US6157394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible digital image processing via an image processing chain with modular image processors
Assignee: Apple Inc
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Filing: 1996-08-29
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Granted: 2000-12-05
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Expires: 2016-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A method for altering a linked series of image processors capable of manipulation digital image data includes providing a digital image capture device with an image processing chain, and modifying the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain. The modifying further includes deleting an image processor from the image processing chain. Alternatively, the modifying further includes altering the image processing chain with at least one externally provided image processor, inserting an image processor into the image processing chain, or replacing an image processor in the image processing chain. In a system aspect, the system includes a digital image capture device, the digital image capture device capable of processing digital image data through two or more image processors. The system further includes a central processing unit within the digital image capture device and capable of linking the two or more image processors to form an image processing chain. The central processing unit further facilitates modification of the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric C. Anderson
- 👤 Gary Chin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:06
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T1/00; G06T1/20; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for altering a linked series of image processors capable of manipulating digital image data, the method comprising: providing a digital image capture device with an image processing chain; coordinating the image processing chain with an image iprocessing backplane; and modifying the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including modifying through a function for deleting an image processor from the image processing chain.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for altering a linked series of image processors capable of manipulating digital image data, the method comprising: providing a digital image capture device with an image processing chain; coordinating the image processing chain with an image iprocessing backplane; and modifying the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including modifying through a function for deleting an image processor from the image processing chain.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of modifying further comprises altering the image processing chain with at least one externally provided image processor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the step of modifying further comprises inserting an image processor into the image processing chain.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the step of modifying further comprises replacing an image processor in the image processing chain.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a linearization image processor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a bad pixel replacement image processor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a white balance image processor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises an image reconstruction image processor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a color correction image processor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a color space conversion image processor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a sharpening image processor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one externally provided image processor further comprises a compression image processor.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for manipulating digital image data, the system comprising: a digital image capture device, the digital image capture device capable of processing digital image data through two or more image processors; and a central processing unit within the digital image capture device and capable of linking the two or more image processors to form an image processing chain, and coordinating the image processing chain with an image processing backplane, wherein the central processing unit facilitates modification of the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain, through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including a function for deletion of an image processor from the image processing chain.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for manipulating digital image data, the system comprising: a digital image capture device, the digital image capture device capable of processing digital image data through two or more image processors; and a central processing unit within the digital image capture device and capable of linking the two or more image processors to form an image processing chain, and coordinating the image processing chain with an image processing backplane, wherein the central processing unit facilitates modification of the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain, through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including a function for deletion of an image processor from the image processing chain.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the central processing unit facilitates alteration of the image processing chain with at least one externally provided image processor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the central processing unit facilitates insertion of an image processor into the image processing chain.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 13 wherein the central processing unit facilitates replacement of an image processor in the image processing chain.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
67 words
A computer readable medium containing program instructions for: providing a digital image capture device with an image processing chain; coordinating the image processing chain with an image processing backplane; and modifying the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including modifying through a function for deleting an image processor from the image processing chain.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
67 words
A computer readable medium containing program instructions for: providing a digital image capture device with an image processing chain; coordinating the image processing chain with an image processing backplane; and modifying the image processing chain to form a new image processing chain through a plurality of functions of the image processing backplane, including modifying through a function for deleting an image processor from the image processing chain.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-06-05 | 2004-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | 2008-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-05 | 2012-06-05 | 2012-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |