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

Abstract: A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus which includes: an imaging device that captures a surroundings of a vehicle; a temperature measuring device that measures a temperature of the imaging device; and an OFF signal output device that outputs a command signal to set a power supply of the imaging device to the OFF state in accordance with the temperature of the imaging device measured by the temperature measuring device.

Abstract: In the creation of video program material, picture composition decisions—especially framing parameters—taken by an operator for small-display presentation of a scene are used the automatic generation of picture composition decisions for a larger display. Framing parameters such as pan, are temporally filtered before being applied to the wider field of view provided for the larger display.

Abstract: A device operable with a camera is disclosed which includes a display screen, remote from the camera, and a processor for receiving an image signal of the field of view of the camera and for displaying an image of the field of view of the camera on the display screen. The device communicates with and controls certain camera functions to allow a photographic or video image to be framed and taken from a location remote from the camera.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor a target area of a panoramic images by shooting the target area, sequentially shifting the shooting direction. A unit image of a generated panoramic image and a corresponding unit image of another panoramic image generated before the first panoramic image are compared and the change, if any, in the luminance level is detected. Then, the detected difference of luminance level is compared with a predetermined threshold value and predetermined information is displayed on the display screen with the generated panoramic image. It is possible to define small regions in the area for which a large threshold is predetermined and/or small regions in the area for which no such comparison is made on a unit image basis.

Abstract: A method of and system for transmitting video images preferably allows a specially trained individual to remotely supervise, instruct, and observe administration of medical tests conducted at remote locations. This system preferably includes a source device, a transmitting device, and at least one remote receiving device. The transmitting device, and the remote receiving device communicate over a network such as any appropriate data network. The transmitting device transmits the video images to the remote receiving device either for live display from the source device or for pre-recorded display from a video recorder device. The remote receiving device is also capable of communicating with the transmitting device while simultaneously receiving video images to provide remote control. The source device is preferably a medical test device such as an ultrasound, a sonogram, an echocardiogram, an angioplastigram, and the like.

Abstract: A method of manipulating assets on a touch-sensitive display. The method includes showing a camera and a field of view of the camera on the touch-sensitive display. The method further includes detecting contact with the camera or the field of view of the camera on the touch-sensitive display, and manipulating the camera based on a gesture conducted on the camera or the field of view of the camera shown on the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for multi-media data organization and transmission. The apparatus has a computer having a microprocessor, a memory storage, a display for providing information to a user, and an input device. An image-recording device is electrically-coupled to the computer for capturing images for storage in the memory storage of the computer. A database, which has a structure defined in the memory storage, receives and stores a plurality of information relating to an event. A program, being executable by the computer, provides a graphical user interface on the display. The program has an imaging module with document and image capture filing and scanning functions. The graphical user interface receives an input from the input device and from the image-recording device. In a further aspect of the invention, the program has a communications module for transmission of the plurality of information relating to the event to a remote location.

Abstract: A network camera system is provided that detects an occurrence of a condition change at a periphery of an image pickup apparatus, obtains a direction of the detected condition change, and notifies a user of the occurrence of the condition change and a direction of the condition change on a display of a terminal device.

Abstract: A practical, real-time calibration of digital omnidirectional cameras in the areas of de-vignetting, brightness, contrast, and white balance control. Novel solutions for the color calibration of an omnidirectional camera rig, and an efficient method for devignetting images are presented. Additionally, a context-specific method of stitching images together into a panorama or a mosaic is provided.

Abstract: A coverage area picture imaging a maximum area is displayed on a coverage area picture display. A camera is moved within a predetermined range and a plurality of frames obtained as a result form a picture. The pixels of the picture is decimated in vertical and horizontal directions and form a thumbnail as the coverage area picture. The coverage area picture display presents a display indicating a direction in which the camera is currently directed for picture photographing. In accordance with the display, a photographing direction is controlled. A plurality of frames are photographed with respect to a designated position, then stored, and displayed. A whole picture display presents a whole panorama picture. A selective picture display presents a frame at the position designated within the whole panorama picture as a selected picture.

