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.

Abstract: An image pickup device such as CCD of a camera is substituted for a photo detector of infrared light emitted from an infrared remote control unit. When infrared light is detected based on an image signal output from the image pickup device, a transmitting position of infrared light in the object is detected. The camera executes such operations that transmitting positions detected are set as a focus detecting range in focus control, an exposure detecting range in exposure control, and a color evaluation range in white balance control.

Abstract: A system and a method for optically communicating information between a display and a camera that is observing the display. In general, the transmission of information is unidirectional in a direction from the display to the camera. The display transmits information to the camera that is observing the display by displaying a series of symbols and images (such as an alphabet) on the display. Information (such as a network address of the display or camera) may be transmitted to the camera without any prior shared knowledge between the two. The present invention also is capable of determining a spatial location (or pose) of the display (relative to a camera observing the display) by observing a pattern presented on the display and using well-known correlation techniques.

Abstract: When a communication device sends an image pickup instruction signal to an image pickup device by remote control, positional information obtained by the communication device is also sent. Upon reception of the image pickup instruction signal, the image pickup device performs image pickup. When storing a taken image, the positional information received is stored in the header of the image. Moreover, when searching an image stored in the image pickup device from the communication device, the image pickup device informs the communication device of search conditions (time information, positional information, and keyword) added to the image and positional information attribute (GPS information, base station ID, and character data). The communication device performs search by using the search condition and the positional information attribute informed by the image pickup device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system, which can simplify an ordering procedure. An IC memory comprising a contactless interface is mounted on a camera, or an image recording medium, such as memory card or film. In a case where a customer has carried the camera to a photo lab, image data is read out of the memory card or is acquired by reading the developed film, by an image data acquisition component. Moreover, individual information, order information, account information, and the like, are read out of the IC memory over wireless communication by a reader and writer and are affixed to the image data, whereupon the resulting image data is stored in a database.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus having a user identification function or in a user identification method, an electronic apparatus and an electronic instrument having stored therein user personal information communicate in wireless with each other so as to enable the electronic apparatus to automatically identify the electronic apparatus user. If the electronic apparatus identifies a plurality of possible users, the electronic apparatus automatically selects the user by executing specific user identification processing.

Abstract: This invention is more particular to a camera that is fully equipped with an inbuilt motion and smoke detector and with a special remote control for operating the camera, furthermore the camera is specially design to be set by the user to capture any emergency condition detected by any of the said inbuilt detectors and then the camera automatically send picture or pictures of the emergency along with a written text massage placed at the top, bottom, side or middle of the picture, the text message states the exact emergency which can be fire or intrusion and also the address of the emergency and this said information is sent by the camera to one or more programmed or preset cellular telephone that the telecommunication number was preset by the user and that can receive the picture and the text message by means of any available cellular telecommunication net work.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing images using a delay timer and face detection. After a command is given to begin a photographing process, a face detector determines the location of a face of a person being photographed. A timer counts down a predetermined delay time, for example, corresponding to a self-timer time period. A controller can set the auto focus or auto exposure parameters based on the detected face.

Abstract: An information processing system, such as a camera system, includes a radio communication system and an information appliance (such as a camera) communicable with the radio communication system within a predetermined distance. The information appliance includes an image pickup for obtaining image data by photographing a subject, a storing part for storing information peculiar to a user of the information appliance, a radio communication part for transmitting a predetermined radio signal and for reading information from the radio communication system, and an authorization part for authorizing the user by collating information from the radio communication system read at the radio communication part with stored information peculiar to the user. The radio communication system includes storage for storing predetermined information and a transmission part for receiving a radio signal generated at the information appliance and for transmitting the stored predetermined signal as a radio signal.

Abstract: A wireless adapter for a digital camera enables communications between the digital camera and remote devices over a wireless network. The wireless adapter comprises a wireless interface for communicating with remote devices, a housing for enclosing said wireless interface, a mechanical connector on said housing to mechanically connect the wireless adapter to the digital camera, and a camera interface to electrically connect the wireless adapter with the digital camera.

Abstract: To provide a camera capable of performing radio communication with other unit by jointly using a conductive component previously provided for the camera as a radio antenna without using an independent radio antenna. Because a conductive component (e.g. a reflector of flash) previously provided for an electronic camera and insulated from a camera housing but not electromagnetically shielded is jointly used as a radio antenna, the electronic camera can perform radio communication with other unit without using an independent antenna.

