Configuration of a device based upon orientation
View Patent ↗An application for a device that includes an image sensor, an orientation sensor and image capture capabilities. Operation of the device is based upon a detected orientation of the device by the orientation sensor. In one embodiment, when the device is in a horizontal orientation, the image capture operates as a digital still image camera and when the device is in a vertical orientation, the image capture operates as a digital video camera. Other orientations are anticipated including upside down as well as other operating modes such as flash enabled and flash disabled. Optionally, a control is provided to lock the operation in one of the modes irrespective of changes in the orientation of the device.
1. A device comprising:
a lens;
an image sensor, the image sensor optically interfaced to the lens;
a processor electrically interfaced to the image sensor; and
an orientation sensor interfaced to the processor such that a program running within the processor reads a value from the orientation sensor and sets a configuration of the device based upon the value,
wherein the value read from the orientation sensor is selected from at least one value representing a portrait orientation of the device, at least one value representing a left landscape orientation of the device, and at least one value representing a right landscape orientation of the device,
wherein if the value indicates the portrait orientation of the device the configuration is set to disable a camera function, if the value indicates a first orientation from the group consisting of the left landscape orientation or the right landscape orientation of the device, the configuration is set to still camera function, and if the value indicates a second orientation from the group consisting of the left landscape orientation or the right landscape orientation of the device the configuration is set to video camera function.
2. The device as in claim 1 , wherein said first orientation is left landscape orientation and said second orientation is right landscape orientation.