Interactive interface for electronic devices
Contents
1. 0030 With the advent of new powerful central process ing units CPUs and camera input output interfaces IEEE 1394 USB2 WI FI Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Channel and other emerging data communication protocols capable of real time of near real time image capture and transfer digital photography videography is now capable of closed loop system operation and education Use of a closed loop can now be employed to inform instruct train and educate camera users of all types This closed loop system of instruction allows the use of predetermined parameters or preferences input by the user User training preferences once entered can be used by a program to tailor the output and ultimately the nature or form of training or education presented User preferences would specify what areas of image capture the user wants to concentrate on 0031 A program that is capable of replaying video or computer generated imagery on a display device whether desktop or projected would allow a user to read or listen to instructions and then familiarize him or herself with the interface functions and controls of the camera A more advanced user might benefit not from instructions related to the use of the camera but could benefit from instructions and drills provided by the software on shooting methodology An example of such a drill would be the repetitive playback or presentation of video footage on the computer display device of events every photographer dreams2. being assignment of a widescreen mode for the projector As another example for a Personal Digital Assis tant PDA a user could assign a button or function to open a stored telephone book pause and allow the user to select a phone number and then dial the number As a further example a user could assign a button or function to a cellular phone to access a rarely used function or feature that would normally not be available without digging down into several layers of menus such as a voice recorder function or MP3 player capability which can be made available to a user all at the touch of a button instead of having to remember the buttons menus and order of key presses 0038 Through a link to the Internet users could share codes or files for such saved assigned buttons or functions by uploading them to a web site along with a description of what the assigned buttons or functions accomplish Once collections of such assigned buttons or functions are made available on a web site other users would be able to search through them and download them for use Either as a Jan 3 2008 supplement to an inadequate user manual or as a conve nience to users who may be too impatient to study long and complicated instructions in a user manual this type of shared information would not only assist user but would also allow manufacturers to tap into convenient assigned buttons for documented features as well as previously undocumented features
3. electronic device by wireless communication 20 as is illustrated in FIG 2 to provide a tethered interface 22 Referring to FIG 4 in one presently preferred embodiment Jan 3 2008 the electronic device may be a digital camera although the present invention may be used with many other types of electronic devices as will be further explained below 0023 As is illustrated in FIGS 1 and 2 the interactive interface apparatus preferably includes a memory 26 con nected to the processor for storing a program for operating the processor such as a program that may be stored on and loaded in the memory from a storage media 28 such as a CD DVD flash media or any other similar such storage media that may be currently suitable or from an Internet website link 30 for example For the optimal teaching tutoring experience the interactive interface allows for par tial or even total computer control of the electronic device which typically includes some type of operator interface 32 allowing a user to operate or directly communicate with the electronic device as is further explained below 0024 The interactive interface apparatus display 34 is connected to the programmable processor for control by the program The display may be integral to the interactive interface apparatus or as is illustrated in FIG 3 in a variation the display may be provided as an external moni tor or display 36 to which the interactive interface apparatus
4. electronic image capture allowing for instant display of the results of operation of the camera digital image capture has typically merely been another way US 2008 0005418 Al of storing the images in electronic media such as compact flash cards hard drives or optical disks for later viewing and possible editing 0009 As a way of training new users and introducing camera features to new users one digital camera operating system provides a menu driven context assistant to assist the user with the operation of both basic and advanced features of the digital camera The context assistant permits a menu driven dialogue between the digital camera and the user through which instructions are provided for operation of the camera based on an analysis of image data as well as the user input as to the context in which the digital camera is being used The operating system can also perform actions such as changing the camera s settings or asking the user to do so Another known camera operating system involves capturing an image with a camera set in an initial configu ration analyzing the parameters of the image and matching the parameters to one or more suggested capture configu rations to define suggestions for improvement of the image in a later image recapture One of the suggestions can be selected and the camera then sets a configuration for another image capture according to the suggestion selected 0010 To provide more ofa guided