Abstract: An image pickup device may include an optical system having a distortion that captures a distortion-containing optical image, a conversion unit that converts the distortion-containing optical image into distortion-containing image data, a storage unit that stores the distortion-containing image data and additional data related to a distortion of the distortion-containing image data, and a distortion correction unit that corrects the distortion of the distortion-containing image data with reference to the additional data.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus includes: an irradiation system which irradiates a charged particle onto a sample having a concave portion partially on a surface thereof; a light condensing reflecting mirror which condenses luminescence obtained from the surface based on the irradiation of the charged particle; a light detector which detects the luminescence guided to the light condensing reflecting mirror; a charged particle detector which detects the charged particle reflected from the surface of the sample as a reflection charged particle; and a signal processor which controls the irradiation system to irradiate the charged particle intermittently, which obtains a shape of the sample on the basis of a detection signal outputted from the charged particle detector, and which identifies a material of the sample on the basis of an attenuation characteristic of a detection signal outputted from the light detector in a period from a time point in which the intermittent irradiation of the charged particle by the irr

Abstract: A shooting system which has an image sensing apparatus and a monitoring apparatus, distributes an image from the image sensing apparatus to the monitoring apparatus, and allows the monitoring apparatus to remote-control the image sensing apparatus, comprises: an unit adapted to set access permission information containing at least information on a user permitted to access, for each partial area contained in a shootable range of the image sensing apparatus; an unit adapted to set access restriction information with which the access-permitted user restricts access by other users to the access-permitted partial area; an unit adapted to generate an image having undergone an image process to restrict view of the partial area for the other access-restricted users; and an unit adapted to distribute the image having undergone the image process to the other access-restricted users.

Abstract: Broadcast methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting, processing and selectively displaying more than one video camera perspectives recorded at live entertainment venues on remote video monitors. Video recording can be from more than one entertainment venue or can be more than on synchronized video camera perspective of an activity at an entertainment venue. Remote video monitors can be venue-based hand held devices or video monitors used at home. Remote video monitors can include hand held devices and high definition televisions (e.g., HDTVs) including flat panel display screens therein. Within a venue, camera views can be processed and formatted for display on display screens associated with remote video monitor. A user can select from more than one view from video cameras that the user wants displayed on the remote viewer, enabling a user of the remote video monitor to view more than one camera view through the remote viewer at a time/simultaneously.

Abstract: A control system (1) includes a work piece, such as a camera (2), having an adjustable functionality (3). A configuration device is associated with the work piece and is responsive to one or more control signals (7), the configuration device affects one or more selective adjustments to the adjustable functionality (3). Further included is an input device, such as a mouse (11), for generating one or more input signals (13) in response to one or more predetermined manual inputs (15) from an operator (9). Also a controller (21) is included for providing the control signals (7), the controller (21) being implemented in a graphical user environment and being responsive to the impute signals (13) such that the selective adjustments made to the adjustable functionality (3) are substantially proportional.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation of a camera installed on a vehicle, comprising the following operations: installing the vehicle at a location provided with markings on the ground, detecting these markings, estimating a vanishing point based on these markings, and matching the vanishing point with a positioning point by angular displacement of the camera.

Abstract: In a head detachable camera comprising a camera head and an image processing unit which does not have an exclusive line for notifying the type of image sensing device used in the camera head, when the power switch is turned on, vertical interval data signal processing units of the camera head and the image processing unit are set to a predetermined communication mode, such as one conforming to the NTSC video mode. Under this situation, identification information showing the number of pixels and the video rate used in the image sensing device is transmitted from the camera head by multiplexing the identification information in a blanking period of an image signal, and the communication mode of the camera head is changed in accordance with the number of pixels and the video rate of the image sensing device, if necessary.

Abstract: An image pickup device may include an optical system having a distortion that captures a distortion-containing optical image, a conversion unit that converts the distortion-containing optical image into distortion-containing image data, a storage unit that stores the distortion-containing image data and additional data related to a distortion of the distortion-containing image data, and a distortion correction unit that corrects the distortion of the distortion-containing image data with reference to the additional data.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting and displaying venue-based synchronized camera views for live venue activities to remote views. A synchronized camera can include a main camera and at least one slave camera, wherein slave camera movement depends on movement by the main camera. Views captured by a slave camera can be of the same general target as those captured by the main camera. Remote viewers can be venue-based hand held devices or distant monitors. Remote viewers can include hand held devices and digital entertainment monitors (e.g., HDTV). Within a venue, the camera views can be processed and formatted for display on display screens associated with venue-based hand held device. A user can select from more than one view from the synchronized camera that the user wants displayed on the remote viewer, thereby enabling a user of the hand held device to view more than one camera view, at a time or simultaneously, through the remote viewer.

