Data download to imager chip using image sensor as a receptor

Abstract

An imaging device having a CMOS photosensor array for capturing images is described in which the array is also used to input programming and/or data used to control the imaging operations. The data-input can be based upon variations in light color, value, intensity, and patterning, or any combinations of the foregoing, for the download of information to the device.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . A camera system, comprising:; 
 a CMOS photosensor having a first mode and a second mode; said first mode for image capture and said second mode for data capture;    a controller setting said CMOS photosensor in said first mode or said second mode; and    a memory circuit in communication with said CMOS photosensor, said memory circuit storing images and data captured by said CMOS photosensor.    
   
   
       16 . The camera system of  claim 15 , further comprising a light generator structured to emit a data stream to said CMOS photosensor as light emissions.  
   
   
       17 . The camera system of  claim 16 , further comprising a computer for providing said data stream to said light generator.  
   
   
       18 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said data capture comprises the input of color changes to said CMOS photosensor.  
   
   
       19 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said data capture comprises the input of light intensity changes to said CMOS photosensor.  
   
   
       20 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said data capture comprises the input of light patterns to said CMOS photosensor.  
   
   
       21 . The camera system of  claim 20 , wherein said light patterns further comprise color changes.  
   
   
       22 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said CMOS photosensor is divided into a plurality of segments, each of said segments structured to simultaneously capture its own respective stream of data.  
   
   
       23 . The camera system of  claim 16 , wherein said light generator is a computer monitor.  
   
   
       24 . The camera system of  claim 23 , wherein only a portion of a screen of said computer monitor is used as said light generator.  
   
   
       25 . The camera system of  claim 16 , wherein said light generator comprises at least one LED.  
   
   
       26 . The camera system of  claim 16 , wherein said light generator comprises a plurality of LEDs having partitions therebetween.  
   
   
       27 . The camera system of  claim 16 , wherein said light generator comprises a fiber optic cable.  
   
   
       28 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said CMOS photosensor, said controller, and said memory circuit are integrated on a single chip.  
   
   
       29 . The camera system of  claim 15 , wherein said system is incorporated into a pill device.  
   
   
       30 - 63 . (canceled)