Abstract: The number of channels is changed in accordance with an operation mode in an image pickup apparatus. An image-pickup control unit 240 determines the number of operation channels W in accordance with an operation mode. A sensor unit 210 outputs an image pickup signal corresponding to each pixel in accordance with the number of operation channels W. A data sending unit 220 performs serial conversion on image pickup signals, and transfers them to the image processing unit 300 using a high-speed interface (a signal line 229) such as an LVDS in accordance with the number of operation channels W. A data receiving unit 311 performs parallel conversion on the transferred serial signal for each of the channels in units of M bits. A data reconstruction unit 500 detects a synchronization code embedded in the parallel signals, extracts data windows, and supplies, to a signal line 319, image pickup signals of bit length n which are reconstructed from the data windows.

Abstract: Revealed is an intelligent camera security monitoring, fuzzy logic analyses and information reporting system that includes video/audio camera, integrated local controller, interfaced plurality of sensors, and input/output means, that collects and analyses data and information observations from a viewed scene and communicates these to a central controller. The central controller with fuzzy logic processor receives, stores these observations, conducts a plurality of computer analyses techniques and technologies including face, voice, lip reading, emotion, movement, pattern recognition and stress analysis to determine responses and potential threat of/by a person, crowd, animal, action, activity or thing. This invention recognizes possible terrorists, criminals, enraged or dangerous persons and also can identify a person's level of intoxication or impairment by alcohol or drugs via a new “Visual Response Measure”.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a programmable transmission capability for selectively transmitting electronic image data to a plurality of remote base units. In one embodiment, a camera module is detachably coupled to a portable computer including a display screen and a data entry device. The electronic image data generated by the camera module is supplied to the portable computer for display on the display screen. The data entry device is used by an operator to select which of the plurality of base units are to receive the digital image data. The digital image data is supplied by the portable computer to a radio-frequency transmitter module for transmission to the selected base units. The radio-frequency transmitter module is formed either integral with the portable computer or, like the camera module, is detachably coupled to the portable computer.

Abstract: An image-capture apparatus having an intercom connecting unit, capable of voice communication with an external camera control unit (CCU) is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit, a warning-sound signal generator, a receiving unit, a voice synthesizer and a transmitting unit. The control unit outputs a warning-command signal when determining that a control-information signal value indicating a state of the apparatus varies from a predetermined standard. The warning-sound signal generator outputs a warning-sound signal corresponding to the warning-command signal. The receiving unit receives a multiplexed signal from the CCU and extracts an intercom-voice signal at the multiplexed signal. The voice synthesizer combines the intercom-voice signal extracted at the receiving unit with the warning-sound signal from the warning-sound signal generator to generate a voice-synthesized signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems for input device to television networking.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (107-1) which captures an image of an object moving in a space where a light source (109) is placed, the light source emitting light whose intensity varies in a predetermined cycle, the imaging capturing apparatus includes: an imaging device (102-1) for capturing the image of the object and the light from the light source (109); a signal processing unit (103-1) for generating, from a signal outputted from the imaging device (102-1), an image signal that includes a picture sequence synchronized with an imaging apparatus drive signal obtained from the outside; and a phase difference detection unit (105-1), a phase different adjustment unit (106-1), and a drive signal generation unit (104-1), for generating a signal that is synchronized with the intensity variations of the light from the light source (109) which is captured by the imaging device (102-1), and outputting, as the imaging-apparatus drive signal, the generated signal into the signal processing unit (103-1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in transmitting data that is supplied with a high jitter input clock in a serial data stream over a single fiber cable. Video data from a camera is stored in memory using the high jitter clock. A stable clock is used to transmit the data from memory. To account for drift between the input clock and the stable clock idle words are added to or deleted from the transmitted data.

Abstract: An imager comprises an image sensor and a controller coupled to the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to obtain an image of a field of view of the image sensor with a configuration pattern placed in the field of view. The controller is configured to determine a location of the configuration pattern within the image, interpret the configuration pattern, and set a parameter of the imager based on the interpretation of the configuration pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing, logging and retrieval of face-to-face interactions characterizing walk-in environments. The system comprising a device for capturing and storing one or more face to face interactions captured in the presence of the parties to the interaction, and a database for storing data and metadata information associated with the face-to-face interactions captured.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a photographing ordering system and a photographing system. The photographing system includes an image sensor which photographs a subject and generates an image signal; a camera-side communication unit which communicates with the photographing ordering system; a subject judging unit which judges whether or not the subject is the person to be photographed based on the person identifying data when or after the subject is photographed; an image processing unit which generates the image data with the image signal; and a camera-side control unit which extracts the image data of which the person to be photographed has been photographed based on a judged result of the subject judging unit and transmits the extracted image data to the photographing ordering system.

