Abstract: Viewing devices are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a viewing device is a digital camera having at least one function. And embodiment of the digital camera comprises a touch pad, wherein in which a stylus that is moved relative to the touch pad is detectable by the digital camera. The speed at which the function is performed corresponds to the speed that the stylus is moved relative to the touch pad.

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: Disclosed are systems and methods for transferring data. In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to configuring a first device to send data, touching an external contact of the first device to an external contact of a second device, and transmitting data from the first device to the second device via the touching contacts.

Abstract: A system and method quickly and effectively display battery status and/or other parameters of a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a method displays parameters of a portable electronic device in a power-off state by storing a plurality of user-definable settings in response to a power-off condition. In addition, the method detects an activation of a status input, and in response applies power to a display, and displays a status of the stored parameters on a display, while maintaining operational logic of the personal electronic device in a power-off state. In another embodiment, a method displays a current battery-power status of a portable electronic device, while in a power-off state. This method retrieves a battery-power status that was previously measured and saved. Using this retrieved information, along with a measured amount of time since the information was measured or saved, method determines the current battery-power status.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of controlling the attributes of a camera display is disclosed. The method and arrangement obtain information relating to a scene and detect a sensitivity value associated with a camera. Using this information, at least a brightness of the camera display associated with the camera is controlled in accordance with the obtained information and the detected sensitivity value.

Abstract: A system and method quickly and effectively display battery status and/or other parameters of a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a method displays parameters of a portable electronic device in a power-off state comprising by storing a plurality of user-definable settings in response to a power-off condition. In addition, the method detects an activation of a status input, and in response applies power to a display, and displays a status of the stored parameters on a display, while maintaining operational logic of the personal electronic device in a power-off state. In another embodiment, a method displays a current battery-power status of a portable electronic device, while in a power-off state. This method retrieves a battery-power status that was previously measured and saved. Using this retrieved information, along with a measured amount of time since the information was measured or saved, method determines the current battery-power status.

Abstract: A docking station may comprise first, second, and third ports. The first port may be connectable to a computer, the second port may be connectable to a digital imaging device, and the third port may be connectable to at least one peripheral device. The computer may function as a host for the peripheral device when the computer is connected to the first port. The digital imaging device may function as a host for the peripheral device when the computer is not connected to the first port and the digital imaging device is connected to the second port.

Abstract: A strobe or flash that charges the strobe capacitor dependent on the measured light and strobe use model can improve the battery life in a portable device. The scene illumination is measured and the current charge level of the strobe capacitor is measured. If the scene needs more light than the charge can supply, then a charge process is started. The rate of charge is dependent on the amount of additional illumination needed for the scene and the difference between the current charge level and the required charge level of the strobe capacitor.

Abstract: A camera docking system comprises a camera and a docking station. The docking station accepts connections from multiple external devices in addition to the camera itself and a power connection. The docking station has multiple controls that the user can actuate to initiate interactions between the camera and the other devices, each control corresponding to a device. At least some of the interactive functions can be accomplished without a computer attached or active. The docking system may optionally detect what devices are connected and indicates the operability of corresponding controls.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of controlling the attributes of a camera display is disclosed. The method and arrangement obtain information relating to a scene and detect a sensitivity value associated with a camera. Using this information, at least a brightness of the camera display associated with the camera is controlled in accordance with the obtained information and the detected sensitivity value.