Abstract: A user interface and related method of use provides enhanced functionality for input controls on a digital camera. Activating the input controls enables a user to individually display a given digital image of a plurality of stored digital images and then jump non-sequentially to another digital image. The user interface also or alternatively enables a user to use the input controls to zoom in and out of the given digital image.

Abstract: A digital camera maintains a consistent effective focal length upon switching from a first focus mode to a second focus mode, the focus modes having different maximum focal lengths. Maintaining a consistent effective focal length across focus mode changes obviates the need for a user to reframe a scene upon changing focus modes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for capturing a variable length of sensory data in association with still image data. The sensory data are generated from a sensor signal beginning prior to capture of a still image and ending a selected period after capturing the still image. The sensory data are stored in temporary storage. Still image data are generated in response to a control signal to capture a still image, and the still image data are also stored in the temporary storage. A default portion of the sensory data in association with the image data is stored in non-volatile storage. The default portion of sensory data in non-volatile storage is conditionally replaced with a selected subset of the sensory data from the temporary storage if the user selects replacement.

Abstract: A digital camera docking system user interface provides, on the display of the digital camera, information regarding the operation of the digital camera docking system. The user interface may guide the user in the initiation of interactions between the digital camera and external devices such as television monitors, personal computers, and printers and may also provide feedback regarding the progress of these interactions.

Abstract: An input device that has controls on more than one side is disclosed. The user orients the input device such that the controls to he used are in a predetermined orientation. A sensor detects which controls are in the predetermined orientation and enables those controls.

Abstract: A user interface for selecting a function for a device, such as a digital camera, to perform. The interface comprises a five position switch, such as a four-way rocker switch, a three position switch, such as a two-way rocker switch, and a visual display comprising a menu displaying a list of functions which the camera can perform. The camera user can easily and conveniently make his selection using one thumb on the five position switch and his other thumb on the three position switch while maintaining a grasp on the camera with his hands.

Abstract: A digital camera has both image capture and audio capture modes. The digital camera has: a control member moveable from an initial position to a first position for effecting audio capture and to a second position for effecting image capture. A releasable latch means latches the camera in the audio capture mode upon entry of the control member into the first position.

Abstract: A method of dynamically prioritizing menu items embedded in an electronic device, such as a digital camera, comprising the steps of selecting a menu item from an ordered list of menu items, recording the selected menu item in a record file stored in the electronic device, analyzing the record file to determine the frequency of use for each menu item, and dynamically prioritizing the ordered list by a firmware embedded in the electronic device based on the user's frequency of use to provide a prioritized ordered list, such that frequently used menu item is ranked higher in the prioritized ordered list.

Abstract: A camera docking system comprises a camera and a docking station. The docking station accepts connections from multiple external devices in addition to the camera itself and a power connection. The docking station has multiple controls that the user can actuate to initiate interactions between the camera and the other devices, each control corresponding to a device. At least some of the interactive functions can be accomplished without a computer attached or active. The docking system may optionally detect what devices are connected and indicates the operability of corresponding controls.

Abstract: A method of personalizing an interface of a portable electronic device comprises the steps of interfacing the portable electronic device to a workstation, modifying the existing version of the user interface so as to define a personalized version of the user interface, transferring information defining the personalized version of the user interface from the workstation to the portable electronic device, and implementing the personalized version of the user interface on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for navigating digital camera menus by receiving a first signal from a first controller, the first controller associated with a plurality of first soft keys, each one of the first soft keys on a corresponding one of a plurality of menus and having different text, such that when the first signal is received a first operation is performed, the first operation being substantially the same for each one of the plurality of first soft keys; and by receiving a second signal from a second controller, the second controller associated with a plurality of second soft keys, each one of the second soft keys on a corresponding one of the plurality of menus and having different text, such that when the second signal is received a second operation is performed, the second operation being substantially the same for each one of the plurality of second soft keys.

Abstract: An imaging device user interface allows intents or menu options associated with an image to be set while the image is being viewed. The user interface facilitates the displaying of a large number of icons associated with the intents or menu options and easy viewing of which intents or menu options are active.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of controlling the attributes of a camera display is disclosed. The method and arrangement obtain information relating to a scene and detect a sensitivity value associated with a camera. Using this information, at least a brightness of the camera display associated with the camera is controlled in accordance with the obtained information and the detected sensitivity value.

Abstract: A system for capturing, via a digital camera, an audio clip either before, during, or after the capture of an associated photographic image. The system allows a user to associate an audio clip with a corresponding photographic image by using two shutter button positions to respectively control the initiation of an audio recording and the termination thereof. In operation, a user presses shutter button to a partially depressed position which initiates audio capture. The user then fully depresses the shutter button, which initiates image capture with continued recording of the audio clip. Audio recording continues until the shutter button is filly released. The recorded audio clip and corresponding image are stored in local camera memory in a format that allows them to be re-associated when the memory is downloaded from the camera.

Abstract: A camera user interface assembly including at least one object viewer, a resizeable, image-capture-area designator superimposed on said at least one object viewer and a size selector operatively associated with said designator.

Abstract: An image browsing user interface provides convenient viewing of both individual images and groups of images. The user interface provides a convenient way to view both individual images and a preferred image from each group of images. The individual and preferred images may be uploaded to an external device or selectively processed by the external device.

Abstract: A modeless electronic imaging apparatus, such as a digital still camera, uses a touch-sensitive shutter button to automatically display “live” images from an image sensor whenever a user touches the shutter button. When the user is not touching the shutter button, the apparatus displays stored image data of the last stored image, or may display menu data according to actuation of system navigation buttons. The apparatus does not require the switching of modes between image capture mode and stored image display mode, but is always capable of image capture as well as stored image display.

Abstract: A user ranks photographic images by providing ranking information to an information handling system. Each photographic image is tagged with the rank selected by the user, and sized based on its ranking. In this way, photographic images ranked higher by the user may be sized larger than photographic images ranked lower. The sized photographic images may then be saved in an album file or other data file, or printed out, or both.

Abstract: A user interface for viewing and sorting photos at one time from a single common screen. The sorting operations includes such processes as deleting, locking, grouping, printing, and rotating the photographs or other data files such as tables. A user can (1) view from a single screen the photographs stored, (2) select the desired operations to perform on each photograph, and then (3) photograph by photograph view a display of selections made. Viewing and selecting desired operations from a single screen, eliminates unnecessary steps. In representative embodiments, a user of a digital camera or other imaging device can easily and conveniently perform these actions by selecting and activating a desired menu listed function using one or two thumbs while at the same time holding the camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting surface defects and artifacts on a transmissive image in an optical image scanner and correcting the resulting scanned image. In one scan, the image is scanned normally. Surface defects and artifacts such as dust, scratches and finger prints are detected by providing a separate scan using infrared light or by measuring light (white or infrared) that is scattered or diffracted by the defects and artifacts. Separate optical paths for illumination may be used, or separate optical paths for intensity measurement may be used. Image processing may then be used to correct areas in the normal scan corresponding to defects identified in the separate scan.