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

Abstract: An image pickup device may include an optical system having a distortion that captures a distortion-containing optical image, a conversion unit that converts the distortion-containing optical image into distortion-containing image data, a storage unit that stores the distortion-containing image data and additional data related to a distortion of the distortion-containing image data, and a distortion correction unit that corrects the distortion of the distortion-containing image data with reference to the additional data.

Abstract: An image pickup device may include an optical system having a distortion that captures a distortion-containing optical image, a conversion unit that converts the distortion-containing optical image into distortion-containing image data, a storage unit that stores the distortion-containing image data and additional data related to a distortion of the distortion-containing image data, and a distortion correction unit that corrects the distortion of the distortion-containing image data with reference to the additional data.

Abstract: The invention is a mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising (1) a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, (2) a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling the camera and its movement, and (3) an image capture box for storing the captured images or transmitting the captured images to a remote location. The display-control box is attached to an adjustable mount in the vehicle within an operator's view and reach.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a video surveillance system is provided. The video surveillance system includes an input device for generating a movement command, at least one camera configured to receive the movement command, wherein the at least one camera includes a decoder configured to decode the movement command into at least one of a pan command, a tilt command, and a camera control command, a menu code segment programmed to control a menu cursor using at least one of the received pan, tilt, and camera control commands, and a memory configured to store camera configuration parameters received from the menu, and a monitor configured to display at least one of an image generated by the at least one camera and a menu display generated by the at least one camera.

Abstract: A display method and a photographing apparatus and display apparatus using the display method include displaying a photographed image and received images, and changing a mode of one of the images when a display area of one of the images is changed. Therefore, it is possible to view or record one or more images photographed by one or more external photographing apparatuses in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotatable camera attachment and, more particularly to a rotatable lens system that works in conjunction with after-market digital and video cameras by means of a corresponding electronic device. The rotatable camera attachment comprises a lens that rotates 360° horizontally and 180° vertically to simultaneously capture the images surrounding a primary image recorded with the conventional camera. The electronic device is provided as a means to process the images so they can be viewed together. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method for coordinating presentation of multiple perspective content data for a subject scene receives separate display perspective signals, each corresponding to one of a plurality of display segments and processes each of the separate display perspective signals to generate a corresponding content configuration data request. At least one image-content generating device is configured according to the corresponding content configuration data request. Image data content of the subject scene is obtained from the at least one image-content generating device.

Abstract: A multi-viewpoint image generation apparatus includes: a generation screen display unit that controls a two-dimensional image display device to display a two-dimensional image indicating an arrangement of the object in a multi-viewpoint image to be displayed on a the three-dimensional image display device; a modification command acquisition unit that acquires a modification command; a camera control unit that modifies a camera condition including a number of cameras corresponding to the multi-viewpoint image, a placement position of each of the cameras, a size of the projection plane of each of the cameras, a point of regard, and a projection method, based on the modification command acquired by the modification command acquisition unit; and a multi-viewpoint image generation unit that generates the multi-viewpoint image acquired by the cameras being configured according to the camera condition modified by the camera control unit.

Abstract: A remote shooting system includes an imaging unit, a main unit, and an imaging driving section. The main unit includes a position sensor that detects a vertical or horizontal position of the main unit. Based on an instruction signal transmitted from the main unit to the imaging driving section according to the position detected by the position sensor, the imaging driving section drives the imaging unit being attached to the imaging driving section about a rotation axis parallel with an optical axis of a shooting lens provided in the imaging unit.

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

Abstract: A plurality of cameras are adapted to utilize Ethernet network protocol for the physical layer and UDP/IP for the network and transport layers permitting multiple compressed signals representing different degrees of image resolution, compression type of compressed bit rate to be simultaneously transmitted. These multiple video streams may be combined into one composite stream for network transmission or may be maintained as separate and distinct video or still frame streams throughout the network. The digitizer, compressor and network interface can be integral to a camera or can be a separate unit. Video or images networked in this manner may be selective viewed on an operator console or may be received by a network server for storage, analysis and subsequent retrieval.

