WO1997005738A1 - Digital camera system for photographing infants - Google Patents

Digital camera system for photographing infants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997005738A1
WO1997005738A1 PCT/US1996/011835 US9611835W WO9705738A1 WO 1997005738 A1 WO1997005738 A1 WO 1997005738A1 US 9611835 W US9611835 W US 9611835W WO 9705738 A1 WO9705738 A1 WO 9705738A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
digital
cameras
location
modem
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/011835
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dana I. Arnold
Original Assignee
Forever Yours, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Forever Yours, Inc. filed Critical Forever Yours, Inc.
Priority to AU65475/96A priority Critical patent/AU6547596A/en
Publication of WO1997005738A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997005738A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/0035User-machine interface; Control console
    • H04N1/00405Output means
    • H04N1/00408Display of information to the user, e.g. menus
    • H04N1/0044Display of information to the user, e.g. menus for image preview or review, e.g. to help the user position a sheet
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/21Intermediate information storage
    • H04N1/2104Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures
    • H04N1/2112Intermediate information storage for one or a few pictures using still video cameras
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32101Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N1/32106Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title separate from the image data, e.g. in a different computer file
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00204Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2101/00Still video cameras
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0008Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus
    • H04N2201/0063Constructional details
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/0077Types of the still picture apparatus
    • H04N2201/0082Image hardcopy reproducer
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3225Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3225Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document
    • H04N2201/3226Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title of data relating to an image, a page or a document of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2201/00Indexing scheme relating to scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, and to details thereof
    • H04N2201/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N2201/3201Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N2201/3278Transmission

