Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for avoiding image artifacts caused by camera vibration. The taking of one or more photographic exposures is timed in relation to the vibration, so as to avoid motion blur, video jitter, or both. The vibration may be characterized by motion sensors, or by analysis of image data.

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 slave strobe is built including a photodetector, a flash tube, a flash controller, a mode switch, a body, and a top rotatable with respect to the body, and depressible with respect to the body. The photodetector is configured to detect a flash of light. The flash controller is electrically coupled with the photodetector, the mode switch and the flash tube, and is configured to change modes of operation when the mode switch is activated. The mode switch is configured to activate when the top is depressed. The top includes a plurality of strobe lenses configured to modify a flash of light from the flash tube when rotated in front of the flash tube.

Abstract: A tripod is configured with a body configured to match the shape and size of the bottom of a camera. The tripod body optionally includes recesses allowing the three legs to fold up into the body, resulting in a substantially planar bottom surface. The three legs, when extended, are independently positionable to give the user the flexibility to use the tripod on non-planar surfaces, and to allow some aiming of the camera.

Abstract: A virtual input apparatus uses an array of transducers in contact with a sounding surface to detect a location of a sound or vibration transmitted by the sounding surface. A signal processor connected to an output of the transducer array provides data corresponding to a determined location of the vibration detected by the array. An electronic device includes a virtual keyboard that includes the array of transducers and device electronics. A method of entering data for the electronic device using the virtual keyboard includes creating a sound with a sounding surface that represents data to be entered into the electronic device by a user. The method further includes determining a point of origin of the created sound and mapping the determined point of origin into the data.

Abstract: A patient support platform provides a solution for healthcare facilities and nursing staff to address patient and staff safety, patient mobility, patient comfort, the availability of patient information, monitoring drugs and therapy provided, and controlling health care expenses. The patient support platform preferably includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. The transmission system preferably includes a drag wheel for applying a braking force in response to a voltage generated by a braking motor. The platform supports a plurality of devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The support platform also preferably includes a mechanism for releasably attaching the support platform to another structure, such as a bed. Embodiments of the present invention include multiple non-medical uses of the platform.

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 digital camera is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the digital camera comprises a memory device and a switching device. Image data generated by the digital camera is storable in the memory device. The memory device further comprises memory locations that are partitionable into a plurality of directories. The switching device has a first state and a second state, wherein image data is storable in a first of the plurality of directories. Image data is storable in a second of the plurality of directories when the switch is toggled from the first state to the second state.