Method and apparatus for taking visual images

• US 6,331,872 B1
• Filed: 12/13/1999
• Issued: 12/18/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Makoto Hyuga
• Original Assignee: Makoto Hyuga
• Inventors: Hyuga, Makoto
• Primary Examiner(s): Garber, Wendy R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MOE, AUNG SOE
• Application Number:
  US09/460,224
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 348/207, 348/169, 348/232, 348/157, 348/159, 348/211, 700/91, 700/92, 702/188, 386/117, 473/407, 473/150, 473/156, 340/539, 340/573.1, 340/825.36, 340/825.49, 340/995
• US Class Current: 348/211.1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/20 Distances or displacements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0006 Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/90 Tape-like record carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/024 on tapes G11B27/028, G11B27/029 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/028 with computer assistance
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A select/execute key (6) of a mobile unit (2) having a transmitter (1_i) is operated to transmit signals including ID data, and the transmitted signals are received by a receiver (11). The ID data is ascertained by a transmitter identifying component (12), and the direction and distance to transmitter (1_i) are determined by a direction/distance evaluation component (13), thus determining the location of the transmitter. When the location of transmitter (1_i) has been ascertained, a camera controller component 17 selects camera (14_l)˜(14_n) or (14_c) and controls its panning and tilting, thereby adjusting its angle of view and bringing it into focus. Camera (14_l)˜(14_n) or (14_c) is operated to take pictures for approximately one minute after the signals from transmitter (1_i) is received. Pictures taken by camera (14_l)˜(14_n) or (14_c), as well as the ID of transmitter (1_i) ascertained by transmitter identifying component (12), are recorded on a picture recording component (18) in the order of elapsed time. Recorded images are edited by an editing component (19) according to the ID of transmitter (1_l) so that pictures corresponding to the same ID are extracted and dubbed on a standard video tape or a similar medium in the order of elapsed time by a dubbing device (20).

Claims

1. A method of taking pictures of a subject at a location on a golf course comprising,

transmitting signals including locational data from the subject,

receiving the signals from the subject and determining from the locational data, a direction/distance of the subject,

selecting, based on the direction/distance of the subject, a camera from a plurality of cameras installed around the golf course and orienting the selected camera toward the subject,

computing with said locational data a distance between the subject and a location of the selected camera,

determining a degree of selected camera zooming responsive to said computed distance and zooming the selected camera to the zooming degree thereby adjusting an angle of view,

focusing the selected camera responsive to said computed distance, and

then taking a picture of the subject with the selected camera.

2. A method of taking pictures, according to claim 1, wherein:

said signals include identification data from said subject; and

said picture being taken with said identification data being specified.

3. A method of taking pictures, according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

recording said picture according to said identification data; and

storing said picture separately according to said signal and said identification data.

4. A method of taking pictures, according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

combining said picture with said identification data;

taking additional pictures of said subject;

editing said pictures according to said identification data; and

storing said edited pictures according to said identification data and said locational data.