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of digital photography, and more particularly to a novel digital camera system employing a pair of digital cameras for photographing a live subject and data card information with subsequent temporary review ofthe data on a display screen followed by transmittal ofthe data to a remote computer and printer via telephone lines.
  • Recent practices in digital photography indicate that the preparation of finished prints can be significantly accelerated by sending digitized images to a remote site for processing and printing so as to eliminate mail or courier service.
  • Hard copy prints from a digital representation can be prepared in minutes and picture quality can be controlled using a computer graphics work station.
  • Digital cameras to photograph infants eliminates the need for film, scanners and video recorders and can be controlled directly from modems or by local computers. Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel baby or infant photography system wherein images ofthe subject can be taken and pre-approved prior to transmission to a remote computer for processing and printing. Also, the image should be accompanied by identifying information and data which would be useful in not only delivering the finished product but in billing and recording purposes.
  • the present invention provides a novel digital camera system for photographing babies or infants wherein the infant subject is supported in a portable support stand in spaced arrangement with a color digital camera.
  • the color digital camera is carried in a housing along with a gray camera.
  • the infant lies along the optical axis ofthe digital color camera while the optical axis ofthe gray camera projects through a data card insertably received through the housing.
  • Control circuits are interconnected between the two cameras for initially causing the image from the digital color camera to appear on a display for preview by the equipment operator.
  • the digital images ofthe baby from the color camera and the information derived from the data card by the gray camera is processed through a modem to a computer and a printer via telephone lines.
  • a timer is provided in a control circuit for permitting the operator to hold the baby image on the display screen for a preset time period and for organizing the transmission of digital information from both cameras to the computer via the modem.
  • Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a photographic system utilizing digital cameras whereby the image quality is comparable to conventional photographic prints.
  • Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel photographic system for photographing newborn infants using remotely operated digital cameras and which may be operated by untrained hospital personnel.
  • Still another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel remotely operated digital camera system for photographing newborn infants, which provides an on-site display and which provides for remote processing and printing.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the novel digital camera system inco ⁇ orating the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view ofthe housing used in the system shown in Figure 1 illustrating the arrangement of digital cameras and other components;
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged view ofthe underside ofthe color digital camera and its external flash unit;
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view showing a data card actuating switch disposed in the housing shown in Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a camera assembly block diagram setting forth the system components within the housing shown in Figure 2.
  • the novel digital camera photographic system ofthe present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10.
  • the system includes a portable stand or frame 1 1 having a base with a plurality of wheels 12 so that the stand is portable and may be moved about.
  • the stand includes an upright stanchion 13 which extends above a subframe 14 holding a basket 15 in which an infant intended to be photographed is placed.
  • the infant is represented by numeral 16 and is confined within the basket by surrounding sidewalls.
  • a cushion, blanket and other appurtenances may be placed in the basket as desired.
  • the upper end of stanchion 13 includes a housing 17 which projects over the basket 15 and the infant 16.
  • the housing supports a printed circuit board 18 on which is mounted a color digital camera 20 and a gray or black and white digital camera 21 Adjacent to the camera 20 is an external strobe light 22.
  • the side of housing 17 includes an elongated slot 23 for insertably receiving a data card 24.
  • the data card includes a surface area for recording pertinent information regarding the infant such as date of birth, age, parents names and addresses or the like. Such a surface area is indicated by numeral 25.
  • the display surface ofthe card 24 Upon insertion through slot 23 into the housing 17, the display surface ofthe card 24 will lie on an optical axis 26 ofthe gray camera 21 while the infant 16 lies on an optical axis 27 relating to the fixed color digital camera
  • the side ofthe housing 17 further mounts a display screen 28 which is operably connected to the color digital camera 20 so that the image taken ofthe infant can be screened for approval. This is a temporary screening and may be cancelled if unsuitable.
  • the system 10 utilizes two fixed digital cameras. The first camera is the color digital camera 20 which has its own strobe unit 22 and is used for photographing the infant. The other camera 21 is employed for photographing the data on the identification card 24. Both cameras are connected to a modem 30 that is subsequently interrogated periodically by a service or processing group. The service or processing group will retrieve and print the pictures taken by both cameras via the modem and by a remote computer 31 and printer 32.
  • the modem 30 transmits information to the computer via telephone lines 33 and a dock base 34 that couples the telephone lines to the modem.
  • the dock base 34 also connects AC power to the modem and is indicted by numeral 35.
  • the modem 30 is also included within the housing 17 and the dock base 34 is mounted on the end ofthe housing. This is indicated in the Figure by means of broken lines from the terminal at the end ofthe housing 17 to the block entitled modem.
  • the cameras 20 and 21 are wired together so that both are triggered from a single button, green, 36.
  • the button 36 is used to initiate the taking of the picture by activating the cameras. Once activated, the image ofthe infant taken by camera 20 will appear on the display screen 28 for a temporary review by the operator. If the picture is unacceptable, cancellation may be effected by depressing button number 37 which is separate erase button allowing the last picture to e detected from both cameras so that a picture can be retaken.
  • the color camera 20 is adjustable to compensate for lighting and focusing variations. In some instances, an audible alarm or speaker will be installed to permit the operator to be signalled at the end of picture taking operations.
  • the gray camera 21 has a standard lense and is fixed focus and fixed aperture. An infrared cutting filter may be employed and may be removed to increase sensitivity. An internal low power light source, such as an infrared LED, may be used to illuminate the identification card 24.
  • the two camera ports are operably connected in parallel for operation with the modem 30 which will then be connected to the telephone line 33 through the docking station or base 34.
  • a single rugged connector attaches the camera assembly to the docking station or base and provides both AC power and communications such as via a video jack 40 and a remote jack 41.
  • the modem is mounted within the camera assembly housing 17 and is not powered until the assembly is connected to the docking base.
  • the camera assembly includes a battery charge 42. as shown in Figure 5, which runs from the AC input that supplies power to a bank of rechargeable batteries 43.
  • the batteries and battery charger are shown in figure 5 and operate the camera assembly when it is disconnected from its docking base.
  • the color and gray cameras having different lead-in characters or codes for recognition and operation purposes.
  • the camera addressing or coding is controlled by sending the appropriate lead-in code character.
  • the management site which includes the computer 31 and the printer 32 requires the ability to retrieve images from the remote cameras transmitter over the telephone line.
  • the computer will store the digital pictures in a data base registered to the ID card information and will modify the pictures to improved quality and paste in pre-composed backgrounds as well as print the results in a form ready to be delivered to the customer.
  • Image retrieval is automatically scheduled and the remote cameras with pictures will respond to the telephone within a three telephone ring sequence in order to have their pictures unloaded and printed. Empty cameras will not respond for six telephone rings.
  • the information card 24 is inserted through slot 23 which causes a switch 44 to trip and operate with the gray camera 21 for taking a picture ofthe information on the front of the card.
  • the switch lever 45 is illustrated in its switched position while in solid lines, the latch is shown in its relaxed position.
  • a timer 46 is illustrated on the printed circuit board 18 which is operably connected to the various components in order to effect the sequences described above.
  • a diffused glass 47 is paced over the strobe light 22 while a clear glass 48 is placed over the lense 50 ofthe color digital camera 20.
  • FIG. 5 a block diagram ofthe components within the housing 17 is illustrated wherein the internal lighted gray camera 21 takes a picture ofthe information on the front side of card 24 after it has been inserted within the housing
  • the camera 20 takes a picture ofthe baby in the basket or bassinet.
  • the simultaneous action is initiated by depressing ofthe button 36 which not only actuates the cameras but causes the image taken by camera 20 to appear on the display 28.
  • button 37 is depressed for erasing or cancelling the image so another picture can be displayed.

