Patent ID: 8120696

Claim:
A method of setting image capture parameters, comprising: prior to image capture, collecting image data information from a plurality of discrete areas of a pixel array at a first set of image capture parameters, wherein each of the plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array is smaller than the entire pixel array area and is apart and detached from others of the plurality of the discrete areas of the pixel array by areas of the pixel area that are not part of one of the plurality of discrete areas and wherein the image capture parameters define exposure, white balance and/or focus; based on the collected image data information, adjusting at least one of the size, location, number and shape of at least one of the plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array, resulting in an updated plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array, each of the updated plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array being apart and detached from others of the updated plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array; collecting image data information from the updated plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array at the first set of image capture parameters; determining adjustments of at least one image capture parameter based on the image data information collected from the updated plurality of discrete areas of the pixel array; adjusting the at least one image capture parameter based on the determination to an updated set of image capture parameters; and capturing an image using the updated set of image capture parameters.