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A digital camera for capturing an image containing the photographer,
comprising: an image sensor; an optical system for forming an image of a
scene on the image sensor; a processor for processing the output of the
image sensor in order to detect the presence of one or more faces in a
field of view of the digital camera; a feedback mechanism for providing
feedback to the photographer while the photographer is included within
the field of view, responsive to detecting at least one face in the field
of view, and a means for initiating capture of a digital image of the
scene containing the photographer.
Inventors:
Fredlund; John R.; (Rochester, NY); Parulski; Kenneth A.; (Rochester, NY); Guidash; Robert M.; (Rochester, NY); Spaulding; Kevin E.; (Spencerport, NY); Razavi; Frank; (Fairport, NY)
1. A device comprising: an image sensor, wherein the device is configured
to capture images; a processor configured to process an output of the
image sensor in order to detect a presence of one or more faces in a
field of view of the device; and a feedback mechanism configured to
provide feedback responsive to detecting a face in the field of view,
wherein the feedback mechanism provides information about the number of
faces in the field of view of the device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback mechanism provides an
alert relating to the information about the number of faces in the field
of view of the device.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback mechanism initiates an
image capture when predetermined criteria is satisfied relating to the
information about the number of aces in the field of view of the device.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback mechanism only provides
feedback during a self-portrait mode of the device.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the feedback mechanism provides
feedback in response to a distance between the device and the detected
face being within a specified range of distances.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the distance is provided by a
calibration process for the self-portrait mode.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the specified range of distances
comprises a stored range of distances at which a photographer can hold
the device at arm's length.
8. The device of claim 4, wherein the self-portrait mode is activated
when the detected face comprises a face that was previously registered by
the calibration process.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the processor applies different
composition rules depending on a number of faces detected within the
field of view.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the composition rule is to center the
faces within the field of view.
11. A method comprising: processing, by a processor, an output of an
image sensor of a device configured to capture images in order to detect
a presence of one or more faces in a field of view of the device; and
providing feedback, by a feedback mechanism, responsive to detecting a
face in the field of view, wherein the feedback mechanism provides
feedback about how many faces are in the field of view of the device.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing an alert
relating to how many faces are in the field of view of the device.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising calibrating the device,
including providing the processor with a distance between the device and
the detected face being within a specified range of distances.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising applying different
composition rules depending on a number of faces detected within the
field of view.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored
thereon that, upon execution, cause a computer device to perform
operations comprising: processing an output of an image sensor of a
device configured to capture images in order to detect a presence of one
or more faces in a field of view of the device; and providing feedback in
response to detecting at least one face in the field of view of the
device.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the
operations further comprise initiating an image capture when
predetermined criteria is satisfied relating to the information about the
number of aces in the field of view of the device.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, further
comprising calibrating the device, including providing the processor with
a distance between the device and the detected face being within a
specified range of distances.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, further
comprising activating a self-portrait mode when the detected face
comprises a face that was previously registered by the calibration
process.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the
specified range of distances comprises a stored range of distances at
which a photographer can hold the device at arm's length.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, further
comprising applying different composition rules depending on a number of
faces detected within the field of view.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/584175, filed Dec. 29, 2014, which is a Continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/716304, filed Mar. 3, 2010, incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure pertains to the field of capturing digital images
with a portable digital capture device, and more particularly to a
digital capture device having modes providing improved usability when
held at arm's length to capture images containing the user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Digital cameras have become very common and have largely replaced
traditional film cameras. Today, most digital cameras incorporate an
image display screen on the back of the camera. The display screen
enables images to be composed as they are being captured, and provides
user interface elements for adjusting camera settings. The display screen
is also used to browse through images that have been captured and are
stored in the digital camera's memory. However, due to the position of
the display on the back of the camera, the user does not receive any
visual feedback when the user wishes to be in the field of capture of the
camera.
[0004] A user often desires to capture a photo of himself at a particular
venue. This can be accomplished by holding the camera at arm's length and
guessing if the camera is pointed in such a manner that the user's face
will be in the captured image. This is difficult for many users, and
multiple captures are often made to provide a single acceptable one.
[0005] Another technique is to use the timer mode of the camera. This
requires that the camera be placed on a tripod or rigid surface, and the
user must scurry from the camera to the field of capture within the time
allotted. Most users are unwilling to carry a tripod, and often finding a
good surface for placement of the camera is difficult. Additionally, the
camera may move when the shutter button is pressed, and since there is no
verification that the user is in the field of view of the camera, the
image may need to be captured multiple times for the user to be properly
captured. There is also the issue of allowing the camera to be placed at
a distance from the user when the image is captured. This may be
undesirable in crowded venues where theft is a possibility.
[0006] At times, other people may offer or be solicited to capture the
image of the user. In addition to concerns about theft, the lack of
control over image capture abilities and techniques of the other person
may produce images that are not acceptable to the user.
[0007] Cameras sometimes incorporate mirrors to provide visual feedback.
However, these can be difficult to see due to small size, or may be
inconveniently located. These mirrors also add material and assembly
cost, and cannot provide proper results when optical or digital zooming
is used. The Palm Pre cell phone has such a mirror that can be deployed
by sliding the backward facing display upward.
[0008] Cameras can also use a framing apparatus, as described in commonly
assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,947. This patent describes how a plurality
of thin elements can be arrayed on the front surface of the camera around
the lens in general correspondence with the field of view. Framing
accuracy is improved for self portraits by canting each element outwardly
from the optical axis at such an angle that an inside surface of every
element is visible to a subject positioned within the field of view of
the lens. Like mirrors, this thin framing element also add material and
assembly cost, and cannot provide proper results when optical or digital
zooming is used.
[0009] Some cameras, such as the Samsung DualView TL220, have provided an
additional display on the front of the camera that the user can view
while composing the image. While this is an improvement, it adds
significant cost to the camera due to the need to incorporate two
displays. Additionally, the image is small and can be difficult to see.
[0010] Some cameras, such as the Casio EX-P505, have an articulating
display that can be repositioned such that the user can view the scene
that is being captured. Unfortunately, arrangements of this type add
significant cost and, are also fragile since the display is not safely
contained within the confines of the camera body.
