Method and system for displaying images and associated multimedia types in the interface of a digital camera

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to digital cameras, and more particularly to a method and system for displaying images in the interface of a digital camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern digital cameras typically include an imaging device which is controlled by a computer system. The computer system accesses raw image data captured by the imaging device and then processes and compresses the data before storing the compressed data into an internal memory. Efficient operation of the computer is therefore an important consideration for camera designers and manufacturers. The memory architecture of a particular computer system determines data storage techniques and can thus significantly effect the operational efficiency of the entire digital camera system.

Due to architectural limitations of conventional digital cameras, there are several drawbacks in the user interface that restrict how captured images are displayed and manipulated by a user. The user interface in conventional digital cameras typically includes a view finder for displaying a series of image cells. Each image cell, in turn, displays a small version of a corresponding captured image. Displaying several cells in this manner allows a user to review several images at once. When the user selects one of the cells in the view finder, the full-sized version of the image is then displayed in the view finder.

One problem with conventional digital cameras is that the file format for storing captured images does not directly support the display of image cells. For example, most traditional digital cameras store compressed images in a particular file format in memory. The file typically includes both a header that optionally stores the date and time that the image was taken, and the captured image data itself. The captured image is usually stored in the file as a Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) data.

When a conventional digital camera is to display a series of image cells in the view finder, the digital camera must first retrieve the JPEG data from the appropriate files, decompress the data, and then process the uncompressed images by resizing the images to the size of the image cells. One drawback to this approach is that the decompressing and resizing operations reduce the speed at which the camera can display the full-sized images in the view finder.

Another drawback is that the file format for storing captured images does not support the storage of additional information regarding each image that may be of use to the user. Thus, a conventional digital camera that has stored many pictures can only offer the date and time that each image was captured to distinguish the images for the user.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved system and method for displaying captured images in a digital camera. The present invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides method and system for displaying a series of images captured by a digital camera that includes a user interface which includes a view finder. The method and system first store each of the captured images in memory, and then displays a plurality of image cells in the view finder, wherein each of the image cells corresponds to one of the captured images. The method and system further provide at least one of the image cells with an image area for displaying the corresponding captured image, and further provide the at least one image cell with an icon area for displaying additional information regarding the corresponding captured image.

According to the system and method disclosed herein, a file format is provided that supports the direct display of image cells in the view finder. In addition, graphical icons are displayed in the image cell regarding the media types associated with the image, thereby increasing the ease of use and operation of the digital camera.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera that operates in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment for the imaging device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment for the computer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a user interface for the digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a digital camera user interface having expanded cells in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the format of an expanded cell.

FIG. 7 is a table listing example media types and corresponding icons that may be associated with a captured image.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment for a extended file format for storing a captured image that supports the display of thumb nail images in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a second preferred embodiment for the extended file format that supports multiple media types.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a multiple image file format that supports multiple image media types.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in displaying images in a digital camera. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

The present invention is a digital camera that includes a method and system for displaying captured images in a digital camera. According to the present invention, a method and system is provided for supporting the direct display of image cells in the view finder, and for extending the image cell of each image in order to provide additional information regarding the image.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a camera 110 is shown according to the present invention. Camera 110 preferably comprises an imaging device 114, a system bus 116 and a computer 118. Imaging device 114 is optically coupled to an object 112 and electrically coupled via system bus 116 to computer 118. Once a photographer has focused imaging device 114 on object 112 and, using a capture button or some other means, instructed camera 110 to capture an image of object 112, computer 118 commands imaging device 114 via system bus 116 to capture raw image data representing object 112. The captured raw image data is transferred over system bus 116 to computer 118 which performs various image processing functions on the image data before storing it in its internal memory. System bus 116 also passes various status and control signals between imaging device 114 and computer 118.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of imaging device 114 is shown. Imaging device 114 preferably comprises a lens 220 having an iris, a filter 222, an image sensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signal processor (ASP) 228, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 230, an interface 232, and one or more motor 234.

In operation, imaging device 114 captures an image of object 112 via reflected light impacting image sensor 224 along optical path 236. Image sensor 224 responsively generates a set of raw image data representing the captured image 112. The raw image data is then routed through ASP 228, A/D converter 230 and interface 232. Interface 232 has outputs for controlling ASP 228, motors 234 and timing generator 226. From interface 232, the raw image data passes over system bus 116 to computer 118.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the preferred embodiment for computer 118 is shown. System bus 116 provides connection paths between imaging device 114, power manager 342, central processing unit (CPU) 344, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) 346, input/output interface (I/O) 348, read-only memory (ROM) 350, and buffers/connector 352. Removable memory 354 connects to system bus 116 via buffers/connector 352. Alternately, camera 110 may be implemented without removable memory 354 or buffers/connector 352.

Power manager 342 communicates via line 366 with power supply 356 and coordinates power management operations for camera 110. CPU 344 typically includes a conventional processor device for controlling the operation of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, CPU 344 is capable of concurrently running multiple software routines to control the various processes of camera 110 within a multi-threading environment. DRAM 346 is a contiguous block of dynamic memory which may be selectively allocated to various storage functions.

