 Data recording device |
| To attain the above object, this invention provides a data recording device comprising a frame ... |
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| Adjustable adapter for borescope and film/video camera |
| In accordance with the invention, an adapter is provided for quick and easy coupling of an optical ... |
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| Motion vector detecting apparatus and image stabilizer including the same |
| Accordingly, an essential object of the present invention is to provide, with a view to eliminating ... |
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| Image processing device and method for sensing moving objects and rangefinder employing the same |
| In consideration of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image ... |
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| Method for compensating the vibration of an image and device therefor in a video camera |
| It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method and a device which can remove a ... |
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| Method of and apparatus for re-allocating programs in a distributed programming system |
| An object of the present invention is to provide a processing method for relocating programs on an ... |
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| Film scanner employing optical splice technique for frame-rate conversion |
| I claim: 1. A film scanner for producing television signals from motion picture film, comprising: a ... |
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| Telecine machines |
| The inventor has appreciated that there are a number of improvements which can be made to the ... |
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Digital camera with time bracketing feature
| Details |
Inventors: Kerns, Charles; Zarakov, Eric; Gilley, Thomas S.;
Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Primary Examiner: Mancuso; Joseph
Assistant Examiner: Greening; Wendy R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Gard; V. Randall
A digital still image camera having a memory means functioning as a ring buffer. Image and sound acquisition and storage begins upon a first command signal from the camera's operator and continues at a defined rate until the operator generates a second command signal. During the time period between the first and second command signal, images are taken and stored at the defined rate, the newest image overwriting the oldest image within the ring buffer after the ring buffer is initially filled. After generating the second command signal, the operator can review the contents of the ring buffer on a display and speaker incorporated into the camera, selecting those images and sounds the operator wishes to store permanently, and then directing that the selected images and sounds be placed in the camera's long term storage memory. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A block diagram of the present invention is shown in FIG.
1.
Image capture is performed by image sensor 12 which may be any type of commercially available electronic image capture means including a charge coupled device ("CCD"), a charge injection device ("CID"), or a MOS device.
Lens 18 focuses images upon image sensor 12, which, coupled to and under the control of image sensor driver 14 and its timing generator 22, generates image data which is converted into a digital format in sensor signal conversion means 16.
As images are captured, sound can also be captured by microphone 24 which is coupled to digitizer 26, which converts the captured sound to a digital signal.
Both the digitized images created in sensor signal conversion means 16 and the digitized sound created in digitizer 26 are supplied to memory controller 20, which directs their flow respectively into image ring buffer 28 and sound ring buffer 30.
Buffers 28 and 30 are conventional computer memories which are software controlled to act as ring buffers.
In such buffers, the oldest item stored is continually being overwritten by the newest incoming item.
The design and construction of such buffers is known.
Such a use of computer memory is known.
Other methods of memory organization could also be used.
The present invention is controlled by processor 36.
Processor 36 is a known, commercially available microprocessor.
In this first embodiment of the present invention it comprises a Motorola 68040 microprocessor.
Those aspects of its operation which are relevant to the present invention will be described below.
Processor 36 is coupled to the other components of the present invention by means of system bus 52 and controls their operation in the manner described below.
System ROM 34 holds the operating instructions for processor 36 and system RAM 32 provides the working memory space for processor 36.
Memory controller 20 is coupled to system bus 52 and controls the flow of image and sound data into and out of the ring buffers to other components, including processor 36, display 48 and storage 50
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Processing Data 
