Abstract:
The present invention provides a system for and method of obtaining a clear picture in the face of shaking or movement of the digital camera or motion of an object under capture. The present invention utilizes the burst mode feature present on conventional digital cameras in which several continuous images of an object are captured. An image processor is operable to process the image data using a compression technique based on a spatial frequency transformation, for example JPEG. For images processed with a JPEG compression technique, image file size is directly related to the clarity of the image. Therefore, JPEG-compressed data having a large file size corresponds to an image of an object that is clear, whereas JPEG-compressed data having a smaller file size corresponds to an image of the object that is blurry. Therefore, to address the effect of blurring, the present invention includes a selection process in which the largest processed image data file is selected from a set of processed image data files corresponding to images taken in burst mode. The processed image data with the largest file size is stored in memory while the remaining smaller processed image data files are deleted.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Blurring of images is a common complaint among digital camera users. The motion of an object under capture or even the movement of the camera itself can reduce image sharpness and render a promising snapshot unusable. The shaking of a user&#39;s hand is a very common source of image blurring. Such images may be considered a nuisance since they lack the detail expected by the user. In some instances, blurring can become so severe, the images are rendered unusable. 
         [0002]    Several anti-shaking techniques have been considered to reduce the effects of image blurring. Since cameras with shutter speeds are more vulnerable to image blur, the use of higher ISO has been recommended. ISO denotes is how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light present. However, for digital cameras at high ISOs, the amount of visible noise and grain produced by the image sensors reduces the quality of the image, effectively substituting one problem for another. 
         [0003]    Anti-blurring technology exists on the market but requires expensive upgrades or complicated processor algorithms. Optical lens stabilizers, for example, require the use of shake-detecting sensors within the digital camera assembly to detect lens movement, a specially programmed image processor to correct the image based on data from the shake detecting sensors, and set of movable lenses which adjust under instruction from the image processor. Digital image stabilizers are used in video cameras and require complicated image processing algorithms to pixel shift digital images between frames. Such devices are expensive solutions to a very common problem. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention provides a system for and method of obtaining a clear picture in the face of shaking or movement of the digital camera or motion of an object under capture. 
         [0005]    The present invention utilizes the burst mode feature present on conventional digital cameras in which several continuous images of an object are captured. 
         [0006]    As discussed above, a likelihood exists for blurring of an image for each picture. In a burst mode, a camera takes a plurality of pictures in rapid succession. Because the pictures are taken in rapid succession, the differences in the subject matter in each picture may vary only slightly, depending on the speed of the camera detector. However, differences in shaking or movement of the digital camera or motion of the object under capture between each picture will result in different levels of clarity in the pictures. With this method at least one of the pictures will be the clearest, i.e., have the least blurring. 
         [0007]    As with conventional digital cameras, image data is transmitted from the image sensor to the image processor for conversion to a standard file format. One aspect of this invention is an image processor operable to process the image data using a compression technique based on a spatial frequency transformation, for example the technique from the standard Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). For images processed with a JPEG compression technique, image file size is directly related to the clarity of the image. Therefore, JPEG-compressed data having a large file size corresponds to an image of an object that is clear, whereas JPEG-compressed data having a smaller file size corresponds to an image of the object that is blurry. Therefore, to address the effect of blurring, the present invention includes a selection process in which the largest processed image data file is selected from a set of processed image data files corresponding to images taken in burst mode. In one embodiment, the processed image data with the largest file size is stored in memory while the remaining smaller processed image data files are deleted. One exemplary embodiment of this invention deletes the smaller image files automatically, whereas a second embodiment sends all image data files to the memory for later deletion instruction. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a device comprises and image sensor, an image processor and a memory portion. The image sensor is operable to obtain a first image, to produce first image data based on the first image, to obtain a second image and to produce second image data based on the second image. The image processor is in communication with the image sensor. The image processor is operable to receive a first input data based on the first image data, to receive a second input data based on the second image data, to process the first input data into first processed image data having a first feature and to process the second input data into second processed image data having a second feature. The image processor is further operable to perform a comparison of the first feature and the second feature and to obtain a result of the comparison. The image processor is further operable to output at least one of the first processed image data and the second processed image data. The memory portion is operable to store at least one image memory data based on the outputted at least one of the first processed image data and the second processed image data, respectively. 
