WO2000050955A1 - Digital camera adaptor assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A photographic camera includes a hand-grippable housing having a disposed electronic images sensor and a display for displaying a digital image of a target of interest captured by the electronic image sensor. An adaptor assembly is either detachably or integrally connected to the camera housing and includes at least one secondary battery for powering the camera in addition to primary batteries initially contained within the camera. The adaptor assembly can also include a light source whose output is disposed substantially coaxial to the imaging axis of the camera to provide a continuous source of illumination for a predetermined interval. Preferably, the adaptor assembly further includes or is a separate data communications module for facilitating data transfer between the memory of the camera and other remote instruments.

Description

DIGITAL CAMERA ADAPTOR ASSEMBLY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon a provisional application, USSN 60/121,092, filed February 22, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of photography, and more particularly to a handheld digital photographic camera which includes an adaptor assembly having at least one of an auxiliary battery pack, a continuous coaxial light source, and a data communications module for use in medical or other applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Known photographic digital cameras, such as those manufactured by Nikon

Corporation and the Eastman Kodak Company, among others, typically include an optical system having at least one lens element which focuses an image of a target of interest onto a miniature solid state image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS-type electronic imager, disposed within a compact hand-grippable housing. Processing circuitry then converts the optical image into an electrical signal and subsequently into a captured digital image which can be stored into the memory of a contained microprocessor and/or displayed in real time on an integral LCD or other form of display. More advanced camera versions allow other types of multimedia data, including audio and/or annotative data, to be stored in memory in combination with or separate from any captured image data. More recently, there have been efforts by Applicants to utilize the multimedia capabilities of hand-held photographic digital cameras for a number of medical and industrial applications. For example, commonly assigned and copending USSN 09/052,570, filed March 31, 1998, describes an examination system including a photographic digital camera and a plurality of selectively attachable instrument heads, each instrument head having a unique set of optics. The examination system allows different medical procedures, including otoscopy and enhanced dermatological examinations, or industrial inspections, to be readily and selectively performed with a single instrument.

Usually photographic digital cameras, as described above, do not require continuous lighting for their operation. Therefore, these cameras are equipped with a strobe flash assembly integral with the housing, as well as an internal exposure control mechanism. The exposure control mechanism and integral flash assembly are each controlled by the camera microcomputer which contains internal logic that determines, among other parameters, whether the flash should be utilized as well as controlling the degree of white balance, as in the instance of color video. If the flash assembly is not operated, the camera then relies upon ambient light. Problems, such as red eye and glare, that typically confront standard photographic cameras, however, require that the light source (flash assembly) be located at a remote location on the camera housing relative to the imaging axis.

In medical procedures such as otoscopy and colposcopy, or certain industrial-type inspection procedures, the target area of interest is located in a narrow dark cavity or tunnel. In order to effectively conduct examination, it is necessary to provide a relatively continuous source of light to allow proper target focusing. Certain endoscopic and borescopic instruments defined by elongate tubular members do include a continuous source of light, such as a bundle of optical light transmitting fibers, in proximity with a CCD or other miniature electronic sensor. These instruments, however, though highly useful in surgical procedures or for permitting visualization of areas (e.g. inside a pressure vessel) not normally readily accessible, do not permit other forms of data capture in addition to video. To date, there has been no bridging to expand the field of telemedicine beyond mere video acquisition.

