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: Digital cameras and methods of using digital cameras are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a digital camera comprises a display and a help switch. The help switch causes the digital camera to enter a help mode when it is activated. In addition help information that informs a user of various functions associated with operating the digital camera when the help switch is displayed on the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for assisting in tone composition of an image. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises receiving light information corresponding to light detected by a plurality of pixels, analyzing the light information to determine a light value for each of the plurality of pixels, determining contour information, the contour information corresponding to a plurality of groups of adjacent pixels, wherein each group of adjacent pixels is characterized by a unique predetermined range of light values, and communicating the contour information to a display.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying image composition templates with preview images is described. One embodiment comprises analyzing at least one characteristic of a preview image, determining a nature of the preview image based upon the analyzed characteristic, selecting an image composition template corresponding to the determined nature of the preview image and displaying the selected image composition template concurrently with the preview image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is shown for improving image capturing ability, the method comprising electronically analyzing captured images to determine variations from accepted image criteria, electronically analyzing the determined variations to determine a pattern of determined variations, and providing an indication of relative image capturing performance.

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 foot operated control for controlling both the steering and speed of a trolling motor that is mounted on a boat. The foot control includes an on-off switch disposed on a conically shaped, rotatable foot plate which can support an operator's entire body weight when operating and can be accessed by the foot of an operator from plural sides without repositioning the foot control on a boat deck. The rotatable foot plate overlays a thrust bearing that is secured to a flat bodied base plate. When the foot plate is rotated by the operator's foot, motion is transferred through a mechanism, e.g. a rack and pinion, that is recessed in base plate. The rack is connected to the trolling motor by a flexible control cable, and when foot plate is rotated, the trolling motor rotates up to a desired one to one angular ratio with foot plate.

Abstract: An improved animal barrier material and an improved fastening system to simplify its knotting process are disclosed. The animal barrier material comprises a see-through cable netting characterized by strong and secure knots. An improved fastening system may be employed to simplify knotting and produce superior cable connections. The improved fastening system requires only a single spool of cable to form grids for netting; its simplified knotting process does not require passing a spool of cable through any previously-tied portion of the net. The resulting cable netting provides a superior see-through netting for simultaneous containment and visual enjoyment of zoo animals.