Wireless Patents (Class 348/211.2)
  • Patent number: 7603029
    Abstract: A method of controlling an image data output of a portable device, a portable device having a signal detection unit and image processing unit are provided. The signal detection unit generates a photographing-disabled mode signal in response to a restricted area signal. The image processing unit has a photographing-disabled mode decision unit, an authentication decision unit and a control unit. The photographing-disabled mode decision unit determines whether the portable device is in the photographing-disabled mode or not based on the photographing-disabled mode signal. The authentication decision unit determines whether the portable device is authenticated or not when the portable device is in the photographing-disabled mode. The control unit outputs first photographed image data when the portable device is authenticated, and prohibits an output of the first photographed image data when the portable device is not authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woon-Sik Suh, Yang-Hoon Jung
  • Patent number: 7602420
    Abstract: An information code displayed on an image receiver is photographed by an image capture apparatus. Digital data representing a number unique to the image capture apparatus and digital data representing the information code unique to the image receiver obtained by photographing are encoded in accordance with digital data representing the information code, then transferred to a digital wireless sending section, and broadcasted via an antenna as a digital wireless signal. A microprocessor mounted on the image receiver decodes the digital data representing a number unique to the image capture apparatus and the digital data representing the information code unique to the image receiver utilizing the digital data representing the information code. Thus, for transmitting an image signal and an audio signal between the image capture apparatus and the image receiver by wireless, apparatuses are authenticated by each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Watanae
  • Patent number: 7589761
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: 4D Culture Inc.
    Inventor: Cheong-Worl Kim
  • Patent number: 7577461
    Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohji Sawayama, Satoshi Mizuno, Yonosuke Amano, Tamaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7576800
    Abstract: The present invention provides a video system for use in extreme sports videography, particularly skydiving. The video system includes a remote video head disposed on the headgear of a user in communication with a video camcorder disposed in a body pouch selectably attachable to the body of the user or an item being worn by the user. A wireless system transmits a video signal between the remote video head and the video camcorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Mike Swain
  • Patent number: 7576779
    Abstract: Commands regarding printing of a plurality of types are stored in a non-volatile memory of a digital still camera and in a non-volatile memory of a printer. Print processing is executed by a command-based model with regard to types of printing for which commands are held in common by the digital still camera and printer. With regard to print processing for which the digital still camera does not possess the command, the digital still camera is made to function as a client and the printer as a server, whereby the print processing is executed by a user-interface export model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Hisayoshi Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 7573502
    Abstract: High-resolution image data and large-capacity data are transmitted as transmission data. A camera apparatus includes a fixing part and a moving part rotating about a rotary axis. The fixing part includes at least a first wireless section, a first signal processing section, and a power source section. The moving part includes at least a camera section, a second signal processing section, a second wireless section, and a driver section for driving the camera section. The first wireless section is coupled with the second wireless section using a waveguide tube to propagate an electric wave. The waveguide tube includes a waveguide path aligned with a center of the rotary axis of the moving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Sassa
  • Patent number: 7573503
    Abstract: When a plurality of image communication apparatuses, especially digital cameras, communicate images, each of the users of the receiving digital cameras can pull desired images from an image transmitting camera. In an image communicating method in which an image can be communicated by wireless in a server-client system, an image is displayed on a server camera, and an image is selected from among displayed images for transmission to a client camera. Pressing of the release button of the client camera instructs the client camera to transmit to the server camera a request to send an image to the server camera. The client camera transmits the request to send an image to the server camera. The server camera transmits the selected image to the client camera. Thus, the user of the client camera can obtain a desired image from the server camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Mikio Watanabe, Sugio Makishima
  • Patent number: 7570283
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (100) of an image taker side has an image capturing unit (101) which captures an image using a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor and the like, an image capturing restriction signal receiving unit (102) which receives an image capturing restriction signal transmitted by a communication terminal (200), and an image capturing restriction unit (103) which restricts the image capturing performed by the image capturing unit (101) according to a request of the image capturing restriction signal. Further, the communication terminal (200) of a subject side has an image capturing restriction signal generation unit (201) which transmits the image capturing restriction signal for requesting to restrict the image capturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Sato, Katsuji Aoki, Kunio Nobori, Jun Ozawa, Taro Imagawa
  • Patent number: 7564485
    Abstract: The invention described is a method and system for preventing image capture and transmission in a restricted or prohibited zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nattel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Nath, Rajesh Patel
  • Publication number: 20090163185
