User-Profile Systems and Methods for Imaging Devices and Imaging Devices Incorporating Same

Abstract

User-profile systems and methods that allow the users of imaging devices to create, store and retrieve user profiles that allow users to readily set operating parameters of the imaging devices. Such user profiles are useful, for example, in situations where a user encounters differing imaging scenarios having differing preferred operating-parameter settings. The user can change the operating parameter settings to the desired settings by selecting the user profile corresponding to the imaging scenario at hand. In one embodiment, the imaging device displays a user-profile-access list to the user from which the user can select a desired one of the user profiles.

1 . A method of setting at least one operating parameter of an imaging device having a plurality of operating parameters, the method comprising:
 initiating creation of a user profile;   storing, in memory associated with the imaging device, at least one current operating parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction with the user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings data, wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter setting is a setting for an imaging scenario;   receiving from a user an identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and   storing, in the memory and in association with the stored preferred-settings data, the scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising presenting a home screen of a user-profile manager to a user on a display screen associated with the imaging device, wherein the user-profile manager allows the user to create, edit and manipulate user profiles. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 retrieving the first scenario identifier from the memory;   displaying to a user the first scenario identifier;   receiving a selection of the user profile as a function of the first scenario identifier; and   in response to said receiving the selection of the user profile, setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings data.   
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein said displaying to a user the first scenario identifier comprises displaying to the user a user-profile access list that contains the first scenario identifier displayed in a region of a graphical display. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein said receiving the selection of the user profile includes receiving a selection of the region of the graphical display. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 4 , further comprising displaying a working screen to a user, wherein said displaying to the user the user-profile access list includes overlaying the user-profile selection list onto the working screen. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 4 , further including allowing the user to assign activation of the user-profile access list to a user actuator on the imaging device so as to provide the user with one-step access to the user-profile access list. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said receiving from the user the identification of the first scenario identifier includes receiving identification of an image depicting the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , further comprising presenting to the user a user-profile image-selection screen that displays to the user one or more images the user can select for the image depicting the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving from the user an identification of at least one additional scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and   storing, in the memory and in association with the stored preferred-settings data, the at least one additional scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario.   
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein said receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a first image and said receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a second image. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein said first image is a thermal image of a subject and the second image is a visible-light image of the subject. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein said receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a first image and said receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a name for the user profile. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 10 , wherein said receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a first image and said receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a voice note describing the user profile. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said user profile has associated therewith a plurality of scenario identifiers, the method further comprising providing a configuration control that allows a user to configure the visual presentation of one or more of the plurality of scenario identifiers in a user-profile selection list. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving a selection of the user profile; and   in response to said receiving the selection of the user profile, setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings data.   
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 reading a barcode; and   generating the selection as a function of said reading of the barcode.   
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 capturing a live image;   automatedly comparing the live image to a stored image corresponding to the imaging scenario to determine whether a match exists between the live image and the stored image; and generating the selection if the match exists.   
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising, prior to said storing said at least one current operating parameter setting, receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein said receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal-imaging palette setting. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein said receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal range setting. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein said receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal tool setting. 
     
     
         23 . A machine-readable medium containing non-transitory machine-executable instructions for performing a method of setting at least one operating parameter of an imaging device having a plurality of operating parameters, said non-transitory machine-executable instructions comprising:
 a first set of machine-executable instructions for initiating creation of a user profile;   a second set of machine-executable instructions storing, in memory associated with the imaging device, at least one current operating parameter setting of the imaging device in conjunction with the user profile so as to create stored preferred-settings data, wherein each of the at least one current operating parameter setting is a setting for an imaging scenario;   a third set of machine-executable instructions receiving from a user an identification of a first scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and   a fourth set of machine-executable instructions storing, in the memory and in association with the stored preferred-settings data, the first scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario.   
     
     
         24 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , further comprising machine-executable instructions for presenting a home screen of a user-profile manager to a user on a display screen associated with the imaging device, wherein the user-profile manager allows the user to create, edit and manipulate user profiles. 
     
     
         25 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , further comprising:
 machine-executable instructions for retrieving the first scenario identifier from the memory;   machine-executable instructions for displaying to a user the first scenario identifier;   machine-executable instructions for receiving a selection of the user profile as a function of the first scenario identifier; and   machine-executable instructions for setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings data in response to said receiving the selection of the user profile.   
     
     
         26 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 25 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for displaying to a user the first scenario identifier comprises machine-executable instructions for displaying to the user a user-profile access list that contains the first scenario identifier displayed in a region of a graphical display. 
     
     
         27 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 26 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving the selection of the user profile includes machine-executable instructions for receiving a selection of the region of the graphical display. 
     
     
         28 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 26 , further comprising machine-executable instructions for displaying a working screen to a user, wherein said displaying to the user the user-profile access list includes overlaying the user-profile selection list onto the working screen. 
     