Abstract: Photography mode setting information is transferred by transmitting from a first digital camera certain photography mode setting information set in the first digital camera through a communications means, such as a USB cable, and receiving the photography mode setting information transmitted from the first digital camera with a second digital camera. Prior to this transfer, by way of the first digital camera or the second digital camera, the model type information of the other digital camera is obtained, and the photography mode setting information set in the first digital camera is changed (converted) so that the setting information is appropriate for the second digital camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup unit, a recording unit for recording image data obtained by the image pickup unit, on a recording medium, a communication unit for exchanging data with an external equipment, a setting unit for setting a parameter relating to an image pickup operation of the image pickup unit, a generation unit for generating setting information based on the parameter set by the setting unit and a control unit for controlling the communication unit to transmit a command for instructing a start of an image reading and the setting information to an image scanner provided externally so that image data corresponding to the setting information are transmitted from the image scanner.

Abstract: A video system including one or more high resolution network video cameras, a computer and a monitor. The video cameras are capable of simultaneously generating a full field of view reduced-resolution of an image and a full-resolution sub-window of the image. The computer is configured to receive images from the video cameras via a computer network and display the images on the monitor in which a full field view of the image and a sub-window of the image are displayed on the monitor simultaneously.

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

Abstract: A first device is provided with a communicator having a first interface function and a second interface function defined in an asymmetric interface standard. A second device is connected to the first device. The first device detects whether the second device has at least one of the first interface function and the second interface function. Data is transmitted from the first device to the second device, through use of the first interface function, in a case where it is detected that the second device has the second interface function. A signal for processing the data is transmitted from the first device to the second device, through use of the second interface function, in a case where it is detected that the second device has the first interface function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal between a television camera and a video apparatus. When time-division multiplexing parallel image signals and transmitting them as a serial signal from the camera side to the video apparatus side, a control signal destined from the camera to the video apparatus is also time-division multiplexed. Furthermore, a plurality of kinds of trigger signals may be time-division multiplexed into one serial signal and transmitted from the video apparatus to the camera.

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.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a camera system suitable for remote monitoring. The present invention is made by making improvements to a camera system that transmits camera image data to a network. The camera system includes a camera head including an image sensor and a sensor controller that controls the image sensor; a video signal processing means that performs video signal processing on image data from the image sensor; and a web server which transmits image data from the video signal processing means as the camera image data to the network, receives control data from the network, and controls at least the sensor controller or the video signal processing means.

Abstract: A monitoring camera system including a plurality of monitoring cameras, a plurality of monitors, a multiplexer for switching a connection between the monitoring camera and the monitor, and a plurality of controllers for remotely controlling the monitoring cameras through a communication control line. Each of the controllers remotely control the monitoring cameras by sending to the communication control line a command including an address assigned to the monitoring camera which is a control object and the contents of control. In controlling a monitoring camera providing video to a predetermined monitor, a controller sends a number of the predetermined monitor to the multiplexer, and inquires of the multiplexer about the address assigned to the monitoring camera providing the video to the predetermined monitor. The multiplexer transmits the address assigned to the monitoring camera providing the video to the predetermined monitor to the controller that is a source of the inquiry.

Abstract: A control system for digital camera makes it possible to control a digital camera from a personal computer and to operate the digital camera simultaneously from both of the digital camera side and the personal computer side by means of performing a communication between the digital camera on which a WWW server function is equipped and the personal computer having a WWW browser function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image signal transmitting/receiving apparatus and method for selectively performing transmission and display of a main image signal. The present invention transmits and display an sub-image signal instead of the received main image signal in case that the cut-off mode with respect to the main image signal has been set.

