Hand-held computers incorporating reduced area imaging devices

• US 6,424,369 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cellect LLC (Micro-Imaging Solutions, LLC (f/k/a Micro-Imaging Solutions, Inc.; f/k/a Micro-Medical Devices, Inc.))
• Original Assignee: Micro-Medical Devices, Inc.
• Inventors: Adair, Edwin L., Adair, Jeffrey L., Adair, Randall S.
• Primary Examiner(s): RAO, ANAND SHASHIKANT
• Application Number:
  US09/638,976
• Time in Patent Office: 707 Days
• Field of Search: 348/76-80, 348/10-18, 348/69-75, 348/158, 348/373, 348/376, 455/556, 455/566, 455/346, 455/345
• US Class Current: 348/76
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00034 rechargeable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00048 Constructional features of the display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0051 with controlled bending of insertion part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1649 the additional display being independently orientable, e.g. for presenting information to a second user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1671 Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop G06F1/1666 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1634 Integrated protective display lid, e.g. for touch-sensitive display in handheld computer
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/167 comprising optoelectronic devices, e.g. LED, photodiodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/3011 Impedance
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 : Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display

Abstract

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a miniature hand-held computer referred to in the industry as a PDA. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the PDA is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the embodiments, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. One or more video processing boards can be stacked in a longitudinal fashion with respect to the first board, or the video processing boards may be placed within the housing of the communication device. The PDA includes a miniature LCD-type video view screen which is capable of viewing not only the images taken by the camera module, but also can show incoming video images received from a personal computer connected to a global communications network. The camera module is of such small size that it can be easily stored within the housing of the PDA, and may be attached thereto as by a small retractable cable.

Claims

1. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said video images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a second plane and electrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said first circuit board, and displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

2. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent said image sensor within said camera module.

3. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first circuit board is remote from said image sensor and placed within a housing of said PDA.

4. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said image sensor defines a profile area in said first plane, and said first circuit board is positioned in longitudinal alignment with said image sensor such that said first circuit board does not extend substantially beyond said profile area.

5. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a second circuit board electrically coupled with said first circuit board and said image sensor for further processing said pre-video signal, said second board being placed adjacent said first circuit board within said camera module.

6. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first and second planes are offset from and substantially parallel to one another.

7. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein:

said second circuit board lies in a third plane which is offset from and extends substantially parallel to said first and second planes.

8. A device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein:

said second circuit board includes means for digital signal processing enabling the pre-video signal conditioned by said first circuit board to be viewed by said video view screen.

9. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first circuit board converts said pre-video signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by a remote video device, said post-video signal being of a format selected from the group consisting of a NTSC/PAL video signal and a VGA video signal.

10. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said array of CMOS pixels includes an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each include a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of photoelectrically generated signals.

11. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

individual pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each include an amplifier.

12. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a retractable cable interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said retractable cable enabling said camera module to be pulled away from said PDA for selective taking of images by said camera module, and allowing said camera module to be stored within said PDA by retracting said cable and securing said camera module within said PDA.

13. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said PDA includes a text screen mounted therein for viewing text which is manipulated by a user.

14. A device as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a wireless telephone attached to said PDA.

15. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a remote video device electrically coupled to said video system for further viewing said video images.

16. A device, as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

said remote video device is selected from the group consisting of a television and a computer monitor.

17. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a computer connected to a communications network, the PDA having a housing, and a video view screen for viewing the data which includes video signals, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to said computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of said CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal; and

a first circuit board electrically connected to said image sensor and separated from said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format.

18. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent said image sensor within said camera module.

19. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed within said housing of said PDA.

20. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said image sensor defines a profile area in said first plane, and said first circuit board is positioned in longitudinal alignment with said image sensor such that said first circuit board does not extend substantially beyond said profile area.

21. A device, as claimed in claim 17, further including:

a second circuit board electrically coupled with said first circuit board and said image sensor for further processing said pre-video signal, said second board being placed adjacent said first circuit board within said camera module.

22. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said first and second planes are offset from and substantially parallel to one another.

23. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said second circuit board lies in a third plane which is offset from and extends substantially parallel to said first and second planes.

24. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said second circuit board includes means for digital signal processing enabling the pre-video signal conditioned by said first circuit board to be viewed by said video view screen.

25. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said first circuit board converts said pre-video signal to a post video signal for direct reception by a remote video device, said post-video signal being of a format selected from the group consisting of a NTSC/PAL video signal and a VGA video signal.

26. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said array of CMOS pixels includes an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each include a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of photoelectrically generated signals.

27. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

individual pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each include an amplifier.

28. A device, as claimed in claim 17, further including:

a retractable cable interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said retractable cable enabling said camera module to be pulled away from said PDA for selective taking of images by said camera module, and allowing said camera module to be stored within said PDA by retracting said cable and securing said camera module within said PDA.

29. A device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein:

said PDA includes a command screen mounted therein for executing commands directed by a user.

30. A device as claimed in claim 17, further including:

a wireless telephone attached to said PDA.

31. A device, as claimed in claim 17, further including:

a remote video device electrically coupled to said PDA for further viewing said video images.

32. A device, as claimed in claim 31, wherein:

said remote video device is selected from the group consisting of a television and a computer monitor.

33. A PDA having capability for receiving and transmitting video and audio images between the PDA and a personal computer connected to a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane, and an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said image sensor and separated from said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a camera module housing said image sensor;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said first circuit board for transmitting, receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said first circuit board and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals from said transceiver/amplifier section;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for recording and receiving audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

34. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent said image sensor within said camera module.

35. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said first circuit board is remote from said image sensor and placed within a housing of said PDA.

36. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said image sensor defines a profile area in said first plane, and said first circuit board is positioned in longitudinal alignment with said image sensor such that said first circuit board does not extend substantially beyond said profile area.

37. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a second circuit board electrically coupled with said first circuit board and said image sensor for further processing said pre-video signal, said second board being placed adjacent said first circuit board.

38. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said first and second planes are offset from and substantially parallel to one another.

39. A device, as claimed in claim 37, wherein:

said second circuit board lies in a third plane which is offset from and extends substantially parallel to said first and second planes.

40. A device, as claimed in claim 37, wherein:

said second circuit board includes means for digital signal processing enabling the pre-video signal conditioned by said first circuit board to be viewed by said video view screen.

41. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said first circuit board converts said pre-video signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by a remote video device, said post-video signal being of a format selected from the group consisting of a NTSC/PAL video signal and a VGA video signal.

42. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said array of CMOS pixels includes an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each include a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of photoelectrically generated signals.

43. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

individual pixels within said array of CMOS pixels each include an amplifier.

44. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a retractable cable interconnecting said imaging device to said PDA, said retractable cable enabling said imaging device to be pulled away from said PDA for selective taking of images by said imaging device, and allowing said imaging device to be stored within said PDA by retracting said cable and securing said camera module within said PDA.

45. A device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

said PDA includes a text screen mounted therein for viewing text which is manipulated buy a user.

46. A device as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a wireless telephone attached to said PDA.

47. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a remote video device electrically coupled to said video system for further viewing said video image.

48. A device, as claimed in claim 47, wherein:

said remote video device is selected from the group consisting of a television and a computer monitor.

49. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a second plane and electrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format; and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said first circuit board.

50. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent to said image sensor and within said camera module.

51. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein:

said first circuit board is remote from said image sensor and placed within a housing of said PDA.

52. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control being placed remote from said array of CMOS pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a third plane and electrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format; and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said first circuit board, and displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

53. A device, as claimed in claim 52, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed adjacent to said image sensor in said camera module.

54. A device, as claimed in claim 52, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed within a housing of the PDA.

55. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the PDA including a video view screen for viewing video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a second plane and electrically connected to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format.

56. A device, as claimed in claim 55, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent said image sensor within said camera module.

57. A device, as claimed in claim 55, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed within a housing of said PDA.

58. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the PDA including a video view screen for viewing the video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing of said video images on said PDA and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of said CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control placed remote from said array of CMOS pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board electrically connected to said image sensor and lying in a third plane, said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format.

59. A device, as claimed in claim 58, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed adjacent to said image sensor in said camera module.

60. A device, as claimed in claim 58, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed within a housing of said PDA.

61. A PDA having capability for receiving and transmitting video and audio images between the PDA and a personal computer connected to a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said image sensor and separated from said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a camera module housing said image sensor;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said first circuit board for transmitting, receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said first circuit board and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals from said transceiver/amplifier section;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for recording and receiving audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

62. A device, as claimed in claim 61, wherein:

said first circuit board is placed adjacent to said image sensor and within said camera module.

63. A device, as claimed in claim 61, wherein:

said first circuit board is remote from said image sensor, and placed within a housing of said PDA.

64. A PDA having capability for receiving and transmitting video and audio images between the PDA and a personal computer connected to a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane, and an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control being placed remote from said array of CMOS pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically coupled with said image sensor and lying in a third plane, said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a camera module housing said image sensor;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said first circuit board for transmitting, receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said first circuit board and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals from said transceiver/amplifier section;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for recording and receiving audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

65. A device, as claimed in claim 64, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed adjacent to said image sensor in said camera module.

66. A device, as claimed in claim 65, wherein:

said circuitry means for timing and control is placed within a housing of said PDA.

67. In a method for conducting video conferencing communications through connection with a communications network, the improvement comprising the steps of:

providing a camera module having an image sensor housed therein;

providing a flexible cable for interconnecting the camera module to a PDA;

displacing the camera module away from the PDA;

pointing the camera module at a targeted object; and

taking video images of the targeted object by the camera module for viewing on the PDA, and for transmission of the video images to the communications network.

68. A method, as claimed in claim 67, further comprising the steps of:

selectively extending and selectively retracting the cable, enabling the camera module to be pointed in a desired direction toward the targeted object.

69. A method, as claimed in claim 67, wherein:

said image sensor includes a CMOS pixel array.

70. In a PDA having capability for data exchange between a personal computer connected to a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said camera module for producing video images of a targeted object;

means for interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said means for interconnecting including a flexible cable enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced at a location remote from said PDA; and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for selectively viewing video images taken by said camera module, and for selectively viewing incoming video images received from the personal computer connected to the communications network.

71. A device, as claimed in claim 70, wherein:

said PDA includes a housing, and an opening for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.

72. In a PDA having a housing and a video view screen for viewing video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said camera module for producing video images of a targeted object; and

means for interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said means for interconnecting including a flexible cable enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced at a location remote from said PDA.

73. A device, as claimed in claim 72, wherein:

said PDA includes an opening in said housing for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.

74. In a PDA, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein;

circuitry means coupled to said image sensor for timing and control of said image sensor;

circuitry means for processing images taken by said image sensor to create video signals of a desired video format;

means for interconnecting said camera module to a housing of said PDA, said means for interconnecting including a flexible connection enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced at multiple angles from said housing by the user for pointing the camera module at a targeted object, and enabling said camera module to be retracted for movement back to said housing.

75. A device, as claimed in claim 74, wherein:

said PDA includes an opening in said housing for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.