[0011] There remains a need for a cost effective and user-friendly method
for improving the ability for a user to compose and capture a self
portrait while holding a camera.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention represents a digital camera for capturing an
image containing the photographer, comprising:
[0013] an image sensor;
[0014] an optical system for forming an image of a scene on the image
sensor;
[0015] a processor for processing the output of the image sensor in order
to detect the presence of one or more faces in a field of view of the
digital camera;
[0016] a feedback mechanism for providing feedback to the photographer
while the photographer is included within the field of view, responsive
to detecting at least one face in the field of view, and
[0017] a means for initiating capture of a digital image of the scene
containing the photographer.
[0018] whether the camera is correctly oriented when it is held at arms
length for capturing an image containing the photographer.
[0019] It has the additional advantage that it is lower in cost and
complexity than alternate solutions which require a second display, or a
repositionable display.
[0020] It has the further advantage that the photographer can maintain
possession of the camera during the process of capturing an image
containing the photographer, thus providing added protection against
theft and greater control over the photographic process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a high-level diagram showing the components of a digital
camera system;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting typical image processing
operations used to process digital images in a digital camera;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a self-portrait photography scenario according
to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a digital camera
for implementing the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing steps for providing user feedback
according to the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing additional details for the determine
feedback step of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates example preferred face zones that are useful for
applying composition rules; and
[0028] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an alternate embodiment of a
digital camera for implementing the present invention using multiple
signal lights.
[0029] It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for purposes
of illustrating the concepts of the invention and may not be to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be described in terms that would ordinarily be implemented
as a software program. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
that the equivalent of such software can also be constructed in hardware.
Because image manipulation algorithms and systems are well known, the
present description will be directed in particular to algorithms and
systems forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, the system
and method in accordance with the present invention. Other aspects of
such algorithms and systems, and hardware or software for producing and
otherwise processing the image signals involved therewith, not
specifically shown or described herein, can be selected from such
systems, algorithms, components and elements known in the art. Given the
system as described according to the invention in the following
materials, software not specifically shown, suggested or described herein
that is useful for implementation of the invention is conventional and
within the ordinary skill in such arts.
[0031] Still further, as used herein, a computer program for performing
the method of the present invention can be stored in a computer readable
storage medium, which can include, for example; magnetic storage media
such as a magnetic disk (such as a hard drive or a floppy disk) or
magnetic tape; optical storage media such as an optical disc, optical
tape, or machine readable bar code; solid state electronic storage
devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read only memory (ROM); or
any other physical device or medium employed to store a computer program
having instructions for controlling one or more computers to practice the
method according to the present invention.
[0032] Because digital cameras employing imaging devices and related
circuitry for signal capture and processing, and display are well known,
the present description will be directed in particular to elements
forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, the method and
apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Elements not
specifically shown or described herein are selected from those known in
the art. Certain aspects of the embodiments to be described are provided
in software. Given the system as shown and described according to the
invention in the following materials, software not specifically shown,
described or suggested herein that is useful for implementation of the
invention is conventional and within the ordinary skill in such arts.
[0033] The disclosure is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments
described herein. References to "a particular embodiment" and the like
refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the
invention. Separate references to "an embodiment" or "particular
embodiments" or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment
or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive,
unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the
art. The use of singular or plural in referring to the "method" or
"methods" and the like is not limiting. It should be noted that, unless
otherwise explicitly noted or required by context, the word "or" is used
in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense.
[0034] The following description of a digital camera will be familiar to
one skilled in the art. It will be obvious that there are many variations
of this embodiment that are possible and are selected to reduce the cost,
add features or improve the performance of the camera.
[0035] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a digital photography system,
including a digital camera 10. Preferably, the digital camera 10 is a
portable battery operated device, small enough to be easily handheld by a
user when capturing and reviewing images. The digital camera 10 produces
digital images that are stored as digital image files using image memory
30. The phrase "digital image" or "digital image file", as used herein,
refers to any digital image file, such as a digital still image or a
digital video file.
[0036] In some embodiments, the digital camera 10 captures both motion
video images and still images. The digital camera 10 can also include
other functions, including, but not limited to, the functions of a
digital music player (e.g. an MP3 player), a mobile telephone, a GPS
receiver, or a programmable digital assistant (PDA).
[0037] The digital camera 10 includes a lens 4 having an adjustable
aperture and adjustable shutter 6. In a preferred embodiment, the lens 4
is a zoom lens and is controlled by zoom and focus motor drives 8. The
lens 4 focuses light from a scene (not shown) onto an image sensor 14,
for example, a single-chip color CCD or CMOS image sensor. The lens 4 is
one type optical system for forming an image of the scene on the image
sensor 14. In other embodiments, the optical system may use a fixed focal
length lens with either variable or fixed focus.
[0038] The output of the image sensor 14 is converted to digital form by
Analog Signal Processor (ASP) and Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter 16,
and temporarily stored in buffer memory 18. The image data stored in
buffer memory 18 is subsequently manipulated by a processor 20, using
embedded software programs (e.g. firmware) stored in firmware memory 28.
In some embodiments, the software program is permanently stored in
firmware memory 28 using a read only memory (ROM). In other embodiments,
the firmware memory 28 can be modified by using, for example, Flash EPROM
memory. In such embodiments, an external device can update the software
programs stored in firmware memory 28 using the wired interface 38 or the
wireless modem 50. In such embodiments, the firmware memory 28 can also
be used to store image sensor calibration data, user setting selections
and other data which must be preserved when the camera is turned off. In
some embodiments, the processor 20 includes a program memory (not shown),
and the software programs stored in the firmware memory 28 are copied
into the program memory before being executed by the processor 20.
[0039] It will be understood that the functions of processor 20 can be
provided using a single programmable processor or by using multiple
programmable processors, including one or more digital signal processor
(DSP) devices. Alternatively, the processor 20 can be provided by custom
circuitry (e.g., by one or more custom integrated circuits (ICs) designed
specifically for use in digital cameras), or by a combination of
programmable processor(s) and custom circuits. It will be understood that
connectors between the processor 20 from some or all of the various
components shown in FIG. 1 can be made using a common data bus. For
example, in some embodiments the connection between the processor 20, the
buffer memory 18, the image memory 30, and the firmware memory 28 can be
made using a common data bus.
