Camera shake warning and feedback system that teaches the photographer
First Claim
1. A method of improving image blur, comprising the steps of:
- a) computing a stability measure from digital image data;
b) comparing the stability measure with a predetermined value;
c) selecting a message based on at least one photographic parameter when comparing the stability measure with the predetermined value indicates that blur may occur; and
d) communicating the message to a camera user, the message suggesting to the user at least one camera setting change for reducing blur;
e) tracking changes in an edge-detect figure of merit for the digital image data over a predetermined period of time;
wherein the at least one photographic parameter comprises one or more of a lens focus distance and an effective strobe range;
wherein the camera associates the message with an image file and wherein the image file and the associated message are transferred from the camera to a computer and the message is displayed on the computer;
wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a lens focal length;
wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a camera shutter speed; and
wherein communicating the message to the camera user comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A camera creates successive digital images of a scene, and computes a stability measure estimate blur in a final photograph of the scene. The camera combines information such as lens focal length, focus distance, scene brightness value, and shutter speed to determine alternate camera settings that may reduce the blur. The camera communicates to the photographer suggested camera setting changes that may reduce the blur. The communication may optionally happen before the final photograph is taken or after, and may take one of several forms. The camera may optionally be a digital camera. The setting change suggestions may optionally be stored in an image file with a final digital photograph.
77 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of improving image blur, comprising the steps of:
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a) computing a stability measure from digital image data; b) comparing the stability measure with a predetermined value; c) selecting a message based on at least one photographic parameter when comparing the stability measure with the predetermined value indicates that blur may occur; and d) communicating the message to a camera user, the message suggesting to the user at least one camera setting change for reducing blur; e) tracking changes in an edge-detect figure of merit for the digital image data over a predetermined period of time; wherein the at least one photographic parameter comprises one or more of a lens focus distance and an effective strobe range; wherein the camera associates the message with an image file and wherein the image file and the associated message are transferred from the camera to a computer and the message is displayed on the computer; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a lens focal length; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a camera shutter speed; and wherein communicating the message to the camera user comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A camera, comprising:
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a) an electronic array light sensor; and b) a logic unit that controls and receives data from the electronic array light sensor, the logic unit programmed to perform the following method; i. computing a stability measure from digital image data; ii. comparing the stability measure with a predetermined value; iii. selecting a message based on at least one photographic parameter when the stability measure exceeds the predetermined value; and iv. communicating the message to a user of the camera, the message suggesting to the user at least one camera setting change for reducing blur; v. tracking changes in an edge-detect figure of merit for the digital image data over a predetermined period of time; wherein the at least one photographic parameter comprises one or more of a lens focus distance and an effective strobe range; wherein the camera associates the message with an image file and wherein the image file and the associated message are transferred from the camera to a computer and the message is displayed on the computer; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a lens focal length; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a camera shutter speed; and wherein communicating the message to the camera user comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A system, comprising:
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a) a camera that computes a stability measure, selects a message based on the stability measure and at least one photographic parameter, and associates the message with an image file, the message suggesting, to a user of the camera, at least one camera setting change for reducing image blur in future photographs; and b) a computer; wherein the image file and associated message are transferred from the camera to the computer and the message is displayed on the computer; wherein the at least one photographic parameter comprises one or more of a lens focus distance and an effective strobe range; wherein a processor tracks changes in an edge-detect figure of merit for the digital image data over a predetermined period of time; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a lens focal length; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a camera shutter speed; and wherein communicating the message to the camera user comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A camera, comprising:
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a) means for creating digital images; b) means for computing a stability measure from the digital images; c) means for selecting a message based on the stability measure and at least one photographic parameter; and d) means for communicating the message to a user of the camera, the message suggesting, to the user of the camera, at least one camera setting change for reducing image blur; e) means for tracking changes in an edge-detect figure of merit for the digital image data over a predetermined period of time; wherein the at least one photographic parameter comprises one or more of a lens focus distance and an effective strobe range; wherein the camera associates the message with an image file and wherein the image file and the associated message are transferred from the camera to a computer and the message is displayed on the computer; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a lens focal length; wherein the at least one photographic parameter further comprises a camera shutter speed; and wherein communicating the message to the camera user comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera.
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Specification