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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
Digital cameras and methods of using digital cameras are disclosed
herein. An embodiment of a digital camera comprises a display and
a help switch. The help switch causes the digital camera to enter
a help mode when it is activated. In addition help information that
informs a user of various functions associated with operating the
digital camera when the help switch is displayed on the display.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera comprising: a display; and a help switch that
when actuated causes the digital camera to enter a help mode and
display, on said display, help information that informs a user of
various functions associated with operating said digital camera.
2. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein said help information
includes a table of contents relating to the operation of said digital
camera.
3. The digital camera of claim 2, wherein said table of contents
comprises a list of items, and wherein at least one item of said
list of items is selectable.
4. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the help information
includes a searchable index.
5. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein said help information
includes a list of help items.
6. The digital camera of claim 5, wherein at least one of said
items of said list of help items is selectable.
7. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein said help mode enables
the user to enter characters and display help topics that correspond
to said entered characters.
8. The digital camera of claim 1 and further comprising a processor
and an input device, said processor being operatively connected
to said display device and said input device, wherein said input
device is adapted to transmit at least one signal to said processor,
and wherein said display device is adapted to display at least one
character representative of said at least one signal transmitted
to said processor by said input device.
9. The digital camera of claim 1 and further comprising a second
switch, said second switch having a first operative position and
a second operative position, and wherein said display displays information
related to at least one function associated with said second switch
when said second switch is toggled between said first operative
position and said second operative position and when said digital
camera is in said help mode.
10. The digital camera of claim 1 and further comprising a second
switch and an illumination device associated with said second switch,
said illumination device being illuminatable in response to said
help switch switching from said first operative position to said
second operative position.
11. The digital camera of claim 1 and further comprising an audio
device, said audio device being activated when said help switch
is switched from said first operative position to said second operative
position.
12. A method of obtaining information relating to at least one
function associated with a digital camera, said method comprising:
toggling a first switch associated with said digital camera; and
audibly presenting information pertaining to said at least one function
associated with said digital camera by way of an audio device associated
with said digital camera upon said toggling of said first switch.
13. The method of claim 12 and further comprising toggling a second
switch, wherein said function is related to said second switch.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said function is related to
a second switch and further comprising illuminating an illumination
device associated with said second switch.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the audible information includes
a table of contents relating to the operation of said digital camera.
16. The method claim 12, wherein said audible information includes
a list of help items.
17. A method of obtaining information relating to at least one
function associated with a digital camera, said method comprising:
toggling a help switch associated with said digital camera; and
displaying information pertaining to said at least one function
associated with said digital camera on a display device associated
with said digital camera upon said toggling of said first switch.
18. The method of claim 17 and further comprising presenting information
relating to said at least one function associated with said digital
camera by way of an audio device associated with said digital camera
upon said toggling of said first switch.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said displaying comprises displaying
a list of items and further comprising: selecting one item of said
list of items; and displaying information related to said one item
of said list of items.
20. The method of claim 17 and further comprising: entering at
least one character into said digital camera by way of an input
device; displaying a list of at least one item corresponding to
said at least one character; selecting at least one item of said
list; and displaying information pertaining to said at least one
item.
Digital Camera Patent Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of a U.S. application,
Ser. No. 09/813,762 filed on Mar. 21, 2001, which is hereby incorporated
by reference for all that is disclosed therein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Digital cameras are used to generate machine-readable image
data representative of objects. The process of generating image
data representative of an object is sometimes referred to as "imaging"
or "capturing" the object. The image data may be downloaded
from memory within the digital camera to a processor or a printer
that replicates the image of the object. Many digital cameras allow
users to process the image data in order to manipulate the images
representative of the objects. In addition to processing the image
data, the user is able to delete selected images from the memory
within the digital camera and downloaded image data representative
of selected images.
[0003] Some of the functions available with a digital camera include,
macro and telephoto modes, automatic focusing, video recording,
time lapse photography, audio recording, and lighting adjustments.
Several controls, such as knobs and switches, on the digital camera
operate these functions. In some digital cameras, these functions
are accessed and activated by way of a pull down menu displayed
on a display device. One problem with digital cameras is that there
is no way for a user to understand how to use all the functions
of the digital camera without referring to an operating manual while
he or she is trying to take pictures. Accordingly, a digital camera
user may not be using the functions of the digital camera to their
full potential.