    Abstract: A method and a system for creating, receiving and playing multi-view images are provided, and a related mobile communication device is also provided. A service server in the system receives images collected by the devices and encodes the received images based at least partly on redundancy of the images. The service server converts the received images into the multi-view images and sends them to a client terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chae Whan Lim, Sung Hwan Kang, Min Jun Kim, Sung Ho Kim, Jung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 7551210
    Abstract: When image data recorded in a recording medium by a digital camera are sent to a data storing apparatus and stored therein, the image data can be classified according to a user or a digital camera. The image data are recorded in the recording medium by photography with the digital camera. In the case where free space of the recording medium has been consumed, the image data are sent to a DPE store via a mobile phone and stored in a server therein. A controller of the digital camera 1 adds ID information such as user ID or digital camera ID to the image data at the time of transfer of the image data. The DPE store stores the image data by classifying the image data in a user directory in the server according to the ID information added to the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Katayama
  • Patent number: 7551780
    Abstract: A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the mixed media document may also include hotspot images that uniquely identify a user associated with the mixed media document. Such individualized mixed media documents are used to identify users of the mixed media document, when orders for products or services are made using the mixed media documents through the MMR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoffrey H. Nudd, Stephen Weyl, Jamey Graham, Berna Erol, Peter E. Hart, Jonathan J. Hull
  • Publication number: 20090153686
    Abstract: An interaction system and method for controlling a camera with a mobile phone are disclosed. The interaction system includes a camera device and a mobile phone device. The camera device in a first operating mode is capable of capturing a first image data. The mobile phone device is provided with an operating platform having an application program installed thereon to provide a control interface. The first image data is transmitted to the mobile phone device via a transmission module of the camera device; and, based on the first image data, the control interface is operated via an operating module of the mobile phone device to thereby generate a control signal. With the control signal, the camera device is switched from the first operating mode to a second operating mode for capturing a second image data, which is then transmitted to the mobile phone device via the transmission module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INVENTEC APPLIANCES Corp.
    Inventor: Chi-Jen HUANG
  • Patent number: 7545410
    Abstract: An image pickup system that is small in scale, handy to maneuver, easy to operate and advanced in editing capabilities is disclosed. A commander device is used both as a remote commander and as a microphone in operating a video camera for image pickup. Wearing a headset on the head, a user looks at images appearing on a headset display to monitor and verify recorded images without recourse to a view finder of the video camera. Functions of the components making up the system are changed by operation of a mode switch attached to the video camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Oka, Toshiyuki Hisatsune, Tetsu Sumii, Osamu Sakurai, Shigeya Yasui
  • Publication number: 20090128634
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an interface unit for cable connection with the computer, an information acquisition unit that acquires network information related to setting of the wireless network from the computer that has been connected to the electronic camera by a cable with using the interface unit, a profile creation unit that creates a profile in which information for connection to the computer via the wireless network is recorded, based upon the network information that has been acquired by the information acquisition unit, a profile storage unit that stores therein the profile created by the profile creation unit, and a wireless connection unit that connects the electronic camera to the computer via the wireless network, based upon the profile that is stored in the profile storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirokazu Miura, Keiichi Hirose, Kazuya Umeyama, Toshikazu Ishida
  • Patent number: 7532246
    Abstract: A system for turning on camera or camcorder power includes a camera or camcorder and an enclosure unattached to the camera or camcorder and suitable for storing and carrying the camera or camcorder, the enclosure having a radio-frequency identification tag sending a wireless signal identifying if the enclosure is closed or at least partially open, and the camera or camcorder having a radio frequency identification tag sensor sensing whether the tag identifies that the enclosure is closed or at least partially; a fastener or a zipper on the enclosure, wherein unfastening the fastener or unzippenng the zipper changes the state of the enclosure from closed to at least partially open; and if the sensor senses that the state has changed to at least partially open; then the power to the camera or camcorder is automatically turned on regardless of the light level inside and outside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7532811
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing and distributing photographic images are provided. A wireless transmitter is physically coupled with a subject. The wireless transmitter broadcasts an identification code that is received by a wireless transceiver associated with a camera. One or more cameras capture visual images and associate at least one image with at least one wireless transmitter identification code. The image is stored as a record in a database and associated with one or more identification codes and a time/date stamp. The record is retrievable by reference to each associated identification code and optionally in reference to the time/date stamp. Records may be provided via the Internet or other electronic communications network, to include telephony systems. Records may be provided according to price schedules related to image quality, quantity, advertising content options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: David Andrew Sauder
