Abstract: The present invention relates to goggles, in particular to ski and scuba diving goggles, with a digital camera. The camera, including the image receiving lens, digital storage, control devices and the battery units, is an integral part of the goggle. The camera and its accessories are imbedded into the goggle such that there is minimal deviation of the shape of the goggle from conventional goggles.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including: a management portion that manages a first identifier to be added to a capture image from a capture device; and a first control portion that adds the first identifier to the capture image, temporarily stores the capture image to which the first identifier is added, and transmits the capture image to which the first identifier is added, to a remote terminal; wherein when storing an image displayed on a display device which is connected to the remote device is instructed, the management portion receives a storing instruction including the first identifier in relation to the displayed image from the remote terminal, acquires the capture image corresponding to the first identifier included in the storing instruction from the first control portion, and stores the acquired capture image into a storage.

Abstract: Video display apparatus, remote controller for reproduction apparatus, and reproduction apparatus meeting user's usage conditions with high operability have structure including: remote controller for video display apparatus, the remote controller having connection section connected to video display section, operation members receiving operations by user to the video display section, and control section having at least two action modes for operating the video display section responding to operations to the operation members; attachment member attaching the remote controller for video display apparatus to user's clothes etc.

Abstract: Multiple visual perspectives in video of private and public activities including those in public areas such as entertainment venues captured by cameras located near the activities can be transmitted over data networks to a server where video-related data is processed and recorded for selective display by authorized, remote video display devices (e.g., HDTV, set-top boxes, computers, handheld devices) in wired/wireless communication with the server. Users can be registered and authorized to access the server to provide/access video captured by cameras at activities. Wireless handheld devices can selectively retrieve video-related data captured at activities for server storage and subsequent display by video display devices. Captured video/pictures can be organized in a server based on at least one of: activity title, activity time, activity date, activity place, wireless handheld device location at time of video recording, distance from location of interest.

Abstract: A video signal combining apparatus comprises a video signal processing unit which is adapted to combine an output video image stream from two input image streams from first and second sources by dividing an image area of an image of said output video image stream into two regions and applying to said first region image information from said first source and applying to said second region image information from said second source, and a display unit for displaying at least one of said input and output video image streams, characterized in that the display unit is adapted to display a border between said first and second regions superimposed upon an image from one of said sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to track and to photograph a mobile object over a wide range, by a cooperative operation of multiple cameras. In addition, a mobile tracking system is provided for tracking the mobile object by the cooperation of multiple cameras, in which each camera includes a photographing device which photographs and recognizes the mobile object, a changing device which changes a view angle of the photographing device, a position deriving device which derives a position of the camera, a distance deriving device which derives the distance between the camera and the mobile object, and a communication device which transmits an identifier of the camera, a position of the camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and the distance between the camera and the mobile object to another camera and receives an identifier of the other camera, a position of the other camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and a distance between the other camera and the mobile object from the other camera.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for controlling a head-separated camera device in which a camera head and a camera control unit are connected to each other by a cable comprising a line that supplies the camera head with serial data from the camera control unit. The method comprises outputting, by the camera control unit, serial data containing information for specifying a predetermined control target device of a plurality of control target devices to be controlled, where the plurality of control target devices are implemented within the camera head. The method further comprises identifying, by the camera head, the predetermined control target device specified by the serial data received, and supplying the predetermined control target device with an active select signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image pickup apparatus capable of being used for preview image pickup of a predetermined scene prior to actual image pickup of the scene, including: an image pickup section configured to carry out the preview image pickup using setting data regarding image pickup; a transmission section configured to transmit image data obtained by the preview image pickup by the image pickup section and preview setting data used in the preview image pickup to an information processing apparatus which determines actual recommendation setting data recommended as actual setting data to be used in the actual image pickup; and an acquisition section configured to acquire the actual recommendation setting data determined based on the preview setting data by the information processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera control unit outputs serial data containing information for specifying a predetermined control target device to be controlled from among plural control target devices comprised in a camera head. The camera head identifies the control target device specified by the received serial data, and supplies the identified control target device with a select signal for an active state.