[0004] As more image data processing techniques are added to digital
cameras, the digital cameras become more complicated to operate
to their full potential. In some situations, a user may not understand
how to use all the functions offered with a digital camera without
having a manual available while operating the digital camera. Therefore,
as described above, a user of a digital camera may not be able to
utilize all the functions offered by the digital camera.
[0005] Furthermore, digital cameras are becoming smaller and more
compact. Therefore, the space available on the body of the digital
camera for switches and knobs used to operate the functions is decreasing.
In order to overcome this problem, a single switch or knob may operate
a plurality of different functions. This causes the operation of
the digital camera to become more complex because the user may not
be aware of or remember all the functions accessible by way of a
single switch or knob. Therefore, even though the digital camera
has more functions, a user may not be aware of how to use these
functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary rear perspective view of a digital
camera having a help switch associated therewith, according to the
present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exemplary rear view of the display of the digital
camera of FIG. 1, wherein the camera is in a first help mode, according
to the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exemplary rear view of the display of the digital
camera of FIG. 1, wherein the camera is in a second help mode, according
to the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary rear view of the display of the digital
camera of FIG. 1, wherein the camera is in a third help mode, according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] FIGS. 1-4, in general, illustrate a digital camera 100 of
the type having the ability to perform at least one function. The
digital camera 100 may comprise a display device 116 and a first
switch 174, sometimes referred to herein as a help switch. The first
switch 174 may have a first operative position and a second operative
position. Information describing the use of the at least one function
is displayable on the display device 116 when the first switch 174
is switched from the first operative position to the second operative
position.
[0011] FIGS. 1-4 also, in general, illustrate a method of obtaining
information relating to at least one function associated with a
digital camera 100. The method may comprise toggling a first switch
174 associated with the digital camera 100. The method may further
comprise displaying information pertaining to the at least one function
associated with the digital camera 100 on a display device 116 associated
with the digital camera 100 upon the toggling of the first switch
174.
[0012] FIGS. 1-4 also, in general, illustrate a digital camera
100 that may comprise a first switch 174, a display device 116,
a computer, and a computer-readable medium. The first switch 174
may have a first operative position and a second operative position.
The computer-readable medium may be operatively associated with
the computer. The computer-readable medium may contain instructions
for controlling the computer and the digital camera 100 by detecting
the first switch 174 being toggled from the first operative position
to the second operative position. The instructions may further include
displaying information on the display device 116 pertaining to the
operation of the digital camera 100 upon the detecting of the first
switch 174 being toggled from the first operative position to the
second operative position.
[0013] Having generally described the digital camera 100, it will
now be described in greater detail.
[0014] A rear perspective view of the digital camera 100 is shown
in FIG. 1. The digital camera may be incorporated into a housing
106. A top side 110 and a rear side 112 of the housing 106 are shown
in FIG. 1. The rear side 112 of the housing 106 may have a display
device 116 (sometimes referred to simply as a display), such as
a conventional liquid crystal display, mounted therein. The rear
side 112 of the housing 106 may also have a speaker 118 mounted
therein. As described in greater detail below, the digital camera
100 may also have a plurality of knobs and switches associated therewith.
[0015] The aforementioned plurality of switches and knobs associated
with various functions of the digital camera 100 may extend through
the housing 106. In the non-limiting embodiment of the digital camera
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, a knob 120 may serve to turn the digital
camera 100 on and off. A switch, not shown, associated with the
knob 120 may serve to cause the digital camera 100 to capture an
image in a manner similar to a film-type camera taking a picture.
Another knob 122 may serve to cause the digital camera 100 to enter
various operating modes. In the non-limiting embodiment described
herein, the knob 122 may provide for the digital camera 100 to enter
one of four modes. A first mode provides for capturing images, a
second mode provides for reviewing captured images, a third mode
provides for file management of stored images, and a fourth mode
provides for downloading images to a computer or other processing
device. It should be noted that other operating modes may be associated
with the digital camera 100. Accordingly, more or less than the
four operating modes described herein may be associated with the
digital camera 100.