Abstract

A photographic system is disclosed herein utilizing a color camera (20) for photographing a given subject (16) in digital format and a second gray digital camera (21) for recording pertinent information concerning the subject appearing on a data card (24). The digital data from the color camera (20) is displayed temporarily on a viewing screen (28) and if acceptable, data from both cameras is introduced to a computer (31) and printer (32) via a modem (30) and telephone lines (33). Controls including a timing circuit (46) are provided for accepting the data card into the system and for initiating photographing of the data card (24) and the given subject (16) with temporary display and processing of data to the computer (31) and printer (32).

Description

DIGITAL CAMERA SYSTEM FOR PHOTOGRAPHING INFANTS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of digital photography, and more particularly to a novel digital camera system employing a pair of digital cameras for photographing a live subject and data card information with subsequent temporary review ofthe data on a display screen followed by transmittal ofthe data to a remote computer and printer via telephone lines.
2. Brief Description ofthe Prior Art In the past, it has been the conventional practice to employ photographic techniques for the baby-photo business employing a variety of mechanical cameras and which extensively use mail services and other entry computer systems. With the consolidation, process of large firms engaging in this business, there came an increasing reliance on centralized processing ofthe photographic product and the use of the mails for delivering the end product. Since patients, such as mothers' stay in the hospital is continually shrinking to less than 24 hours, the ability to provide bedside service has become impossible except for a few small photo operators.
While the delivery time is increasing for the baby-photo product, averaging between two and four weeks, the rest of the consumer-photo industry has been speeding up the processing times of standard photographic products to the point where today, it is possible to have the standard "snapshot" developed in minutes. Customers readily pay more for this service because they perceive it as value. This has resulted in the loss of some market share in the baby-photo business due to mail and processing delivery delays up to two weeks. More recently, the baby-photo business intends turning more to the utilization of digital cameras which not only speed up the processing time but permit a variety of options to be taken such as pre-approval of photo shot or image. The present invention uses digital cameras.
However, problems and difficulties have been encountered when employing prior mechanical cameras in connection with photographing of infants which stem largely from the fact that delays are encounted in the processing ofthe film and in the event mail systems are employed, further delays may be encounter. When utilizing digital cameras, although processing has increased, systems do not provide pre- approval of photo image or photo image selection and most systems do not provide for remote computer processing and printing. Therefore, hospital personnel cannot be employed and added delay in delivery is encountered.
Recent practices in digital photography indicate that the preparation of finished prints can be significantly accelerated by sending digitized images to a remote site for processing and printing so as to eliminate mail or courier service.
Hard copy prints from a digital representation can be prepared in minutes and picture quality can be controlled using a computer graphics work station. Digital cameras to photograph infants eliminates the need for film, scanners and video recorders and can be controlled directly from modems or by local computers. Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel baby or infant photography system wherein images ofthe subject can be taken and pre-approved prior to transmission to a remote computer for processing and printing. Also, the image should be accompanied by identifying information and data which would be useful in not only delivering the finished product but in billing and recording purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel digital camera system for photographing babies or infants wherein the infant subject is supported in a portable support stand in spaced arrangement with a color digital camera. The color digital camera is carried in a housing along with a gray camera. The infant lies along the optical axis ofthe digital color camera while the optical axis ofthe gray camera projects through a data card insertably received through the housing. Control circuits are interconnected between the two cameras for initially causing the image from the digital color camera to appear on a display for preview by the equipment operator. After approval, the digital images ofthe baby from the color camera and the information derived from the data card by the gray camera is processed through a modem to a computer and a printer via telephone lines. A timer is provided in a control circuit for permitting the operator to hold the baby image on the display screen for a preset time period and for organizing the transmission of digital information from both cameras to the computer via the modem.
Therefore, it is among the primary objects ofthe present invention to provide a photographic system for photographing infant or newborn babies so that delivery of the photographic product or finished product can be delivered to the parents within 48 hours or sooner.
Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a photographic system utilizing digital cameras whereby the image quality is comparable to conventional photographic prints.
Another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel photographic system for photographing newborn infants using remotely operated digital cameras and which may be operated by untrained hospital personnel.