5. in becoming acquainted with white balance adjustments ISO speed adjustments photo com pression settings depth of field focus point selection and use single shot and multiple shots shooting modes manual fully automatic aperture priority shutter priority color temperature color filters and autofocus selection modes Images can be displayed on the screen to allow the user to US 2008 0005418 Al photograph them and thus use the white balance function custom white balance function and most other features 0035 Motion picture capture devices that can feed live video back to a computer can similarly benefit from instruc tions and drills programmed in the interactive interface of the invention For modern video recorders both tape and digital the interactive interface would be useful in becom ing acquainted with record modes recording speeds white balance title safe areas and what they mean and color casts Depending on the interface used the invention could feed video back to the video camera s viewfinder so that the user could again would not have to seek out the particular scene for him to be able to test out the different settings If the signal could not be fed directly back to the viewfinder the video could be displayed on the monitor for the user to record and experiment with 0036 An interactive interface for other types of elec tronic devices allows such devices to be controlled or allow interaction with the
6. instructional approach for new users of appliances one instructional system pro vides a graphical user interface for interactive product and service manuals for appliances such as a washing machine through a computer program implemented via a connection to a network a computer or a wireless handheld device which may include memory mass storage and data pro cessing capabilities to display information A hierarchical view displays a hierarchical relationship of a currently selected object with respect to parent and child components and an information view provides information relevant to a selected subject 0011 It would be desirable to provide a way for new users of an electronic device to quickly allow automatic review and evaluation of the results operation of the elec tronic device such as a digital camera for example with guided instruction With the complexity of cameras today and with ever changing systems for focusing selecting metering modes and other new additional functions and the increasing complexity of modern electronic devices in gen eral new users and even professionals need to pore through user manuals and seek assistance in learning how and when to use certain features Depending on a user s level of experience it would be desirable to provide an interactive interface that makes use of direct communication through the interactive interface with an electronic device whether the interactive interface is tet
7. may be connected such as a computer monitor or television for example As is shown in FIGS 1 3 the interactive interface apparatus is typically programmed to present a plurality of instruction menu items 38 displayed on the display and the interactive interface apparatus includes a user input device 40 such as a keyboard and or pointing device for example for accepting user input and connected to the programmable processor of the interactive interface apparatus to allow the user to select at least one of the plurality of instruction menu items provided on the display and the programmable processor may also be operative to monitor or poll user input The program would allow the user through the interactive interface apparatus to navigate through an instruction or getting acquainted menu dis played by the interactive interface apparatus The user would then be able to proceed sequentially from start to finish or at random through the menu displayed as needed to the desired topic 0025 The programmable processor and display as con trolled by the program will typically prompt the user to select a topic of interest When the user selects the topic the program will then guide the user through a simulation such as an animated two or three dimensional simulation or a movie such as a movie of someone demonstrating the electronic device with visual indications provided on the display of at least a portion 42 of the electronic
8. of capturing but normally have little or no access to practice capturing other than attending countless games or events One category of such events would be sports related actions or events that are usually captured by sports magazines but that most often seem to elude all but the most highly trained photographer Such events are typically very fleeting moments that require very fast reactions knowledge of the game anticipation coaching proper timing and high shutter speeds to capture properly 0032 Other drills can provide training and education in the form of experimentation While many events require large apertures and very high shutter speeds other scenes or events call for the opposite small apertures and slow shutter speeds or some combination thereof 0033 The degree to which the image is blurred is deter mined by the shutter speed There is no wrong or right amount The right amount is determined by the kind of picture the photographer is after and unless and until the photographer has had the opportunity to test or experiment the effects of different shutter speeds and apertures he may not know what he is after or what is possible The ability to experiment with different shutter speeds while in the com fort of their living room gives a photographer the opportu nity to make note of and learn the settings needed under different conditions 0034 For modern digital cameras the interactive inter face would be useful
