Abstract: A collection of image templates in a digital camera guides a user in the taking of pictures. The image templates may have associated sample images that are optionally replaceable, in arbitrary order, by images captured by the user in the digital camera. Textual or audible instructions for capturing user images to replace the sample images may also be provided. A photo album containing images associated with at least one image template in a collection may be generated automatically.

Abstract: A digital camera delays the capture of a digital image after image capture has been requested until the motion of the digital camera satisfies a motion criterion. The digital camera thereby reduces image blur that would otherwise occur due to camera motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing exposure restart in cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise starting image exposure in response to user input to photograph a scene. The method may also comprise characterizing camera shake based at least in part on motion of the camera. The method may also comprise restarting the image exposure based at least in part on the characterized camera shake.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise exposing a plurality of pixels on an image capture device to a modulated light signal reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera after different delays. The method may also comprise correlating intensity of the modulated light signal received by the image capture device for each the different delays to determine a flight time of the modulated light signal. The method may also comprise generating a Z-buffer corresponding to the different regions of the scene based on the correlation.

Abstract: Systems and method for implementing anti-aliasing with image stabilizing subsystems for cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise characterizing motion of a camera, characterizing aliasing for an image being photographed by the camera, and moving at least one optical element in the camera during exposure of the image for both stabilizing and anti-aliasing the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing motion blur in photographs. In one example embodiment, a camera includes logic configured to monitor motion of the camera. The logic selects, based on the camera motion, a starting time, and ending time, or both for a photographic exposure such that extreme motion blur is avoided. The logic applies digital image processing to the resulting photograph to compensate for any residual motion blur that occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise actuating a light sensor after various delays to receive a plurality of modulated light signals reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera. The method may also include determining distance information for the different regions of the scene based on brightness values for the plurality of modulated light signals reflected from the scene for the various delays. The method may also include storing the distance information in a Z-buffer at the camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing programmable anti-aliasing in cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise characterizing at least one image for existing aliasing, and characterizing existing blur in the at least one image. The method may also include introducing blur during image capture operations by the camera based on the aliasing and existing blur in the at least one image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selecting a starting time, and ending time, or both for a photographic exposure such that camera motion that occurs during the exposure is amenable to compensation by digital image processing. In one example embodiment, a camera includes logic configured to monitor motion of the camera. The logic selects, based on the camera motion, a starting time that is a time when the camera has recently exhibited substantially linear motion.

Abstract: A strobe body including a photodetector, a flash tube, and a flash controller is built with the photodetector configured to detect a flash of light. The flash controller is electrically coupled with the photodetector and the flash tube and is configured to measure the length of the flash of light. The controller then fires the flash tube for a controlled length of time after the flash of light has ended.

Abstract: A camera selects different photographic settings when image stabilization is enabled than when image stabilization is not enabled. Preferably, for a particular photographic mode, a set of at least two separate exposure program tables is provided, a different table being used when image stabilization is enabled than when image stabilization is not enabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described wherein the composition responsiveness of a camera comprising an image stabilization system is adjusted. In example embodiments, the composition responsiveness may be adjusted in response to a particular photographic situation, including a scene condition, a camera optical configuration, a camera mode setting, or any combination of these. In another embodiment of the invention, the composition responsiveness is adjusted during a capture sequence used to take a photograph.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described wherein the composition responsiveness of a camera comprising an image stabilization system is adjusted. In example embodiments, the composition responsiveness may be adjusted in response to a particular photographic situation, including a scene condition, a camera optical configuration, a camera mode setting, or any combination of these. In another embodiment of the invention, the composition responsiveness is adjusted during a capture sequence used to take a photograph.

Abstract: A system and method for determining movement of an image capture device is disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises a first dual-axis linear accelerometer residing in the image capture device that senses a first acceleration in a first direction and that senses a first orthogonal acceleration in an orthogonal direction, a second dual-axis linear accelerometer residing in the image capture device that senses a second acceleration in the first direction and that senses a second orthogonal acceleration in the orthogonal direction, a processor that receives information from the first dual-axis linear accelerometer and the second dual-axis linear accelerometer such that the movement of the image capture device is determined.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing an image capture device are disclosed. One embodiment is a method comprising moving an autofocus window in response to detected movement of the image capture device.

Abstract: A camera includes a light transmitter configured to transmit light pulses at a first rate, a light receiver configured to receive return signals corresponding to the light pulses transmitted by the light transmitter, and a sampler configured to sample electrical signals corresponding to the return signals received by the light receiver, wherein the sampler is configured to sample the electrical signals at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilization of an image capture device are disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for autofocus of an image capture device.

Abstract: A sensor mounting system for enabling image stabilization in a digital camera is described. An electronic array light sensor is moved in relation to other parts of the camera in response to camera motion. In one embodiment, the sensor is moved by at least one linear motor having a ferrofluid in a gap of the linear motor. Other aspects of the system are described, including methods of heat sinking the sensor, a suspension system, methods of compensating for an effect of temperature on the ferrofluid, and a compact magnet configuration for forming the linear motor and providing feedback as to the position of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor mounting system for enabling image stabilization in a digital camera is described. An electronic array light sensor is moved in relation to other parts of the camera in response to camera motion. In one embodiment, the sensor is moved by at least one linear motor having a ferrofluid in a gap of the linear motor. Other aspects of the system are described, including methods of heat sinking the sensor, a suspension system, methods of compensating for an effect of temperature on the ferrofluid, and a compact magnet configuration for forming the linear motor and providing feedback as to the position of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor mounting system for enabling image stabilization in a digital camera is described. An electronic array light sensor is moved in relation to other parts of the camera in response to camera motion. In one embodiment, the sensor is moved by at least one linear motor having a ferrofluid in a gap of the linear motor. Other aspects of the system are described, including methods of heat sinking the sensor, a suspension system, methods of compensating for an effect of temperature on the ferrofluid, and a compact magnet configuration for forming the linear motor and providing feedback as to the position of the sensor.