Abstract: A method for creating an instant review image is disclosed. The method starts by creating image data by exposing an image sensor to a scene. A first sub-set of the image data is transferred from the image sensor and used to create an instant review image. The rest of the data is transferred from the image sensor and essentially all of the data from the image sensor is used to create a second image.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implementing dynamic focus zones for cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method may include selecting a reference image from a scene being photographed. The method may also include selecting a plurality of difference images from regions adjacent the reference image. The method may also include comparing the reference image and the plurality of different images. The method may also include selecting a plurality of distinct focus zones based on correlation of the compared reference image and the plurality of difference images.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with increasing face detection speed are described. One example method includes determining whether to control a face detection process to selectively perform a face detection in a patch in a digital image. The face detection may be based, at least in part, on determining whether the patch overlaps a face previously identified by the face detection process. The example method may also include providing a signal to control the face detection process to perform the face detection upon determining that a patch overlap does not exceed an overlap factor.

Abstract: An on-vehicle disk brake lathe has a motor connected to a right-angle gearbox mounted to a body of the lathe, the gearbox in turn driving a spindle shaft through a flexible drive linkage such as a belt or chain. The spindle shaft extends parallel to a gearbox output shaft, and both are normal to an axis of rotation of the motor. The flexible drive linkage can be tensioned by adjustably mounting the gearbox to the lathe body or by use of an adjustably positioned tensioning element. A cover can enclose the flexible drive linkage. The separate gearbox allows the use of durable bearings for the spindle shaft, and allows these bearings to be spaced apart to provide a high degree of stability. The modular structure of the resulting lathe simplifies fabrication and repair, and allows use of a modular body for the lathe.

Abstract: Disclosed are digital imaging devices that embody a method or algorithm for transitioning from a displayable focus process to a high speed focus process which can be displayed, and wherein the transition is accomplished in a seamless fashion. In addition, the digital imaging devices may embody a method for quickly verifying the focus quality of the image. If the focus quality is acceptable, the device indicates that focus is good and avoids a long auto-focus time.

Abstract: A digital imaging device having a CCD sensor array with one or more fields captures both short and long exposures of a particular field during the capture of a single image frame. The short-exposure image data and the long-exposure image data from the particular field may be correlated to estimate motion within the image frame.

Abstract: A method for creating an instant review image is disclosed. The method starts by creating image data by exposing an image sensor to a scene. A first sub-set of the image data is transferred from the image sensor and used to create an instant review image. The rest of the data is transferred from the image sensor and essentially all of the data from the image sensor is used to create a second image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for responding to a data transfer are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a method that includes the following steps: determining a sustainable data transfer rate for data transfers to/from an external memory medium, acquiring a data stream, transforming the data stream, and selecting a value for at least one operational parameter associated with acquiring or transforming the data stream in response to the sustainable data transfer rate.

Abstract: A camera computes an image stability measure by measuring the variability of an edge-detect figure of merit evaluated from several immediate past photographs.

Abstract: A method comprises determining whether a digital imaging device is in a stable state or an unstable state and causing an event to be performed upon the digital imaging device transitioning from the unstable state to the stable state. The method also comprises precluding the event from being performed while the digital imaging device is in the unstable state.

Abstract: Systems and methods of implementing dynamic focus zones for cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method may include selecting a reference image from a scene being photographed. The method may also include selecting a plurality of difference images from regions adjacent the reference image. The method may also include comparing the reference image and the plurality of different images. The method may also include selecting a plurality of distinct focus zones based on correlation of the compared reference image and the plurality of difference images.

Abstract: Disclosed are digital imaging devices that embody a method or algorithm for transitioning from a displayable focus process to a high speed focus process which can be displayed, and wherein the transition is accomplished in a seamless fashion. In addition, the digital imaging devices may embody a method for quickly verifying the focus quality of the image. If the focus quality is acceptable, the device indicates that focus is good and avoids a long auto-focus time.

Abstract: A digital camera takes interleaved photographs of two different kinds. In one example embodiment, the first kind of photograph is taken using a first set of pixels of the camera's electronic array light sensor and has a short exposure time. The second kind of photograph is taken using a second set of pixels and has a long exposure time. More than one of the short-exposure-time photographs is taken while each long-exposure-time photograph is exposed. The two kinds of photographs are used for different purposes. For example, one kind may be used for performing automatic focusing while the other kind is used for displaying in a live view display. In this way, live view may continue while automatic focusing is performed. In another embodiment, one kind of photograph is used for providing a live view display, and the other is used in selecting exposure settings for a final photograph.

Abstract: A digital imaging device automatically detects that a subject is too close to the device for acceptable focus to be achieved and informs the user, takes automatic corrective action, or both.

Abstract: The shutter of a digital imaging device may be calibrated by comparing a characteristic of two separate exposures obtained from a single field of the device's imaging sensor during a single exposure cycle. Calibrating the shutter in this manner facilitates the accuracy of even very short exposure times.

Abstract: When using a strobe in capturing a digital image is determined to be imminent, a pre-capture image may be saved from which iris-color information can be derived. The iris-color information derived from the pre-capture image may be used to improve red-eye correction of the captured digital image.

Abstract: A digital imaging device having a CCD sensor array with one or more fields captures both short and long exposures of a particular field during the capture of a single image frame. The short-exposure image data and the long-exposure image data from the particular field may be correlated to estimate motion within the image frame.

Abstract: A digital imaging device having a CCD sensor array with at least one field captures both short and long exposures of a particular field during the capture of a single image frame, the short-exposure image data from the particular field being used to extend the dynamic range of clipped pixel data.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing an image capture device are disclosed. One embodiment is a method comprising moving an autofocus window in response to detected movement of the image capture device.

Abstract: An oral hygiene products dispenser stand for storing and dispensing oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, mouthwash, disposable cups, and dental floss is described. The stand includes a base, a supporting framework for storing and dispensing disposable cups, and a plurality of toothbrush holders. The brush head end of a toothbrush can be placed into a toothbrush holder to be sanitized and dried. The stand serves as an oral hygiene products dispensing station when the base supports a bottle of mouthwash, fluoride rinse or other antiseptic fluid.