I/O 348 is an interface device allowing communications to and from computer 118. For example, I/O 348 permits an external host computer (not shown) to connect to and commnunicate with computer 118. I/O 348 also permits a camera 110 user to communicate with camera 110 via an external user interface and via an external display panel, referred to as a view finder.

ROM 350 typically comprises a conventional nonvolatile read-only memory which stores a set of computer-readable program instructions to control the operation of camera 110. Removable memory 354 serves as an additional image data storage area and is preferably a non-volatile device, readily removable and replaceable by a camera 110 user via buffers/connector 352. Thus, a user who possesses several removable memories 354 may replace a full removable memory 354 with an empty removable memory 354 to effectively expand the picture-taking capacity of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, removable memory 354 is typically implemented using a flash disk.

Power supply 356 supplies operating power to the various components of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, power supply 356 provides operating power to a main power bus 362 and also to a secondary power bus 364. The main power bus 362 provides power to imaging device 114, I/O 348, ROM 350 and removable memory 354. The secondary power bus 364 provides power to power manager 342, CPU 344 and DRAM 346.

Power supply 356 is connected to main batteries 358 and also to backup batteries 360. In the preferred embodiment, a camera 110 user may also connect power supply 356 to an external power source. During normal operation of power supply 356, the main batteries 358 provide operating power to power supply 356 which then provides the operating power to camera 110 via both main power bus 362 and secondary power bus 364.

During a power failure mode in which the main batteries 358 have failed (when their output voltage has fallen below a minimum operational voltage level) the backup batteries 360 provide operating power to power supply 356 which then provides the operating power only to the secondary power bus 364 of camera 110. Selected components of camera 110 (including DRAM 346) are thus protected against a power failure in main batteries 358.

Power supply 356 preferably also includes a flywheel capacitor connected to the power line coming from the main batteries 358. If the main batteries 358 suddenly fail, the flywheel capacitor temporarily maintains the voltage from the main batteries 358 at a sufficient level, so that computer 118 can protect any image data currently being processed by camera 110 before shutdown occurs.

According to the present invention, the flexible architecture of the digital camera provides an improved method for displaying captured images in a digital camera. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and system for directly displaying image cells and for extending the cells of each image, such that the cells contain additional information regarding the image. In a preferred embodiment, image cells are extended through the use of an extended file format, and the additional information contained in the extended image cells takes the form of graphical icons, as explained further below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a user interface 400 for the digital camera as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/702,286, filed on Aug. 23, 1996, entitled "A Method and System For Grouping Images In A Digital Camera," and assigned to the Assignee of the present application. In one preferred embodiment, the user interface includes a view finder 402, an image capture button called a photo button 404, a four-way navigation control button 406, a menu button 408, a menu area 410 within the view finder 402, and function keys 412. The user interface may also include an optional sound button 414 and a mode button 416.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4, the user interface 400 operates in two modes: view finder mode and review mode. In a preferred embodiment, the photo button 404 is a two position button. The view finder mode begins when a user aims the camera at an object 112 and presses the photo button 404 into the first position. Once this occurs, the view finder 402 displays the image of the object 112 as shown through the camera's imaging device 114. The user may then press the photo button 404 into the second position to capture the image shown in the view finder 402. Review mode begins by pressing any other button on the interface 400.

Referring again to FIG. 4, once in the review mode, the view finder 402 displays a series of cells 418 that represent the digital images that have been captured in the digital camera. The view finder 402 is shown here as displaying nine image cells 418. Each cell 418 displays a small-sized image corresponding to one of the captured images. The user may navigate through the series of displayed cells 418 in the view finder 402 using the four-way navigation control button 406 in order to select which image is displayed full-sized in the view finder 402. The cell 418 currently selected by the four-way navigation control 406 is encircled with a highlighted area 419, which is shown as a selection rectangle. Other shapes for the highlighted area are also suitable.

Although the user interface 400 provides many advantages, the cells 418 for displaying captured images suffer the same drawbacks as the cells used in conventional digital cameras. The principal drawbacks being a general failure in aiding the user in distinguishing among the captured images, and the requirement of processing each captured image in order to display its corresponding image cell 418.

According to the present invention, the failure of aiding the user in distinguishing among captured images is addressed by expanding the image cells 418, and by including additional information in the expanded image cells 418, besides a small graphic of the captured image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a digital camera user interface 430 displaying a series of expanded cells 420 in accordance with the present invention. The user interface 430 is also shown with another preferred embodiment for the layout of the interface buttons, where like components in FIGS. 4 and 5 have like reference numerals.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the format of an expanded cell 420. According to the present invention, each cell 420 includes an image area 422 and an icon/information area 424. The icon/information area 424 may be placed in various positions relative to the image area 422. However, in a preferred embodiment, the icon/information area 424 is displayed on the right-hand side of each cell 420 as shown.

