Capturing selected image objects

• US 20080043108A1
• Filed: 02/01/2007
• Published: 02/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Lord, Robert W., Jung, Edward K.Y., Levien, Royce A., Malamud, Mark A., Rinaldo, John D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,964,054 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/64 Computer-aided capture of images, e.g. transfer from script file into camera, check of taken image quality, advice or proposal for image composition or decision on when to take image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/667 Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high- and low-resolution modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/743 Bracketing, i.e. taking a series of images with varying exposure conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2621 Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects during image pickup, e.g. digital cameras, camcorders, video cameras having integrated special effects capability
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/77 between a recording apparatus and a television camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/781 on disks or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/85 on discs or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/907 using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories H04N5/91 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/7921 for more than one processing mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8047 using transform coding
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/8205 involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a Storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Claims

1. A method of an image correlation comprising:

providing an identification of one or more targeted objects that may be incorporated in a field of view of an image capture device;

enabling a selection from among the at least one or more targeted objects, which selection is identified as a point of interest;

implementing operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection, including providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure; and

providing a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said enabling the selection from among the at least one or more targeted objects includes;

enabling the selection of two or more different targeted objects incorporated in the same field of view.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection includes:

obtaining multiple still image exposures of the selection.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection includes:

obtaining multiple video image exposures of the selection.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said initiating operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection includes:

obtaining at least one still image exposure and at least one video image exposure of the selection.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

incorporating the selection as a component element in a composite work.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said incorporating the selection includes:

incorporating the selection as a component element in a composite video image frame.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein said incorporating the selection includes:

incorporating the selection as a component element in a composite still image frame.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures includes:

providing the cross-reference association that facilitates future accessibility for alteration or searching or retrieval of the multiple exposures of the selection.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said providing the cross-reference association includes:

establishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously with taking the multiple exposures of the selection.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said providing the cross-reference association includes:

establishing the cross-reference association subsequent to taking the multiple exposures of the selection.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said providing the cross-reference association includes:

establishing an identifier tag as at least a partial basis for implementing the cross-reference association.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said establishing the identifier tag includes;

establishing one or more of the following types of identifier tags;

time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said providing the cross-reference association includes:

incorporating a cross-reference identifier with the multiple exposures to facilitate one or more of the following type of accessibility;

view, display, forward, create thumbnail, alter, search, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownership assignment.

15. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

storing the multiple exposures in one or more of the following;

localized media integrated with or operably coupled to the image capture device;

removable media that can be transported separate and apart from the image capture device, and a remote storage location separate and apart from the image capture device.

18. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

creating a stored version of the multiple exposures; and

;

storing one of more stored versions of the multiple exposures in removable storage media or in a local storage location or in a remote storage location with respect to the image capture device.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

creating an altered form of the stored version of one or more of the multiple exposures.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said creating an altered form of the stored version includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of alteration techniques;

data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation,

21. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing one or more of the following type of features in order to obtain multiple exposures having different quality characteristics;

color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data.

22. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

enabling a programmed or automated coordination of related fields of view of the image capture device for obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection.

23. The method of claim 22 further comprising:

allowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed or automated coordination of the related fields of view.

24. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

enabling user-actuated coordination of related fields of view of the image capture device for obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection.

25. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

incorporating one or more of the following type of different quality attributes in the stored version of the multiple exposures;

aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation.

26. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

activating a still image capture component approximately concurrently with activating a video image capture component to obtain the multiple exposures of the selection.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure includes:

selectively activating one or more of the following features associated with the image capture device in order to obtain multiple exposures with different qualities;

zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display.

28. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure includes:

activating one or more of the following type of ancillary image capture features;

flash illuminator, infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposure controller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator, sensor, monitor, and detector.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein said enabling the selection includes:

facilitating the selection or identification of the targeted object as the point of interest with one or more of the following techniques;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition,

30. The method of claim 1 wherein providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure includes:

providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a usage right attribute associated with the targeted object.

31. The method of claim 1 wherein providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure includes:

providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a privacy right attribute associated with the targeted object.

32. The method of claim 1 wherein providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure includes:

providing one or more different quality characteristics that are at least partially determined by a proprietary right attribute associated with the targeted object.

58. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing operation of the image capture module includes:

activating the image capture module in response to a received instruction from another digital device.

59. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

making a data record that identifies the selection identified as the point of interest.

60. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures includes:

providing a record that includes cross-reference identifiers for the multiple exposures.

61. The method of claim 60 further comprising:

providing limited access to the record that includes the cross-reference identifiers.

16-17. -17. (canceled)

33. An image selection system comprising:

an image capture module with specified quality parameters for capturing one or more targeted objects that may be incorporated in a field of view;

a user-interface for facilitating selection of a designated targeted object;

a data record that identifies the designated targeted object as a point of interest;

a controller operatively coupled to the data record and to the image capture module, to activate the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple exposures each have different quality characteristics; and

a program module configured to provide a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures of the designated targeted object.

34. The system of claim 33 wherein said image capture module includes:

a still image capture component for taking multiple still image frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple still image frames each have one or more different quality characteristics.

35. The system of claim 33 wherein said image capture module includes:

a video capture component for taking a stream of multiple video frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple video frames each have one or more different quality characteristics.

36. The system of claim 33 wherein said image capture module includes:

a still image capture component for taking multiple still image frames of the designated targeted object; and

a video capture component for taking a stream of multiple video frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiple video frames each have one or more different quality characteristics compared to the multiple still image frames.

37. The system of claim 33 wherein said program module is configured to provide one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the designated targeted object:

time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

38. The system of claim 37 further comprising:

an interface linked to storage media retaining a stored version of the multiple exposures, wherein the interface enables accessibility for alteration or search or retrieval of visual elements incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures of the designated object.

40. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes:

a controller configuration for programmed or automated activation of the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object.

41. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes:

a controller configuration for user-activation of the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object.

42. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes;

a controller configuration to take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object based on different fields of view of the image capture module.

43. The system of claim 33 wherein said image capture module includes one or more of the following component features for taking multiple exposures having different quality characteristics:

zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display.

44. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes:

a controller configuration for incorporating one or more of the following type of different quality attributes in the stored version of the multiple exposures;

aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation.

45. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes:

a controller configuration to create an altered form of one or more multiple exposures to be retained by the storage media, which altered form is a modified version of the multiple exposures initially captured by the image capture module.

46. The system of claim 33 wherein said controller includes:

a controller configuration for implementing one or more of the following alteration techniques for creating an altered form of the one or more multiple exposures;

data compression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

47. The system of claim 33 further comprising:

one or more ancillary components for providing input information to the controller based on a monitored or sensed or detected event in the field of view of the image capture module regarding the designated target object, wherein said controller activates the image capture module in response to the input information.

57. The system of claim 33 further comprising:

a program module configured to facilitate selection of the designated targeted object as the point of interest with one or more of the following techniques;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

39. (canceled)

48. A computer program product having one or more computer programs for executing the following process;

creating a visual display that represents a field of view of an image capture device;

providing enabling an identification of possible targeted objects that may be incorporated in the field of view;

enabling a user to make a selection of one or more particular targeted objects, which selection is identified as a point of interest, via the user interface; and

initiating implementing operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection, wherein each exposure has at least one different quality characteristic, and

providing a cross-reference association between the multiple exposures of the selection.

49. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process further includes:

creating a data record that identifies the selection as the point of interest.

50. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process further includes:

creating a stored version of the multiple exposures of the selection for future reference.

51. The computer program product of claim 50, wherein the process further includes:

enabling accessibility for alteration or search or retrieval of visual elements incorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures.

52. The computer program product of claim 48 further comprising:

storage media and/or signal communication media for encoding instructions for executing the process.

53. the computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process feature implementing operation of the image capture module includes:

activating the image capture module in response to input information based on a monitored or sensed or detected event in the field of view of the image capture module.

54. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process feature enabling a user to make a selection includes:

facilitating selection of the designated targeted object as the point of interest with one or more of the following techniques;

pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition.

55. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process feature implementing operation of the image capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection includes:

activating the image capture module to take one or more of the following type of exposures;

visual image, audio image, combination audio-visual image, still image, video image stream, and combination of still image/video image stream.

56. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein said process further includes:

providing one or more of the following type of cross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of the designated targeted object;

time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component, still component, component specification, storage media, storage location, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, and barcode.