Abstract: When an access request (a request for transfer of video and audio information or a request for a camera operation) to a camera apparatus connected to a network via a terminal is issued via the network, a camera management server processes the access request on the basis of an access right set by a user (or a manager) using the terminal to which the camera apparatus is connected. That is, the camera management server refers to an access right set file and grants or denies permission to access for the user whose has issued the access request. The user to whom the access permission is granted requests a camera control server to permit a camera operation via a camera control client and thereby can receive an image taken by the camera apparatus and voices collected by the camera apparatus and can perform panning, tilting, and zooming of the camera apparatus.

Abstract: A digital camera of a digital camera system includes an image capture unit and a storing unit for storing the captured image in a memory. A computer of the system issues a capture command for capturing an image by the digital camera or a delete command for deleting the image stored in the memory. The digital camera generates an event signal indicating a change in stored content in the memory by a common sequence when stored content is changed in response to the capture or delete commands and when the stored content is changed in response to a digital camera operation. The computer issues a control command for collecting the stored content by a common sequence in response to the event signal when the stored content is changed in response to the capture or delete commands and when the stored content is changed in response to a digital camera operation.

Abstract: A diaphragm control apparatus for a lens of a CCTV camera having a diaphragm driver for opening or closing a diaphragm in accordance with a diaphragm control signal, includes a remote diaphragm controller which outputs a remote diaphragm control signal to set an optional diaphragm position, a diaphragm control signal setting device which sets a diaphragm control signal in accordance with the remote diaphragm control signal and which outputs the diaphragm control signal to the diaphragm driver to move the diaphragm to a diaphragm position corresponding to the diaphragm control signal, and a power source which supplies power to the diaphragm control signal setting device. The diaphragm control signal setting device is provided with a memory for storing the diaphragm control signal when the power supply is interrupted, so that the diaphragm control signal which has been set at the interruption of the power supply can be output when the power supply is carried out again.

Abstract: A pivoting unit pivots a video camera at a pivoting speed. The video camera includes a zoom mechanism and a zoom amount signal generation circuit for generating a zoom amount signal. A pivoting speed command signal generating circuit responsive to an operation generates a pivoting speed command signal and a speed controlling circuit controls the pivoting speed in accordance with the zoom amount signal and the pivoting speed command signal. Controlling is made such that the pivoting speed is relatively decreased from the pivoting speed command signal when the zoom amount signal indicates a telephoto side and is relatively increased from the pivoting speed command signal when the zoom signal indicates a wide-angle. A joystick generating the pivoting speed command signal includes two coil springs for generating a reaction force which is made stronger when the operation angle of thereof exceeds a reference. The pivoting speed is also accelerated when the operation angle exceeds the reference.

Abstract: An image system has an imaging device which includes a memory that stores a first parameter used in the imaging device and a storage medium that stores software for performing a method of controlling the imaging device. The method, includes changing a second parameter stored in a control device regardless of whether the imaging device is connected to the control device, querying a user whether to match the first parameter with the second parameter and controlling the imaging device to match the first parameter with the second parameter if the user selects to match the first parameter with the second parameter.

Abstract: In an image display system which has a management station for saving, in a server, management data that contains at least names, identification numbers, and connection numbers of image sensing devices, and is described in the data description language, and the display style of the management data, and a display device, and which displays a video obtained from an arbitrary one or more image sensing devices connected, the management data of the image sensing devices is read out from the server, the display style of the readout management data is read out from the server, and an image is generated and displayed by applying the management data to the display style.

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

Abstract: 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: A portable multi-function apparatus operable both in a camera operation mode and an audio operation mode, wherein the apparatus comprises a main body; an image capturing section having a lens housed in the main body and being operated in the camera operation mode, the image capturing section comprising an image recording part and a recorded image playback part; an audio data playing section housed in the main body and being operated in the audio operation mode; and a controller engaging with the main body and operatively associating with the image capturing section and with the audio data playing section, the controller comprising at least one common operation member which is operated to perform a first function in the camera operation mode and a second function different from the first function in the audio operation mode.