  • Patent number: 7528867
    Abstract: A digital camera has an imaging information record mode where imaging information including information on a target to be picked up is recorded in association with image data as well as a regular shooting mode. When imaging information to be recorded is determined, the details of the information is sent to external apparatus via a radio interface and an antenna and corrected by the user interface of the external apparatus. The corrected image is input via the antenna again and updated. The updated image is recorded as property information in an image file including the shot image. According to the digital camera, it is possible to readily correct and add imaging information recorded as property information of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Ishiyama, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7525578
    Abstract: A method and system for creating digital image files provides for writing capture location metadata and transmit location metadata into a digital image file. A digital camera captures an image, stores digital image data in a digital image file and then adds capture location metadata into the digital image file. The digital camera then receives a user request to transmit the digital image file to a network server, and in response to the user request the digital camera writes transmit location metadata into the digital image file. The digital camera then sends the digital image file to the network server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Pierre Barbeau
  • Patent number: 7523480
    Abstract: An integrated Internet camera includes, as embedded components contained within the camera body and controlled by a microcontroller, at least a network interface device for connecting to the Internet, a transport control device for packetizing according to Internet protocols, a file transfer device for communicating with a destination user directory on the Internet, and a transmission initiating device for initiating the connection and transfer operations of the file transfer device and transport control device. The network interface device may be a modem, network adapter, or adapter for connection to the Internet. Upon capturing the digital image, the camera initiates a connection to the Internet, connects to the destination user directory, and uploads the digital images. Thereafter, the digital images are available to authorized (or any) user having access to the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: PENTAX of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
  • Patent number: 7520853
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 7523481
    Abstract: An integrated Internet camera includes, as embedded components contained within the camera body and controlled by a microcontroller, at least a network interface device for connecting to the Internet, a transport control device for packetizing according to Internet protocols, a file transfer device for communicating with a destination user directory on the Internet, and a transmission initiating device for initiating the connection and transfer operations of the file transfer device and transport control device. The network interface device may be a modem, network adapter, or adapter for connection to the Internet. Upon capturing the digital image, the camera initiates a connection to the Internet, connects to the destination user directory, and uploads the digital images. Thereafter, the digital images are available to authorized (or any) user having access to the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: PENTAX of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
  • Patent number: 7515175
    Abstract: To provide a pull model which can remotely control an image pick-up device by connecting the image pick-up device to an image information receiver through a communication path and operating a general purpose file reading program by the image information receiver. The image pick-up device includes: a communicating unit capable of transmitting and receiving information to/from the image information receiver; and an information processing unit for instructing the information of directories in which the file names of functions indicating at least a function for picking up an image are registered to be transmitted to the image information receiver through the communicating unit. The information processing unit transmits an image file obtained by picking up the image to the image information receiver through the communicating unit, so that the image pick-up device can be easily remotely controlled from the image information receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: FujiFilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Koichi Yahagi, Iwao Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20090086041
    Abstract: A method for controlling a camera through a Multi-Hop-based wireless sensor network includes: sensing whether an event occurs or not in a corresponding area and transmitting position information on the corresponding area and type information on the event, converting the received position information on the event into a movement control signal for the camera, calculating camera driving values in a left/right direction and an up/down direction using the converted signal, controlling a zoom-in operation of the camera lens using the calculated camera driving values according to the received event type and photographing an object located in the corresponding direction, and transmitting the photographed images over the outer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Wook Choi, Hyo-Hyun Choi, Tae-Shik Shon
  • Publication number: 20090079838
    Abstract: A torch casing 10 with a reflector 46 and a bulb 44 incorporates camera 48 50 52 taking pictures through front face 64 and employs flash tube 58 behind the camera chip 50 reflecting off reflector 46 and reflected onto reflector 46 by mirrored surface 60 on the back of camera chip 50. Captured images, still or video, are exported by radio frequency unit 22 to, for example, secure and supervised store 124. Ultraviolet unit 65 causes fluorescence which is photographed by camera 48 50 52. Display screen 70 shows camera 48 50 52 images or received images. The apparatus continuously sends its position determined by GPS navigation. Sounds can be recorded, sent and received. Iris patterns and fingerprints can be recognised from an updated store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Mason Ricardo Storm
  • Patent number: 7507946
    Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Avaak, Inc.
