Abstract: A method for illuminating a user of a video communication device is disclosed. The method may include capturing a video image using the video communication device, determining video image quality factor values based on the captured video image, determining if the video image quality factor values exceed at least one threshold value, wherein if the video image quality factor values are determined not to exceed at least one threshold value, adjusting at least one display property of at least one unused portion of the user's display based on the determined video image quality factor values and the at least one threshold value, wherein the at least one unused portion of the user's display is not being used to present images to the user, and capturing the video image using the adjusted display properties for presentation to another party in video communication with the user.

Abstract: An alert system is activated in response to an event by positioning a portable electronic device, a cellular telephone or PDA for example, such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected. Images relating to the visual criterion are processed to detect the event and an alert system is activated if an event is detected. In one application, the portable device is held in a holder in a vehicle and used to detect vehicle lane departure or driver drowsiness.

Abstract: An alert system is activated in response to an event by positioning a portable electronic device, a cellular telephone or PDA for example, such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected. Images relating to the visual criterion are processed to detect the event and an alert system is activated if an event is detected. In one application, the portable device is held in a holder in a vehicle and used to detect vehicle lane departure or driver drowsiness.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an adaptive camera network is provided. The invention discloses a camera network comprising a plurality of cameras, wherein each camera in the network comprises a plurality of applications that include a first application for performing a primary function and a second application for changing the primary function and a trigger based on an event, the trigger activating the second application in at least a portion of the plurality of cameras.

Abstract: A first and a second image (401 and 501) containing a shared region of interest (400) are captured (201 and 202) using a rolling shutter mode of image capture. These two images are captured at different times, such that the second image follows the first image by a given amount of time.

Abstract: A visual reality augmentation apparatus (300) comprises one or more (substantially) real time reality context input stages (301, 302) that provide corresponding reality context information to a reality content detector (303). The latter provides detected object information to an augmented reality content display (304) that provides augmentation information (via, for example, projection display techniques) to augment the real world scene being viewed by a viewer. In a preferred approach a direction-of-gaze detector (305) detects the viewer's gaze direction. That information then serves to facilitate positional synchronization of the augmentation information to the viewer's point of view of the corresponding real world information.

Abstract: Captured images are provided (101) and analyzed (102) to generate corresponding image content information. One or more statistics are then generated (103) as a function of that image content information and those statistics transmitted (104) to a remote receiver via a communication link (or links) of choice. That statistical information, alone or in combination with similar information from other sources, can then be processed (302) to facilitate developing information regarding preferences, experiences, and/or the like regarding the user (or users) of a given device.

Abstract: A low power consumption switch interface circuit (100) includes a current source (109) for providing switch current (144) having a magnitude dependent on a state of a current range signal (135). An input terminal (142) is provided to conduct the switch current (144) to an external switch (102). A circuit (101, 103, 119) for detecting a signal (141) present at the input terminal (142) provides a measured pulse (127) when the signal (141) is detected. A current range selector (129), coupled to the current source (109), outputs a first state of the current range signal (135) while the measured pulse (127) is outputted from the circuit (101, 103, 119), and a second state of the current range signal (135) while the measured pulse (127) is not outputted from the circuit (101, 103, 119).