Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-13
2001-04-24
Feild, Joseph H. (Department: 2176)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C348S207110, C348S552000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223190
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of the present invention pertains to digital image capture devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for producing HTML using the electronic systems within a digital camera.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Most digital cameras today are very similar in size and behavior to conventional point-and-shoot cameras. Modern digital cameras for taking pictures of scenes and the like typically include an imaging device which is controlled by a computer running a software program. When an image is captured, the imaging device is exposed to light and generates raw image data representing the image. The raw image data is typically stored in a single image buffer where it is then processed and compressed by the processor. Many types of compression schemes are used to compress the image data, with the joint photographic expert group (JPEG) standard being the most popular. After the processor processes and compresses the raw image data into JPEG image files, the processor stores the JPEG image files into an internal memory or on an external memory card.
Some digital cameras are also equipped with a liquid-crystal display (LCD) or other type of display screen on the back of the camera. Through the use of the LCD, the processor can cause the digital camera to operate in one of two modes, play and record, although some cameras only have a record mode. In play mode, the LCD is used as a playback screen for allowing the user to review previously captured images either individually or in arrays of four, nine, or sixteen images. In record mode, the LCD is used as a viewfinder in which the user may view an object or scene before taking a picture.
Besides the LCD, digital camera user interfaces also include a number of buttons or switches for setting the camera into one of the two modes and for navigating between pictures in play mode. For example, most digital cameras include two buttons labeled “−” and “+” that enable a user to navigate or scroll through captured pictures. For example, if the user is reviewing pictures individually, meaning that single pictures are displayed full-sized in the LCD, pressing one of navigation buttons causes the currently displayed picture to be replaced by the next picture.
The electronic nature of the digital camera's pictures make them particularly well suited for use with other electronic applications. The pictures are also particularly well suited for use in the creation of complex text and image documents. Using document creation software applications, the pictures can be incorporated into a document along with corresponding text annotations or descriptions. Once created, the documents can be electronically transmitted (e.g., via email) or printed and distributed conventionally. The resulting document can be formatted in accordance with any of a number of popular page description languages used for the Internet, such as HTML (hypertext markup language), XML (extensible markup language), java script, and the like.
For example, once the HTML file, referencing the pictures has been created, it can easily be exchanged among any number of users via email and subsequently viewed (e.g., as a web page) using any of a number of web browsers. Alternatively, the HTML file itself can be made available over the Internet using web server software. The HTML file essentially becomes a web page which web browser equipped users can view or download on demand.
However, even with these advanced capabilities, it remains desirable to make the user's experience with the digital camera as intuitive and “hassle-free” as possible. The objective is to provide the advanced capabilities afforded by a digital camera while retaining the simplicity and straight forwardness of conventional point and shoot cameras.
Consequently, there is a problem in providing sophisticated capabilities and features to the user while still retaining a simple straight forward method of operation. For example, to create and electronically distribute a document and pictures from a digital camera, a user needs to first capture the image (e.g., take the picture), and then transfer the image to a personal computer. One method involves transferring a removable storage element (e.g., a flash disk) from the digital camera to a corresponding input peripheral device (flash disk attachment) coupled to the personal computer. Another method involves tethering the camera to the computer and transferring the file to the computer using a specialized software application. The user can then manipulate the image using a separate image editing software tool, or use any image editing features included in the specialized software application. The user then imports the image into a document editing application. If the resulting document is to be in HTML format, an HTML publishing application would typically be used. There, the user formats the document by, for example, annotating the image with, for example, descriptive text, and including any other patentee information. The image is placed on the “page” with respect to the descriptive text (e.g., title, subheadings, etc.). The resulting document is saved in HTML format.
Thus, in order to create an HTML file including images taken with the digital camera, in addition to taking the picture, the user is currently required to know how to transfer the picture to the PC, import the image into an image editing application, import the image into an HTML publishing application, and format an HTML file. As the information must be entered while using the HTML publishing application, as opposed to when the pictures are taken, the user needs to remember the relevant details about each picture or have previously taken notes regarding the pictures elsewhere. In addition to all of the above, the user is also required to have the requisite skills in operating the image editing application, and operating the HTML publishing application.
Hence, what is needed is an inexpensive method and system for capturing images and generating a formatted electronic document which references those images. The document should be readily interchangeable among users using a variety of computer implemented methods, such as, for example, email, LANs/WANs (local area networks/wide area networks), or the Internet. The process of creating the formatted document including the image should be intuitive and user friendly. The present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an inexpensive method and system for capturing images and generating a formatted electronic document which includes those images. The document is readily interchangeable among users using a variety of computer implemented methods, such as, for example, email, LAN/WANs, or the Internet. The present invention provides a process of creating the formatted document including the image which is intuitive and user friendly.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method and system for generating a page description file, such as HTML (hypertext markup language) that references images captured by a digital camera. A script, comprised of computer readable instructions, is provided to the digital camera. The script is interpreted by the camera such that the camera sequences though a series of actions, such as for example, prompting the user to take a picture, prompting the user to enter any descriptive information regarding a picture, and the like. The script also includes a set of predefined instructions and formatting commands which are adapted to create a formatted web page (e.g., HTML file) in accordance with a certain desired appearance. This set of instructions and commands are referred to as a “model”. The creator of the script develops the model in accordance with the particular requirements to which the script is designed.
The digital camera executes the script to display interactive instructions on the camera's display that prompt a user to perform specific operations. In resp
Aihara Tim Takao
Somerstein Rodney
Feild Joseph H.
Flashpoint Technology, Inc.
Sawyer Law Group LLP
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