         [0009]    Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates four images of an object taken in succession from a digital camera; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary imaging device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a logic flow diagram explaining an exemplary serial processing method of operation of the device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a logic flow diagram explaining an exemplary parallel processing method of operation of the device of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an oblique view of an exemplary digital camera in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates another exemplary imaging device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view of another exemplary digital camera in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    An aspect of the present invention deals with a digital camera having a burst mode, wherein a plurality of images are rapidly taken of a subject. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with a digital camera operating in a burst mode to obtain consecutive images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  of the apple falling as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Image  102  is taken at time t 1  of the burst mode, image  104  is taken at time t 2  of the burst mode, image  106  is taken at time t 3  of the burst mode and image  108  is taken at time t 4  of the burst mode. From the figure, one will note that image  106  is the clearest image whereas each of images  102 ,  104  and  108  has a different amount of blurring. The blurring may be caused by at least one of camera shake or motion of the apple. By using the relationship between a data file size of a JPEG-compressed image and the clarity of the non-compressed corresponding image, the present invention is operable to obtain the clearest image taken in a burst mode of operation of a digital camera. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary imaging device  200  in accordance with the present invention. Imaging device  200  includes an image sensor  202 , an image processor  204 , a memory portion  206  and a display  208 . Image processor  204  includes a processing portion  212  and an internal memory  214 . Display  208  is operable to display an image  210 . 
         [0020]    Image sensor  202  is operable to receive image data  216  corresponding to image  102  at time t 1 , image  104  at time t 2 , image  106  at time t 3  and image  108  at time t 4 . Image sensor  202  is further operable to output an image data signal  218 , corresponding to image data  216 . Image sensor  202  may be any imaging device operable to receive images and output corresponding signals, a non-limiting example of which includes a charge coupled display. 
         [0021]    Image processor  204  is operable to receive an input data signal  220 , based on image data signal  218 . Image processor  204  may directly receive image data signal  218  from image sensor  202 , in which case image data signal  218  is input data signal  220 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between image sensor  202  and image processor  204  to modify image data signal  218 . Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0022]    Processing portion  212  receives input data signal  220  and compresses data therein by known compression methods, non-limiting examples of which include spatial frequency transformation methods. In an exemplary working embodiment, processing portion  212  utilizes a JPEG compression method. Compressed data corresponding to image  102  at time t 1 , image  104  at time  12 , image  106  at time t 3  and image  108  at time t 4  of input data signal  220  are stored in internal memory  214  via an output/input line  224  at processing portion, which is in communication with an input/output line  226  at internal memory  214 . Internal memory  214  may directly receive compressed data from processing portion  212 , in which case output/input line  224  is input/output line  226 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between output/input line  224  and input/output line  226  to modify the compressed data. Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0023]    After compressing data, processing portion  212  compares a predetermined feature of compressed data for each of image  102  at time t 1 , image  104  at time t 2 , image  106  at time t 3  and image  108  at time t 4 . In the exemplary working embodiment, processing portion  212  compares the size of the JPEG-compressed data for each of the images. After comparing a feature of compressed data, processing portion  212  chooses the compressed data corresponding to one of images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108 . In the exemplary working embodiment, processing portion  212  chooses the JPEG-compressed data having the largest size, which corresponds to the image having the sharpest image quality. Referring back to  FIG. 1 , image  106  has the sharpest image quality. Accordingly, in the exemplary working embodiment, the JPEG-compressed data corresponding to image  106  would have the largest size, and would therefore be chosen by processing portion  212 . In some embodiments, processing portion  212  is a single element. In other embodiments, processing portion comprises a plurality of processing elements, each operable to provide a separate processing function. In one embodiment, processing portion  212  includes two separate processing elements: a first element operable to provide a compression processing function; and a second element operable to provide a decompressing function. 
