Abstract: A video-image control apparatus enables a client to obtain the details of an object in a displayed video image. For this purpose, when the angle of a camera 1003 is changed in accordance with an instruction from an external device, it is determined whether or not the object (e.g., a copier) is within an image sensing view. If it is determined that the object is within the image sensing view, the current status of the object is obtained by request. Then, an image of a character string indicative of the status information is generated, and combined with the video image. The combined image is transferred via a communication interface unit to the external device.

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: 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: 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: This invention provides a video system including an image pickup device for converting an optical image into a video signal, an image pickup direction changing device for changing the image pickup direction of the image pickup device, an image display device for displaying the video signal output from the image pickup device, and a function display device for displaying function information of the image pickup device.

Abstract: In an image sensing system where a camera apparatus and a client device are connected for controlling the camera apparatus by the client device, the client device displays and arbitrarily shifts a predetermined size of detection area in an object image sensed by the camera apparatus, enabling to quickly perform camera parameter control, such as focus adjustment or the like, based on image signals of the detection area, with a small amount of transferring data. Moreover, detection areas of a sensed image are synthesized by controlling camera parameters for each of the detection areas so as to optimize camera parameters for all of the areas in the object image.

Abstract: In an image capture apparatus, the data rate of image data output from the image capture device is changed by calculating a first data rate of the image data according to a first size of a variable display area that displays the image data. Information indicating the calculated first data rate is sent to the image capture apparatus. The size of the variable display area is changed to a second size responsive to a user command and a second data rate of the image data is calculated according to the second size. Information indicating the calculated second data rate is sent to image capture device.

Abstract: A surveillance system is provided. The system includes at least one target detection sensor, a plurality of adjustable identification sensors and a system controller. The syste controller is coupled to the at least one target detection sensor and the plurality of adjustable identification sensors. The system controller processes data from the plurality of target detection sensors, applies threat criteria, and, when a target is identified as a threat, the system controller selects at least one of the plurality of adjustable identification sensors and adjusts a sensing input of the selected one of the plurality of adjustable identification sensors to capture information on the identified target. The system also includes a monitoring station that is adapted to receive signals from the selected one of the adjustable identification sensors and to display the captured information.

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

Abstract: A display authorization area corresponding a user is selected from maps stored in a device, only the selected zone is displayed, and a camera which is not authorized for the user to perform information communication is inhibited from being displayed. With this arrangement, a camera control system having so excellent security that any user cannot see a place irrelevant to the user and cannot recognize the position of an installed camera is constructed.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which previously sensed image information is stored, so that information with an angle desired by the user can be searched for and displayed. Image data sensed by a camera device (100) is captured by an image information capture unit (101) and the angle information of image data captured by the image information capture unit (101) is acquired by an image view point information acquisition unit (102). A header is generated by a header generation unit (103) based on the angle information. A recording information generation unit (104) generates recording information based on the generated header and the captured image data, and stores the generated information in an external storage device (6). Upon reception of an external search instruction, a search unit (105) searches for information matching angle information included in the search condition, and an output unit (106) outputs the found image data.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for controlling an image capture apparatus. The control apparatus includes a communication unit for receiving an image captured by the image capture apparatus, and a control unit coupled to the communication unit. The control unit controls a frame setting process for setting a shape, a position, and an area of a frame, and a first command sending process for sending a first command to the image capture apparatus in order to set the frame within the image captured by the image capture apparatus. The first command indicating the shape, the position, and the area set in the frame setting process. The control unit further controls a function selection process for selecting a function to be set in the frame, and a second command sending process for sending a second command to the image capture apparatus. The second command indicating the function selected in the function selection process.

Abstract: A camera control system having a plurality of cameras connected to a network, enabling users to be informed of such as status of use of each camera and each user's access right in a real-time manner. The system, where one of cameras controllable via the network is selected and video-display of output from the selected camera and operation of the camera are controlled, has camera-status display device for real-time displaying the statuses of at least two cameras.

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 portable phone which is a manual operating apparatus of an image capturing system has an image processing section 340, an operation control section 341 and a communication section 342. The image processing section 340 acquires information regarding view position of a camera from image data 110 received by the communication section 342 and generates view position data 102. Also, it receives from the operation control section 341 information regarding an inputted optical operation command and generates garget position data 111. Furthermore, it performs a necessary process on the image data 110 to display the same on an image display section 32, as well as displays a view position of the camera and a target position of visual field after driving of the camera based on the view position data 102 and the target position data 111.

