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Remote camera relay controller method and apparatus

  • US 6,400,903 B1
  • Filed: 12/22/2000
  • Issued: 06/04/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A camera communications relay apparatus for remote operation of a self-contained digital camera over a communications link wherein said digital camera is located at a remote location and includes an external interface for receiving camera commands and for outputting image data, said camera communications relay apparatus comprising:

  • remote communications means at said remote location;

    local communications means at a local location;

    an online mode wherein said remote communications means is communicatively coupled to said local communications means, thereby allowing a data stream to be passed therebetween over said communications link;

    an offline mode wherein said remote communications means and said local communications means are communicatively uncoupled;

    a photographing schedule;

    means for storing said photographing schedule at said remote location;

    first command means, coupled to said external interface, for signaling said digital camera to capture and store a photograph therein during said offline mode in accordance with the stored photographing schedule, said digital camera comprising means for retaining the stored photograph therein for non-real-time retrieval at a later time during said online mode;

    second command means, coupled to said external interface, for signaling said digital camera to output an image data stream to said external interface thereof at said later time, wherein said image data stream is characterized by a non-real-time digital representation of said stored photograph, and wherein said second command means operates independently of said first command means;

    forwarding means for receiving said image data stream from said external interface and providing said image data stream to said remote communications means in a format compatible for forwarding to said local communications means when operating in said online mode, thereby producing a forwarded image data stream at said local location;

    host receiving means, at said local location, for accepting said forwarded image data stream;

    interface coupling means for coupling said external interface of said digital camera to said camera communications relay apparatus and for decoupling therefrom, wherein said digital camera cooperates with said camera communications relay apparatus when coupled thereto and said digital camera is independently operable in a conventional photographing manner, apart from said camera communications relay apparatus, for capturing and storing photographs therein, when decoupled therefrom.

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