Patent Publication Number: US-2013250147-A1

Title: Camera device for reducing sensor noise

Description:
FIELD 
     The specification relates generally to camera devices, and specifically to a camera device for reducing sensor noise. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Camera devices are presently equipped with many features for ease of use. However, some of these features can paradoxically cause degradation in image quality. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various implementations described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict front and rear views of a camera for reducing sensor noise, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of the camera  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of a method for reducing sensor noise at the camera of  FIG. 1 , according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 4  depicts the camera of  FIG. 1  with the method of  FIG. 3  implemented therein, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 5  depicts another implementation of a camera for reducing sensor noise, according to non-limiting implementations. 
         FIG. 6  depicts another implementation of a camera for reducing sensor noise, comprising a communication device, according to non-limiting implementations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An aspect of the specification provides a camera device comprising: a sensor for acquiring electronic images; a heat generating device; an apparatus for determining a temperature-associated property of the sensor; and a processor in communication with the apparatus, the processor is enabled to: switch the heat generating device to a low power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value. 
     The processor can be further enabled to switch the heat generating device to the low power mode by turning off the heat generating device. 
     The sensor can comprise one or more of a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor and a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor. 
     The apparatus can comprise one or more temperature sensing devices. The one or more temperature sensing devices can be located to sense a temperature of one or more of the sensor and an interior of the camera device. The one or more temperature sensing devices can be located at one or more of: at the sensor, adjacent the sensor, proximal the sensor, and a location for measuring a temperature increase inside the camera device. The threshold value can comprise a temperature above which the images acquired by the sensor become noisy. 
     The apparatus can comprise a device for determining noise of the sensor. The apparatus can comprise one or more of the processor, a second processor, an image processor and an image processing engine. The threshold value can comprise a given noise level of one or more of: the sensor; images acquired by the sensor; and a signal from the sensor. 
     The processor can be further enabled to: switch the heat generating device to the low power mode when the temperature-associated property exceeds the threshold value. 
     The processor can be further enabled to: switch the heat generating device to a high power mode when the temperature-associated property drops below the threshold value. The processor can be further enabled to switch the heat generating device to the high power mode by turning the heat generating device on when the heat generating device is off. 
     The heat generating device can comprise one or more of a servo-motor, a voice coil motor, a continuous auto-focus device, an image stabilization device, and a flash device. 
     The camera device can further comprise a communication device. The heat generating device can comprise a portion of the communication device that causes a temperature of the sensor to increase. 
     The processor can be further enabled to: switch the heat generating device to a high power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a second threshold value, after the heat generating device is switched to the low power mode. The second threshold value can be below the threshold value. 
     Another aspect of the specification provides a method comprising: switching, via a processor, a heat generating device of a camera device to a low power mode when a temperature-associated property of an electronic image sensor at the camera device meets a threshold value. 
     A further aspect of the specification provides a computer program product, comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code adapted to be executed to implement a method comprising: switching, via a processor, a heat generating device of a camera device to a low power mode when a temperature-associated property of an electronic image sensor at the camera device meets a threshold value. The computer program product can comprise a non-transitory computer program product. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict front and rear views, respectively, of a camera device  100  for reducing sensor noise, while  FIG. 2  depicts a schematic diagram of camera device  100 , according to non-limiting implementations. Camera device  100  will also be referred to hereafter as camera  100 . Camera  100  is generally enabled to acquire digital images via a lens  123 , and store the digital images in a memory. In particular, camera  100  generally comprises a sensor  200  for acquiring electronic images; a heat generating device  201 ; an apparatus  203  for determining a temperature-associated property of sensor  200 ; and a processor  208  in communication with apparatus  203 , processor  208  enabled to: switch heat generating device  201  to a low power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value. For example, heat generating device  201  can be switched to a low power mode by turning off heat generating device  201 . Furtheimore, it is presumed that heat generating device  201  is initially in one or more of a high power mode, a full power mode, and/or generally functioning normally (e.g. device  201  is initially “on”). 