Abstract: Systems, methods, media, and apparatuses for disabling camera functionality in a portable device are disclosed. Embodiments of the method may include establishing a connection with a camera-enabled portable device and transmitting to the portable device a request for permission to disable camera functionality. Embodiments of the method may also include receiving a response from the portable device relating to permission to disable camera functionality. Further embodiments of the method may include, in response to receiving permission to disable camera functionality, transmitting to the portable device a command to disable camera functionality or, in response to receiving an indication that the user refused permission, displaying a notification message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for simultaneously photographing a still image and a motion image in a wireless terminal with at least two cameras. A first camera photographs motion images in motion-image photography mode. A second camera photographs still images in the motion-image photography mode. A controller of the first camera controls the first camera to photograph the motion images in the motion-image photography mode. A controller of the second camera controls the second camera to photograph the still images in the motion-image photography mode. A control unit controls an operation for photographing the motion images through the controller of the first camera in the motion-image photography mode, and controls photographing the still images through the controller of the second camera, and controls an operation for storing the motion/still images photographed in the motion-image photography mode.

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.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image capture unit, an image processing unit, a memory, and a network interface unit. The image capture unit captures an image. The image processing unit generates an image file including the captured image and additional information and stores the image file in a storage medium. The memory stores the image file read from the storage medium. The network interface unit transmits the image file stored in the memory to an external apparatus via a network. Furthermore, the network interface unit deletes predetermined additional information from the image file before transmitting the image file to the external apparatus, the predetermined additional information including information relating to a user of the image capture apparatus.

Abstract: A system implementing functionality adjustment for a portable electronic device. A portable electronic device has an interface, a function module, and a controller. The interface communicates with a host. The function module provides functionality. The controller sends identification information of the portable electronic device to the host and receives a first command from the host via the interface, and disables the function module in response to the first command. The host provides a functionality setting specifying a prohibited function for the portable electronic device, receives identification information from the portable electronic device, and sends a first command to the portable electronic device via the interface, wherein the first command, when executed by the portable electronic device, causes prohibited function thereof to be disabled according to the functionality setting.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus wirelessly transmitting an image and a method of controlling the photographing apparatus are provided, in which, a wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits an image to an external apparatus, and a controller controls the wireless transmitter to transmit to the external apparatus at least one of an image generated through photographing and an image pre-stored in a storage unit. Thus, an image, which is being photographed, can be stored and modulated, and transmitted to prevent the photographed image from disappearing. Also, the image can be stored, and another image can be displayed on an external apparatus to provide convenience to a user.

Abstract: In a mobile electronic equipment, a main body has a flat bottom surface and a flat side which cooperatively form a frame and having a recess with rib slots on its side. A camera unit is constructed by connecting a flexible cable to a substrate on which a camera IC portion is mounted. A holder has a window portion through which the camera IC portion is passed and a cover portion which covers the camera unit and which has ribs engaging with the respective rib slots. The camera unit is housed in the recess together with the holder in which the camera IC portion is passed through the window portion, and the ribs are fitted into the respective rib slots to incorporate the camera unit into the main body.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot and a remote control station. The mobile robot includes a camera that captures an image. The remote control station may include a monitor that displays the image captured by the robot camera. A projector is coupled to the remote control station to project the image. The system allows for the projection of the image captured by the robot to a relatively large viewing audience. The audience can thus view images provided by a moving robot.

Abstract: An information reception device comprising an imaging portion; a light reception portion for light reception of optional information subjected to optical modulation; a specification portion for specifying an optical modulation region contained in a capture angle of the imaging portion; a decoding portion for controlling the light reception portion in order to carry out light reception of the optical modulation region specified by the specification portion and decoding the optional information from the optical modulation content contained in the region; and a reproduction portion for reproducing the optional information decoded by the decoding portion. By acquiring a region essential for detection of optical modulation, acceleration of the information decoding process is achieved. Furthermore, position adjustment of the optical modulation region is easily accomplished.

Abstract: A remote control system is made up by a remote controller for remotely operating equipment such as an air conditioner and a television, and a cradle connected to a commercial power supply and having a charging function for the remote controller. The remote controller is equipped with a camera and a communication unit capable of communicating through a network. The cradle is equipped with a light unit such as an LED.