         [0024]    After choosing the compressed data based on the predetermined feature, image processor  204  instructs internal memory  214  to store a copy of the compressed data in memory portion  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, referring back to  FIG. 1 , the compressed data to be stored in memory portion  206  corresponds to the JPEG-compressed data corresponding to image  106 . Internal memory therefore copies the chosen compressed data to memory portion  206  via output/input line  228  of internal memory to input/output line  230  of memory portion  206 . Input/output line  230  may directly receive compressed data from output/input line  228 , in which case input/output line  230  is output/input line  228 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between input/output line  230  and output/input line  228  to modify the compressed data. Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0025]    In addition to instructing internal memory  214  to store the chosen compressed data in memory portion  206 , processing portion additional retrieves a copy of the chosen compressed data for decompression. After decompressing the chosen decompressed data, processing portion  212  outputs the decompressed data as a selected image output  234 . Display  208  receives data  236  based on selected image output  234 . Display  208  may directly receive selected image output  234  from processing portion  212 , in which data  236  is selected image output  234 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between display  208  and processing portion  212  to modify the selected image output  234 . Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0026]    Display  208  then displays an image  210  corresponding to data  236 . In the exemplary embodiment, and referring back to  FIG. 1 , image  210  corresponds to image  106 , the clearest image. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary process by which a burst of images are received, processed, and selected with an imaging system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The process is initiated with step S 302  after which the user clears internal memory portion  214  (step S 304 ). Non-limiting methods of performing this step include an automatic memory clear when turning on the camera or pushing a dedicated memory clear button. Next, a variable n is initially set to zero (S 306 ), and is then set to “n+1” (S 308 ). First image  102  is captured, e.g., received by image sensor  202  (S 310 ). Image data signal is transmitted by image sensor  202  and input data signal  220  is received by image processor  204 . Processing portion  212  compresses the data in input data signal for first image  102  (S 312 ). It is then determined whether the compressed data of first image  102  has a large size than the data in internal memory portion  214  (S 314 ). Since memory portion  214  was initially cleared in step S 304 , then the compressed data has a larger data size. Accordingly, the compressed data corresponding to first image  102  is set in internal memory portion  214  (S 316 ). 
         [0028]    It is then determined whether the number of the image n is equal to a predetermined number x (S 318 ). In the exemplary working embodiment, x is the predetermined burst number of images that the camera will take. In some embodiments, the burst number of images is fixed, whereas in other embodiments, the burst number is selectable by the user. In the exemplary working embodiment, x is equal to “4.” For first image  102 , n is equal to “1”, which is less than “4.” As such, the process returns to step S 308  to increase n to “2.” 
         [0029]    Second image  104  is captured, e.g., received by image sensor  202  (S 310 ). Image data signal is transmitted by image sensor  202  and input data signal  220  is received by image processor  204 . Processing portion  212  compresses the data in input data signal for second image  104  (S 312 ). It is then determined whether the compressed data of second image  104  has a larger size than the data in internal memory portion  214  (S 314 ). In this case, first image  102  is a little clearer than second image  104 . Therefore, the compressed data corresponding to first image  102  is larger than the compressed data corresponding to second image  104 . As such, the compressed data corresponding to second image  104  deleted (S 320 ). 
         [0030]    Again, it is then determined whether the number of the image n is equal to predetermined number x (S 318 ). For second image  104 , n is equal to “2”, which is less than “4.” As such, the process returns to step S 308  to increase n to “3.” 