[0040] The processed images are then stored using the image memory 30. It
is understood that the image memory 30 can be any form of memory known to
those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, a removable Flash
memory card, internal Flash memory chips, magnetic memory, or optical
memory. In some embodiments, the image memory 30 can include both
internal Flash memory chips and a standard interface to a removable Flash
memory card, such as a Secure Digital (SD) card. Alternatively, a
different memory card format can be used, such as a micro SD card,
Compact Flash (CF) card, MultiMedia Card (MMC), xD card or Memory Stick.
[0041] The image sensor 14 is controlled by a timing generator 12, which
produces various clocking signals to select rows and pixels and
synchronizes the operation of the ASP and AID converter 16. The image
sensor 14 can have, for example, 12.4 megapixels (4088.times.3040 pixels)
in order to provide a still image file of approximately 4000.times.3000
pixels. To provide a color image, the image sensor is generally overlaid
with a color filter array, which provides an image sensor having an array
of pixels that include different colored pixels. The different color
pixels can be arranged in many different patterns. As one example, the
different color pixels can be arranged using the well-known Bayer color
filter array, as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,065,
"Color imaging array" to Bayer, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference. As a second example, the different color pixels can
be arranged as described in commonly assigned US patent application
number U.S. Patent Application Publication 2007/0024931, filed on Jul.
28, 2007 and titled "Image sensor with improved light sensitivity" to
Compton and Hamilton, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. These examples are not limiting, and many other color patterns
may be used.
[0042] It will be understood that the image sensor 14, timing generator
12, and ASP and A/D converter 16 can be separately fabricated integrated
circuits, or they can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit as is
commonly done with CMOS image sensors. In some embodiments, this single
integrated circuit can perform some of the other functions shown in FIG.
1, including some of the functions provided by processor 20.
[0043] The image sensor 14 is effective when actuated in a first mode by
timing generator 12 for providing a motion sequence of lower resolution
sensor image data, which is used when capturing video images and also
when previewing a still image to be captured, in order to compose the
image. This preview mode sensor image data can be provided as HD
resolution image data, for example, with 1280.times.720 pixels, or as VGA
resolution image data, for example, with 640.times.480 pixels, or using
other resolutions which have significantly fewer columns and rows of
data, compared to the resolution of the image sensor.
[0044] The preview mode sensor image data can be provided by combining
values of adjacent pixels having the same color, or by eliminating some
of the pixels values, or by combining some color pixels values while
eliminating other color pixel values. The preview mode image data can be
processed as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,218 to
Parulski, et al., entitled "Electronic camera for initiating capture of
still images while previewing motion images," which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0045] The image sensor 14 is also effective when actuated in a second
mode by timing generator 12 for providing high resolution still image
data. This final mode sensor image data is provided as high resolution
output image data, which for scenes having a high illumination level
includes all of the pixels of the image sensor, and can be, for example,
a 12 megapixel final image data having 4000.times.3000 pixels. At lower
illumination levels, the final sensor image data can be provided by
"binning" some number of like-colored pixels on the image sensor, in
order to increase the signal level and thus the "ISO speed" of the
sensor.
[0046] The zoom and focus motor drivers 8 are controlled by control
signals supplied by the processor 20, to provide the appropriate focal
length setting and to focus the scene onto the image sensor 14. The
exposure level of the image sensor 14 is controlled by controlling the
f/number and exposure time of the adjustable aperture and adjustable
shutter 6, the exposure period of the image sensor 14 via the timing
generator 12, and the gain (i.e., ISO speed) setting of the ASP and A/D
converter 16. The processor 20 also controls a flash 2 which can
illuminate the scene.
[0047] The lens 4 of the digital camera 10 can be focused in the first
mode by using "through-the-lens" autofocus, as described in
commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,597, entitled "Electronic Camera
with Rapid Automatic Focus of an Image upon a Progressive Scan Image
Sensor" to Parulski et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.
This is accomplished by using the zoom and focus motor drivers 8 to
adjust the focus position of the lens 4 to a number of positions ranging
between a near focus position to an infinity focus position, while the
digital processor 20 determines the closest focus position which provides
a peak sharpness value for a central portion of the image captured by the
image sensor 14. The focus distance which corresponds to the closest
focus position can then be utilized for several purposes, such as
automatically setting an appropriate scene mode, and can be stored as
metadata in the image file, along with other lens and camera settings.
[0048] An optional auxiliary sensor 42 can be used to sense information
about the scene or the viewing environment. For example, the auxiliary
sensor 42 can be a light sensor for measuring an illumination level of
the scene in order to set the proper exposure level. Alternatively, the
auxiliary sensor 42 can be an environmental sensor used to characterize
the viewing environment in which images are being viewed on an image
display 32. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other types
of auxiliary sensors 42 can also be used.
[0049] The processor 20 produces menus and low resolution color images
that are temporarily stored in display memory 36 and are displayed on the
image display 32. The image display 32 is typically an active matrix
color liquid crystal display (LCD), although other types of displays,
such as organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, can be used. A
video interface 44 provides a video output signal from the digital camera
10 to a video display 46, such as a flat panel HDTV display. In preview
mode, or video mode, the digital image data from buffer memory 18 is
manipulated by processor 20 to form a series of motion preview images
that are displayed, typically as color images, on the image display 32.
In review mode, the images displayed on the image display 32 are produced
using the image data from the digital image files stored in image memory
30.
[0050] The graphical user interface displayed on the color LCD image
display 32 is controlled in response to user input provided by user
controls 34. The user controls 34 are used to select various camera
modes, such as video capture mode, still capture mode, and review mode,
and to initiate capture of still images and recording of motion images.