    Inventors: Bar-Giora Goldberg, Gioia Messinger
  • Patent number: 7508418
    Abstract: A surveillance system and method for activating communication between at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, and the DIR polling for information posted by a remote server computer (RSC) based upon user inputs thereto, for providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Smartvue Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Renkis
  • Publication number: 20090040300
    Abstract: A removably mountable, portable vision system, the portable vision system including a portable, auto-focusing camera, which is removably mountable to a surface, for capturing and transmitting video to a portable hand-held receiver where the video is displayed as an aid to the user. The system may be used in a variety of vehicle applications, such as attaching a snow plow or backing up and connecting a trailer hitch. The auto-focusing camera provides for quick installation by eliminating manual focusing of the camera by the user. In addition, the system utilizes a single wireless channel for data transmission, eliminating the need for the user to select a wireless channel before use. Finally, the receiver has normal and reverse image display modes of operation, enabling the system to provide the user with an optimal video image regardless of the mounting location of the camera and the current application of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Two Loons Trading Company
    Inventor: Mark Scribner
  • Patent number: 7486883
    Abstract: A radio sync system for photographic equipment including a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The transmitter unit utilizes a power-management scheme for keeping the transmitter unit in a low-power stand-by state except when an RF signal needs to be transmitted, and returning the transmitter unit back into the low-power stand-by state within a predefined short period of time after transmitting the RF signal. The receiver unit utilizes a power-sensing scheme for keeping the receiver unit in a low-power stand-by state when it is not connected to a remote photographic equipment or the remote photographic equipment is powered off but turning the receiver unit on when it is connected to a remote photographic equipment and the remote photographic equipment is powered on such that when an RF signal is received, the receiver unit can send a command signal to operate the remote photographic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tamrac, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade McNary
  • Patent number: 7485115
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a remote operation support system includes a first control system arranged in an operating room, a second control system arranged in a primary support room, and a third control system arranged in at least one secondary support room, the first to third control systems being connected to each other through communication lines. The first control system has an imaging device for obtaining an image signal of a patient under operation, a first transmission/reception device for transmitting the image signal supplied from the imaging device to the second control system, simultaneously transmitting patient information regarding the patient under operation to the third control system, and receiving support information from the second control system, and a reproduction device for displaying the image signal and reproducing the support information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takeaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090021591
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging instruction issuing apparatus and one or more imaging apparatuses. The imaging instruction issuing apparatus includes a generation unit that generates notification data including identification information unique to each imaging instruction issuing apparatus and an imaging request signal, and a first communication unit that transmits and outputs the notification data to each imaging apparatus. Each imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that obtains captured image data of a subject, a saving unit that saves the captured image data obtained by the imaging unit, a second communication unit that receives the notification data from the imaging instruction issuing apparatus, and a control unit that causes the saving unit to save the captured image data and the identification information included in the notification data in an associated manner in a case where the notification data received by the second communication unit includes the imaging request signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Sako
  • Patent number: 7479987
    Abstract: To take a ceremonial photograph including a user himself/herself in a theme park or the like, the user must hand to a third person a camera to ask the photographing. There is a system which can take a picture of a user when the user is in a predetermined position, but the user cannot confirm the picture when the user is being photographed. For the purposes, an image service system includes plural cameras connected to a network, an administration server for accumulating or distributing images taken by the cameras, and a client terminal for displaying the images taken by the cameras. The position of the user and the positions of surrounding cameras located within a predetermined distance from the client terminal are detected automatically. Images including the user can be displayed on the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-ichiro Watanabe, Sergio Paolantonio, Takeshi Hoshino, Peter Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7479983
