Digital cameras abstract
A system of linked digital cameras for an image capture system
is disclosed. A first and second digital camera can be linked to
capture a first images and a second image that are used to form
a stereo image. A first data port on the first digital camera and
a second data port on the second digital camera intercommunicate
data between each other when the cameras are linked. The data can
include the first and second image data, camera control data, and
camera synchronization data. After capturing the first and second
images, the image from one of the cameras can be transferred to
the other camera so that both the first and second images reside
in the other camera. The system allows a user who wishes to capture
stereo images the ability to do so with out having to purchase two
digital cameras. A compatible digital camera can be borrowed from
another user for the purpose of stereo image capture. After the
stereo image is captured, the user transfers both images to his
camera and returns the borrowed camera. The cameras can be equipped
with viewfinders that allow a user of the cameras to view the image
being captured in stereo. The viewfinders can be adjustable to accommodate
variations in user interpupillary distance. A digital camera operating
system (OS) can be customized to enable stereo image capture, image
data handling, image processing, and camera control for the linked
digital cameras.
Digital cameras claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stereo image capture system, comprising: a first digital camera
adapted for hand-held use by a user as a stand-alone digital camera
and operative to capture a first digital image and including a first
optical axis and a first data port; a second digital camera adapted
for hand-held use by a user as a stand-alone digital camera and
operative to capture a second digital image and including a second
optical axis and a second data port, the first and second data ports
are adapted to intercommunicate data including the first and second
digital images between the cameras, the first and second digital
cameras are adapted to be connected with each other so that the
first and second optical axes are coplanar and parallel to each
other and are separated by a predetermined distance, and wherein
when the cameras are connected with each other, the cameras form
the stereo image capture system operative to capture a stereo image
by capturing the first and second digital images.
2. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the data
is intercommunicated between the first and second data ports when
the first digital camera is connected with the second digital camera.
3. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further comprising
a data port connector for connecting the cameras with each other
and for connecting the first data port with the second data port.
4. The stereo image capture system of claim 3, wherein the data
port connector has a fixed length and the predetermined distance
is varied by selecting the fixed length of the data port connector.
5. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further comprising
a data port connector for connecting the cameras with each other
and for connecting the first data port with the second data port
and including an adjustable length and the predetermined distance
is varied by adjusting the length of the data port connector.
6. The stereo image capture system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined
distance can be varied in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to
about 80.0 millimeters.
7. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
distance is in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to about 80.0
millimeters.
8. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein when the
first and second digital cameras are connected with each other the
first and second data ports are in electrical intercommunication
with each other.
9. The stereo image capture system of claim 8, wherein the data
is electrically intercommunicated using a communication protocol.
10. The stereo image capture system of claim 9, wherein the communication
protocol is selected from the group consisting of a JETSEND protocol,
an IEEE 1394 protocol, a FIREWIRE protocol, an USB protocol, a RS-232
protocol, and a RS422 protocol.
11. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the first
and second data ports are in wireless intercommunication with each
other when the first and second digital cameras are connected with
each other.
12. The stereo image capture system of claim 11, wherein the wireless
intercommunication is a selected one of optical intercommunication
and radio intercommunication.
13. The stereo image capture system of claim 12, wherein the optical
intercommunication is effectuated using a selected one of an IRDA
communication protocol and a JETSEND communication protocol, and
the radio intercommunication is effectuated using a BLUETOOTH communication
protocol.
14. The stereo image capture system of claim 12, wherein either
one or both of the first and second data ports is adapted to receive
extrinsic data transmitted from a source external to either one
of the first and second digital cameras.
15. The stereo image capture system of claim 14, wherein the extrinsic
data comprises illumination data.
16. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further comprising:
a first view finder mounted on the first digital camera; and a second
view finder mounted on the second digital camera, the first and
second view finders are spaced apart by an interpupillary separation
when the cameras are connected with each other, and wherein the
first and second view finders are adapted to form a visual stereo
image that is representative of the stereo image captured by the
first and second digital cameras.
17. The stereo image capture system of claim 16, wherein the first
and second view finders are a component selected from the group
consisting of an optical view finder, a through-the-lens optical
view finder, and a micro-display view finder.
18. The stereo image capture system of claim 16, wherein the first
and second view finders are movably mounted to the first and second
digital cameras respectively so that the interpupillary separation
between the first and second view finders can be adjusted to match
a user specific variation in eye spacing.
19. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein one of
the first and second digital cameras is selectable to be a master
camera and the other one of the first and second digital cameras
is a slave camera, and after the first and second digital images
have been captured, the digital image captured by the slave camera
is intercommunicated to the master camera so that the stereo image
resides in the master camera.
20. The stereo image capture system of claim 19, wherein one or
more identical functions on the slave camera including the capturing
of the second image is controlled by the master camera.
21. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the second
digital camera is flipped from a normal position to a linked position
so that the second digital camera can be connected to the first
digital camera and so that the second data port is in communication
with the first data port when the cameras are connected to each
other.
22. The stereo image capture system of claim 1, wherein the first
data port is replicated at least once on the first digital camera
and the second data port is replicated at least once on the second
digital camera so that the first and second digital cameras can
be connected with each other without having to flip either one of
the cameras in order to effectuate communication between the first
and second data ports.
23. The stereo image capture system of claim 1 and further comprising:
a first display positioned on the first digital camera and operative
to display information including the first digital image; and a
second display positioned on the second digital camera and operative
to display information including the second digital image, wherein
the predetermined distance defines an interpupillay separation between
the first and second displays such that a user of the stereo image
capture system can view the stereo image.
24. The stereo image capture system of claim 23, wherein the predetermined
distance can be varied in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to
about 80.0 millimeters so that the interpupillay separation can
be adjusted to match a user specific variation in ey e spacing.
Digital cameras description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to linkable digital cameras
that form an image capture system. More specifically, the present
invention relates to linkable digital cameras that together form
a stereo image capture system.
BACKGROUND ART
Stereo film cameras have been around for a long time. Typically,
a stereo film camera includes two side-by-side lenses that are adapted
to focus images onto two adjacent imaging areas on a negative film
strip. Designs for stereo film cameras include a dedicated stereo
film camera in which both lenses are mounted to a common chassis
(i.e. two film cameras in one chassis). The dedicated stereo film
camera can also include a stereo view finder so that a user of the
camera can stereoscopically view an image to be captured by the
camera. Another type of stereo film camera includes two individual
film cameras (dual cameras) that are either physically connected
to each other or are fixedly positioned relative to each other on
a platform. With either arrangement, the goal is to have the lenses
of the dual camera spaced apart and the optical axes of the lens
aligned so that a stereo image of correct disparity is produced.
Additionally, the dual cameras can include view finders that are
positioned so that a stereo image to be captured can be viewed stereoscopically
by a user of the dual cameras.
The aforementioned dedicated stereo film camera can also be mimicked
by a dedicated stereo digital camera. However, such a design would
require two image sensors arrays, which would increase both the
cost and the power consumption of the stereo digital camera. Moreover,
the extra sensor array will be wasted if a user of the stereo digital
camera does not need to capture a stereo image. Another disadvantage
of the stereo digital camera is that the extra lens, the extra image
sensor array, the extra electronics, and the extra stereo viewfinder
add to the weight and size of the camera. Consequently, the user
of the stereo digital camera must contend with the cameras added
weight and bulk even though the user may only desire to occasionally
capture stereo images.
On the other hand, the dual cameras mentioned above can also be
mimicked by using two individual digital cameras (dual digital cameras).
One disadvantage to using dual digital cameras is that a user desiring
to capture stereo images may have to buy two digital cameras. The
cost of purchasing two digital cameras can be prohibitive to many
users. Furthermore, for a user who desires to occasionally capture
stereo images, the purchase of two digital cameras is not practical.
Other disadvantages to dual digital cameras include: extra hardware
may be needed to position the lenses of the camera so that a stereo
image can be captured; dual digital cameras that are not designed
for stereo image capture may not allow for the view finders of the
cameras to be positioned for stereoscopically viewing the image
to be captured; critical camera functions such as synchronizing
of the shutters and other functions such as lens focus, zoom, exposure
control, image file management, and flash synchronization may not
be possible or easily accomplished with dual digital cameras; the
hardware for positioning the dual digital cameras may be bulky and
time consuming to setup; and images captured by the dual digital
cameras must be individually downloaded from each camera.