In some embodiments, the first mode described above (i.e. still preview
mode) is initiated when the user partially depresses a shutter button
(e.g., image capture button 240 shown in FIG. 4), which is one of the
user controls 34, and the second mode (i.e., still image capture mode) is
initiated when the user fully depresses the shutter button. The user
controls 34 are also used to turn on the camera, control the lens 4, and
initiate the picture taking process. User controls 34 typically include
some combination of buttons, rocker switches, joysticks, or rotary dials.
In some embodiments, some of the user controls 34 are provided by using a
touch screen overlay on the image display 32. In other embodiments,
additional status displays or images displays can be used.
[0051] The camera modes that can be selected using the user controls 34
include a "self portrait" mode, which will be described later with
respect to FIG. 4, and a "timer" mode. When the "timer" mode is selected,
a short delay (e.g., 10 seconds) occurs after the user fully presses the
shutter button, before the processor 20 initiates the capture of a still
image.
[0052] One or more signal lights 25 on the digital camera 10 can be used
to provide visual feedback to the user when a self-portrait is being
captured, as will be described later with respect to FIG. 4.
[0053] An audio codec 22 connected to the processor 20 receives an audio
signal from a microphone 24 and provides an audio signal to a speaker 26.
These components can be to record and playback an audio track, along with
a video sequence or still image. If the digital camera 10 is a
multi-function device such as a combination camera and mobile phone, the
microphone 24 and the speaker 26 can be used for telephone conversation.
[0054] In some embodiments, the speaker 26 can be used as part of the user
interface, for example to provide various audible signals which indicate
that a user control has been depressed, or that a particular mode has
been selected, or to provide feedback to the user when a self-portrait is
being captured. In some embodiments, the microphone 24, the audio codec
22, and the processor 20 can be used to provide voice recognition, so
that the user can provide a user input to the processor 20 by using voice
commands, rather than user controls 34. The speaker 26 can also be used
to inform the user of an incoming phone call. This can be done using a
standard ring tone stored in firmware memory 28, or by using a custom
ring-tone downloaded from a wireless network 58 and stored in the image
memory 30. In addition, a vibration device (not shown) can be used to
provide a silent (e.g., non audible) notification of an incoming phone
call.
[0055] The processor 20 also provides additional processing of the image
data from the image sensor 14, in order to produce rendered sRGB image
data which is compressed and stored within a "finished" image file, such
as a well-known Exif-JPEG image file, in the image memory 30.
[0056] The digital camera 10 can be connected via the wired interface 38
to an interface/recharger 48, which is connected to a computer 40, which
can be a desktop computer or portable computer located in a home or
office. The wired interface 38 can conform to, for example, the
well-known USB 2.0 interface specification. The interface/recharger 48
can provide power via the wired interface 38 to a set of rechargeable
batteries (not shown) in the digital camera 10.
[0057] The digital camera 10 can include a wireless modem 50, which
interfaces over a radio frequency band 52 with the wireless network 58.
The wireless modem 50 can use various wireless interface protocols, such
as the well-known Bluetooth wireless interface or the well-known 802.11
wireless interface. The computer 40 can upload images via the Internet 70
to a photo service provider 72, such as the Kodak Easy Share Gallery.
Other devices (not shown) can access the images stored by the photo
service provider 72.
[0058] In alternative embodiments, the wireless modem 50 communicates over
a radio frequency (e.g. wireless) link with a mobile phone network (not
shown), such as a 3GSM network, which connects with the Internet 70 in
order to upload digital image files from the digital camera 10. These
digital image files can be provided to the computer 40 or the photo
service provider 72.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting image processing operations that
can be performed by the processor 20 in the digital camera 10 (FIG. 1) in
order to process color sensor data 100 from the image sensor 14 output by
the ASP and A/D converter 16. In some embodiments, the processing
parameters used by the processor 20 to manipulate the color sensor data
100 for a particular digital image are determined by various user
settings 175, which can be selected via the user controls 34 in response
to menus displayed on the image display 32.
[0060] The color sensor data 100 which has been digitally converted by the
ASP and A/D converter 16 is manipulated by a sensor noise reduction step
105 in order to reduce noise from the image sensor 14. In some
embodiments, this processing can be performed using the methods described
in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,934,056 to Gindele et al., entitled
"Noise cleaning and interpolating sparsely populated color digital image
using a variable noise cleaning kernel," the disclosure of which is
herein incorporated by reference. The level of noise reduction can be
adjusted in response to an ISO setting 110, so that more filtering is
performed at higher ISO exposure index setting.
[0061] The color image data is then manipulated by a demosaicing step 115,
in order to provide red, green and blue (RGB) image data values at each
pixel location. Algorithms for performing the demosaicing step 115 are
commonly known as color filter array (CFA) interpolation algorithms or
"deBayering" algorithms. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
demosaicing step 115 can use the luminance CFA interpolation method
described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,621, entitled
"Adaptive color plane interpolation in single sensor color electronic
camera," to Adams et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference. The demosaicing step 115 can also use the chrominance CFA
interpolation method described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.
4,642,678, entitled "Signal processing method and apparatus for producing
interpolated chrominance values in a sampled color image signal", to Cok,
the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
[0062] In some embodiments, the user can select between different pixel
resolution modes, so that the digital camera can produce a smaller size
image. Multiple pixel resolutions can be provided as described in
commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,335, entitled "Single sensor color
camera with user selectable image record size," to Parulski et al., the
disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. In some
embodiments, a resolution mode setting 120 can be selected by the user to
be full size (e.g. 3,000.times.2,000 pixels), medium size (e.g.
1,500.times.1000 pixels) or small size (750.times.500 pixels).