Abstract: An image distribution method for distributing an image acquired by a camera on a network includes the steps of receiving control information for the camera from an image reception apparatus via a packet-switched network; and sending an image acquired by the camera to the image reception apparatus via a circuit-switched network.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which includes a timing adjusting circuit for adjusting a generation timing of a drive signal for driving at least an image pickup element which reads an object image and outputs an image signal of the object image, a memory circuit for storing an adjustment value of the generation timing of the drive signal adjusted by the timing adjusting circuit, and a drive signal generating circuit for generating the drive signal in accordance with the adjustment value stored in the memory circuit.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus provides an end user with environment to easily remote-control a video camera via a general network such as the Internet. When the camera control apparatus receives a file-transfer request described in the format of the network from an external device connected to the apparatus, it handles the characters in a character string of a file name of the request as a camera-control characters. As a result, if the character string includes a description corresponding to the format for camera control, the camera control apparatus controls the camera in accordance with the description to perform image sensing, and transfers the obtained video image as the content of an image file requested by the external device as the file-transfer request originator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving video signals from a plurality of video cameras, such as in a video surveillance system. The video cameras are each coupled to provide a video signal to a respective input of a multiplexer. The multiplexer routes a selected one of the video signals to a video decoder. The video decoder receives the selected video signal and is conditioned according to the video signal. This includes synchronizing the video decoder to a frequency and phase of the video signal, controlling a gain level for the video signal and adjusting a dc clamping level for dc restoration of the video signal. Parameters representative of each of these quantities are stored in association with the identity of the corresponding video camera. The video decoder also places each video signal into a format suitable for storage in a storage device and for display by a display device.

Abstract: A technique, specifically a method and apparatus that implements the method, that allows a memory to be located remotely from a video source. Specifically, the method provides a write control signal between a video source and a remote memory that allows the remote memory to provide a video image during slow-shutter operation of the camera.

Abstract: The user of an objective device registers a favorite setup of the objective device in a user setup data recording device in correspondence with user information based on a physical feature. Upon detecting the physical feature of the user, the objective device sends its device ID to the user setup data recording device together with the user information based on the physical feature. The user setup data recording device sends setup data of the objective device, which is set in advance by the user, to the objective device on the basis of the received user information and device ID. The objective device changes its setup on the basis of the received setup data.

Abstract: In a monitor camera system includes a monitor camera capable of rotation 360 degrees in pan directions and 180 degrees in tilt directions and a control unit for controlling the monitor camera remotely, the control unit sends control data indicative of a photographing position or photographing direction of the monitor camera to said monitor camera, while the monitor camera receives the control data to calculate, on the basis of the control data, a pan rotation quantity and a tilt rotation quantity by which the monitor camera is to be rotated from the present camera position, thus accomplishing its pan rotation or tilt rotation according to the calculated rotation quantity. Accordingly, with this configuration, an operator can align the monitor camera in a target direction by merely manipulating a joystick in the target direction, that is, can face the monitor camera to a target position through a simple manipulation.

Abstract: A communication circuit transmits the digital video signal to a transmission line and receives a clock signal and timing data transmitted through the transmission line. The timing data indicates a communication timing. A timing signal generation circuit generates timing signals from the detected clock signal to control the imager, the a/d converting circuit, the signal processing circuit, and the communication circuit. A communication control circuit detects a communication timing from the timing data, judges whether the communication timing is detected within a predetermined condition (communication error), and controls the timing signal generation circuit to stop transmitting the digital video signal when the communication timing is not detected within the predetermined condition to prevent a fail in transmitting the video data. A shutter interval of the imager is further controlled toward a constant shutter interval in response to the communication error.

Abstract: A communications system connected via a bus capable of transferring combinations of control signals and AV signals as packets while providing an environment which is the same as an environment where connections are made using analog signal lines. A register decided by an address is taken to be a virtual plug for each item of equipment. The plug enable for the input plug is set to 1 and a synchronous communication packet for the AV signal from the channel set by the channel number is received. The plug enable for the output plug is set to one and the synchronous communication packet for the information signal is sent to the channel set by the channel number at a transmission speed designated by the DR (Data Rate) at the bandwidth expressed by “Bandwidth”.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a connector for connecting another digital camera and an interface for exchanging data between the digital camera and another digital camera. When another digital camera is connected to the connector, another digital camera is be controlled by a controller via the interface.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a camera unit providing an image of a shot object, a marker detection unit detecting an object from the image output from the camera unit and comparing the configuration of the detected object with a predetermined configuration stored in a storage unit, and an image processing unit converting at least a partial region of the image output from the camera unit into an image differing from the output image when the configuration of the object is analogous to the predetermined configuration as a result of comparison by the marker detection unit. Since at least a partial region of the output image is converted according to the presence of an object in the output image, a particular region associated with the object, for example a region of a person in the image, can be converted.