In addition, most hand-held photographic digital cameras include a battery compartment containing a number of batteries for powering the camera. An external power supply, such as a wall transformer, also can be connected to the camera using an AC jack which is typically provided on the camera housing. Once the camera power has been drained, the existing art dictates that either: i) the internal batteries must be removed and recharged, or ii) the camera must be powered by an auxiliary power supply, e.g. a wall transformer or the like. All known auxiliary power supplies require a tethered sort of connection to the camera housing which is somewhat cumbersome and severely limits the useful range of the camera. In addition and as noted in the preceding, digital cameras, such as presently described, are used primarily for photographic applications. The typical battery life of these cameras, when used continuously, is about one hour, which could be problematic for physicians continually diagnosing a plurality of patients over the course of a routine day. Applicants also recently disclosed a system and related software for incorporating multimedia instruments, such as hand-held photographic digital cameras, into the daily practice of a physician, emergency room technician, or other care giver. As described in copending USSN 09/221,795, filed December 28, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a photographic digital camera can be directly interconnected to a personal computer and/or computer network which allows stored data to be uploaded into a patient data management system. Moreover, certain features of stored data, such as digitized audio data, can then be subsequently converted to text to form part of a complete patient record maintained by the computer. A table top docking station includes a receiving cavity for retaining the camera after use and permits transfer of data, either uploading of data from the digital photographic camera to the computer and/or downloading of data and other information from other instruments into the memory of the digital camera. This docking station is useful for data transfer, but fails to address the needs of better integration to provide greater portability and flexibility to the camera, or providing other features (continuous lighting, auxiliary power without tethering to the instrument) which would enhance the overall usefulness of digital cameras to the field of telemedicine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art of digital photography.

Another primary object of the present invention is to provide expanded capability for existing hand-held photographic digital cameras by selectively providing a continuous light source for certain applications.

Yet another primary object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary power supply to a photographic digital camera which can be used in lieu of or redundantly with batteries typically furnished therewith, but without requiring a tethered or otherwise limiting connection thereto. Yet another primary object of the present invention is to facilitate transfer of data to and from a hand-held digital camera to improve the versatility and capabilities thereof. Therefore and according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic camera comprising: a hand-grippable camera housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within the camera housing; an optical system for focusing an optical image of a target of interest onto said electronic image sensor, the optical system and the electronic image sensor being disposed along an imaging axis; a display for displaying a digital image of a target of interest captured by said electronic image sensor; at least one primary battery disposed in a battery compartment of said camera housing; and an adaptor assembly directly attachable to said camera housing, said adaptor assembly including an auxiliary power supply for powering said camera supplementing said least one primary battery.

Preferably, the auxiliary power supply includes at least one secondary battery, the adaptor assembly being attachable to the bottom of the camera body or housing. The auxiliary power supply can be accessed by the digital camera selectively or can be accessed automatically when the power level of the primary battery is low. Moreover, the power level of the secondary battery or batteries can be detected if the power level drops below a predetermined value. If the available power level drops below the predetermined value, the camera can employ a power conservation mode which terminates non-essential functions. Otherwise, or in conjunction therewith, an audible, visible or other form of indication can be provided to the camera user. The adaptor assembly can also allow at least one or a plurality of similarly shaped auxiliary power supplies to be attached in a stackable arrangement, thereby allowing the camera to be continually used even if a wall transformer or other supply or a battery recharge is unavailable.

In a preferred configuration, the adaptor assembly also includes means for tracking the location of the camera from a remote location.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic camera comprising: a camera housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within said camera housing; an optical system for focusing an optical image onto said electronic image sensor, said image sensor and said optical system being disposed along an imaging axis; a display integral with said camera housing for displaying a digital image of a target of interest captured by said electronic image sensor; and an adaptor directly attachable to an exterior portion of said camera housing, said adaptor including a body portion and a continuous light source disposed within said body portion, wherein the output of said continuous light source is disposed along an output path which is substantially coaxial to the imaging axis, when the adaptor is attached to the camera housing.

Preferably, the adaptor is releasably attachable to an exterior portion of the camera housing or is integral to the camera. The continuous light source is a lamp, such as a halogen lamp having a reflector or can include LEDs, such as phosphorescent white LEDs.

The adaptor includes light guiding means which directs the output of the continuous light source along an output path which is substantially coaxial with the imaging axis, though the light source itself is located off-axis.

The camera's exposure control system can be interconnected to the continuous light source to control the light source and/or output thereof based, for example, on ambient light which is available. Filtering or other means such as diffusers or polarizers can be selectively positioned to augment the output of the light source.