Abstract: A camera, controller, method and non-transitory computer readable storage device cooperate to control different portions of an area covered by a camera. Selective control is granted to different remote devices to establish respective portions of the area, so the respective portions of the image are sent to the remote devices making the request. Moreover, the camera has a digital pan, digital tilt, and digital zoom capability, which allows multiple portions of the image to be set by remote devices. When a limited number of remote devices are allowed to simultaneously control the portions of the area covered by the camera, then control is selectively transferred from one device to an awaiting device.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a High Definition (HD) camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the HD camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the HD camera lens through the side arms of the HD camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some embodiments, images from the HD camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the HD camera. Other components may also be used to increase the functionality of the HD camera.

Abstract: To control screen display using moving pictures for a plurality of users. Respective moving pictures for a plurality of users are acquired, and each of the acquired moving pictures are displayed on a screen. Display content for the screen is controlled in response to content of each moving picture. At this time, it is also possible to move a specified movement image on the screen according to display position of each moving picture on the screen and content of each moving picture, or to change a display region of the moving picture on the screen according to content of each moving picture.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a lens unit and an image pickup unit. The lens unit includes an optical system that projects a subject image onto an imaging device, the imaging device that converts the subject image into an electric signal, an imaging device driving part that drives the imaging device, an signal processing device that converts the electric signal from the imaging device into a digital signal, and a first connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically. The imaging pickup unit includes an electric power supply part, a second connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically, voltage supply lines that supply output voltage to the lens unit, and a voltage generating circuit that generates the output voltage supplied to the voltage supply lines.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head-separated device has an imaging unit, a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and a connection unit configured to connect the imaging unit with the control unit, wherein the imaging unit comprises sensor configured to capture an image, and a transmitter configured to transmit a video signal, a sync signal (HD, VD) and a clock signal to restore or to reproduce the image captured by the sensor, and the control unit comprises a determining module configured to determine whether a waveform of the video signal has a level that the video processor is processable, and a setting module configured to set the transmitter to perform enhancement correction to the video signal, if the determining module determines that the waveform of the video signal does not have the level that the video processor is processable.

Abstract: A lens barrel rotation detection apparatus for detecting a rotational state of a lens barrel to which a lens for image pickup is attached and which is rotated in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction by driving force of a driving section, includes: a single rotatable member rotatable together with rotation of the lens barrel; and three rotation detection section for detecting a rotational state of the rotatable member. The rotatable member has a fixed pattern formed thereon so as to be detected by said rotation detection section and a rotation limit section indicative of limit positions of a range of rotation of the lens barrel. The rotation detection section is disposed for detection of presence or absence of rotation of the rotatable member and the limit positions of the range of rotation.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an extraction section, a parameter retaining section, a context retaining section, and a decision section. The extraction section extracts a characteristic amount of a region in which a recognition object may possibly be included from within an image of a processing object. The parameter retaining section retains a parameter regarding the recognition object. The context retaining section retains a context regarding the recognition object. The decision section decides based on the characteristic amount extracted by the extraction section, the parameter retained in the parameter retaining section, and a result of arithmetic operation performed using the context retained in the context retaining section whether or not an image in the region is the recognition object.

Abstract: A managing device includes a request receiver that receives a request for use of an image forming apparatus, the request containing information concerning a user; an upper limit value determining unit that, upon receiving the request for use by the request receiver, determines an upper limit value for image formation processing on the basis of limiting information of a user group to which the user belongs; and a transmitter that transmits information providing an instruction to inhibit the image formation processing to an image forming apparatus whose image formation processing cannot be limited based on the upper limit value determined by the upper limit value determining unit when the processing upper limit value is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: An imaging system having an imaging device for producing images of objects and picture signals and an imaging controller connected to the imaging device through a transmission line. The imaging device includes a vertical synchronizing signal-producing circuit to produce an internal vertical synchronizing signal for the production of images of objects. The imaging controller includes a delay-measuring circuit and a vertical-synchronization phase-advancing circuit. In the system, the imaging controller transmits a test signal to the imaging device and receives the test signal returned from the imaging device. The delay-measuring circuit measures a delay of a phase of the returned test signal relative to a phase of the transmitted test signal. The vertical-synchronization phase-advancing circuit then advances a phase of an external vertical synchronizing signal by the delay and transmits the external vertical synchronizing signal to the imaging device.

