Abstract: A first processor-based device (PBD), such as a personal computer functioning as a host and containing digital media files, may share a selected file with a second PBD. Media file-sharing may be facilitated by an automated technique including graphical user interfaces (GUIs). In one embodiment, when a device user wishes to transfer a file to another device, the user hovers the file over a particular desktop icon and drops it, causing it to be automatically transmitted to a corresponding destination. Optionally, in response to hovering, a software program automatically generates a GUI indicating potential destinations. The user then selects a destination, and the system automatically transfers the file to that destination. In another embodiment, media sharing can be initiated from a digital appliance, such as a digital picture frame, and a file can be sent to another PBD, such as another digital picture frame via an intermediary PBD.

Abstract: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) objects displayed on a processor-based device are selected for future access and display. In one embodiment, a user positions a cursor over a unique object from a plurality of displayed objects forming an HTML page. The unique object is highlighted, indicating to the user that the corresponding HTML object is selectable. If the user wishes to select the unique object for automatic download of the object, the user can simply mouse-select the object. After the mouse selection, the user may indicate a download interval and a user-friendly object name. The interval, the object name, and an identifier for the object, such as its Universal Resource Identifier (URI) may then be stored for subsequent automatic retrieval of a current instantiation of the object. In some embodiments, recalled objects may be used within other desktop applications or displayed on an appliance, with or without using a Web browser.

Abstract: An imager includes groups of pixel sensing units and a control circuit. Each group of the pixel sensing units integrates photons from a different associated portion of an optical image over an integration interval for the group. The control circuit independently regulates the integration intervals for the groups. Photons from an optical image may be integrated to capture a pixel image. An energy may be determined by the integration, and times for the energy to reach different predetermined threshold levels may be measured. The duration of the integration may be regulated based on the measured times.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method of generating a final exposure setting, including, (a) selecting one of a number of predetermined exposure settings as a current exposure setting for a solid state camera having a camera imager, (b) generating a captured scene by the camera imager using the current exposure setting, (c) selecting according to an automated search methodology another one of the exposure settings to be the current setting in response to the captured scene being underexposed or overexposed, and, (d) repeating (b) and (c) until the captured scene is neither underexposed or overexposed.

Abstract: A cyan, magenta, and yellow array may be utilized with interspersed infrared detecting pixels to generate a three-dimensional depiction of an object with adequate green color sampling. Because the cyan and yellow pixels also detect green color information, adequate green spectral sampling may be achieved in a three-dimensional imaging device. In addition, sparsely incorporated infrared detecting pixels may be utilized to detect time-of-flight information. The time-of-flight data may be used to obtain depth information for generating stereoscopic or three-dimensional images.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method of generating a final exposure setting, including, (a) selecting one of a number of predetermined exposure settings as a current exposure setting for a solid state camera having a camera imager, (b) generating a captured scene by the camera imager using the current exposure setting, (c) selecting according to an automated search methodology another one of the exposure settings to be the current setting in response to the captured scene being underexposed or overexposed, and, (d) repeating (b) and (c) until the captured scene is neither underexposed or overexposed.

Abstract: A digital picture display system may operate through a wireless connection to a remote processor-based display. The system may operate in a portable and/or a fixed mode. In the portable mode, a portable display device may be wirelessly coupled to the processor-based system and may function using its own onboard battery source. In a fixed mode, the portable device may be plugged into a display station, which not only provides an AC power supply, but also aesthetically frames the display device, providing a picture framing function as well.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a microdisplay in which a displayed image element may be selected by gazing upon it. An eye gaze detector may determine what the user is looking at at any given instance of time if the user looks at it for sufficient time. Once an image element is identified as being selected by being gazed upon, the screen display may be altered to change the appearance of the selected image element and the unselected image elements. For example, the selected image element may be brought into focus and other image elements may be blurred.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method of generating a final exposure setting, including, (a) selecting one of a number of predetermined exposure settings as a current exposure setting for a solid state camera having a camera imager, (b) generating a captured scene by the camera imager using the current exposure setting, (c) selecting according to an automated search methodology another one of the exposure settings to be the current setting in response to the captured scene being underexposed or overexposed, and, (d) repeating (b) and (c) until the captured scene is neither underexposed or overexposed.

Abstract: An icon reader reads picture identification data from a data icon on an image print. This data is used to determine the location of a corresponding sound bite contained in a memory module and for playing the sound bite. The memory module contains sound bites recorded at the camera during picture taking. The icon reader includes a data reader module that optically scans the data icon from one location to read the picture identification data. The icon reader further includes a decoder for decoding the encoded picture identification data, and a data port for selective communication with the memory module. In one embodiment, the icon reader is structured to be a self-contained sound playback apparatus in which a sound IC card is docked to the data port and, in another embodiment, the icon reader is coupled with a wireless communication device for communicating the decoded picture identification data to a remote memory archive unit having built-in sound playback apparatus.