The icon/information area 424 is for displaying one or more graphical icons, and/or for displaying text information. The icons and text information displayed in the icon/information area 424 indicate to the user what media types have been associated with the image displayed in the image area 422. As used conventionally, the phrase "associating a media type with an object" means identifying the specific types of media included in that object, such as graphics, text, and sound.

FIG. 7 is a table listing example media types and corresponding icons that may be associated with a captured image. The media type of a captured image may represent a single image, a time lapse or burst image, a movie clip, or a panorama. The media type may also represent sound, where the corresponding icon indicates that a sound clip is attached to the image displayed in the image area 422.

Other media types may also be associated with a captured image that are not shown in FIG. 7, such as a snide show and a folder, for example. A slide show comprises several images stored sequentially in the same file, while a folder is one or more images stored in the directory or folder. With such media types, the image area 422 would display the first image in the group or a representative image from the folder, and the icon/information area 424 would display an graphical icon representing a slide show or folder, respectively.

Displaying icons and text information in the icon/information area 424 according to the present invention provides the user with an automatic method for categorizing and identifying common groups of captured images.

The present invention also eliminates the need for processing captured images when displaying the image cells 420. This is accomplished by extending the file format used to store the captured images.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one preferred embodiment for a extended file format 460 for storing a captured image in accordance with the present invention. The extended file format 460 includes a standard header 462 for storing the date and time the image was captured, and JPEG data 464 representing the captured image in compressed form. And in contrast to prior file formats, the extended file format 460 also includes a small version of the captured image, referred to here as a thumb nail image 466.

Including the thumb nail image 466 in the extended file format 460 enables the digital camera to directly display an image in the image area 422 without processing the JPEG data 464. When the digital camera 118 is to display a series of image cells 420 in the view finder 402, the corresponding file formats 460 are first retrieved from memory. The digital camera 118 then displays the thumb nail image 466 directly from the file 460 in the image area 422 of the cell 420, rather than first decompressing and resizing the JPEG data 464. Avoiding the processing the actual JPEG data 464 in this manner improves the speed at which the camera 118 may display the series of image cells 420 in the view finder 402.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a second preferred embodiment for the extended file format 470 that supports multiple media types. As in the previous embodiment, the extended file format 470 includes a standard header 462', JPEG data 464', and a thumb nail image 466'. To enable different media types to be associated with a captured image, the extended header 470 also includes an information field 472 and a sound field 474.

The information field 472 comprises a series of tags for storing information regarding the image represented by the JPEG data 464'. Media type tags indicate the media type of the image, such as whether the image is a single image or a panorama image, for example. The media type tags are used to select the type of icon is displayed in the icon/information area 424 of a cell 420 when the thumb nail 466 of the image is displayed.

In operation, when the digital camera 118 is required to display a set of cells 420 in the view finder 402, the digital camera 118 first retrieves each image's extended file 470 from memory. After the appropriate file is retrieved, the thumb nail 466' is displayed in the image area 422 of the cell 420. While the thumb nail is being displayed, the tags stored in the information field 472 are read. Based on the content of the tags, the appropriate icon is then displayed in the icon/information area 424 of the cell 420.

Besides media tags, the information field 472 may also include other types of tags for storing additional information regarding the image and/or the camera 118 itself. For example, a tag could be used to indicate the settings of the camera 118 at the time the image was captured, or indicate the identity of the camera manufacturer, for instance. The information in these tags may be accessed through the buttons on the camera interface 430. The information may then be displayed either as text in the icon/information area 424, or displayed in a dialog box that is displayed in the view finder 402.

Displaying media icons and other information in the icon/information area 424 provides the advantage of indicating to the user information regarding the images that the user otherwise would not have immediate access to. This feature provides a digital camera interface that is both easy to user and more user friendly than traditional interfaces.

Referring still to FIG. 9, as stated above the expanded file format 470 also includes a sound field 474. The sound field 474 contains digital sound data that has been recorded for the image using the sound button 414, or contains a sound clip that has otherwise been associated with the image. When the user selects one of the cells 420 in the view finder 402, the full-sized image is displayed in the view finder 402 from the JPEG data 464, while sound is played using the sound from the sound field 474.

The extended file format 470 of the present invention also supports multiple image media types. Multiple image media types are media types that comprise more than one image. Examples include a timelapse, a slide show and a movie clip. In multiple image media types, the multiple images are preferably stored in one file.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a multiple image file format 480 that supports these multiple image media types. As shown, the multiple image file format 480 preferably includes a series of extended file formats 470 that correspond to each image in the multiple image file. The multiple image file format 480 also includes a header 482 pointing to each of the extended file formats 470'. In operation, the file is retrieved and the header 482 is read in order to sequentially access each of the extended file formats 470. Each of the extended file formats 470 are then used to display their respective images in the view finder 402. Other formats for the multiple image file format 480 may also be used. For example, the file format 480 could comprise only one header 482, one thumbnail, and multiple JPEG data files.

A method and system for displaying images in the interface of a digital camera has been disclosed. Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

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