On Nov. 29, the US Patent & Trademark Office revealed that Apple was granted a reissue patent number “RE38,896” for “Apparatus and method for rotating the display orientation of a captured image.” This Reissue Patent makes clear reference to Apple’s QuickTake digital camera that was discontinued in 1997.
Could Apple be preparing to reintroduce a digital camera in 2006, or better yet, at MacWorld in January? On Oct. 19, Apple introduced Aperture, “the first all-in-one post production tool that provides everything photographers need after the shoot. Aperture offers an advanced and incredibly fast RAW workflow that makes working with a camera’s RAW images as easy as JPEG. So the timing for Apple to introduce a next generation digital camera could be just right.
Furthermore, in April of this year, it was reported that Apple had signed a contract to use the powerful video, image and music chips by Alphamosaic (now a part of Broadcom), which furthers the argument that this has been in the works for some time now. Time will tell.
The following is a brief Summary and detailed description of only two of the figures presented in the patent for the purposes of this report. See Notice Below.
Summary of Apple’s invention
The present invention is an apparatus and method for rotating the display orientation of a captured image. The apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises an image sensor, an orientation sensor, a memory and a processing unit. The image sensor is used for capturing image data. The orientation sensor is coupled to the image sensor, and is used for generating a portrait signal if the image sensor is positioned in a portrait orientation relative to the object. The memory, has an auto-rotate unit comprising program instructions for transforming the captured image data into rotated image data in response to the portrait signal. The processing unit, is used for executing program instructions stored in the memory, and is coupled to the image sensor, the orientation sensor and the memory.
The method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of: generating image data representative of an object with an image sensor; identifying an orientation of the image sensor relative to the object during the generating step; and selectively transferring the image data to an image processing unit in response to the identifying step.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
The present invention is an apparatus and method for rotating the display orientation of a captured image.image
Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram is shown illustrating a camera 200 for rotating a display orientation of a captured image. In the preferred embodiment, the camera 200 is a digital camera, such as a QuickTake 150, by Apple Computer of Cupertino, California. The camera 200 preferably comprises an imaging subsystem 204, a bus 206 and a processing and storage subsystem 208. Reflected light from an object 202 is conventionally captured by the imaging subsystem 204 via a button press or some other action. The captured image data is transferred over the bus 206 to the processing and storage subsystem 208, which stores the data in internal memory. The bus 206 also passes various status and control signals between the imaging subsystem 204 and the processing and storage subsystem 208, as will be further discussed below.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram is shown illustrating the imaging subsystem 204 of the present invention. The imaging subsystem 204 preferably comprises a lens 300 having an iris, an optical filter 302, an image sensor 304, a timing generator 306, an analog signal processor (ASP) 308, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 310, a digital signal processor (DSP) 320, a right/left orientation sensor (RLOS) 324, an up/down orientation sensor (UDOS) 326 and one or more motors 312. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/355,031, entitled A System and Method For Generating a Contrast Overlay as a Focus Assist For An Imaging Device, filed on Dec. 13, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference and provides a detailed discussion of the preferred elements in the imaging subsystem 204, with the exception of the RLOS 324 and the UDOS 326. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/384,012, entitled Apparatus and Method for Camera image and Orientation Capture, filed on Feb. 6, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference and provides a detailed discussion of various embodiments of the RLOS 324 and the UDOS 326, which are further discussed below. Briefly, the imaging subsystem 204 captures an image of the object 202 via light impacting the image sensor 304 along an optical path 314. The image sensor 304 in turn generates a set of pixel signals representative of the captured image data. After being processed by the ASP 308, the A/D converter 310 and the DSP 320; the captured image data passes over the bus 206 to the processing and storage subsystem 208. The functions performed by the DSP 320 may alternatively be performed in the processing and storage subsystem 208.
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/apple_patent_references_a_digital_camera_will_apple_surprise_us_at_macworld/
Monday, August 20, 2007
Great Digital Camera Ideas
Digital Cameras
Now days you can get a camera on just about any device whether it is a phone, a computer, or the many types and sizes of digital cameras. For your best photography experience you need to buy a camera that suits your needs and style. There are some very hot digital cameras on the market that feature sleek slim design, powerful image capture, and a wide range of features for creativity. There are also models that make it super easy to point, shoot, and share your images with others. The great thing of course about digital cameras is the ease and flexibility they provide you. Capturing almost as many shots as you could possibly want makes it fun and exciting to take pictures. If you are looking for sleek and stylish cameras that are powerful as well try these models. For ease of use and simple sharing of your images try these models. If you want a deal on a bargain or entry level digital camera try these models.
Digital SLRs
It used to be that only the pros could afford to have the high end digital SLR cameras. Now however there has been a huge growth in this market and every camera maker now puts out models that are affordable for the photo enthusiast. The prices on these model;s now range from $500-$3000 instead of $1500-$5000 of a few years ago. Now the average photo taker can get one of these powerful cameras that take awesome images. The range of features and ability to take images like a pro make these cameras stand out in the field this year. The big names like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and the like all put out several models of DSLR's that will knock your socks off when you start taking photos with them. Pair them with some nice digital lenses and you can get lost in the world of digital imaging. Check out this selection of digital SLR cameras.
Our Digital Camera Picks
Here are our top picks for best digital cameras for the New Year. One is a digital camera and the other is a hot new digital video camcorder.
Nikon CoolPix L4
Nikon's CoolPix cameras feature 4 megpixel resolution, 3x optical zoom and a huge bright 2 inche LCD viewing screen on the back. Weighing in at 
just 4.1 ounces it is light in your pocket and at $129.95 it is light on your checkbook as well. You get a full featured camera that doesn't break the bank. This camera will slip easily into your bag and yet allow you to take some very nice images, including red-eye fix for those flash pictures of your friends. Check it out here.
Canon Elura 85
If you are in the market for a camcorder this year then you should check out this model. Canon's Elura 85 is top rated by consumer's, is very light weight (1.2 pounds) and gives you great clear and stabel images. It records on the miniDV format which gives you great quality in small package. The camcorder features a 2.5 inch LCD screen to preview your video and the standard battery run time is 85 minute. (you can buy upgraded batteries that last even longer) Check it out here.
Other great gift ideas for the holidays
Take Better Images
Would you like to take better images with your camera? Of course we all want to get the best results we can when taking pictures. However 
most of us don't want to read the manual for our camera (does anyone?) so for the most part folks stumble along and don't learn any tricks of the trade so to speak. Well why not change that this year? Check out this valuable book on how to take great digital images.
"It is easy to read and thus easy to understand, and has turned taking pictures into a much more enjoyable experience. It is also very comprehensively and compact-ably informative, especially the sessions about the formats, printing and papers." -- Michele Ch'I
Here is what the author David Peterson has to say about Digital Photography Secrets :
This book is concise, to-the-point and practical. If you want a book filled with philosophical discussions, theoretical musings, and page after page of fluff on the "art" vs. the "science" of photography…please do NOT order this book. Digital Photography Secrets "distills" the secrets of professional picture-taking to its essence… There's no history, no mystery, no trivia, and you won't find any amusing anecdotes about "the digital photographer and the farmer's daughter.http://www.great-digital-cameras.com/
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