Filtering still image data from a multimode stream

1. A method for capturing images, including video images and still images in an imaging device, the method comprising steps of: generating a multimode stream of image data, the multimode stream is generated by each of at least one photosensor performing non-destructive readouts by outputting image data multiple times per photosensor operating interval to capture simultaneously both still image data and video data during the same operating interval, wherein the video data comprises one or more video frames and the still image data comprises a still image, and wherein a resolution of each still image of the still image data is higher than a resolution of each video frame of the video data; determining whether a user event occurred, wherein the user event is an indication of a desire to capture a still image and filtering the still image data from the multimode stream in response to the user event not occurring.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the multimode stream in a buffer.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of filtering comprises filtering the still image data from the multimode stream stored in the buffer.

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising a step of transmitting the multimode stream from the buffer to one or more of a local storage device and a communication interface.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of storing the multimode stream in a buffer further comprises storing a plurality of still images and video frames from the multimode stream in the buffer.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of transmitting the multimode stream to one or more of a local storage device and a communication interface in response to detecting the user event.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the still image data comprises one or more still images, each still image including digital data representing an optical image.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user event is a shutter activation.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is a digital camera.

10. An imaging apparatus comprising: an integrated circuit having at least one photoreceptive sensor, the integrated circuit being operable to generate multimode stream of image data, wherein the multimode stream of image data is generated by each of the at least one photo-receptive sensor performing non-destructive readouts by outputting image data multiple times per photosensor operating interval to capture simultaneously both still image data and video data during the same operating interval, wherein the video data comprises one or more video frames and the still image data comprises a still imager and wherein a resolution of each still image of the still image data is higher than a resolution of each video frame of the video data; a buffer operable to store the multimode stream; and a controller operable to filter still image data from the multimode stream stored in the buffer until a user event is detected, wherein the user event is an indication of a desire to capture a still image.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the controller is operable to detect the user event and filter the still image data in response to not detecting the user event.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a local storage device, wherein the controller is operable to transmit the multimode stream received from the buffer to the local storage device in response to detecting the user event.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the buffer stores at least 3 seconds of the multimode stream. user event.

14. An imaging apparatus comprising: means for generating a multimode stream of image data, wherein the multimode image is generated by each of at least one photosensor performing non-destructive readouts by outputting data multiple times per photosensor operating interval to capture simultaneously both still image data and video data within the same operating interval, wherein the video data comprises one or more video frames and the still image data comprises a still image, and wherein a resolution of each still image of the still image data is higher than a resolution each video frame of the video data; means for determining whether a user event occurred, wherein the user event is an indication of a desire to capture a still image; and means for filtering the still image data from the multimode stream in response to the user event not occurring.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising a buffer means for storing a predetermined amount of the multimode stream.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the means for filtering receives the predetermined amount of stream from the buffering means and filters the received stream.

17. The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising means for transmitting the multimode stream to one of a local storage device and a communication interface in response to detecting the user event.