Abstract: An image holder such as a picture album (10) includes a plurality of pages (14) that receive printed images (18). The pages (14) also have markers (20) placed thereon, with each marker corresponding to one of the images. A memory (25) stores audio segments associated with the respective images. A user may place the printed images in any order in the image holder. A controller (22) performs an initialization routine to match the image locations with corresponding audio segments for future playback. Once the initialization is complete, whenever a user selects a marker associated with an image, the audio segment associated with that image is played back.

Abstract: A photofinishing system for automatically processing image and associated image data pursuant to customer output requests. The system includes an order manager operative to receive and control processing of the output requests and at least one source of image related data corresponding to the output request. An input interface receives the image related data from the source and converts the data to a digital data stream. A memory is included for storing the digital data stream. The system further includes a data parser disposed in communication with the memory to extract selected data streams according to the order manager and to reduce the data into respective image files having respective groups of data fields. An output module is responsive to the order manager and is operative to produce a photofinished output organized with respect to the data fields.

Abstract: An image and an associated audio segment are recorded on a film negative. The information on the film negative can be printed as encoded sound data on photographic paper or the like. For displaying, the sound data is scanned, decoded to create an audio segment data stream, and the data stream is played, typically by a computer while a monitor displays the image at the same time. More realistic sound playback is achieved by recording audio segments with plural microphones and playing back the audio segments recorded by the microphones from one or more of the sources based on a user-selected area of interest on the corresponding visual image.

Abstract: An image-audio print has either a single image or a set of images on a first side and an accessible audio data storage means preferably on its backside. The accessible audio data storage means contains an audio data segment associated with the image on single image prints and a set of audio data segments, one for each image on multi-image prints, for example, index prints. A player receives and locates the image-audio print with the accessible audio data storage means accurately positioned in electrical contact with the player apparatus. The player apparatus can play an audio data segment associated with the print from a single image print or by appropriate interaction with the user who selects a audio data segment associated with the selected image on multi-image prints. Preferably, a touchscreen is used to select the image for which the audio is to be played. The player also can record audio into the accessible audio data storage means and copy audio from one print to another.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge canister provided with an integrally formed, separate compartment for storage of a sound device, such as an IC sound card, used to record sound in association with still images captured on the photographic film stored in the canister.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic still image film orders having sound information recorded at the camera in association with one or more images captured on the film in which the sound information is downloaded at an order entry station to create a sound file for transfer to the photofinishing laboratory. Order identification data linking the recorded sound information to the film order is created and assigned to the sound file and the film order. The order identification data is employed at the photofinishing laboratory to create a sound recording medium from the sound file which is linked to prints produced from the film order, the sound recording medium then being attached to the image prints using the linking order identification data. Sound information associated with individual image prints may also be accumulated and recorded on a single sound recording medium for attachment to an index print produced from the film order.

Abstract: Film image display method and apparatus adapted to display image frames on film normally stored in a cartridge in a user selected sequence. The film carries a magnetic recording layer and the apparatus is programmed to allow the user to view image frames and hear sound recorded in association with the frames in a pre-determined viewing sequence, that may be user-determined. The viewing sequence is different from the chronological sequence of frames on the film. The apparatus and method also records data on the film which identifies the viewing sequence. Sound may be recorded in association with frames in the viewing sequence during user selection of the viewing sequence. When viewed later, the recorded sequence data is read from the film and used to control the sequence in which the film images are displayed.

Abstract: A display apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of still images having an audio subsystem for selectively storing and playing back audio information corresponding to at least one displayed still image. According to the invention, the audio subsystem can alternatively be releasably attached, such as to a camera to selectively store audio information, or to an album displaying the images.

Abstract: Recording of data segments on film in a photographic still camera continuously along a length of film spanning interframe locations between image frame regions is interrupted at predetermined intervals corresponding to multiples of image frames at which the film is normally cut into strip at a photofinishing facility. Codes are recorded at the beginning and end of a recorded segment and upon recommencement of recording following each interruption such that continuous, uninterrupted playback of the data segment is facilitated.

Abstract: Audio to be recorded in a photographic film camera in association with individual exposed frames is first digitized and stored in a temporary storage memory in the camera allowing playback through a speaker mounted in the camera to permit playback review and editing, as needed. When the film is advanced in the camera to the next exposure frame, the digital audio signal is recorded on a magnetic layer formed on the film. At the photofinisher, the digital audio signal is read and converted to suitable encodement format, such as bar code or binary coded blister marks which are impressed on the photoprint for subsequent playback.