Abstract: Autofocus methods and digital cameras employing a holographic element or hologram. The holographic element generates one or more displaced images that are processed to generate a bipolar contrast signal that provides for improved autofocus performance of the digital camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of artificial illumination in a scene powered by alternating current by sampling the light in a scene at a periodic rate.

Abstract: A focus lens and a zoom lens group having a first zoom lens and a second zoom lens are controlled separately from one another in an internal-focus camera. The positions of the focus lens and the second zoom lens in the zoom lens group are tracked, and are controlled to approach no closer to one another than a minimum safe distance to avert collisions between the focus lens and the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for auto-exposure control in a scene under artificial illumination that synchronizes the exposure control algorithm and final image capture with the intensity variations in the artificial illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for color correcting for the presence, in a scene, of artificial illumination that is powered by alternating current is disclosed. By sampling the light in a scene at a periodic rate the presence of artificial illumination can be detected and then color corrected.

Abstract: A lens/shutter/sensor assembly or complete camera makes a photographic exposure, targeting a target exposure time, of a stable light source. The exposure time is initiated electronically and terminated using an electromechanical shutter. A nominal value for the shutter delay is assumed. The exposure level of this first exposure is recorded. A second photographic exposure is made in the same way of the same light source, but targeting a different target exposure time. The exposure levels of the two photographic exposures, the target exposure times, and the assumed value of the shutter delay are used to compute the actual shutter delay. The actual shutter delay may optionally be associated with the shutter.

Abstract: A digital imaging device that allows the user to mark multiple objects with UI markers is disclosed. The digital imaging device automatically adjusts the focus and aperture to include the marked objects in the depth of field of the digital imaging device.

Abstract: A digital imaging device that allows the user to mark multiple objects with UI markers is disclosed. The digital imaging device automatically adjusts the focus and aperture to include the marked objects in the depth of field of the digital imaging device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panoramic sequence guide that can be used to guide a user in composing and capturing images to be used to create a composite panoramic image. In use, the guide tracks a viewed scene, determines the proper position of a composition guide relative to the viewed scene, and displays a composition guide on a live-view screen that provides an indication of what portion of the viewed scene is to be captured. The displayed composition guide is fixed to the viewed scene such that the guide moves with the viewed scene in the screen.

Abstract: Viewfinder apparatus, methods, and digital cameras that provide autofocus using retroreflected eye focus measurements. When a user looks at a part of a scene that is the intended subject of the image, his or her eye is correctly focused. The present invention measures the focus distance of the eye when the eye is focused on the desired location in the scene, and then uses the measured distance to set the focus of the camera.

Abstract: A camera includes software to compute a measure of focus at a plurality of focal distances. The camera includes an indicator of the measure of focus as a function of focal distance. The camera may also include an indication of present focal position. The camera may also include an indication of present depth of field.

Abstract: A digital camera maintains a consistent effective focal length upon switching from a first focus mode to a second focus mode, the focus modes having different maximum focal lengths. Maintaining a consistent effective focal length across focus mode changes obviates the need for a user to reframe a scene upon changing focus modes.

Abstract: A focus lens and a zoom lens group having a first zoom lens and a second zoom lens are controlled separately from one another in an internal-focus camera. The positions of the focus lens and the second zoom lens in the zoom lens group are tracked, and are controlled to approach no closer to one another than a minimum safe distance to avert collisions between the focus lens and the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A focus lens and a zoom lens group having a first zoom lens and a second zoom lens are controlled separately from one another in an internal-focus camera. The positions of the focus lens and the second zoom lens in the zoom lens group are tracked, and are controlled to approach no closer to one another than a minimum safe distance to avert collisions between the focus lens and the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A digital camera calibrates its exposure metering to compensate for charge accumulated in the vertical shift registers of an interline transfer CCD due to light reaching the shielded shift registers. The camera performs a short exposure, optionally suppresses the usual shift of charge from sensor sites on the CCD into the vertical shift registers, and then reads the contents of the vertical shift registers. An average digital pixel brightness value is recorded for this trial photograph. The average digital pixel brightness value of the trial photograph is removed from the digital pixel brightness values in subsequent light metering photographs. Optionally, the average digital pixel brightness value of the trial photograph is removed from the digital pixel brightness values in a subsequent final photograph.

Abstract: A focal length position of a zoom lens is calibrated by performing at least one focal length adjustment, collecting a time period measurement for each focal length adjustment, and calculating a calibrated time to zoom to a desired focal length based on the time period measurements.

Abstract: A method of controlling a zoom lens includes zooming to a desired focal length in one of two directions, and determining a focus lens position at least partly from the desired focal length based upon said one of said two directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the presence of artificial illumination in a scene when auto-focusing a lens is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for auto-exposure control in a scene under artificial illumination that synchronizes the exposure control algorithm and final image capture with the intensity variations in the artificial illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for color correcting for the presence, in a scene, of artificial illumination that is powered by alternating current is disclosed. By sampling the light in a scene at a periodic rate the presence of artificial illumination can be detected and then color corrected.