Abstract: When a shutter button of an electronic camera is depressed, the electronic camera photographs a subject and the photographed image data is stored into a main storage device of the electronic camera. Upon receiving a photography command from a computer connected to the electronic camera, a check is made to determine whether the main storage device of the electronic camera still holds image data to be processed. If the main storage device still holds image data to be processed, then an error signal is sent to a device from which the photography command is issued. If the main storage device does not hold image data to be processed, then the electronic camera photographs a subject and the photographed image is stored into the main storage device. Then, a notice of normal termination is sent to a device from which the photography command is issued.

Abstract: Inputs drawn on a control surface or inputs retrieved based on tokens or other objects placed on a control surface are identified and a view of a camera, or a virtual view of a camera or camera array is directed toward a corresponding location in a scene based on the inputs. A panoramic or wide angle view of the scene is displayed on the control surface as a reference for user placement of tokens, drawings, or icons. Camera icons may also be displayed for directing views of specific cameras to specific views identified by any of drag and drop icons, tokens, or other inputs drawn on the control surface. Clipping commands, are sent to a display device along with the wide angle view which is then clipped to a view corresponding to the input and displayed on a display device, broadcasting mechanism, or provided to a recording device.

Abstract: A camera system comprising a camera, a monitor, an image detector, a touch screen, and a remote control. The monitor displays a field of view of a lens of the camera. The image detector provides a viewer image to the remote control whereby the remote control can determine a desired image within the field of view that the viewer is gazing upon. The touch screen enables a viewer of the monitor to point to the desired image of the field of view and provides signal(s) indicative of the pointing. The remote control is operable to activate various drives to pan and/or tilt the camera, or to zoom and/or focus the lens to the desired image and to follow any movement of the image within the field of view.

Abstract: A camera control system is arranged to improve operability of at least a camera or each of a plurality of cameras for panning and tilting control over the camera by permitting simultaneous confirmation of the photo-taking postures of the camera in the direction of tilting as well as in the direction of panning. The operability is improved by arranging a tilt control panel to be displayed to permit control in the tilting direction of the camera when a camera icon indicative of the camera is selected on a map displayed at a monitor.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a camera control system for improving a camera control function at a control terminal. To achieve this object, a camera control system for selecting one or more cameras from a plurality of controllable cameras connected to a network, and performing video display and camera control includes a map display monitor, a mouse for designating one point on a map displayed by the monitor, a camera selection unit for selecting an optimal camera capable of monitoring the point designated by the mouse, and a camera control unit for controlling the camera selected by the camera selection unit.

Abstract: A photographing optical system photographs an object as an image. A data processing section converts an optical image of the object photographed by the photographing optical system into digital image data, and records the converted image data. A display section displayed the image data converted by the data processing section. A distance measuring section measures a distance to the object at a predetermined distance measurement point. An external operating member is capable of externally operating a state of the electronic photographing apparatus. A specification section specifies at least one point of the image displayed at the display section. A control section changes the predetermined distance measurement point caused by the distance measuring section based on information specified by the specification section and an operation caused by the external operating member.

Abstract: A system (30) for remotely controlling the operation of a camera (10) having a video signal tap and a lens having lens focus, zoom and T-stop adjustment motors (24, 26, 28). A digital motor driver unit (32) is connected to and controls the camera and the lens motors. A portable digital controller (34) has either a hardwire (36) or wireless connection to the motor driver unit and is sized for holding in one hand. The controller has separate controls (52, 62, 66, 70) that are manually adjustable for controlling the motor driver unit to separately and independently control the camera and the lens motors. The controller also has a display screen (56) for selectively displaying a scene from the video signal tap of the camera or data from the lens motors. The system includes a memory and processing means for selective operation with a plurality of different cameras and lenses and to calibrate the lenses to the controller and motor driver unit.

Abstract: A previewing system has a remote control that is detachably fixed to an image-capturing device. The remote control comprises a display panel and a control panel. A user can detach the remote control from the image-capturing device and use the control panel of the remote control to remotely control functionality of the image-capturing device. Furthermore, with the display panel, the user can preview an image that the image-capturing device will capture.

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: According to one embodiment of the invention, a camera captures an image. The image is transmitted to a server for image recognition processing. The camera receives information from the server, including an indication of information to suggest to a user for meta-tagging the image. The suggested information may be based, for example, on a comparison of the image with meta-information stored by the server and/or a database of stored images. The camera asks the user if the user would like to meta-tag the image with the information. Optionally, the camera receives an indication from the user that the user would like to meta-tag the image with the suggested information, and the camera meta-tags the image with the information.

Abstract: In an image processing computer system for a photogrammetric analytical measurement in which a survey map is formed by successively connecting survey map sections to each other, each survey map section is produced based on a set of pictures photographed for the measurement. Plural frames of image data are read from a memory in a predetermined order. A monitor displays a scene including a first display area and a second display area. Respective plural pictures are displayed on first display area based on the plural frames of image data read from the memory. A displayed picture can be optionally transferred from the first display area to the second display area. The transferred picture can be optionally returned to the first display area. The pictures displayed on the first display area are rearranged by the transfer of pictures between the first and second display areas such that pictures forming each set for producing a survey map section are capable of being visually recognized.

Abstract: For easy operation of switching a plurality of cameras, the cameras are arranged in juxtaposition such that the image-sensible range between the cameras partially overlap each other. A frame 36 indicative of a combined image-sensible range which includes an image-sensible range of each of the plurality of cameras is displayed on a monitor screen, and a frame 38 indicative of an image-sensing range of a selected camera is displayed in the frame 36 with a position and size corresponding to the direction and magnification of the image sensing. A sensed image of a corresponding camera is continuously displayed in the frame 38. By moving the frame 38, the image-sensing direction of the corresponding camera is controlled, and by enlarging/reducing the frame 38, the magnification of the corresponding camera is controlled.

Abstract: A camera control system acquires present camera parameter information, and simultaneously displays camera parameter information set by a user and the acquired present camera parameter information to facilitate appropriate remote control of camera operation via a network.

Abstract: This invention allows a user to simultaneously control geometric parameters for a camera and suppresses a deterioration in the image quality of distributed video images while keeping the cost low. The invention includes an image sensing area calculation unit for calculating a minimum image sensing area including required areas from clients, a required video image forming unit for forming required video images by extracting video images of the respective required areas from a video image of the image sensing area which is sensed, and a video image transmission I/F for distributing the formed required video images to the respective clients. Only the minimum area including the respective required areas is sensed, and video images of the respective required areas are cut from the video image and distributed to the respective users, thereby allowing a plurality of users to simultaneously control the camera and obtain video images at desired viewpoints and view angles.

Abstract: A system utilizes the camera control server of the CPU to transfer the camera control command, received through the network, to the camera control device to control the camera in order to vary the audio input/output characteristics in linkage with the camera operation and to thereby improve the realistic feeling. In more details, the camera control server also sends control commands to the audio input control device, the audio output device and the video display control device according to the camera control thereby controlling the input characteristics (spreading, direction and sensitivity) of the microphone and the output characteristics (spreading, direction and depth) of the speaker and varying the image displayed on the monitor. The system also includes technology for displaying, on the monitor, the information on the operator of the camera and on the receiver of the image, and for varying the direction of the monitor according to the panning or tilting operation of the camera.

Abstract: A digital camera is controlled by a user through a screen displaying navigable video content.

Abstract: A displaying system capable of Internet communication and a control method thereof.

Abstract: Communicating apparatus to be provided between an intermediate line and transmission lines to establish data communications, the intermediate line and the transmission lines having in combination data pass therethrough, the transmission lines including first line and second line, comprises: first receiving means 111 for receiving the data via the first line, second receiving means 121 for receiving the data via the second line, interface means 101 for transmitting via the intermediate line the data received by the first receiving means via the first line and the data received by the second receiving means via the second line, and for receiving the data transmitted by an other communicating apparatus via the intermediate lines, first transmitting means 112 for transmitting via the second line the data transmitted via a first receiving means of the other communicating apparatus, first detecting means 113 for detecting the data transmitted via the second line, first controlling means 114 for controlling the firs

Abstract: A camera control system for displaying a video image inputted from a plurality of cameras, wherein in order to easily control each camera, a map showing positions of cameras is prepared. Along with the map, icons indicating the positions of cameras are displayed on the map so that the directions of the cameras can be identified on the map. An operator is able to select a camera referring to the map and see the video image of the selected camera. When each of the cameras is to be operated, an operator uses a pointing device to operate an icon for a camera on the map. In this camera control system, a camera corresponding to each icon can be controlled for zooming, panning, tilting and focusing by operating the icon for each camera. An operator may delete, add or move the icon for a camera according to an actual structure of the camera system.