[0063] The color image data is color corrected in color correction step
125. In some embodiments, the color correction is provided using a
3.times.3 linear space color correction matrix, as described in
commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,511, entitled "Method and apparatus
for improving the color rendition of hardcopy images from electronic
cameras" to Parulski, et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference. In some embodiments, different user-selectable color
modes can be provided by storing different color matrix coefficients in
firmware memory 28 of the digital camera 10. For example, four different
color modes can be provided, so that the color mode setting 130 is used
to select one of the following color correction matrices:
Setting 1 (normal color reproduction)
[ R out G out B out ] = [ 1.50 - 0.30
- 0.20 - 0.40 1.80 - 0.40 - 0.20 - 0.20 1.40
] [ R in G in B in ] ( 1 ) ##EQU00001##
Setting 2 (saturated color reproduction)
[ R out G out B out ] = [ 2.00 - 0.60
- 0.40 - 0.80 2.60 - 0.80 - 0.40 - 0.40 1.80
] [ R in G in B in ] ( 2 ) ##EQU00002##
Setting 3 (de-saturated color reproduction)
[ R out G out B out ] = [ 1.25 - 0.15
- 0.10 - 0.20 1.40 - 0.20 - 0.10 - 0.10 1.20
] [ R in G in B in ] ( 3 ) ##EQU00003##
Setting 4 (monochrome)
[ R out G out B out ] = [ 0.30 0.60
0.10 0.30 0.60 0.10 0.30 0.60 0.10 ] [ R in
G in B in ] ( 4 ) ##EQU00004##
[0064] In other embodiments, a three-dimensional lookup table can be used
to perform the color correction step 125.
[0065] The color image data is also manipulated by a tone scale correction
step 135. In some embodiments, the tone scale correction step 135 can be
performed using a one-dimensional look-up table as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,189,511, cited earlier. In some embodiments, a plurality of tone
scale correction look-up tables is stored in the firmware memory 28 in
the digital camera 10. These can include look-up tables which provide a
"normal" tone scale correction curve, a "high contrast" tone scale
correction curve, and a "low contrast" tone scale correction curve. A
user selected contrast setting 140 is used by the processor 20 to
determine which of the tone scale correction look-up tables to use when
performing the tone scale correction step 135.
[0066] The color image data is also manipulated by a face
detection/recognition step 185. In some embodiments, face detection can
be provided using the methods described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat.
No. 7,583,294, entitled "Face detecting camera and method" to Ray, et al,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This patent
teaches a method for determining the presence of a face from image data
that utilizes a first algorithm to prescreen the image data, by
determining a plurality of face candidates utilizing a pattern matching
technique that identifies image windows likely to contain faces based on
color and shape information, and a second algorithm that processes the
face candidates determined by the first algorithm, and uses a posterior
probability function classifier to determine the presence of the face.
The output of the face detection/recognition step 185 can include
metadata that identifies the location of any faces that are detected.
[0067] In some embodiments, the face detection/recognition step 185 can
recognize specific faces in images, as described in commonly-assigned
U.S. Pat. No. 7,660,445 to Ray, entitled "Method for selecting an
emphasis image from an image collection based upon content recognition,"
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example,
the face recognition step 175 could be used to recognize the face of the
user of the digital camera 10. The output of step 175 can include
metadata that identifies the names or other identifiers for specific
faces that are detected.
[0068] The color image data is also manipulated by an image sharpening
step 145. In some embodiments, this can be provided using the methods
described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,162 entitled "Edge
enhancing colored digital images" to Hamilton, et al., the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the user
can select between various sharpening settings, including a "normal
sharpness" setting, a "high sharpness" setting, and a "low sharpness"
setting. In this example, the processor 20 uses one of three different
edge boost multiplier values, for example 2.0 for "high sharpness", 1.0
for "normal sharpness", and 0.5 for "low sharpness" levels, responsive to
a sharpening setting 150 selected by the user of the digital camera 10.
[0069] The color image data is also manipulated by an image compression
step 155. In some embodiments, the image compression step 155 can be
provided using the methods described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.
4,774,574, entitled "Adaptive block transform image coding method and
apparatus" to Daly et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference. In some embodiments, the user can select between various
compression settings. This can be implemented by storing a plurality of
quantization tables, for example, three different tables, in the firmware
memory 28 of the digital camera 10. These tables provide different
quality levels and average file sizes for the compressed digital image
file 180 to be stored in the image memory 30 of the digital camera 10. A
user selected compression mode setting 160 is used by the processor 20 to
select the particular quantization table to be used for the image
compression step 155 for a particular image.
[0070] The compressed color image data is stored in a digital image file
180 using a file formatting step 165. The image file can include various
metadata 170. Metadata 170 is any type of information that relates to the
digital image, such as the model of the camera that captured the image,
the size of the image, the date and time the image was captured, and
various camera settings, such as the lens focal length, the exposure time
and f-number of the lens, and whether or not the camera flash fired. In a
preferred embodiment, all of this metadata 170 is stored using
standardized tags within the well-known Exif-JPEG still image file
format.
[0071] The present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
3. One common usage for a digital camera 10 is for a photographer 210 to
capture a self-portrait image that includes the photographer 210 by
holding the digital camera 10 at arms length, pointing it back toward
himself. The self-portrait image may contain only one person (i.e., the
photographer 210). Alternately, the self-portrait image may optionally
contain one or more additional persons 220.
[0072] According to the present invention, while the photographer 210 is
adjusting the composition of the photograph, an image sensor 14 (FIG. 1)
in the digital camera 10 is sensing the scene being imaged onto the image
sensor by the lens 4 of the digital camera 10. A processor within the
digital camera processes the output of the image sensor and performs a
face detection operation to detect the presence of one or more faces in a
field of view of the digital camera 10. When the processor detects the
presence of at least one face in the field of view, feedback is provided
to the photographer 210. The photographer 210 can then initiate capturing
a digital image using a user control 34 provided for the digital camera
10.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing additional details of a digital camera
10 incorporating the present invention. An lens 4 is provided to image a
scene onto the digital sensor (not shown). The photographer 210 uses one
of the user controls 34 (FIG. 1), such as image capture button 240, to
initiate capture of a digital image. Various feedback mechanisms can be
used to provide either visual or audio feedback to the photographer. For
example, visual feedback can be provided using one or more signal lights
25 and audio feedback can be provided using speaker 26. The digital
camera 10 can also provide feedback using any other feature known to one
skilled in the art such as by emitting a light from flash 2, by
displaying text messages or icons on a status display (not shown) on the
front of the digital camera 10, or by causing tactile vibrations of some
portion of the digital camera 10 using a vibratory element (not shown).
