US6930709B1 — Integrated internet/intranet camera

Claim 1

Independent Claim 283 words

An integrated Internet camera for transmitting digital images to an Internet address, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination shell account at a predetermined Internet address and for transferring the digital image files to the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the destination shell account then being available to users accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account by said transport control device and said file transfer device; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication between each of said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup device, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said self-initiating transmission initiating device, said first scheduling device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 283 words

An integrated Internet camera for transmitting digital images to an Internet address, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination shell account at a predetermined Internet address and for transferring the digital image files to the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the destination shell account then being available to users accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account by said transport control device and said file transfer device; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication between each of said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup device, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said self-initiating transmission initiating device, said first scheduling device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 74 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , wherein said network interface device includes a modem for connecting to a telephone system connected to the Internet, and said self-initiating transmission initiating device including a telephone protocol communication device for self-initiating a telephone connection with the Internet via said modem, according to a predetermined telephone transmission protocol, and for accommodating both of said predetermined telephone transmission protocol and said predetermined Internet transport control protocol.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 73 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising: a configuration device, including a configuration information retrieving device for retrieving configuration information from said destination shell account and a configuration setting device that sets operational parameters of at least one of said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said self-initiating transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device according to said configuration information.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 37 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising: a serial interface adapted to connect to a setup device, said serial interface receiving commands for controlling said integrated Internet camera from said connected setup device.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 44 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , at least one of said transport control device and file transfer device further comprising a network authentication device for providing network login authentication for connecting to said predetermined Internet address via the network interface device.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 39 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , said file transfer device further comprising a directory selecting device for setting and transmitting a destination directory and filename for transferring said digital image files to said destination shell account.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 29 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising a second scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling image captures by said image capturing circuit.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 25 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 7 , wherein said digital image files include information representing a status of said at least one timer.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 35 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 7 , further comprising a character generator for generating textual information in said captured digital images, wherein said character generator generates textual information in said captured digital images.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 23 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 9 , wherein said generated textual information represents a status of said at least one timer.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 42 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , said image pickup including a color component system for forming a color image, and said integrated Internet camera further comprising a color adjusting circuit for adjusting color properties of said captured digital images.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 62 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising: an image compression circuit for generating compressed digital image files from the captured digital images, so that the file transfer device transfers the compressed digital image files to the destination shell account and the transport control device packetizes the compressed digital image files according to the predetermined Internet transport control protocol.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 36 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , wherein said predetermined Internet transport control protocol does not detect errors or retransmit erroneous data, thereby increasing a rate of image transfer by said file transfer device.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 58 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further including an E-mail transmission device and E-mail message assembler, wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 53 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 14 , wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages including the digital image files, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages including the digital image files to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 60 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising a trigger device linked to said microcontroller, wherein said microcontroller initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account via said file transfer device, said transport control device, and said self-initiating transmission initiating device in response to triggering of said trigger device.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 39 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising a video input for receiving a standard video signal, wherein the image capturing circuit captures the digital images from the video input instead of from the image pickup.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 34 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 1 , further comprising a video output for sending a standard video signal, wherein the digital image files are transmitted as video images to the video output.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 245 words

An Internet camera system for transmitting digital images via the Internet, comprising: a destination shell account having a user directory at a predetermined Internet address; an accessing device for accessing the user directory of the destination shell account via the Internet; and an integrated Internet camera having a camera body, said camera body containing: an image capturing system, for capturing digital images; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with the destination shell account and for transferring the digital image files to the user directory of the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the user directory of the destination shell account then being available to the accessing device accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device; and an E-mail transmission device and E-mail message assembler, wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 245 words

An Internet camera system for transmitting digital images via the Internet, comprising: a destination shell account having a user directory at a predetermined Internet address; an accessing device for accessing the user directory of the destination shell account via the Internet; and an integrated Internet camera having a camera body, said camera body containing: an image capturing system, for capturing digital images; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with the destination shell account and for transferring the digital image files to the user directory of the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the user directory of the destination shell account then being available to the accessing device accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device; and an E-mail transmission device and E-mail message assembler, wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 73 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , wherein said network interface device includes a modem for connecting to a telephone system connected to the Internet, and said transmission initiating device including a telephone protocol communication device for self-initiating a telephone connection with the Internet via said modem, according to a predetermined telephone transmission protocol, and for accommodating both of said predetermined telephone transmission protocol and said predetermined Internet transport control protocol.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 47 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising: a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account by said transport control device and said file transfer device.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 39 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 21 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising a character generator for generating textual information in said captured digital images, wherein said character generator generates textual information in said captured digital images.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 23 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 22 , wherein said generated textual information represents a status of said at least one timer.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 33 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising a second scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling image captures by said image capturing circuit.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 25 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 24 , wherein said digital image files include information representing a status of said at least one timer.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 41 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising: a serial interface adapted to connect to a setup device, said serial interface receiving commands for controlling said integrated Internet camera from said connected setup device.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 44 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , at least one of said transport control device and file transfer device further comprising a network authentication device for providing network login authentication for connecting to said predetermined Internet address via the network interface device.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 66 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said Internet camera system further comprising: an image compression system for generating compressed digital image files from the captured digital images, so that the file transfer device transfers the compressed digital image files to the destination shell account and the transport control device packetizes the compressed digital image files according to the predetermined Internet transport control protocol.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 36 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , wherein said predetermined Internet transport control protocol does not detect errors or retransmit erroneous data, thereby increasing a rate of image transfer by said file transfer device.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 53 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages including the digital image files, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages including the digital image files to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 68 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising a trigger device linked to said integrated Internet camera, wherein said integrated Internet camera initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account via said file transfer device, said transport control device, and said self-initiating transmission initiating device in response to triggering of said trigger device.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 81 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising: a configuration device, including a configuration information retrieving device for retrieving configuration information from the user directory of said destination shell account and a configuration setting device that sets operational parameters of at least one of said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said self-initiating transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device according to said configuration information.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 54 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , further comprising a standard video source, the integrated Internet camera further comprising a video input for receiving a standard video signal from the standard video source, wherein the image capturing circuit captures the digital images from the video input instead of from the image pickup.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 49 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 19 , further comprising a standard video display, the Internet camera system further comprising a video output for sending a standard video signal to the standard video display, wherein the digital image files are transmitted as video images to the video output.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 253 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images as digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network via said transport control device and said network interface device; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address by said transport control device and said file transfer device; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication between each of said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup device, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, said first scheduling device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 253 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images as digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network via said transport control device and said network interface device; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address by said transport control device and said file transfer device; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication between each of said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup device, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said transmission initiating device, said first scheduling device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , wherein the computer network includes a local area network.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 22 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 36 , wherein the local area network includes an intranet operating under internet communication protocols.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , wherein the computer network operates under internet communication protocols and is connected to the Internet.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 72 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further comprising: a configuration device, including a configuration information retrieving device for retrieving configuration information from said destination computer and a configuration setting device that sets operational parameters of at least one of said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, transport control device, said self-initiating transmission initiating device, and said first scheduling device, according to said configuration information.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 58 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further including an E-mail transmission device and E-mail message assembler, wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 67 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 40 , further including an E-mail transmission device and E-mail message assembler, wherein said E-mail message assembler assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files appended thereto, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits said E-mail messages, including the digital image files appended thereto, to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 59 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further comprising a trigger device linked to said microcontroller, wherein said microcontroller initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer via said file transfer device, said transport control device, and said self-initiating transmission initiating device, in response to triggering of said trigger device.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 65 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , wherein the self-initiating transmission initiating device disconnects from the computer network upon the completion of a successful transfer of the digital image files to the destination device at the selected network address, and re-initiates subsequent new connections with the computer network according to a schedule of digital image file transfers scheduled by said first scheduling device.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 22 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 43 , wherein the self-initiating transmission initiating device connects and disconnects to a wireless network.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 22 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 44 , wherein the self-initiating transmission initiating device connects and disconnects to a satellite network.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 29 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further comprising a memory including a plurality of image slots for respectively storing the digital images as digital image files.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 42 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 46 , wherein each of said image slots includes a corresponding parameter storage area, each parameter storage area storing parameters for only a corresponding digital image file to be stored in the corresponding image slot.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 33 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 47 , wherein each parameter storage area includes a camera position parameter for positioning the camera according to a corresponding image composition for each image slot.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 74 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , said self-initiating transmission initiating device further comprising: a connection failure detection and alternative connection system, that detects a failure of said self-initiating transmission initiating device to self-initiate a connection with the computer network via said transport control device and said network interface device, and that directs said self-initiating transmission initiating device to self-initiate an alternative connection with the computer network when said failure is detected.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 19 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 49 , wherein said alternative connection is an alternative public telephone connection.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 82 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , wherein said transport control device obtains a numerical network address corresponding to the selected network address from a selected network directory, and said self-initiating transmission initiating device further comprises a connection failure detection and alternative connection system that detects a failure of said transport control device to obtain said numerical network address from said selected network directory and directs said transport control device to obtain said network address from an alternative network directory.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 56 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further comprising: a connection quality adaptation device that detects changes in a connection quality of said network connection and that modifies at least one operating parameter of said integrated network-capable camera in response to said connection quality of said network connection crossing a selected threshold connection quality.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 78 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 52 , further comprising: an image compression circuit for generating compressed digital image files from the captured digital images, so that the file transfer device will be able to transfer compressed digital image files, wherein said connection quality adaptation device changes a compression ratio of compressed digital image file generation by said image compression circuit in response to the connection quality of said network connection crossing a selected threshold connection quality.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 52 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 52 , wherein said connection quality adaptation device changes a selected connection pathway and directs said self-initiating transmission initiating device to self-initiate an alternative connection with the computer network in response to the connection quality of said network connection crossing a selected threshold connection quality.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 64 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 35 , further comprising an event log transmission device and event log assembler, wherein said event log assembler assembles an event log representing a history of recorded events in said camera and said event log transmission device transmits said event log to a predetermined network address via said transport control device and said self-initiating transmission initiating device.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 32 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 55 , wherein said predetermined network address includes a predetermined E-mail address, and said event log is transmitted as a part of an E-mail message.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 37 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 55 , wherein said event log assembler includes an error logging portion, and wherein said event log assembles an event log including a history of recorded errors in said camera.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 39 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 35 , further comprising a video output for sending a standard video signal, wherein a current digital image from the image pickup is transmitted as a video image to the video output.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 36 words

The integrated Internet camera according to claim 35 , further comprising a video output for sending a standard video signal, wherein a stored digital image file is transmitted as a video image to the video output.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 234 words

A network-capable self-controlled camera, comprising: a camera body, said camera body housing: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images, as digital image files, across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network, and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address according to a transport control protocol that does not retransmit erroneous data, thereby increasing a rate of image transfer by said file transfer device; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network and for self-initiating a connection with the destination computer at the selected network address via said transport control device and said network interface device; a self-initiating transfer initiating device for self-initiating transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer after said self-initiating transmission initiating device self-initiates said connection with said destination computer, such that said self-controlled camera connects and transfers the digital image files to the destination computer without receiving commands from an external device.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 234 words

A network-capable self-controlled camera, comprising: a camera body, said camera body housing: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images, as digital image files, across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network, and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address according to a transport control protocol that does not retransmit erroneous data, thereby increasing a rate of image transfer by said file transfer device; a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network and for self-initiating a connection with the destination computer at the selected network address via said transport control device and said network interface device; a self-initiating transfer initiating device for self-initiating transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer after said self-initiating transmission initiating device self-initiates said connection with said destination computer, such that said self-controlled camera connects and transfers the digital image files to the destination computer without receiving commands from an external device.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 258 words

A network-capable self-controlled camera, comprising: a camera body, said camera body housing: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images, as digital image files, across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network, and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; a set of transfer-initiating devices for self-initiating transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer, including: a transfer-initiating trigger device that self-initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address via said file transfer device, and said transport control device in response to triggering of said transfer-initiating trigger device; and a transfer-initiating scheduling device, including at least one timer, that self-initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address via said file transfer device and said transport control device in response to a schedule established by said transfer-initiating scheduling device, wherein said self-controlled camera transfers the digital image files to the destination computer according to said transfer-initiating trigger device and said transfer-initiating scheduling device.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 258 words

A network-capable self-controlled camera, comprising: a camera body, said camera body housing: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital images, as digital image files, across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network, and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer according to a predetermined file transfer protocol; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; a set of transfer-initiating devices for self-initiating transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer, including: a transfer-initiating trigger device that self-initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address via said file transfer device, and said transport control device in response to triggering of said transfer-initiating trigger device; and a transfer-initiating scheduling device, including at least one timer, that self-initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer at the selected network address via said file transfer device and said transport control device in response to a schedule established by said transfer-initiating scheduling device, wherein said self-controlled camera transfers the digital image files to the destination computer according to said transfer-initiating trigger device and said transfer-initiating scheduling device.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 82 words

