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  Data download to imager chip using image sensor as a receptorUSPTO Application #: 20070043258Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP - Washington, DC, US Inventor: Atif Sarwari USPTO Applicaton #: 20070043258 - Class: 600102000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Surgery, Endoscope, With Chair, Table, Holder, Or Other Support The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070043258. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/143,578, filed May 13, 2002, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to methods and devices for rapidly transferring information as light impulses. More particularly, the invention relates to use of a CMOS photosensor array of an imager system for the download of data as image-based information streams for programming a device used to control operation of the imaging system. BACKGROUND [0003] Technology for the transmission of information as light impulses has existed for many years. For instance, modem remote control devices for televisions and video cassette recorders operate on this principle, as does the common personal digital assistant capable of receiving data-input. Usually this data-input has been in the form of infrared light. Laser light is also often used in wireless transmission systems. [0004] Most recently, watches have been developed to receive data-input (as bar codes or the like) from a computer monitor as informational instructions for output of data to a wearer. Digital cameras have become popular in recent years. Such cameras can capture images or streams of images and utilize either a charge couple device (CCD) or increasingly with a complementary metal oxide semiconductor active pixel sensor (CMOS APS) to do so. CCD sensors rely on specialized fabrication that requires dedicated and costly manufacturing processes. In contrast, CMOS image sensors can be made at standard manufacturing facilities that produce standard semiconductor chips. The fabrication and basic operation of CMOS imaging systems is well documented, for instance in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,376,868 and 6,333,205, the entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference. [0005] As the complexity and variety of operations performed by CMOS imaging systems increase, the control of the imaging operation becomes more complex, increasing the desire for imaging system programmability. The need for flexibility in different environmental uses requires a certain amount of programmability in functional operations. In some environments of use, where, for example, the CMOS imager may be constructed as a sealed pill device, external programming of the imaging system is difficult. SUMMARY [0006] This invention relates to an imaging system having a CMOS photosensor array capable of receiving image data and in which the photosensor array is also usable to acquire programming data for the imager system. The program data can be input to the photosensor array as variations in light color, value, intensity, and patterning, or any combinations of the foregoing, for the download of program and other information to the imager system incorporating the photosensor array. A memory circuit in communication with the photosensor array can load and store the program and other information received by the photosensor array. The memory circuit contents can then be utilized by an imaging system controller to control the device once the photosensor array begins acquiring images. These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention, which is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 is block diagram showing components of an embodiment in accordance with the invention. [0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of a device in accordance with the invention. [0009] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in accordance with the invention. [0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which data-input is downloaded into a device via a computer monitor. [0011] FIG. 5 shows a 16.times.16 Bayer filter CMOS sensor in accordance with the invention. [0012] FIG. 6 shows an algorithm for translating data-input as colors into a digital stream in accordance with the invention. [0013] FIG. 7-FIG. 10 illustrate additional embodiments for downloading data as data-input in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] This invention relates to a device having a CMOS photosensor array capable of receiving programming and/or operating data-input from an external optical link. The data-input can be input as variations in light color, value, intensity, and patterning, or any combinations of the foregoing, for the download of information to the device incorporating the photosensor array. Such a system allows more rapid download of information to the device than is available with prior art techniques. The information can, for example, be microcode, hardware interrupt control instructions, software (e.g., debugging software), revised program software, or operating parameters. A memory circuit in communication with the photosensor array can load and store the programming and/or operating data received by the photosensor array. A controller can utilize the programming and/or operating data stored by the memory circuit to control image capturing by the imaging device once the photosensor array begins acquiring images. [0015] In the following detailed description, reference is made to various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be employed, and that structural and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. [0016] Now referring to the figures, where like reference numbers denote like features, FIG. 1 shows a basic architecture of a system incorporating a device 10 in accordance with the invention. The system has, at its core, a device 10 that can incorporate, at least, an imager chip 12. The imager chip 12 can have a photosensor array 14, a photosensor interface 15, a memory circuit 16, and a controller 20 integrated on the same silicon chip, which can add versatility in terms of configuration features. The photosensor array 14 is preferably a CMOS photosensor (similar to those described above in the Background section). The photosensor array 14 can have a 256.times.256 pixel array, a 352.times.288 (CIF) array, or any other single array. The photosensor array 14 comprises pixels 200 (shown in detail later in reference to FIG. 5) that can be any of size, but are preferably about 10 .mu.m.times.10 .mu.m in size. The light intensity range for the pixels 200, again can be within any range known in the art, but is preferably about 1 lux/.mu.m to about 15 lux/.mu.m. The pixels 200 of the photosensor array 14 can be capable of 8-bit data output (serial; shifted out). The photosensor interface 15 can be controlled by the controller 20 for addressing the photosensor array 14. [0017] A Bayer filter 202 (discussed in greater detail below in reference to FIG. 5) can be incorporated into the photosensor array 14 for color discernment; however, other color filtering and discernment means known in the art can be used as well. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the device 10 from the top, showing the imager chip 12 with the photosensor array 14 and LED strobes 18 around the array. [0018] As noted, memory circuitry 16 can be integrated on the same chip as the photosensor array 14 and controller 20. It is possible to integrate the memory circuit 16, photosensor array 14, extended SFRs 22, serializer module 24 and controller on the same integrated circuit die as described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/143,093, entitled INTEGRATED MICROCONTROLLER AND IMAGE-SENSOR, by the same inventor herein, filed on May 13, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The manner in which the device 10 operates during image acquisition is described in the above-referenced copending application. [0019] The memory circuit 16 can incorporate any memory circuit devices known in the art, but preferably uses an integrated SRAM memory. As is shown in FIG. 1, the memory circuit can communicate with the other operational circuits of the device 10, including, but not limited to, a controller 20 (e.g., an 8051 controller), a serializer module 24, extended shift registers SFRs 22 (which can be allocated to pre-defined functions or user-definable functions), and an RF (radio frequency) transmitter 28. The memory circuit 16 is capable of storing operational information for the photosensor array 14 and all other circuitry incorporated into the device 10. Further, the memory circuit 16 is be capable of storing images received by the photosensor array 14, be they snapshot images, streaming video, or the downloaded programming and/or data-information. The controller 20 operates as the "brain" of the device 10 using programming and/or data stored in the memory circuit 16, and/or in an internal ROM. The controller circuit 20 can utilize the stored programs and/or data in controlling the acquiring of images, the storing of images, and the communication of images to an external system for viewing. Continue reading... Full patent description for Data download to imager chip using image sensor as a receptor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Data download to imager chip using image sensor as a receptor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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