The camera can also include a conventional flash assembly, with the camera being equipped so as to disable the flash when the continuous light source is being employed. In a preferred version, the continuous light source can be activated by a switch and automatically deactivated by a timer, for example, after a predetermined time interval.

According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera comprising: a housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within said housing capable of capturing image data; a controller disposed in said housing for controlling at least one function of said camera, said controller including memory means for storing image data captured by said electronic image sensor; means for selectively capturing and storing audio data in combination with image data; and a data communications module releasably attachable to said camera housing, said data communications module including means connected to said memory means of said camera for permitting data transfer between said memory means and at least one other external device. The data communications module allows transfer of image, audio, annotative and/or other forms of data to and from the camera. For example, data from external devices, such as analog data from blood pressure measuring devices, can be stored into the memory of the camera. Otherwise, patient demographics, vital signs (weight, pulse, etc.), prescription data, and the like can be inputted directly into the memory of the camera microcomputer, as needed, to more completely describe a patient encounter. Likewise, any data stored in the camera memory can also be transferred, such as to primary physician's or hospital database.

A docking station can be used to receive the data communications module and the camera or the module could include an RF, IR, or other wireless transmitter to facilitate data transfer. The data communication module can utilize a USB, serial, or other data link with the digital camera. Alternately, other transferring means, such as a memory card, can be utilized to effectively transfer stored data.

An advantage of the present invention is that providing a continuous source of illumination allows focusing of a target as required in certain medical or industrial applications. In addition, directing the output of the continuous light source substantially coaxial to the imaging axis of the digital camera permits the effective imaging of targets (e.g. the back of the throat, cervix, etc.) that are located in dark narrow cavities or tunnels. Therefore, the described assembly permits more effective use of a photographic digital camera or other multimedia instrument in the field of telemedicine. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the described adaptor assembly allows transfer of data between the memory of the digital camera and at least one remote device, so as to incorporate a more complete patient record which can be readily transferred into computer memory storage, such as a patient record management system.

Another advantage of the present invention is that providing an integral or detachable battery pack which is directly coupled to the camera housing in a non-tethered manner allows the camera to be used more conveniently, without requiring close proximity to an external power source or the encumbrances of a cord. Furthermore, a series of add-on battery packs can be directly attached to the existing adaptive assembly, in a nesting arrangement or a single battery pack can be easily removed and replaced with a freshly charged pack, as needed.

These and other features, objects and advantages will become readily apparent from the following Detailed Description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a photographic camera including an adaptor assembly made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the camera and adaptor assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1-3; Fig. 5 is a partial electronic block diagram of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1-4; Fig. 5(a) is an electrical schematic diagram of a preferred timing and low battery power circuit of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1-5; Fig. 5(b) is an electrical schematic diagram of a preferred low battery indicator circuit of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1-5;

Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram relating to the data communications module of the adaptor assembly of Figs. 1-5 in conjunction with a digital photographic camera;

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment including a mirror assembly for directing the output of the lamp coaxially relative to the imaging axis of the camera; and

Fig. 8 is a partial schematic view of a battery pack including a set of modular auxiliary battery packs made in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description relates to certain preferred embodiments of an adaptor assembly which can be detachably mounted to an existing digital hand-held photographic camera without significant modification thereto. The following discussion is particular to medical applications, though it will be readily apparent that industrial, recreational, and other uses are also viable. Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 6, a hand-held photographic digital camera 10 includes a housing 14 including an interior for retaining a plurality of components, most notably an electronic image sensor 18, shown only schematically in Fig. 6, such as a CMOS-type imager or a CCD, which is aligned along a camera imaging axis 21. An optical focusing system 20, also shown diagrammatically in Fig. 6, containing either a single or a plurality of lens components is disposed in front of the electronic image sensor 18 along the camera imaging axis 21 in order to guide incoming light from a target of interest and to effectively focus the incoming light onto a imaging substrate of the imager in a manner which is commonly known. The optical focusing system 20 can be associated with the camera 10 or can include optics disposed on a detachable instrument head, (not shown), such as those described in copending and commonly assigned USSN 09/052,570, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Referring briefly to Fig. 6, electronics 23 associated with the electronic image sensor 18 convert the optical signal received at the imaging substrate into an analog electrical signal and ultimately to a digital video-ready signal of suitable format (NTSC, PAL, etc) which can be displayed continuously (e.g., real time) onto an LCD 22 disposed on a rear facing side of the camera housing 14 or in which separate images can be captured into the memory of a contained microprocessor 26.

