Abstract: A method for collecting and associating affective information for at least one image in an imaging system includes displaying a digital image for viewing by a particular user; automatically collecting affective information for the digital image as the particular user views the image; and associating the affective information with the particular user.

Abstract: An image capture method is provided. In accordance with the method, an image of the scene is captured and affective information is collected a capture. The scene image and affective information are transmitted to an image receiver. An imaging system is also provided having an image capture system adapted to capture an image of a scene and a memory which stores the captured image. A set of sensors is adapted to collect affective signals from the user at capture. A processor is adapted to determine affective information based upon the affective signals and to associate affective information with the captured image. A transmitter sends the scene image and the affective information to a receiver.

Abstract: A camera has a body and an electronic capture unit mounted in the body. The electronic capture unit selectively captures and stores a scene image as a representational electronic image having a first array of pixels. A control system is mounted in the body. The control system provides a remapped electronic image having a second array of pixels. A memory unit is disposed in the body. The memory unit stores a data-set defining an non-uniform mapping between a plurality of primary input coordinates mappable on said first array of pixels and plurality of primary output coordinates mappable on said second array of pixels. The control system uses the data-set to remap the pixels of the input electronic image to provide the remapped electronic image.

Abstract: A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

Abstract: An image file for storing a digital image and information related to the digital image includes digital image data; a user identifier; and affective information which relates to the feelings or emotions of the user toward the digital image.

Abstract: A method for customizing a camera for at least one particular demographic group is disclosed. The camera includes a programmable memory that stores at least one parameter value to control at least one operation of the camera. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one camera parameter having a preferred value for at least one demographic group that differs from the standard value for said parameter, selecting a demographic classification for the camera, and programming the programmable memory of the camera to set the parameter value to the preferred value for the selected demographic classification.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a first image sensor, a first wide angle lens for forming a first image of a scene on the first image sensor; a second image sensor, a zoom lens for forming a second image of the same scene on the second image sensor, a control element for selecting either a first sensor output from the first image sensor or a second sensor output from the second image sensor, and a processing section for producing the output image from the selected sensor output. In one variation of this embodiment, the first lens is also a zoom lens, where the maximum focal length of the first lens is less than or equal to the minimum focal length of the second zoom lens.

Abstract: A camera has a body and an electronic capture unit mounted in the body. The electronic capture unit selectively captures and stores a scene image as a representational electronic image having a first array of pixels. A control system is mounted in the body. The control system provides a remapped electronic image having a second array of pixels. A memory unit is disposed in the body. The memory unit stores a data-set defining an non-uniform mapping between a plurality of primary input coordinates mappable on said first array of pixels and plurality of primary output coordinates mappable on said second array of pixels. The control system uses the data-set to remap the pixels of the input electronic image to provide the remapped electronic image.

Abstract: A system for automatically transferring a plurality of digital video segments stored by a digital camera onto a separate storage medium. The system includes the digital camera and a docking unit. The digital camera includes a lens for providing an optical image; an image sensor for receiving the optical image provided by the lens to produce an image signal; a processor responsive to the image signal for producing the plurality of digital video segments; a digital memory for storing the plurality of digital video segments; a color image display for reviewing the digital video segments; and a docking interface to permit the digital camera to be connected to the docking unit. The docking unit includes a connector for receiving the docking interface in the digital camera and for connecting the digital camera to the docking unit; and a recorder for recording onto the separate storage medium.

Abstract: A dual mode digital imaging system has a still processing mode that produces an output image in a first color space and a motion processing mode that produces an output image in a second color space, in particular a first color space that is RGB and a second color space that is YUV. The digital imaging system includes a dual mode digital camera for use with a computer and a processing application for running on the computer, wherein the motion mode processing is relatively less complex than the still mode processing although at least one common control parameter is used to control both modes. The motion mode processing, which is performed using algorithms and software approaches designed to minimize processing time, nonetheless produces an entirely adequate relatively low resolution YUV image appropriate for applications such as videoconferencing. The still mode processing, on the other hand, uses more elaborate algorithms to optimize the image quality of a relatively high resolution RGB output image.

Abstract: A method for producing an extended color gamut luminance-chrominance digital image from a captured digital image includes determining an estimate of the colors of the captured digital image of an original scene and further processing to produce an extended range output RGB image value including values outside the range that can be displayed on the output image display device, and producing an extended color gamut luminance-chrominance digital image by transforming the extended range output RGB image values to a luminance-chrominance representation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and software product for ordering of digital photo services over a communication network among a plurality of photo service providers from a plurality of order terminals, each of the order terminals being associated with a one of a plurality of business entities. The method includes maintaining information with respect to business relationships between the photo service providers and the plurality of business entities and providing an offering at one or more of the plurality of order terminals based on the business relationships associated with the one or more of the order terminals.

Abstract: A method for determining affective information for at least one image in an imaging system includes sequentially displaying a plurality of digital images for viewing by a user; monitoring the viewing time for each of the plurality of digital images; and using the viewing time to determine affective information for at least one of the digital images.

Abstract: An image format for storing digital images within a baseline DCT compatible bitstream comprises entropy coded image data, a first application marker storing a first data value using a first encoding method to convey a first information value related to the image, and a second application marker storing a second data value using a second encoding method to convey the same said first information value related to the image. More specifically, the first application marker uses TIFF tags within an Exif application marker and the second application marker uses a FlashPix compatible structured storage stream, while the entropy coded data includes restart markers to define tile boundaries within the entropy coded image data.

Abstract: Methods for determining affective information are provided as are imaging systems that determine affective information. In accordance with one method, affective signals are obtained containing facial characteristics and physiological characteristics of a person. The facial characteristics are analyzed and the physiological characteristics are analyzed. The emotional state of the person is determined based upon analysis of the facial and physiological characteristics of the person.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

Abstract: A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

Abstract: An optical image capture assembly for use in an electronic camera includes a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output; a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor; a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output; and a zoom lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor. The camera is contained within an enclosure and, in one variation of the assembly, either the first lens or the zoom lens (or both) forms its image through a folded optical system in which an optical path between the lens and its respective image sensor is folded at an angle in order to conserve space within the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes an express zoom mode for producing an expedited operation over an extended zoom range. The electronic camera includes a first zoom lens for forming a first image of the scene on a first image sensor, a first zoom positioner for adjusting the first zoom lens through a first plurality of discrete zoom positions, a second zoom lens for forming a second image of the scene on a second image sensor, and a second zoom positioner for adjusting the second zoom lens through a second plurality of discrete zoom positions. A zoom controller enables an express mode when a user specifies a zoom transition from a present zoom setting within one of the plurality of discrete zoom positions to a target zoom setting within the other of the plurality of discrete zoom positions.