Abstract: An information apparatus system includes an access point which sets a wireless network, a first information processing apparatus having an image output section, and a second information processing apparatus having an image pickup section is disclosed. In the information apparatus system, the first information processing apparatus output information necessary to establish communication on an image output section, the second information processing apparatus captures the visualized information with the image pickup section and establishes communication between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus sends a control command to the first information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A photography system includes a digital camera and a remote control whose location can be detected by the camera. The remote control includes a control for causing the camera to take a photograph. The camera selects a region to photograph from its field of view, based on the location of the remote control. The selected region may include the entire field of view of the camera or a portion thereof. The camera may optionally select a region that places the remote control in the center of the region. The photographer may optionally specify the size of the region to be selected. The camera may optionally adjust the size of the selected region to assist in photographic composition. The camera may optionally be capable of making video recordings.

Abstract: The camera comprises: an imaging device; a communicating device for transmitting and receiving information to and from a portable telephone capable of determining the communication area, and obtaining the images and maps of the imaging place and the information on the printing shops on the basis of information of the communication area held by the portable telephone; and a display for displaying the obtained images and maps of the imaging place and the information on the printing shops. The user can easily obtain and display the images and maps of the imaging place and the information on the printing shops.

Abstract: A transmitting and receiving device capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication apparatus and an information processing device are provided. The information processing device produces directories that classifies a plurality of images stored in a recording medium, and if the communication apparatus asks for an offer of any image file according to information of the directories, the information processing device transmits the image file to the communication apparatus through the transmitting and receiving device. Consequently, the user is capable of easily designating the desired image file that meets the use according to the presented information about the directories by remote control with the communication apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system allow a hand-held digital camera to access and store large volumes of digital image data utilizing a wireless communications link between a host computer and the camera. In an embodiment of the invention, imaging optics and a photosensor array capture image data that represents an image of a subject. A transceiver integrated into the hand-held digital camera then transmits the image data to a host computer via a wireless communications link. The host computer stores the image data, or a copy of the image data, and retransmits related image data or, alternatively, the same image data back to the hand-held digital camera via the wireless communications link. Once the image data is received by the hand-held digital camera, an electronic image is formed by a display device that is integrated into the camera. The host computer may process the digital image data into enhanced digital image, thereby enabling the camera to display an enhanced electronic image of a subject.

Abstract: When an image capturing apparatus and an operation apparatus become connected to each other, function information is transmitted from the image capturing apparatus to the operation apparatus. The operation apparatus can recognize the functions effective in the image capturing apparatus by receiving the function information from the image capturing apparatus. The operation apparatus compares the received function information with the functions that can be processed by the operation apparatus, and sets the protocol. The protocol includes ones that is associated with a moving image attribute associated with moving image data and that is associated with the shooting function of the image capturing apparatus. Then, the operation apparatus transmits protocol information to the image capturing apparatus. Thereafter, the image capturing apparatus and the operation apparatus perform data communication based on the protocol.

Abstract: A two-way wireless personal video/audio communication system comprises a video mode switch for selecting a desired one of X, N, and R modes, and a video signal control circuit for transferring a video signal from a camera circuit to a display circuit in the N mode, a video signal from a remote terminal to the display circuit in the R mode and the video signal from the camera circuit to the display circuit and a video transmission/reception circuit in the X mode. The display circuit applies an output video signal from the video signal control circuit to a display to reproduce an image picked up by a camera. The camera circuit converts an image incident on a camera lens into an electrical video signal and outputs the electrical video signal to the video signal control circuit.

Abstract: A portable external hard disk system is provided. The hard disk system includes a hard disk unit and a conversion unit that is attachable to and detachable from the hard disk unit. The hard disk unit has an IDE interface terminal. The conversion unit has an IDE interface terminal and a USB terminal. Also, the conversion unit includes therein a secondary battery. The conversion unit supplies the combined power of the power of a USB power line and the power of the secondary battery to the hard disk unit.

Abstract: An oscillation frequency changing means is inserted between a tuner and an oscillator of local oscillator (56) of a high frequency receiving device, and the oscillation frequency changing means, in each frequency band received, changes the oscillation frequency characteristic of local oscillator (56) in relation to the tuning voltage supplied from PLL circuit (78), and operates in accordance with the frequency characteristic of tuning filter (52, 54, 62, 64) to obtain an oscillation signal varied just by a predetermined frequency, thereby making it possible to receive broadband channels of continuous VHF broadcast band and UHF broadcast band.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wireless camera apparatus and system for automatic capture and delivery of digital image “messages” to a remote system at a predefined destination address. Initial transmission occurs via a wireless network, and the apparatus process allows the simultaneous capture of new messages while transmissions are occurring. The destination address may correspond to an e-mail account, or may correspond to a remote server from which the image and data can be efficiently processed and/or further distributed. In the latter case, data packaged with the digital message is used to control processing of the message at the server, based on a combination of pre-defined system and user options. Secured Internet access to the server allows flexible user access to system parameters for configuration of message handling and distribution options, including the option to build named distribution lists which are downloaded to the wireless camera.