9. on an Internet website 11 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display is selected from the group consisting of an internal display an external display a television a projector a plasma display and combinations thereof 12 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display comprises a plurality of instruction menu items displayed on the display 13 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 12 wherein the user input device is operative to accept user input for selecting at least one of the plurality of instruction menu items 14 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the programmable processor is operative to monitor user input 15 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the programmable processor and display are operative to provide a simulation of the electronic device US 2008 0005418 Al 16 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 15 wherein said simulation comprises an animated simulation 17 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 15 wherein said simulation comprises a movie 18 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 16 wherein said animated simulation comprises visual indica tions of at least a portion of the electronic device required to accomplish a selected function 19 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 18 wherein said at least a portion of the electronic device comprises a button 20 The interactive
10. 28 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 7 wherein the programmable processor is operative to provide instruc tion and evaluation of operation of the digital camera for a plurality of scenes 29 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 7 wherein the programmable processor is operative to provide instruc tion and evaluation of operation of the digital camera for a plurality of photographic opportunities 30 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 7 wherein the programmable processor receives exchangeable image file format information from the digital camera and the programmable processor is operative to provide instruction and evaluation of operation of the digital camera responsive thereto 31 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device comprises an internal clock and an operating system generating time codes and wherein the programmable processor is operative to synchronize the Jan 3 2008 time codes with operation of the electronic device for evaluation of the operation of the electronic device 32 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 7 wherein the digital camera includes an input output interface capable of real time or near real time image data capture and trans fer and the programmable processor is operative to provide closed loop evaluation and instruction responsive to opera tion of the digital camera 33 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherei
11. ality of instruction menu items provided on the display and display ing a simulation of operation of the electronic device to accomplish a selected function In a presently preferred aspect the method also provides for monitoring the user input A simulation of operation of the electronic device to accomplish a selected function may be displayed and may include providing audio instruction responsive to the user input The electronic device may include an internal clock and an operating system that generates time codes so that the method may include synchronizing of the time codes with operation of the electronic device for evaluation of the operation of the electronic device In another presently preferred aspect the method of the invention provides for closed loop instruction responsive to operation of the elec tronic device The method of the invention may also include storing a user defined function in the interactive interface and may further include uploading such a user defined function to an Internet web site In an other presently preferred embodiment the method of the invention allows for performing remote diagnostics on the electronic device via the interactive interface 0017 Other features and advantages of the present inven tion will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the operation of th
12. as United States a2 Patent Application Publication co Pub No US 2008 0005418 A1 US 20080005418A1 Julian 43 Pub Date Jan 3 2008 54 INTERACTIVE INTERFACE FOR 52 US CL neoe ee caneeed 710 62 ELECTRONIC DEVICES 76 Inventor Jorge Julian Los Angeles CA US 57 ABSTRACT Correspondence Address FULWIDER PATTON LLP The interactive interface for electronic devices includes a HOWARD HUGHES CENTER programmable processor connectable in communication 6060 CENTER DRIVE TENTH FLOOR with an electronic device for at least partially controlling LOS ANGELES CA 90045 US operation of the electronic device and for monitoring opera 21 Appl No 11 431 110 tion of the electronic device a memory connected to the processor for storing a program for operating the program 22 Filed May 9 2006 mable processor a user input device for accepting user input the user input device connected to said programmable Publication Classification processor and a display connected to the programmable processor The interactive interface may be tethered to the 51 Int CL electronic device by an electrical connector or by wireless GO6F 13 38 2006 01 communication 1 MENU A SUBMENU N10 47 NNIW T NNIWGNS 2 NNIWENS V Patent Application Publication Jan 3 2008 Sheet 1 of 4 US 2008 0005418 A1 1 MENU A SUBMENU B SUBMENU NNIW T 47 NNIWENS g NNIWENS V FIG 1 44 Patent Appli
13. cation Publication Jan 3 2008 Sheet 2 of 4 US 2008 0005418 A1 1 MENU A SUBMENU B SUBMENU NNIW T 47 NNIWENS 9 NNIWENS V FIG 2 44 Patent Application Publication Jan 3 2008 Sheet 3 of 4 US 2008 0005418 A1 1 MENU A SUBMENU B SUBMENU 48 40 NNIW T NNIWGNS g NNIWINS V FIG 3 Patent Application Publication Jan 3 2008 Sheet 4 of 4 US 2008 0005418 A1 A SUBMENU B SUBMENU 38 54 47 FIG 4 US 2008 0005418 Al INTERACTIVE INTERFACE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0001 This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for training of users to operate electronic devices and more particularly relates to an interactive interface apparatus for electronic devices 0002 Instructional materials and methods for electronic devices are increasingly inadequate as today s electronic devices are being designed with more and more functions For example modern cellular phones not only provide telephone service but also may include a video recorder personal digital assistants PDA digital still camera voice recorder text messaging transceiver picture messaging transceiver MP3 player calendar alarm clock calculator game playing platform text to speech input and feedback capability polyphonic ring tone generator GPS locator screen saver as well as wireless communication with head sets and computers and stereo speakers E
