Image analysis – Image sensing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-30
2001-11-27
Couso, Jose L. (Department: 2724)
Image analysis
Image sensing
C396S213000, C358S478000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324311
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of image capture devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for integrating an image capture device to a light source. In particular, this invention provides for the integration of a video camera, digital camera or CCD camera with an office, desk or floor lamp.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Image capture devices such as digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras are sometimes used with computers for video conferencing, still image capture and other potential image capture tasks. Digital cameras, video cameras and CCD cameras require some power supply source and some light source. Generally, the power supply is either a wall socket or a battery on the camera. However, camera batteries typically have a very short life between recharges. Also, most offices and conference rooms tend to run short on spare sockets due to the many computers, printers, scanners, CRT's, TV's, lights, fans, heaters, etc. that are typically plugged in in any given office or conference room. Accordingly, there is a desire to have a means for a reliable power supply for a camera or other such image capture device.
Typically, the light source used by most cameras and image capture devices is ambient light, however, it would be desirable to have an auxiliary light source. It would be handy and convenient to have a light source that was integrated with the camera.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other aspects of the present invention are accomplished in an image capture device that is integrated into a typical desk or floor lamp, wherein the image capture device screws into the light bulb socket, obtaining its power from the lamp socket. The image capture device would then provide a ‘pass-through’ socket in which a standard light bulb could be installed. The image capture device could then obtain its power from the light bulb socket, provide ‘pass-through’ socket for a standard light bulb and use the light from the light bulb as an auxiliary light source during the image capture process. The image capture device may also include a sensor that images the light source and provides color compensation for the light source prior to performing an image capture. Moreover, the lamp could be modulated for exposure control purposes. Also, data transfer may be accomplished via modulation of the power supply cord to the lamp.
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European Search Report, Application No. EP 99 30 5696, 1 page.
Couso Jose L.
Do Anh Hong
Hewlett--Packard Company
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