data at the separate storage facility as an inventory data version that is stored in accordance with a safekeeping arrangement (block1652); and providing different status categories to identify the inventory data version of the selected captured data (block1653). Additional possible process features may include establishing future accessibility guidelines in accordance with the safekeeping arrangement to control back and forth data transferability between the separate storage facility and an external unit (block1654), and implementing the future accessibility guidelines based on an applicable attribute associated with the external unit (block1655).
• Additional exemplary embodiment features1660 are disclosed inFIG. 21 including previously describedprocess components1652,1653,1654,1655 in combination with providing an external unit that also functions as a transmitting capture device (block1661). Other possible aspect may include establishing programmed guidelines that require no user intervention for transferring certain selected captured data from the at least one transmitting capture device to the separate storage facility (block1662), and establishing programmed guidelines that require no user intervention for transferring certain selected inventory data versions from the separate storage facility to an approved external unit (block1663).
• Further possible implementations may include establishing flexible guidelines that allow user intervention for determining whether to transfer certain selected captured data from the at least one transmitting capture device to the separate storage facility (block1666), establishing flexible guidelines that allow user intervention for determining whether to transfer certain selected inventory data versions from the separate storage facility to an external unit (block1667), and establishing flexible guidelines that allow user intervention for determining whether to redirect certain selected inventory data versions from the separate storage facility to an authorized recipient party (block1668).
• The more detailed flow chart ofFIG. 22 discloses variousexemplary embodiment components1670 including previously described process features1652,1653,1654,1655 in combination with other possible features including transferring an inventory data version of the selected captured data from the separate storage facility to an external unit based on unused local memory capacity of the external unit (block1671), transferring selected captured data from the external unit to the separate storage facility based on insufficient local memory capacity of the external unit (block1672).
• Other exemplary implementation features may include transferring an inventory data version having a particular quality characteristic from the separate storage facility to an external unit based on a matching operational quality capability of the external unit (block1673), and transferring selected captured data having a particular quality characteristic from an external unit to the separate storage facility based on a deficient operational quality capability of the external unit (block1674).
• Additional aspects may include transferring an inventory data version from the separate storage facility to an external unit based on an identity confirmation of an authorized user at the approved external unit (block1676), transferring selected captured data from an external unit to the separate storage facility based on a failure to obtain confirmation of an authorized user at the external unit (block1677).
• Theillustrative features1680 shown inFIG. 23 include previously discussedprocess components1652,1653,1654,1655 along with other possible data transfer options. For example, some implementations may include preventing transfer of an inventory data version from the separate storage facility to an external unit based on a failure to obtain confirmation of an authorized user at the external unit (block1681), transferring selected captured data from an external unit to the separate storage facility based on confirmation of the external unit's location in a restricted area (block1682).
• Further exemplary features may include preventing transfer of an inventory data version from the separate storage facility to an external unit based on confirmation of the external unit's location in a restricted area (block1683), establishing a guideline for redirecting certain inventory data versions to an authorized recipient party (block1684), and establishing a guideline for redirecting certain inventory data versions to an approved device (block1686).
• FIG. 23 also discloses other possible aspects including providing topical and sub-topical categories for grouping inventory data versions (block1687), and incorporating certain inventory data versions in more than one status category (block1688).
• Referring to the detailedexemplary embodiments1690 shown inFIG. 24, the previous discussedprocess components1652,1653,1654,1655 may further include providing different quality characteristic categories for grouping inventory data versions (block1691). Other possible process components may include changing a status category of inventory data versions based on a lack of usage over a period of time (block1692), and changing a status category of inventory data versions based on instructions from an authorized user (block1693).
• Another possible aspect may include providing an identifier record operably coupled to one or more status categories of inventory data versions (block1695). A further related aspect may include enabling access to the identifier record by an authorized user or approved device or recipient party to accomplish a storage management task regarding the selected captured data (block1696). Other possible implementation features may include enabling a storage management task initiated from an external unit to cause selected captured data to be off-loaded to the separate storage facility, or to cause inventory data versions to be down-loaded to an external unit, or to cause certain inventory data versions to be redirected to an authorized recipient party (block1697).
• FIG. 24 also shows an exemplary aspect that includes enabling access to the identifier record by an owner or operator of the separate storage facility to accomplish a storage management task regarding the selected captured data (block1698). Further possible aspects may include enabling a storage management task initiated from the separate storage facility to cause selected captured data to be off-loaded to the separate storage facility, or to cause inventory data versions to be down-loaded to an external unit, or to cause certain inventory data versions to be redirected to an authorized recipient party (block1699).
• The detailed exemplary embodiment features1700 shown inFIG. 25 include previously discussedprocess components1651,1652,1653,1654 along with another aspect that may include changing a status category of inventory data versions based on a relinquishment or waiver by an authorized user associated with the at least one transmitting capture device (block1701). Further possible implementation features may include providing restricted availability to the inventory data versions based on a fee schedule (block1702), and providing the fee schedule that includes a fee allocation paid to an entity responsible for the separate storage facility (block1703).
• FIG. 25 also shows additional exemplary aspects including receiving selected captured data having a given quality characteristic (block1706), maintaining some or all of the selected captured data without a significant loss of the given quality characteristic (block1707), and receiving selected captured data having a modified quality characteristic that was changed from a previous given quality characteristic (block1708).
• The various exemplary embodiment features1710 ofFIG. 26 may include previously discussedprocess components1651,1652,1653,1654,1655 as well as maintaining the selected captured data at the separate storage facility in accordance with a quality downgrade schedule (block1711). A further possible aspect may include enabling a programmed selection of the captured data to be saved on storage media at the separate storage location based at least in part on making the captured data available for processing prior to a transfer from the at least one transmitting capture device (block1716).
• Further possible implementation features may include making a selection of the captured data to be saved on storage media at the storage location based at least in part on a set of rules configured by an owner or operator of the separate storage location (block1717). Other possible features may include employing one or more of the following features for making the captured data available to an authorized party prior to the transferring: printout, screen display, viewfinder display, display monitor, thumbnail display, removable memory, device memory, audio, tactile, alert, notification, transmittal to other device, and instructional (block1718).
• Referring toFIG. 27, an exemplary computerprogram product embodiment1720 provides a computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing a process (block1721). An exemplary process may include receiving selected captured data at a separate storage facility via a communication link from a transmitting capture device (block1722), providing status categories to identify an inventory data version of the selected captured data (block1723), implementing a safekeeping arrangement for restricted back and forth transferability between the separate storage facility and an approved external unit (block1724), and evaluating one or more applicable attributes associated with the external unit as a basis for downloading a particular inventory data version of the selected captured data to the approved external unit (block1726).
• Examples of back and forth transferability may involve replacing a thumbnail representation on a capture/access device with high resolution quality photographs retrieved from the separate storage facility. Another example may involve replacing an entire collection of recent photographs held in local memory of a user's capture/access device that are organized by a “date categorization” scheme with topical thumbnails organized by topics that are pertinent to a currently active project. As part of the replacement, the remaining non-topical recent photos may be transferred to the remote storage location for safekeeping and future accessibility.
• Another possible example may involve prefetching from the separate storage facility previously archived high quality resolution images in anticipation of an upcoming event. A further example may involve using an external unit such as a mobile telephone to select certain individual or collective archived image data in remote archived storage, and initiate a redirection (e.g., distribution) of an enhanced transformed high quality resolution version that is matched to a high quality capability external unit of an approved recipient.
• Referring to the exemplary dualmode capture embodiment1715 ofFIG. 28, process components may include coordinating contemporaneous operation of a video capture module and a still image capture module (block1725); operating a video capture module having specified quality parameters to generate a video data stream derived from a particular field of view (block1727); and also operating a still image capture module to generate one or more still image frames derived from a related field of view, wherein the still image capture module includes dissimilar quality capabilities compared to the video capture module (block1728). A further related process component may include allowing ongoing capture of a video data stream incorporated in a video image format and also facilitating periodic capture of one or more still image frames incorporated in a still image format, wherein the video image format and the still image format include one or more different features, respectively (block1729).
• FIG. 29 illustrates another exemplary imagecapture technique embodiment1730 that may include providing a video capture module with specified quality parameters (block1731), capturing a video data stream incorporated in a video mode format, which video data stream is derived from a particular field of view of the video capture module (block1732), providing a still image capture module with given quality capabilities (block1733), and enabling coordinated operation of the video capture module and the still image capture module regarding their respective fields of view (block1734). A further possible aspect may include activating the still image capture module to periodically capture one or more still image frames incorporated in a still mode format that includes one or more different features as compared to the video mode format (block1736).
• Referring to theexemplary embodiments1740 illustrated inFIG. 30, a possible technique may include previously described process features1731,1732,1733,1734,1736 along with providing a tag that identifies at least one video frame captured at approximately the same time as the one or more still image frames (block1743). Other possible implementation features may include storing the one or more still image frames as a digital object associated with a stored version of the video data stream (block1741) or a digital object distinct from a stored version of the video data stream (block1741).
• Further exemplary aspects may include incorporating in the still image capture module one or more quality capabilities that are different from the specified quality parameters of the video capture module (block1746). Other related aspects may include incorporating one or more of the following different quality capabilities in the still image capture module: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high quality storage media, low quality storage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data (block1747).
