Abstract: As the number of pixels in a digital camera is increased, the power consumption is increased due to an increased quantity of data to be photographed, which inevitably requires a large capacity of battery and an increased camera weight. In order to enhance a picture quality, an optical system is also required to have a larger scale, with the result that the casing of the camera becomes large. In facilities such as an amusement part, since the user carries the camera for a long time, the heavy, large-sized camera becomes cumbersome to deal with. The camera is installed at a photographing spot in the facilities, the camera is provided with a means for performing wireless communication with a portable device carried by the user, and photographed image data is saved in a recording medium of the portable device or in a server connected between the camera and a network.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device including an optical member, a driving member for driving the optical member, a storage member for storing preset information about driving of the optical member, an information write device for writing the preset information in the storage member from the outside of the optical device, and a control member for performing driving control of the driving member. The control member performs preset driving control of the driving member on the basis of the preset information stored in the storage member.

Abstract: A camera control system for selecting one camera from among a plurality of controllable cameras connected in a network and for making it possible to display video from the camera and to control the camera is adapted to display a map. One or more camera symbols representing cameras are displayed on the map and the user designates a desired camera symbol to control the camera corresponding to the symbol designated. It is also possible for the user to change the display magnification of the map displayed.

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: If a remote control pan head on which a TV camera is mounted is installed on the rooftop of a building for example, the TV camera shoots an image in which a part of the building appears. If an operator designates a point on the outline of the building within the image shot by the camera, an image processing apparatus can automatically determine the outline continuing from the designated point. Then, a shooting range restricting device controls the pan head to restrict changeable ranges of a shooting direction and a shooting angle of view of the camera according to the determined outline of the building so that the shot image can be prevented from being spoiled by the building.

Abstract: A security system has at least one security camera structure, with remote control for the positioning and functioning for the lens of the camera at least one security camera structure and with the control preferably being done through the wide area computer service protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image capturing apparatus capable of efficiently transmitting image data to an external device and having improved reliability in data transmission. A data communication mode established between a data communication part and an external device is determined by a communication mode determining part. A compression ratio setting part sets a compression ratio adapted to the data communication mode determined by the communication mode determining part and sets the compression ratio to a compressor. The compressor performs a compressing process on image data to be transmitted on the basis of the set compression ratio. The compressed image data is sent to the data communication part and transmitted to the external device.

Abstract: A PC card camera has a structure in which a universal joint to which a video camera is attached is mounted on a PC card body. The video camera comprises an optical lens unit and a solid-state area sensor of the photoelectric transducer type. The universal joint holds the video camera in such a manner that the angular position thereof can be adjusted freely with respect to the PC card. The PC card body is provided with a guide for guiding the card into a slot provided in a personal computer, a connector for connecting the PC card to the personal computer, and a cut-out which prevents the PC card from being inserted incorrectly. With the PC card connected to the personal computer, the angular position of the video camera can be adjusted via the universal joint.

Abstract: A remote control device, which includes conventional remote system and wireless remote system, to control a handheld video camera without directional limitation. Generic handheld video camera controller are using IR signals which require the signal source to be pointing at the video camera IR receiver inlet lens in order for the system to facilitate the remote control functions. This device provides users a remote controlling means to control the video camera from a distance away with a physical wall or blockage in between. This device turns most of the available handheld video cameras into quality surveillance video cameras. This device makes surveillance video system much more affordable. Since this device is a universal device, it works with most generic video cameras of different brands; users can choose their favorite brand to be their surveillance camera. This device is covered with a rain shield and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image sensing control method and apparatus, and an image transmission control method, apparatus, and system, in which a camera such as a video camera is connected, the operation of the camera is controlled in accordance with a control command sent from a client via a network, and an image signal sensed by the camera is transmitted to the client via the network. Upon reception of a control command of the pan and tilt angles, zoom value, or the like of the camera from the client, the position control of the camera is done in accordance with the command, and transmission of the image signal sensed by the camera is suspended until the instructed operation is complete. Alternatively, upon reception of such control command, the image signal sensed by the camera is compressed at a high compression ratio, and the compressed image signal is transmitted.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying an image signal received from a camera provided in a mobile communication terminal. If a sensitivity change is requested when the image signal received from the camera is displayed, a second sensitivity control signal for prolonging an integration time of the image signal of the camera is generated. Otherwise, a first sensitivity control signal is generated in a normal mode, and then the first sensitivity control signal is applied to the camera. In response to the sensitivity change request, the camera varies the integration time of the image signal, thereby obtaining a high-quality image signal.