Therefore, there is a need for an image capture system that is
adapted to capture stereo images without the cost, size, and weight
of the dedicated stereo digital camera and that eliminates the cost,
inconvenience, image file management, and operational difficulties
of dual digital cameras.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above mentioned needs are met by the image capture system of
the present invention. The problems and disadvantages of the dedicated
stereo digital camera and of the dual digital cameras are solved
by an image capture system that allows two compatible digital cameras
to be snapped onto each other (linked) to take stereo pictures.
Advantages of the image capture system of the present invention
include the ability to independently capture non-stereo images using
a single digital camera; however, for a user who wishes to take
stereo pictures, the user can either purchase two compatible digital
cameras and snap them together, or more preferably, the user can
borrow a compatible digital camera from a friend, a nearby tourist,
or rent one provided by a venue such as a camera store, a park,
or a tourist attraction. The image information from the borrowed
digital camera can be transferred to the users digital camera via
a data link between the cameras. Consequently, the extra image sensor
array of the borrowed digital camera is not wasted when the user
does not need to take a stereo picture. On the other hand, for a
user who does not want to take stereo pictures, a single digital
camera is all that user needs and is all that user has to purchase.
Broadly, the present invention is embodied in an image capture
system that includes first and second digital cameras that can be
snapped together (linked). When the cameras are linked, data ports
on each camera are in communication with each other. Additionally,
when the cameras are linked, optical axes of both cameras are spaced
apart by a predetermined distance and are positioned substantially
coplanar and substantially parallel to each other so that a stereo
image of correct disparity can be captured by capturing a first
image with the first digital camera and capturing a second image
with the second digital camera. The image from the second digital
camera can be transferred to the first digital camera or vise-versa
via the data ports. Additionally, camera functions on the first
and second digital cameras including synchronization of the shutters,
focus, flash, and zoom, to name a few, can be controlled by either
one of the cameras.
In one embodiment of the present invention, when the cameras are
linked, the data ports are in electrical communication with each
other. In another embodiment, the data ports are in wireless communication
with each other when the cameras are linked.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second
digital cameras include first and second view finders respectively.
When the cameras are linked, the view finders are spaced apart by
an interpupillary separation so that the view finders provide a
visual stereo image that is representative of the stereo image captured
by the first and second digital cameras. Optionally, the viewfinders
can be movably mounted on their respective digital cameras so that
the interpupillary separation can be adjusted to accommodate user
specific variations in eye spacing.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the
principles of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is front plan view of a first digital camera and a second
digital camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the first and second digital cameras
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the first and second digital cameras
of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a side-to-side linked configuration
in which one of the cameras is flipped according to the present
invention.
FIGS. 5a and 5b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a side-to-side linked configuration
according to the present invention.
FIGS. 6a and 6b are front and rear plan views respectively of the
first and second digital cameras in a bottom-to-bottom linked configuration
according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a first data port and a second
data port positioned on a bottom portion of the first and second
digital cameras according to the present invention.
FIGS. 8a and 8b are front and top plan views of the first and second
digital cameras illustrating the planar and parallel relationship
between a first optical axis and a second optical axis according
to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a rear profile view and a side view of a data port according
to the present invention.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are rear profile views of a data port connector
for linking the the first and second digital cameras according to
the present invention.
FIGS. 12a and 12b are front plan views illustrating an adjustable
length data port connector for linking the first and second digital
cameras according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a rear profile view of linked first and second digital
cameras that include viewfinders according to the present invention.
FIGS. 14a and 14b is a rear profile view of linked first and second
digital cameras that include movably mounted viewfinders according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description and in the several figures
of the drawings, like elements are identified with like reference
numerals.
As shown in the drawings for purpose of illustration, the present
invention is embodied in an image capture system that includes first
and second digital cameras that can be linked with each other. The
first digital camera including a first optical axis and a first
data port and the second digital camera including a second optical
axis and a second data port. When the cameras are linked, the data
ports on each camera can be in communication with each other such
that data can be intercommunicated between the first and second
digital cameras via the first and second data ports. Additionally,
when the cameras are linked, the optical axes of both cameras are
spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are positioned substantially
coplanar and substantially parallel to each other so that a stereo
image of correct disparity can be captured by capturing a first
image with the first digital camera and capturing a second image
with the second digital camera. The image from the second digital
camera can be transferred to the first digital camera or vise-versa
via the data ports. Additionally, camera functions on the first
and second digital cameras including shutter synchronization, flash
synchronization, synchronization of focus and/or zoom, to name a
few, can be controlled by either one or both of the digital cameras.