     Camera  100  can be any type of camera device that can be used to acquire digital images. Camera  100  can include, but is not limited to, any suitable combination of camera devices, digital cameras, digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera, computing devices, personal computers, laptop computers, portable electronic devices, mobile computing devices, portable computing devices, tablet computing devices, laptop computing devices, desktop phones, telephones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), cellphones, smartphones and the like. Other suitable camera devices are within the scope of present implementations. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the depicted structure of camera  100  is purely an example, and is not to be considered particularly limiting. Sensor  200  is generally enabled to acquire digital images by way of light impinging on lens  123  and lens  123  focussing light onto sensor  200 . Upon input from an input device  205 , a processor  208  causes an image from sensor  200  to be captured and stored in a non-volatile storage  212 . However, in other implementations, the image from sensor  200  can be acquired and provided at a display device without storing the image at a memory (e.g. streaming). In some implementations camera  100  further comprises a mechanical shutter, including but not limited to single lens reflex shutter. However in other implementations, camera  100  comprises an electronic shutter. 
     Sensor  200  generally comprises a device for acquiring digital images, including but not limited to one or more of a CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) image sensor and a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor. However, any suitable device for acquiring digital images is within the scope of present implementations. 
     It is further appreciated that the digital images acquired by the sensor  200  can include, but are not limited to, still digital images, digital video, digital video stills and image streaming. It is further appreciated that the digital images can be rendered at a display device but not necessarily stored at a memory (e.g. streaming). 
     Heat generating device  201 , also referred to hereafter as device  201 , is generally appreciated to comprise a device and/or feature which generates heat, thereby causing the temperature of sensor  200  to increase. Hence, device  201  leads to noise at sensor  200 , which in turn leads to noisy digital images being acquired by sensor  200  as sensor  200  increases in temperature. 
     In some implementations, device  201  comprises a device for improving ease of use of camera  200 , such as a continuous auto-focus (CAF) device and/or an image stabilization device. Hence, while in these implementations, device  201  improves ease of use of camera  200 , over time device  201  can degrade digital image quality as device  201  produces heat which raises the temperature of sensor  200 . 
     Device  201  can include, but is not limited to one or more of a servo-motor, a voice coil motor, a continuous auto-focus (CAF) device, an image stabilization device, a flash unit (e.g. an LED and the like), a device that shares a heat sink with sensor  200  and/or has a heat sink located proximal sensor  200 , and the like. However, any heat generating device is within the scope of present implementations. 
     When heat generating device  201  comprises one or more of a servo-motor, a voice coil motor and a CAF device, device  201  can be enabled to automatically move lens  123  to better focus light impinging on sensor  200 , for example in conjunction with processor  208  and/or an image processor determining how to move lens  123  to focus on features in view of lens  123 . In other words, sensor  200  senses light from lens  123 , processor  208  and/or an image processor processes a signal from sensor  200  to determine which features in view of lens  123  are to be focussed on, and processor  208  controls device  201  accordingly to move lens  123 , for example in or out of camera  100 , to focus on the determined feature. Hence, one or more of a servo-motor and a voice coil motor moves lens  123  under control of processor  208 . It is further appreciated that CAF can be turned on at camera  200 , either manually, for example via input device  205 , or automatically. 
     When CAF is on, movement of lens  123  can be generally continuous, as sensor  200 , processor  208  and/or an image processor and device  201  are appreciated to be in a feedback loop to generally continuously focus on features in view of lens  123 . When camera  100  is moving, and/or when features in view of lens  123  are moving, camera  100  can be in almost constant motion, and hence device  201  generates heat continuously, leading to a rise in temperature of sensor  200 . Indeed, in some implementations, sensor  200 , device  201  and lens  123  can further be in a confined space as lens  123  and sensor  200  are generally adjacent; hence device  201  is also generally adjacent sensor  200 . Such proximity can make the problem of heat related noise at sensor  200  particularly pernicious. 