The vibratory element has the advantage of reducing cost in cell phones
or other devices that already have such elements for other purposes. The
vibration ceases when the image is captured in order to avoid introducing
motion blur in the captured image.
[0074] Optionally, other forms of user controls besides image capture
button 240 can be provided to initiate capturing an image. For example, a
remote control, or a voice activation mechanism using microphone 24 can
all be used to initiate an image capture event. Alternatively, an
existing button (not shown) which is not image capture button 240 can be
repurposed to act as the "shutter button" when camera 200 is in
self-portrait mode, or a secondary image capture button (not shown) can
be included on the digital camera 10 and used in self-portrait mode, in
order to provide a user control which can be more easily activated by the
photographer 210 when the digital camera 10 is held as shown in FIG. 3.
In some embodiments, a time delay is provided between when the user
initiates the image capture event and when the digital image is captured,
in order to reduce camera vibrations or allow the photographer time to
pose.
[0075] A flowchart showing steps for providing visual or audio feedback to
the photographer according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. A
capture preview image step 300 is used to capture a preview image 302 of
a scene within the field of view of the lens 4 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 4) using
the image sensor 14 (FIG. 1) while the digital camera 10 is operating in
the first capture mode described earlier in reference to FIG. 1. The
processor 20 is used to process the preview images 302 using a face
determination step 305. In a preferred embodiment, the face determination
step 305 determines whether the face of the photographer 210 is included
in the field of view of the lens 4, by determining the number and
location of any faces in the field of view. In some embodiments, this can
be done by detecting whether or not at least one face of suitable size is
included in the preview image 302, using face detection methods such as
those described earlier with reference to the face detection/recognition
step 185 of FIG. 2. In other embodiments, this can be done by further
determining whether or not a detected face is the face of the
photographer 210, using face recognition methods such as those described
earlier in reference to the face detection/recognition step 185 of FIG.
2. The face determination step 305 can further determine whether there
are multiple faces of a suitable size within the field of view of the
lens 4, and whether the detected faces are positioned such that no
significant portion of the face (e.g. the top portion of the head of
additional person 220) is located outside of the field of view of the
lens 4.
[0076] A determine feedback step 310 is used to determine appropriate user
feedback 315 responsive to whether one or more faces were detected by the
face determination step 305. Optionally, the user feedback 315 provided
by the determine feedback step 310 may further be responsive to a camera
mode 320 or a face distance 325. The camera mode 320 can be selected by
the photographer using user controls 34 as described earlier in reference
to FIG. 1. The face distance 325 can be the lens focus distance, provided
using the through-the-lens autofocus method discussed earlier in
reference to FIG. 1. There are many other auto focus mechanisms that are
well-known to those skilled in the art, such as correlation autofocus
methods, that can be used instead of through-the-lens autofocus, in
accordance with the present invention. Alternately, the face distance 325
can be estimated from the size of the detected faces or the eye spacing
relative to the overall size of the image frame together with the focal
length of the lens 4.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a flow-chart showing additional details for the determine
feedback step 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The face determination step 305 provides an indication of whether at
least one face is present in the field of view of the digital camera. A
face present test 400 evaluates the output of the face detection step
305. If no faces are present, no user feedback 315 is provided to the
user. In an alternate embodiment, negative user feedback is provided to
the user rather than providing no user feedback.
[0078] If the face present test 400 determines that at least one face is
present, a self-portrait mode test 405 is used to determine whether the
digital camera is in a camera mode 320 where user feedback 315 regarding
the presence of faces in the digital image is desired. If the camera mode
320 is not a self-portrait mode, no user feedback 415 is provided. In one
embodiment of the present invention, user feedback is only provided when
the camera mode 320 is set to a special self-portrait camera mode as
described earlier with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments no self
portrait mode test 405 is used and user feedback 315 is provided
independent of the camera mode 320.
[0079] A within distance range test 410 determines whether the face
distance 325 is within a specified face distance range. There is a finite
range of face distances at which a user can hold a camera at arm's
length. For the purpose of example, we will assume that distance is less
than one meter. When the camera detects that the face distance is one
meter or less, an assumption can be made that the user is holding the
camera at arm's length. This assumption will be erroneous for the case
where the digital camera is being used for macro photography. For digital
cameras that support a macro photography mode, the specified face
distance range can also include a minimum face distance such as 0.3
meters. If the face distance 325 is within the specified face distance
range, no user feedback 415 is provided to the user. Otherwise, positive
user feedback 420 is provided indicating that there is at least one face
in the field of view of the digital camera.
[0080] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, when the face
distance 325 is detected to be within the specified face distance range,
the camera mode 320 for the digital camera automatically switches to a
self-portrait mode. This alleviates the need for the user to explicitly
select a self-portrait mode with the user interface. In one variation,
the user can use the user interface to indicate whether the self portrait
mode should be manually or automatically selected.
[0081] The determine feedback step 310 can also incorporate other tests in
accordance with the present invention. For example, a test can be added
which compares a size of the detected face relative to the field of view
for the camera to a specified size range that would be expected for
self-portraits captured by the photographer holding the camera at arm's
length. This test can be helpful to make sure that the digital camera is
pointing at the photographer rather than someone in the background. In
addition, different types of feedback can be provided based on whether a
portion of a detected face is located outside of the field of view of the
lens 4 and will be cropped when the image is captured by the digital
camera 10. The feedback can be used to help guide the photographer 210 to
adjust the position of the digital camera 10 in order to reduce or
eliminate this cropping, by ensuring that the user is positioned within a
"preferred face zone". For example, audio suggestions can be provided to
"tilt camera up" or "tilt camera left." These suggestions can also be
provided by providing blinking lights or by using text or icons on a
status or image display (not shown) on the front of the digital camera
10, as will be described later.
[0082] There may be various camera settings appropriate for use in the
self-portrait camera mode. For example, there may be a smallest practical
aperture to provide a large depth of field since often, the user will use
the self-portrait camera mode to capture an image of himself against a
background as a record of his presence in a particular place. The small
aperture and associated longer capture time may also be appropriate since
in most cases, both the subject and the background will be stationary.