         [0031]    Third image  106  is captured, e.g., received by image sensor  202  (S 310 ). Image data signal is transmitted by image sensor  202  and input data signal  220  is received by image processor  204 . Processing portion  212  compresses the data in input data signal for third image  106  (S 312 ). It is then determined whether the compressed data of third image  106  has a larger size than the data in internal memory portion  214  (S 314 ). In this case, third image  106  is a much clearer than first image  104 . Therefore, the compressed data corresponding to third image  106  is larger than the compressed data corresponding to first image  102 . As such, the compressed data corresponding to first image  102  deleted (S 320 ). 
         [0032]    Again, it is then determined whether the number of the image n is equal to predetermined number x (S 318 ). For third image  106 , n is equal to “3”, which is less than “4.” As such, the process returns to step S 308  to increase n to “4.” 
         [0033]    Fourth image  108  is captured, e.g., received by image sensor  202  (S 310 ). Image data signal is transmitted by image sensor  202  and input data signal  220  is received by image processor  204 . Processing portion  212  compresses the data in input data signal for fourth image  108  (S 312 ). It is then determined whether the compressed data of fourth image  108  has a larger size than the data in internal memory portion  214  (S 314 ). In this case, third image  106  is a much clearer than fourth image  108 . Therefore, the compressed data corresponding to third image  106  is larger than the compressed data corresponding to fourth image  108 . As such, the compressed data corresponding to fourth image  108  deleted (S 320 ). 
         [0034]    Again, it is then determined whether the number of the image n is equal to predetermined number x (S 318 ). For fourth image  108 , n is equal to “4”, which is equal to “4.” As such, the process outputs the data in internal memory portion  214  for decompression by processing portion  212  (S 324 ). The decompressed data is then output as a selected image output  234 . 
         [0035]    In the embodiment discussed above, the camera takes a burst of four images. Of course any number of images may be taken in the burst, subject only to design constraints such as memory size and processing speed. 
         [0036]    Further, in the embodiment discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the clearest image is obtained by processing the images serially. In other embodiments, the images may be processed in a parallel manner. An exemplary method of obtaining the clearest image by processing images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  in a parallel manner in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the logic flow diagram of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0037]    As illustrated in the figure, once the process starts (S 402 ), images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  are captured, e.g., received by image sensor  202  and image data signal  218  is transmitted by image sensor  202  and input data signal  220  is received by image processor  204  (S 404 ). Here, image data signal  218  and input data signal  220  include a serial stream of data corresponding to all of images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108 . 
         [0038]    In an exemplary parallel embodiment that may correspond to  FIG. 2 , processing portion  212  is operable to parallel process data corresponding to all of images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  to obtain compressed data for each (S 406 ). With such parallel processing, processing portion  212  is immediately able to determine which compressed data has the largest size (S 408 ). The compressed data having the largest size is then chosen for output as selected image output  234  (S 410 ), the remaining data corresponding to the remaining images are deleted (S 412 ) and the process stops (S 414 ). 
         [0039]    In another embodiment that may correspond to  FIG. 2 , step S 404  and step S 406  are executed for each image. For example, data corresponding to image  102  may be received by image processor  204  (S 404 ) and may then be processed (S 406 ), then data corresponding to image  104  may be received by image processor  204  (S 404 ) and may then be processed (S 406 ), then data corresponding to image  106  may be received by image processor  204  (S 404 ) and may then be processed (S 406 ), and finally data corresponding to image  108  may be received by image processor  204  (S 404 ) and may then be processed (S 406 ). 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is an oblique view of an exemplary digital camera in accordance with the present invention. In the figure, camera  500  includes a body portion  502 , a button  504  and a display  208 . Button  504  enables pictures to be taken in a burst mode of operation. Display  208  displays image  210 , as the clearest image of all the images taken in the burst mode, for the user. 
