Abstract: An electrically variable optical filter includes a first optical element including a first angled face and a second optical element including a second angled face. The second angled face is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first angled face. At least one separation actuator is affixed between the first optical element and the second optical element and is operable to change a separation distance D between the first angled face and the second angled face. Light waves transmitted through the first optical element are selectively transmitted through to or reflected away from the second optical element as a function of wavelength and the separation distance D.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing photo's on a page to create a photo “cube” using origami.

Abstract: A digital camera, a user interface for use in a digital camera and a method of file identification employ user-designated file identification of an image recorded by the digital camera. The user-designated file identification provides for a user of the camera to enter file identification data into the camera corresponding to the image. The user-designated file identification receives the data, encodes the data into a filename, and associates the filename with a particular image file. The user-designated file identification comprises voice-based entry and/or button-based entry of the data by the user. For voice-based entry, the user interface comprises a microphone and a voice recognition system. For button-based entry, the user interface comprises a set of preprogrammed alphanumeric strings and associated buttons. Each preprogrammed string corresponds to different preprogrammed data. The user presses a button to select corresponding preprogrammed data to be encoded into the filename.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an imaging device. The imaging device comprises a near-eye viewfinder that is operable to display an image using image data associated with the imaging device; and a viewing structure that is adapted to be placed over the near-eye viewfinder, wherein the viewing structure comprises a screen member that is operable to partially scatter light associated with the displayed image thereby permitting the image to be viewed from a greater field of view than the near-eye viewfinder provides.

Abstract: An image capture system is designed with the capability of recording multiple images at varying exposures. Areas of saturation within the final exposure are determined, and color channel ratios are calculated from underexposed images and used to set pixels within the areas of saturation to maximum magnitude while retaining the color channel ratios of the corresponding pixels within the underexposed images.

Abstract: An electronic flash is constructed with the ability to vary both collimation and direction allowing a user to direct the flash to a portion of the subject. Collimation and direction of the flash may be displayed in the viewfinder of the camera and may be independently controlled by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the use of shrinkable print media. Various embodiments generate image data accounting for a desired size of an output image and an expected extent of shrinkage of the shrinkable print media. The image data is adapted for use by an imaging device to produce the output image having a size such that an output image having that size prior to shrinking would be expected to have the desired size after shrinking. Further embodiments provide a shrinkable print media having an adhesive attached to at least a portion of one surface. Still further embodiments provide print media kits having shrinkable print media and one or more templates adapted to impart a texture and/or shape to the shrinkable print media in a softened state.

Abstract: A battery shield and method protect a battery-powered device from contamination and potentially deleterious effects of electrolyte leakage from a battery employed by the device. The battery shield comprises a nonconductive body and a plurality of conductive portions that are electrically isolated from one another by the nonconductive body. The nonconductive body encloses at least terminals of the battery. A conductive portion makes electrical contact with each terminal of the battery. An electronic device comprises a removable battery shield. The method comprises inserting a battery into a battery shield that physically separates at least the terminals of the battery from electrical contacts of the device while providing electrical connectivity. The battery shield is one or both of disposable or reusable. A reusable battery shield is cleanable, such that leaked electrolyte is removed before reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide a convenient way for consumers to recycle used batteries. The apparatus is a self-contained station or kiosk that accepts used batteries from a consumer and dispenses one or both of fully charged batteries and credit for the used battery to the consumer. The method determines one or more of chemistry, rechargeability and condition of the used battery, assigns a credit value to the used battery, and dispenses a form of credit based on the assigned credit value. The present invention recycles one or both of used rechargeable and used non-rechargeable batteries and separately dispenses fully charged batteries. Used rechargeable batteries are recharged and reused, and used non-rechargeable batteries are collected for proper disposal according to regulations.

Abstract: A diffractive focusing device includes a light transmissive substrate and a plurality of selectively light opaque elements formed in the light transmissive substrate. The selectively light opaque elements are capable of being electronically activated. Particular elements of the plurality of selectively light opaque elements are selectively rendered substantially light opaque or substantially light-transmissive in order to create light transmissive channels in the light transmissive substrate with desired diffractive characteristics.