14. device required to accomplish a selected function such as a button 44 a lever 45 a pointing device 46 for example or one or more menus 47 or combinations thereof required to accom plish a selected function The display preferably not only provides a visual display but also includes a speaker 48 for presenting accompanying sound such as audio instruction or audio feedback responsive to user input for example Each key press button lever or submenu activation can thus provide audio beeping polyphonic tones or verbal feedback for example for confirmation or as an alert when a wrong selection is made 0026 For devices such as cell phones satellite TV or other subscription based controllers the interactive interface apparatus could advantageously place the electronic device US 2008 0005418 Al in a simulation mode to avoid unintended subscription charges For cases such as these the program would enter a simulation mode to simulate things such as incoming tele phone calls multiple incoming calls to simulate call waiting downloadable subscriptions or newscasts pay per view events other devices on a network such as a smart home network for example The simulation mode would thus allow the user to learn the functions through simulated experiences 0027 Referring to FIG 4 when the electronic device is a camera such as a digital camera 50 the programmable processor may be programmed to provide instruction and evaluat
15. ducation and training for consumers learning to use such electronic devices is typically an open loop process exemplified by a self teaching process of reading of instructional materials such as an owners manual and experimentation with the electronic device and learning by an extended period of trial and error Opportunities for guided classroom instruction in the use of electronic devices are usually rare and are typically expensive 0003 Even classroom instruction for modern electronic devices can be inadequate For example traditionally film photography is taught to students in a class by a teacher who demonstrates with a camera and presents sample photo graphs by overhead projection or video tapes for students to study When explaining a photograph the teacher may describe important attributes of the photograph such as lighting shadow film speed exposure aperture shutter speed depth of field camera angle focal length time of day and film processing technique for example However in order for students to learn camera control students need to actually practice taking photographs and after each shot need to use a shooting data sheet to keep track of camera settings such as film speed aperture shutter speed light quality and then match this information later on with the photo prints to see how the camera settings affected the photograph This is a slow process and prone to errors since it can be many hours or days befo
16. e for example 0042 The interactive interface of the invention similarly would be useful with all microprocessor controlled or smart equipment medical instruments such as X ray US 2008 0005418 Al machines MRI machines CT PT Gamma knives X knife Linear accelerators blood centrifuge and electronic testing devices or equipment 0043 The interactive interface of the invention similarly would be useful with digital cable boxes satellite receivers as to how to find a station how to store a station how to scan or seek a station how to recall a station and how to subscribe to a pay per view or pay per listen event or program 0044 The interactive interface of the invention similarly would be useful with meters such as photographic light meter and volt meters for example printers of all types so that users can learn to differentiate between the different printing modes electron microscopes automobile smog machines cash registers dangerous high speed equipment such as tire balancers for automobile shops CNC routers used in machine shops and tire balancing diagnostics which can be simulated without having to mount and spin a tire star tracking telescopes robotic arms and other industrial equipment and electronic scales 0045 The interactive interface of the invention can also be used to train users on more advanced functions once basic functions are mastered The invention can then be used to measure the ex
17. e invention BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0018 FIG 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pre ferred embodiment of the interactive interface for use with an electronic device via an electrical connection according to the present invention 0019 FIG 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alter nate embodiment of the interactive interface for use with an electronic device via wireless communication according to the present invention 0020 FIG 3 is a schematic diagram of a variant of the interactive interface utilizing an external display according to the present invention 0021 FIG 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a digital camera for use with the interactive interface according to the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 0022 Referring to the drawings which are provided for purposes of illustration and by way of example the present invention provides for an interactive interface apparatus 10 for an electronic device 12 Referring to FIGS 1 and 2 the interactive interface apparatus includes a programmable processor 14 such as in a computer 16 for example connectable in communication with the electronic device for at least partially controlling operation of the electronic device and for monitoring operation of the electronic device The interactive interface apparatus can be connectable to the electronic device by an electrical connector 18 or connect able to the
