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: Methods of calculating pixel values representative of a scene are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the method comprises focusing light representative of the scene onto a photosensor for a period of time using at least one exposure setting, wherein the photosensor has a plurality of pixels. Numeric values corresponding to the intensity of light received by each of the pixels during the period are generated. At least one exposure setting is changed and pixel values are generated by the photosensor based on the changed at least one exposure setting are calculated. The number of calculated pixel values that are greater than a first preselected value are then determined.

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: Auto-focus in a digital camera is improved by stabilizing successive images. Each auto-focus image is correlated to previous images so that scene movement or motion can be tracked. The area in the scene where focus figure-of-merit is computed is adjusted according to the amount of scene movement. Also, two separate focus frames may be compared to determine the direction and speed of the motion. This improves the accuracy of the focus figure-of-merit which results in fewer autofocus failures.

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: 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.