     It is appreciated, however, that present implementations are not limited to CAF devices, and indeed any suitable heat generating device  201  is within the scope of present implementations. For example, device  201  could also comprise an image stabilization device for stabilizing sensor  200 . Such image stabilization devices are appreciated to keep sensor  200  steady, for example when camera  100  is moving, and can include gyroscopic devices and the like. However, such image stabilization devices are also known to generate heat and hence cause temperature of sensor  200  to increase. 
     Camera  100  further comprises apparatus  203  for determining a temperature-associated property of sensor  200 . Temperature-associated properties can include, but are not limited to, a temperature of sensor  200 , a temperature proximal sensor  200 , a temperature of an interior of camera  100 , and noise at sensor  200 . 
     For example, in depicted implementations, apparatus  203  comprises a temperature sensing device, including but not limited to bolometers, bimetallic strips, heat flux sensors, infrared thermometers, microbolometers, quartz thermometers, resistance temperature detectors, resistance thermometers, silicon bandgap temperature sensors, temperature gauges, thermistors, thermocouples, thermometers and the like. 
     In these implementations, apparatus  203  is located to sense a temperature of one or more of sensor  200  and an interior of camera  100 . Locations of apparatus can include, but are not limited to, at sensor  200 , adjacent sensor  200 , proximal sensor  200 , and a location for measuring a temperature increase inside camera  100 . In other words, apparatus  203  need not measure temperature of sensor  200  directly, but can measure temperature near sensor  200  and/or temperature of an interior of camera  100  on the assumption that the temperature of sensor  200  will rise when the temperature of the interior of camera  100  rises. 
     Further, it is appreciated that while present implementations are described with regards to measurement of temperature, in some implementations temperature can be measured indirectly, for example by measuring a parameter from which temperature can be derived. For example, with some of the temperature sensing devices described above, a property is determined that is related to temperature, such as a resistance of a resistance thermometer, but is not strictly a temperature measurement; nonetheless changes can occur to the property that are one or more of associated with changes in temperature and from which changes in temperature can be derived and/or inferred. 
     However, apparatus  203  is not limited to temperature sensing devices. Rather, in other implementations, described below with reference to  FIG. 5  apparatus  203  can comprise an apparatus for determining noise at sensor  200 , wherein noise at sensor  200  is associated with a temperature of sensor  200 . 
     In any event, in order reduce the risk of noise at sensor  200 , processor  208  is hence generally enabled to: switch heat generating device  201  to a low power mode when a temperature-associated property determined by apparatus  203  meets a threshold value. For example, threshold value can be stored as threshold value data  213  at non-volatile storage  212 . The threshold value can be a pre-determined value and provisioned at camera  100 , for example when manufactured, and/or at a factory, and/or when camera  100  is programmed. 
     In implementations where apparatus  203  determines a temperature sensing device, it is appreciated that the threshold value can comprise a temperature above which sensor  200  becomes too noisy, and/or a temperature at which sensor  200  becomes too noisy. It is appreciated that all sensors can be noisy to a degree at most temperatures, “too noisy” can be defined by way of the threshold value and is generally appreciated to comprise a noise level where noise in images acquired by sensor  200  becomes visible to the human eye. However, the threshold value can comprise any suitable value. 
     In implementations where apparatus  203  determines a property that is associated with temperature, it is appreciated that the threshold value can comprise a value of the property associated with a temperature above which sensor  200  becomes noisy, and/or a temperature at which sensor  200  becomes noisy. 
     As will be described below, in implementations where apparatus  203  determines a noise at sensor  200 , it is appreciated that the threshold value can comprise a given noise level of one or more of: sensor  200 ; images acquired by sensor  200 ; and a signal from sensor  200 , including but not limited to an image signal. 
     In any event, processor  208  is generally enabled to automatically switch heat generating device  201  to a low power mode when a temperature-associated property of sensor  200  meets a threshold value. 
     Further elements of camera  100  will now be described. 
     Camera  100  comprises at least one input device  205  generally enabled to receive input data, and can comprise any suitable combination of input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a keypad, a pointing device, a mouse, a track wheel, a trackball, a touchpad, a touch screen and the like. Other suitable input devices are within the scope of present implementations. 
