A
remote camera relay method and apparatus for remotely operating a self-contained, unattended
digital camera over a communications link. Format conversion means are included for transparently relaying control signals and remote image data between a local
host processor and the remotely located
digital camera, independently of specific camera command and image protocols. It thereby functions as a universal remote image transmission adapter, operable as an attachment for use with self-contained digital cameras. A portable
enclosure is provided for accommodating the remote
relay communications and
control electronics and for attaching a hand-held
digital camera thereto. Further means are included for remotely actuating the pan and tilt orientation of the camera in accordance with field-of-view selection commands.
Data rate conversion and
error correction coding are included for providing reliable, low power image forwarding. The communications channel could be a dial-up telephone
system, a
network connection, modem, an infra-red link or a
wireless RF link, for example. Additional control means are provided for remotely selecting the camera
field of view for
image capture, and includes the ability to access only those subsets of image scenes for which viewing permissions are authorized. A further mode of operation includes protocol training whereby host photographing commands are captured by the remote
relay invention during on-line operation, then replayed at programmed times resulting in automatic scheduled remote
image capture.
Power management is provided for maximizing
operating time when used in low power, portable, battery operation.