In FIGS. 1 through 3, a stereo image capture system 100 includes
a first digital camera 11 and a second digital camera 13. The first
digital camera 11 includes a first data port 15 and a first optical
axis 19. The second digital camera 13 includes a second data port
17 and a second optical axis 21. The first and second data ports
(15, 17) are adapted to intercommunicate data between the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13). The first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) are adapted to be linked with each other so that
the first optical axis 19 and the second optical axis 21 are coplanar
with each other and are parallel to each other as illustrated in
FIGS. 8a and 8b. For purposes of illustration, the cross {character
pullout}, indicates that the first and second optical axis (19,
21) are into the drawing page. In FIG. 8a, the first digital camera
11 is linked to the second digital camera 13 and the first and second
optical axes (19, 21) are coplanar with each other as illustrated
by a dashed line P through the first and second optical axes (19,
21). When the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked,
the first and second optical axes (19, 21) are also separated by
a predetermined distance D. Moreover, the first and second optical
axes (19, 21) are parallel to each other as illustrated by the dashed
lines 19' and 21' through the first and second optical axes (19,
21) respectively in FIG. 8b. Although FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) being linked by connecting
them along side portions of the digital cameras (i.e. side-to-side),
the manner in which the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
can be linked with each other is not limited to the arrangements
illustrated herein. Preferably, the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) are linked by connecting them with each other in an arrangement
that positions the first and second optical axes (19, 21) in a coplanar
and parallel relationship with each other and spaces them apart
by the predetermined distance D as described above.
The first digital camera 11 is operative to capture a first image
and the second digital camera 13 is operative to capture a second
image. Consequently, when the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) are linked, a stereo image is captured by capturing the first
and second images. Typically, the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) will include a lens 23 and 25 respectively and the lenses
(23, 25) will have optical axes 27 and 29 respectively that are
coaxial with the first and second optical axes (19, 21). Because
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are designed to be
used as a normal digital camera when they are not linked (with each
other, the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) can include
features and functions common to a digital camera such as a slot
(41a and 41b) for inserting a memory card or a disk for data storage,
control buttons (43a, 43b, 45b, 47a, and 47b), a shutter button
(49a and 49b), and a flash (24a and 24b) (strobe hereinafter).
The first and second digital cameras (11, 13) need only be compatible
with each other for the purpose of capturing stereo images. Therefore,
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) can be identical digital
camera models or they can be different digital camera models. For
instance, one of the digital cameras can have more functions/features
than the other digital camera. However, the focal length (f) and
the lens speed (f:) of the lenses (23, 25) should be as identical
as possible. Preferably, the focal length (f) and the lens speed
(f:) are identical for the lenses (23, 25).
FIG. 3 illustrates that the second digital camera 13 can include
additional control buttons 45b that are not found on the first digital
camera 11. Additionally, the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) can include a display 40a and 40b that can be used for displaying
a first image 7 and a second image 9 (see FIG. 5b). The displays
(40a, 40b) can also display a graphical user interface (GUI) for
controlling some or all of the cameras functions using a cursor
(Ca, Cb) or the like to select various functions such as f1, f2,
f3, f4 on the display 40a (selectable by the cursor Ca) and f1,
f2, f3, f4, f5 on the display 40b (selectable by the cursor Cb)
that are displayed as graphical images (icons) on the displays (40a,
40b). The GUI can also display menus (not shown) on the displays
(40a, 40b). For instance, the control buttons 47a and 47b can be
used to move their respective cursors (Ca, Cb) to a position on
the displays (40a, 40b) to make a selection of any one or more of
the aforementioned functions (f1, f2, f3, f4, f5). The cursor Ca
is positioned to select the function f4 and the cursor Cb is positioned
to select the function f1. A custom operating system (OS) can be
used to display icons for the GUI and to control the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) as will be described below.
In one embodiment of the present invention, data is intercommunicated
between the first and second data ports (15, 17) when the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with each other.