    Abstract: A system and method for effectively implementing an electronic image hub device includes a peripheral device, such as a digital camera, that may be periodically connected to the image hub device by a system user. The system user may then utilize the image hub device to transfer captured data from the peripheral device to a specific data destination, such as a user service on a distributed computer network. The peripheral device also may utilize the image hub device to recharge batteries that become depleted through operation of the peripheral device. The system user may then subsequently access and utilize the captured data from the data destination in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Clay H. Fisher, Steven G. Goldstein, David G. Longendyke
  • Patent number: 7477292
    Abstract: A cellular phone provided with a camera that comprises an imaging optical system, a lens barrel, a drive mechanism, and a reception informing processor, is provided. The lens barrel holds the imaging optical system. The drive mechanism drives the lens barrel in order to carry out one of a focusing operation and a zooming operation of the imaging optical system. The reception informing processor informs of a reception of a communication when the reception is detected. The reception informing processor comprises a mechanism to inform of the reception by actuating the lens barrel by using the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Sawanobori
  • Patent number: 7477841
    Abstract: In a system for providing a service to members of a group, a more complex form of the group can be flexibly and appropriately dealt with, and the service that is more convenient for the group can be provided. A group management database stores a group property, thereby a quantity of prints printed by a laboratory and information provided by a terminal can be determined based on the group property and the number of the members, for example. Furthermore, the group can be changed. In addition, security of image search can be set for the group by using the terminal. One of the members in charge of payment is registered for the group so that the member can collectively pay for the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Jun Enomoto, Mamoru Shinohara, Yoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7468739
    Abstract: Provided is an image display system in which image data of a commercial product as an article (8) is freely selected and given to a purchaser by using two-way communication such as Internet and the article (8) can be observed from a view point desired by the purchaser. In this system, the article (8) is placed on a turn table (16) which rotates around a rotational axis (15), an image is taken by a camera (9) installed on a wrist (19) of a robot (18) of plural axes while keeping camera posture Nv so that an optical axis (21) of the camera (9) passes through an observation point of the article (8), for example, a flower, and image data for respective plural imaging positions are stored in the memory (31). An operator specifies the imaging position continuously so that the image data corresponding to the specified imaging position is read out from the memory (31) and displayed by a display means (28) with a control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Fusama
  • Publication number: 20080303909
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a communications device which can receive from another communications apparatus by wireless an image-capturing condition of restricting an image-capturing process or a sound recording condition of restricting a sound recording process, and a device which performs an image-capturing or sound recording process according to the received image-capturing condition or sound recording condition. Thus, a user can automatically set a recording function of a recording apparatus in a restricted state without special care in a position where image-capturing, sound recording, etc. are prohibited, thereby recording on an allowed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Mikio WATANABE, Tomomitsu MUTA, Hisayoshi TSUBAKI
  • Patent number: 7457534
    Abstract: An infrared communication system is disclosed, that has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a modulator, a first converter, an infrared transmission section. The modulator modulates a first electric signal and generates a second signal as a modulated signal. The first converter converts the second signal into an infrared signal. The infrared transmission section transmits the infrared signal to the receiver. The receiver includes a filter, a second converter, and a demodulator. The filter restrains rays having a spectrum whose peak is present at a predetermined wavelength emitted by a plasma display panel. The second converter converts the infrared signal passed through the filter into a third electric signal. The demodulator demodulates the third electric signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Akira Yaegashi, Takahiro Fujimori, Junichi Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 7450835
    Abstract: A tripod device and system for mounting a camera and tracking movable objects includes a base with a camera mount, a processor, a user interface, actuators for rotating and tilting the camera mount, and a plurality of pendants. Each pendant includes a transmitter for transmitting a unique signal for receipt by a receiver in communication with the processor. The processor includes programming for determining the direction of a signaling pendant and for moving the camera mount to follow a selected pendant. The user interface enables a user to select a mode of operation, such as tracking a selected pendant, alternating between two or more pendants, or facing an area having the most pendants. Each pendant includes a receiver and a visual indicator for indicating when it is the active subject pendant. This invention provides for taping a birthday party having multiple persons to be taped according to selected modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Robert C. Lackey, James K. Newsome
  • Publication number: 20080266407