Abstract: An automatically switched camera system includes sensors for providing data of an image scene having subjects who are behaving in a manner which make them potential targets of the camera system, a pre-take indicator for providing an advanced notification to the subjects of the image scene that one of them is about to become a target of the camera system, a multimodal image analysis module communicating with the sensors and the pre-take indicator, for analyzing the data of the image scene provided by the sensors to select one of the subjects as a target of the camera system and outputting an indicator function command that causes the pre-take indicator to provide the advanced notification to the selected subject.

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

Abstract: 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 control device determines whether an image generated by merging several concurrently picked-up images has consistent image quality on a display device. If determined No, image quality parameters set in each image pickup device are so controlled as to make the image quality of the merged image consistent. Therefore, the merged image can assuredly have consistent image quality. Further, a signal processing device detects, based on positions of nodes and attributes of cameras, a connection indicating which node is connected to which camera and with what attribute. The signal processing device in advance stores every detectable connection and a plurality of image processing programs corresponding to each connection, and selects and carries out one of the image processing programs corresponding to the detected connection.

Abstract: A coordinate input apparatus comprising: a designation device having a light emission device for designating a three-dimensional position; and a photoreception unit having a plurality of line sensors for receiving light emitted by the light emission device and determining the three-dimensional position of the light emission device. Based on the determined value obtained by the photoreception unit, three-dimensional coordinates of the position of the designation device are calculated by a microcomputer.

Abstract: When a control command for a video camera is entered, a client issues an acquisition request for a video camera control right and a camera server issues a permission command for the video camera control right in response to the acquisition request for the video camera control right from the client, and controls the video camera in accordance with the control command from the client.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus and method, in that angles required for cameras to train on a position designated by an operator, are calculated from the designated position and directions in which the cameras are currently oriented. On the basis of the thus-calculated angles, a camera requiring the minimum angle from among the plurality of cameras is determined as the camera capable of being trained on the designated position most quickly.

Abstract: A camera having communication ability can switch a mode between a communication mode and a shooting mode. The camera combines features of a communication device and a digital camera. The camera comprises a communication device, an imaging device, and a switching device. The switching device switches the communication mode to the shooting mode responsive to completion of communication.

Abstract: A camera is detachably attached to the central portion of the rear end of an apparatus main body of a personal computer and positioned between a pair of hinge portions. A lens is provided at the camera main body of the camera and this camera main body is rotatably arranged about the axis of the camera main body substantially coaxial with the rotation axis of a display unit. When the camera main body is detached from the apparatus main body, the camera is connected to the apparatus main body through an extension adapter and put at a remote position from the personal computer. A shutter button is provided at each of the camera main body and the apparatus main body.

Abstract: A camera system has a rotary mirror type camera assembly including a camera, a mirror for camera arranged in front of the camera, and a mirror rotating mechanism driving the mirror for the camera, a rotary mirror type display apparatus including a monitor displaying an image picked up by the camera, a mirror for monitor arranged in front of the monitor, a finder permitting viewing of the image displayed on the monitor via the mirror for monitor, and a casing rotatable together with the mirror for monitor. The mirror for camera is rotated according to rotation of the casing and the mirror for monitor being fixed to the casing. When the casing is rotated, the mirror for monitor is rotated in display direction of the monitor in front of the monitor.

Abstract: A digital camera system includes a digital image sensor, a memory coupled to the digital image sensor via a data bus, a microcontroller having control signal output ports and a data I/O port, and a bi-directional tri-state buffer coupled to the data I/O port and the data bus for passing data therebetween. At least one of the control signal output ports is coupled to each of the digital image sensor, memory and tri-state buffer. The microcontroller issues control signals over it's control signal output ports to control access to the data bus by establishing only one of a plurality of possible data transfer paths at any given point in time.