Abstract: A personal optical viewer enables a person to view images of how the person looks wearing an accessory and compare images of how the customer looks wearing different accessories. A seller provides an accessory to a person. A capturing device captures a photograph or a video of the person and stores the image in a memory device. The personal optical viewer displays each image to the person and the person chooses which images to keep, reject, delete, or compare. The personal optical viewer replaces rejected images with other images stored in the memory device, and when the stored images have been exhausted the personal optical viewer automatically enlarges the remaining displayed images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving and displaying venue-based data at hand held devices are disclosed herein. Data transmitted from one or more venue-based data sources may be received by at least one hand held device present within a venue, such as a sports stadium or concert arena. Such data can be processed for display on a display screen associated with the hand held device. The processed data may be then displayed on the display screen, thereby enabling a user of the hand held device to view venue-based data through the hand held device. Such venue-based data viewable through the hand held device within the venue may include real-time and instant replay video images and clips, advertising and promotional information, scheduling, statistical, historical and other informational data, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing and viewing images transmitted from a remote location to a portable imaging device, wherein each of the transmitted images having associated geographic information. The method comprises the steps of: providing the portable imaging device adapted to receive images transmitted from the remote location; determining a geographic location of the portable imaging device; and transmitting at least one image to the portable imaging device in an order dependent on the location of the portable imaging device.

Abstract: A pan head system for selectively attaching a video camera to a stand that enables the video camera to be operated and panned from a remote location. The pan head system includes a camera mount for engaging a video camera. The pan head system also has a stand mount for engaging a support stand. A motorized orientation mechanism is disposed between the camera mount and the stand mount for selectively varying an orientation of the camera mount relative the stand mount. A user interface is provided for controlling the motorized orientation mechanism. The user interface is remote from the motorized orientation mechanism and communicates with the motorized orientation mechanism via a communications link.

Abstract: An image sensing device and communication device are connected via a wireless channel, and the image sensing device selects a destination of image data based on destination information received from the communication device and sends image data and destination data to the communication device. The communication device establishes connection to the destination using the destination data received from the image sensing device, and sends the image data to the destination.

Abstract: A method for recycling a digital camera which includes: a communication section which outputs image data to an external device; and a protecting cover which covers the communication section and which is removed at times when the image data is output, wherein after the protecting cover is removed and the image data is taken out from the communication section, the communication section is once again covered by the protecting cover.

Abstract: A communication device selects image data to be transmitted to a public network from image data stored in an imaging device, inputs a character string, converts the file name of image data received from the imaging device into the input character string, and transmits the image data to the public network. Upon reception of a request for image data from the public network, the communication device converts the file name of the requested image data into the file name received from the imaging device, and requests transmission of the image data from the imaging device.

Abstract: A wireless camera 11 includes a main body unit 16, encoding/transmission unit 17, and a battery unit 18. The encoding/transmission unit 17 includes a encoding/modulation unit 23 for performing MPEG 2 encoding and OFDM modulation, frequency converter 27, high-frequency amplifier 28, and a transmission antenna 19. The main body unit 16, encoding/transmission unit 17, and battery unit 18 are unitedly configured.

Abstract: A communication system includes a portable phone and a digital still camera. The user selects an image for transmission, and data indicating a frame number of the selected image is sent from the portable phone to the digital still camera. The portable phone sends a re-size instruction to the digital still camera. The digital still camera re-sizes the image data to reduce a data quantity thereof. The re-sized image data is sent from the digital still camera to the portable phone. The image data is sent from the portable phone via a network to a partner communication system. The image data has a reduced data quantity through the re-sizing and hence can be completely transmitted thereto in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A content information manager communicates content information to a digital image capture device. One embodiment comprises a means for storing the content information in a memory, a means for communicating the content information to a digital image capture device, and a means for receiving a request such that the content information is communicated to the digital image capture device when the request is received. Another embodiment comprises a means for communicating a request signal such that the content information manager provides the content information upon receiving the request signal, a means for receiving the content information from the content information manager, and a means for displaying the content information on a display residing on the digital image capture device.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.

