GB2450371A

GB2450371A - Associating position data with camera images

Info

Publication number: GB2450371A
Application number: GB0712110A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reuben Wilcock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-06-22
Filing date: 2007-06-22
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-22
Also published as: GB2450371B; GB0712110D0

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a position data determining device 125 connected to a camera 105, the device being adapted to determine position data relating to the position of the device and to send that data to the camera for associating with images taken by the camera. The device is, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS). The method comprises using a control signal 130 received from the camera to determine when position data is sent to the camera, the control signal (130) providing an indication of the state of a control button 110 on the camera. The control signal may be a shutter release signal relating to the state of a shutter release button. It may be determined from the control signal whether the shutter release button has moved between a released state and a half-pressed state, position data being sent to the camera dependent upon that determination. The camera may be of a type to maintain itself in a high power mode, relative to an idle mode, when positioning data is being sent from the device, so that the disclosed method allows the device to operate in a first mode in which positioning data is not sent to the camera, thereby allowing the camera to move out of its high power mode, and in a second mode in which positioning data is sent to the camera. Selection between the first and second modes may be determined in dependence upon the control signal.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Sending Positioning Data to a Connected

Apparatus The present invention relates to a method of sending positioning data to a connected apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a method of sending positioning data to a connected camera. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the sending of Global Positioning System (GPS) data to a digital camera such that the camera may then associate the positioning data to any photos taken.

A number of commercially-available digital cameras offer the functionality to attach positioning information, such as Global Positioning System information, to photos taken by the camera when connected to a suitable device that provides such information.

As discussed further below, the applicant has identified a technical problem associated with certain camera models when used with existing GPS products, and it is desirable to address this technical problem.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a positioning data determining device connected to a camera, the device being adapted to determine positioning data relating to the position of the device and to send that data to the camera for associating with photos taken by the camera, the method comprising using a control signal received from the camera at least partly to determine when positioning data is sent to the camera, the control signal providing an indication of the state of a control button on the camera.

The method may comprise determining from the control signal whether the control button has moved between first and second predetermined states, and determining when positioning data is sent to the camera in dependence upon that determination.

The method may comprise, if not already sending positioning data to the camera, starting to send positioning data to the camera when it is determined that the control button has moved to the second predetermined state from the first predetermined state, The method may comprise stopping the sending of positioning data to the camera when it is detennined that the control button has moved from the second predetermined state to the first predetermined state.

The method may comprise stopping the sending of positioning data to the camera a predetermined length of time after it is determined that the control button has moved from the second predetermined state to the first predetermined state.

The first predetermined state may comprise a released state and the second predetermined state may comprise an at least partly pressed state. Where the control button has a released state, an intermediate pressed state and a fully pressed state, with the fully pressed state being reachable by passing through the intermediate pressed state, the second predetermined state may comprise the intermediate pressed state. When such a control button is moved from the intermediate pressed state to the fully pressed state, the control signal may not indicate any change, with a further control signal instead providing an indication that the control button is now in the fully pressed state; in such a case, or in any case, the second predetermined state can be considered to comprise a union of the intermediate and fully pressed states. The intermediate pressed state may be a half pressed state.

The camera may be of a type to maintain itself, when positioning data is being received from the device, in mode of operation having a higher power consumption than an idle mode of the camera, even when the camera would otherwise have switched to the idle mode due to user inactivity. In such a scenario, the method may comprise operating the device in a first mode in which positioning data is not sent to the camera, thereby allowing the camera to move out of its higher power mode, and in a second mode in which positioning data is sent to the camera, with selection between the first and second modes being determined in dependence upon the control signal.

The high power mode may be a metering mode.

The method may comprise storing the positioning data in a buffer, and sending buffered positioning data to the camera.

The method may comprise sending buffered data if the device loses contact with its source of positioning information, for example if the device enters an enclosed area that is shielded from satellites that provide positioning information to the device.

The device may be a Global Positioning System (OPS) device and the positioning data may be GPS data.

Preferably the control signal is not one that relates to an on/off state of the camera.

The control signal may comprise a shutter release signal relating to the state of a shutter release button on the camera.

The second predetermined state may be a half press state of the shutter release button.

The control signal may comprise a focus activation signal relating to the state of a focus activation button on the camera.

The control signal may comprise an exposure lock signal relating to the state of an exposure lock button on the camer& The control signal may comprise a focus lock signal relating to the state of a focus lock button on the camera.