The network-capable self-controlled camera according to claim 61 , further comprising: a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network and for self-initiating a connection with the destination computer at the selected network address via said transport control device and said network interface device when a transfer is required, wherein said self-controlled camera initiates a connection and transfers the digital image files to the destination computer according to both said transfer-initiating trigger device and said transfer-initiating scheduling device.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 50 words

The network-capable self-controlled camera according to claim 61 , wherein said transfer-initiating trigger device is connected to an external trigger that generates a trigger signal, and said transfer-initiating trigger device self-initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer upon receiving the trigger signal.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 286 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an optical system for forming an image; an image pickup upon which the image is formed; an analog video input capable of receiving standard video signals from an external video source; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from both the image pickup and from the analog video input as digital image files; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer, wherein said file transfer device transfers both digital image files based on the standard video signals and digital image files from the image pickup; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files associated therewith, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages, including the digital image files associated therewith, to a predetermined E-mail address, wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages according to a predetermined schedule stored in a memory associated with said microcontroller; a microcontroller that controls operations and communication among said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, and said video input; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said video input, and said microcontroller.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 286 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an optical system for forming an image; an image pickup upon which the image is formed; an analog video input capable of receiving standard video signals from an external video source; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from both the image pickup and from the analog video input as digital image files; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer, wherein said file transfer device transfers both digital image files based on the standard video signals and digital image files from the image pickup; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files associated therewith, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages, including the digital image files associated therewith, to a predetermined E-mail address, wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages according to a predetermined schedule stored in a memory associated with said microcontroller; a microcontroller that controls operations and communication among said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, and said video input; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said video input, and said microcontroller.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 44 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , further comprising an analog video output, and wherein said video output selectively outputs standard video signals containing images from said image pickup or images based on the standard video signals received by said video input.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 30 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein a plurality of video inputs is provided, each of said plurality of video inputs being connectible to a CCTV network.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 22 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein the local area network includes an intranet operating under internet communication protocols.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 24 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein the computer network operates under internet communication protocols and is connected to the Internet.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 32 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages in response to a signal received from a trigger device linked to said microcontroller.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 23 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 69 , wherein said trigger device is connected to an external trigger via a trigger input.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 24 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 69 , wherein said trigger device is associated with one of a motion sensor or trip switch.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 44 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , further comprising a trigger device linked to said microcontroller, wherein said microcontroller initiates an image capture and transfer of the digital image files to the destination computer, in response to triggering of said trigger device.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 23 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 72 , wherein said trigger device is connected to an external trigger via a trigger input.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 24 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 72 , wherein said trigger device is associated with one of a motion sensor or trip switch.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 60 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , further comprising a configuration device that retrieves a configuration information from the destination computer, and a configuration setting device that sets operational parameters of at least one of said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, and said transport control device, according to the retrieved configuration information.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 41 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein said camera receives information containing pan, tilt and zoom parameters from the destination computer, and said microcontroller initiates panning, tilting and zooming functions of the camera according to the received parameters.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 19 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein said network interface device is configured for ethernet connection.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 29 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , further including an image compression circuit for generating compressed digital image files from the captured digital images using wavelet compression.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 50 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 64 , wherein at least one of said file transfer device and said transport control device further comprises a network authentication device for providing network login authentication for connecting to the selected network address on the computer network via the network interface device.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 227 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup as digital image files; a network interface device for connecting to a network for transmission of digital image files to the network, said network interface device wirelessly connecting to the network for wireless transmission of digital image files; a file transfer device for transferring the digital image files to a destination computer at a selected address on the network via the network interface device; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files associated therewith, wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages, including the associated digital image files associated therewith, to an E-mail address via the network interface device, and said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages according to a predetermined schedule stored in a memory associated with said microcontroller; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication among each of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, and said E-mail transmission device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said file transfer device, said E-mail transmission device, said transport control device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 227 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an image pickup; an optical system for forming an image on the image pickup; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from the image pickup as digital image files; a network interface device for connecting to a network for transmission of digital image files to the network, said network interface device wirelessly connecting to the network for wireless transmission of digital image files; a file transfer device for transferring the digital image files to a destination computer at a selected address on the network via the network interface device; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files associated therewith, wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages, including the associated digital image files associated therewith, to an E-mail address via the network interface device, and said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages according to a predetermined schedule stored in a memory associated with said microcontroller; a microcontroller that controls the operations and communication among each of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, and said E-mail transmission device; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said file transfer device, said E-mail transmission device, said transport control device, and said microcontroller.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 23 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , wherein the network operates under internet communication protocols and is connected to the Internet.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 25 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , wherein the camera selectively incorporates textual information into the digital image files prior to their transfer.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 14 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , further comprising an IrDA port.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 40 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , wherein said file transfer device further comprises a network authentication device for providing network login authentication for connecting to the selected network address on the network via the network interface device.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 37 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , further comprising a transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the computer network via said network interface device, said network interface device wirelessly connecting to the network.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 56 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 80 , further comprising a configuration device that retrieves a configuration information from the destination computer, and a configuration setting device that sets operational parameters of at least one of said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, and said file transfer device according to the retrieved configuration information.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 230 words