18. east partially control ling operation of the electronic device and for moni toring operation of the electronic device a memory connected to the processor for storing a pro gram for operating the processor a user input device for accepting user input the user input device connected to said programmable processor and a display connected to the programmable processor 2 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programmable processor is operative to provide total control of the electronic device 3 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programmable processor comprises a computer 4 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programmable processor is connectable to the elec tronic device by an electrical connector 5 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programmable processor is connectable to the elec tronic device by wireless communication 6 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein said interactive interface is a tethered interface 7 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device comprises a digital camera 8 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device comprises a video camera 9 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the program is stored on storage media 10 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the program is provided
19. electronic devices while the interactive interface transmits signals or simulates the needed signals to generate the appropriate real world response This type of control then allows the user to learn to use the electronic device by actually using the electronic device Using the electronic device itself to learn would enable the user to become familiar with the functions and features 0037 For more complex functions the interactive inter face would walk the user through more complicated proce dures with feedback provided by way of audio cues or visual aids More esoteric procedures or features might typically be buried under layers of menus and sub menus require mul tiple simultaneous button presses or dial turning or require specific timing between steps or button presses These features could be made much more accessible to the user because once at a final destination the user could simply store the required steps for future use by assigning it to a user defined function or soft button if available or as a personal function and additionally storing the function on the interactive interface as a back up For example a user could assign a button or function of a remote control to turn on the home theater system in a certain surround sound mode drop down the projector screen turn on the satellite or cable box A time delay could be built into the command to allow for warm up of projector and the system with the final step
20. erformance areas 0048 Thus with the interactive interface of the inven tion a user who has a weak eye or simply a poor response when using their left eye or perhaps poorer aim with their right hand or in a certain part of a screen or field of view for example could select or designate exercises or software to be in a monitor or analysis mode that would assess strengths and weaknesses Such results can then be used to select areas for emphasis in a drill game or exercise such as in areas that may be of special importance for military training for example that could be repeated for improving performance The ability of the interactive interface of the Jan 3 2008 invention to provide drills allows users to repeat exercises and keep track of progress without having to play an entire game or go through an entire exercise in order to practice what is needed thereby allowing users to use their time to efficiently hone needed skills 0049 It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention Accord ingly it is not intended that the invention be limited except as by the appended claims I claim 1 An interactive interface apparatus for an electronic device comprising a programmable processor connectable in communication with an electronic device for at l
21. hered to the electronic device by an electrical connector or wireless communication to facilitate the learning of basic function as well as advanced features and functions The present invention meets these and other needs SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0012 Briefly and in general terms the present invention provides for an apparatus and method that allows a user to interactively interface with an electronic device providing a closed loop instructional chain that includes the electronic device the user the interactive interface apparatus and a screen or display allowing for monitoring of the user s responses and prompting with immediate feedback to pro Jan 3 2008 vide improved interactive instruction to users of electronic devices The present invention accordingly provides for interactive interface including a programmable processor connectable in communication with an electronic device for at least partially controlling operation of the electronic device and for monitoring operation of the electronic device a memory for storing a program for operating the program mable processor a user input device for accepting user input and a display 0013 In a presently preferred aspect the interactive interface is a tethered interface and the programmable processor is connectable to the electronic device by an electrical connector or by wireless communication for example and the programmable processor may be provided with a pl
