Abstract: A digital camera and method that embodies a preview image that shows what the final image will look like, including depth of field and shutter speed temporal effects (blur). Preview images are displayed as a series of stop-action still images rather than as continuous video. Overlays or picture-in picture can be used to show live action video simultaneously for framing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an eye-start system that includes a light source adapted to be housed within a viewfinder of a device, and a light sensor also adapted to be housed within the device viewfinder, the light sensor being configured to sense light from the light source that reflects off of a user looking into the viewfinder. With this system, light reflected off of the user is sensed by the light sensor and, upon such an occurrence, a device action is activated.

Abstract: A system and method quickly and effectively display battery status and/or other parameters of a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a method displays parameters of a portable electronic device in a power-off state comprising by storing a plurality of user-definable settings in response to a power-off condition. In addition, the method detects an activation of a status input, and in response applies power to a display, and displays a status of the stored parameters on a display, while maintaining operational logic of the personal electronic device in a power-off state. In another embodiment, a method displays a current battery-power status of a portable electronic device, while in a power-off state. This method retrieves a battery-power status that was previously measured and saved. Using this retrieved information, along with a measured amount of time since the information was measured or saved, method determines the current battery-power status.

Abstract: A digital image processing apparatus automatically alters a digital image based on metadata stored with the digital image. The metadata may comprise one or more dwell locations on which a user's gaze lingered as the user was composing the digital image.

Abstract: A digital imaging device detects or tracks a user's direction of gaze. The detected direction of gaze may be used to set one or more functions in the digital imaging device, and the history of the user's direction of gaze may be stored with a captured digital image for later use by an automatic image post-processing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling a display. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to monitoring the state of a computing device associated with the display, determining if pixel reduction is warranted in view of the monitoring, and, if pixel reduction is warranted, displaying a reduced-pixel, whole image that comprises fewer active pixels than an original, complete image previously presented in the display.

Abstract: A camera mount includes a hosting device including a flat surface for mounting a camera including a user interface. A first connector is located on the flat surface such that the first connector mates to a complementary connector located on the camera. The user interface of the camera also functions as the user interface of the hosting device.

Abstract: Control methods, a digital camera and a digital camera user interface that respond to arm, hand and/or finger gestures. The digital camera recognizes the arm, hand and/or finger gestures as inputs to its user interface and responds to implement predetermined tasks or operations.

Abstract: A user interface illumination system provides a user with information regarding the operation of a digital camera. The system may provide a user interface for informing the user of the ability to select a particular function to be performed on the camera. The user interface has a set of input means disposed on the camera and a set of illumination sources associated with the input means. A controller controls the light-emitting characteristics of the illumination sources based upon current or available operating modes of the electronic device. For example, all input means that are operational in the current operating mode may be illuminated. The illumination may be different for different input means to suggest preferred functions to the user.

Abstract: A digital imaging device produces and stores multiple video streams from a single imaging sensor array. The stored video streams may be post-processed using video editing software to create a combined video presentation.

Abstract: An illuminated interface system provides a user with information regarding the operation of an electronic device in communication with a docking station therefor. A plurality of illumination sources each emit light of certain states depending on the status of the electronic device. A controller is provided for controlling activation of the illumination sources. The illumination sources may be configured to have a first illumination state for indicating when the electronic device is electrically connected to, and operative to communicate with, the docking station and another device; a second illumination state for additionally indicating when a data transfer signal is being communicated between the first electronic device and the docking station or another device, and a third illumination state for indicating when the electronic device is not operative to communicate with another device.

Abstract: A novel visual-display system and associated method have improved menu management. In one embodiment, the visual-display system comprises a display defining a viewing area, logic configured to display a plurality of user-selectable menu options in the viewing area, logic configured to display at least one selectable menu option in a first display mode, and logic configured to display the at least one selectable menu option in a second display mode, in response to a time-out period. The at least one selectable menu option, when displayed in the second display mode, is less obstructive of the non-menu display information provided in the display, than when displayed in the first display mode.

Abstract: A user interface for an electronic device allows a user to make device settings persist after the device is turned off and then on again, or through other changes in operating mode. The user interface selection for making a setting persistent is presented to the user at the same time as the selection for the setting itself. The user interface may optionally be implemented using a control that enables horizontal and vertical scrolling, such as a four-way rocker switch or its equivalent.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, accelerometers are used as the input devices for an appliance user interface. A first accelerometer is positioned with an orientation substantially different from the orientation of a second accelerometer. The users may either tilt, tap, or tilt and tap on an appliance to invoke different operations of the appliance.

Abstract: A user interface for a digital imaging device having multiple operating modes organizes menu options for the various operating modes into a single menu comprising multiple mode views, one for each operating mode. The display of the device may be scrolled seamlessly from one mode view with its associated menu option icons to another mode view with its associated menu option icons, allowing a user to access easily any desired mode view or menu option.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an appliance having three appliance contacts disposed on its bottom surface and an appliance docking tray that allows transfer of power and data. The appliance docking tray has a grid of electrical contacts disposed on its top surface, and switching apparatus, such as a processor and switch matrix, coupled to the electrical contacts of the grid. The switching apparatus electronically switches between the electrical contacts to determine which of the electrical contacts touch the appliance contacts when the appliance is disposed on the top surface of the docking tray.

Abstract: A digital video camera and method that employs a motion detection algorithm to keep the camera locked onto an image when recording digital video images, particularly when using digital zoom features of the camera. The digital video camera comprises a record button, a lens, an image sensor for receiving images viewed by the lens, a viewfinder for viewing the images received by the image sensor, a zoom control for digitally zooming the image received by the image sensor, and processing circuitry coupled to the image sensor. The motion detection algorithm extracts video frames from the sensor images, such that the resulting video image substantially tracks the scene, despite motion of the camera.

Abstract: A system and method for providing help with operating an image capture device is provided. One embodiment comprises a method for providing help with operating an image capture device. The method comprises providing via an interface of the image capture device a menu comprising at least one menu option; providing a sub-menu in response to a selection of one of the menu options, wherein the sub-menu comprises a help option and at least one sub-menu option, the at least one sub-menu option relating to the selected menu option; and providing information regarding at least one of the at least one sub-menu option in response to a selection of the help option.

Abstract: A video thumbnail for use as an icon of a digital video file and method of generating same. The video thumbnail is preferably a relatively short, low resolution, animated video thumbnail. The video thumbnail is extracted from a preferred sequence of the video file and embedded as a header of the file. The video thumbnail preferably plays automatically, and acts as a pointer to the file and the preferred point within it.