Abstract: A grenade cam is provided and is designed as a surveillance camera projectile. It is manually thrown or propelled by means of a grenade launcher into a visually restricted area or location of surveillance. Once the grenade cam lands in the desired position, four legs automatically spring open and stand the primary housing portion upright. This is achieved by a leg release motor assisted by spring and worm-drive devices. This occurs in unison with the deployment of the camera through the top end of the primary housing. The grenade cam then transmits a video signal along with an audio signal to a remote portable receiver monitored by the user. The internal components include of a camera housing, a 360 degree rotation motor, a camera tilt motor, leg release pins, a circuit board, a spring, a worm drive guide, video/audio receiver and transmitter, battery, timer and leg release motor. The camera housing can be fully or partially transparent for the camera view.

Abstract: A camera control system capable of controlling a plurality of cameras determined whether or not the camera to be controlled is controllable. The display state of an interface used for performing a camera operation is changed in accordance with a result of this determination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for predicting events using acoustic and visual cues. The present invention processes audio and video information to identify one or more (i) acoustic cues, such as intonation patterns, pitch and loudness, (ii) visual cues, such as gaze, facial pose, body postures, hand gestures and facial expressions, or (iii) a combination of the foregoing, that are typically associated with an event, such as behavior exhibited by a video conference participant before he or she speaks. In this manner, the present invention allows the video processing system to predict events, such as the identity of the next speaker. The predictive speaker identifier operates in a learning mode to learn the characteristic profile of each participant in terms of the concept that the participant “will speak” or “will not speak” under the presence or absence of one or more predefined visual or acoustic cues.

Abstract: A digital photography messaging and advertisement system wherein a message center maintains records of camera purchasers, and each corresponding camera identification (ID). The message center prepares and collects messages, putting them in categories including personal messages for a particular camera/user, messages for all users of a particular interest group, and generic messages which can be advertisements for al users with cameras configured according to the system. Each camera is equipped with a transceiver for receiving and sending data, and a display for observing the messages or listening to them. Each camera subscribes to its own personal messages. In addition, a camera user may subscribe to a single or multiple interest groups. When a user turns on the camera, the transceiver transmits a signal conveying the camera identification to the message center.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring at least a part of an animal related space (18) comprises a controllable device (2, 22) and at least one image capturing device (14, 15) for generating and supplying captured image data regarding said animal related space. According to the invention, the image capturing device (14, 15) is associated with a communications port (24) connectible to a telecommunications network (26), a remote control device (28) is associated with a further communications port (30) connectible to said telecommunications network (26). The image capturing device (14, 15) is connectable to said remote control device (28) via said telecommunications network (26) and the remote control device (28) is adapted to receive said captured image data. The remote control device (28) is provided with a display unit (32) for allowing viewing of said captured image data. A data input means (34) is associated with said remote control device (28), for entering a control instruction.

