Abstract: A multi-spectral variable focus illuminator. The illuminator includes a plurality of first light sources arranged in a first array, each of the first light sources capable of emitting light in a first wavelength band, and a plurality of second light sources arranged in a second array, each of the second light sources capable of emitting light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The illuminator includes an array of lenses positioned in front of the light sources. The relative positions of the lens array and the first and second light sources are changeable such that the field illuminated by the first light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the first light sources, and the field illuminated by the second light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the second light sources.

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 multi-spectral variable focus illuminator. The illuminator includes a plurality of first light sources arranged in a first array, each of the first light sources capable of emitting light in a first wavelength band, and a plurality of second light sources arranged in a second array, each of the second light sources capable of emitting light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. The illuminator includes an array of lenses positioned in front of the light sources. The relative positions of the lens array and the first and second light sources are changeable such that the field illuminated by the first light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the first light sources, and the field illuminated by the second light sources varies in size with the relative positions of the lens array and the second light sources.

Abstract: Multiple uncompressed digital images, each at a different exposure, may be captured automatically in response to an image capture request. The set of uncompressed digital images may be stored as a single data object and manipulated to produce a final digital image.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilization of an image capture device are disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for autofocus of an image capture device.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to computer mice configured to track motion on smooth surfaces. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides an optical mouse comprising a light source configured to illuminate a tracking surface, an image sensor, and an array of lenses configured to superimpose a plurality of images of spatially different areas of the tracking surface onto the image sensor. The optical mouse further comprises a controller configured to receive a plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data from the image sensor, to detect motion of the mouse on the tracking surface from movement of one or more tracking features in the plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data, and to output a motion signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise exposing a plurality of pixels on an image capture device to a modulated light signal reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera after different delays. The method may also comprise correlating intensity of the modulated light signal received by the image capture device for each the different delays to determine a flight time of the modulated light signal. The method may also comprise generating a Z-buffer corresponding to the different regions of the scene based on the correlation.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilization of an image capture device are disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for autofocus of an image capture device.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilization of an image capture device are disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for autofocus of an image capture device.

Abstract: A variable focus illuminator includes an array of light sources and a movable lens plate positioned immediately in front of the array of light sources. The lens plate includes a plurality of lenses that redirect the light produced by the light sources, such that different positions of the lens plate result in different sizes of the field illuminated by the variable focus illuminator. The lens plate may be movable in translation, rotation, or both. The variable focus illuminator may also include a cover plate in front of the movable lens plate, which may also include a plurality of cover plate lenses. The variable focus illuminator may be varifocal, or may include a zoom capability. The variable focus illuminator may be part of a system that includes a camera, and the system may also include a pan/tilt mechanism.

Abstract: Image stabilization systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the image stabilization method, among others, includes detecting motion of a camera, and responsive to the detected motion, changing an optical filter orientation to displace an image provided on a sensor.

Abstract: Image-exposure systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a motion detecting device, and logic configured to determine when to terminate an image-exposure based on detected motion of a camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing Z-buffer generation in a camera are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise actuating a light sensor after various delays to receive a plurality of modulated light signals reflected from different regions of a scene adjacent a camera. The method may also include determining distance information for the different regions of the scene based on brightness values for the plurality of modulated light signals reflected from the scene for the various delays. The method may also include storing the distance information in a Z-buffer at the camera.

Abstract: A digital imaging device provides for different exposure times for each of a set of color components, the exposure time of each color component being inversely related to its strength relative to the other color components in a pre-exposure frame. By compensating for color imbalance in the scene during exposure, the digital imaging device improves the signal-to-noise ratio and, hence, the quality of the resulting digital image.

Abstract: A method of capturing images in an imaging device in a burst zoom operation includes zooming the imaging device from a first zoom setting to a second zoom setting, and automatically capturing a plurality of still images during the zooming, each of the plurality of still images being captured at a different zoom setting.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to computer mice configured to track motion on smooth surfaces. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides an optical mouse comprising a light source configured to illuminate a tracking surface, an image sensor, and an array of lenses configured to superimpose a plurality of images of spatially different areas of the tracking surface onto the image sensor. The optical mouse further comprises a controller configured to receive a plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data from the image sensor, to detect motion of the mouse on the tracking surface from movement of one or more tracking features in the plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data, and to output a motion signal.

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: A method and apparatus are described wherein the composition responsiveness of a camera comprising an image stabilization system is adjusted. In example embodiments, the composition responsiveness may be adjusted in response to a particular photographic situation, including a scene condition, a camera optical configuration, a camera mode setting, or any combination of these. In another embodiment of the invention, the composition responsiveness is adjusted during a capture sequence used to take a photograph.

Abstract: A digital camera delays the capture of a digital image after image capture has been requested until the motion of the digital camera satisfies a motion criterion. The digital camera thereby reduces image blur that would otherwise occur due to camera motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing programmable anti-aliasing in cameras are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment the method may comprise characterizing at least one image for existing aliasing, and characterizing existing blur in the at least one image. The method may also include introducing blur during image capture operations by the camera based on the aliasing and existing blur in the at least one image.