An Internet camera system for transmitting digital images via the Internet, comprising: a destination shell account having a user directory at a predetermined Internet address; an accessing device for accessing the user directory of the destination shell account via the Internet; and an integrated Internet camera having a camera body, said camera body containing: an image capturing system, for capturing digital images; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with the destination shell account and for transferring the digital image files to the user directory of the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the user directory of the destination shell account then being available to the accessing device accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account by said transport control device and said file transfer device; and a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 230 words

An Internet camera system for transmitting digital images via the Internet, comprising: a destination shell account having a user directory at a predetermined Internet address; an accessing device for accessing the user directory of the destination shell account via the Internet; and an integrated Internet camera having a camera body, said camera body containing: an image capturing system, for capturing digital images; a network interface device connectible to the Internet for transmission of the digital image files to the Internet; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with the destination shell account and for transferring the digital image files to the user directory of the destination shell account according to a predetermined file transfer protocol, the digital image files in the user directory of the destination shell account then being available to the accessing device accessing the Internet; a transport control device for packetizing the digital image files according to a predetermined Internet transport control protocol and for controlling addressing of the packetized digital image files to the predetermined Internet address; a first scheduling device, including at least one timer, for scheduling transfer of the digital image files to the destination shell account by said transport control device and said file transfer device; and a self-initiating transmission initiating device for self-initiating a connection with the Internet via said transport control device and said network interface device.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 39 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 87 , said integrated Internet camera further comprising a character generator for generating textual information in said captured digital images, wherein said character generator generates textual information in said captured digital images.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 23 words

The Internet camera system according to claim 88 , wherein said generated textual information represents a status of said at least one timer.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 264 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an optical system for forming an image; an image pickup upon which the image is formed; an analog video input capable of receiving standard video signals from an external video source; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from both the image pickup and from the analog video input as digital image files; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer, wherein said file transfer device transfers both digital image files based on the standard video signals and digital image files from the image pickup; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device; a microcontroller that controls operations and communication among said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said E-mail transmission device and said video input; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said E-mail transmission device, said video input, and said microcontroller.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 264 words

An integrated network-capable camera, comprising: an optical system for forming an image; an image pickup upon which the image is formed; an analog video input capable of receiving standard video signals from an external video source; an image capturing circuit, for capturing digital images from both the image pickup and from the analog video input as digital image files; a network interface device connectible to a computer network for transmission of the digital image files across the computer network; a file transfer device for communicating, via the network interface device, with a destination computer at a selected network address on the computer network and for transferring the digital image files to the destination computer, wherein said file transfer device transfers both digital image files based on the standard video signals and digital image files from the image pickup; a transport control device for controlling addressing of the digital image files to the selected network address; an E-mail transmission device that assembles E-mail messages representing a status of said camera and transmits said E-mail messages to a predetermined E-mail address via said transport control device; a microcontroller that controls operations and communication among said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said E-mail transmission device and said video input; and a camera body, within which are housed all of said image pickup, said optical system, said image capturing circuit, said network interface device, said file transfer device, said transport control device, said E-mail transmission device, said video input, and said microcontroller.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 46 words

The integrated network-capable camera according to claim 90 , wherein said E-mail transmission device assembles E-mail messages having the digital image files associated therewith, and wherein said E-mail transmission device transmits the E-mail messages, including the digital image files associated therewith, to a predetermined E-mail address.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2008-08-15	2009-02-14	2009-08-16	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2012-08-15	2013-02-14	2013-08-16	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2016-08-15	2017-02-14	2017-08-16	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Integrated internet/intranet camera

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