• The variousexemplary embodiments1750 ofFIG. 31 may include previously describedfeatures1731,1732,1733,1734,1736 along with aspects related to quality capabilities of the still image capture module. For example some implementations may include incorporating at least one given still image quality capability having an operational range of variable image capture attributes that is different as compared to an operational range of corresponding variable video capture attributes (block1751). Other implementations may include incorporating the given still image quality capability having the operational range of variable image capture attributes that is partially overlapping with the operational range of corresponding variable video capture attributes (block1752).
• Additional possible implementation features may include activating a shutter based on a user-selected schedule (block1753), and activating a shutter based on a programmed or automated schedule (block1754). Other possible features may include providing a shutter speed interval for the still image capture module that is different from a concurrent frame frequency interval for the video capture module (block1756), and providing the shutter speed interval that is greater than the concurrent frame frequency interval for the video capture module (block1757).
• As shown inFIG. 31, other related aspects may include enabling a manually actuated shutter to periodically capture the one or more still image frames (block1758); and enabling an activation control for the manually actuated shutter, which activation control is located remotely from the still image module (block1759).
• The variousexemplary embodiments1760 illustrated inFIG. 32 include previously describedprocess components1731,1732,1733,1736 along with possible aspect of incorporating in the video capture module a default quality parameter that cannot be altered (block1761), and incorporating in the image capture module a default quality capability that cannot be altered (block1764).
• Further exemplary aspects may include enabling user selection of an optional quality parameter incorporated in the video capture module (block1762), and enabling programmed or automated selection of an optional quality parameter incorporated in the video capture module (block1763). Additional process features may include enabling user selection of an optional quality capability incorporated in the still image capture module (block1765), and enabling programmed or automated selection of an optional quality capability incorporated in the still image capture module (block1766).
• Other possible implementation features shown inFIG. 32 include providing a user-actuated selection of a variable image capture attribute of the one or more still image frames (block1767), and providing a programmed or automated selection of a variable image capture attribute of the one or more still image frames (block1768). An additional possible feature may include enabling a display of thumbnail exemplars of the one or more still image frames (block1769).
• Theexemplary embodiments1770 shown inFIG. 33 include previously described process features1731,1732,1733,1734 along with a possibility of activating the still image capture module to periodically capture one or more still image frames incorporated in a still mode format (block1735).
• Other possible process features may include enabling a programmed or automated coordination of the respective fields of view of the video capture module and the still image capture module (block1771), allowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed or automated coordination of the respective fields of view (block1772), and enabling user-actuated coordination of the respective fields of view of the video capture module and the still image capture module (block1773).
• Further exemplary implementation features may include allowing selection of a zoom close-up field of view for the still image capture module without causing a same close-up field of view for the video capture module (block1776), and incorporating in the close-up field of view for the still image capture module at least a portion of a concurrent field of view for the video capture module (block1777).
• Other possible aspects illustrated inFIG. 33 include allowing selection of a zoom distant field of view for the still image capture module without causing a same distant field of view for the video capture module (block1781), and incorporating in the distant field of view for the still image capture module at least a portion of a concurrent field of view for the video capture module (block1782).
• Additional possible aspects may include allowing selection of a wide angle or narrow angle field of view for the still image capture module without causing a same wide angle or narrow angle field of view for the video capture module (block1783), and incorporating in such field of view for the still image capture module at least a portion of a concurrent field of view for the video capture module (block1784).
• Thevarious process embodiments1785 illustrated inFIG. 34 include previously describedfeatures1731,1732,1733,1734,1735 along with possible aspects pertaining to coordination between capturing the video data stream and capturing the still image frames. For example, a possible aspect may include capturing the sequence of video frames without interruption during a same time period when capturing the still image frames (block1791). Other possible aspects may include activating an ancillary device approximately concurrently with capturing the one or more still image frames (block1792), and deactivating the video capture device during an activation interval for the ancillary device (block1793).
• Additional implementation features may include obtaining a still mode format having one or more of the following type of different visual elements as compared to the video mode format: aspect ratio, color space, resolution, dynamic range, and pixel depth (block1786). Another possible feature includes incorporating in the still mode format a default visual element that cannot be altered (block1787).
• Further possible features may include enabling programmed or automated selection of one or more types of different visual elements included in the still mode format (block1788). Another possible feature may include enabling user-actuated selection of one or more types of different visual elements included in the still mode format (block1789).
• As shown inFIG. 35,exemplary process embodiments1795 may include previously describedfeatures1731,1732,1733,1734,1736 along with various possible aspects relating to capturing the video data stream or the still image frames. For example, a possible aspect may include positioning a first lens of the still image capture module in relative alignment with a second lens of the video capture module (block1796).
• Other possible aspects may include positioning the first lens in an adjustable alignment relative to the second lens (block1797), and providing an adjustable zoom feature for the first lens to capturing one or more close-up or distant still image frames (block1798). Yet another possible aspect may include providing a shared lens for use by both the still image capture module and the video capture module (block1799).
• Further possible features shown inFIG. 35 include automatically activating an ancillary device at approximately the same time as activating a shutter to assist in generating the one or more still image frames (block1801), and sensing a lack of satisfactory natural light exposure as a basis for automatically activating the ancillary device (block1802). An additional possible feature may include automatically activating one or more of the following type of ancillary devices: flash illuminator, infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposure controller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator, sensor, monitor, and detector (block1803).
• The various exemplarydata capture embodiments1805 ofFIG. 36 include previously describedprocess components1727,1728,1729 in combination with other possible features including enabling user selection or programmed selection or automatic selection of an optional quality parameter incorporated in the video capture module (block1806) and in the still image capture module (block1807). Other possible implementation features may include enabling user coordination or programmed coordination or automated coordination of the related fields of view of the video capture module and the still image capture module (block1808).
• FIG. 36 illustrates additional possible aspects including selectively activating a still image capture feature that is not concurrently activated in the video capture module (block1812), and selectively activating a video capture feature that is not concurrently activated in the still image module (block1813).
• Other possible aspects may include selectively activating one or more of the following features in either the still image capture module or in the video capture module: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, diminished angle view, ancillary device, added filter, omitted filter, ancillary illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, high resolution capture, high resolution storage, low resolution capture, low resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, thumbnail display, sensor, monitor, and detector (block1811).
• Referring to theexemplary embodiment1815 ofFIG. 37, a computer program product implementation may have instructions for executing a process that includes providing coordinated operation of a video capture module having specified quality parameters with operation of a still image capture module having dissimilar quality capabilities as compared to the video capture module (block1817); allowing ongoing capture of a video data stream incorporated in a video image format and derived from a particular field of view (block1818); and facilitating periodic capture of one or more still image frames incorporated in a still image format and derived from a related field of view, wherein the video image format and the still image format include one or more different features, respectively (block1819).
• It will be understood that various process aspects as disclosed herein may be incorporated as instructions in one or more computer programs. For example, such exemplary instructions may include implementation of one or more of the following dissimilar quality capabilities of the still image capture module: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high quality storage media, low quality storage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data.
• Additional exemplary instructions may include implementation of one or more of the following different features of the still image format: aspect ratio, color space, resolution, dynamic range, and pixel depth.
• Referring to the schematic diagram ofFIG. 38, an exemplary data capture system embodiment may include a fixed alignment video camera module1820 having a wide field ofview1822 that encompassesvehicle1824 at different locations (seephantom position1824a), and that also encompassespersonages1826,1828 at varied locations. The system may further include an adjustable alignment stillimage camera module1830 having a narrow field ofview1832 shown directed atvehicle1824. An alignment change of still image camera module1830 (see variable phantom alignment1834) enables the still image camera module to have an adjusted field of view directed atpersonages1826,1828.
• It will be understood that various possible control implementations may be used to coordinate operation of video camera module1820 with operation of stillimage camera module1830, and the illustrated implementation ofFIG. 38 is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. A user/operator1838 in some instances may have selectiveoperational control1839 of the still image camera module. In some instances selective operation control of the video camera module1820 may be provided by user/operator1838 or another user operator (not shown). Similar type of user selected operational control ofancillary device1840 may also be provided.
• The exemplary system embodiment ofFIG. 38 may also includeancillary device1840,control unit1850 andprogram1855. The control unit may be operably coupled to video camera module1820 via1851, and to still image camera module via1852, and toancillary device1840 via1853, and to program via1854, and to user/operator1838 via1858. Accordingly it will be understood that automated or programmed control may be available for operation of video camera module1820, stillcamera module1830, andancillary device1840.
• It will be understood thatancillary device1840 may include various auxiliary features related to capturing the video data stream as well as capturing the still image frames. As shown schematically inFIG. 38, theancillary device1840 may in some exemplary implementations provide supplemental illumination (see directional arrows1842) ofvehicle1824 to facilitate a desirable quality capture of individual still image frames as well as in some instances a desirable quality capture of a video data stream. In other exemplary implementations theancillary device1840 may be used to detect movement (see directional arrows1842) ofvehicle1824 to anew location1824a, which movement may have a possible causal effect on operation of the stillimage camera module1830 as well as a possible causal effect on operation of the video camera module1820. Such examples are by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 39, another possible data capture system embodiment may includevideo capture module1860 having specifiedvideo quality parameters1862,video display1864,manual control1866, andcontroller1868. Aphotosensor1870 may be configured to receive a capturedvideo stream1871 through dedicatedvideo lens1872. In some implementations the video capture module may be configured to receive video data elements from a captured video/stilldata stream1903 passing through sharedlenses1904 anddirectional mirror1902 viacommunication link1906 tophotosensor1870.
• The captured video data stream may be incorporated in a particular video format that is saved bydata storage media1874 intemporary memory1876 orlong term memory1878 for future availability and processing.
• The exemplary data capture system embodiment ofFIG. 39 may also include stillimage capture module1880 having givenquality capabilities1882, still display1884,manual control1886, andcontroller1888. Aphotosensor1890 may be configured to receive captured still image frames1891 through dedicated stilllens1892. In some implementations the still image capture module may be configured to receive still image data elements from a captured video/stilldata stream1903 passing through sharedlenses1904 anddirectional mirror1902 viacommunication link1908 tophotosensor1890.
• The captured still image frames may be incorporated in a particular still image format that is saved bydata storage media1894 intemporary memory1896 orlong term memory1898 for future availability and processing.
• It will be understood that in addition to coordination of the disclosed capturing techniques for generating video and still data from related fields of view, the various system and process components may also facilitate initial andongoing correlation1900 between captured versions (e.g., stored, edited, regenerated, combined, collated, etc.) of the video data stream and captured versions (e.g., stored, edited, regenerated, collated, etc.) of the still image frames.
• It will be understood from the disclosures herein that an exemplary embodiments for implementing a dual mode data capture system may include various lens arrangements, including one or more shared lenses for capturing both the video data stream and the still image frames. Other embodiments may provide a first lens for capturing the video data stream and a second lens for capturing the still image frames.
• Other system aspects that may be incorporated in a dual mode data capture system may include one or more given quality capabilities of the still image capture module that are different from the specified quality parameters of the video capture module.
• Theexemplary embodiment1910 shown in the high level flow chart ofFIG. 40 discloses a method of image capture correlation including creating a video data stream derived from a field of view of a video capture component (block1911); capturing one or more still image frames derived from a related field of view of a still image capture component, wherein the one or more still image frames include different quality characteristics compared to the video data stream (block1912); and providing a cross-reference association between the video data stream and the one or more still image frames, which cross-reference association facilitates future accessibility between a portion of the video data stream and a particular correlated still image frame (block1913).
• Anotherexemplary process embodiment1915 illustrated inFIG. 41 discloses an image capture correlation method that includes obtaining a portion of video data stream derived from a field of view of a video capture component (block1916); initiating a capture of one or more still image frames derived from a related field of view of a still image capture component (block1917); generating a stored version of the captured still image frames, which stored version includes different quality characteristics compared to a stored version of the video data stream (block1918); and providing a cross-reference association between the stored versions of the video data stream and the one or more still image frames, which cross-reference association facilitates future accessibility between a portion of the video data stream and a particular correlated still image frame (block1919).
• Referring to the variousexemplary embodiments1920 ofFIG. 42, previously describedprocess components1911,1912,1913 may be combined with other features relating to quality characteristics and cross-reference associations. For example, a possible aspect may include capturing one or more still image frames having different quality characteristics generated as a result of a given quality capability of the still image capture device (block1921). Another possible aspect may include capturing one or more still image frames having different quality characteristics generated as a result of a different format feature generated by the still image capture component (block1922).
• Further possible features may include establishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously with creating the video data stream (block1923), and in some instances subsequent to creating the video data stream (block1924). Some implementation features may include establishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously with capturing the correlated still image frame (block1926), and in other instances subsequent to capturing the correlated still image frame (block1927).
• Other possible process features may include storing the one or more still image frames as a digital object distinct from a stored version of the video data stream (block1928), and storing the one or more still image frames as a digital object associated with a stored version of the video data stream (block1929).
• The additionalexemplary embodiments1930 shown inFIG. 43 may include previously describedprocess components1911,1912,1913 along with possible aspects relating to an identifier tag. For example, a possible aspect may include coordinating the creating of the video data stream with the capturing one or more still image frames to facilitate establishing an identifier tag as at least a partial basis for implementing the cross-reference association (block1931). A further possible aspect may include establishing an identifier tag that identifies at least one video frame created at approximately the same time as the capturing of the correlated still image frame (block1932).
• Additional implementation features may include establishing one or more of the following types of identifier tags: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode (block1933).
• Further possible features shown inFIG. 43 include establishing a default identifier tag that cannot be altered (block1934), enabling user selection of the identifier tag (block1936), and enabling programmed or automated selection of the identifier tag (block1937).
• Other exemplary features may include enabling a programmed or automated coordination of the related fields of view of the video capture component and the still image capture component (block1938), and allowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed or automated coordination of the related fields of view (block1939).
• The variousexemplary process embodiments1940 ofFIG. 44 may include previously described process features1911,1912,1913 along with further possible accessibility aspects including incorporating a cross-reference video identifier with a specified stored portion of the video data stream to facilitate one or more of the following types of future accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, and add identifier (block1941).
• Additional possible aspects may include enabling accessibility to the specified stored portion of the video data stream in response to a communication that includes the cross-reference video identifier (block1942), and storing the specified stored portion of the video data stream in localized media integrated with or operably coupled to the video capture component (block1943). Another exemplary implementation feature may include storing the specified stored portion of the video data stream in removable media that can be transported separate and apart from the video capture component (block1944).
• Further possible features may include storing the specified stored portion of the video data stream in a remote storage location separate and apart from the video capture component (block1946), and storing the specified stored portion in the remote storage location owned or operated by a third party (block1947).
• Theembodiments1950 shown inFIG. 45 include various possible implementation features relating to a still image identifier in combination with previously described process features1911,1912,1913. Such exemplary implementation may include incorporating a cross-reference still image identifier with one or more given still image frames to facilitate one or more of the following types of future accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, and add identifier (block1951).
• Other storage accessibility aspects may include enabling accessibility to the given still image frames in response to a communication that includes the cross-reference still image identifier (block1952), and storing the given still image frames in localized media integrated with or operably coupled to the still image capture component (block1953). Another possible aspect may include storing the given still image frames in removable media that can be transported separate and apart from the still image capture component (block1954).
• Further possible implementation features may include storing the given still image frames in a remote storage location separate and apart from the still image capture component (block1956), and storing the given still image frames in the remote storage location owned or operated by a third party (block1957).
• Theexemplary embodiments1960 ofFIG. 46 may include previously describedprocess components1911,1912,1913 in combination with incorporating in the still image capture component one or more quality capabilities that are different from specified quality parameters of the video capture component (block1961). A related aspect may include incorporating one or more of the following different quality capabilities in the still image capture component: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data (block1962).
• Further possible aspects may include allowing selection of a close-up zoom field of view for the still image capture component without causing a same close-up field of view for the video capture component (block1966), allowing selection of a distant zoom field of view for the still image capture component without causing a same distant field of view for the video capture component (block1967), and allowing selection of an enlarged or diminished field of view for the still image capture component without causing a same enlarged or diminished field of view for the video capture component (block1968).
• The detailedexemplary embodiments1970 ofFIG. 47 may include previously describedprocess components1911,1912,1913 along with other possible features such as providing a still mode format having one or more of the following type of different visual elements as compared to the video mode format: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, and pixel depth (block1971).
• Another possible aspect may include providing a shutter speed interval for the still image capture component that is different from a concurrent frame frequency interval for the video capture component (block1972). A further exemplary aspect may include enabling user-actuated coordination of the related fields of view of the video capture component and the still image capture component (block1973).
• Additional exemplary features shown inFIG. 47 include enabling display of a thumbnail exemplar that incorporates a cross-reference still image identifier (block1974), and enabling display of a thumbnail exemplar that incorporates a cross-reference video identifier (block1976). A related possible feature may include incorporating a cross-reference identifier with the display of thumbnail exemplars to provide a reference link to both a portion of a stored video data stream and a stored correlated still image frame (block1977).
• Further aspects relating to an ancillary component may include activating an ancillary component prior to or concurrently with activating a shutter to assist in generating the one or more still image frames (block1978). A related aspect may include activating one or more of the following type of ancillary components: flash illuminator, infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposure controller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator, sensor, monitor, and detector (block1979).
• The detailedexemplary embodiments1980 ofFIG. 48 disclose other possibilities for implementing an image capture correlation method. Such possibilities may include previously describedprocess components1911,1912,1913 along with various aspects related to an ancillary module. For example, further exemplary aspects may include activating an ancillary module approximately concurrently with capturing the one or more still image frames (block1981), and deactivating the video capture component during an activation interval for the ancillary module (block1981).
• Other possible features may include activating an ancillary module prior to capturing the one or more still image frames (block1983), initiating the capturing of one or more still image frames in response to an output of the ancillary module (block1984), and initiating the capturing of one or more still image frames in response to field of view information detected or sensed by the ancillary module (block1986).
• Yet another exemplary aspect may include selectively activating one or more of the following features associated with the still image capture component in response to an output of an ancillary module: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display (block1987).
