System and method for analyzing a digital image

Abstract

A system and method for analyzing a captured image is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for analyzing a digital image comprises an image sensor including a plurality of image capture elements, each of the image capture elements configured to capture image data. The image data is captured according to at least one setting. The system also includes a memory for storing the image data and logic for dynamically analyzing the image data to determine at least one characteristic of the image data, and a display for communicating a description of the characteristic.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for analyzing a digital image, comprising: 
 an image sensor including a plurality of image capture elements, each of the image capture elements configured to capture image data, the image data captured according to at least one setting;    a memory for storing the image data;    logic for dynamically analyzing the image data to determine at least one characteristic of the image; and    a display for communicating a description of the characteristic.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines whether the image is in focus.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines exposure of the image.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines a white balance of the image.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising logic for revising the at least one setting to alter the at least one characteristic.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one setting is automatically revised.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one setting is manually revised by a user of the system.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the display communicates the at least one revised setting to a user.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting the at least one setting, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting a condition under which the image was captured, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         11 . A method for analyzing a digital image, comprising: 
 capturing an image;    storing the image as image data;    dynamically analyzing the image data to determine at least one characteristic of the image; and    communicating a description of the characteristic to a user.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines whether the image is in focus.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines exposure of the image.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one characteristic of the image determines a white balance of the image.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising revising a setting to alter the at least one characteristic.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising automatically revising the at least one setting.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising manually revising the at least one setting.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising displaying the at least one revised setting to a user.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting the at least one setting, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting a condition under which the image was captured, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         21 . A digital camera, comprising: 
 an image sensor including a plurality of image capture elements, each of the image capture elements configured to capture image data, the image data captured according to at least one setting;    a memory for storing the image data;    logic for dynamically analyzing the image data to determine at least one characteristic of the image;    logic for revising the at least one setting to alter the characteristic; and    a display for communicating the revised setting to a user.    
     
     
         22 . The camera of  claim 21 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting the at least one setting, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         23 . The camera of  claim 21 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting a condition under which the image was captured, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         24 . A computer readable medium having a program for analyzing a digital image, the program including logic for: 
 capturing an image;    storing the image as image data;    dynamically analyzing the image data to determine at least one characteristic of the image; and    communicating a description of the characteristic to a user.    
     
     
         25 . The program of  claim 24 , further comprising logic for automatically revising a setting to alter the at least one characteristic.  
     
     
         26 . The program of  claim 24 , further comprising logic for manually revising a setting to alter the at least one characteristic.  
     
     
         27 . The program of  claim 24 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting the at least one setting, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.  
     
     
         28 . The program of  claim 24 , further comprising logic for providing advice on improving a subsequent image, wherein the advice comprises adjusting a condition under which the image was captured, and wherein the advice is communicated via the display.