Abstract: An image processing system may include an imaging device for capturing an image and an image processing apparatus for processing the image. The imaging device may include an imaging unit for capturing the image, a first recording unit for recording information relating to the image, the information being associated with the image, and a first transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the image to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus may include a reception control unit for controlling reception of the image transmitted from the imaging device, a feature extracting unit for extracting a feature of the received image, a second recording unit for recording the feature, extracted from the image, the feature being associated with the image, and a second transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the feature to the imaging device.

Abstract: A dual-mode projection apparatus has a projection module for projecting an image onto a projection surface. An image sensor module captures images of the projection surface and determines spatial and temporal characteristics of a visible light spot superimposed on the projection surface. A communications module transmits the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot to a remote device for remote control of the device based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes includes altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera control unit outputs serial data containing information for specifying a predetermined control target device to be controlled from among plural control target devices comprised in a camera head. The camera head identifies the control target device specified by the received serial data, and supplies the identified control target device with a select signal for an active state.

Abstract: A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU.

Abstract: A smoke detection method for identifying, in a current input image, an area indicative of the presence of smoke, there being a sequence of two or more input images, the method comprising the steps of: storing a background estimation for a current input image; and comparing the current input image with the background estimation to detect a partial obscuring of the background estimation indicative of the presence of smoke in the current input image.

Abstract: A position and an orientation of an image capturing device or an object to which an inclination sensor is mounted are obtained without performing iterative calculation. A position and orientation measuring method includes the steps of: inputting a measured inclination value of an inclination sensor mounted to one of an object and an image capturing device; inputting a captured image from the image capturing device; detecting an index on the object from the captured image; and calculating a position and an orientation of one of the object and the image capturing device to which the inclination sensor is mounted on the basis of the measured inclination value, an image coordinate of the detected index, and already-known positional information on the detected index without performing iterative calculation.

Abstract: Multiple visual perspectives in video of private and public activities including those in public areas such as entertainment venues captured by cameras located near the activities can be transmitted over data networks to a server where video-related data is processed and recorded for selective display by authorized, remote video display devices (e.g., HDTV, set-top boxes, computers, handheld devices) in wired/wireless communication with the server. Users can be registered and authorized to access the server to provide/access video captured by cameras at activities. Wireless handheld devices can selectively retrieve video-related data captured at activities for server storage and subsequent display by video display devices. Captured video/pictures can be organized in a server based on at least one of: activity title, activity time, activity date, activity place, wireless handheld device location at time of video recording, distance from location of interest.

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: According to one embodiment, a remote head camera includes a camera control unit, and a camera head configured to be connected to the camera control unit and including an imaging device, a drive signal generator, and a format identifying unit. The drive signal generator generates a drive signal for driving the imaging device. The format identifying unit identifies a format of the imaging device based on a clock count in a synchronization period from a first synchronization pulse to a second synchronization pulse output after the first synchronization pulse. The first synchronization pulse and the second synchronization pulse constitutes a synchronization signal.

Abstract: A digital still camera includes a camera body. A lens unit is retained on the camera body in a removable manner. A protection cover is secured to the camera body, and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the protection cover, when in the closed position, closes an exposure opening formed in the camera body, and when in the open position, opens the exposure opening. Cover moving transmission levers set the protection cover in the open position when the lens unit is retained on the camera body, and set the protection cover in the closed position when the lens unit is removed from the camera body. Furthermore, bayonet claw portions engage the lens unit with the camera body. The transmission levers are actuated in response to movement of the bayonet claw portions. A compression coil spring biases the protection cover toward the closed position.

Abstract: A main frame adapter is detachably mounted, instead of a camera head, on a camera main frame from which the camera head is separated. The camera head comprises an image taking optical system and an imaging device. The camera main frame is adapted to receive an image signal from the camera head that is detachably mounted on the camera main frame. A head adapter that is detachably mounted, instead of the camera main frame, on the camera head separated from the camera main frame. Both the adapters have each the radio communication section.

Abstract: A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.

Abstract: When an UNREG voltage is equal to or less than a PREEND voltage, a notification for informing this state is sent from a lens-side CPU of a lens unit to a body-side CPU of a camera body by UART communication. At this time, the body-side CPU displays a warning, which informs that remaining battery is small, on an LCD. When the UNREG voltage is equal to or less than an END voltage, a notification for informing this state is sent to the body-side CPU 25 by the UART communication. At this time, the lens-side CPU waits until the body-side CPU turns off a power supply of the lens unit. The body-side CPU stops supplying electricity to the lens unit and displays a warning, which informs that the battery runs out, on the LCD. After that, the body-side CPU turns off a power supply of the camera body.