The hand-held photographic digital camera 10 is further equipped to accept voice or audio data which can either be separate or associated selectively with an image(s) of interest captured by the electronic image sensor 18. According to the present embodiment, a DC 220 or 260 digital camera manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company is used, but other cameras having similar or other features, such as the Nikon COOLPIX 300, can easily be substituted. A general description of the processing electronics and creation of the digital image using the above camera are, for example, described in the above referenced USSN 09/052,570 and do not require further explanation for purposes of this invention.

A number of user controls are provided to control actuation (data capture) of the camera, as well as to control certain display features. A flash assembly 28 in accordance with the known art may be automatically actuated by light sensing apparatus (not shown) provided by the camera 10 or alternately by manual actuation by the user. Each of the above features are also notoriously known in the field and do not require further explanation, except as needed in order to effectively describe the invention. With reference to Figs. 1-4, an adaptor assembly 50 includes a body portion 54 having a top surface 53 with a recess 56 which, according to this embodiment, is shaped and sized to receive the bottom of the camera housing 14. The body portion 54 further includes an open- ended battery compartment 70 sized for containing at least one lithium ion or other suitable secondary battery, shown partially as 74, for supplying power directly to the camera 10 through an AC jack (not shown) provided on the exterior of the camera housing 14.

A continuous light source is disposed in a projecting portion 82 of the body portion 54, the majority of which is disposed substantially above the top surface 53. The light source according to this embodiment is an incandescent lamp, such as a halogen bulb 86, which is received within an opening defined on a parabolic, ellipsoidal, or other conveniently shaped reflector 90. The electrical contacts (not shown) of the halogen lamp 86 are connected through conventional means to a circuit board 94 provided in the housing interior to a manually actuated button or switch 98 provided on the rear of the body portion 54. A diffuser 85 is mounted directly in front of a piano section attached to the outlet end of the reflector 90. Referring more particularly to Fig. 6, the adaptor assembly 50 further includes a data communications module 60 that permits stored data to be transferred from the memory of the camera microprocessor 26, such as to a remote computer 64 having a database 65, an example of which is described in USSN 09/221,795, previously cross-referenced herein. Additionally, the data communication module 60 also permits data from other instruments, collectively grouped and labeled as 66, such as analog data from blood pressure measurement devices or digital data from other digital cameras. The data communications module 60 can also be used in connection with a keypad 68 to input patient demographics or other pertinent information into the internal memory of the camera 10.

The data communications module 60 according to this embodiment is also interconnected with the camera microprocessor 26 to more completely control the illumination system when the adaptor assembly 50 is attached. For example, the flash assembly 28, Fig. 6, can be disabled when the lamp button 98, Fig. 3, is activated. Moreover, the lamp 86 can alternately be directly controlled by the microprocessor 26. Preferably, activation of the button 98 controls a timing circuit 78, Fig. 5, which allows the lamp 86 to remain illuminated for a predetermined time interval (e.g. 30 seconds).

Referring to Figs. 2 and 5, the circuit board 94 is further connected to a low power indicator 102, such as a green, amber or other suitably colored LED, as provided on the rear of the body portion 54. The low power indicator 102 is directly connected to the battery 74 through a low battery indicator circuit 72, Fig. 5, and is illuminated when the voltage output of the contained secondary battery drops below a predetermined value. According to this embodiment, a 7.2 volt lithium ion battery is used, though other batteries having suitable voltage and current characteristics can easily be substituted.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, preferably, the secondary battery 74 can be accessed by the user without requiring removal of the adaptor assembly 50 from the camera housing 14. To that end and according to the present embodiment, the outer end of the battery 74 is retained by a spring-loaded catch member 106 disposed on the open end of the battery compartment 70 which acts as a slide switch.

