Abstract: Described methods and systems for achieving an optical bokeh effect by a camera supporting a computing device, such as a laptop computer. A measurement is performed as to focus spot position of a subject. The depth of field (DOF) of camera lens is determined. An offset as to the focus spot position is calculated such the background of the subject would be blurred to increase the optical bokeh effect. The offset is added to the focus spot position or to be more in focus to decrease optical bokeh in the background, to arrive at a focus spot position that supports the optical bokeh effect. The camera lens is adjusted for the new focus spot position.

Abstract: An LED-based light system includes a primary light source and at least one redundant light source. The primary light source is activated by itself and the performance of the light source is measured to determine whether nor not to drive the redundant light source. The redundant light source is activated when the performance measurements indicate that a performance characteristic is not being met by the primary light source alone. The first light system can be activated in combination with the redundant light source once the decision is made to activate the redundant light source.