22. in order to update and improve on their official user manuals 0039 In addition the interactive interface of the inven tion would allow manufacturers to perform remote diagnos tics on a costly electronic device that might normally require a user to bring the device to a repair site or an onsite visit from a technician For example an electronic device could be provided by the manufacturer with a diagnostic mode that the electronic device could enter when connected to the Internet and logged into the manufacturer s web site for troubleshooting purposes In order to run such remote diag nostics there would need to be a remote log in program such as a Virtual Network Computing VNC program so that a diagnostic program would be able to analyze the electronic device connected through the interactive inter face of the invention Automated or semi automated diag nostics would be possible The effectiveness of the remote diagnostics that could be rendered to an electronic device would depend upon the effectiveness of the manufacturer s interface design and the level of control that would be allowed to an interactive interface according to the inven tion This type of diagnosis could be made part of a service or maintenance contract and could therefore also become an added benefit to manufacturers and consumers In the event that service of the electronic device is required error codes could be conveyed through the interactive interface
23. interface apparatus of claim 18 wherein said at least a portion of the electronic device comprises a lever 21 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 16 wherein said animated simulation comprises a visual indi cation of at least one menu required to accomplish a selected function 22 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 17 wherein said movie comprises a visual indication of at least a portion of the electronic device required to accomplish a selected function 23 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 17 wherein said movie comprises a movie illustrating demon stration of the electronic device 24 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the programmable processor and display are operative to provide audio feedback responsive to said user input 25 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the programmable processor and display are operative to provide audio feedback responsive to operation of the elec tronic device 26 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is subject to subscription service charges for operation of the electronic device and the programmable processor is operative to control the elec tronic device in a simulation mode avoiding subscription charges 27 The interactive interface apparatus of claim 7 wherein the programmable processor is operative to provide instruc tion and evaluation of operation of the digital camera
24. ion of operation of the digital camera such as for operation of the digital camera for a plurality of scenes or for a plurality of photographic opportunities for example In addition the programmable processor may receive exchangeable image file format information from the digital camera so that the programmable processor may be in turn operative to provide instruction and evaluation of operation of the digital camera responsive to the exchangeable image file format information In a presently preferred aspect the digital camera includes an internal clock 52 and an operating system 54 that generates time codes 56 such that the programmable processor is operative to synchronize the time codes with operation of the digital camera for evalu ation of the operation of the digital camera The digital camera may also include an input output interface 58 capable of real time or near real time image data capture and transfer such that the programmable processor is operative to provide closed loop evaluation and instruction responsive to operation of the digital camera It is contemplated that other similar electronic devices may similarly be configured to include an internal clock and an operating system that generates times codes so that a programmable processor of the electronic device would synchronize the time codes with operation of the electronic device for closed loop evaluation of the operation of the electronic device through the inter act
25. ive interface of the invention 0028 With the advent of affordable tethered digital photography it is now possible to close the loop in photography The loop that will allow simulated imagery to be ranked or graded analyzed and critiqued for shot selec tion motion tracking composition and framing zoom focus of stationary and moving objects and speed and accuracy Today digital cameras send not only the captured image but in addition all the EXIF Exchangeable Image File Format information as well as most other parametric information such as focal length white balance temperature focus mode focus point used and date and time all on a per shot basis 0029 Images can be replayed and or generated and kept track of through a unique and associated time code derived from the Operating System and synchronized with the camera s internal clock Based on time codes for the gen erated and captured images photographic performance can now be compared and evaluated for but not limited to focus framing reaction time camera knowledge and familiarity photographic knowledge tracking accuracy hand eye coor dination and shot selection and execution Since everything can be time coded and repeated endlessly data can be logged and results compared tabulated graphed and graded Jan 3 2008 Results can be used for the purposes of advancement recruiting hiring selecting improving and grading photo graphic performance
