System and method for using a single intelligence circuit for a plurality of imaging rendering components

Abstract

An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electronic imaging system, comprising: 
 first and second imaging components, each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and    an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of said imaging components for providing the required intelligence circuit.    
     
     
         2 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 1 , wherein said first component converts an image into image data, said intelligence module stores said data, and said second component converts said data into an image.  
     
     
         3 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said intelligence module includes a microprocessor for performing said intelligence function, and a memory circuit for storing said image data generated by said first component.  
     
     
         4 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 3 , wherein said memory circuit is detachably connectable to said intelligence module.  
     
     
         5 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 3 , wherein said memory circuit includes one of a flash, optical, or magnetic memory.  
     
     
         6 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 3 , wherein each of said first and second components includes a memory for storing a set of component operating instructions, and wherein said microprocessor downloads said operating instructions when detachably connected to said component in order to operate the same.  
     
     
         7 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 3 , wherein said control module further includes a screen for displaying an image constructed from said image data.  
     
     
         8 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said first component is a camera having a photoelectric unit for converting an image into a stream of image data and said second component converts said image data into an image.  
     
     
         9 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a printer.  
     
     
         10 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a digital photo album.  
     
     
         11 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a digital projector.  
     
     
         12 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a scanner.  
     
     
         13 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a transfer station.  
     
     
         14 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a video phone.  
     
     
         15 . Thc electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a digital photo printer.  
     
     
         16 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a computer video screen.  
     
     
         17 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said second component is a global positioning system imaging device.  
     
     
         18 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , further comprising a telephone connection including a modem for conducting said image data to one of said control module and said second imaging component.  
     
     
         19 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 2 , wherein said system comprises a plurality of second imaging components.  
     
     
         20 . An electronic imaging system comprising: 
 an image capturing component and at least one image rendering component, each of which includes a component memory for storing a set of component operating instructions, and each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and    an intelligence module detachably connectable to any one of said components for downloading said set of component operating instructions from said component memory and for providing the required intelligence circuit for operating said component in accordance with said instructions.    
     
     
         21 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 20 , wherein said image capturing components converts an image into image data, and wherein said intelligence module includes a memory circuit for storing said image data and said downloaded set of component operating instructions, and a microprocessor for executing said operating instructions.  
     
     
         22 . The electronic imaging system of  claim 20 , wherein said system includes a plurality of second imaging components.  
     
     
         23 . A method for generating an image by means of a first imaging component for converting an image into image data and a second imaging component for converting image data into an image, and intelligence module detachably connectable to one of said first and second components for operating the same, comprising the steps of: 
 connecting said intelligence module to said first component to convert an image into a set of stored image data;    disconnecting said intelligence module from said first component, and    connecting said intelligence module to said second component to convert said set of stored image data into an image.    
     
     
         24 . The method as defined in  claim 23 , wherein each of said first and second imaging components includes a memory circuit for storing a set of component operating instructions, and further comprising the step of downloading said set of component operating instructions into said intelligence module when said control module is connected to one of said first and second components.