Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises methods and apparatus for a camera that includes a curved sensor. This first embodiment samples the output of a group of pixels on the curved sensor. The output of the pixels is compared to a predetermined setting that establishes the maximum amount of unwanted motion that is to be allowed in an exposure. If the output is below the predetermined setting, a signal processor, which is connected to the output of the pixels, instructs a shutter means control to increase the duration of the exposure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curved Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curved surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises methods and apparatus for a camera that includes a curved sensor. In another embodiment, the camera includes mechanical image stabilization. Yet another embodiment utilizes electronic image stabilization. Another embodiment incorporates optical image stabilization. In yet another embodiment, a camera with a conventional sensor includes an automatically-controlled lens shade which is mounted on the outside of the camera enclosure. This automatically-controlled lens shade extends for telephoto shots, and retracts for wider angle shots.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a curved sensor from silicon fibers are disclosed. In another embodiment, a curved sensor is produced having mini-sensors of differing sizes. In another embodiment, these mini-sensors are configured so that every other mini-sensor in a row of mini-sensors is shifted upwards slightly relative to its neighboring mini-sensors in the same row.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining a mobile communication device having a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, motion is deliberately imparted to a sensor and/or an optical element while multiple exposures are taken to provide an enhanced image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curved Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curved surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a curved sensor from silicon fibers are disclosed. In another embodiment, a curved sensor is produced having mini-sensors of differing sizes. In another embodiment, these mini-sensors are configured so that every other mini-sensor in a row of mini-sensors is shifted upwards slightly relative to its neighboring mini-sensors in the same row.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curvilinear Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curvilinear surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining a mobile communication device having a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) are disclosed. The present invention offers higher quality pictures that conventional phones that incorporate a flat sensor. These higher quality pictures are obtained without the need for large, bulky and expensive lenses. Higher light gathering capacity is provided, which reduces or eliminates the need for a flash to enhance ambient illumination. Longer battery life is obtained, since the need for a flash is reduced or eliminated. The combination of a mobile communication device with a camera that utilizes a curved sensor renders dedicated pocket cameras obsolete. The present invention, which, for the first time, combines a mobile communication device with a high performance camera, will reduce or eliminate the need to carry a separate stand-alone camera.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining a mobile communication device having a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) are disclosed. The present invention offers higher quality pictures that conventional phones that incorporate a flat sensor. These higher quality pictures are obtained without the need for large, bulky and expensive lenses. Higher light gathering capacity is provided, which reduces or eliminates the need for a flash to enhance ambient illumination. Longer battery life is obtained, since the need for a flash is reduced or eliminated. The combination of a mobile communication device with a camera that utilizes a curved sensor renders dedicated pocket cameras obsolete. The present invention, which, for the first time, combines a mobile communication device with a high performance camera, will reduce or eliminate the need to carry a separate stand-alone camera.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curved Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curved surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curved Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curved surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a curved sensor from silicon fibers are disclosed. In another embodiment, a curved sensor is produced having mini-sensors of differing sizes. In another embodiment, these mini-sensors are configured so that every other mini-sensor in a row of mini-sensors is shifted upwards slightly relative to its neighboring mini-sensors in the same row.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining a mobile communication device having a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, motion is deliberately imparted to a sensor and/or an optical element while multiple exposures are taken to provide an enhanced image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curvilinear Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curvilinear surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a curved sensor from silicon fibers are disclosed. In another embodiment, a curved sensor is produced having mini-sensors of differing sizes. In another embodiment, these mini-sensors are configured so that every other mini-sensor in a row of mini-sensors is shifted upwards slightly relative to its neighboring mini-sensors in the same row.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining a mobile communication device having a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) are disclosed. The present invention offers higher quality pictures that conventional phones that incorporate a flat sensor. These higher quality pictures are obtained without the need for large, bulky and expensive lenses. Higher light gathering capacity is provided, which reduces or eliminates the need for a flash to enhance ambient illumination. Longer battery life is obtained, since the need for a flash is reduced or eliminated. The combination of a mobile communication device with a camera that utilizes a curved sensor renders dedicated pocket cameras obsolete. The present invention, which, for the first time, combines a mobile communication device with a high performance camera, will reduce or eliminate the need to carry a separate stand-alone camera.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a Curvilinear Sensor System are disclosed. The present invention includes a wide variety of generally curved, aspheric or non-planar arrangement of sensors and their equivalents. The curvilinear surfaces, edges or boundaries that define the geometry of the present invention may be continuous, or may be collections or aggregations of many small linear, planar or other segments which are able to approximate a curved line or surface.