Abstract: A self-configurable multipurpose modular portable device and methods for configuring same are provided. Portable device 10 includes a transceiver 20 for wireless communication with a main consumer device 100. Portable device 10 also includes a processor 40 for configuring portable device 10 and modular component 50 based on communications received wirelessly from main consumer device 100. Attachment points 30 are provided on portable device 10 for attaching one or more modular components 50. Depending on the desired functionality, the corresponding modular component 50 (e.g., cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, etc.) may be attached to the portable device 10. The modular portable device can be configured to communicate wirelessly with other intelligent devices, such as Internet enabled appliances and entertainment devices. Further, the modular components 50 can be configured wirelessly to provide independent functionality when not attached to the portable device 10.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a camera control system which can immediately cope with control of a plurality of kinds of video cameras. At least one module for generating a camera control command corresponding to each kind of camera is stored. Information associated with a kind of camera serving as a control target is recognized. A module for generating the camera control command is selected from at least one module on the basis of the information associated with the recognized kind of camera.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a camera system and camera controller having a modularized design. Camera control functions within the controller are distributed among a number of modules, each module performing a component task of controlling a camera. Individual modules can perform tasks such as generating clock signals, digitizing an analog video signal, and providing multiplexed digital video output. Modules communicate with each other over a common bus sufficient to carry the signals necessary to control the camera. The system implements a RAM-based digital sequencer that provides the capability of loading bit patterns into memory and using these patterns to generate waveforms for clocking a CCD. Clock and readout sequences can be composed in a high level language, compiled and uploaded into the controller. Adjustable clamp and sample signal delays used in digitizing an analog video signal provide the capability to optimize the performance of the system in a given application.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a camera main body and a lens barrel arranged on the front face of the camera main body to extend forward therefrom, and to hold an image-pickup lens therein. A U-shaped protruding cover is attached to the lens barrel to extend downward therefrom. The bottoms of the camera main body and the protruding cover are level with each other. First and second windows are arranged on the front face of the protruding cover. A lamp for emitting an auto-focus assist light is arranged in the protruding cover to face the first window. A sensor for receiving a light signal from a remote control is arranged in the protruding cover to face the second window.

Abstract: A tracking camera system which permits tracking an object with a plurality of cameras by changing the use of them from one camera over to another and is arranged to be capable of adequately capturing the object of tracking, without missing the object, even after one camera is changed over to another. The tracking object is decided within a display image plane. The attitude of camera in use for tracking is controlled in such a way as to have the tracking object always placed at the center of the display image plane. The tracking camera in use is changed over to another camera when the tracking object on display comes outside of the center part of the image plane, so that the object can be continuously tracked.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter is so constructed that when a group menu representing a combination of individual functions is selected by operation of an operating part, a controller effects display of the individual functions of the group menu in parallel with the group menu. Since the correspondence between an overview of the plurality of group menus and the individual functions of the specified group menu is easy to understand, the remote control transmitter obtained allows easy setting of the function.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image forming apparatus comprising an interface unit outputting a control signal in a predetermined format to an output unit in accordance with a sensing signal from a sensor; an image capturing unit for capturing image; and a driving unit detachably coupled to the interface unit, wherein the driving unit having an input unit receiving the control signal for driving the image capturing unit in accordance with the control signal. The sensor of the image forming apparatus is changeable, and can be any device to generate the sensing signal with correspondence to the environmental conditions.

Abstract: An image intent file is created by a user or a trusted friend containing information about one or more of the common image destinations of the user. These destinations may include email addresses, web sites, local or networked printers, internet printing services, and I-frames (picture-like electronic displays with download capability). The possible image destinations included in the intent file are displayed graphically or textually on the display of the image capture device. For each image, the user is able to select one or more image destinations from the display of the image capture device. When the share function on the image capture device is activated, all images associated with each destination that are contained within the image capture device are sent to the destination with sufficient configuration data such that the destination correctly receives and processes the image or images.

Abstract: An image camera (e.g. a professional or consumer camera/camcorder, an electronic still picture camera) comprises a frame memory (82) between its image sensor (2) and an electronic signal-processing circuit (3). A scene can be “frozen” in response to a remote control command (91). Critical adjustments (e.g. skin colour) can now be carried out without requiring persons acting in the scene to stand still. Adjustments can also be carried out on the basis of an image in which the camera operator himself acts in the scene.

Abstract: A system and method of pointed position detection, a presentation system, and a program that make it possible to detect a pointed position accurately. The system of the present invention which detects a position of a light spot that has been projected into an image display region by using an infrared pointer comprises: a CCD camera that picks up an image of this image display region; a pointing coordinate detection section that is position detection means which detects a pointed position of the light spot within the image display region; and a receiver section which receive a state signal that is transmitted from the infrared pointer during a pointer operation by that infrared pointer. The pointing coordinate detection section detects a position of the light spot as the pointed position on the image display region, based on the reception timing of the state 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: An orientation sensor utilizing an inexpensive but relatively slow base orientation sensor, augmented by capture of a video images, identifying reference objects or regions therein, and calculating displacement of those objects to derive supplementary orientation information. Recurrent base orientation sensor results are used to correct drift of the video based technique. Augmenting the slow but accurate base orientation sensor with the consecutive images derived orientation data, provides a fast and inexpensive orientation sensor.