Abstract: A digital camera is composed of a camera body and a lens unit removebly attached to the camera body. When the lens unit is attached to the camera body, the lens unit and camera body send and receive control signals by antennas and wireless I/Fs each disposed on the lens unit and the camera body, respectively. In addition, data of the image captured with the lens unit is sent to the camera body by serial drivers, each disposed on the lens unit and the camera body, through connection contacts that electrically connect the lens unit and the camera body. When the lens unit is detached from the camera body, on the other hand, the control signals are sent and received by the antennas and the wireless I/Fs, and the image data is sent by the wireless communication.

Abstract: There is provided an image capturing apparatus that enables a user to confirm images already captured by the user on the image capturing apparatus even when the captured images have been transferred to another storage unit other than the image capturing apparatus and that enables the user to display the desirable captured images on an external display unit by remotely controlling the image capturing apparatus connected with the external display unit.

Abstract: A digital camera system is composed of a camera body and a lens unit removably attached to the camera body. The lens unit has a timing generator (TG) for controlling drive timing of each part of the lens unit. The camera body also has a TG for controlling drive timing of each part of the camera body. When a still image capture mode or a movie capture mode is selected by a mode selection dial, a camera controller switches to a first mode for operating the camera body side TG in synchronization with the lens side TG. When a playback mode is selected, the camera controller switches to a second mode for operating the camera body side TG without synchronizing with the lens side TG.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus according to one mode of the present invention enhances precision of WB adjustment to thereby obtain an image having an appropriate WB, and comprises an image signal processing circuit which adjusts the WB with respect to an image signal output from an image sensing element based on a WB gain, a ROM which stores at least a WB correction coefficient correspondence table, and a WB modification coefficient correspondence table, and a microcomputer which calculates a WB correction coefficient corresponding to a diaphragm value, and a WB modification coefficient based on the correspondence tables and which multiplies the WB gain by the WB correction coefficient and WB modification coefficient to thereby obtain a value as a digital gain and which executes a control in such a manner as to adjust the WB based on the digital gain.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is connected to an image capture device, and a plurality of external terminals that inputs annotation information to an image captured by the image capture device. The information processing apparatus includes an acquiring portion that acquires input information from the plurality of external terminals, a storing portion that stores a synthesis image in which the captured image and the annotation information are synthesized, and a controlling portion that causes the storing portion to store the synthesis image when the acquisition of the input information by the acquiring portion is not executed for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system including: an imaging unit which has an image-taking optical system and an image pickup device; and a main unit which receives image signals from the imaging unit and performs signal processing. The imaging unit includes an identification section for identifying the main unit. When the imaging unit is attached to the main unit and the power is supplied from the main unit to the imaging unit, the imaging unit issues to the main unit a request for the transmission of the identification code. In response to the request, the main unit sends the identification code to the imaging unit. The identification section of the imaging unit identifies the main unit based on the received identification code.

Abstract: A video imaging system that minimizes the effect of EMI on the image data, provides a small, lightweight easy to use camera head, permitting interchangeable use of a variety of intelligent camera heads with a single camera control unit, and allows the utilization of new camera heads with new functions as they become available without having to replace the existing CCU.

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: A photographing apparatus having portable multimedia player (PMP) functions. The photographing apparatus provides the PMP functions to store multimedia content such as images, music and moving image files and to play back the stored multimedia content using recording and playback functions of the photographing apparatus so that portability can be improved and a user can enjoy the multimedia content. Specifically, the photographing apparatus includes a photographing module to provide a photographing function and a PMP module to record and play back the photographed image and to provide the PMP function. Therefore, if a display unit is part of the PMP module and the PMP module is attached to the photographing apparatus, the display unit may be used as a part of the photographing apparatus, and if the display unit is separated from the photographing apparatus, the display unit may be used as a PMP.