     
         29 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 26 , further including machine-executable instructions for allowing the user to assign activation of the user-profile access list to a user actuator on the imaging device so as to provide the user with one-step access to the user-profile access list. 
     
     
         30 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the identification of the first scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of an image depicting the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         31 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 30 , further comprising machine-executable instructions for presenting to the user a user-profile image-selection screen that displays to the user one or more images the user can select for the image depicting the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         32 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , further comprising:
 machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user an identification of at least one additional scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario; and   machine-executable instructions for storing, in the memory and in association with the stored preferred-settings data, the at least one additional scenario identifier corresponding to the imaging scenario.   
     
     
         33 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 32 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes receiving identification of a second image. 
     
     
         34 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 33 , wherein said first image is a thermal image of a subject and the second image is a visible-light image of the subject. 
     
     
         35 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 32 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a name for the user profile. 
     
     
         36 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 32 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of a first scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a first image and said machine-executable instructions for receiving the identification of the at least one additional scenario identifier includes machine-executable instructions for receiving identification of a voice note describing the user profile. 
     
     
         37 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , wherein said user profile has associated therewith a plurality of scenario identifiers, said non-transitory machine-executable instructions further comprising providing machine-executable instructions for a configuration control that allows a user to configure the visual presentation of one or more of the plurality of scenario identifiers in a user-profile selection list. 
     
     
         38 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , further comprising:
 machine-executable instructions for receiving a selection of the user profile; and   machine-executable instructions for setting the at least one operating parameter with the stored preferred-settings data in response to said receiving the selection of the user profile.   
     
     
         39 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 38 , further comprising:
 machine-executable instructions reading a barcode; and   machine-executable instructions generating the selection as a function of said reading of the barcode.   
     
     
         40 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 38 , further comprising:
 machine-executable instructions capturing a live image;   machine-executable instructions automatedly comparing the live image to a stored image corresponding to the imaging scenario to determine whether a match exists between the live image and the stored image; and   machine-executable instructions generating the selection if the match exists.   
     
     
         41 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 23 , further comprising machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario prior to said storing said at least one current operating parameter setting. 
     
     
         42 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 41 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user a thermal-imaging palette setting. 
     
     
         43 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 41 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes receiving from the user a thermal range setting. 
     
     
         44 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 41 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user the at least one current operating parameter as a function of the imaging scenario includes machine-executable instructions for receiving from the user a thermal tool setting. 
     
     
         45 . An imaging device having operating parameters settable by a user, comprising:
 an image-sensor system having a first sensor for acquiring images;   a user-interface system configured to display images acquired by said image-sensor system and to display a graphical user interface to a user;   a user-profile manager that:
 allows the user to create a user profile containing at least one user-preferred setting for the operating parameters of the imaging device, the at least one user-preferred setting corresponding to a particular imaging scenario; 
 saves, as a function of creating the user profile, current settings of the operating parameters as user-profile settings data, the current settings including the at least one user-preferred setting; 
 allows the user to associate at least one scenario identifier with the user-profile settings data; and 
 selects the user profile as a function of the at least one scenario identifier; and 
   a memory system for storing the user-profile settings data and storing the at least one scenario identifier in association with the user-profile settings data.   
     
     
         46 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , wherein said user-profile manager allows the user to select the user profile and, in response thereto, configures the imaging device using the user-profile settings data. 
     
     
         47 . An imaging device according to  claim 46 , wherein said user-profile manager presents a user-profile-access list to a user via said graphical user interface, wherein said user-profile-access list allows a user to select the user profile, thereby. 
     
     
         48 . An imaging device according to  claim 47 , wherein the imaging device has an image-acquisition mode and said user interface includes a control that allows the user to activate said user-profile-access list with a single activation of said control while the imaging device is in the image-acquisition mode. 
     
     
         49 . An imaging device according to  claim 46 , wherein said user-profile-access list includes the at least one scenario identifier in a manner that the user profile is selectable via the at least one scenario identifier. 
     
     
         50 . An imaging device according to  claim 49 , wherein said user-profile manager allows the user to associate a plurality of scenario identifiers with the user profile. 
     
     
         51 . An imaging device according to  claim 50 , wherein said user-profile manager allows the user to select one or more of the plurality of scenario identifiers for displaying in said user-profile-access list. 
     
     
         52 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , wherein the at least one scenario identifier includes an image corresponding to the imaging scenario. 
     
     
         53 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , wherein the at least one scenario identifier includes a voice note. 
     
     
         54 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , wherein said image-sensor system includes a visible-light image sensor for acquiring visible light images, and a thermal image sensor for acquiring thermal images. 
     
     
         55 . An imaging device according to  claim 54 , wherein the at least one scenario identifier includes a thermal image. 
     
