Patent US7701490B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7701490B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Automatically transmitting images from an electronic camera to a service provider using a network configuration file
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 2006-08-04
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Granted: 2010-04-20
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Expires: 2026-08-04
Abstract
Abstract A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Ward
- 👤 Kenneth A. Parulski
- 👤 James D. Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00132; H04N1/00137; H04N1/00148; H04N1/00169; H04N1/00172; H04N1/00204; H04N1/00244; H04N1/00281; H04N1/00312; H04N1/00962; H04N1/00965; H04N1/0097; H04N1/00973; H04N1/21; H04N1/2104; H04N1/2112; H04N1/2158; H04N23/00; H04N23/60; H04N23/617; H04N23/63; H04N23/631; H04N23/66; H04N23/661; H04N1/00209; H04N1/00307; H04N2101/00; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0008; H04N2201/0015; H04N2201/0034; H04N2201/0048; H04N2201/0049; H04N2201/0053; H04N2201/0055; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0084; H04N2201/32; H04N2201/333; H04N2201/33307; H04N2201/33342; H04N2201/3335
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
247 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service in the second digital memory; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface; and (g) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on the same removable memory card.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
247 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service in the second digital memory; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface; and (g) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on the same removable memory card.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the network configuration file includes account data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the network configuration file is generated at least in part by a host device.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
254 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service provider in the second digital memory; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface; and (g) wherein the second digital memory is located in the electronic camera and can be loaded with the network configuration file from a host device.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
254 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service provider in the second digital memory; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface; and (g) wherein the second digital memory is located in the electronic camera and can be loaded with the network configuration file from a host device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the network configuration file includes account data.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration file is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including optics and an image sensor for generating an image signal, a display for displaying images, a plurality of user inputs, a first digital memory for storing digital images, a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, and a communications interface, the method comprising: (a) storing the network configuration file for the service in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration file is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) subsequently using the optics and image sensor to generate a plurality of image signals which are stored in the first digital memory as a plurality of digital images representative of the plurality of image signals; (c) displaying a representation of at least one of the plurality of digital images on the display of the electronic camera; (d) selecting at least one digital image for transfer to the service in response to the use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; (e) initiating transfer of the selected at least one digital image to the service in response to use of at least one of the plurality of user inputs; and (f) using the network configuration file to automatically establish communications with the service provider and to transfer the selected at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service provider using the communications interface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the network configuration file includes account data.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to an online service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and an online service; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the online service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
124 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to an online service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and an online service; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the online service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the network configuration information includes a protocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the network configuration information is generated at least in part by a host device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 8 further including: (e) receiving information indicating the status of the transferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the network configuration information includes account data.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to an online service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and an online service, and is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the online service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
117 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to an online service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and an online service, and is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the online service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the network configuration information includes a protocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the first digital memory and the second digital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 13 further including: (e) receiving information indicating the status of the transferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the online service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the network configuration information includes account data.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and a service; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and a service; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service; and (d) wherein the first digital memory and second digital memory are memory locations on a removable memory.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the network configuration information includes a protocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the network configuration information is generated at least in part by a host device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 18 further including: (e) receiving information indicating the status of the transferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the network configuration information includes account data.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and a service, and is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
113 words
A method of transferring one or more digital images from an electronic camera to a service, the camera including a first digital memory for storing digital images and a second digital memory for storing a network configuration file, the method comprising: (a) storing network configuration information in the second digital memory, wherein the network configuration information comprises information for using a communication network to establish a connection between the electronic camera and a service, and is generated at least in part by a host device; (b) using the network configuration information to establish a connection with the service; and (c) transferring at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the network configuration information includes a protocol type identifier identifying a TCP/IP protocol.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 23 further including: (e) receiving information indicating the status of the transferring the at least one digital image from the electronic camera to the service; and (f) displaying an indication of the status.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the network configuration information includes account data.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2013-04-19 | 2013-10-19 | 2014-04-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2017-04-19 | 2017-10-19 | 2018-04-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2021-04-19 | 2021-10-19 | 2022-04-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |