Abstract: A power control method is used with a video camera of a computer system. The power control method includes steps of executing a virtual web camera software to load a virtual web camera, executing a video application program such that the virtual web camera software generates a power-on message, and providing electric energy to the video camera in response to the power-on message.

Abstract: The present invention makes an image data supplier such as an image shooting apparatus controllable of image processing that is performed in an image output apparatus according to image data for the purpose of improving image quality. In the present invention, control data, which is used to control image processing that is performed in an image output apparatus, is set in correlation with image data. A digital camera 10 performs image analysis of shot image data to set control data, and outputs the control data in correlation with the image data. This allows for the control of the image processing that is performed in the image output apparatus. Since the control data is not previously prepared uniform data but is set based on the analysis of the image data, the image processing can be performed as appropriate for each image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a camera head that is provided with an image pickup device that outputs an image signal; a camera control unit that is connected to the camera head with a camera cable and outputs a video signal based on the image signal; a CDS circuit that performs co-related double sampling on the image signal; a pulse generator that outputs sample pulses to the CDS circuit; a phase adjusting unit that performs phase adjustment on a clock signal and outputs the adjusted clock signal to the pulse generator; a peak search unit that searches for a peak range in the image signal being performed with the co-related double sampling by the CDS circuit; and a phase control unit that controls the phase adjustment by the phase adjusting unit based on a result of the search by the peak search unit.

Abstract: An image data transmitting device comprises a communication device and an information processing device. The communication device that transmits main image data stored in a storage medium to an external apparatus. The information processing device that deletes the main image data stored in the storage medium after the communication device transmits it. The information processing device produces reduced image data of the main image data and stores the reduced image data in the storage medium, or keeps reduced image data of the main image data stored in the storage medium. This makes it easy for the user to recognize the image after the main image data has been transmitted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for transmitting image data that converts 2D image data taken by a digital camera to 3D image data and transmits the 2D and 3D image data to a computer. The image data transmission method that converts 2D image data taken by a digital camera to 3D image data and transmits the 2D and 3D image data to a computer, thereby reducing the required memory capacity and hence the image transfer rate includes: extracting contours from the 2D image data taken by the digital camera; and transmitting the contour extraction data to the computer when the extraction of the contours is completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for calibrating an imaging system comprising a processing unit communicatively coupled to one or more imaging devices. The imaging system may also include a display. In an embodiment, a sequence of display features are displayed on a display, and imaged by the imaging device or devices. Spatial data is compiled related to the display features and the corresponding image features. In an embodiment, the display, imaging device or device, or both may be repositioned and another sequence of display features may be presented and the spatial data compiled. Using optimization and calibration techniques, the compiled spatial data may be used to obtain one or more internal imaging device parameters, one or more external parameters, or both.

Abstract: An aerial camera system including a plurality of main reels, a camera interface/safety reel and a stabilized camera head. The camera head is supported from main cables from the main reels with a safety reel cable providing power, data and video communication between the camera head and a main computer system. Each of the main reels, the camera interface/safety reel and the camera head are in communication with the main computer system, which controls the feeding and reeling in of the main cables. Further, the computer system controls the feeding and reeling in of the safety reel cable, which typically only follows the camera head as it moves in three-dimensional space, but may in emergency mode support the weight of the camera head and be used to slowly pull the camera head up and out of the way so that it does not interfere with any activity below the flight area.

Abstract: Subjects are repeatedly photographed efficiently and automatically. An input receiving means, for receiving input of photography intervals between completion of a previous photography operation and initiation of a next photography operation; and a photography control means for controlling the photography unit to perform a plurality of photography operations, based on the photography intervals received by the input receiving means; are provided.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, an apparatus and a method for processing information, a program, and a program recording medium that can provide a user with an image optimum for the user are provided. A recording medium 4 records a large-size image and a playback parameter thereon. The large-size image has an angle of view wider than that of a normal image that a user intends to be captured and a resolution higher than that of the normal image, where the entirety of an area of a scene captured in the normal image is captured in the large-size image. The playback parameter includes information indicative of a region of the large-size image in which the area of the scene captured in the normal image is captured. An image extracting unit 22 extracts a partial image from the large-size image on the basis of the playback parameter and outputs the extracted image to a display unit 3 as an extraction image. The display unit 3 displays the extraction image.

Abstract: A smart camera with modular expansion capabilities, including a housing, a camera directly attached to the housing for acquiring an image of an object, a functional unit comprised in the housing and coupled to the camera, where the functional unit is configurable to implement an image processing function, a backplane comprised in the housing and coupled to the functional unit to provide electrical communication, and one or more slots comprised in the housing, where each slot includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the backplane, and where each slot is adapted for receiving a function module. An inserted function module provides modular functionality to the smart camera, such as dedicated image processing functionality, pattern recognition, analysis, communication, sensor, sensor I/O, signal conditioning and/or conversion, control, measurement, and synchronization, among others. The function module may communicate a protocol to the functional unit which may be configured to implement the protocol.

Abstract: A printing system enables the printing of multimedia received from a media source that is communicatively coupled to the printer. Based on the received multimedia data, the printing system produces a paper or other printed output as well as a related electronic output. Together, the printed and electronic outputs provide a representation of the multimedia. The printer is also capable of communicating and controlling the functionality of the media source. Depending on the desired application for the printer, the printer may include any combination of mechanisms for receiving media data, printing the printed output, and producing the electronic output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling an electronic device and an authentication method for controlled electronic device resources; the method for controlling an electronic device includes the following steps: receiving the electronic device control information from the client, by the streaming media server, wherein, the electronic device control information is included in the initial line, header field, message body in the network control protocol, or an combo including the initial line, header field, and message body; parsing out the electronic device control information from the initial line, header field, message body, or the combo including any combination of the initial line, header field, and message body, by the streaming media server; controlling the electronic device according to the control information. The streaming media server includes a receiving unit, a parsing unit, and a control unit, or it includes a receiving unit, a parsing unit, and an authenticating unit.

Abstract: The invention, receiving a camera operation screen request from a client terminal, determines a code to be transmitted to the client terminal and transmits the code to the client terminal together with camera operation screen information, registers to a memory a code attached to a drive request signal transmitted from the client terminal, and, receiving a drive request signal from a client terminal, controls the camera in accordance with the signal in case a code matching a registered code is included, and rejects the drive request in case a code matching the registered code is not included. With this configuration, when a plurality of users operate a common camera unit via a network, a code determined by the camera unit is returned from a client terminal and the client terminal is identified based on whether the code is matching. This eliminates the needs for issuing a special id for identifying a client terminal and allows easy operation anywhere from the network by using a general-purpose browser.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for audio-video conferencing are disclosed. A memory may store an initial historical configuration parameter representation of an initial historical configuration parameter for a set of historical video data. A processor may determine a primary initial configuration parameter based on the initial historical configuration parameter representation. An audio-video capture mechanism may capture a current set of video data using the primary initial configuration parameter. An audio input may receive an audio trigger. A configuration control mechanism may switch automatically between the primary initial configuration parameter and a primary subsequent configuration parameter based on the audio trigger.

Abstract: Camera control apparatus enabling a user to intuitively understand a photographing direction and zoom magnification of a camera at the time of switching over an image, and enabling camera control to be started immediately. At camera control apparatus (120), camera image switching section (121) switches over images of cameras instructed to be switched over to by a user. Zoom magnification control sections (124, 125, 126) acquire zoom magnification of a camera instructed to be switched over to, set zoom magnification of a camera before switching of the camera image switching section (121) to a reference magnification lower than the acquired zoom magnification, and change zoom magnification of the camera after switching from the reference magnification to the acquired zoom magnification. Image display section (122) then displays the image of the camera image switching section (121) has switched over to.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling a camera may include a telephony device communicatively coupled to a data network. The telephony device comprises at least one module adapted to generate a control signal in response to receiving a user command associated with dialing of an emergency telephone number. A camera may be adapted to start capturing images in response of receiving the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method for improved video capture on a personal computer is provided. The personal computer is equipped with video controls and a camera with a privacy lens cover. A sensor for sensing when the lens cover is closed may be used along with an actuator for mechanically opening the lens cover, so that the system may optionally open the lens cover automatically for video capture applications. A user may easily capture a video stream or still images using the video controls provided. A user may also answer an incoming phone call that supports video by pressing the camera button or, optionally, the user can set a preference so that the camera is automatically enabled whenever answering a call that supports video. Additionally, the system may automatically transition to or from video anytime during a call.

Abstract: A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a record and reproduction unit for recording and reproducing image data on and from a record medium, a display unit, a communication unit arranged to transmit captured image data and reproduced image data to an external device, and a mode switch unit for switching over a plurality of operation modes in accordance with a connection status of the communication unit. The operation modes include a first mode, in which the communication unit is operated and operations of the imaging unit and the display unit are stopped; a second mode, in which the communication unit and the display unit are operated to display an image reproduced from the record medium on the display unit, and operation of the imaging unit is stopped; and a third mode, in which the imaging unit, the display unit, and the communication unit are operated to display an image captured by the imaging unit on the display unit.

Abstract: A camera (16) and a rotary base receiver (28) are connected to each other to be capable of transmitting a video signal. In the camera (16), a web server (50) sends out a video signal to the outside and receives a camera remote control signal and a rotary base remote control signal from the outside. A control unit (40) controls the camera (16) according to the camera remote control signal. The rotary base remote control signal is superimposed on a video signal to be transmitted to the rotary base receiver (28) by a video signal circuit (52). The rotary base receiver (28) extracts the rotary base remote control signal from the video signal, and controls a rotary base (14) according to the rotary base remote control signal. The configuration for a superimposed transmission can be utilized and both the camera and the rotary base can be controlled with ease through communications with the outside.

Abstract: A photography apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to image a subject and acquire photographed image data; a display unit configured to perform an image display; and a control unit; wherein the control unit executes reading processing for reading out, from a storage medium which stores template information arranged to fit and display photographed image data imaged by the imaging unit into a target region within display screen data according to a predetermined display format, the template information, wherein instruction information for instructing what sort of image should be photographed as the photographed image data to be fit and displayed in the target region is correlated therewith, and instruction information display control processing for controlling the display unit so as to display the instruction information in a correlated manner with the target region, in accordance with the template information.

Abstract: Sensing apparatus includes a network camera, which is configured to capture images of a scene and to output a sequence of data packets containing digitized video data responsively to the images. A one-way link is coupled to the network camera so as to transmit the data packets from the network camera to a packet communication network.

Abstract: A method of transferring images captured by a digital capture device to a remote memory location over a channel includes capturing a plurality of digital images using the digital capture device and storing the plurality of images in a local memory. The method also includes providing a plurality of user selectable times for the transfer of images over the channel from the local memory to the remote memory location and a user selecting one of the user selectable times, and transferring the plurality of images over the channel to the remote memory location at the user selected time.

Abstract: A garment creation system comprising a card and a camera is provided. The card has a depiction of a garment and encoded information printed thereon. The camera is configured for: reading the encoded information on said card; capturing an image of a person; manipulating the captured image in accordance with the encoded information, thereby generating a manipulated image based on the depicted garment; generating print data for a garment piece outline with a decorative finish, based on said manipulated image; and communicating with a garment fabric printer for printing the garment piece outline and the decorative finish on to a surface of a bolt of fabric.

Abstract: When a vehicle navigation system is manipulated by taking pictures of a user hand motion and gesture with a camera, as the number of apparatuses and operational objects increases, the associated hand shapes and hand motions increase, thus causing a complex manipulation for a user. Furthermore, in detecting a hand with the camera, when the image of a face having color tone information similar to that of a hand appears in an image taken with a camera, or outside light rays such as sun rays or illumination rays vary, detection accuracy is reduced. To overcome such problems, a manipulation input device is provided that includes a limited hand manipulation determination unit and a menu representation unit, whereby a simple manipulation can be achieved and manipulation can accurately be determined. In addition, detection accuracy can be improved by a unit that selects a single result from results determined by a plurality of determination units, based on images taken with a plurality of cameras.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes an image data generating unit, a data transfer unit and a control unit. The image data generating unit generates high resolution image data if the image input apparatus is in a high-resolution image mode, and generates low resolution image data if the image input apparatus is in a low resolution image mode. The data transfer unit tranfers the high resolution image data to an external device in an asynchronous or bulk transfer mode, and transfers the low resolution image data to the external device in an isochronous transfer mode. The control unit changes the low-resolution image mode to the high-resolution image mode, if an instruction for selecting the high-resolution image mode is received from the external device during the transfer of the low resolution image data.

Abstract: A control unit is detachably coupled to a camera and receptive of the imaging data with a plurality of data processing instructions being stored on the camera and/or the control unit such that when the camera is coupled to the control unit, the plurality of data processing instructions transfer the imaging data from the camera to the control unit. The data processing instructions being field upgradeable with a portable upgrading module which may couple directly to either the camera and/or the control unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus recognizes an object from plural images captured by a image capture device, decides an outline of the recognized object, and calculates average luminances of the inside and the outside of the decided outline. Further, the information processing apparatus determines that a difference between the average luminances of the inside and the outside of the outline is equal to and more than a predetermined value, generates an adjustment image which make gradation increase so that a luminance of any one of the inside and the outside of the outline increases when the difference is equal to and more than the predetermined value, the any one of the inside and the outside of the outline having a lower average luminance than another one. The adjustment image is projected onto the object by a projection device, and then captured by the image capture device.

Abstract: In a camera system, cameras are connected to a network via network groups, and the network is connected to a personal computer of a control unit. Data transmitted from the personal computer is stored in a memory of each camera. Each camera in a network group selected by the personal computer decides propriety of operation reception for each operation member with reference to operation propriety data stored in the memory at every operation of the operation members of the camera.

Abstract: The Invention is for aiding a person to identify the probable name of a TV or Movie actor by pointing the device at the full face of the actor and clicking a button which captures the image of the actor and compares the image against a database using facial recognition software. The list of probable answers is then either displayed on the device screen or on the TV screen next to the actor that was requested to be identified.

Abstract: An image acquisition system including a housed ringlight for providing illumination to an object to be photographed, and a mounting system for camera attachment, the camera having a camera power supply. A camera power output jack and a camera communication jack are provided, and a power connector is electrically connected to a power input jack of the ringlight to supply power from the camera. A ringlight communication jack and communication connector are provided for interconnecting the ringlight and the camera through the camera communication jack, and a data communication connector is provided for connecting the camera to a computer including software for controlling the camera and the ringlight.

Abstract: An information processing device is connected to an overview image capturing device that captures an overview image of an object and an enlarged image capturing device that captures an enlarged image of the object, and is connected to a remote control device that remote-controls at least the enlarged image capturing device. The information processing device includes: an encoding unit that encodes the overview image and the enlarged image; a transmitting unit that transmits the images encoded by the encoding unit to the remote control device; and a switching unit that switches an encoding method to be utilized by the encoding unit and a transmission method to be utilized by the transmitting unit among a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. When there is not a continuous change in the overview image captured by the overview image capturing device, the overview image is transmitted in the first mode.

Abstract: An information terminal is arranged by employing an image input apparatus, a voice input apparatus, an information communication apparatus, and a controller for outputting both image information and voice information to the information communication apparatus. The information terminal is operated in such a manner that while an image entered from a camera is synchronized with voice entered from a microphone, these image and voice data is sent out to a network. When the camera is panned, tilted, or moved, the controller ceases a process operation with respect to voice data in response to this camera move signal. As a result, noise which is generated by moving the camera cannot be mixed into transmission data.