Abstract: A control apparatus is connected to at least one terminal device to control the terminal device. The apparatus includes a communication unit which communicates with the terminal device, a display unit which displays an operation window, an information acquisition unit which acquires, from the terminal device through the communication unit, information concerning operation of the terminal device and operation object for operation, an arranging unit which arranges the operation object to produce an operation window and is stored in the control apparatus, and a command generating unit which generates a control command in accordance with operation on an operation window, wherein when the operation object is operated, the command generating unit generates information which specifies the operation object which has been operated and a control command including information concerning an operation amount, and the communication unit transmits the control command to the terminal device.

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

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

Abstract: In a camera control system for remote-controlling a video camera, a range within which the viewing direction of the video camera can be changed and the current viewing direction are displayed on a screen. A desired viewing direction to which the camera should be tilted or panned can be designated by a scroll bar. In response to the operation of the scroll bar, the camera is rotated to the designated direction. An image taken via the camera, which now faces in the new direction, is displayed on the screen of a controller in an enabled state in which the controller can access the camera, wherein a button of the scroll bar displayed on the screen moves with the change in the viewing direction of the camera.

Abstract: In an image receiving apparatus, a command for operating a camera is detected on the screen of a monitor on which an image formed by the camera is displayed. The detected camera operating command is recognized and a camera control command is formed on the basis of the recognized camera operating command to be transmitted to an image transmitting apparatus.

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: Disclosed is a method for locking a camera in a portable terminal by means of a cipher apparatus connected to the portable terminal. The portable terminal includes the camera for photographing an image, a memory for storing secret codes, an image processor for processing the photographed image, and a display unit for displaying the processed image. The method comprises the steps of the cipher apparatus receiving information of the portable terminal, establishing a secret code, and transmitting enciphered data; the portable terminal receiving the enciphered data and stopping an operation of the camera; and the cipher apparatus receiving information reporting a locked state of the camera, and storing and displaying the secret code and a telephone number of the portable terminal.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera package with a viewing screen, a long flexible arm that will stay in a fixed position once adjusted for remote viewing of areas of automobiles and appliances not otherwise visible by a repairperson or mechanic servicing the device. The camera package includes additional lighting in nonvisible wavelengths for viewing objects otherwise not visible to the human eye. The camera package is capable of hands free operation. This hands free operation allows the technician to make adjustments or work on the problem at hand.

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.

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: An image receiving apparatus is assigned with a field-of-view range setting right which is a right of setting a field-of-view of an image to be distributed. A field-of-view range setting request is received from the image receiving apparatus having the field-of-view range setting right and then reflected upon a cut-out position of an image, and a field-of-view selection request is received from an image receiving apparatus not having the field-of-view range setting right, thereby selecting and an image to be distributed to the image receiving apparatus having the field-of-view range setting right as a distribution image to the image receiving apparatus not having the field-of-view range setting right.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel controllers for filmmaking and/or animation, as well as systems and methods for their use. In a set of embodiments, a controller has an actuator (e.g., a joystick, etc.) that receives input from a user for controlling an object, such as a camera, a light, an animated character, etc. The input is provided as instructions, which are described according to a reference coordinate system, to a movement system for moving the object within a scene (i.e., relative to other objects within the scene). The controller may include an additional control allowing the user to define an auxiliary coordinate system, such that the input from the user is described according to the auxiliary coordinate system. Alternatively and/or additionally, the controller includes a control for allowing the user to select whether input should be described according to the auxiliary coordinate system or the reference coordinate system.

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.

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: A method for generating a presentation of a region-of-interest in an image of a scene. The method includes the steps of capturing the image of the scene with a first camera and displaying the image of the scene on a display screen; selecting the region-of-interest within the image of the scene with a cursor and a pointing device; controlling a second camera to capture an image of a region of the scene corresponding to the region-of-interest; inserting the image of the region into the region-of-interest in the image of the scene to generate the presentation; and, displaying the presentation on the display screen.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an imaging system which can enhance its operational performance to allow an operator to easily obtain a good grasp of images collectively displayed on a screen by comprising: a camera (1) to be disposed in a remote place, the camera (1) having an optical axis (1a); driving means (8, 13) for driving the camera (1) to have the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1) moved in each of horizontal and vertical directions; position detecting means (10) for detecting a position of the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1)in each of the horizontal and vertical directions; position information storing means (12) for storing position information indicative of the position of the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1)to have the position information linked to an image taken at the position by the camera (1); and remote controlling apparatus (21) to be electrically connected to the driving means (8) through a communication network (19, 22) to control the driving means (8, 13), the remote controlling apparatus (

Abstract: A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.