Abstract: A camera system includes cameras (201, 202, 203) and a camera controller (100) which controls them. The camera (202) is a nonstandard camera having a large number of pixels, whereas the cameras (201, 203) are standard cameras having a small number of pixels. The camera controller (100) supplies a common sync signal to the cameras (201, 202, 203) and causes them to execute image sensing.

Abstract: A network video recording system. The system includes at least one video server, at least one network storage device, and a monitoring device. The video server controls a video camera in order to obtain video image data by video recording, and sends the data via a network. The network storage device is connected to the video server with the network to receive the video image data sent by the same via the network and stores the video image data. The monitoring device is connected to the video server and the network storage device with the network for monitoring the video image data sent by the video server. The monitoring device of the present invention may be used as a monitoring interface, or control the network storage device to send the video image data stored therein to the monitoring device for required inspection.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus provides an end user with environment to easily remote-control a video camera via a general network such as the Internet. When the camera control apparatus 1001 receives a file-transfer request described in the format of the network from an external device 1002 connected to the apparatus, it handles a characters in a character string of a file name of the request as camera-control characters. As a result, if the character string includes description corresponding to the format for camera control, the camera control apparatus 1001 controls the camera in accordance with the description to perform image sensing, and transfers the obtained video image as the content of an image file requested by the external device as the file-transfer request originator.

Abstract: A self-contained wireless camera (10) and a wireless camera system (25) having such a device and a base station (20). Video processing (e.g. video compression) circuitry (200, 210) of the camera device receives video signals from a camera (130) and provides processed video signals. These are transmitted over a shared radio channel. A radio receiver (101) receives processed (e.g. compressed) video signals from the base station or another camera device. Images from the camera or the base station are displayed in a selected manner on a display or monitor (140). The base station device (20) receives processed (e.g. compressed) video signals, stores them and retransmits them. A command signal is received by the radio receiver to modify operation in such a manner as to control bandwidth usage. Wireless camera devices can adjust their operation to accommodate other wireless camera devices.

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: An information processing method and apparatus of this invention are a method and apparatus for multiplexing data indicating information other than video information on a video signal and transmitting the multiplexed data. Modulated data is formed by inputting the data and modulating the input data. The video signal and the modulated data are input, and the modulated data is multiplexed on the input video signal. When the multiplexed data is output, the modulation mode or the multiplexing interval of the modulated data is controlled in correspondence with the type of input data, thus realizing a function of multiplexing data on a video signal and transmitting the multiplexed data in correspondence with the data type with a simple, small-scale circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A digital swift video controller system that can be used in a wide spreading area. The present system is activated by transmitting digital video camera image to the arena telecom server and then stored in the high capacity image-storing device, such as magnetic disk and CD-Rom. Specialist is then monitoring all these image data in the central control unit and then they are able to transmit the requested image data to user. These image data are transmitted through Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) offered by the central telecom company in Taiwan upon users personal authorized estate and pin code. By way of transmitting image data, user will be able to view the request images instantly either live or historically on an personal computer providing there is an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) connection. This system will enable user to monitoring any image data upon their personal authorized estate and pin code more conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: A captured image is processed with one or more correction processes selected from a plurality of such processes, each associated with correction of a specific type of image defect, in order to improve the appearance of a viewed image generated from the captured image. Preliminary to the image processing, meta data related to image capture is obtained that is unique to each captured image, where the meta data is capable of indicating whether the specific types of image defects are likely to be present in the viewed image generated from the captured image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication method in a communication system in which a communication device is connected to a camera through a control bus based on RS-485, a first coaxial conversion device, a video signal transmission cable, and a second coaxial conversion device, the first coaxial conversion device comprising the function of superimposing communication data from the communication device to the camera on a vertical blanking period of a video signal on the video signal transmission cable and the function of extracting communication data from the camera to the communication device which is superimposed on the video signal on the video signal transmission cable to transmit the extracted communication data to the control bus based on RS-485, and the second coaxial conversion device comprising the function of superimposing communication data from the camera to the communication device on a vertical blanking period of a video signal on the video signal transmission cable and the function of extracting communicat

Abstract: A high definition television image pickup apparatus includes a high definition television image pickup element for outputting a video signal, and a high definition television video signal correction circuit for correcting the video signal and outputting a corrected video signal having a first predetermined characteristic value being suitable for high definition television system which is a high definition television video signal. A transmission path transmits the high definition television video signal and a television signal conversion circuit converts the high definition television video signal into a first standard television video signal. A standard television video signal correction circuit corrects the first standard television video signal and outputs a corrected video signal having a second predetermined characteristic value suitable for a second standard television video signal.