         [0041]    In the embodiments discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 : image processor  204  processes the data corresponding to a plurality of images; compares the processed data with respect to a predetermined feature; chooses one of the processed data based on the comparison; and sends data to display  208  to display image  210  based on the chosen processed data. In the exemplary working embodiment; a camera takes a burst of pictures of an object, wherein image sensor  202  obtains a plurality of images; image data corresponding to the plurality of images are sent to image processor  204  for compression with a JPEG compressing method; the compressed image data are stored in internal memory  214 ; the size of each compressed image data are compared to determine which compressed image data is the largest; once determined, the largest image data is decompressed and sent to display  208  for display as image  210 . Because of the direct relationship between image clarity and JPEG compressed data size, the compressed image data having the largest size will correspond to the image having the best clarity. 
         [0042]    In other embodiments, processing portion  212  may automatically instruct either one of internal memory  214  or memory portion  206  to delete the data corresponding to the remaining images. Specifically, as the image having the most clarity will have been determined based on the JPEG-compressed data size, the remaining images will have less clarity and would therefore not likely be needed or wanted. Therefore in order to save valuable space in at least one of internal memory  214  and memory portion  206 , processing portion may provide a deletion instruction signal to at least one of internal memory  214  and memory portion  206  to delete the data corresponding to the remaining images. 
         [0043]    Other embodiments of the present invention do not include display  208 . Specifically, an imaging device need not display the image to the user, but may alternatively have a data access port to access the image data from at least one of internal memory  214  or memory portion  206 . 
         [0044]    In some instances, although images  102 ,  104  and  108  may not be as clear as image  106 , a user may desire to retain at least one of images  102 ,  104  and  108 . Accordingly, in other embodiments, the user has the option of deleting the data corresponding to the remaining images. Such an embodiment will now be described with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates another exemplary imaging device  600  in accordance with the present invention. Imaging device  600  differs from imaging device  200  of  FIG. 2  in that imaging device  600  includes a selecting portion  602 . Further, display  208  is operable to display image  604 , image  606 , image  608  and image  610 . 
         [0046]    The operation of imaging device  600  additionally differs somewhat from the operation of imaging device  200 . In particular, in imaging device  600 , internal memory  214  copies all compressed data to memory portion  206  via output/input line  228  of internal memory  214  to input/output line  230  of memory portion  206 . Further, processing portion  212  is operable to provide indication data based on the predetermined feature. In the exemplary working embodiment, the indication data indicates which JPEG-compressed data has the largest data size. Processing portion  212  further retrieves a copy of all compressed data for decompression. After decompressing all the decompressed data, processing portion  212  outputs the decompressed data in addition to the indication data as selected images output  612 . Display  208  receives data  614  based on selected images output  612 . Display  208  may directly receive selected images output  612  from processing portion  212 , in which data  614  is selected images output  612 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between display  208  and processing portion  212  to modify the selected images output  612 . Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0047]    Display  208  then displays images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610  corresponding to data  614 . In the exemplary embodiment, and referring back to  FIG. 1 , image  604  corresponds to image  102 , image  606  corresponds to image  104 , image  608  corresponds to image  106  and image  610  corresponds to image  108 . Further, the indication data included data  614  is capable of informing the user of the clearest image. In an exemplary embodiment, the indication data highlights image  608  so the user can easily determine that image  608  is the clearest image. 
         [0048]    In the embodiments discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6 , although the user may quickly and easily determine which of images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610  is the clearest image, the user may still view the remaining images. Accordingly, the user may decide to retain at least one of images  604 ,  606  and  610 , even though such images are not the clearest. Selecting portion  602  enables user to delete any of images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 . Selecting portion  602  may include any user controllable input system, non-limiting examples of which include buttons or touch-screens, that enables selection of any of images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 . Once selected, image selector outputs a selection signal  616 . Processing portion  212  receives deletion instruction signal  618 , which is based on selection signal  616 . Processing portion  212  may directly receive selection signal  616  from selecting portion  602 , in which deletion instruction signal  618  is selection signal  616 . Alternately, intermediate circuitry may be included between processing portion  212  and selecting portion  602  to modify selection signal  616 . Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include matching networks, amplifiers, filters, resistors, etc. 