The control signal may provide an indication of the state of a control button on a remote device that acts as a proxy for a corresponding control button on the camera.

The method may comprise receiving the control signal from the remote device instead of from the camera.

The method may comprise determining if the camera is a standby mode, and sending two sets of positioning data to the camera in succession if it is so determined.

The control signal may comprise a plurality of control signals relating to a corresponding respective plurality of control buttons on the camera.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a positioning data device for connection to a camera, the positioning data device being adapted to determine positioning data relating to the position of the device and to send that data to the camera for associating with photos taken by the camera, the device comprising means for using a control signal received from the camera at least partly to determine when positioning data is sent to the camera, the control signal providing an indication of the state of a control button on the camera.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided program for controlling an apparatus to perform a method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The program may be carried on a carrier medium.

The carrier medium may be a storage medium.

The carrier medium may be a transmission medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus programmed by a program according to the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium containing a program according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an overview of a camera with an embodiment of the present invention attached; Figure 2 is a diagram showing the hardware arrangement of an embodiment of the present invention and how it is connected to a camera; Figure 3 shows the process of receiving and buffering position information from a Global Positioning System module; and Figure 4 shows the process of sending position data to the camera.

As mentioned above, a number of commercially-available digital cameras offer the functionality to attach positioning information, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) information, to photos taken by the camera when connected to a suitable device that provides such information. However, the applicant has identified that some camera models are prevented from entering their low-power (standby) mode when the positioning device is attached, meaning that the camera continues to use a relatively high level of power even when the camera is not actually in use.

For example, certain camera models are adapted so as to remain in a metering mode, in which the camera's light exposure meter is active, when the camera detects that it is receiving positioning information from an attached device.

Therefore, the applicant has identified that, for the purpose of reducing power consumption in the camera, it is desirable to send positioning information to the camera only when it is likely to be required, i.e. only when a photo is likely to be taken, or only when it is apparent that the camera is being readied to take a photo.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a camera 105 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied has a three-position shutter release button 110. The shutter release button 110 can be lightly pressed from its released sate to an approximately half-way point at which the camera will ready itself for taking a photo. When this button 110 is pressed to its full extent, a photo will be taken. In view of this, the operational state of the shutter release button 110 is a good means to determine the likelihood of a photo being taken.

The Global Positioning System module 140 used in an embodiment of the present invention 125 periodically outputs a packet of positional data. The data packet from the Global Positioning System module 140 contains its geographical position and also the locked status of the module. If the module is successfully receiving signals from a sufficient number of satellites for it to calculate an accurate position, it is considered as locked, otherwise it is considered as unlocked. The data packet from the Global Positioning System module 140 may or may not arrive at the point in time that the shutter release button 110 is half pressed. It is desirable that when the shutter release button 110 is half pressed, position data be sent to the camera immediately because this will reduce the time between the button being half pressed and the camera being ready to attach the position information to photos.

An embodiment of the present invention sends buffered position data to the camera 105 immediately when the shutter release button 110 is pressed half way, and after that point continues sending new data, as it becomes available until the button is released. This operation is desirable since it allows cameras to enter a low power standby mode when they are not being used to take a photo, whereas if the position data was continually sent, some cameras are prevented from entering such a mode. The described operation also minimises the time between half pressing the shutter release button 110 and the camera being ready to associate the position data to photos subsequently taken.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention 125 attached to a camera 105.

The camera 105 is assumed to have a three-position shutter release button 110 which can be lightly pressed to the half way point at which the camera will ready itself for taking a photo, and then fully pressed to take a photo. The camera is also assumed to have some means of connection 115 which allows monitoring of whether the shutter release button has been half pressed, and also allows position data to be sent to the camera. An embodiment of the present invention 125 attaches using a wire 120, or other means, to the connector 115 on the camera 105.

Figure 2 shows the hardware arrangement of an embodiment of the present invention 125 and how it connects to a camera 105. The two main signals which connect the camera to an embodiment of the present invention 125 are the half press signal 130 which is assumed to indicate when the shutter release button 110 is half pressed, and a data input which is used to send position data to the camera 105. In this respect, the shutter release button 110 is a control button that can be considered as having three states: a released state, a half-pressed state, and a full-pressed state, and the half press signal 130 is a control signal that provides an indication of the state of the associated control button.