• Theexemplary embodiments1990 ofFIG. 49 may include previously describedfeatures1916,1917,1918,1919 as well as a possibility of initiating the capture of a still image frame in response to an activation event associated with the related field of view of the video capture component (block1991). A further related aspect may include initiating such capture in response to one or more of the following type of activation events: ancillary module output, monitored field of view participant, monitored field of view activity, sensed field of view condition, user selection, programmed selection, automated selection, and temporal schedule (block1992).
• Further disclosed exemplary features may include obtaining a portion of the video data stream in response to an activation event associated with the related field of view of the still image capture component (block1993), and obtaining a portion of the video data stream in response to one or more of the following type of activation events: ancillary module output, monitored field of view participant, monitored field of view activity, sensed field of view condition, user selection, programmed selection, automated selection, and temporal schedule (block1994).
• Other possible implementation features shown inFIG. 49 include creating a record associated with the stored version of the still image frames indicating a causation basis for initiating the capture of such still image frames (block1996), and creating a record associated with the stored version of the video data stream indicating a causation basis for obtaining the video data stream portion (block1997).
• Anexemplary embodiment2000 shown inFIG. 50 discloses a computer program product having instructions for executing a process (block2001) that may include obtaining a portion of video data stream derived from a field of view of a video capture component (block2002); initiating a capture of one or more still image frames derived from a related field of view of a still image capture component (block2003); and generating a stored version of the captured still image frames, which stored version includes different quality characteristics compared to a stored version of the video data stream (block2004).
• A further possible process feature may include providing a cross-reference association between the stored versions of the video data stream and the one or more still image frames to facilitate future accessibility to the stored version of a portion of the video data stream and/or to the stored version of a particular correlated still image frame (block2005).
• It will be understood that various process features may be implemented in a computer program product. For example, process instructions may include enabling the cross-reference association to facilitate one or more of the following types of future accessibility to the stored versions of the video data stream and/or the one or more still image frames: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify cross-reference identifier, delete cross-reference identifier, and add cross-reference identifier.
• Additional exemplary process instructions may include selectively activating a still image capture feature that is not concurrently activated in the video capture module. Further exemplary process instructions may include selectively activating a video capture feature that is not concurrently activated in the still image capture module.
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 51, an exemplary image capture system embodiment includes a stored version ofvideo data stream2010 and a stored version of still image frames2015.
• Various types of correlation features are illustrated in the embodiments shown inFIG. 51. For example, abidirectional correlation2012 may be provided between a stored video stream portion2011 and a stored version of a particularstill image frame2016. This exemplary embodiment may provide a cross-reference (x-reference) identifier tag2017 associated with the stored still image frame (or frames), which identifier tag may include one or more identifier attributes2018. A similar or different identifier tag (not shown) may also be associated with the correlated video stream portion2011.
• In another example, abidirectional correlation2022 may be provided between a stored stillimage frame2021 and a stored version of avideo stream portion2023. This exemplary embodiment includes a cross-reference (x-reference)identifier tag2024 associated with the stored video stream portion (or individual video frame), which identifier tag may include one or more identifier attributes2025. A similar or different identifier tag (not shown) may also be associated with the correlated stillimage frame2021.
• In a further example, acorrelation2031 may provide a cross-reference association (e.g., communication link, ID indicia, etc.) between across-reference video identifier2030 and a stored video stream portion2032 that is illustrated schematically as four sequential video frames.
• In yet another example, acorrelation2036 may provide a cross-reference association between a cross-reference stillimage identifier2035 and one or more stored image frames2037 illustrated schematically as a single still frame.
• In an additional example, afirst correlation2041 may provide a cross-reference association between a cross-referencedual identifier2040 and a video stream portion2042 illustrated schematically as three non-sequential video frames. In this instance asecond correlation2043 may provide a cross-reference association between the same cross-referencedual identifier2040 and one or more still image frames2044 illustrated schematically as three still frames. Of course such dual identifiers may also be incorporated in other exemplary embodiments.
• Other possible exemplary embodiments may include athumbnail identifier2046 having a temporary correlation linkage (shown in phantom as2047) with stored video data streams. The temporary correlation linkage2047 may be capable of modification to provide correlation linkage to new or previously stored versions of captured video data streams. A furtherexemplary thumbnail identifier2048 may also include different types of correlation linkages (shown in phantom as2049) with stored still image frames. Of course such variable or temporary or changeable or updateable correlation features may be incorporated in other exemplary embodiments.
• It will be understood that some x-reference identifiers may include a fixed default identifier (e.g., non-alterable) or may be subject to limited access (e.g., encoded, password protected, etc.) or may be accessible without restriction depending on the circumstances. The exemplary embodiments are disclosed for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
• Referring to theexemplary process embodiment2060 ofFIG. 52, various possible aspects of an image capturing method are illustrated including creating a visual display that represents a field of view of an image capture device (block2061); providing a user-interface that enables an identification of one or more targeted objects that may be incorporated in the field of view (block2062); and enabling a user to make a selection from among the at least one or more targeted objects, which selection is identified as a point of interest via the user-interface (block2063). Other aspects may include initiating operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection, including providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure (block2064); and creating a stored version of each of the multiple exposures (block2065).
• The exemplary embodiment features2070 illustrated inFIG. 53 include the previously describedprocess components2061,2062,2063,2064 in combination with various possible aspects relating to selection of targeted objects. For example, an implementation feature may include enabling the user to make the selection of two or more different targeted objects incorporated in the same field of view (block2071). Other possible aspects may include obtaining multiple still image exposures (block2072) and multiple video image exposures (block2073) of the selection.
• Another exemplary feature may include enabling user-actuated coordination of the related fields of view of the image capture device for obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection (block2078).
• Additional possible aspects shown inFIG. 53 may include obtaining at least one still image exposure and at least one video image exposure of the selection (block2074). Further possible implementation features may include incorporating the selection of targeted objects as a component element in a composite work (block2075), incorporating the selection as a component element in a composite video image frame (block2076), and incorporating the selection of targeted objects as a component element in a composite still image frame (block2077).
• It is to be noted that various image capture systems and methods have been suggested as a basis for constructing composite images. In that regard, see the subject matter of the following commonly assigned related applications which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Ser. No. 10/764,431 filed 21 Jan. 2004, entitled IMAGE CORRECTION USING INDIVIDUAL MANIPULATION OF MICROLENSES IN A MICROLENS ARRAY, issued 22 Nov. 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,780; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/785,697 filed 24 Feb. 2004, entitled VOLUMETRIC IMAGE USING “VIRTUAL” LENSLETS, published 25 Aug. 2005 as publication No. 2005/0185062.
• The exemplary process features2080 illustrated inFIG. 54 include previously describedprocess components2061,2062,2063,2064 in combination with providing a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures, which cross-reference association facilitates future user accessibility for incorporating one of the multiple exposures of the selection as a component element in a composite work (block2081).
• Other possible cross-reference features shown inFIG. 54 may include establishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously with taking the multiple exposures of the selection (block2082), establishing the cross-reference association subsequent to taking the multiple exposures of the selection (block2083), and establishing an identifier tag as at least a partial basis for implementing the cross-reference association (block2084).
• An additional aspect may include establishing one or more of the following types of identifier tags: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode (block2086).
• A further aspect may include incorporating a cross-reference identifier with the multiple exposures to facilitate one or more of the following type of accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment (block2087).
• Referring toFIG. 55,exemplary process embodiments2090 may include previously describedfeatures2061,2062,2063,2064,2065 along with various storage implementation features. For example, possible aspects may include storing the multiple exposures in localized media integrated with or operably coupled to the image capture device (block2091), storing the multiple exposures in removable media that can be transported separate and apart from the image capture device (block2092), and storing the multiple exposures in a remote storage location separate and apart from the image capture device (block2093).
• An additional possible aspect may include storing one of more versions of the multiple exposures in a local storage location and in a remote storage location with respect to the image capture device (block2094). A further possible implementation feature may include creating an altered form of the stored version of one or more of the multiple exposures (block2096).
• Another possible feature may include implementing one or more of the following type of alteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation (block2097).
• The illustrated embodiment features2100 ofFIG. 56 include previously describedaspects2061,2062,2063,2064,2065 in combination with providing one or more of the following type of features in order to obtain multiple exposures having different quality characteristics: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data (block2101).
• Additional exemplary features may include enabling a programmed or automated coordination of related fields of view of the image capture device for obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection (block2102), and allowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed or automated coordination of the related fields of view (block2103).
• Another implementation feature may include incorporating one or more of the following type of different quality attributes in the stored version of the multiple exposures: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation (block2104). Another implementation feature may include activating a still image capture device approximately concurrently with activating a video image capture device to obtain the multiple exposures of the selection (block2106).
• The flow chart features2110 shown inFIG. 57 include previously describedprocess components2061,2062,2063,2064 along with selectively activating one or more of the following features associated with the image capture device in order to obtain multiple exposures with different qualities: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display (block2112).
• Further exemplary features may include activating one or more of the following type of ancillary image capture features: flash illuminator, infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposure controller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator, sensor, monitor, and detector (block2113). Other possible aspects may include facilitating the selection or identification of the targeted object as the point of interest with one or more of the following techniques: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition (block2114),