However, the use of long exposures must be balanced versus the ability of
the user to hold the camera steady. If the camera is equipped with
accelerometers or some other ability to sense motion, such as motion
analysis of pre-capture video, the time of capture can be automatically
adjusted to occur when the camera is determined to be motionless or close
to motionless. Additionally, if the camera is so equipped, the flash
illumination can be controlled such that the light on the user's face is
not unbalanced with that from the remainder of the scene.
[0083] Another camera setting for the self-portrait camera mode is the use
of the wide angle setting when the digital camera 10 has a lens 4, which
is a zoom lens rather than a fixed focal length lens. Typically, the user
desires a self-portrait with the particular aspects of the location. The
user's face should be recognizable, but not dominating the field of
capture. In the self-portrait camera mode, the camera should generally be
at the lowest magnification setting to maximize the field of view.
[0084] The user feedback 315 can be provided in many different ways in
accordance with the present invention using audio or visual cues. When
the digital camera is used in a video capture mode, it will generally be
preferable to use a visual means of indication so that audible
indications are not recorded. For example, a signal light 25, such as a
light-emitting diode (LED), provided on the front of the camera can light
up, or can be caused to blink, to show that the a face has been detected
within the image at an appropriate face distance range while the camera
is operating in the self-portrait camera mode.
[0085] In an alternate embodiment, the flash 2 can be pulsed to provide
the visual feedback. This has the advantage of reducing cost by
eliminating the need for an additional signal light 25. Many other visual
signal means can also be used in accordance with the present invention.
For example, a small image display could be used to show a low-resolution
version of the captured image, however this approach will generally not
be desirable because of the added cost that is associated with adding an
image display to the digital camera.
[0086] The visual means of indication can also be used to provide
additional information besides simply indicating that a face has been
detected within the image. For example, a blink rate for the signal light
25 can be adjusted to provide an indication of the face location within
the image. When the face or faces are detected within a preferred face
zone in the image, the signal light 25 can be caused to blink more
rapidly than when a face is detected at an edge of the image. This can
enable the user to make sure that the field of view for the camera is
optimally oriented.
[0087] The preferred face zone can be defined according to various
composition rules. For example, if only one face is detected in the field
of view, it will generally be desirable to position the face slightly
off-center in the field of view according to the well-known "rule of
thirds." This is desirable because it allows the background to be
adequately represented in the captured image. This is illustrated in FIG.
7. In this example, two preferred face zones 460 are defined within the
digital image 430 which correspond to aesthetically pleasing face
locations. When a face 440 is detected within one of the preferred face
zones 460, it can be concluded that the photographer 450 is properly
positioned relative to a background 470 according to the defined
composition rules, thus providing an unobscured view of the background
470. Different photographers may have different preferences for
composition rules. For example, one photographer may prefer images
captured using the rule of thirds, while another may prefer images
captured with the face centered in the image. In one embodiment, a user
interface can be provided to allow the photographer to select preferred
composition rules.
[0088] It can also be desirable to use different composition rules
depending on the number of faces that are detected within the image. For
example, it may be desirable to use the rule of thirds when the
photographer is the only person in the image. However, if two or more
faces are detected in the image, it may be preferable to center the faces
within the field of view. To incorporate this factor, the determine
feedback step 310 (FIG. 5) can select different composition rules
depending on the number of faces detected by the face detection step 305
(FIG. 5).
[0089] Other means besides changing the blink rate for the signal light 25
can be used to provide additional information. For example, a blink duty
cycle, a signal light color, a signal light intensity or combinations
thereof can also be used. Other embodiments would involve using multiple
signal lights. For example, one light can be lit when a face is detected
within the digital image 430, and a second light can be lit when the face
is within a preferred face zone 460.
[0090] The user feedback 315 can also be used to provide an indication of
what the photographer must do to improve the composition. For example,
three signal lights can be provided in a row as shown in FIG. 8: a left
signal light 500, a center signal light 510 and a right signal light 520.
When a face is detected within a preferred face zone 460 (FIG. 7), the
center signal light 510 can be lit. But when a face is detected outside
of the preferred face zone 460, the other signal lights can provide an
indication of what direction the user should move the camera to correct
the composition. If the photographer needs to reorient the camera to the
left, the left signal light 500 can be lit, and if the photographer needs
to reorient the camera to the right, the right signal light 520 can be
lit. In another embodiment the left signal light 500 and the right signal
light 520 can have an arrow shape pointing in the direction that the
photographer needs to reorient the camera. Similar means could be
provided to given the photographer an indication of whether the camera
needs to be reoriented vertically.
[0091] The user feedback 315 can also be used to provide an indication of
the number of detected faces within the field of view of the camera. This
can be useful for the photographer to verify that the camera is oriented
properly for group photographs. For example, if the photographer 210 is
attempting to capture a photo with additional person 220 as was shown in
FIG. 3, it would be useful to verify that both of the faces fall within
the field of view of the camera. In one embodiment, a multiple signal
light configuration like that shown in FIG. 8 can be used to provide the
indication of the number of detected faces. If one face is detected, a
single signal light can be lit. Similarly, if two faces are detected, two
signal lights can be lit, and if three or more faces are detected, all
three signal lights can be lit. In an alternate embodiment, a small
alphanumeric status display can be provided and a number can be displayed
showing the number of detected faces.
[0092] Various forms of audio user feedback mechanisms can also be user in
accordance with the present invention. For example, audio feedback can be
provided by using the speaker to provide verbal commands to the user by
using voice synthesis or by playing pre-recorded voice commands.
Alternately, non-verbal audio signals can be provided such as playing
various tones or sounds responsive to detecting one or more faces in the
digital image.
[0093] As with the visual feedback mechanisms described above, the audio
feedback mechanisms can also be used to provide additional information
beyond whether or not a face has been detected. For example, the speech
content of verbal audio signals can be used to provide verbal
instructions to the user. For example, verbal instructions can tell the
user which direction the camera should be reoriented in order to move the
detected faces to positions consistent with defined composition rules.
Similarly, the verbal instructions could indicate the number of faces
that are detected within the field of view.