[0016] Indicia 123 printed onto the rear side 112 of the housing
106 may indicate the operating modes of the digital camera 100.
More specifically, the operating modes of the digital camera 100
may be entered by rotating the knob 122 so that a pointer 124 on
the knob 122 points to the indicia corresponding to the desired
mode of the digital camera 100. In the non-limiting embodiment described
herein, a first indicium 125 may be indicative of the first mode.
A second indicium 126 may be indicative of the second mode. A third
indicium 127 may be indicative of the third mode. A fourth indicium
128 may be indicative of the fourth mode. Accordingly, the digital
camera 100 may be entered into one of these modes by aligning the
pointer 124 with the appropriate indicia.
[0017] In the non-limiting embodiment described herein, the knob
122 encompasses a four-way rocker switch, sometimes referred to
herein as an input device or navigator 129. As described below,
the navigator 129 may have a plurality of toggle switches (not shown)
that cause icons or other objects displayed on the display 116 to
move. As shown by arrows on the navigator 129, an icon displayed
on the display 116 may be moved up, down, left, or right depending
on the portion of the navigator 129 that is pressed. The navigator
129 may also serve move a cursor displayed on the display 116 in
addition to providing an interface for entering data into the digital
camera 100.
[0018] A menu switch 130 may extend through the rear side 112 of
the housing 106. Toggling, switching, or otherwise causing the menu
switch 130 to change between operative positions may cause different
menus to be displayed on the display 116 depending on the mode in
which the digital camera 100 is operating. For example, one menu
may appear when the digital camera 100 is in a mode to capture images
and a second menu may appear when the digital camera 100 is in a
mode to manage files. Other switches may be used to manipulate the
menus as is described in greater detail below.
[0019] A display switch 132 may also be associated with the digital
camera 100. The display switch 132 may cause the display 116 to
display real-time images that are being captured by the digital
camera 100. For example, pressing the display switch 132 may enable
a user to view the display 116 rather than look through a view finder
in order to select an image to be captured by the digital camera
100. Pressing the display switch 132 a second time may cause the
display 116 to display information relating to an operational mode
of the digital camera 100. An audio switch 134 may serve to record
sounds associated with images. For example, a user may capture an
image of a scene and add audio to describe the location of the scene
by pressing the audio switch 134 while talking.
[0020] A plurality of soft switches or soft keys 138 may extend
through the housing 106 of the digital camera 100. The soft keys
138 may function in conjunction with the display 116 to operate
various functions of the digital camera 100. For example, when the
knob 122 is switched to place the digital camera 100 in a file management
mode, the menu switch 130 may serve to allow the user to select
menus associated with the file management mode. The soft keys 138
may then serve to allow the user to choose specific actions within
the selected menu to manage files. In one example, menus and the
like are displayed on the display 116 so as to correspond to the
locations of the soft keys 138. Pressing one of the soft keys 138
activates the portion of the menu corresponding to the pressed soft
key. The soft keys 138 are referenced individually as a first soft
key 140, a second soft key 142, and a third soft key 144. It should
be noted that the use of three soft keys 138 is for illustration
purposes and that any number of soft keys 138 may be used within
the digital camera 100.
[0021] A transmit or send switch 145 may extend through the housing
106 of the digital camera 100 and may serve to cause image data
representative of an image or plurality of images to be transmitted
from the digital camera 100 to another electronic device. For example,
an image captured and displayed on the display 116 may be transmitted
to a printer or a personal computer by pressing the send switch
145. A cable or infrared data link may serve to transmit the image
data to the other electronic device.
[0022] It should be noted that the switches described above may
be conventional push-type electrical switches, such as conventional
buttons. The switches and knobs and their associated functions described
above are for illustration purposes only and it is to be understood
that the digital camera 100 may have other knobs, switches and functions
associated therewith.
[0023] The digital camera 100 may have a plurality of illumination
devices, such as conventional lights or light emitting diodes associated
with the above-described switches and knobs. A menu light 146 may
be located proximate and associated with the menu switch 130. A
display light 148 may be located proximate and associated with the
display switch 132. An audio light 150 may be located proximate
and associated with the audio switch 134. A first soft key light
152 may be located proximate and associated with the first soft
key 140. A second soft key light 154 may be located proximate and
associated with the second soft key 142. A third soft key light
156 may be located proximate and associated with the third soft
key 144. A navigator light 158 may be located within or otherwise
associated with the navigator 129.
