An electronic camera captures images representing a variety of subjects and categorizes the image according to subject matter. The camera comprises an image sensor for capturing an image, a converter stage for converting the image into digital image data, and a memory for storing a plurality of categories providing classification of the images by subject. A processor in the camera has the capability of assigning the plurality of categories to the images captured by the camera, with each category providing a subject classification for the images. A user selects one or more categories for a plurality of images prior to capture, and an output image signal is then generated including the digital image data corresponding to a captured image and the particular category selected by the user. The categories can be default identifiers stored in the memory, or can be names, text (i.e., account number), and/or graphics overlays (i.e., company logo) entered via a host computer and uploaded to the camera memory before the pictures are taken.

Electronic still camera for capturing and categorizing images

A method for adding personal image metadata to a collection of images,including the steps of: configuring, in response to user's answers to predetermined queries prior to image capture, a database of pre-assigned metadata labels useful for classifying future images, wherein at least one pre-assigned metadata label has a label identifier relating to emotional or aesthetic judgment of a user of the database; storing the database of pre-assigned metadata labels in a digital memory; displaying the collection of images that have been captured by the user, and a menu for selecting the pre-assigned metadata labels; selectively assigning at least one pre-assigned metadata label to at least one digital image in response to user's input; and storing the label identifier of the selected metadata label in association with the selected digital image.

Method for adding personalized metadata to a collection of digital images

An instant special effects camera which provides children in the age range of five years and up with an opportunity to take photos and see the results instantly. The camera is a battery operated electronic black and white camera with an integral direct thermal printer. A replaceable paper cassette is included. To improve the ease of use and reduce cost, a minimal number of simple controls are provided. A picture may be taken simply by aiming the camera through a double view finder and pressing the shutter button. No setting up or flash is required. Plug-in special effects cartridges may be provided to increase the number of special effects.

Instant special effects electronic camera

A system for managing files stored on a digital camera includes detection of the digital camera, automatic reception of thumbnail image files stored in the camera, and storage of the received thumbnail image files in a memory. The system also includes a user interface for a windowing application for viewing system objects which includes a first area for displaying a hierarchical tree of system objects, a second area for displaying a thumbnail image corresponding to a system object selected in the first area, a third area adjacent to the second area for displaying a second icon indicating that a sound file is associated with the displayed thumbnail image, and a fourth area which surrounds the second area and the third area, wherein the fourth area may be selected and dragged to an icon representing a storage device in order to copy the displayed thumbnail image, a full-resolution image file associated with the displayed thumbnail image, and any associated sound files to the storage device. The second area may be selected and dragged to the icon representing the storage device in order to copy the full-resolution image file to the storage device, and the sound icon may be selected and dragged to the icon representing the storage device in order to copy any sound files associated with the displayed thumbnail image to the storage device.

System to manage digital camera images

A communication device (10) for interconnecting a digital camera (12) to a communication network (16) for downloading data to a remote computer. The device (10) has a network communication port (30) for establishing communication with a network (16) via a pre-defined protocol and communication mode, and has a camera communication port (20) such as a serial, parallel, SCSI, USB or Irda-port that imitates the back end application of a PC (14), for connection to a digital camera (12) for sending and receiving data to and from the camera (12). The camera communication port (20) is also used for input of programming and setup data to the communication device (10) from a PC (14). The device can be programmed to operate on the data directly, such as in the case of data for storage or operational direction, and/or direct the data to the camera. The device may also have a Smart card socket (34) into which a user can insert a card to input data, such as user and camera I.D., user authorization, image marking, camera operational parameters, remote computer/destination address, etc. The device can be programmed to perform encryption, authentication, watermarking and fingerprinting procedures, as well as structuring the data for transmission over a particular network, and to automatically perform operations, such as at specific times or in response to data input.

Camera network communication device

An electronic imaging system includes a digital electronic camera for capturing and storing images in a removable storage device, which is also preloaded with enhancement files for effecting the operation of the system. The camera includes an optical section for establishing the optical parameters of image capture, an image sensing section for electrically capturing the image, and a signal processing section for operating upon the electrically captured image prior to storage. The several sections of the camera are coordinated and controlled by a programmable processor, which is capable of receiving the enhancement files preloaded into the storage device. These files may contain software for updating the operating code of the camera, for modifying the electrically captured image in selected ways, for modifying camera in special situations, or for communicating non-captured image-like data, such as text and image overlays, to the camera.

Electronic imaging system using a removable software-enhanced storage device

PURPOSE: To provide an electronic image pickup device whose operation can be improved by an attachable/detachable memory card. CONSTITUTION: An extension file 24b which has an influence upon the operation of the electronic image pickup device is preloaded to an attachable/detachable memory card 24. Plural sections A and B of the electronic image pickup device are adjusted and controlled by a programmable processor 20, and the programmable processor 20 can store the extension file preloaded to the attachable/detachable memory card 24. The operation code of a camera is updated by this file.

Kamal K Sarbadhikari

Papers

Electronic imaging system using a removable software-enhanced storage device

Electronic imaging device using detachable/attachable software-improved storage device