• Additional exemplary features shown inFIG. 57 include providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a usage right attribute associated with the targeted object (block2116), and providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a privacy right attribute associated with the targeted object (block2117). Another exemplary feature may include providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a proprietary right attribute associated with the targeted object (block2118).
• The high level flow chart ofFIG. 58 illustrates anexemplary embodiment2120 that includes a computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing a process (block2121). A possible encoded process may include creating a visual display that represents a field of view of an image capture device (block2122); providing a user-interface that enables an identification of possible targeted objects that may be incorporated in the field of view (block2123); and enabling a user to make a selection of one or more particular targeted objects, which selection is identified as a point of interest via the user-interface (block2124). A further exemplary encoded process aspect may include initiating operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection, wherein each exposure has at least one different quality characteristic (block2125).
• Various other aspects may be incorporated as part of a computer program product, including instructions for creating a data record that identifies the selection of one or more targeted objects as the point of interest. Other exemplary aspects may include encoded instructions for creating a stored version of the multiple exposures of the selection for future reference, and encoded instructions for enabling access and retrieval of visual elements incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures for incorporation in a composite work. It will be understood that storage media and/or signal communication media may incorporate encoded instructions for executing many types of process features.
• The schematic block diagram embodiment features ofFIG. 59 includeimage capture module2130 anduser interface2131 that are configured for operative coupling with various types of component features for selection and capturing of multiple exposures of targeted objects. For example, illustrated exemplary components may includestill image component2132,video image component2133, anddata record2134 as well asprocessor2135 andcontroller2136. Additional exemplary components may further includestorage media2137, one ormore application programs2138, one or moreancillary components2139, andselector component2140.
• The exemplary embodiment features ofimage capture module2130 may have capability for a wide angle field ofview2150 that covers many possible target objects.FIG. 59 shows a fixed field ofview2150 that is directed toward a targeted stationary background oftrees2151,2152,2153,2154 (shown in bold outline). Such targeting may exclude other objects such asperson2155 who is shown to be outside the field of view boundaries. Of courseperson2155 may from time to time wander in and out of the fixed field ofview2150, and may therefore be captured by stillimage component2132 orvideo image component2133.
• FIG. 59 also shows another field ofview2160 that is capable of different alignments. For example, if vehicle2161 (shown in bold outline) is selected as a targeted object, than one or more image capture components such asstill image component2132 orvideo image component2133 may be subject to automatic or programmed or user-activated control to keep such targeted object within its field ofview2160. In other words, the targetedvehicle2161 would remain within the desired field of view even thoughdriver2162 might exit thevehicle2161 and leave it unoccupied. However, if the vehicle were occupied by anadditional passenger2163 and driven bydriver2162 to a new location (e.g., seevehicle2161aoutlined in bold phantom), the applicable image capture component would have capability to change its alignment direction (see arrows2164) in order to keep the targeted vehicle within its field ofview2160.
• It will be understood thatdriver2162 orpassenger2163 are also possible target objects, and may be targeted by different image capture components depending on the circumstances. The exemplary target objects shown are by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
• FIG. 59 shows a further field ofview2170 that is capable of wide or narrow boundaries (see arrow2174) as well as different alignment positions. For example, if person2171 (shown in bold outline) is selected as a target object, then one or more image capture components may be configured to keep such targeted object within its field ofview2170. A smaller object such ashead2172 may also be selected as a target object, and a narrower field of view (see dotted boundary2173) combined with a zoom-in close up lens may be desirable in some circumstances.
• In the event the targeted object such asperson2171 orhead2172 is relocated (see2171aand2172ashown in bold phantom outline), the applicable capture component can be re-aligned to keep the targeted object within the appropriate field of view.
• Of course in some instances another image capture component (e.g., wide angle fixed field of view) could initiate coverage of a targeted object, thereby providing transfer capability between two image capture devices or alternatively simultaneous coverage (e.g. different angles, different focus, different resolution, etc.) of the same targeted object.
• Referring to the schematic diagram ofFIG. 60, a representation of exemplary embodiment features shows user interface2180 operatively coupled to various image capture devices such aspanorama capture component2175, close-upcapture component2176, audio-visual capture component2177, hi-frequency capture component2178, and hi-resolution capture component2179.
• The user interface2180 may includeselector component2181 and a targetedselections identity list2182. Another possible feature may include field ofview preview2184 that visually shows or otherwise identifies possible targetedobjects2185. The field of view preview may also show or otherwise identify targeted objects already selected such as a targetedbackground2186, targetedperson2187, targeted group2188, and targetedvehicle2189.
• Output images from thevarious capture components2175,2176,2177,2178,2179 may be sent temporarily to astore buffer2200 to await further processing, or in some instances may be sent directly to acomputerized processing module2190. Such processing may include providing some form of cross-reference association between different exposures of the same objects or related objects or unrelated objects or specified visual elements thereof. In some instances it may be desirable to make certainpossible image alterations2198 of captured exposures in accordance with quality standards, storage limitations, future usage expectations, and the like. Such editing may be accomplished by thecomputerized processing module2190 or by a separateimage alteration module2199.
• Some or all of themultiple still exposures2192 in original or altered form may be transferred viacommunication link2191 to be saved on local and/or remote storage media for future reference. Similarly some or all of themultiple video exposures2202 in original or altered form may be transferred viacommunication link2201 to be saved on local and/or remote storage media for future reference.
• Of course it will be understood that original or altered still/video image exposures may be stored together, or separately, or intermixed in various types of temporary or long-term storage arrangements. In that regard the exemplary processing, editing, and storage embodiments are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
• As shown inFIG. 60, future usage of the still imagemultiple exposures2192, may be accomplished viaaccess interface2210. For example, an authorized user ofaccess interface2210 can usecommunication link2211 for purposes of search andretrieval2213 of storedversions2193,2194,2195,2196. Searching of group still image categories or individual still image frames may by facilitated by an identification scheme based on cross-reference identifier tags2197.
• Similarly future usage of the video imagemultiple exposures2202 may be accomplished viaaccess interface2210. For example, an authorized user ofaccess interface2210 can usecommunication link2212 for purposes of search andretrieval2213 of storedversions2203,2204,2205,2206. Searching of group video image categories or individual video image frames may by facilitated by an identification scheme based on cross-reference identifier tags2207.
• A further possible implementation feature may include animage alteration module2215 linked to theaccess interface2210 in order to provide an optional choice of obtaining a particular modification of an exposure image (see arrow2216).
• It will be understood from the exemplary embodiment features disclosed herein that some system implementations may provide a still image capture component for taking multiple still image frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple still image frames each have different quality characteristics. A related system implementation may provide a video capture component for taking a stream of multiple video frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple video frames each have different quality characteristics.
• Further possible system implementation may include a still image capture component for taking multiple still image frames of the designated targeted object; and a video capture component for taking a stream of multiple video frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple video frames each have different quality characteristics compared to the multiple still image frames.
• In some instances an exemplary system implementation may incorporate storage media that includes one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the designated targeted object: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.
• Further possible system implementation may provide an interface linked to the storage media to enable access and retrieval of visual elements incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures of the designated object for incorporation in a composite work. In some instances the composite work may include a composite still image frame or a composite video image frame.
• An exemplary system embodiment may include a controller configuration for programmed or automated activation of the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object. In some instances the controller configuration may provide for user-activation of the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object.
• Another possible system feature may include a controller configuration to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object based on different fields of view of the image capture module. A further possible system feature may provide an image capture module that includes one or more of the following component features for taking multiple exposures having different quality characteristics: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display.
• Additional system features may include a controller configuration for incorporating one or more of the following type of different quality attributes in the stored version of the multiple exposures: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation.
• Further possible system features may include a controller configuration to create an altered form of one or more multiple exposures to be retained by the storage media, which altered form is a modified version of the multiple exposures initially captured by the image capture module. In some instances an exemplary system may include a controller configuration for implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques for creating the altered form of the one or more multiple exposures to be retained by the storage media: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.
• Further possible system implementation features may includes one or more ancillary components for providing input information to the controller based on a monitored or sensed or detected event in the field of view of the image capture module regarding the designated target object, wherein said controller activates the image capture module in response to the input.
• FIG. 61 is a schematic representing showing a possible exemplary technique for using the temporarily stored exposure versions fromstore buffer220 or the longer term storage media versions ofmultiple exposures2192,2202 (seeFIG. 60) to create a compositevisual work2270.
• For example, astill image exposure2230 may include a still frame with targeted visual element2231 (e.g., seven point symbol with interior design) having a particular set of quality characteristics. Avideo frame exposure2240 may include a video frame with a same or related targeted visual element2241 (e.g., larger bold-outlined seven point symbol) having a different set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to a search and retrieval operation exemplified bycommunication link arrow2244, an alteredversion2241a(e.g., further enlarged seven point symbol with superimposed element2266) derived fromvideo frame exposure2240 has been chosen to be incorporated into the compositevisual work2270.
• As a further example, astill image exposure2250 may include a still frame with targeted visual element2251 (e.g., bold outlined X-shaped symbol) having a particular set of quality characteristics. Anotherstill image exposure2260 may include a same or related targeted visual element2261 (e.g., X-shaped symbol with interior design) having a different set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to a search and retrieval operation exemplified bycommunication link arrow2263, anunchanged version2261ataken from stillimage exposure2260 has been chosen to be incorporated into the compositevisual work2270.