Preferred versions of the timing and low power circuit 78 and low battery indicator circuit 72 according to the present invention are shown schematically in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b). Other suitable configurations can similarly be provided.

In operation and referring to Figs. 1-6, the modular adaptor assembly 50 is first attached to the camera 10 by placing the bottom portion of the camera housing 14 within the recess 58 provided in the top surface 53 of the assembly. Preferably, this attachment can be made without significant modification of the camera 10. According to the present embodiment, a threaded fastener (not shown) is inserted through an opening (not shown) in the body portion 54 aligned with the tripod mount hole (not shown) located in the bottom of the camera housing 14. Other means, however, such as double sided tape, etc. can be employed for retaining the body portion 54.

When attached, a plug 79 of the adaptor assembly 50 engages the AC jack, electrically interconnecting the contained battery 74 with the digital camera 10. Initial depression of the button 98 energizes the contained halogen bulb 86. According to this embodiment, the timer circuit 78 deactivates the bulb 86 after a predetermined time interval. More particularly, and referring particularly to FIG. 5(a), depression of the pushbutton 98 causes a first timer 112 to trigger. The output is a 200ms pulse that is determined by a resistor/capacitor combination that goes to the clock of a JK flip-flop 113. The function of this pulse is to latch the state of the output at the time the button 98 is pressed. The pulse is inverted and goes to the trigger of a second timer 114. This output is also a 200ms pulse. If the output is "OFF', this 200 ms pulse triggers a third timer 116. The latter triggering causes a 30 second pulse on the output of the third timer 116, allowing the bulb 86 to remain illuminated as long as the low voltage control is above a set voltage level, as explained further below. Subsequent actuation of the button 98 prior to the completion of the 30 second interval will latch the JK flip-flop 113 outputs with opposite values to the "ON" cycle and generate a pulse on a reset line to the third timer 116. This resets the third timer 116 and causes the bulb 86 to turn off. If the button 98 is pressed again, the JK flip-flop outputs again invert causing the third timer 116 to trigger as in the first instance, causing the bulb 86 to illuminate continuously for the 30 second interval.

Referring to Fig. 5(b), when the voltage level of the secondary battery 74 drops below a predetermined value (a set voltage) an indicator 102 disposed in the rear of the body portion 54 is caused to illuminate, indicating to the user that the battery 74 is nearly drained.

According to this embodiment, 6.4 volts is established as the set voltage at which the system can be used for a predetermined period of time until a critical low voltage (6.0 volts) is reached. Upon reaching the critical low voltage level, the camera will not operate. Alternately, the battery pack may shut off to prevent damage to the batteries. According to this embodiment, no further use of the bulb 86 is possible once the set voltage level is reached.

More particularly and referring to the low battery indicator circuit 72 of Fig. 5(b), a reference voltage (e.g., 2.5 volts) is applied to the noninverting input of a comparator 130 and the battery voltage is applied to the non-inverting input of the comparator through a voltage divider 132. As long as the battery voltage through the divider 132 is above that of the reference voltage, the output of the comparator 130 is high causing the indicator LED 102 to be off. When the battery voltage through the divider 132 is below the reference, the comparator output goes low, causing the low battery LED indicator 102 to illuminate.