Still another object ofthe present invention is to provide a novel remotely operated digital camera system for photographing newborn infants, which provides an on-site display and which provides for remote processing and printing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features ofthe present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood with reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the novel digital camera system incoφorating the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view ofthe housing used in the system shown in Figure 1 illustrating the arrangement of digital cameras and other components; Figure 3 is an enlarged view ofthe underside ofthe color digital camera and its external flash unit;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view showing a data card actuating switch disposed in the housing shown in Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a camera assembly block diagram setting forth the system components within the housing shown in Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figure 1, the novel digital camera photographic system ofthe present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10. The system includes a portable stand or frame 1 1 having a base with a plurality of wheels 12 so that the stand is portable and may be moved about. The stand includes an upright stanchion 13 which extends above a subframe 14 holding a basket 15 in which an infant intended to be photographed is placed. The infant is represented by numeral 16 and is confined within the basket by surrounding sidewalls. A cushion, blanket and other appurtenances may be placed in the basket as desired.
The upper end of stanchion 13 includes a housing 17 which projects over the basket 15 and the infant 16. The housing supports a printed circuit board 18 on which is mounted a color digital camera 20 and a gray or black and white digital camera 21 Adjacent to the camera 20 is an external strobe light 22. The side of housing 17 includes an elongated slot 23 for insertably receiving a data card 24. The data card includes a surface area for recording pertinent information regarding the infant such as date of birth, age, parents names and addresses or the like. Such a surface area is indicated by numeral 25. Upon insertion through slot 23 into the housing 17, the display surface ofthe card 24 will lie on an optical axis 26 ofthe gray camera 21 while the infant 16 lies on an optical axis 27 relating to the fixed color digital camera
20. The side ofthe housing 17 further mounts a display screen 28 which is operably connected to the color digital camera 20 so that the image taken ofthe infant can be screened for approval. This is a temporary screening and may be cancelled if unsuitable. The system 10 utilizes two fixed digital cameras. The first camera is the color digital camera 20 which has its own strobe unit 22 and is used for photographing the infant. The other camera 21 is employed for photographing the data on the identification card 24. Both cameras are connected to a modem 30 that is subsequently interrogated periodically by a service or processing group. The service or processing group will retrieve and print the pictures taken by both cameras via the modem and by a remote computer 31 and printer 32. The modem 30 transmits information to the computer via telephone lines 33 and a dock base 34 that couples the telephone lines to the modem. The dock base 34 also connects AC power to the modem and is indicted by numeral 35. In actual construction, the modem 30 is also included within the housing 17 and the dock base 34 is mounted on the end ofthe housing. This is indicated in the Figure by means of broken lines from the terminal at the end ofthe housing 17 to the block entitled modem.
The cameras 20 and 21 are wired together so that both are triggered from a single button, green, 36. The button 36 is used to initiate the taking of the picture by activating the cameras. Once activated, the image ofthe infant taken by camera 20 will appear on the display screen 28 for a temporary review by the operator. If the picture is unacceptable, cancellation may be effected by depressing button number 37 which is separate erase button allowing the last picture to e detected from both cameras so that a picture can be retaken. The color camera 20 is adjustable to compensate for lighting and focusing variations. In some instances, an audible alarm or speaker will be installed to permit the operator to be signalled at the end of picture taking operations. The gray camera 21 has a standard lense and is fixed focus and fixed aperture. An infrared cutting filter may be employed and may be removed to increase sensitivity. An internal low power light source, such as an infrared LED, may be used to illuminate the identification card 24.
The two camera ports are operably connected in parallel for operation with the modem 30 which will then be connected to the telephone line 33 through the docking station or base 34. A single rugged connector attaches the camera assembly to the docking station or base and provides both AC power and communications such as via a video jack 40 and a remote jack 41. The modem is mounted within the camera assembly housing 17 and is not powered until the assembly is connected to the docking base. The camera assembly includes a battery charge 42. as shown in Figure 5, which runs from the AC input that supplies power to a bank of rechargeable batteries 43. The batteries and battery charger are shown in figure 5 and operate the camera assembly when it is disconnected from its docking base.
The color and gray cameras having different lead-in characters or codes for recognition and operation purposes. When operating over the modem, the camera addressing or coding is controlled by sending the appropriate lead-in code character.
Since communications are by blocks, there is avoidance of instances when both cameras try to communicate at the same time.
The management site which includes the computer 31 and the printer 32 requires the ability to retrieve images from the remote cameras transmitter over the telephone line. The computer will store the digital pictures in a data base registered to the ID card information and will modify the pictures to improved quality and paste in pre-composed backgrounds as well as print the results in a form ready to be delivered to the customer. Image retrieval is automatically scheduled and the remote cameras with pictures will respond to the telephone within a three telephone ring sequence in order to have their pictures unloaded and printed. Empty cameras will not respond for six telephone rings.