Abstract: A camera system is capable of exactly catching the subject at the time of release operation by the imaging device of the camera head in accordance with the release button operation at the side of the camera main frame, even if the camera head and the camera main frame are not formed in a unitary body. There are provided two dedicated lines for supplying to a head CPU a release signal according to the half-depression and a release signal according to the full-depression, respectively. Other signals are transmitted via serial interfaces to be driven by three-wire serial drivers. Only the release signals are transmitted from the camera main frame via the two dedicated lines to the camera head.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a camera device, a signal processor that receives a video signal from the camera, and a connection cable connecting the camera device and the signal processor. The camera device includes a first phase controller that compares the phase of a synchronization signal transmitted from the signal processor with the phase of an internal signal generated by the camera device, and that synchronizes the phase of the internal signal with the phase of the synchronization signal, a video synchronization signal generator that generates a video synchronization signal for the video signal based on the internal signal, and a signal transmitter that transmits the video signal. The signal processor includes a second phase controller that compares the phase of the video synchronization signal with the phase of the synchronization signal, and that synchronizes the phase of the video synchronization signal with the phase of the synchronization signal.

Abstract: An image photographing apparatus includes a body, on which a tape cassette is removably mounted, and a camera unit installed in the body and provided with a plurality of camera sections. The camera sections have different pixel numbers and the camera sections are independently driven. The image photographing apparatus also includes a mode sensing unit to sense a photographic mode to correspond to at least one of the camera sections, and a control unit to select a photographic mode according to a signal transferred from the mode sensing unit and to drive a camera unit to correspond to the selected photographic mode. The image photographing apparatus includes a display unit provided in the body to show an image photographed by at least one of the camera sections.

Abstract: An approach is provided for establishing a virtual community for remotely participating in an event. A remote camera set is controlled by a user equipment to view an event from a plurality of viewing perspectives. A virtual community is built to share viewing of the event by multiple participants.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device to obtain encoded content data corresponding to at least one participant of a virtual reality environment. A memory device stores at least one texture corresponding to the at least one participant. A single decoder decodes the encoded content data into decoded content buffers for the at least one texture of one participant of the virtual reality environment. A processor determines whether the at least one texture is located in a pre-determined region of the virtual reality environment displayed to a program user. In response to the at least one texture being located in the pre-determined region, the processor updates the at least one texture with the decoded content buffers.

Abstract: An electronic device with a portable optical module (100) is provided. The electronic device includes a main body (10) having a camera module (20) incorporated therein, an optical element (40), a holder (50) and a magnetic assembly (30). The optical element can be an optical filter. The holder is annular-shaped and defines a through hole therein for accommodating the optical element therein. The magnetic assembly includes a first part coupled to the holder and a second part coupled to the camera module. The first part is configured for magnetic attachment to the second part, thus removably coupling the holder with the optical element to the camera module.

Abstract: A surveillance camera apparatus includes a first storage unit for storing a size of pixels configuring a image-sensor, a computation unit for performing a computation using first information, second information, third information, and fourth information to calculate angle information on a plurality of vertex-points, the information stored in the first storage unit being defined as the first information, a focal length of an optical lens being defined as the second information, angle information on an optical axis that passes through a rotation center of the surveillance camera apparatus as the third information, and pixel information corresponding to a plurality of vertex-points that form a region to be masked whose image has been picked up by the image-sensor being defined as the fourth information, and a second storage unit for storing the computation result by the computation unit.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image-taking lens apparatus according to the present invention is attachable to an image-taking apparatus provided with an image-pickup element; wherein a shutter is changed over so that lights from the right and left optical paths are guided alternately to the image-pickup element at every predetermined time, so that parallax images are formed in time sequence on the image-pickup element. Furthermore, the stereoscopic image-taking lens apparatus sends a signal for inhibiting an image-taking operation in which the charge-storage time of the image-pickup element is longer than the predetermined time for changing over the shutter to the image-taking apparatus. Furthermore, the lens device sends a signal for changing the set allowance of a white balance to the image-taking apparatus.

Abstract: The number of terminals for a timing signal generating device and the vertical drive device for a solid-state image pickup element is to be reduced, and at the same time the circuit dimensions of the timing signal generating device and the vertical drive device which are increased by the reduction in the number of terminals are to be kept to the minimum. A timing signal generating circuit is provided with a time-division multiplexing circuit, and this time-division multiplexing circuit subjects timing signals vertical transfer pulses and timing signals for read pulses to time-division multiplexing. On the other hand, a vertical driver is provided with a demultiplexing circuit, and the demultiplexing circuit separates four-bit signals subjected to time-division multiplexing into the original timing signals and timing signals. This enables the number of terminals (the number of signal lines) of the timing signal generating circuit and the time-division multiplexing circuit to be reduced.