[0094] When non-verbal audio signals are used, additional information can
be communicated by adjusting attributes such as the frequency, volume or
duty cycle of the audio signals. For example, while the photographer is
orienting the digital camera, the volume of an audio feedback may be
raised as the user approaches the preferred composition and stay at a
particular high volume until the pointing has changed such that the user
is leaving the preferred composition. Alternatively, similar feedback may
be provided by means of rising and falling pitch, or by a frequency or
duration of a single tone. Similarly, the patterns of the audio signals
can be used to provide an indication of the number of faces that have
been detected. For example, if two faces are detected, a characteristic
repetitive feedback pattern can be provided such as two blinks or beeps
followed by a pause. Additional faces can provide different indication
patterns.
[0095] Alternately, different audio signals can be used to indicate
different conditions, similar to the way cell phones can use different
ring tones to indicate different communication events. In some
embodiments, a user interface can be provided to enable the photographer
to select preferred audio signals that are used to indicate different
conditions.
[0096] In many cases, components that already exist on most digital
cameras can be used to provide the user feedback without the need to add
any additional components. For example, the digital camera 10 may already
incorporate a speaker 26 for providing audible indicators for other
reasons, such as for playing back sounds recorded by the digital camera
10 during video mode, or for indicating that image capture has taken
place or for indicating error conditions. Therefore, audio feedback can
be provided using the existing speaker without requiring any additional
component costs. Similarly, many digital cameras also incorporate
pre-existing components that can be used to provide visual indicators.
For example, an LED signal light is commonly provided to indicate battery
charging. In this case, it would be necessary to position the visual
indicator such that it is visible from the front of the camera.
[0097] In some embodiments, the user controls 34 can be used to enable the
photographer to select a preferred form of user feedback. For example,
menu options can be provided in a user interface that allows the
photographer to select between providing visual feedback using signal
lights, audio feedback using verbal commands, or audio feedback using
non-verbal signals or tactile feedback.
[0098] For cases when multiple photographers may use a particular digital
camera, each photographer may have different preferred forms of user
feedback. In this case, the digital camera may be configured to allow
multiple sets of preference settings. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the face determination step 305 can also be trained to provide
an indication of the identity of the detected faces in addition to the
number and location of the identified faces, as was described earlier in
reference to FIG. 5. In this case, the identity of the photographer can
be inferred from the identified face and the appropriate set of
preference settings can be automatically selected.
[0099] The self-portrait mode can differ from conventional portraiture
modes in that there are generally dual subjects of importance. For
portraiture, the subject is the face and upper body of a person. The
background is generally of secondary importance. In the self-portrait
mode, both the face of the subject and the background are generally
important, and an adequate representation of both should be obtained to
attain the desired record of user presence at a location. In one
embodiment, when a single face is detected in the center of the frame,
the digital camera can be automatically changed to a conventional
portraiture mode and an indication of this can be provided to the user by
any appropriate user feedback mechanism.
[0100] In one embodiment, selection of the self-portrait mode may provide
an image capture process where image capture occurs only after specific
criteria are met. For example, the user may manually select the
self-portrait mode using user controls 34 on the back of the digital
camera 10 with the lens 4 pointed away from the photographer 210. Once
the self-portrait mode has been entered, the digital camera 10 captures
preview images 302 and processes these preview images 302 until a set of
criteria are satisfied. In addition to the criteria described with
reference to FIG. 6, other criteria that could be evaluated would include
waiting until all eyes are open, all faces are smiling and camera motion
is minimized. The camera can use the aforementioned indicators to alert
the photographer 210 that the criteria have been met so that image
capture can be manually initiated by the photographer 210. Alternatively,
the digital camera 10 can be configured so that image capture is
automatically initiated when all of the criteria have been met. An
advantage of providing such an automatic capture mode is that the
photographer 210 need not press the image capture button 240, which can
be awkward, and may impart undesirable motion to the digital camera 10
during capture.
[0101] In an alternate embodiment, the portion of the image that is not
the face or body of the photographer can be analyzed to provide
additional guidance to the photographer as to how the composition of the
photograph should be adjusted. For example, even if the face is located
within a preferred face zone 460 (FIG. 7), the digital camera may be
pointing such that the background is the sky rather than the background
of interest. In this case, if the background were determined to have
little detail or be largely the color of blue sky, the verbal commands
could be provide to the photographer to raise their arm to a higher
position in order to change the viewing angle for the camera. The
opposite feedback could be provided if it is determined that there is an
inadequate sky region in the image.
[0102] It may be desirable to provide a calibration process for the
self-portrait mode. In particular, when the image capture device is used
by a single user, there will be only a very specific distance range at
which self-portrait mode will be valid, since for any given user, the
variation in distances at which that user can hold the capture device is
relatively small. Thus when the capture device detects a face distance
within that small range of distances, it can be configured to
automatically enter the self-portrait mode. The calibration process can
be selected by the user or can be initiated during first power up so that
the appropriate measurements are taken by the capture device and stored
for future reference. In some embodiments, this calibration process can
be used to train the digital camera 10 to recognize the face of the
photographer 210, so that the self-portrait mode is entered only when the
face determination step 305 recognizes the face of the photographer 210
in the preview image 302 captured in capture preview image step 300.
[0103] In some embodiments, the face detection step 305 (FIG. 5) is
adapted to detect animal faces as well as human faces. This can be useful
for cases where the photographer may desire to capture a photograph of
himself with a favorite pet, or some other animal.
[0104] In some embodiments, the photographer 210 uses the digital camera
10 of the present invention to capture digital still images. In other
embodiments, the digital camera 10 of the present invention is a digital
video camera, or is a digital still camera that also incorporates a video
capture mode (i.e. "movie mode"). When the present invention is used in
the process of capturing digital video images, it will generally be
desirable for the user feedback be provided continuously in order to
allow the user to maintain appropriate composition during the video
capture process, and to be provided using visual feedback, rather than
audio or tactile feedback.
[0105] The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be
understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
PARTS LIST
[0106] 2 flash
[0107] 4 lens
[0108] 6 adjustable aperture and adjustable shutter