Abstract: This disclosure includes several different features suitable for use in circumaural and supra-aural headphones designs. Designs that include earpad assemblies that improve acoustic isolation are discussed. User convenience features that include automatically detecting the orientation of the headphones on a user's head are also discussed. Various power-saving features, design features, sensor configurations and user comfort features are also discussed.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for generating a selective color image. The method includes capturing a color image data within a current scene. The method further includes retrieving image color values from the color image data. The method further includes receiving a selection of at least one location within the color image data. The method further includes generating a color mask, including at least one unmasked area identified within a depth map of the current scene, and applying the color mask to the color image data to generate a color masked image data. The method further includes combining the color masked image data with monochromatic image data of the current scene to create a selective color image that includes the monochromatic image data with the at least one portion, and then the method includes providing the selective color image to at least one output device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for calibrating a depth sensor of a device. The method includes simultaneously capturing within a current scene: a red-green-blue (RGB) image by a RGB sensor of a device; and an infrared (IR) image by an IR sensor of the device. The method further includes concurrently capturing, via an IR sensor of the device, an uncalibrated depth image within the current scene. The method further includes calculating calibration data from the RGB image and the IR image and applying the calibration data to the uncalibrated depth image to generate a corrected depth image. The method further includes combining the RGB image and the corrected depth image to generate a RGB depth image. The method further includes, presenting the RGB depth image on an output device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for generating a selective color image. The method includes capturing a color image data within a current scene. The method further includes retrieving image color values from the color image data. The method further includes receiving a selection of at least one location within the color image data. The method further includes generating a color mask, including at least one unmasked area identified within a depth map of the current scene, and applying the color mask to the color image data to generate a color masked image data. The method further includes combining the color masked image data with monochromatic image data of the current scene to create a selective color image that includes the monochromatic image data with the at least one portion, and then the method includes providing the selective color image to at least one output device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for generating a selective color image. The method includes capturing a color image data within a current scene. The method further includes retrieving image color values from the color image data. The method further includes receiving a selection of at least one location within the color image data. The method further includes generating a color mask and applying the color mask to the color image data to generate a color masked image data. The method further includes combining the color masked image data with monochromatic image data of the current scene to create a selective color image that includes the monochromatic image data with the at least one portion, and then the method includes providing the selective color image to at least one output device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for calibrating a depth sensor of a device. The method includes simultaneously capturing within a current scene: a red-green-blue (RGB) image by a RGB sensor of a device; and an infrared (IR) image by an IR sensor of the device. The method further includes concurrently capturing, via an IR sensor of the device, an uncalibrated depth image within the current scene. The method further includes calculating calibration data from the RGB image and the IR image and applying the calibration data to the uncalibrated depth image to generate a corrected depth image. The method further includes combining the RGB image and the corrected depth image to generate a RGB depth image. The method further includes, presenting the RGB depth image on an output device.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for generating a selective color image. The method includes capturing a color image data within a current scene. The method further includes retrieving image color values from the color image data. The method further includes receiving a selection of at least one location within the color image data. The method further includes generating a color mask and applying the color mask to the color image data to generate a color masked image data. The method further includes combining the color masked image data with monochromatic image data of the current scene to create a selective color image that includes the monochromatic image data with the at least one portion, and then the method includes providing the selective color image to at least one output device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for invoking a High Dynamic Range (“HDR”) mode in a camera are disclosed. The method comprises detecting that the camera is operating in a preview mode. The method further comprises determining a dynamic range, Auto Exposure (“AE”) metadata, and a motion level associated with a plurality of frames captured in the preview mode. Finally, the method comprises invoking the HDR mode when each of the determined dynamic range, the AE metadata, and the motion level is above a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value, respectively.

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: A method and apparatus for invoking a High Dynamic Range (“HDR”) mode in a camera are disclosed. The method comprises detecting that the camera is operating in a preview mode. The method further comprises determining a dynamic range, Auto Exposure (“AE”) metadata, and a motion level associated with a plurality of frames captured in the preview mode. Finally, the method comprises invoking the HDR mode when each of the determined dynamic range, the AE metadata, and the motion level is above a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for generating multiple processed images from a single captured image generated by an electronic imaging device. In one embodiment, a digital camera includes multiple sets of operating parameters which may be advantageously configured according to the demands of particular photographic environments. For each image captured by a digital camera as raw data, the data is processed according to each parameter set prior to compression, storage in temporary memory, and ultimate upload onto a computer or other permanent storage device.

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: A camera includes a light transmitter configured to transmit light pulses at a first rate, a light receiver configured to receive return signals corresponding to the light pulses transmitted by the light transmitter, and a sampler configured to sample electrical signals corresponding to the return signals received by the light receiver, wherein the sampler is configured to sample the electrical signals at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

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: 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 photography system includes a digital camera and a remote control. The remote control emits a light that the photographer can use to designate a subject to be photographed by pointing the remote control at the subject, casting a light spot on the subject. In a preferred embodiment, the light is generated by a laser pointer included in the remote control. The camera selects a region to photograph from its field of view, based on the location or motion of the light spot. The camera may optionally select a region that is centered on the light spot. The photographer may optionally specify the size of the region to be selected. The camera may optionally adjust the size of the selected region to assist in photographic composition. The camera may optionally be capable of making video recordings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing images in a digital camera and improving the quality of images produced by camera processing software. In low-light digital camera photography, a dark frame image is subtracted from an original picture image to form a resulting image. The resulting image formed from the dark frame subtraction is evaluated for negative and invalid pixel values. Each negative and invalid pixel value is replaced using a pixel replacement algorithm with appropriate positive values.

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 digital camera and method is disclosed having functions for color balancing of digital images by allowing a user to manually adjust the color balance of a scene or image before capturing the final image. A sensor senses the image and sends it to an image processor for color balancing. While the image is displayed on the display, the user can adjust the color balance in real time by manipulating the user input device, which affects color balance parameters used by the image processor. After completion of color balancing, the user captures a final image using a shutter control. The image processor then applies the adjusted color balance parameters to the captured image. One embodiment adjusts the color balancing on a low resolution image and then applies the final color balance parameters to the captured image. The color balance may be adjusted using a color balance menu displayed on the display.