Referring now in detail to Figures 2, 3 and 4, it can be seen that the information card 24 is inserted through slot 23 which causes a switch 44 to trip and operate with the gray camera 21 for taking a picture ofthe information on the front of the card. In broken lines in Figure 4, the switch lever 45 is illustrated in its switched position while in solid lines, the latch is shown in its relaxed position. A timer 46 is illustrated on the printed circuit board 18 which is operably connected to the various components in order to effect the sequences described above. In Figure 3, a diffused glass 47 is paced over the strobe light 22 while a clear glass 48 is placed over the lense 50 ofthe color digital camera 20.
In figure 5, a block diagram ofthe components within the housing 17 is illustrated wherein the internal lighted gray camera 21 takes a picture ofthe information on the front side of card 24 after it has been inserted within the housing
17. Simultaneously, the camera 20 takes a picture ofthe baby in the basket or bassinet. The simultaneous action is initiated by depressing ofthe button 36 which not only actuates the cameras but causes the image taken by camera 20 to appear on the display 28. In the event that the image is unsatisfactory, button 37 is depressed for erasing or cancelling the image so another picture can be displayed. Once a suitable picture has been accepted, the acceptable image from camera 20 and the image ofthe data information taken by camera 21 is processed through the data modem 30 and via docking base 34 to telephone lines leading to the management site which houses the computer 31 and printer 32. Once the information has been received by the computer. processing takes place to operate the printer and the resultant pictures can be delivered.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described. it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and. therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A digital camera system for producing digitally finished prints comprising: at least two objects intended to be simultaneously photographed; a pair of digital cameras for generating digital images of said objects; a display means coupled to a selected one of said cameras for displaying a selected one of said objects; a computer printer means remotely located with respect to said cameras; and a telephone interface means connected between said cameras and said computer printer means for conducting said digital images to said computer printer means for production o digitally finished prints.
2. The invention as defined in Claim 1 wherein: said non-selected object is a data card carrying indicia identifying said selected object.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein; each of said cameras has an optical axis and said optical axes are normal with respect to each other with each of said objects lying on a respective one of said axes.
4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein; said telephone interface means includes a modem and telephone lines with said modem operably coupled to said cameras and said telephone lines operably coupled to said computer printer means.
5. The invention as defined in claim 4 including: a movable stand; a housing mounted on said stand; and said cameras, said display means and said modem disposed in said housing.
6. The invention as defined in claim 5 including: switch control means operably connected to said cameras for manually actuating said cameras and for erasing said digital object image from said display; and said switch control means incudes circuit means connected to said modem for conducting said digital images from said cameras to said modem.
7. The invention as defined in claim 6 including: a support for said selected one of said objects secured to said stanchion under said housing in alignment with said axis of said selected camera.
8. The invention as defined in claim 7 including: a battery and a charger disposed in said housing for providing operating power to said cameras and said modem.
9. Apparatus for use in producing digitally finished prints comprising: a. means at a first location for generating a digital representation of an image; b. means at said first location for generating a digital representation of data, said data associated with identifying said image; c. means at said first location for transmitting said digital representation of said image and of said digital representation of said data to a second location; d. means at said second location for receiving said digital representations; e. means at said second location for converting said digital representation of said image to an image; and f. means for producing a print of said image.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said means at said first location for generating a digital representation of an image is a digital camera.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said means for transmitting said data is a modem.
12. The method of creating a picture of an image and associated data comprising the steps: a. creating a digital representation of an image at a first location; b. creating a digital representation of data associated with said image at said first location; c. transmitting said digital representation of said image and said data to a second location; d. converting said digital representation to an image; and e. creating a print of said image.
13. The method of claim 12 in which said means for converting said digital representation to an image is a digital camera.
14. The method of claim 12 in which said means for transmitting said digital representations to said second location is a modem.
15. The method of claim 14 in which said means for converting said image to a digital representation is a digital camera.
PCT/US1996/011835 1995-07-27 1996-07-25 Digital camera system for photographing infants WO1997005738A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU65475/96A AU6547596A (en) 1995-07-27 1996-07-25 Digital camera system for photographing infants

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US50785095A 1995-07-27 1995-07-27
US08/507,850 1995-07-27

Publications (1)

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WO1997005738A1 true WO1997005738A1 (en) 1997-02-13

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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