     
         56 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , further comprising a barcode reader, wherein:
 the at least one image identifier includes a barcode identifier; and   said user-profile manager permits the user to select the user profile via said barcode reader based on the barcode identifier.   
     
     
         57 . An imaging device according to  claim 45 , wherein said image-sensor system includes an image processor that compares images with one another, wherein:
 the at least one image identifier includes a first image;   said user-profile manager configured to select the user profile in response to said image processor determining a match between a just-acquired second image and the first image.   
     
     
         58 . A method changing at least one operating parameter of an imaging device to adapt the imaging device to an imaging scenario, the method comprising:
 storing on the imaging device a plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging scenario;   storing on the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles;   allowing the user to select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario identifiers; and   in response to detecting a user selection of the desired one of the user profiles, implementing in the imaging device the at least one operating parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user profiles.   
     
     
         59 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein each of the plurality of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier and said allowing the user to select the desired one of the user profiles includes reading a barcode. 
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 58 , further comprising displaying on the imaging device ones of the plurality of scenario identifiers. 
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 60 , wherein said plurality of scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images each depicting a corresponding imaging scenario, and said displaying includes displaying ones of the plurality of images. 
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 61 , wherein said displaying ones of the plurality of images includes displaying ones of a plurality of thermographic images. 
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having selectable color palettes and the at least one operating parameter controls selection from among the selectable color palettes. 
     
     
         64 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having on-screen thermographic tool functionality and the at least one operating parameter controls the on-screen thermographic tool functionality. 
     
     
         65 . A machine-readable medium containing non-transitory machine-executable instructions for performing a method changing at least one operating parameter of an imaging device to adapt the imaging device to an imaging scenario, said non-transitory machine-executable instructions comprising:
 a first set of machine-executable instructions for storing on the imaging device a plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging scenario;   a second set of machine-executable instructions for storing on the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles;   a third set of machine-executable instructions for allowing the user to select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario identifiers; and   a fourth set of machine-executable instructions for implementing in the imaging device the at least one operating parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user profiles in response to detecting a user selection of the desired one of the user profiles.   
     
     
         66 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 65 , wherein each of said plurality of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier and said third set of machine-executable instructions includes machine executable instructions for reading a barcode. 
     
     
         67 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 65 , further comprising machine-executable instructions for displaying on the imaging device ones of the plurality of scenario identifiers. 
     
     
         68 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 67 , wherein the plurality of scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images each depicting a corresponding imaging scenario, and said machine-executable instructions for displaying includes machine-executable instructions for displaying ones of the plurality of images. 
     
     
         69 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 68 , wherein said machine-executable instructions for displaying ones of the plurality of images includes machine-executable instructions for displaying ones of a plurality of thermographic images. 
     
     
         70 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 65 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having selectable color palettes and the at least one operating parameter controls selection from among the selectable color palettes. 
     
     
         71 . A machine-readable medium according to  claim 65 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having on-screen thermographic tool functionality and the at least one operating parameter controls the on-screen thermographic tool functionality. 
     
     
         72 . An imaging device having operating parameters settable by a user, comprising:
 an image-sensor system having a first sensor for acquiring images;   a user-interface system configured to display images acquired by said image-sensor system and to display a graphical user interface to a user;   a user-profile manager that:
 stores on the imaging device a plurality of user profiles each having associated therewith at least one operating parameter setting, wherein each of the plurality of user profiles corresponds to a respective imaging scenario; 
 stores on the imaging device a plurality of scenario identifiers corresponding respectively to the plurality of user profiles; 
 allows the user to select a desired one of the user profiles as a function of the corresponding respective one of the plurality of scenario identifiers; and 
 in response to detecting a user selection of the desired one of the user profiles, implements in the imaging device the at least one operating parameter setting associated with the desired one of the user profiles; and 
   a memory system for storing the user-profile settings data and storing the at least one scenario identifier in association with the user-profile settings data.   
     
     
         73 . An imaging device according to  claim 72 , wherein each of said plurality of scenario identifiers is a barcode identifier and said user-profile manager allows the user to select the desired one of the plurality of user profiles using a barcode reader. 
     
     
         74 . An imaging device according to  claim 72 , wherein said user-profile manager is configured to display on the imaging device ones of said plurality of scenario identifiers. 
     
     
         75 . An imaging device according to  claim 74 , wherein the plurality of scenario identifiers comprises a plurality of images each depicting a corresponding imaging scenario, and said user-profile manager is configured to display ones of the plurality of images. 
     
     
         76 . An imaging device according to  claim 75 , wherein said user-profile manager is configured to display ones of a plurality of thermographic images. 
     
     
         77 . An imaging device according to  claim 72 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having selectable color palettes and the at least one operating parameter controls selection from among the selectable color palettes. 
     
     
         78 . An imaging device according to  claim 72 , wherein the imaging device is a thermographic imaging device having on-screen thermographic tool functionality and the at least one operating parameter controls the on-screen thermographic tool functionality.