     Input from input device  205  is received at processor  208  (which can be implemented as a plurality of processors, including but not limited to one or more central processing units (CPUs)). Processor  208  is configured to communicate with a non-volatile storage unit  212  (e.g. Erasable Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), Flash Memory) and a volatile storage unit  216  (e.g. random access memory (“RAM”)). Programming instructions that implement the functional teachings of camera  100  as described herein are typically maintained, persistently, in non-volatile storage unit  212  and used by processor  208  which makes appropriate utilization of volatile storage  216  during the execution of such programming instructions. Those skilled in the art will now recognize that non-volatile storage unit  212  and volatile storage  216  are examples of computer readable media that can store programming instructions executable on processor  208 . Furthermore, non-volatile storage unit  212  and volatile storage  216  are also examples of memory units and/or memory modules. It is further appreciated that digital images acquired at camera  100  can be stored at non-volatile storage  212 . 
     In some implementations, processor  208  comprises an image processor and an image processing engine. In other implementations, camera  100  further comprises one or more of an image processor and an image processing engine implemented at one or more second processors in communication with processor  208 . For example, one or more of processor  208 , a second processor, an image processor and an image processing engine can be enabled to implement a CAF function and/or control an image stabilizer by processing images and/or a signal from sensor  200  to determine how to control device  201 . 
     Hence, processor  208  and/or the second processor and/or the image processor and/or the image processing engine can be further enabled to communicate with sensor  200  to receive images and/or a signal there from for processing and/or analysis. 
     Processor  208  can be further enabled to control device  201 , for example to switch device  201  between a high power mode and a low power mode, for example by transmitting suitable commands to device  201  and/or by controlling power to device  201 . Processor  208  can be further enabled to communicate with apparatus  203  to determine the temperature-associated property of sensor  200  to determine when to switch device  201  to a low power mode. 
     Processor  208  can be further configured to communicate with a display  224 . Display  224  comprises any suitable one of or combination of CRT (cathode ray tube) and/or flat panel displays (e.g. LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma, OLED (organic light emitting diode), capacitive or resistive touchscreens, and the like). It is generally appreciated that display  224  comprises circuitry  290  that can be controlled, for example by processor  208 , to render a representation  292  of data at display  224 . 
     In some implementations, input device  205  and display  224  are external to camera  100 , with processor  208  in communication with each of input device  205  and display  224  via a suitable connection and/or link. 
     In particular, it is appreciated that non-volatile storage  212  stores an application  250  for reducing sensor noise. When processor  208  processes application  250 , processor  208  is enabled to: switch heat generating device  201  to a low power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value. For example, processor  208  can be enabled to: automatically switch heat generating device  201  to a low power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value. 
     In some implementations, when processor  208  processes application  250 , processor  208  can be further enabled to: switch heat generating device  201  to a high power mode when the temperature-associated property meets a second threshold value, after turning off heat generating device  201 . In other words, once sensor  200  cools down after device  201  is turned off, processor  208  can switch device  201  to a high power mode; in some implementations, switching device  201  to a high power mode comprises turning device  201  back on. 
     It is further appreciated that processor  208  can store a camera application (not depicted) for operating camera  100 , for example, to control camera  100  to acquire digital images. In some implementations, application  250  can comprises a module of the camera application. Further, upon processing the camera application, and/or application  250 , processor  208  can control circuitry  290  in display device  224  to render aspects of the camera application and/or application  250  in representation  292 . 
     While not depicted, it is further appreciated that camera  100  further comprises a power source, including but not limited to a battery. 
     In any event, it should be understood that in general a wide variety of configurations for camera  100  are contemplated. 
     Attention is now directed to  FIG. 3  which depicts a method  300  for reducing sensor noise at a camera device, according to non-limiting implementations. In order to assist in the explanation of method  300 , it will be assumed that method  300  is performed using camera  100 . Furthermore, the following discussion of method  300  will lead to a further understanding of camera  100  and its various components. However, it is to be understood that camera  100  and/or method  300  can be varied, and need not work exactly as discussed herein in conjunction with each other, and that such variations are within the scope of present implementations. 