Once linked, the first data port 15 is in communication with the
second data port 17. If the communication is by electrical signals,
then the first data port 15 is in electrical communication with
the second data port 17 when the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) are linked. Electrical communication can be effectuated
using electrically conductive pins or the like as illustrated by
electrical connections 16 and 18 in FIGS. 9 and 10. On the other
hand, if the communication is by light signals, then the first data
port 15 is in optical communication with the second data port 17
when the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked. Preferably,
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are designed so that
when they are linked to each other, the first data port 15 is positioned
adjacent to the second data port 17 and the first and second data
ports (15, 17) are in facing relation to each other. If the communication
is by radio waves, then the first and second data ports (15, 17)
need not be adjacent to each other or in facing relation to each
other, although they can be.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 2, 4a, and 4b in which the first
and second data ports (15, 17) are on the same side of the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13) as illustrated in FIG. 2. In
order for the first and second data ports (15, 17) to be in communication
with each other, the second digital camera 13 is flipped from a
normal position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 to a linked position
(side-to-side) as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b. On the other hand,
the first digital camera 11 could be flipped from the normal position
to the linked position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4a
and 4b and in other embodiments to be described herein, the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13) are designed so that when they
are linked the first optical axis 19 and the second optical axis
21 are substantially coplanar with each other and are substantially
parallel to each other as illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b.
In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first and second data ports (15, 17) are
on opposite sides of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13).
For example, the first data port 15 can be on the left side (dashed
arrow L) of the first digital camera 11 and the second data port
17 can be on the right side (dashed arrow R) of the second digital
camera 13 or vice versa. However, that arrangement of the data ports
would require a user of the first digital camera 11 to find another
digital camera having its data port on the right side R. Similarly,
a person have the second digital camera 13 with the data port on
the right side R would require a digital camera with the data port
on the left side L. In either case, even though the above arrangement
allows for stereo image capture, it could be inconvenient for many
users.
Therefore, in yet another embodiment of the present invention,
as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first data port 15 of the
first digital camera 11 is replicated 15' at least once, and the
second data port 17 of the second digital camera 13 is also replicated
17' at least once. For instance, the first and second data ports
(15, 17) can be on the left side of the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) and the replicated data ports (15', 17') can be
on the right side of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, where data port 15' communicates
with data port 17. The positions of the data ports (15, 15', 17,
17') are not to be construed as being limited to the left and right
sides of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13). Other positions
are possible. For example, the data ports (15, 15', 17, 17') can
be positioned on the tops and bottoms of their respective digital
cameras. The advantage to this embodiment of the present invention
is that it allows the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
to be linked without having to flip either digital camera or having
to find another camera with its data port on the correct side for
linking.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS.
6a, 6b, and 7, the first and second data ports (15, 17) are positioned
on a bottom portion of their respective first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) so that the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) can be linked along the bottoms of the cameras (i.e. a bottom-to-bottom
linking) as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The first and second
data ports (15, 17) can be replicated at least once as described
above. For example replicated ports 15' and 17' can be located on
a top portion (not shown) of the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) for a top-to-top linking.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 10 and 11 in which the system 100
includes a data port connector 30 for linking the first digital
camera 11 with the second digital camera 13 and for connecting the
first data port 15 with the second data port 17. The data port connector
30 has a fixed length L.sub.c. The first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) can be linked with or without the data port connector 30.
Moreover, the data port connector 30 can be used in situations in
which it is desirable to increase the predetermined distance D.
Typically, for stereo image capture, the predetermined distance
D is about 55.0 millimeters. However, depending on the physical
dimensions of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13), the
predetermined distance D may be less than 55.0 millimeters when
the cameras are linked without the data port connector 30. The data
port connector 30 can be used to increase the predetermined distance
D to 55.0 millimeters. The data port connector 30 can be manufactured
in different lengths so that the predetermined distance D can be
increased by selecting the data port connector 30 having a longer
length L.sub.c.
On the other hand, for capturing close-up stereo images, for example,
the predetermined distance D can be decreased by selecting the data
port connector 30 having a shorter length L.sub.c or by removing
the data port connector 30 to reduce the predetermined distance
D to less than 55.0 millimeters. For example, a separation of about
18.0 millimeters to about 36.0 millimeters for the predetermined
distance D can be used for close-up stereo image capture. Therefore,
the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) when linked without
the data port connector 30 may have dimensions that are suited for
close-up stereo image capture.