26. l camera for a plurality of scenes or for a plurality of photographic opportunities for example In addition the interactive interface may receive exchangeable image file format information from the digital camera so that the programmable processor may be in turn operative to provide instruction and evaluation of operation of the digital camera responsive to the exchangeable image file format informa tion In a presently preferred aspect the digital camera includes an internal clock and an operating system that generates time codes so that the interactive interface can synchronize the time codes with operation of the digital camera for evaluation of the operation of the digital camera The digital camera may also include an input output inter face capable of real time or near real time image data capture and transfer such that the interactive interface can provide closed loop evaluation and instruction responsive to operation of the digital camera 0016 The present invention also provides for a method for at least partially controlling an electronic device and for monitoring operation of the electronic device via the inter active interface by providing the interactive interface opera tively connecting the interactive interface to the electronic device displaying a plurality of instruction menu items on US 2008 0005418 Al the display receiving user input from the user input device to allow a user to select at least one of the plur
27. likely it is that they will decide to experiment with the device until they find or figure out what they need by trial and error This oftentimes results in fewer and fewer users actually being able to locate and use the very features that prompted them to select and purchase the electronic device 0007 What is therefore needed for faster and better comprehension is a combination of an informative yet engaging method of instruction covering theoretical and practical photographic techniques as well as viewable sce narios and examples specific instructions dealing with all the features functions and operational modes of a camera and interactive examples of when and how to use individual features and functions In addition it would be desirable to have user selectable training exercises that the user can select and perform in sequence as well as a means to search for and locate specific instructions or techniques when a particular need arises Any and all exercises should be repeatable but may also be presented in different ways so as not to become boring It would also be desirable for each training exercise to involve recording and analyzing success and failure to provide feedback to help the user become more proficient in particular exercises 0008 When photographic images are captured on either film or tape the opportunity for evaluation review and feedback on the results is typically greatly delayed Even with digital cameras using
28. n programmable processor is provided with a plurality of predetermined parameters input by the user input device 34 Amethod for at least partially controlling an electronic device and for monitoring operation of the electronic device via an interactive interface comprising the steps of providing an interactive interface apparatus including a programmable processor connectable in communica tion with the electronic device a memory connected to the processor for storing a program for operating the processor a user input device connected to said pro grammable processor for accepting user input and a display connected to the programmable processor operatively connecting the interactive interface to the electronic device displaying a plurality of instruction menu items on the display receiving user input from the user input device to allow a user to select at least one of the plurality of instruction menu items provided on the display and displaying a simulation of operation of the electronic device to accomplish a selected function 35 The method of claim 34 further comprising the step of monitoring said user input 36 The method of claim 34 further comprising the step of displaying a simulation of operation of the electronic device to accomplish a selected function 37 The method of claim 36 wherein said step of dis playing a simulation comprises providing audio instruction responsive to said user input 38 The me
29. re a photograph is developed after a photo shoot and the accuracy of the notes are totally dependent on the observations memory and diligence of the student in writing down the data immedi ately after taking the shot In addition when the instructor describes scenarios like expose shadow develop highlight overexpose film rather than underexpose or tricky lighting condition for example it is difficult for students to understand such terms without an actual example to shoot right there in the classroom The usual assignment is one photograph per week and although students can and in many cases want to do more the need or desire to keep students of different skill levels and comprehension moving forward at the same pace makes it impractical and in most cases impossible to do more 0004 Traditional teaching methods thus make it difficult to provide adequate instruction using examples other than Jan 3 2008 those in a classroom because classes are typically indoors or in a studio While there may be an occasional field trip the majority of the classes will be held in a classroom 0005 An alternative to classroom instruction for learning photography and how to use a particular camera is self teaching Self teaching materials for learning photography are available in many forms such as instructional DVDs and VHS tapes how to books seminars and Internet based forums for example New cameras typically come wi
