Digital camera with time bracketing feature

• US 5,367,332 A
• Filed: 10/09/1992
• Issued: 11/22/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Computer Incorporated (Apple Inc.)
• Inventors: Zarakov, Eric, Kerns, Charles, Gilley, Thomas S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancuso, Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): GARBER, WENDY RAE
• Application Number:
  US07/959,206
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 358/209, 358/108, 358/105, 358/332, 358/213.11, 348/61, 348/143, 348/207, 348/231
• US Class Current: 348/61
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0044 for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2137 with temporary storage before final recording, e.g. in a frame buffer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/215 Recording a sequence of still pictures, e.g. burst mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3264 of sound signals

Abstract

A digital still image camera having a memory means functioning as a ring buffer. Image and sound acquisition and storage begins upon a first command signal from the camera'"'"'s operator and continues at a defined rate until the operator generates a second command signal. During the time period between the first and second command signal, images are taken and stored at the defined rate, the newest image overwriting the oldest image within the ring buffer after the ring buffer is initially filled. After generating the second command signal, the operator can review the contents of the ring buffer on a display and speaker incorporated into the camera, selecting those images and sounds the operator wishes to store permanently, and then directing that the selected images and sounds be placed in the camera'"'"'s long term storage memory.

Claims

1. A digital still image camera for taking and storing still photographs comprising:

image capture means for capturing images;

digitizing means coupled to the image capture means for converting the images to digital images;

first memory means for storing a plurality of digital images, the first memory means being coupled to the image capture means, the first memory means storing a user defined number of digital images, with successive digital images being written over older stored digital images when the user defined number of stored digital images is exceeded;

processor means coupled to the image capture means and the first memory means for controlling the number of images taken by the image capture means and the number of digital images stored by the first memory means; and

second storage means for permanently storing digital images selected by a user from the first memory means, the second memory means being coupled to the processor means.

2. The digital still image camera of claim 1 further comprising:

microphone means for capturing sounds; and

sound digitizing means for converting the captured sounds to digital sound recordings, the sound digitizing means being coupled to the processor means and the first memory means.

3. The digital still image camera of claim 1 wherein the first memory means is organized and operated as a ring buffer memory means.

4. The digital still image camera of claim 1 wherein a display means is coupled to the processor means for displaying digital still images stored in the first and second memory means.

5. A method for acquiring and storing digital still images comprising the steps of:

acquiring a first still image at a first defined rate upon receiving a first command signal;

converting the first still image to a digital still image;

storing the first digital still image in a memory;

acquiring, converting, and storing successive digital still images at the first defined rate, the most recently acquired digital still image replacing the oldest stored digital still image after the memory is full; and

stopping the acquisition, conversion and storage of digital still images after receiving a second command signal the acquisition, conversion and storing of digital still images continuing for a user defined period of time after the second command signal is received.