• As an additional example, astill image exposure2250 may include a still frame with targeted visual element2252 (e.g., triangle symbol) having a particular set of quality characteristics. Avideo frame exposure2260 may include a video frame with a same or related targeted visual element2241 (e.g., bold outlined triangle symbol) having a different set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to a search and retrieval operation exemplified bycommunication link arrow2263, anunchanged version2262aas well as an alteredversion2262b(e.g., rotated enlarged bold outlined triangle symbol) derived fromvideo frame exposure2243 have both been chosen to be incorporated into the compositevisual work2270.
• As yet another example, astill image exposure2230 may include a still frame with targeted (or in some instances untargeted) groupvisual elements2231,2232,2233 having a particular set of quality characteristics. Another image exposure of this same or related group of visual elements may be unavailable. Pursuant to a search and retrieval operation exemplified bycommunication link arrow2244, anunchanged version2231a,2232a,2233aderived from stillframe exposure2230 has been chosen to be incorporated into the compositevisual work2270.
• It is to be noted that other collections of captured images may be available (seecommunication link arrows2234,2253) for search and retrieval of related or unrelated visual elements to be considered for incorporation in the compositevisual work2270. For example, thegrouping2265 of visual elements (e.g., five point stars) as well as individual visual element2267 (e.g., five point star) shown to be included in compositevisual work2270 may have been part of existing default elements, or may have been obtained from other collections of captured images.
• Of course the geometric visual elements depicted inFIG. 61 are not intended to be attractive or aesthetic, but are merely illustrative symbols that represent the countless visual objects and/or portions thereof that can be targeted, captured, saved, altered, and in some instances ultimately incorporated in a composite visual work.
• It will be understood that compositevisual work2270 may constitute a tentative composite display subject to further evaluation, deletions, substitution, reorientation, additions, modification, etc. In some instances it may constitute a completed composite display to be exhibited, distributed, reproduced, etc. Of course retrieved visual elements may be incorporated in the compositevisual work2270 in their original form as distinct elements, or otherwise incorporated as aggregated elements that may be superimposed, altered, transformed, cropped, fragmented, etc. or otherwise modified in ways that are impossible to enumerate.
• Referring to theexemplary embodiment2280 disclosed in the high level flow chart ofFIG. 62, exemplary process features for a composite image selection method may include obtaining access to a collection of captured images, (block2281). providing a computerized user-interface that is capable of display of a representation of various visual elements that are part of a captured image from the collection (block2282), allowing a user to have viewing access to the display of the representation in order to make a selection of a possible component element to be incorporated as part of a composite work (block2283), and providing an input technique that enables an identification of the user's selection of the possible component element (block2284). An additional possible aspect may include establishing a record of the selection made by the user, which record facilitates future availability of the selection (block2285).
• Additional exemplary embodiment features2290 shown inFIG. 63 may include previously describedprocess components2281,2282,2283,2284,2285 along with obtaining retrieval of a particular version of the selection of the possible component element (block2291), and incorporating in the composite work the particular version of the selection of the possible component element in the composite work (block2292). Another possible aspect may include obtaining the retrieval of the particular version, which retrieval is based at least in part on a cross-reference association between multiple exposures of the same or similar various visual elements (block2293).
• Additional possible implementation features may include incorporating in the composite work an original captured version (block2294) as well as a modified version of the selection of the possible component element (block2296). Other possible features may include providing a display of two or more captured images to facilitate the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work (block2297).
• Referring toFIG. 64,exemplary embodiments2300 may provide a compositeimage selection method2286 that includes previously describedprocess components2281,2282,2283,2297 in combination with other display aspects. For example, possible aspects may include implementing an adjacent display (block2301) and in some instances a sequential display (block2302) of the two or more captured images.
• Other possible features may include implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a same type of various visual elements (block2303), and implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a different type of various visual elements (block2304). Additional implementation features may include implementing the display of two or more captured still image frames or video image frames having related fields of view of the same various visual elements (block2305).
• Further exemplary disclosed features inFIG. 64 include implementing the display of two or more captured images having one or more of the following related fields of view of the same various visual elements: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, wide angle, narrow angle, frontal, partial right, partial left, upper vantage point, lower vantage point, overlapping, fragmented, variable view, still image view, video image view, simultaneous, and time delayed (block2306). Other possible aspects may include implementing the display of two or more captured still images (block2307), and implementing the display of two or more captured video frame images (block2308).
• As shown in theexemplary embodiments2310 ofFIG. 65, possible aspect may include previously describedprocess components2286,2281,2282,2283 in combination with implementing the display of two or more captured images that include captured still images and captured video frame images (block2311). A further possible aspect may include implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a different quality characteristic (block2312).
• Other possible process features may include implementing the display of captured images having one or more of the following type of different quality attributes: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation (block2313).
• Additional aspects illustrated inFIG. 65 may include implementing the display of two or more captured images having one or more of the following type of different quality characteristics for the same various visual elements: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, video frame frequency, post-capture alteration, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, post-capture editing, and meta-data (block2314).
• As shown in the detailedexemplary embodiments2320 ofFIG. 66, possible process components may include previously describedfeatures2281,2282,2283,2284 along with further examples of possible display features such as implementing the display of an enlarged representation of the various visual elements of the captured image in the collection (block2321).
• Another possible aspect may include implementing via the computerized user-interface a retrieval and display of the same or similar various visual elements from multiple captured images of the collection prior to the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work (block2322). A further possible aspect may include implementing a simultaneous display of different combinations of multiple captured images for comparison prior to the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work (block2323).
• Some exemplary embodiments may enable the user to activate a screen indicator for identifying the various visual elements to be incorporated as a possible component element in the composite work (block2324). Other possible features may enable the user to activate the screen indicator includes one or more of the following techniques: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object boundary, object labeling, manual screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right permission, and usage right recognition (block2326).
• FIG. 66 also illustrates an exemplary feature that implements a tentative assembly of the composite work that includes the possible component element (block2327).
• Theexemplary embodiments2330 ofFIG. 67 may include previously describedprocess components2281,2282,2283,2284,2285 along with possible aspects regarding assembly of a composite work. For example, the previously described feature that implements the tentative assembly of the composite work (block2327) may in some instances further include enabling one or more of the following type of operations regarding the tentative assembly of the composite work: element positioning, element orientation, element dimensions, substitution of different element, addition of new element, deletion of element, element combinations, grouping relationship, element spacing, and altered element (block2331). Another related aspect may include implementing a user-accessible display of the tentative assembly of the composite work (block2332).
• Other possible aspects shown inFIG. 67 may include implementing a completed assembly of the composite work that includes the possible component element (block2333). Further implementation features may include incorporating the combination of two or more possible component elements in a completed assembly of a composite video image frame (block2334) as well as in a completed assembly of a composite still image frame (block2336). An additional exemplary feature may include creating a stored version of the completed assembly of the composite work (block2337).
• Referring to the flow chart ofFIG. 68, variousexemplary embodiments2340 may include previously describedfeatures2281,2282,2283,2284,2285,2333 along with creating an altered form of the possible component element (block2341), and incorporating the altered form of the possible component element in the completed assembly of the composite work (block2342). A related feature may include implementing one or more of the following type of alteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and gray-scale implementation (block2343).
• Some implementations may include incorporating an original captured version of the possible component element in the completed assembly of the composite work (block2344). Other possible aspects may include transferring an original captured version of the possible component element to a storage module for future reference (block2347), and in some instances transferring an altered form of the possible component to a storage module for future reference (block2346).
• The high level flow chart ofFIG. 69 illustrates anexemplary embodiment2350 for creating a composite visual work, including identifying a collection of captured images (block2351), associating rights-related information with one or more component elements of the captured images (block2352), presenting a representation of at least one of the captured images for viewing by a user (block2353), and enabling compliance with the rights-related information in connection with a selection of a specified component element of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work (block2354).
• Referring to the exemplary embodiment features2360 ofFIG. 70, previously describedprocess components2351,2352,2353,2354 may be combined with confirming the selection of the specified component element of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work (block2361), and making a record to identify the specified component element selected for incorporation in a composite work (block2362).
• Additional possible aspects may include providing a cross-reference between the rights-related information and its associated component element of the captured images (block2363), and providing user accessibility to the rights-related information in connection with the selection of the specified component element for incorporation in the composite work (block2364).
• Further possible implementation features shown inFIG. 70 may include incorporating in the composite work the selected component element of the captured images (block2366); and making a record that identifies the rights-related information associated with the selected specified component element, which record is operatively coupled with the composite work that incorporates the selection (block2367).
• Another possible aspect may include incorporating an identifier tag with the associated component of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following type of accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment (block2368).
• The flow chart ofFIG. 71 illustrates anexemplary embodiment2370 for a computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing a process (block2371), wherein possible process components may include displaying a representation of one or more captured images (block2372), and providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images in order to facilitate a user's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work (block2373). Other possible process components may include providing an input technique that enables identification of the user's selection of the specified visual component (block2374), and establishing a record of the user's selection of the specified visual component (block2376).