    Abstract: A method of personalizing an interface of a portable electronic device comprises the steps of interfacing the portable electronic device to a workstation, modifying the existing version of the user interface so as to define a personalized version of the user interface, transferring information defining the personalized version of the user interface from the workstation to the portable electronic device, and implementing the personalized version of the user interface on the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Amy E. Battles, David J. Staudacher, K. Douglas Gennetten
  • Patent number: 7443420
    Abstract: A printing system is constructed of an image transmitting apparatus that has a non-contact ID tag permitting non-contact reading and transmits image data by a different communication method from that for the non-contact ID tag, and a printing apparatus that receives the image data transmitted from the image transmitting apparatus, prints an image based on the image data, reads ID information regarding the image transmitting apparatus from the non-contact ID tag, and outputs a printing, which is generated by a printing unit, on the basis of the ID information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masamine Maeda
  • Patent number: 7437063
    Abstract: A single oscillator synchronizer system and method that automatically switches from a wireless receive mode of the oscillator to a wireless transmit mode of the oscillator upon the detection of a synchronization (synch) signal of a camera body. In one example, a method of wirelessly communicating a camera synchronization from a camera body to a remote device with a wireless camera flash synchronizer connected to a synchronization connector of the camera body, the wireless camera flash synchronizer including a transceiver having an oscillator element with a wireless receive mode and a wireless transmit mode, the oscillator element configured to be in only one of the wireless receive mode and wireless transmit mode at a time is provided. In another example, a wireless camera flash synchronizer that automatically switches from a wireless receive mode to a wireless transmit mode upon detection of a synch signal of a camera body is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lab Partners Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark
  • Patent number: 7432954
    Abstract: A communications terminal having an image shooting function allows a user to transmit a shot image as an e-mail attachment more easily and conveniently than in a conventional manner. Before being placed into an image shooting mode, the communications terminal first receives an e-mail address specified by the user as a destination of an image to be shot. Then, at a push of a shutter button in the image shooting mode, the communications terminal shoots an image to generate image data, automatically attaches the image data to an e-mail message, and transmits the e-mail message to the e-mail address specified by the user before the image shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuji Hama
  • Patent number: 7432978
    Abstract: A torch casing (10) with a reflector (46) and a bulb (44) incorporates camera (48, 50, 52) taking pictures through front face (64) and employs flash tube (58) behind the camera chip (50) reflecting off reflector (46) and reflected onto reflector (46) by mirrored surface (60) on the back of camera chip (50). Captured images, still or video, are exported by radio frequency unit (22) to, for example, secure and supervised store (124). Ultraviolet unit (65) causes fluorescence which is photographed by camera (48, 50, 52). Display screen (70) shows camera (48, 50, 52) images or received images. The apparatus continuously sends its position determined by GPS navigation. Sounds can be recorded, sent and received. Iris patterns and fingerprints can be recognized from an updated store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Mason Ricardo Storm
  • Patent number: 7433710
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: LightSurf Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Bodnar, William Swinton
  • Patent number: 7432955
    Abstract: A portable communication terminal with a camera carries out an intermittent reception operation during standby reception in order to reduce power consumption. The portable communication terminal stops an operation clock (16) for a camera (8) right before a time period of a reception slot (RX) during the intermittent reception operation. In the portable communication terminal, a photographed image right before stop of the operation clock is displayed on a display unit (9) for a stop time period until restart of the operation clock (16). The stop time period is short so as not to be recognized by eyes of a human being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Anzai
  • Patent number: 7430001
    Abstract: A system according to this invention easily and adequately notifies, on a remote controller, the user of the release timing on an image sensing apparatus side. To accomplish this, the remote controller receives a release timing signal associated with the image sensing timing from a digital camera, and notifies the image sensing timing on the basis of the received release timing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Fujii
  • Publication number: 20080225128
    Abstract: In an image-capturing apparatus, recorded position information is stored upon receiving instruction of storing the recorded position information, and real-time position information is stored upon a photograph is taken, which is stored together with a captured-image. The image-capturing apparatus executes mode changeover from a recorded position information use mode to a real-time position information use mode when a timing of the mode changeover matches a mode change condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroaki UCHIYAMA, Seiji Nagao
  • Patent number: 7421246
    Abstract: A wireless communication device comprising a search apparatus and a detection apparatus, wherein the search apparatus searches for a peripheral device when the detection apparatus detects that the peripheral device is likely to be utilized by the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Richard Layley, Trevor John Beer