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 system for optically imaging includes an array of cells, a charge shift register, two or more charge sensing nodes, and a charge demultiplexor. Each cell produces an electrical charge in response to photon stimulation. The charge shift register receives the electrical charge produced by each cell and sequentially outputs the electrical charge to the charge demultiplexor. The charge demultiplexor selectively distributes the charge from each cell to one of the charge sensing nodes. The charge sensing nodes accumulate the charge until reset by a controller.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for transferring image signals to readout electronics from image sensors. Electronic charges from multiple photosensitive elements are combined during and after transfer to detection electronics resulting in a greater signal to noise ratio. This enhanced signal to noise ratio provides the ability to make focus and exposure level measurements at lower light levels and often at greater speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting surface defects and artifacts on a transmissive image in an optical image scanner and correcting the resulting scanned image. In one scan, the image is scanned normally. Surface defects and artifacts such as dust, scratches and finger prints are detected by providing a separate scan using infrared light or by measuring light (white or infrared) that is scattered or diffracted by the defects and artifacts. Separate optical paths for illumination may be used, or separate optical paths for intensity measurement may be used. Image processing may then be used to correct areas in the normal scan corresponding to defects identified in the separate scan.

Abstract: A method for color imaging using a photosensor array having multiple rows of charge-coupled-device cells. The exposure times for each color channel are adjusted to provide improved signal-to-noise. The overall cycle time is determined by the channel having the weakest signal. A sufficient number of shift pulses are added to ensure that the weakest signal can still result in a full scale output. Once the total number of shift pulses per cycle is determined, the exposure times for the remaining channels are determined as a fraction of the weakest signal's required exposure (if possible). Each row has a separate transfer gate control input. The timing of the transfer gate pulses is then determined, preferably centering the exposure times to reduce color misregistration.

Abstract: An electrode for an external electrode fluorescent lamp. The lamp has intensity striations. The electrode has a periodic non-uniform area sufficient to cause a periodic non-uniformity in the electric field between two electrodes. The non-uniformity of the electric field is sufficient to prevent wandering of the striations. The striations have a range of pitch. The pitch of the area in the electrode is within the range of pitch of the intensity striations. Examples of non-uniform areas include serrated or sinusoidal edges and circumferential slits.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically enabling and disabling a termination impedance circuit for a computer bus. A peripheral device on the computer bus has two external bus connectors. A connector cover is provided for at least one of the peripheral bus connectors. The connector cover must be removed before a mating bus cable connector can be attached. The presence or absence of the connector cover is detected by sensor within the peripheral device. If a connector cover is detected, one of the peripheral bus connectors must be open (not connected to the bus) and termination is enabled. If a connector cover is not detected, termination is disabled. In one embodiment, the connector cover has a projection that passes into the peripheral device. In an alternative embodiment, a reflective surface is used. The cover may optionally be captured by a hinged edge or attached via a tether.