• Other examples of exemplary process features that may be incorporated in a computer program product include establishing the record include creating a stored version of the specified component of the captured images, and enabling access and retrieval of the stored version of the specified visual component for incorporation in a composite work.
• Additional computer program process features may include providing accessibility via a user-interface to a representation of the captured images with one or more of the following techniques to facilitate the user's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.
• Other possible computer program components may include storage media and/or signal communication media for encoding instructions for executing the process.
• A schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 72 includes a user-interface display2380 capable of various functions related to selection and usage of visual component for incorporation in a composite visual work. For example, selectedrepresentations2381,2382,2383 of various available multiple exposures may include different quality attributes of a specified visual object (e.g., shown symbolically as a tri-band design), An adjacent display ofrepresentations2381,2382,2383 as shown inFIG. 72 may facilitate a user's confirmation of a visual component for incorporation in a composite visual work. In some instances an enlargement option such as indicated by2382amay facilitate a close-up inspection of the quality characteristics ofrepresentation2382.
• As another example, selectedrepresentations2385,2386,2387 of various available multiple exposures may include different quality attributes of a specified group of visual objects (e.g., shown symbolically as five point stars). A sequential display (e.g., see scrolling arrows2389) ofrepresentations2385,2386,2387 as shown inFIG. 72 may facilitate a user's confirmation of a visual component for incorporation in a composite visual work. It will be noted that such representations of visual image components may have differently sized dimensions and may require further scrolling (see non-viewable portion2388) in order to view the entire visual image component.
• A further example inFIG. 72 shows an adjacent combination display of fourrepresentations2390,2391,2392,2393 selected from various unrelated multiple exposures of different visual objects. It will be understood that the visual components included in therepresentation2390,2391,2392,2393 may be original captured images as well as modified images. For example, the close-up image of2392 may have originally been part of a captured distance view of the same person.
• A search and retrieval operation may be facilitated by across-reference association2396 correlated with an individual exposure or group of exposures. Similarly a search and retrieval operation may also be facilitated by anidentifier tag2397 correlated with an individual exposure or group of exposures. In some instances a particular visual object originally captured in one exposure may also appear in another exposure (seefemale person2395 shown inrepresentation2391 and also shown as2395ain representation2385). This could be the result of original exposures taken from different fields of view, or perhaps is a result of an alteration of an original exposure (e.g., an aggregation of different combinations of visual objects).
• It will be understood that various input techniques may be used to search, retrieve, manipulate, and ultimately confirm a selection of a particular visual component for incorporation in a composite visual work. In that regard,selector pointer2399 may be user-activated as shown inFIG. 72 to selectrepresentation2381 as a specified visual component for tentative or final incorporation in a composite work.
• Of course the visual representations depicted inFIG. 72 are intended only for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The different orientations, size scaling, stick figures, exaggerated features, etc. are provided as symbolic examples of the many quality characteristics of diverse types of visual objects (e.g., persons, flora, fauna, background, buildings, vehicles, abstractions, etc.) that can be included in the subject matter of captured exposures.
• Referring to the schematic block diagram ofFIG. 73, an exemplary embodiment of a computerized user-interface2400 may include adisplay module2405 capable of providing some or all of the various display functions shown inFIG. 72. For example,display module2405 may include aselection module2402, and representations of possiblevisual components2410 to be considered for selection. Possible available exposures may include capturedimages2411 as well as alteredimages2412.
• Of course it will be understood thatselection module2402 may include various input techniques such asselection pointer2399 as well as many other possible input selection techniques. For example, one or more of the following techniques may be implemented to facilitate the user's selection of the specified visual component to be incorporated in a tentative or final composite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.
• Additional possible operational aspects that may be incorporated indisplay module2405 include facilitating a tentative assembly of acomposite work2406 as well as a completed assembly of acomposite work2407. In that regard, a robust display module may enable substitution, deletion, addition, modification, as well as various other types of manipulation of individual or group visual components in order to achieve a desired composite visual appearance.
• Operational functions of the computerized user-interface2400 may be accomplished by various hardware and/or software modules such asprocessor2414,controller2415, and one ormore applications2416. Additional possible components may includelocal storage2417,image data records2418 and a listing ofuser access permissions2419.
• In some implementations animage alteration module2420 may be operably coupled to the computerized user-interface2400 for purposes of creating a modified version of the possible visual component available for incorporation in the composite work. An exemplary embodiment of animage alteration module2420 may include various processing configurations for implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.
• Some embodiments may provide direct or network access viawire communication link2425 or viawireless communication link2426 toremote storage2430. It will be understood thatsuch communication links2425,2426 enable access and retrieval of selected visual components incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures for incorporation in a composite still image frame or a composite video image frame.
• Possible data records maintained inremote storage2430 may include capturedvideo image exposures2431 as well as stored versions of video image frames2432. Other possible data records maintained inremote storage2430 may include captured stillimage exposures2433 as well as stored versions of still image frames2434.
• Additional types of possible information to be maintained inremote storage2430 may includecross-reference records2436 between multiple exposures of same or similar visual objects as well as cross-reference records for diverse groupings of video and/or still image exposures. In that regard, stored versions of captured images may include one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of visual objects: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.
• Additional types of data records maintained inremote storage2430 may include rights-related information associated with various image exposures as well as visual components thereof. For example the stored version of the captured images may include usage requirements regarding one or more of the following type of different quality characteristics: privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.
• Of course the illustrated storage locations are provided by way of example only, and storage functions can be shared between different local and remote storage modules or provided exclusively by a single storage unit, or in some instances may be implemented in removable/transportable storage media depending on the circumstances.
• Some system embodiments may provide storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes a cross-reference association between multiple exposures having different quality characteristics of related visual objects.
• Various types of operational features disclosed herein may be implemented in exemplary image capture system embodiments. For example, an exemplary system feature may include one or more ancillary components for helping to provide different types of enhanced still or video images derived from a field of view for the image capture module. Other possible system features may include one or more ancillary components for providing input information to a controller module based on a monitored or sensed or detected event in a fixed or variable field of view of the video capture component or of the still image capture component.
• Further possible system features may include control means for implementing user coordination or programmed coordination or automated coordination of the related fields of view of the video capture component and the still image capture component.
• It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various components and elements disclosed in the block diagrams herein as well as the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts herein may be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in order to enhance possible benefits and advantages.
• The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments disclosed herein includingFIGS. 1-4 andFIGS. 9-11 andFIG. 19 andFIGS. 38-39 andFIG. 51 andFIGS. 59-61 andFIGS. 72-73 along with other components, devices, know-how, skill and techniques that are known in the art have the capability of implementing and practicing the methods and processes shown inFIGS. 5-8 andFIGS. 12-18 andFIGS. 20-37 andFIGS. 40-50 andFIGS. 52-58 andFIGS. 62-71. It is to be understood that the methods and processes can be incorporated in one or more different types of computer program products with a carrier medium having program instructions encoded thereon. However it is to be further understood by those skilled in the art that other systems, apparatus and technology may be used to implement and practice such methods and processes.
• Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the various aspects of the embodiments for methods, processes, apparatus and systems as described herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.
• It will be understood that variations may be incorporated in the methods, systems and program products disclosed herein for determining what data to transfer to the separate storage location, and what data to be retained by the capture device. Some predetermined guidelines or real-time decisions may be employed to determine how and whether to organize and reorganize the transferred data as well as how and whether to organize and reorganize the retained data. Possible factors may include rule guidelines, user input, context at the capture (e.g., transferring) device and/or at the separate storage location. Other types of factors may include space, bandwidth, device capabilities, accessibility of remote storage, cost task, preferences, etc.
• It will be further understood that a possible return transfer (e.g., retrieval, etc.) from the separate storage location back to the capture device or other designated device (e.g., another device being used by an authorized user or other authorized third party) may depend on various factors such as freed-up or added device storage, bandwidth opportunities, tasks, context, etc.
• Various computer program product embodiments and process components may include allowing accessibility to the selected captured data by an authorized party, as well as accessibility to the selected captured data by a designated device. Other possible features may include storage media or communication media for encoding process instructions.
• It will be understood from the illustrative examples herein that a technique as disclosed herein processes captured data on a device, wherein selected captured data of a given quality resolution is transferred via a communication link to a separate storage location for future availability. A storage protocol may include different storage organization categories. A possible aspect includes an identifier record to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames having different quality characteristics and/or formats. Initial and ongoing coordination as well as correlation may be facilitated between video and still image data derived from related fields of view.
• Further exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.
• Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost versus efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle may vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle may be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations will require optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.
• The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flow diagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory; and
• transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links).
• It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
• The herein described aspects depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components.
• As a further definition of “open” terms in the present specification and claims, it will be understood that usage of a language construction “A or B” is generally interpreted as a non-exclusive “open term” meaning: A alone, B alone, A and B together.
• While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (59)