     It is appreciated that, in some implementations, method  300  can be implemented in camera  100  by processor  208  of camera  100 . However, aspects of method  300  can be implemented in one or more of processor  208 , a second processor, an image processor and an image processing engine. However, in the following description, method  300  will be described with reference to implementing method  300  at processor  208 . Indeed, method  300  is one way in which camera  100  can be configured. It is to be emphasized, however, that method  300  need not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, unless otherwise indicated; and likewise various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence; hence the elements of method  300  are referred to herein as “blocks” rather than “steps”. It is also to be appreciated, however, that method  300  can be implemented on variations of camera  100 . 
     Method  300  will also be described with reference to  FIG. 4 , which is similar to  FIG. 2 , with like elements having like numbers. 
     At block  301 , device  201  is switched to a high power mode either manually or automatically. When manual, device  201  can be switched to a high power mode by processor  208  upon receipt of input data at input device  205  indicative that device  201  is to be switched to a high power mode. For example, block  301  can be representative of a CAF feature and/or an image stabilization feature being selected via input device  205  for use at camera  100 . When automatic, device  201  can be switched to a high power mode when a given condition is met for switching device  201  to a high power mode; for example device  201  can be switched to a high power mode automatically when camera  100  is turned on. Device  201  can also be switched to a high power mode automatically when camera  100  is turned on and device  201  had been in a high power mode when camera  100  was last turned off. However the conditions under which device  201  is switched to a high power mode are generally appreciated to be non-limiting. The high power mode can include but is not limited to a full power mode, an on state, a normal operating mode and the like. It is appreciated that the high power mode need not be a full power mode: for example, the high power mode can comprise the normal operating mode with device  201  switching to a full power mode occasionally. 
     At block  303 , a temperature-associated property of sensor  200  is determined. For example processor  208  receives data  401  from apparatus  203 , wherein data  401  is generally indicative of a temperature-associated property of sensor  203  as determined by apparatus  203 , as described above. In some implementations, processor  208  can request data  401  from apparatus  203 , for example periodically. In other implementations, apparatus  203  can be enabled to automatically transmit data  401 , for example periodically. 
     At block  305 , processor  208  determines when the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value. For example, data  401  is compared with threshold value data  213  retrieved from non-volatile storage  212  to and it is determined when data  401  meets threshold value data  213 . It is further appreciated that data  401  and threshold value data  213  are generally commensurate with one another; that is, when data  401  comprises a temperature value, threshold value data  213  comprises a temperature value; alternatively, when data  401  comprises a value associated with temperature, but is not strictly a temperature value, threshold value data  213  is of a similar type. 
     In some implementations, however, block  305  can be implemented at sensor  200 : in other words, in some implementations, sensor  200  can either comprise apparatus  203  and/or be in communication with apparatus  203 , and further comprise a processor. 
     In any event, in order for data  401  to meet threshold value data  213 , an exact match is not necessary. For example, processor  208  can determine that data  401  meets threshold value data  213  when data  401  is within a given range of threshold value data  213 , for example within a given margin of threshold value  213 . Indeed, when data  401  is changing rapidly, and/or when a sampling rate of data  401  is slow in comparison to a rate of change of data  401 , an exact match is unlikely. Hence, for example, data  213  can be determined to meet threshold value data  213  when data  401  is within any given margin of threshold value data  213 , for example 0-15% of threshold value data  213 . 
     In any event, when the temperature-associated property does not meet a threshold value at block  305 , blocks  303  and  305  are re-implemented in a loop until the temperature-associated property meets the threshold value at block  305 . 
     When the temperature-associated property meets a threshold value, at block  307  processor  208  turns off heat generating device  201 , for example by transmitting a command  403  to switch device  201  to a low power mode and/or turning off power to device  201  and/or controlling power to device  201  and/or by turning off power to device  201 . In  FIG. 4 , “LP” at command  403  indicates “Low Power” Examples of a switching device  201  to a low power mode can include, but are not limited to: turning device  201  off; when device  201  comprises a motor, placing the motor into a low power mode, for example a mode where the motor moves slower than in a high power mode; when device  201  comprises an image stabilization device, placing the image stabilization device into a mode where image stabilization occurs slower than in a high power mode; when device  201  comprises a flash device, placing the flash device into a lower brightness mode; and a combination thereof. Indeed, any suitable low power mode is within the scope of present implementations. 
