Camera with acceleration sensor

Abstract

A method and system for determining camera positioning information from an accelerometer mounted on a camera. The accelerometer measures the orientation of the camera with respect to gravity. Orientation measurement allows user interface information to be displayed in a “right side up” orientation on a viewfinder for any camera orientation. Alternatively, an artificial horizon indicator may be displayed in the viewfinder. The accelerometer may also measure camera movement. Camera movement information together with camera orientation can be used to determine camera usage. Additionally, camera movement information can be used to determine a minimum shutter speed for a sharp picture.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 648,780, filed Feb. 1, 2005, entitled “CAMERA WITH ACCELERATION SENSOR” and bearing attorney docket number 2550 / A59, the disclosure of which application is incorporated herein by referenceFIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to cameras and, more particularly, the invention relates to detecting motion of a camera. BACKGROUND [0003] In many cases, it is desirable to know the orientation of a camera. A digital camera, for example, could use this information to store the image such that it displays “right side up” on a computer display. Ball and cage type mechanical switches can be used to ascertain orientation, but they have reliability problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a digital camera includes an accelerometer mounted on the camera. The accelerometer measures camera movement and / or orientation. In various embodi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] display an artificial horizon indicator on a viewfinder to aid in orienting the camera;

[0007] use camera movement information to determine a minimum shutter speed, to reduce motion-induced picture blurring; and

[0009] In one embodiment, the accelerometer provides orientation information for the camera with respect to the earth's gravity. This orientation information allows an artificial horizon indicator to be displayed on an image on a display surface, such as a viewfinder display attached to the camera. The user views the artificial horizon indicator and may realign the camera based on the relationship between the image and the indicator.

[0011] A further embodiment of the invention adjusts image exposure time for a camera to reduce movement-induced image blurring. An accelerometer mounted to the camera provides acceleration information. The information is stored and peak-to-peak acceleration magnitude is calculated for the most recent time period. When picture taking is initiated, a minimum shutter speed is calculated as a function of the peak-to-peak acceleration magnitude over the most recent time period and the focal length of the camera. The exposure time of the picture may be adjusted accordingly.

Problems solved by technology

Ball and cage type mechanical switches can be used to ascertain orientation, but they have reliability problems.

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