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

Abstract: An image-taking control apparatus lets the operations of a plurality of drivable parts, including a first drivable part whose driving speed can be switched only in steps, finish substantially simultaneously. A speed selector selects an operation speed for each of the drivable parts, based on its current position, its target position, and a target operation time. A controller performs lets the operation of the first drivable part start when a waiting time corresponding to a difference between the anticipated operation time for the selected operation speed and the target operation time has passed after a start command time.

Abstract: A door videophone capable of rotating a camera, comprising: a main body having a monitor for displaying an image of a caller, and being located indoors; a bell box having the camera for photographing looks of the caller and transmitting the image of the caller to the monitor, and being located outdoors; an actuating device for rotating the camera, and being disposed in the bell box; and a control device for generating an operation control signal associated with the actuating device, and being disposed at the main body.

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 camera controller is provided wherein a variance in CMOS analog circuits can be corrected and degradation in characteristics prevented without incurring an increase in cost. In a camera controller, a microcomputer, a measuring circuit for a camera and a characteristic alteration circuit are fabricated on a single semiconductor chip. The microcomputer causes the characteristic alteration circuit to alter characteristics of the measuring circuit. The microcomputer activates the measuring circuit and controls the camera on the basis of a measurement output from the measuring circuit.

Abstract: Componentry is added to a conventional universal remote device to enable it to cooperate with a set to beacon to position a cursor or arrow on a television or other display screen and to allow the remote control to perform the functions of a conventional personal computer “mouse” in connection with the cursor, such as, for example, “clicking” on icons on the screen. A wide angle sensor and a stepped beacon pulse are used to increase range of the device, and the beacon pulse sent to the infrared sensor is automatically disabled upon detection of activity on the universal remote section.

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: An Universal Dynamic Video On Demand Surveillance System is a mass video surveillance system with affordable price. It allows users to have global access to the installed sites and with multiple users at the same time. Users can use generic personal video camcorder or camera instead of expensive industrial surveillance camera. Users can have full control of the camera pan and tilt positions and all the features of the video camera from any part in the world as long as Internet access is available. Furthermore, the users can retrieve the video and audio data and watch it on the monitor screen instantly.

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: Using a joint video and still image pipeline technology, a network may be deployed through the Internet so that a user may acquire high resolution photographs using a handheld device and a remote camera. The remote device may also include an identification tag embedded with the user's personal information, so that the remote camera may identify the user in the photographs by reading the identification tag. The remote camera may optionally annotate the photographs, which may be sent to the user through the network.

Abstract: A mobile imaging system (100) for capturing images of an environment surrounding a user and transmitting those images to a remotely located recording device (108) is provided. The system includes an imaging device (110) adapted to be worn by a user, receive light, and convert the received light into video signals amenable for recordation by the recording device. A communication system (104) is adapted to couple the imaging device in signal communication with the recording device and transfer the video signals therebetween. A switch (106) is coupled to the communication system, the switch adapted to control both operation of the imaging device and the recording device. The imaging device may be attached to a support member (102) adapted to be worn upon a head of a user. A visual indicator (114) may be used to communicate to a user an operating status of the recording device.

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: An image pickup system that is small in scale, handy to maneuver, easy to operate and advanced in editing capabilities is disclosed. A commander device is used both as a remote commander and as a microphone in operating a video camera for image pickup. Wearing a headset on the head, a user looks at images appearing on a headset display to monitor and verify recorded images without recourse to a view finder of the video camera. Functions of the components making up the system are changed by operation of a mode switch attached to the video camera.