Camera shake warning and feedback system that teaches the photographer

• US 20040218055A1
• Filed: 04/30/2003
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Goris, Andrew C., Yost, Jason E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,397,500 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/208.6
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00183 Photography assistance, e.g. displaying suggestions to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/2112 using still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/64 Computer-aided capture of images, e.g. transfer from script file into camera, check of taken image quality, advice or proposal for image composition or decision on when to take image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/68 for stable pick-up of the scene, e.g. compensating for camera body vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/6811 based on the image signal

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.

Claims

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; and

c) selecting a message based on photographic parameters when comparing the stability measure with the predetermined value indicates that blur may occur.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a lens focal length.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a camera shutter speed.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a lens focus distance.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a camera'"'"'s effective strobe range.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a camera'"'"'s strobe mode.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the photographic parameters include a scene brightness value.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of communicating the message to a user of a camera.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera comprises displaying the message on a display on an exterior of the camera.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera comprises displaying the message on a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera comprises displaying the message on a computer screen.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera occurs before a final photograph is taken.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera occurs after a final photograph is taken.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera comprises displaying a text message.

15. The method of claim 8 wherein communicating the message to a user of a camera comprises displaying an icon.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the stability measure estimates blur in a final photograph.

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of associating the message with an image file.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the message suggests that the user place the camera on a tripod.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein the message suggests that the user utilize a strobe.

20. A camera, comprising:

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; and

iii. selecting a message based on photographic parameters when the stability measure exceeds the predetermined value.

21. The camera of claim 20 wherein the method further comprises communicating the message to a user of the camera.

22. The camera of claim 20 wherein the method further comprises associating the message with an image file.

23. The camera of claim 20 wherein the stability measure estimates blur in a final photograph.

24. The camera of claim 20 wherein the message suggests that the user employ a tripod to steady the camera.

25. The camera of claim 20 wherein the message suggests that the user utilize a strobe in taking a photograph.

26. The camera of claim 20 wherein the camera is a digital camera.

27. The camera of claim 21 further comprising a display on which the message is communicated to the user.

28. The camera of claim 27 wherein the display is integrated into an exterior surface of the camera.

29. The camera of claim 27 wherein the display is a microdisplay viewed through a viewfinder-like portal in the camera.

30. The camera of claim 27 wherein the display is adjacent a viewing area of an optical viewfinder.

31. A system, comprising:

a) a camera that computes a stability measure, selects a message based on the stability measure and photographic parameters, and associates the message with an image file; and

b) a computer;

and wherein the image file and associated message are transferred from the camera to the computer and the message is displayed on the computer.

32. The system of claim 31 wherein the image file and associated message are transferred from the camera to the computer through a cable.

33. The system of claim 31 wherein the image file and associated message are transferred from the camera to the computer through a wireless link.

34. The system of claim 31 wherein the image file and associated message are transferred from the camera to the computer by moving a storage medium.

35. A camera, comprising:

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 photographic parameters; and

d) means for communicating the message to a user of the camera.