     In yet further implementations, block  307  can comprise switching device  201  to a low power mode when the temperature-associated property meets or exceeds the threshold value. In other words, in some implementations, data  401  can be within a margin of threshold value  213  or above threshold value  213  for processor  208  to switch device  201  to a low power mode. 
     In some implementations, in association with block  307 , processor  208  can control display device  224  to render text indicating that device  201  is turned off and/or processor  208  can control display device  224  to render text indicating that sensor  200  and/or camera  100  is too hot. 
     In some implementations, method  300  ends at block  307 . 
     However, in other implementations, at optional block  309 , similar to block  303 , processor  208  can again determine the temperature-associated property of sensor  200 . In other words, after device  201  is turned off, processor  208  continues to monitor the temperature-associated property. 
     Then, at optional block  311 , similar to block  305 , processor  208  determines when the temperature-associated property meets a second threshold value, after turning off heat generating device  201 ; and, in response, turns on heat generating device  201 . For example, second threshold value data can be stored at non-volatile storage  212  similar to threshold value data  213 . It is appreciated that the second threshold value can be below the threshold value for turning device  201  off. However, in other implementations, the second threshold value can be similar to and/or comprise the threshold value for turning device  201  off. In yet further implementations, the second threshold can be above the first threshold when the temperature associated property of sensor  200  becomes lower at higher temperatures. In any event, blocks  309  and  311  can be implemented to automatically turn device  201  back on once sensor  200  cools down. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 5  which depicts a camera  100   a  similar to camera  100 ;  FIG. 5  is similar to  FIG. 2 , with like elements having like numbers however with an “a” appended thereto. Camera  100   a  hence generally comprises a lens  123   a , a sensor  200   a , a heat generating device  201   a , apparatus  203   a , an input device  205   a , a processor  208   a , non-volatile storage  212   a , volatile storage  216   a , and a display  224   a . In contrast to camera  100 , however, camera  100   a , apparatus  203   a  comprises one or more of processor  208   a  (as depicted), a second processor, an image processor and an image processing engine. In other words, apparatus  203   a  for determining the temperature-associated property of sensor  200   a  comprises a processor, and the temperature-associated property comprises a noise level of one or more of sensor  200   a , images acquired by sensor  200   a  and a signal from sensor  200   a , including but not limited to an image signal. Hence, the threshold value as stored at threshold value data  213   a , comprises a given noise level of one or more of: sensor  200   a ; images acquired by sensor  200   a ; and a signal from sensor  200   a , including but not limited to a given noise level of sensor  200   a.    
     Hence, when method  300  is implemented at camera  100   a , at block  303  the temperature-associated property of sensor  200   a  is determined by receiving data  501  from sensor  200   a  at processor  208   a , wherein data  501  comprises one or more of: images acquired at sensor  200   a  and a signal from sensor  200   a , including but not limited to an image signal. At block  305 , data  501  is compared to threshold value data  213   a  to determine whether data  501  meets threshold value data  213   a . In other words, data  501  is indicative of a noise level of sensor  200   a , which in turn is associated with a temperature of sensor  200   a ; when the noise level meets a threshold noise level, processor  208   a  turns device  201   a  off via command  403   a.    
     It is appreciated that device  201   a  can be turned off at any given noise level. Indeed a low tolerance for noise can be implemented at camera  100   a  when threshold value data  213   a  indicates a noise level that is relatively small. It is appreciated that a noise level threshold can be suitably specified with regard to a given sensor and/or camera device; for example, some sensors and/or camera devices can be noisier than others without noticeably affecting image quality. However, in some implementations, any indication of noise within data  501  can cause device  201   b  to be switched to a low power mode. 