Abstract: A remote photographing system of the invention includes a digital camera having: a communication portion for receiving various data from a PC and transmitting a picked-up image to the PC; an image pickup control portion and a control portion for adjusting a focus when acquiring an image; and an image pickup portion for acquiring an image. The PC includes: a communication portion for receiving an image from the digital camera and transmitting positional information thereto; a display portion for displaying the image from the digital camera; an input portion for instructing an arbitrary part of the displayed image; an enlarged display portion for displaying the instructed part in an enlarged manner; and a control portion for acquiring positional information of the instructed part. The image pickup control portion and the control portion adjust to bring the instructed part of the image into focus.

Abstract: A computer program product and method for calibrating and characterizing a color display perform calibrating and characterizing steps. A light source is operated in order to emit light from one or more light emitters on the light source. A color capture device, e.g., a digital camera, is calibrated and characterized based on the emitted light. Then, color images are displayed on the color display and captured on the color capture device. The color display is calibrated and characterized based on the captured color images. Computer program instructions are recorded on the computer readable medium, and are executable by a processor, for performing the calibrating and characterizing steps. A method for generating a controlled light source includes displaying light source selections to a user and receiving a user light source selection. Selected light emitters produce a light output matching the user light source selection.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and recording method that can further improve ease-of-use for the user creates directories according to shooting situations selected from multiple predetermined types of shooting situations, assigns image data produced as a result of photographing a subject to the directories according to the selected shooting situations, attaches identification information to the image data according to the selected shooting situations, and stores the image data to which the identification information is attached, together with an application program of one or more specified applications, so as to associate the image data with the applications.

Abstract: A remote-control device controls a digital camera, to make the digital camera perform a particular photographing operation having a continuous photographing operation or a bulb photographing operation. The remote-control device may be a personal computer. A start-command generating processor generates a start-command for starting the particular photographing operation, by depressing a switch, which may be a button of a mouse for the personal computer. An end-command generating processor generates an end-command for ending the particular photographing operation, by releasing the switch.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an information input system which can flexibly select the storage location of information input from an input apparatus. To achieve this object, in an information input system which comprises an input apparatus for inputting information, and an information processing apparatus which is connected to the input apparatus and processes information transferred from the input apparatus, the input apparatus has a storage unit for storing input information, a connection detection device for detecting whether or not the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus, and a controller for controlling to transfer the input information to the information processing apparatus without storing the information in the storage unit, when the connection detection device detects that the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive presentation system which allows a presenter to perform a presentation while having various interactions directly with presentation material images in real time through a gesture or/and voice. The interactive presentation system comprises: an active infrared camera; a command recognition system connected to the active infrared camera; and an image synthesis system connected to the active infrared camera and the command recognition system. The presentation system may further comprises a stereo camera set for properly synthesizing a presenter in a 3D image and a 3D motion system. By this configuration, it is possible to embody an interactive presentation system in which a command through a presenter's gesture or voice is processed in real time and the image of the presenter is synthesized in a presentation material screen in real time, and accordingly the audiovisual effect is maximized.

Abstract: An iPod's additional function device includes a fitting base for receiving an iPod in its hollow space, a lens and a shutter provided on the fitting base, and an interface adapter provided on the fitting base to connect to the connection interface of the iPod so that the iPod has an additional function of a camera for taking photos and pictures besides the original functions of the iPod itself.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a cradle device which inhibits driving of a pan/tile driving unit in the event of an imaging device being detached from the cradle device, and also receiving a control command of the imaging device from a camera. The cradle device can lock the imaging device in the event that the imaging device is mounted on the cradle device. The cradle device can have a configuration enabling detaching the imaging device, thus facilitating the most appropriate environment for a surveillance system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for acquiring images from multiple image capture devices. The system includes a first device coupled to the cooperative network for broadcasting a request to one or more image capture devices participating in the cooperative network for capturing an image at a predetermined location. The system also includes a storage device coupled to the cooperative network for storing the captured image.

Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus including a face detection means for detecting a person's face included in an image obtained by photographing, an eye detection means for detecting an eye of the person included in the image, an evaluation value calculation means for calculating an evaluation value representing the depth of field at the position of the detected face, and a focus adjustment means for selectively performing the following based on the evaluation value: (a) performing focus adjustment to bring at least the detected face into focus, or (b) causing the eye detection means to detect an eye of the person and performing focus adjustment to bring the detected eye into focus.

Abstract: There are provided: a communicating unit (transmitting and receiving unit) that is capable of transmitting and receiving information wirelessly to and from a plurality of electronic cameras and receives identification information peculiar to a device from the electronic cameras; an inputting unit that a user uses to input the identification information peculiar to a device; and a collating unit (information processing unit) for collating the received identification information peculiar to a device with the inputted identification information peculiar to a device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method and apparatus for image segmentation are described. An embodiment of a method comprises inserting a state comprising a set of image segmentations into a queue, the queue being ordered by priority, the set of image segmentations having a priority representing a bound for a quality of the segmentations; extracting the state in the queue having the highest priority; if the extracted state is a terminal state, halting and outputting the extracted state as a solution; if the extracted state is not a terminal state refining the extracted state into a plurality of sets of segmentations, each of the plurality of sets having a priority, inserting the plurality of sets of segmentations into the queue, and iteratively repeating the extraction of the state in the queue having the highest priority.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, when a pan/tilt head is located at a predetermined position, a photographed image acquired by an imaging unit is stored as a registered image. A photographed image, which is newly acquired by the imaging unit, is compared with the registered image when the pan/tilt head is not driven from the predetermined position after the registered image is stored. The pan/tilt head is driven to an initial position if, as a result of comparison between the photographed image and the registered image, it is determined that a degree of matching between the photographed image and the registered image satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Traveling photographing of a camera is controlled in accordance with a plurality of photographing parameters and priority orders of the plurality of photographing parameters, respective stored in a storage unit, a motion of an object photographed with the camera is detected on the basics of the photographing parameters, and the priority order corresponding to the photographing parameters used when the motion is detected is changed.

Abstract: System and methodology are described that allow a new user of a user-operated device (e.g., wireless digital camera, cellular phone, video camera, audio device, or the like) to immediately begin using the features and services of the device without having to first activate a new user account. Thus in the instance where the user-operated device is a newly-acquired wireless digital camera, for example, the user can immediately begin taking and uploading his or her pictures to a photo Web site prior to having to open a user account, or having to perform other cumbersome activation steps. In such a wireless digital camera embodiment, the photo Web site and vendors of either cellular-enabled digital cameras or camera-enabled cellular phones provide user Web accounts based upon the unique ID or phone number belonging to one of these two devices. The user need only bother to “open” his or her account, that is, establish a user name and password, at some subsequent point in time that is convenient for the user (e.g.

Abstract: A digital camera connects to a cradle through a signal line. In a first mode, the digital camera in combination with a personal computer forms a transmission path through a USB interface to allow for communication. In a second mode, the digital camera performs an intervening function for communication between a mobile telephone and the personal computer through a short-distance wireless communication interface and the USB interface. In the first mode, image and other data stored in a memory card of the digital camera can be transmitted to the personal computer and image and other data from the personal computer can be transmitted to the digital camera. In the second mode, the digital camera acts as a transmitter-receiver terminal for communication between the personal computer and the mobile telephone.

Abstract: An Electronic Mirror is described that can capture and display, using a digital/video camera or cameras, the image of a subject as they look when viewing themselves in a mirror. The captured image is displayed on a video monitor or TV set. A widescreen flat panel monitor is utilized, having the ability to physically rotate 90°. In portrait mode the monitor functions as an Electronic Mirror, and in landscape mode is capable of functioning as a conventional TV set or video monitor. Rotation is either manual or motorized. Captured images of a subject may be split such that a portion reflecting one type of outfit may be combined with a portion reflecting a different outfit, thus electronically creating a combination of clothing that may never have been actually worn. Video capture may also be supported enabling a subject to capture and display a 360 degree view as they turn around.