1. A composite image selection method comprising:

obtaining access to a collection of captured images;

providing a computerized user-interface that is capable of display of a representation of various visual elements that are part of a captured image from the collection;

allowing a user to have viewing access to the display of the representation in order to make a selection of a possible component element to be incorporated as part of a composite work;

providing an input technique that enables an identification of the user's selection of the possible component element; and

establishing a record of the selection made by the user, which record facilitates future availability of the selection.

2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

obtaining retrieval of a particular version of the selection of the possible component element.

3. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising:

incorporating in the composite work the particular version of the selection of the possible component element in the composite work.

4. The method ofclaim 2 wherein said obtaining retrieval of the particular version of the selection includes:

obtaining the retrieval of the particular version, which retrieval is based at least in part on a cross-reference association between multiple exposures of the same or similar various visual elements.

5. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

incorporating in the composite work an original captured version of the selection of the possible component element.

6. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

incorporating in the composite work a modified version of the selection of the possible component element.

7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said providing the user-interface includes:

providing a display of two or more captured images to facilitate the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work.

8. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of two or more captured images includes;

implementing an adjacent display of the two or more captured images.

9. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes;

implementing a sequential display of the two or more captured images.

10. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a same type of various visual elements.

11. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a different type of various visual elements.

12. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured still image frames or video image frames having related fields of view of the same various visual elements.

13. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images having one or more of the following related fields of view of the same various visual elements: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, wide angle, narrow angle, frontal, partial right, partial left, upper vantage point, lower vantage point, overlapping, fragmented, variable view, still image view, video image view, simultaneous, and time delayed.

14. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured still images.

15. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured video frame images.

16. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images that include captured still images and captured video frame images.

17. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images each having a different quality characteristic.

18. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of captured images having one or more of the following type of different quality attributes: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation.

19. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured images includes:

implementing the display of two or more captured images having one or more of the following type of different quality characteristics for the same various visual elements: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, video frame frequency, post-capture alteration, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, post-capture editing, and meta-data.

20. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said providing the computerized user-interface includes:

implementing the display of an enlarged representation of the various visual elements of the captured image in the collection.

21. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said providing the computerized user-interface includes:

implementing via the computerized user-interface a retrieval and display of the same or similar various visual elements from multiple captured images of the collection prior to the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work.

22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein said implementing the display of the multiple captured images includes;

implementing a simultaneous display of different combinations of multiple captured images for comparison prior to the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated in the composite work.

23. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said providing an input technique that enables an identification of the user's selection includes:

enabling the user to activate a screen indicator for identifying the various visual elements to be incorporated as a possible component element in the composite work.

24. The method ofclaim 23 wherein said enabling the user to activate the screen indicator includes one or more of the following techniques: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object boundary, object labeling, manual screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right permission, and usage right recognition.

25. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

implementing a tentative assembly of the composite work that includes the possible component element.

26. The method ofclaim 25 wherein said implementing the tentative assembly includes:

enabling one or more of the following type of operations regarding the tentative assembly of the composite work: element positioning, element orientation, element dimensions, substitution of different element, addition of new element, deletion of element, element combinations, grouping relationship, element spacing, and altered element.

27. The method ofclaim 25 further comprising:

implementing a user-accessible display of the tentative assembly of the composite work.

28. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising:

implementing a completed assembly of the composite work that includes the possible component element.

29. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

incorporating the combination of two or more possible component elements in a completed assembly of a composite video image frame.

30. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

incorporating the combination of two or more possible component elements in a completed assembly of a composite still image frame.

31. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

creating a stored version of the completed assembly of the composite work.

32. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

incorporating an original captured version of the possible component element in the completed assembly of the composite work.

33. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

creating an altered form of the possible component element; and

incorporating the altered form of the possible component element in the completed assembly of the composite work.

34. The method ofclaim 33 wherein said creating an altered form of the possible component includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of alteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and gray-scale implementation.

35. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said establishing the record includes:

transferring an altered form of the possible component to a storage module for future reference.

36. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said establishing the record includes:

transferring an original captured version of the possible component element to a storage module for future reference.

37-44. (canceled)

45. A computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing the following process;

displaying a representation of one or more captured images;

providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images in order to facilitate a user's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work;

providing an input technique that enables identification of the user's selection of the specified visual component; and

establishing a record of the user's selection of the specified visual component.

46. The computer program product ofclaim 45 wherein said process component establishing the record includes:

creating a stored version of the specified component of the captured images.

47. The computer program product ofclaim 45, wherein the process further includes:

enabling access and retrieval of the stored version of the specified visual component for incorporation in a composite work.

48. The computer program product ofclaim 45 wherein said process component providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation of the captured images includes:

providing one or more of the following techniques via the user interface to facilitate the user's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

49. The computer program product ofclaim 45 further comprising:

storage media and/or signal communication media for encoding instructions for executing the process.

50. An image access system comprising:

a computerized user-interface for facilitating selection of one or more visual components to be incorporated in a composite work;

a data record that includes an identification of one or more captured images having a possible visual component available for display and retrieval;

a display module operatively coupled with the computerized user-interface to enable viewing of a representation of the possible visual component; and

a processing module for accomplishing retrieval of a selected visual component for incorporation in the composite work.

51. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes a cross-reference association between multiple exposures having different quality characteristics of related visual objects.

52. The system ofclaim 51 wherein the stored version of the captured images includes one or more of the following different quality characteristics: privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

53. The system ofclaim 51 wherein the stored versions of the captured images include one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the related visual objects: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

54. The system ofclaim 51 wherein said processing module includes an access link to the storage media to enable access and retrieval of selected visual components incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures for incorporation in a composite still image frame or a composite video image frame.

55. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising:

an alteration module for creating a modified version of the possible visual component available for incorporation in the composite work.

56. The system ofclaim 55 wherein said alteration module includes:

a processing configuration for implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

57. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface includes:

an interface configuration that provides one or more of the following techniques to facilitate the user's selection of the specified visual component to be incorporated in a tentative or final composite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

58. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising:

storage media for retaining a stored version of the one or more captured images for future reference, wherein the stored version includes multiple exposures of one or more of the following type of visual objects: same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.

59. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said processing module includes:

a processing module for accomplishing retrieval of an original or altered version of the possible visual component to be available for incorporation in the composite work.

60. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface includes;

an interface configuration that provides accessibility to an identifier tag associated with the possible visual component of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

61. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said display module includes:

a display module that is capable of implementing viewing access to a representation of two or more captured still images frames or captured video images having related fields of view of one or more various visual elements.

62. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said computerized user-interface is operatively coupled with the display module to implement a user-accessible display of a tentative assembly or completed assembly of the composite work.

63. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising:

a storage module for retaining a stored version of the composite work.

64. The computer program product ofclaim 45 wherein said process further includes:

associating one or more of the following different quality characteristics with the specified visual component: privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.

65. The computer program product ofclaim 45 wherein said process further includes:

providing an identifier tag associated with the specified visual component of the captured images to facilitate one or more of the following: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

66. The computer program product ofclaim 45 wherein said process feature displaying the representation of one or more captured images includes:

displaying multiple exposures of one or more of the following type of visual objects: same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.

Images