     Attention is next directed to  FIG. 6  which depicts a camera  100   b  similar to camera  100 ;  FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 2  with like elements having like numbers however with a “b” appended thereto. Camera  100   b  hence generally comprises a lens  123   b , a sensor  200   b , a heat generating device  201   b , apparatus  203   b , an input device  205   b , a processor  208   b , non-volatile storage  212   b , volatile storage  216   b , and a display  224   b . However, in these implementations, camera  100   b  comprises a communication device. Hence, processor  208   b  can also be configured to communicate with a microphone  626  and a speaker  629 . Microphone  626  comprises any suitable microphone for receiving sound data to transmit to remote communication devices, and speaker  629  comprises any suitable speaker for providing sound data, audible alerts, audible communications and the like from remote communication devices. Further processor  208   b  also connects to a network communication interface  630 , referred to hereafter as interface  630 , which can be implemented as one or more radios configured to communicate over a link with a communication network. In general, it will be appreciated that interface  630  is configured to correspond with the network architecture that is used to implement a given link with a communication network. In other implementations a plurality of links with different protocols can be employed and thus interface  630  can comprise a plurality of interfaces to support each link. 
     Non-volatile storage  212   b  further stores a communication application  650  for managing communication at camera  100   b . Indeed, it is appreciated that camera  100   b  can be enabled to conduct any suitable communications via interface  630  and application  650 , including but not limited to making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving messages, such as email and text messages, and the like. 
     In any event, camera  100   b  can further comprise a heat generating device  641  which comprises a portion of communication device that causes a temperature of sensor  200   b  to increase. While device  641  is depicted as an independent element of camera  100   b , it is appreciated that device  641  can comprise display  224   b , microphone  626 , speaker  629 , and interface  630 . However device  641  can further comprise any portion of communication device that causes temperature of sensor  200   b  to increase, including but not limited to lights, voice coils, and the like. Indeed, any heat generating device that can be in a communication device is within the scope of present implementations. 
     In these implementations, method  300  can be implemented at camera  100   b  and processor  208   b  can be enabled to determine when the temperature-associated property of sensor  200   b  meets a threshold value, as described above with reference to blocks  303 ,  305 ; and, in response at block  307 , switch heat generating device  641  and/or heat generating device  201   b  to a low power mode. Processor  208   b  can switch device  641  to a low power mode by transmitting a command  643  to device  641  and/or by controlling power to device  641 . 
     It is further appreciated that present implementations have been described with reference to a temperature-associated property of a sensor increasing. However, in other implementations, the temperature-associated property can have an inverse relationship with temperature, and hence threshold values can be provided below which a heat generating device is turned off. Hence, a processor determining when a temperature-associated property meets a threshold value can be further construed as the temperature-associated property falling below or rising above the threshold value depending on the nature of a relationship between temperature-associated property and temperature of a sensor. 
     In general, however, by turning off a heat generating device at a camera when a temperature-associated property of a sensor meets a threshold, image quality of the camera can be improved by preventing heat-related noise from occurring at the sensor. Further, power can be saved at the camera when the heat generating device is turned off. This can also lead to improvements in battery life if the heat generating device is also heating up the battery of the camera as batteries become less efficient at higher temperatures. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementations, the functionality of camera  100 ,  100   a ,  100   b  can be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other implementations, the functionality of camera  100 ,  100   a ,  100   b  can be achieved using a computing apparatus that has access to a code memory (not shown) which stores computer-readable program code for operation of the computing apparatus. The computer-readable program code could be stored on a computer readable storage medium which is fixed, tangible and readable directly by these components, (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, fixed disk, USB drive). Furthermore, it is appreciated that the computer-readable program can be stored as a computer program product comprising a computer usable medium. Further, a persistent storage device can comprise the computer readable program code. It is yet further appreciated that the computer-readable program code and/or computer usable medium can comprise a non-transitory computer-readable program code and/or non-transitory computer usable medium. Alternatively, the computer-readable program code could be stored remotely but transmittable to these components via a modem or other interface device connected to a network (including, without limitation, the Internet) over a transmission medium. The transmission medium can be either a non-mobile medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a mobile medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.