30. tent to which the user can operate the device This can greatly improve training procedures and effective ness as well as improve the user experience for consumer products and improved productivity safety efficiency for business and industry for commercial testing diagnostic point of purchase and medical applications 0046 The interactive interface of the invention can also be used in game play applications for honing skill sets For players of video games that would like to get practice coordinating their hand eye reaction times The interface could allow a player to enter into a training mode that would allow repeated replays of scenes they know they need to improve on in order to progress 0047 Armed forces training could also benefit from the interactive interface of the invention that would allow the user to select exercises that would allow the user to con centrate on drills that would focus on areas that need improvement Such areas would be reaction times related to objects entering a radar screen from a particular quadrant Another such example would be to have the user drill on having multiple objects enter simultaneously Since the video or animations are being generated by the interactive interface of the invention reaction times and all other pertinent data can be logged and tracked and analyzed This type of training could add functionality that would allow for much more rapid improvement by concentrating on the weakest p
31. th some form of instruction manual or electronic documenta tion However learning to use the basic features of a modern digital single reflex lens camera DSLR can also be a daunting prospect for a new user For example a current DSLR will typically have user selectable multiple focus modes such as one shot auto focus continuous autofocus and manual focus multiple metering modes such as center weighted evaluative partial and spot autofocus points white balance temperatures ISO film speeds white balance bracketing variable blue amber magenta and yellow filters exposure bracketing aperture priority shooting mode shut ter priority shooting mode and fully manual shooting mode 0006 Learning to use the basic features of other elec tronic devices such as home entertainment systems univer sal remote controls video recorders PDAs VCRs digital video recorders medical instrumentation handheld calcu lators electronic game consoles and home appliances can also be overwhelming to a new user since more and more features and options are continually being built into such devices A user or owner s manual for these devices can range from a few pages to a PDF file on a CD that contains hundreds of electronic pages and or multiple paper manuals covering hardware and software for the device The more advanced such electronic devices become the more likely it is that the average user will avoid reading the manual and the more
32. thod of claim 34 wherein the electronic device includes an internal clock and an operating system that generates time codes and further comprising the step of synchronizing the time codes with operation of the elec tronic device for evaluation of the operation of the electronic device 39 The method of claim 34 further comprising the step of providing closed loop instruction responsive to operation of the electronic device 40 The method of claim 34 further comprising the step of storing a user defined function in the interactive interface 41 The method of claim 40 further comprising the step of uploading user defined function to an Internet web site 42 The method of claim 34 further comprising perform ing remote diagnostics on the electronic device via the interactive interface
33. to allow a technician to be dispatched with proper equipment or to allow proper replacement parts to be ordered In addition the interactive interface of the invention would allow for remote monitoring of operation of an electronic device through a network connection Such remote monitoring would allow manufacturers and repair facilities to witness failure modes in real time The remote diagnostics and or remote Internet log in capability would further allow fully interactive remote teaching of subjects with electronic devices such as digital cameras as well as meters and household appliances for example by using remotely gen erated images and video and such training may also be automated 0040 For modern cellular telephones the interactive interface would be useful in becoming acquainted with multiple built in devices and features such as MP3 players cameras video recorders text messaging call waiting call forwarding speakerphone call screening caller id Blue tooth wireless functions and audio recorder 0041 For portable navigation systems the interactive interface could simulate navigational signals so that the user could become familiar with navigational functions without having to be leave the comfort of home Functions could include entering a destination address entering a way point changing route preferences from maximize highway to minimize highway and changing preferences to shortest distance or shortest tim
34. urality of predetermined parameters input by the user input device In a presently preferred aspect the display provides a plurality of instruction menu items and the user input device is operative to accept user input for selecting at least one of the plurality of instruction menu items whereby the programmable processor can also monitor user input 0014 In another presently preferred aspect the interac tive interface provides a simulation of the electronic device on the display such as an animated simulation or a movie such as of someone operating the electronic device for example Typically the animated simulation or movie pro vide visual indications of at least a portion of the electronic device required to accomplish a selected function Where the electronic device is subject to subscription service charges for operation of the electronic device the programmable processor can control the electronic device in a simulation mode that avoids subscription charges In another presently preferred aspect of the invention the interactive interface provides audio feedback responsive to the user input and operation of the electronic device 0015 Ina presently preferred embodiment the program mable processor is provided in a computer the electronic device comprises a camera such as a digital camera and the interactive interface provides instruction and evaluation of operation of the digital camera such as for operation of the digita
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