The data port connector 30 can include electrical conductors 31
for electrically communicating data from the electrical connections
16 on data port 15' to the electrical connections 18 of the data
port 17 as illustrated in FIG. 10. However, if the intercommunication
of data is by wireless means such as visible or infrared light,
then the data port connector 30 can have a hollow inner portion
that allows the wireless data (light or radio) to pass from the
data port 15' to the data port 17 as illustrated in FIG. 11. An
optical system (not shown) can be included in the data port connector
to focus or channel light between the data ports (15', 17).
In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIGS. 12a and 12b, a data port connector 33 having an adjustable
length is used for connecting the first digital camera 11 with the
second digital camera 13 and for connecting the first data port
15 with the second data port 17. The data port connector 33 can
have a first segment 35 that connects with the data port 15 of the
first digital camera 11 and a second segment 37 that connects with
the data port 17 of the second digital camera 13. For instance,
the data port connector 33 can be twisted 39 to cause the first
and second segments (35, 37) to telescope inward or outward such
that a first length L.sub.V1 can be increased to a second length
L.sub.V2 or vice-versa. Accordingly, the predetermined distance
D is increased to D.sub.1. Therefore, one possible use for the data
port connector 33 is to vary the predetermined distance D according
to a user needs. For example, the data port connector 33 can be
used to set the predetermined distance D to about 55.0 millimeters
for normal stereo image capture and then the data port connector
33 can be adjusted to decrease the predetermined distance D for
close-up or macro stereo image capture. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the data port connector 33 adjusts the predetermined
distance D in a range from about 18.0 millimeters to about 80.0
millimeters.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the data is electrically
intercommunicated between the first and second data ports (15, 17)
using a communication protocol. The communication protocol can be
a custom or a proprietary protocol developed specifically for use
by the stereo image capture system 100. Preferably, the communication
protocol is based on a well accepted communication protocol for
the following reasons. First, when the digital cameras are not linked,
the protocol allows for easy data transfer between the camera and
peripherals that can interface with the camera, such as printers
and personal computers (PC). Second, there is an established hardware,
software, device driver, and skill base for the protocol that can
be leveraged for use in the stereo image capture system 100. Finally,
most digital cameras include a data port that communicates data
using a well accepted communications protocol that consumers are
accustomed to working with and digital camera designers are familiar
with.
The communication protocol can be a JETSEND.TM. protocol, an IEEE
1394 protocol, a FIREWIR.TM. protocol, an USB protocol, a RS-232
protocol, or a RS422 protocol. The choice of protocol will be application
specific and can be determined by factors that include but are not
limited to implementation costs, the desired speed of data transfer,
ease of use, cable requirements such as cable type and length, and
the variety and types of peripherals to be interfaced with.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second
data ports (15, 17) are in wireless intercommunication with each
other when the first and second digital cameras are linked. The
wireless intercommunication can be an optical intercommunication
or a radio intercommunication. For optical intercommunication, the
first and second data ports (15, 17) can include a transceiver that
transmits and receives light in the visible or the infrared spectrum.
Preferably the infrared spectrum is used to communicate the data.
A communication protocol such as the IRDA.TM. communication protocol
or the JETSEND.TM. communication protocol can be used to intercommunicate
the data. The above mentioned transceiver can be an IRDA compliant
infrared transceiver. For example, an AGILENT.TM. Technologies IRDA
compliant transceiver such as a HDSL-3202 can be used for the first
and second data ports (15, 17).
For radio intercommunication, the first and second data ports (15,
17) can include a radio transceiver that transmits and receives
radio waves. The portion of the radio spectrum allocated for use
in handheld and consumer appliances can be used for the radio transceiver.
For instance the 900 MHz band or the GHz band can be used. A communication
protocol including the BLUETOOTH.TM. communication protocol can
be used to intercommunicate the data. Depending on the radiation
pattern of an antenna used to transmit and receive the data, it
may not be necessary for the first and second data ports (15, 17)
to be connected with one another or be adjacent to and in facing
opposition to each other when the data is communicated using radio
waves so long as the radio signal from one of the data ports can
be received by the other data port.
Advantages to wireless communication include the elimination of
cables, connectors, and the like, to interface the first and second
data ports (15, 17) with each other or with peripheral equipment
such as printers and PC's. Additionally, the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) can be remotely controlled using the wireless resources
in the first and second data ports (15, 17). For instance an infrared
or radio based remote control can be used to control either one
or both of the first and second digital cameras (11, 13). For optical
intercommunication, it may be necessary to have at least one replicated
port in order for the remote control to have access to a data port
(i.e. access to an unblocked data port).
In another embodiment of the present invention, either one or both
of the first and second data ports (15, 17) is adapted to receive
extrinsic data transmitted from a source external to either one
of the first and second digital cameras. The external source can
transmit optically or by radio wave. The extrinsic data is used
by either one or both of the first and second digital cameras (11,
13) to control one or more functions of the cameras such a exposure
control, flash, and shutter speed just to name a few. In one embodiment,
the extrinsic data comprises illumination data. For instance, a
user of the system 100 enters a venue such as a theme park, a museum
or a national park, then illumination information specific to that
venue is beamed to the first and second digital cameras (11, 13)
via the first and second data ports (15, 17). The first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) may or may not be linked when the extrinsic
data is beamed to them. The illumination information can be used
for exposure control to improve images captured at the venue or
to correct the images taken at the venue by post processing the
image using the illumination information to improve/correct the
captured image. PC software for manipulating digital images can
be used to post process the captured images based on the illumination
information. Although the electrical communication protocols described
above could also be used to receive the illumination information,
the user would need to use a cable to interface the system 100 with
the extrinsic source of data. Consequently, in a crowded or busy
venue, the time required to fetch the cable, connect the cable,
download the illumination information, and then disconnect the cable
may prove to be to time consuming. Therefore, wireless communication
provides the most efficient way to covey the illumination information
to the system 100.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.
13, the system 100 further includes a first view finder 51a mounted
on the first digital camera 11 and second view finder 51b mounted
to the second digital camera 13. The first and second view finders
(51a, 51b) are spaced apart by an interpupillary separation S (also
called an interpupillary distance) when the first and second digital
cameras (11, 13) are linked with each other. The first and second
view finders (51a, 51b) are adapted to form a visual stereo image
that is a representation of the stereo image captured by the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13). The first and second view finders
(51a, 51b) can be an optical view finder that uses its own optical
system to form an image in the eyes of a user, a through the lens
(TTL) view finder that uses the lenses (23, 25) to form an image
in the users eyes, or a micro-display viewfinder in which a micro-display
provides an image captured by its respective digital camera and
that image is formed on the users eyes using optics. In a typical
digital camera, an image sensor such as a charged coupled device
(CCD) or a CMOS image sensor is used to capture an image incident
on the image sensor and to provide a signal or data stream that
is indicative of the image. That signal or data stream can be processed
and then displayed on the micro-display viewfinder.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first and
second view finders (51a, 51b) are movably mounted on the first
and second digital cameras (11, 13) as illustrated in FIGS. 14a
and 14b. The first and second view finders (51a, 51b) an be moved
inward I or outward O as shown by the arrows in FIG. 14a. The movably
mounted viewfinders allow for adjustments to the interpupillary
separation S to match user specific variations in eye spacing. For
instance, in FIG. 14a, the first and second view finders (51a, 51b)
can be moved outward O so that an interpupillary separation S.sub.1
is increased to an interpupillary separation S.sub.2. Conversely,
for a user with a smaller eye spacing, the first and second view
finders (51a, 51b) can be moved inward I to decreased to the interpupillary
separation from S.sub.2 to S.sub.1.
The displays 40a and 40b can also be used to view a stereo image.
The predetermined distance D can be adjusted so that the displays
40a and 40b yield a stereo image of correct disparity when viewed
from a normal viewing distance. Adjusting the predetermined distance
D has the same effect as changing the interpupillary separation
S as described above; however, in this case an interpupillary separation
S.sub.D is the distance between the displays 40a and 40b (see FIG.
4b) as measured from the centers of the displays 40a and 40b as
indicated by the {character pullout} (a reference point other than
the centers of the displays 40a and 40b can be selected to measure
the interpupillary separation SD). The data port connector 30 or
the adjustable length data port connector 33 can be used to adjust
the predetermined distance D and thereby adjust the interpupillary
separation S.sub.D. Because interpupillary separation can vary due
to race, gender, and age, the interpupillary separation S.sub.D
can be within a range from about 18.0 millimeters to about 80.0
millimeters. A nominal value for interpupillary separation S.sub.D
is 65.0 millimeters. It is commonly misunderstood that adjusting
the interpupillary separation S.sub.D is the only way to adapt the
displays 40a and 40b to different user eye spacings. Because the
displays 40a and 40b will most likely be an LCD display or the like,
the size of the displays 40a and 40b can inherently allow for a
wide variation in eye spacing that will still allow for stereo image
viewing. Therefore, the interpupillary separation S.sub.D can be
varied and/or the size of the 40a and 40b can be large enough to
accommodate a wide variation in eye spacing. More information about
interpupillary separation can be found in "The World of 3-D"
Second Edition, 1987, by Jac. G. Ferwerda, 3-D Book Productions.