[0024] With respect to the knob 122, a plurality of lights may
serve to indicate the mode of the digital camera 100 based on the
setting of the knob 122. Individual lights may be located proximate
individual indicia 123 as described below. In the non-limiting example
illustrated in FIG. 1, a capture light 160 may be proximate the
first indicium 125 and may illuminate when the digital camera 100
is in a mode to capture an image, which is the first mode. It should
be noted that some embodiments of the digital camera permit capturing
images in any mode. A review light 162 may be proximate the second
indicium 126 and may illuminate when the digital camera 100 is in
a mode to review captured images, which is the second mode. A file
manager light 164 may be proximate the third indicium 127 and may
illuminate when the digital camera 100 is in a file managing mode,
which is the third mode. A connection light 166 may be proximate
the fourth indicium 127 and may illuminate when the digital camera
100 is in a mode to connect to a peripheral device, such as a printer
or computer, which is the fourth mode. The lights associated with
the knob 122 may also illuminate in order to provide information
as to the use of the digital camera 100 as described below. It should
be noted that any number of lights or other illumination devices
may be located proximate the indicia 123 described above or other
indicia, not shown, located on the digital camera 100.
[0025] In addition to the above-described switches, lights, and
knobs, the digital camera 100 may have a help switch 174 associated
therewith. Pressing or otherwise toggling the help switch 174 may
cause the digital camera 100 to enter one of several "help
modes" of operation. The help modes serve to inform the user
of various functions associated with the digital camera 100. The
help modes may also serve to cause the digital camera 100 to guide
a user in performing various functions associated with the digital
camera 100.
[0026] The digital camera 100 may have a processor and memory,
not shown, located therein. The processor may perform a plurality
of functions, including detecting the toggling of the switches,
outputting data to be displayed on the display 116, outputting data
to the speaker, and processing image data. The memory may store
image data representative of captured images. The memory may also
store settings of the digital camera 100. For example, a user may
use the above-described functions via the switches to establish
a default device, such as a specific model of printer, to which
data is output. The memory may store the device as a default so
that the processor will process the image data to be output to the
previously selected output device. In addition, the memory may store
software that the processor runs in order to operate the functions
of the digital camera 100. As described in greater detail below,
the software may enable the digital camera 100 to operate in the
help modes and to display information regarding the operation of
various functions of the digital camera 100.
[0027] Having described some of the functions associated with the
digital camera 100, the operation of the digital camera 100 will
be described. In particular, the operation of the digital camera
100 in the help mode will now be described. It should be noted that
the help modes described herein are for illustration purposes only
and that the digital camera 100 may be capable of having other help
modes associated therewith.
[0028] A partial rear view of the digital camera 100 is illustrated
in FIG. 2. The digital camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is in a
first help mode. Placing the digital camera 100 in the first help
mode may be achieved by pressing and releasing the help switch 174.
As summarily described above, the digital camera 100 may have the
ability to enter several different help modes which are described
below. In the first help mode illustrated in FIG. 2, a table of
contents is displayed on the display 116. Below the table of contents
label, a list 180 of items that correspond to various functions
may be displayed. The items in the list 180 may refer to functions
that the digital camera 100 is capable of performing, such as entering
a macro mode. One item of the list 180 may be highlighted. For example,
the highlighted item may be displayed darker than the other items
in the list 180 as described below. Instructions 182 may be displayed
below the list 180 that correlate with the soft keys 138. For example,
the instruction "UP" may be associated with the first
soft key 140, the instruction "DOWN" may be associated
with the second soft key 142, and the instruction "SELECT"
may be associated with the third soft key 144. In one embodiment
of the digital camera 100, movement of the highlighted item and
selection of the highlighted item is achieved by pressing portions
of the navigator 129.