An embodiment of the present invention 125 contains a Global Positioning System module 140 which provides periodic packets of data containing the current position and locked status, and a main controller 145 which processes the signals to and from the camera 130,135 and the Global Positioning System module 140. The main controller 145 contains a memory buffer ISO which is used to temporarily store the data from the Global Positioning System module 140 such that this data is always available, even between Global Positioning System module data packets.

Figures 3 and 4 describe the operation of the main controller 145 in terms of the process of receiving data from the Global Positioning System module 140 and the process of sending position data to the camera 105.

Figure 3 concerns how the main controller 145 processes data it receives from the Global Positioning System module 140 and the operation is as follows. When in idle mode 205 and a start character, indicating the beginning of a new Global Positioning System module data packet, is detected 210, the state changes to a receive mode 215. If the position of the character currently being read in the data packet corresponds to the character which indicates whether the Global Positioning System module is locked 220, then that character is tested 225 to determine whether the module is indeed locked or unlocked. In the case that the Global Positioning System module is locked to the satellites, the character is recorded to the buffer 150, the locked status is recorded 235 and the state goes back to the receive state 215. If the Global Positioning System module is not locked to the satellites then the character is recorded to the buffer 150, the unlocked status is recorded 230 and the state goes back to the receive state 215. For every other character that is received, if it is determined as the end character 240, which signifies the end of the data packet, then it is noted that new data has been received 250 and the state goes back to idle 205. In all other cases, when a character is received, and it is not the character which indicates a lock 220 or the end character 240 then that character is saved to the buffer 245 and the state goes back to the receive state 215.

The process shown in Figure 3 has the result of maintaining the last packet of positional data in the buffer 150 and indicating to other parts of the main controller 145 that a new packet of data has been buffered, and also whether or not the Global Positioning System module is locked.

Figure 4 explains how the main controller 145 decides when to send the buffered Global Positioning System module data to the camera 105 and the operation is as follows. If at any point when in the locked and waiting state 305, the Global Positioning System module data is seen to become unlocked 310 then the unlocked state is entered 340 and unless the Global Positioning System module is subsequently seen to become locked 345 it remains in this state. If the Global Positioning System module data is locked, then the moment the shutter release button 110 on the camera 105 is pressed 315 then the current position data in the buffer 150 is immediately sent to the camera 330 via its data input 135,115. Once all the buffered data has been sent 335 then the controller returns to the locked and waiting state 305. If the shutter release button 110 is still pushed 320 and if new Global Positioning System module data has been buffered since positioning data was last sent to the camera 325, then the new positioning data is sent to the camera 330.

The process shown in Figure 4 ensures that buffered position data is sent to the camera the moment the shutter release button 110 is half pressed, regardless of when data arnved from the Global Positioning System module 140. The process also ensures that whilst the shutter release button continues to be half pressed, position data is continually sent to the camera as and when new data packets are buffered from the Global Positioning System module 140.

Some digital cameras require either one or two complete sets of positioning data to be sent to them before they begin to attach the positioning information to photos taken, depending on whether they were in their low-power (standby) mode. For example, if such a digital camera were in its standby mode and a single set of positioning data set was sent to it, then it would not attach that information to photos taken until a second positioning data set was sent. However, if such a camera was in its high-power (metering) mode, then only one set of positioning data would need to be sent initially for the camera to begin attaching the positioning data to photos taken. For this reason, when an embodiment of the present invention initially sends the buffered position data 330, it may test to see if the camera is in its low-power standby mode, and in such cases it would send two sets of positioning data one immediately after the other, thus ensuring that the camera is ready to attach positioning data to photos as soon as possible after the shutter release button 110 is half pressed.

It will be appreciated that various modifications of the above embodiment can be made within the scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims. For example the means of connection of the main controller 145 to the camera 105 may be wireless, or the main controller 145 and the Global Positioning System module 140 may be combined. The use of a buffer, although preferable, is optional. The use of the Global Positioning System (OPS) is also optional; other types of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) may be used as they become available.

It was also stated above that the operational state of the shutter release button 110 is used to determine the likelihood of a photo being taken, and thereby to control the sending of positioning information. It will be appreciated that other buttons and controls on the camera may be used instead for this purpose to indicate that the camera is being readied to take a photo.