When the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are linked with
each other it may be desirable for a user of the system 100 to control
some or all of the functions of the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) from either one of the cameras. It may also be desirable
for the image captured by a digital camera borrowed by the users
to be transferred to the users camera after the first and second
images have been captured. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the
present invention, either one of the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) is selectable to be a master camera. The other one of the
first and second digital cameras (11, 13) is a slave camera and
after the first and second images have been captured, the image
captured by the slave camera is intercommunicated (transferred)
to the master camera. As a result, both the first and second digital
images reside in the master camera (i.e. the users camera). Any
one of the control buttons or functions displayed by the GUI (see
FIG. 3) can be used to select the master camera. For instance in
FIG. 5b, when the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) are
linked with each other, a user could select the second digital camera
13 to be the master camera by pressing the control button 47b. For
a left-handed user, selecting the second digital camera 13 to be
the master camera would be a logical choice. On the other hand,
pressing the control button 47a on the first digital camera 11 would
select the first digital camera 11 to be the master camera. Selecting
the first digital camera 11 to be the master camera might be preferable
for a right-handed user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, once the user has
selected the master camera, some or all of the functions on the
master camera that are duplicated on the slave camera can be controlled
from the master camera (i.e. an identical function on the slave
camera is controlled by the master camera). For example, in order
to capture the first and second images, the shutter buttons of the
first and second digital cameras (11, 13) must be pressed. Preferably,
the shutter buttons are pressed nearly simultaneously; however,
it would be difficult for the user to press both shutter buttons
nearly simultaneously. Therefore, pressing the shutter button on
the master camera would control activation of the shutter on the
slave camera. Other camera functions including flash synchronization,
focus, and zoom, to name a few, could also be controlled by the
master camera.
Referring again to FIG. 5b, if the second digital camera 13 is
selected to be the master camera, then the first and second images
can be captured by pressing the shutter button 49b on the second
digital camera 13. Moreover, the proper illumination of a scene
to be captured may require the use of either one or both of the
strobes (24a and 24b of FIG. 1). The master camera can determine
if one or both of the strobes should be fired and synchronize the
firing of the strobes (24a and 24b). Additionally, the button 47b
can be a zoom control button. When the cameras are linked and the
second digital camera 13 is designated as the master camera, using
the zoom control button 47b can cause the lens 23 on the first digital
camera 11 to zoom in or zoom out in synchronization with the lens
25 on the second digital camera 13. Moreover, additional functions
that can be controlled by the master camera include light metering,
image/file transfer, setting of date and time information, receiving
extrinsic data as described above, just to name a few.
An operating system (OS) specifically designed for use in digital
cameras can be used to control the first and second digital cameras
(11, 13) when they are linked or unlinked. The OS can be customized
to support the digital camera functions described herein. For instance,
the DIGITA.TM. OS by FlashPoint Technology Inc., can be customized
to perform the above mentioned controls and functions.
Moreover, the electrical and wireless intercommunication of the
data between the first and second digital cameras (11, 13) and/or
a peripheral can also be driven by the OS. Finally, the GUI can
also be a customized product such as the DIGITA.TM. OE by FlashPoint
Technology Inc. The GUI will allow a user of the first and second
digital cameras (11, 13) to control either one or both of the cameras
using a straight forward and intuitive interface that includes the
activation of buttons, selection of the master camera, and the selection
of camera functions via icons/menus on the displays 40a and 40b.
A designer of the system 100 can use a programming language or a
software developer kit such as the DigitaScript or the Digita Application
Software Developer Kit (SDK) (both by FlashPoint Technology Inc.)
to create customized applications for the OS and the GUI.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been
disclosed and illustrated, the invention is not limited to the specific
forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The
invention is only limited by the claims. |