         [0049]    Processing portion  212  is operable to effectuate deletion of the selected images from any one of internal memory  214  and memory portion  206  based on deletion instruction signal  618 . 
         [0050]    In the embodiments discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6 : image processor  204  processes the data corresponding to a plurality of images; compares the processed data with respect to a predetermined feature; chooses one of the processed data based on the comparison; and sends data to display  208  to display images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610  with an indication of which image is the clearest. In the exemplary working embodiment; a camera takes a burst of pictures of an object, wherein image sensor  202  obtains a plurality of images; image data corresponding to the plurality of images are sent to image processor  204  for compression with a JPEG compressing method; the compressed image data are stored in internal memory  214 ; the size of each compressed image data are compared to determine which compressed image data is the largest; once determined, all image data is decompressed and sent to display  208  for display as images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 , wherein image  408  is highlighted to indicate that image  608  is the clearest image. 
         [0051]    In another exemplary embodiment corresponding to  FIG. 6 , the images may be processed in a parallel manner as described with respect to  FIG. 4 . For example, processing portion  212  is operable to parallel process data corresponding to all of images  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  to obtain compressed data for each. With such parallel processing, processing portion  212  is immediately able to determine which compressed data has the largest size. The compressed data having the largest size is then chosen and all of the images are output as selected image output  612  for display as images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 , wherein image  608  is highlighted to indicate that image  608  is the clearest image. The user may then delete the remaining data corresponding to the remaining images (S 412 ) via selecting portion  602 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 7  is an oblique view of another exemplary digital camera in accordance with the present invention. In the figure, camera  700  includes a body portion  702 , a button  704 , a display  208 , a select button  706  and a delete button  708 . Button  704  enables pictures to be taken in a burst mode of operation. Display  208  displays images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 , as taken in the burst mode, for the user. Image  608  is additionally highlighted  710  to indicate that image  608  is the clearest image. 
         [0053]    In this exemplary digital camera, select button  706  and delete button  708  correspond to image selector  606  of  FIG. 6 . Selection prompt  712  indicates the image currently selected for deletion. Selection button is operable to move selection prompt  712  among images  604 ,  606 ,  608  and  610 . Delete button  708  is operable to generate selection signal  616  to instruct at least one of internal memory  214  or memory portion  232  to delete image data corresponding to the image to which selection prompt  712  currently points. With this embodiment, although image  608  is highlighted  710  to indicate that image  608  is the clearest image, the user can view the images  604 ,  606 ,  608 , and  610  and determine if any of the remaining images should be deleted. 
         [0054]    The above discussed embodiments are drawn to determining which, if any, images are to be deleted and the remaining images are to be saved. Other corresponding embodiments would be drawn to the alternative. That is, other embodiments are drawn to determining which, if any, images are to be saved and the remaining images are to be deleted. 
         [0055]    The above discussed embodiments are drawn to a detecting device having a processor operable to perform in a specific manner. Other embodiments of the invention are drawn to modification of conventional detecting devices. 
         [0056]    An embodiment of the present invention includes a device readable medium, such as a semiconducting memory, that has device readable instructions thereon. The instructions are capable of instructing a device to perform in the manner in accordance with any one of the many embodiments of the present invention. For example, an after-market supplier may provide an upgraded chip for a camera that is capable of instructing the camera to be operable in a burst mode to enable capturing a clearest image in accordance with any one of the many embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0057]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a signal, such as a provided via a cable that has device readable instructions thereon. The instructions are capable of instructing a device to perform in the manner in accordance with any one of the many embodiments of the present invention. For example, a camera may include a data port for upgrading its capabilities. The data port, for example, may be connectable to a remote instruction site. As a specific example the data port may be connected via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) to a computer that is connected via the Internet to a web site. In this example, the web site is capable of instructing the camera to be operable in a burst mode to enable capturing a clearest image in accordance with any one of the many embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0058]    The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.