Abstract: A method for transmitting image pickup signals and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. Image pickup signals of an object photographed by means of a digital still camera (digital electronic still camera) are transmitted to an image recording apparatus such as video cassette tape recorder or a video camera to be recorded there. That is, the digital electronic still camera is provided with an infrared ray transmitting section, and The image recording apparatus is provided with an infrared ray receiving section. When the digital electronic still camera reproduces the stored images to transmit them to the image recording apparatus, certain control signals are transmitted both to the infrared ray transmitting section and to the infrared ray receiving section. In accordance with the received control signals, the image recording apparatus is put to a momentary stop mode and then to a recording mode to record the images from the digital electronic still camera.

Abstract: A control cable extension unit for a pan/tilt camera is used between the pan/tilt camera and a pan/tilt camera controller and is connected via a coaxial multiplex communication cable to the pan/tilt camera and is further connected via a control cable to the pan/tilt camera controller. The extension unit includes a signal input section to which the pan/tilt camera controller supplies a control signal, a signal processing section for processing the control signal supplied to the signal input section, delivering various commands for operating the pan/tilt camera a signal output section for transmitting the commands delivered by the signal processing section on the basis of a synchronizing signal to the pan/tilt camera during a blanking period in which no video signal is generated by the pan/tilt camera.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a computer using visual cues, and a method of performing visual-cue operation. In a computer system having a central processing unit (CPU), and memory, a data-storage device, and an interface for receiving, interpreting and executing commands formulated by a user, a camera is positioned to allow the user to enter its visual field. To remotely operate the computer, the user performs a predetermined motion or series of motions while in the camera's field of view. The camera captures an image of the user and digitized the image into a video data stream. A video processor monitors the video data stream for indications that the user has entered a visual cue by performing a prescribed motion. When a visual cue is recognized, the video processor then generates a command set corresponding to the recognized cue. The command set then presented to the computer's command processor for execution.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus provides an end user with environment to easily remote-control a video camera via a general network such as the Internet. When the camera control apparatus 1001 receives a file-transfer request described in the format of the network from an external device 1002 connected to the apparatus, it handles a characters in a character string of a file name of the request as camera-control characters. As a result, if the character string includes description corresponding to the format for camera control, the camera control apparatus 1001 controls the camera in accordance with the description to perform image sensing, and transfers the obtained video image as the content of an image file requested by the external device as the file-transfer request originator.

Abstract: The present invention allows the transmitting side and receiving side to exchange the device characteristic, color matching function and visual environment information used according to task assignment of color reproduction pursuant with a color reproduction target, sets color control parameters on the transmitting side or color control parameters on the receiving side, and thereby allows the transmitting side and receiving side to share the color reproduction target in such a way as to be flexibly applicable to a plurality of color reproduction targets and assigned tasks of color reproduction.

Abstract: When modifications in a process control system are made, the software modifications must be made in the camera linked to the system, too. Both a programmer skilled in the process control system and a programmer skilled in camera programming are needed. This can be avoided when a adaptation program (710) is made for a smart camera (71). This program is able to transform the tasks given by the programmable logic (11) to a language understood by the camera software as well as to send the task results to the programmable logic. The command tasks are transmitted from the programmable logic to the smart camera, and correspondingly, the test results are transmitted to the programmable logic in messages of a known field bus protocol (e.g. Modbus), wherein the adaptation program acts as an interpreter between the bus protocol used and the specific camera software.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional digital serial communication and control of remote units including video cameras and input/output devices in machine vision systems. The communication system includes a main processor, communication hubs and remote units. The system is capable of monitoring and controlling the remote units in real-time while receiving video data images from the remote video cameras. Digital signals are transmitted in two different protocols; one for data communications, and one for control communications.

Abstract: A Makernote data storage area contains a plurality of sets of output device control information CI designating image output conditions and image output conditions for achieving the best image output results in output devices, given the color reproduction characteristics and image output characteristics of individual output devices. Output device control information CI includes identifying information as information designating output devices, and output control information for controlling designated output devices. As graphics file GF includes output device control information CI for a plurality of output devices, Makernote data storage area contains a plurality of combinations of identifying information and output control information corresponding to output device control information CI.