Network configuration file for automatically transmitting images from an electronic still camera

• US 20010010543A1
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Published: 08/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James Allen, Joseph Ward, Kenneth A. Parulski
• Original Assignee: James Allen, Joseph Ward, Kenneth A. Parulski
• Inventors: Allen, James D., Parulski, Kenneth A., Ward, Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 7,256,823 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.99
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00132 in a digital photofinishing system, i.e. a system where digital photographic images undergo typical photofinishing processing, e.g. printing ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00137 Transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00148 Storage information retrieval G06F16/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00172 directly from a still digital camera or from a storage medium mounted in a still digital camera H04N1/0018 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00209 Transmitting or receiving image data, e.g. facsimile data, via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network, the internet, I-fax
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00312 with a digital transmission apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, SMS or ISDN device transmitting or receiving via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network or the internet H04N1/00214; transmission of digital information H04L
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00965 using a plug-in memory module, e.g. memory card, memory stick
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0097 Storage of instructions or parameters, e.g. customised instructions or different parameters for different user IDs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00973 from a remote device, e.g. receiving via the internet instructions input to a computer terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2158 using a detachable storage unit
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0015 Control of image communication with the connected apparatus, e.g. signalling capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0049 By wire, cable or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0053 Optical, e.g. using an infrared link
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 : Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/33342 : of transmission mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3335 : Speed or rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/617 : Upgrading or updating of programs or applications for camera control
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/631 : Graphical user interfaces [GUI] specially adapted for controlling image capture or setting capture parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 : Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 : Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet

Abstract

A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

Claims

1. An electronic still camera comprising:

a sensor for capturing images;

a first memory for storing images;

a second memory for storing a network configuration file, said network configuration file containing instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface;

means for loading the network configuration file into the second memory; and

a user interface for selecting an image destination and for commanding the camera to send the image to the selected destination via the communications interface, using the information in the network configuration file.

2. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein both first and second memories are memory locations on the same removable memory card.

3. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the second memory permanently resides in the camera and can be loaded with the network configuration file from a host PC.

4. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the communications interface connects to PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

5. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the communications interface connects to ISDN.

6. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the communications interface connects to an RF cellular phone network.

7. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the communications interface connects to a data network such as Ethernet.

8. The camera as claimed in

claim 1

wherein the communications interface is located internal to the camera.

9. An electronic still camera comprising:

a sensor for capturing images;

a first memory for storing images;

a second memory for storing a network configuration file, said network configuration file containing instruction information for communicating with a plurality of destinations via a communications interface;

means for loading the network configuration file into the second memory; and

a user interface for selecting an image destination and for commanding the camera to send the image to the selected destination via the communications interface, using the information in the network configuration file.

10. The camera as claimed in

claim 9

wherein the user interface displays a plurality of descriptive icons representative of the plurality of destinations, and selection is made by reference to at least one of the icons.

11. A method for directing the automatic transmission of images from an electronic camera, said method including the steps of:

providing network configuration information, including user account name and password, online service or internet service provider (ISP) phone number, and communications port settings; and

storing the network configuration information in the memory of an electronic still camera.

12. The method as claimed in

claim 11

further comprising the steps of:

using the network configuration information to connect the camera to the online service or ISP;

transferring pictures and data from the camera to the online service or ISP; and

transferring pictures and data from the online service or ISP to the camera.