Abstract: A projectile in a cartridge designed to be launched from a grenade launcher. The projectile is adapted to be secured to the housing of the cartridge. The projectile includes a camera contained in the projectile body and connected thereto by a cord, and a transmitter contained in the projectile body and connected to the camera. In addition, the projectile includes elements for pinning the front part of the projectile body to a target, and elements for separating the front part of the projectile body from the back part of the projectile body and expelling the camera from the projectile body when the projectile is pinned to the target so that the camera is freely suspended from the projectile by the cord and can rotate in a wind through 180 degrees to observe its surroundings and transmit images thereof.

Abstract: A portable terminal wirelessly transmits a taken still image to a predetermined base station. An image processor receives the still image and extracts a digital watermark from the image. Further, the image processor transmits additional information according to the digital watermark to the portable terminal. Accordingly, various services using a digital watermark technique can be provided by using a portable terminal which can process a high-definition image to which a digital watermark can be embedded.

Abstract: A device-initiated image processing transaction system and method for use in a network, for example, the Internet, operable to interconnect at least one imaging appliance and an image processing service provider. The imaging appliance, preferably provided to be IP-addressable, is operable to capture an image. Thereafter, a transaction session is initiated by the imaging appliance with the image processing service provider for effectuating appropriate image transformation. In one exemplary embodiment, the image is transmitted to the service provider for processing by a host processing engine co-located at the image processing service provider. In a second exemplary embodiment, the host processing engine and associated list of available transforms are downloaded for locally processing the image by the imaging appliance.

Abstract: A method and systems for automatically configuring a hand-held camera to improve quality of an image taken with the camera of a particular subject at a photo opportunity site is disclosed. First, values for a set of camera setting parameters are optimized to enhance image quality of a picture taken at that location are determined. Next, wireless communication with the camera is established, and the set of setting parameter values are pushed to camera via the wireless communication to automatically configure the camera to take a picture of the subject.

Abstract: Featured is a digital data storage and transmitting (DDST) device, particularly suited for use with a digital camera, digital camcorder or other image/video capturing device, being configured and arranged so as to cable of downloading the digitized data representative of the images/pictures taken with the digital camera and to store this information in the DDST device. The DDST device also is configured and arranged so the DDST device can upload or transmit the downloaded picture information to a remote server using any of a number of communication protocols or techniques known to those skilled in that art including wireless or cellphone technologies. Also featured are systems embodying such a DDST device and methods related thereto.

Abstract: Even when a remaining amount of an image memory built in a digital camera is decreased, the photographing can be further continued while reserving a photographed image. An image which is obtained from an image input unit including image pickup means is accumulated into an image memory. When a remaining amount calculating unit detects that the remaining amount of the image memory is small, an image record discriminating unit compares it with an image size in a photograph mode at that time which is obtained from an image size table, thereby discriminating whether the continuation of the photographing can be performed or not. When the photographing is impossible, an image selecting unit selects an old image, an image in which the number of colors is small, or the like on the basis of management data regarding the photographed images in a memory managing table. The selected image is transmitted by a PHS communication by a data transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote monitoring apparatus comprising a control/monitoring unit located in a user's place for remote monitoring; a mobile communication terminal with a camera for photographing a subject, for performing a call service and an image processing/transmission service including an operation of photographing a subject with the camera; and a dynamic support located in a remote place to be monitored and having the mobile communication terminal mounted on the dynamic support itself, for controlling a posture of the mounted mobile communication terminal and positional movement of the dynamic support itself upon receiving a posture/position control command on the mounted mobile communication terminal from the control/monitoring unit via the wireless Internet and the mounted mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a vehicle remotely over a network are disclosed. A vehicle is provided with a vehicle control module configured to transmit and receive network communications containing vehicle control data. In one embodiment, the vehicle control module is configured to transmit and receive network switched packets wirelessly. Additionally, the vehicle may comprise one or more cameras configured to transmit a two dimensional, three dimensional, or 360° panoramic view from the vehicle. The network comprises a user station, a server, and at least one vehicle to be controlled. The user station may comprise an operator booth that resembles the driving compartment of a vehicle. Alternatively, the user station may comprise a portable control device.