As noted above, the bulb 86 will not operate when the voltage of the battery is below the set voltage. Referring to Fig. 5(a), and when the button 98 is pressed and the battery voltage through a voltage divider 134 is above the reference voltage, the output of a comparator 136 is high, causing a shutdown pin 138 to be high and allowing the bulb 86 to be turned on. If the button 98 is pressed and the battery voltage through the voltage divider 134 is less than the reference voltage, then the output of the comparator 136 is low, causing the shutdown pin 138 to be low and causing the bulb 86 to remain off. Once a low power condition (set voltage or lower) has been indicated, the battery 74 can be removed for recharging or replacement by pushing the catch member 106 upwardly against the bias of a spring (not shown), while rotating the adapter assembly 50 to allow the battery to drop from the open end of the compartment 70. It will be readily apparent that modifications to the above adaptor assembly are possible, such as depending on the type of digital camera being used. For example and referring to Fig. 7, some digital camera designs may not easily permit proximate positioning of the light source relative to the imaging axis of the camera. In this instance, a similar adaptor assembly 120 according to a second embodiment includes a body portion 124 containing a continuous light source 122 which is similar to that previously described except that the output of the light source 122 projects from a facing side 126 thereof. According to this embodiment, the light source 122 is not adjacently aligned with the imaging axis 21 of the digital camera 10 when the adaptor assembly 120 is attached thereto. A baffle assembly 140 positioned along the facing side 126 of the body portion 122 includes a pair of angled mirrors or reflective surfaces spaced from one another along a vertical frame 148. A first mirror 142 is disposed in the path of the outputted light and is angled so as to direct the light, shown as 145, to a second angled mirror 144 which then directs the light along an output path 146 which is substantially coaxial with the imaging axis 21. Referring to Fig. 8, an adaptor assembly made in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention includes at least one add-on battery pack 150 which can be detachably mounted to the body portion 54 in order to provide a nested arrangement with an existing and mounted adaptor assembly 50. The add-on battery pack 150 retains a battery 74 within a body portion 154 but does not require a light source. A switch 160 provided on each add-on battery pack 150 allows selective interconnection to the digital camera 10, such as when the secondary batteries provided in the first adaptor assembly 50 are drained.

Though the present invention has been described in terms of certain embodiments, it will be readily apparent that variations and modifications are possible which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, and as shown in Fig. 3, the adaptor assembly can include a frame grabber, permitting digitization of a video image which can selectively be transferred into the memory of the digital camera such as a patient data folder.

Claims

WE CLAIM: 1. A camera assembly comprising: a hand-grippable camera housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within said camera housing; an optical system for focusing an optical image onto said electronic imaging element, said image sensor and said optical system being disposed along an imaging axis; a display provided on said camera housing for displaying a digital image of a target of interest captured by said electronic imaging element; at least one primary battery internally disposed within said camera housing; and an adaptor directly attachable to said camera housing, said adaptor including an auxiliary power supply for powering said camera and supplementing said at least one internally disposed primary battery.

2. A camera assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said auxiliary power supply includes at least one secondary battery.

3. A camera assembly according to Claim 2, including means for detecting when the power level of said at least one secondary battery stored in auxiliary power supply is below a predetermined value.

4. A camera assembly according to Claim 3, including indicator means connected to said power level detecting means for indicating when the power level of said at least one secondary battery is below the predetermined value.

5. A camera assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said adaptor includes tracking means for locating the position of said digital camera from a remote location.

6. A camera assembly according to Claim 2, wherein said auxiliary power supply is a first auxiliary power supply, said first auxiliary power supply containing means for receiving at least one second auxiliary power supply.

7. A camera assembly according to Claim 6, wherein each said at least one second auxiliary power supply includes at least one secondary battery separate from the at least one secondary battery contained in said first auxiliary power supply and means connectable with said digital camera and said first auxiliary power supply for selectively diverting the energy of said at least one secondary battery stored therein to said camera.

8. A hand-held photographic digital camera comprising: a camera housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within said camera housing; an optical system for focusing an optical image onto said electronic image sensor, said image sensor and said optical system being disposed along an imaging axis; a display provided on said camera housing for displaying a digital image of a target of interest captured by said electronic image sensor; and an adaptor directly attachable to said camera housing, said adaptor including a body portion and a continuous light source disposed within said body portion, and upon attachment, the output of said continuous light source is disposed along an output path which is substantially coaxial to said imaging axis.

9. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein the body portion of said adaptor is releasably attachable to an exterior portion of said camera housing.

10. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said adaptor is integral to said camera housing.

11. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said continuous light source includes at least one lamp.

12. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said continuous light source includes at least one white LED.

13. A camera according to Claim 11, including a reflector having means for receiving said at least one lamp.

14. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said adaptor includes light guiding means for directing the output of said continuous light source to an output path which is substantially coaxial with said imaging axis.

15. A camera according to Claim 8, including switch means for selectively activating said continuous light source.

16. A camera according to Claim 8, including timer means for automatically deactivating said continuous light source after a predetermined interval.

17. A camera according to Claim 15, including a flash assembly disposed on said camera housing, said adaptor including means for disabling said flash assembly when said continuous light source has been activated by said switch means.

18. A camera according to Claim 8, including an exposure control mechanism for electronically optimizing the image captured by said electronic image sensor, said exposure control mechanism being connected to said continuous light source to automatically control operation of said continuous light source based on the degree of ambient light available.

19. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said adaptor includes means for selectively adjusting the tilt of said continuous light source.

20. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said adaptor includes filtering means for filtering out selected portions of the output of said continuous light source.

21. A camera according to Claim 20, wherein said filtering means includes at least one polarizer disposed in relation to said continuous light source for reducing glare produced by said continuous light source.

22. A camera according to Claim 20, wherein said filtering means includes at least one diffuser disposed in relation to the output path of said continuous light source for reducing glare therefrom.

23. A camera according to Claim 8, wherein said adaptor includes tracking means for locating said digital camera from a remote location.

24. A photographic camera comprising: a housing; an electronic image sensor disposed within said housing capable of capturing image data; an optical system aligned with said electronic image sensor for focusing light received from a target; a controller disposed in said housing for controlling at least one function of said camera, said controller including memory means for storing image data captured by said electronic image sensor; means for selectively capturing and storing at least one form of data other than image data in combination with image data; and a data communications module releasably attachable to said camera housing, said data communications module including means connected to said memory means of said camera for permitting data transfer between said memory means and at least one other external device.

25. A camera according to Claim 24, wherein said controller includes means for creating discrete data folders in said memory means, each data folder corresponding to stored data relating to a specified subject, wherein said data transfer means includes means for selectively transferring data to and from at least one data folder.

26. A camera according to Claim 24, including at least one primary battery internally disposed in said camera housing, said data communications module including an auxiliary power assembly directly attachable to said camera housing for selectively powering said digital camera in lieu of said at least one primary battery.

27. A camera according to Claim 26, wherein said auxiliary power assembly includes at least one secondary battery for selectively powering said digital camera in lieu of said at least one internally disposed primary battery.

28. A camera according to Claim 24, wherein said exterior device includes at least one computer having a database.

29. A camera according to Claim 24, wherein said data communications module includes tracking means for tracking the location of said digital camera from a remote location.

30. A camera according to Claim 24, including an integral display and means for annotating onto said display, said annotated data being selectively stored in combination with related image and audio data.

31. A camera according to Claim 24, wherein said data communication module includes memory means for storing video data obtained from said electronic image sensor.

32. A camera according to Claim 31 , wherein said memory means is removable from said adapter.

33. A camera according to Claim 31 , wherein said data communications module includes means for attaching to a docking station.

34. A camera according to Claim 31 , including power level detecting means for detecting when the available power level in the camera is below a predetermined level.

35. A camera according to Claim 34, including means for disabling said data communications module when the power level in the camera is below the predetermined level.

36. A camera according to Claim 25, including first data transmission means for transferring data between said camera controller and said data communications module, and second data transmission means for transferring data between said data communications module and at least one external device.

37. A camera according to Claim 36, wherein said second transmission means includes a wireless transmitter disposed in said data communications module.

38. A camera according to Claim 37, wherein said wireless transmitter is an infrared transmitter.

39. A camera according to Claim 37, wherein said wireless transmitter is an RF transmitter.

40. A camera according to Claim 36, wherein said at least one external device is a medical instrument.

41. A camera according to Claim 36, wherein said external device is a computer having a database for retaining transferred data.