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Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/00912—Arrangements for controlling a still picture apparatus or components thereof not otherwise provided for
  • H04N1/00925—Inhibiting an operation
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
  • H04N1/00962—Input arrangements for operating instructions or parameters, e.g. updating internal software
  • H04N1/0097—Storage of instructions or parameters, e.g. customised instructions or different parameters for different user IDs
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
  • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
  • H04N2201/0008—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
  • H04N2201/0074—Arrangements for the control of a still picture apparatus by the connected apparatus

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to digital cameras, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for eliminating unauthorized use of a camera, and for deterring camera theft by programming the camera to operate only under predetermined conditions.
• a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability.
• the camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time.
• An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images.
• a further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code.
• the camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code.
• the camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area.
• An advantage of the present invention is that it provides protection against theft by rendering a camera inoperable by an unauthorized user.
• a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a lender the ability to restrict the use of a rental camera to a fixed number of images, thereby encouraging the return of the camera.
• a still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a lender the ability to restrict the use of a rental camera to a fixed time period.
• Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a camera that can only be used in a specific physical area.
• a still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a camera that can be restricted in use to an office, and thereby avoid its use for recreational purposes.
• FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the various embodiments of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the major elements of the programmable camera of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment wherein a lender can program the camera to Operate for a set time period or number of images;
• FIG. 4 is flow chart wherein the camera is programmed through use of a smart card
• FIG. 5 illustrates the camera programming and operation in a system wherein the camera must detect a modulated, radiated signal in order to continue operation;
• FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing further detail of the “operate camera” process of FIGS. 4 and 5 ;
• FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating the decryption process by an owner.
• a digital camera 10 includes at least one of four programming inputs, including a keypad 12 , a connector 14 , a card input 16 , and an antenna.
• a card 20 is a key part of the invention, containing the novel data for the camera.
• the card has a processor and memory for use in a camera and card operable combination.
• the connector if used for input, is typically connected to a computer system 22 through a cable 24 for programming the camera 10 .
• the antenna 18 is for reception of modulated signals, such as radio frequency or infra-red, radiated from an antenna 26 of a transmitter 28 , the modulation containing an operation code to begin operation of the camera 10 , and a renewal code for continuing the camera operation.
• modulated signals such as radio frequency or infra-red
• the operational code and renewal code are the same.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the major components of the programmable digital camera 10 of the present invention.
• the camera 10 receives programming data and sends image data by way of one or more of the input or input/output elements including the keypad 12 , the cable connector 414 , card slot 16 , or receiver 30 by way of antenna 18 of FIG. 1 .
• the input/outputs 12 , 14 , 16 , 30 pass programming data to a processor 32 through buses 34 , 36 , 38 and 40 .
• Data and programming are stored in memory 42 connected to processor 32 through bus 44 .
• the facility for acquisition of image data is indicated by image acquisition block 46 connected to the processor 32 through bus 48 .
• the display 47 connected to processor 32 through bus 49 , supplies visual information to the user.
• one embodiment of the display shows the number of images allowed, and the number unused/remaining.
• Another embodiment wherein the camera or card is pre-programmed to allow operation for a specified time includes the display 47 indicating operability, for example showing the date and time of allowed use, and date and time of expiration of use, or if the allowance is simply for a total amount of operation time, the display 47 would show the total amount of allowed time remaining.
• a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 3 .
• This embodiment applies to situations wherein the camera “owner” has a need to restrict the use of the camera by a user.
• a preferred example of this is a camera rental situation.
• the camera is programmable, and requires entry of a programming password in order to access the camera programmability.
• This feature and the entry of a programming password is indicated by block 50 .
• Block 52 lists programmable conditions that can be set by the owner, including a “time lock” which sets the camera to allow operation over a time span of a certain number of hours or days. Another option allows the owner to set the camera to capture only a specified number of images.
• the owner would set the camera to allow a fixed amount of recording time.
• the owner can also program a user access password to enable the use of the programmed camera.
• the user will then enter the access password (block 54 ) and operate the camera (block 56 ).
• the camera keeps track of the permit condition i.e., elapsed time, or number of images or recording time, and if the condition is not expired, operation is allowed, as indicated by block 58 and path 60 . If the permit condition is expired 62 , the camera automatically disables image taking (block 64 ).
• FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the owner programs a Smart Card or credit card with the required data, including a time lock and/or number of images or recording time, and optionally a user access password (block 66 ).
• the Smart Card or credit card 20 ( FIG. 1 ) is then inserted into the camera 10 receptacle 16 (block 68 ).
• Entering the user 13 password (block 70 ) is optional but is preferably implemented if the card 20 is an off-the-shelf 14 standard item.
• the descriptions and operations associated with item numbers 70 - 80 of FIG. 4 are operationally the same as for item numbers 54 - 64 of FIG. 3 .
• FIG. 5 presents an alternative embodiment that automatically renders the camera inoperable if it is removed from an authorized zone of operation.
• a typical application would be a factory in which a number of expensive digital cameras are used. Another example would be a tourist place such as a theme park.
• the camera in this embodiment includes a receiver 30 for reception of a signal radiated by a transmitter 28 .
• the transmitter would be centrally located and designed to radiate a signal that would not extend substantially beyond the factory perimeter.
• the camera 10 including the receiver 30 ( FIG. 2 ), will not operate if the signal from the transmitter 28 is not received.
• the camera 10 is programmed to require reception of an operational code in order to function (block 82 ).
• the camera 10 is further programmed to check for a renewal of the operational code at periodic intervals of time A T, or at the occurrence of a specific initialization process such as when starting up the camera, or prior to taking a picture. If the renewal code is received 90 , operation can continue. If the renewal operational code is not received 92 , the camera according to the program, shuts down the camera operation (block 94 ).
• the owner can also optionally program a required user access password (block 82 ) for the purpose of deterring unauthorized use within the otherwise operational physical boundaries/zone.
• a user would enter his user access password (block 84 ) and operate the camera (block 86 ).
• the transmitter 28 repeatedly broadcasts the operational code.
• the camera checks for a renewal of the code transmission (block 88 ). If the camera 10 receives a renewal of the operational code ( 90 ), the camera continues to be operational. If no renewal of the code is received ( 92 ), the camera automatically shuts down operation (block 94 ).
• FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein an encryption procedure is performed on the image data, and then stored in the camera in an encrypted form. Only the owner has the key to decrypt the data, and as a result, a user is provided with an added incentive to return the camera in order to get a useable copy of the acquired image data.
• Block 95 of FIG. 6A is a replacement for any of the “operator camera” blocks 56 , 72 , 86 of FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 .
• the operate camera block 95 performs the process of image capture 96 , followed by an encryption of the incoming image data 98 , and then stores the encrypted image data 100 .
• the camera then stores only the encrypted image data, the original then being available only to a person possessing a key, in this case the owner. A user must return the camera to the owner to get access to the original image data.
• FIG. 6B illustrates the procedure of returning the camera, or camera and card to the owner. Following the camera disable (blocks 64 , 80 or 94 ), the camera is returned to the owner (block 102 ). The owner then decrypts the encrypted image data and delivers it to the user (block 104 ).

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Abstract

Description

Claims (22)

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Citations (134)

• 2003
  • 2003-01-15 US US10/346,446 patent/US7324133B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (136)

Non-Patent Citations (11)

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