Abstract: An array of photosensors, used for imaging in a digital camera, is used to detect pressure, for example pressing by a finger, on an attached lens cap. The location of the pressure may be used to directly position a cursor, or the location of the pressure may be used to control direction of movement of a cursor. The lens cap is designed so that pressure on an outer layer changes reflectance or color of an area on an inner layer. For example, an inner layer may be translucent and dark and separated by a gap from a light colored outer layer. When the outer layer is pressed against the inner layer, the area of contact has an increased reflectance. Alternatively, the inner layer may be transparent, and a colored liquid may separate the inner layer from a light colored outer layer. When the outer layer is pressed against the inner layer, the area where all the liquid is displaced has the color of the outer layer.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an electronic image sensor, a memory, and a processor. The memory includes a motion detect routine, a predetermined image interval, and at least one predetermined motion threshold. The processor conducts the capturing of images separated by the predetermined image interval, compares a current image to one or more previous images, determines when motion between the current image and the previous image is below the at least one predetermined motion threshold, and stores the current image as a final image when the current image is stable.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a memory, a communications device, and a processor. The processor receives an enable/disable communication from the communication device, interprets the enable/disable communication using a set of enable commands stored in the memory, and sets an enable state variable in the memory in response. The image capturing device is disabled for image capturing device operations when the enable state variable is set to a disable state and is enabled when the enable state variable is set to an enable state.

Abstract: A camera with a selector device that may be used for adjusting frame rate while capturing video; and associated subsystems and methodologies.

Abstract: Image capture device control marks are automatically generated within a computer or printer and automatically printed on pages output from the printer. The control marks when detected by a control mark capable image capture device communicate information to the image capture device such as which areas of the printed page are text that require optical character recognition, which areas of the page are photos that require high-resolution full-color, which areas of the page are line drawings that require medium-resolution black and white, and which areas of the page are not to be scanned. Image capture device control marks may be configured in a wide range of sizes, styles, and locations on the printed page.

Abstract: A digital imaging device having a retractable lens may be turned off or on with the lens in the extended position, thereby saving battery power and facilitating rapid response to picture taking opportunities. The power saving and rapid response mode may be activated via a menu option, a predetermined gesture involving the power button, an alternative control element, or other suitable means.

Abstract: An electrically variable optical filter includes a first optical element including a first angled face and a second optical element including a second angled face. The second angled face is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first angled face. At least one separation actuator is affixed between the first optical element and the second optical element and is operable to change a separation distance D between the first angled face and the second angled face. Light waves transmitted through the first optical element are selectively transmitted through to or reflected away from the second optical element as a function of wavelength and the separation distance D.

Abstract: Image capture device control marks are automatically generated within a computer or printer and automatically printed on pages output from the printer. The control marks, when detected by a control mark capable image capture device communicate information to the image capture device such as which areas of the printed page are text that require optical character recognition, which areas of the page are photos that require high-resolution full-color, which areas of the page are line drawings that require medium-resolution black and white, and which areas of the page are not to be scanned. Image capture device control marks may be configured in a wide range of sizes, styles, and locations on the printed page.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an electronic image sensor, a memory including a frame buffer, and a processor. The processor conducts an image capture of a digital image frame and extracts predetermined events in the digital image frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide a convenient way for consumers to recycle used batteries. The apparatus is a self-contained station or kiosk that accepts used batteries from a consumer and dispenses one or both of fully charged batteries and credit for the used battery to the consumer. The method determines one or more of chemistry, rechargeability and condition of the used battery, assigns a credit value to the used battery, and dispenses a form of credit based on the assigned credit value. The present invention recycles one or both of used rechargeable and used nonrechargeable batteries and separately dispenses fully charged batteries. Used rechargeable batteries are recharged and reused, and used non-rechargeable batteries are collected for proper disposal according to regulations.