[0029] A user may scan the list 180 of items in the table of contents
by using the first soft key 140 and the second soft key 142. Pressing
the first soft key 140 may cause the list 180 to scan up and pressing
the second soft key 142 may cause the list 180 to scan down. More
specifically, the highlighted portion of the list 180 may move up
and down, thus highlighting different items. When the desired item
on the list 180 is highlighted, the user may press the third soft
key 144 which causes the display 116 to display text information
pertaining to the item selected. More specifically, the display
116 may display information pertaining to the function of the digital
camera 100 associated with the selected item in the list 180. When
the information is displayed, the text may be scanned up by depressing
the first soft key 140 and down by depressing the second soft key
142. The user may return to the table of contents by pressing the
third soft key 144. For example, a label, not shown, may be displayed
proximate the third soft key 144 when the text is displayed and
may indicate that pressing the third soft key 144 causes the display
116 to display previously displayed material. In one embodiment,
the display 116 displays a sub-table or a more detailed table of
contents upon the toggling of a soft key 138.
[0030] The example of the table of contents described above requires
a user to scan through the list 180 of items in order to obtain
information which may be helpful for obtaining information pertaining
to various functions of the digital camera 100. In another example
of the operation of the help modes, a user may enter the above-described
help modes then press one of the above-described switches. The display
116 will then display information pertaining to the functions accessible
by way of the pressed switch. For example, a user may press the
display switch 132, which will cause the display 116 to display
information pertaining to the display switch 132.
[0031] Another example of the help mode of the digital camera 100
is illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows the display 116 displaying
a searchable index. The searchable index may be achieved by pressing
the help switch 174 two times within a fixed period and is referred
to herein as a second help mode of the digital camera 100. The display
116 may display a plurality of character blanks 186 and a list 188
of help items. The character blanks 186 may initially appear blank
or underscored with a first blank 190 initially flashing. A user
may insert a character in place of the first blank 190 by moving
the navigator 129. For example, pressing the navigator 129 upward
may cause characters to increment in the first blank 190. Pressing
the navigator 129 downward may cause characters to decrement in
the first blank 190. Pressing the navigator 129 toward the right
may cause a blank to the right to flash and pressing the navigator
129 toward the left may cause a blank to the left to flash. As characters
are entered into the character blanks 186, the list 188 may display
help topics that correspond to the entered characters. The user
may then scan the list 188 by pressing either the first soft key
140 or the second soft key 142 as described above. When a desired
topic is highlighted on the display 116, the user may press the
third soft key 144 to display text information regarding the topic
as was described above with reference to the first help mode.
[0032] Another help mode is illustrated in FIG. 4 and is sometimes
referred to as the third help mode. The digital camera 100 may,
as a non-limiting example, enter the third help mode by successive
toggling or switching of the help switch 174. In the third help
mode, the display 116 may display a "how to" list 196.
The how to list 196 may contain functions and the like that the
digital camera 100 is capable of performing. A user may highlight
and select an item on the list 196 in order to obtain information
pertaining to the use of the digital camera 100. For example, the
how to list 196 may include items such as how to use the digital
camera 100 in a macro mode or how to download image data. A user
may highlight an item from the how to list 196 by pressing either
the first soft key 140 or the second soft key 142 as described above.
When the desired item is highlighted, the user may select the item
by pressing the third soft key 144. When the item is selected, information
is displayed on the display 116 that instructs the user on how to
perform the selected task.
[0033] The help modes have been described above as presenting information
by causing text to be displayed on the display 116. In one embodiment
of the digital camera 100, the speaker 118 may audibly present the
information to the user. The audible presentation of information
may be in addition or as an alternative to the above-described printed
text. As the information is presented to the user, the lights associated
with switches or knobs used in conjunction with the described functions
of the digital camera 100 may illuminate. For example, if the operation
of a function requires turning the knob 122 so the digital camera
100 enters the capture mode, the capture light 160 may illuminate
as this portion of the task is being presented to the user. Accordingly,
the user knows to turn the knob 122 so as to put the digital camera
100 in the capture mode.
[0034] The digital camera 100 described above provides for an easy
presentation of help information. Accordingly, a user may access
information pertaining to the functions associated with the digital
camera 100 simply by pressing the help switch 174. Conventional
digital cameras do not have the help modes described above and do
not provide for easy access to information pertaining to the functions
of the digital camera.
[0035] While an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment
of the invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be
understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously
embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended
to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited
by the prior art.
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