Image Capture Using Display Device As Light Source

• US 20150181101A1
• Filed: 03/02/2015
• Published: 06/25/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Ciudad, Jean-Pierre, Aybes, Alexandre, Westen, Peter, Christie, Gregory N., Forstall, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 9,413,978 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 provided with illuminating means
• 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 23/71 Circuitry for evaluating the brightness variation
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/141 between two video terminals, e.g. videophone telephonic communication systems combined with television receiver for reception of entertainment or information matter H04M11/085
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display

Abstract

A digital image capture system and method uses a display device to illuminate a target with light for improved image capture under poor lighting conditions. Various characteristics of the flash (e.g., brightness, color, duration, etc.) can be adjusted to improve image capture. Users are provided with feedback (e.g., live video feed, audio and/or visual countdowns, etc.) to assist them in preparing for image capture. The captured images are seamlessly integrated with existing applications (e.g., video conferencing, instant text messaging, etc.).

Claims

1. A method to capture digital images, comprising:

measuring ambient light in a first direction with a mobile device having a first camera aligned in the first direction and a display substantially orthogonal to the first direction;

determining a flash color based on the measured ambient light with the mobile device;

determining a flash intensity based on the measured ambient light with the mobile device;

emitting light with the mobile device'"'"'s display at the flash color and the flash intensity; and

capturing an image with the mobile device'"'"'s first camera coincident with the emitted light.