For example, it is common that a half press of the shutter release button 110 will activate the camera's auto focus mechanism so as to allow focus to be acquired on the subject before a photo is taken by flilly depressing the shutter release button 110. However, on some camera models there is a separate button that can be used (as well as or instead of the shutter release button 110) to activate auto focus, and the pressing of such a button could be used (as well as or instead of the shutter release button 110) to indicate that the camera is being readied to take a photo. For example, it is common forsuch a button to be held down continuously to track the subject in focus, and then to quickly press the shutter release button 110 to take a photo; if the shutter release button 110 is pressed very quickly then there may not be sufficient time for the positioning information to be sent, and so use of the separate focus button to detennine when positioning information is to be sent can avoid any such issue.

Similarly, some camera models have exposure andlor focus lock buttons, or a single button that can perform both functions. Pressing such a lock button could be seen as an indication that the user is readying the camera to take a photo, and accordingly such a button would also be a candidate for use with an embodiment of the present invention.

Other such examples would be readily apparent to the skilled person.

It is also the case that additional apparatus such as a remote shutter release may be attached to the camera 105 and buttons on such apparatus may be used instead of the shutter release button 110 on the camera to indicate that the user is readying the camera to take a photo, and indeed taking that photo. Accordingly, such a button on a remote shutter release apparatus would also be a candidate for use with an embodiment of the present invention.

Also in the case where the Global Positioning System module 140 in an embodiment of the present invention 125 is not locked and providing positional data, the previous positioning data, available in the buffer 150, could be sent to the camera until such a time that the Global Positioning System module once again becomes locked and begins sending correct positioning data.

Claims

I. A method of operating a positioning data determining device connected to a camera, the device being adapted to determine positioning data relating to the position of the device and to send that data to the camera for associating with photos taken by the camera, the method comprising using a control signal received from the camera at least partly to determine when positioning data is sent to the camera, the control signal providing an indication of the state of a control button on the camera.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising determining from the control signal whether the control button has moved between first and second predetermined states, and determining when positioning data is sent to the camera in dependence upon that determination.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, comprising, if not already sending positioning data to the camera, starting to send positioning data to the camera when it is determined that the control button has moved to the second predetermined state from the first predetermined state.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2 or 3, comprising stopping the sending of positioning data to the camera when it is determined that the control button has moved from the second predetermined state to the first predetermined state.
5. A method as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, comprising stopping the sending of positioning data to the camera a predetermined length of time after it is determined that the control button has moved from the second predetermined state to the first predetermined state.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first predetermined state is a released state and the second predetermined state is an at least partly pressed state.
7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the camera is of a type to maintain itself in a high power mode, relative to an idle mode, when positioning data is being sent from the device, and wherein the method comprises operating the device in a first mode in which positioning data is not sent to the camera, thereby allowing the camera to move out of its high power mode, and in a second mode in which positioning data is sent to the camera, selection between the first and second modes being determined in dependence upon the control signal.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the high power mode is a metering mode.
9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising storing the positioning data in a buffer, and sending buffered positioning data to the camera.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, comprising sending buffered data if the device loses contact with its source of positioning information.
II. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and the positioning data is GPS data.
12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal is not one that relates to an onloff state of the camera.
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises a shutter release signal relating to the state of a shutter release button on the camera.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the second predetermined state is a half press state of the shutter release button.
15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises a focus activation signal relating to the state of a focus activation button on the camera.
16. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises an exposure lock signal relating to the state of an exposure lock button on the camera.
17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises a focus lock signal relating to the state of a focus lock button on the camera.
18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal provides an indication of the state of a control button on a remote device that acts as a proxy for a corresponding control button on the camera.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, comprising receiving the control signal from the remote device instead of from the camera.
20. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising determining if the camera is in a standby mode, and sending two sets of positioning data to the camera in succession if it is so determined.
21. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises a plurality of control signals relating to a corresponding respective plurality of control buttons on the camera.
22. A positioning data device for connection to a camera, the positioning data device being adapted to determine positioning data relating to the position of the device and to send that data to the camera for associating with photos taken by the camera, the device comprising means for using a control signal received from the camera at least partly to determine when positioning data is sent to the camera, the control signal providing an indication of the state of a control button on the camera.
23. A program for controlling an apparatus to perform a method as claimed in any oneofclaims ito 21.
24. A program as claimed in claim 23, carried on a carrier medium.
25. A program as claimed in claim 24, wherein the carrier medium is a storage medium.
26. A program as claimed in claim 24, wherein the carrier medium is a transmission medium.
27. An apparatus programmed by a program as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26.
28. A storage medium containing a program as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25.
29. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A positioning data device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.