Abstract: An apparatus for managing the power of an illumination device supplied by a power source includes a switch, a switch controller, an imaging unit, and a pattern recognition unit. The switch is configured for electrically connecting or disconnecting the illumination device and the power source. The switch controller is configured for controlling the switch, thereby switching off the illumination device. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an illuminated area illuminated by the illumination device. The pattern recognition unit is configured for detecting whether any person is contained in the captured image, and if not, instructing the switch controller to switch off the illumination device.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a main memory, an auxiliary memory, an image capturing module, a quick turn-on button, a first initialization module, and a second initialization module. The capacity of the auxiliary memory is smaller than that of the main memory and is capable of storing images after being initialized. The image capturing module is capable of capturing images after being initialized. The quick turn-on button is configured for starting the image capturing device. The first initialization module is configured for initializing the image capturing module and the auxiliary memory when the quick turn-on button is triggered. The second initialization module is configured for initializing the main memory after the image capturing module and the auxiliary memory being initialized.

Abstract: An exemplary auto-focus method includes the following steps. An ambient brightness is measured before a pre-flash. Then, a pre-flash ambient brightness is also measured during the pre-flash is fired. A main flash ratio is subsequently calculated using the ambient brightness, the pre-flash ambient brightness, and a preset desired brightness. Next, an object distance is indexed using the calculated main flash ratio and a table. The table includes a collection of main flash ratios and a collection of object distances, where each flash ratio is associated with a corresponding object distance. Then an image distance corresponding to the indexed object distance is calculated using the imaging formula. The calculated image distance is converted into a number of focus steps of a focus lens. Finally, the focus lens is moved with a corresponding number of focus steps.

Abstract: An exemplary image capture device includes a camera module, a buffer including a first unit and a second unit, a processor, and a memory. The camera module is configured for capturing images by forming corresponding electric signals. The first unit of the buffer is configured for buffering electric signals formed in a period that the image capture device is used to preview before capturing. The second unit of the buffer is configured for buffering electric signals formed after the image capture device is fired to photograph. The processor is configured for processing the electric signals in the first unit into preview digital images when preview, and processing the electric signals in the second unit and those still buffered in the first unit into final digital images after the image capture device is fired. The memory is configured for storing the final digital images outputted from the processor.

Abstract: An exemplary auto-focus method includes the following steps. An ambient brightness is measured before a pre-flash. Then, a pre-flash ambient brightness is also measured during the pre-flash is fired. A main flash ratio is subsequently calculated using the ambient brightness, the pre-flash ambient brightness, and a preset desired brightness. Next, an object distance is indexed using the calculated main flash ratio and a table. The table includes a collection of main flash ratios and a collection of object distances, where each flash ratio is associated with a corresponding object distance. Then an image distance corresponding to the indexed object distance is calculated using the imaging formula. The calculated image distance is converted into a number of focus steps of a focus lens. Finally, the focus lens is moved with a corresponding number of focus steps.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an LCD panel, an orienting base, an imaging unit, an image processing unit, and a control unit. The LCD panel is configured for displaying information readable from any vantage point inside the viewing cone thereof. The orienting base is configured for supporting and orienting the LCD panel. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an immediate area in front of the LCD panel. The image processing unit is configured for processing the captured images to detect whether the eyes of the viewer are within the immediate area but are outside the viewing cone of the LCD panel, and, if yes, to locate the eyes of the viewer. The control unit is configured for controlling the orienting base to orient the LCD panel to aim the viewing cone of the LCD panel to include the located eyes of the viewer.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, an imaging unit, a contrast measuring unit, a detecting unit, a processing unit and an adjusting unit. The imaging unit includes a focus lens, an imaging sensor, and a stepper motor, the focus lens being driven by the stepper motor to a number of predetermined points, and capable of capturing an image at each predetermined point. The contrast measuring unit is for measuring contrast values of the captured images. The detecting unit is for comparing the measured contrast values, and detecting which one of the images has the highest contrast value. The processing unit is for calculating an object distance according to which predetermined point the focus lens was at when it captured the image with the highest contrast value, and generating a control signal. The adjusting unit is for adjusting the brightness of the display according to the control signal generated from the processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing the power of an illumination device supplied by a power source includes a switch, a switch controller, an imaging unit, and a pattern recognition unit. The switch is configured for electrically connecting or disconnecting the illumination device and the power source. The switch controller is configured for controlling the switch, thereby switching off the illumination device. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an illuminated area illuminated by the illumination device. The pattern recognition unit is configured for detecting whether any person is contained in the captured image, and if not, instructing the switch controller to switch off the illumination device.

Abstract: A computer-based method for determining sleep status of a baby in a cradle and controlling movement of the cradle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an image of the baby's face at fixed intervals through a digital camera, and storing the image in the digital camera; finding the baby's face in the image; locating the eyes in the image of the baby's face and framing the opening of the eyelids; determining the openness of the baby's eyes by calculating a ratio of a height of a rectangle framing the opening of eyelids to a width of the rectangle, and comparing the result with the preset threshold; judging whether the baby is asleep according to the comparison; sending a corresponding command to the motor for controlling the movement of the cradle. A related system is also disclosed.