Abstract: To obtain images including people who are not present at a photography scene with a portable terminal apparatus such as a cellular telephone with built in camera. A first processed image obtained by a first cellular telephone with built in camera is displayed on an LCD monitor, and a region thereof that includes a person is trimmed. A second processed image transmitted from a second cellular telephone with built in camera is displayed on the LCD monitor, and a region thereof that includes a person is trimmed. The trimmed first and second processed images are combined to obtain a synthesized image, which is displayed on the LCD monitor.

Abstract: This invention provides a video system including an image pickup device for converting an optical image into a video signal, an image pickup direction changing device for changing the image pickup direction of the image pickup device, an image display device for displaying the video signal output from the image pickup device, and a function display device for displaying function information of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A video-image control apparatus enables a client to obtain the details of an object in a displayed video image. For this purpose, when the angle of a camera 1003 is changed in accordance with an instruction from an external device, it is determined whether or not the object (e.g., a copier) is within an image sensing view. If it is determined that the object is within the image sensing view, the current status of the object is obtained by request. Then, an image of a character string indicative of the status information is generated, and combined with the video image. The combined image is transferred via a communication interface unit to the external device.

Abstract: A method of personalizing an interface of a portable electronic device comprises the steps of interfacing the portable electronic device to a workstation, modifying the existing version of the user interface so as to define a personalized version of the user interface, transferring information defining the personalized version of the user interface from the workstation to the portable electronic device, and implementing the personalized version of the user interface on the portable electronic device.

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: An improved visual user interface enables control of the interaction of a device with a spatial region. The visual user interface includes a display of a control space and a display of a target space. The content of the displayed target space can be a representation of some or all of the spatial region. The content of the displayed control space and displayed target space can also be established such that the displayed target space provides context for the displayed control space. The device is operated in accordance with the state of the displayed control space. The visual user interface enables a user to change the display of the control space, thereby controlling the operation of the device.

Abstract: A display authorization area corresponding a user is selected from maps stored in a device, only the selected zone is displayed, and a camera which is not authorized for the user to perform information communication is inhibited from being displayed. With this arrangement, a camera control system having so excellent security that any user cannot see a place irrelevant to the user and cannot recognize the position of an installed camera is constructed.

Abstract: An OSD circuit superimposes a mask image on a video imaged by a camera main body in a camera device. A microcomputer performs processing for changing the position where a mask image is displayed (superimposed) within a range of imaging with the camera device on the basis of a signal representing the pan/tilt position of the camera device. At this time, when the mask image is moved in the pan direction from an area where the initial position of the mask image is set, the position and the size of the mask image are corrected depending on the amount of movement of the mask image and the tilt angle of the camera device.

Abstract: A picture display controller is provided which can display picture data having been taken from a plurality of viewpoints in a flexible manner. For displaying moving-picture data having been taken from the plurality of viewpoints, read from a storage medium or received from a server, switching can be made at any time between a manual mode in which a picture is selected or synthesized based on designated information such as viewpoint position included in a viewpoint setting command from the controller operated by the user or from the sensor such as head tracker and displayed and a preset mode in which moving-picture data having been taken from different viewpoints are selected one after another according to a picture display program preset for a moving picture and displayed. With this system design, it is possible to make a user's setting effective only for a picture portion in which he is interested.

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: An X-Y video camera support and positioning system for enhancing viewing for persons with poor vision. The system includes a positioning device that receives input from a four button control panel, which allows precise positioning of a video camera above a stage. The images from the video camera are output onto a monitor, where they are displayed. The system is low cost and extremely easy to use.

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 personal computer detects the current state of a video camera with reference to setting information transmitted thereto from a work station. When a command for controlling the video camera is inputted from a mouse, the personal computer predicts an image, which is assumed to be shot by the video camera upon execution of the command, with reference to both the information transmitted from the work station and the command inputted from the mouse, and then displays the predicted image on a CRT monitor. Referring to the image being displayed on the CRT monitor, a user performs a manipulation to instruct execution of the command in the case of executing the previous input command. As a result, the command inputted previously is transmitted to the work station via an internet, thereby controlling the video camera and a pan tilter. Thus, the video camera connected via a network or the like can be controlled smoothly.

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.