Abstract: A video surveillance system comprises a plurality of video cameras (C1, C2, . . . , Ci) as well as a video signal switch (MUX), a means (SC) for controlling the video signal switch (MUX) and the video cameras (C1, C2, . . . , Ci) and a video signal recording means (VR). The video cameras (C1, C2, . . . , Ci) each comprise a pulse generating means (TC) for free-running generation of a sequence of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses, and a means (SP) for combining the image and the sequence of horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses into a composite video signal. The pulse generating means (TC) assumes a predefined starting status on receiving an external reset pulse (R) and generates the sequence of the horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses commencing with the predefined starting status. The system controller (SC) comprises a clock generator (CLK, FD1, FD2) for generating a reset pulse for communicating it to the video cameras (C1, C2, . . . , Ci) in common.

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: The image photographing, processing and providing systems as well as the photographing camera utilize a system which has a second communication device for transmitting photographing information of an object when at lease the object is photographed, a photographing device, a first communication device operated in association with the photographing device for receiving the photographing information transmitted from the second communication device and a storing unit for storing the photographing information received by the first communication device and the image data of the images of the photographed object which are related to each other. The image editing apparatus, the image order sheet and image ordering method for each object utilize the photographed result by the image photographing system and the photographing camera. These systems and the camera can effectively function even if many are installed in a wide site such as a theme park by the application of the transmitting/receiving function.

Abstract: A network camera system is configured such that an adapter device is connected with a digital camera, and the adapter device is connected with a network to which a client is also connected. A video signal representing a real-time image and a digital image signal representing a high-resolution still image are transmitted from the camera to the adapter. The adapter has a function of a file server and allows the client to download image data corresponding to the high-resolution still image. The adapter device further has a function of a streaming server and transmits streaming data representing the real-time image. The client can transmits an operation command to the adapter through the network, and the adapter transfer the command to the camera to perform the operation required by the client.

Abstract: The proposed production system comprises at least a camera producing a raw digital signal and a processing circuit for generating a processed video signal from the raw digital signal. In a control area, at least a camera control interface is able to set at least a parameter in the processing circuit. The processing circuit is located in the control area.

Abstract: In observing images picked up by a plurality of cameras connected to a network in a surveillance camera system or the like, the conventional arrangement necessitates a client device to switch an image display obtained from one camera over to an image display obtained from another by a manual operation, which has been troublesome. To solve this problem, a camera control system is arranged to automatically switch an image display obtained from one camera over to an image display from another at suitable intervals. The camera control system is further arranged to automatically control the image pickup directions of each camera and, in the event of occurrence of an error in any of the cameras, to carry on its automatic control operation by skipping the camera at which the error has occurred.

Abstract: Most camera systems only record an image from a limited viewing angle. A new panoramic camera apparatus is disclosed that instantaneously captures a 360 degree panoramic image. In the camera device, virtually all of the light that converges on a point in space is captured. Specifically, in the camera of the present invention, light striking this point in space is captured if it comes from any direction, 360 degrees around the point and from angles 50 degrees or more above and below the horizon. The panoramic image is recorded as a two dimensional annular image. Furthermore, various different systems for displaying the panoramic images and distributing the panoramic images. Specifically, methods and apparatus for digitally performing a geometric transformation of the two dimensional annular image into rectangular projections such that the panoramic image can be displayed using conventional methods such as printed images and televised images.

Abstract: An automated image recording and document generation system is disclosed that generates identity documents using image and text information that is input to the system using computer controlled video cameras. The image and text information is combined with other stored images, such as logos, signatures and seals, to produce official identity documents such as identity cards, drivers licenses and passports. Prior to use the system automatically enters a setup and calibration phase wherein a video camera images a backdrop having borders on the left and right vertical edges and the digitized video output is analyzed to adjust the camera zoom and to locate the center of the backdrop in front of which an individual will sit or stand to have their picture taken. The image of a person whose picture is taken is analyzed and is centered horizontally in a picture by adding or subtracting columns of background color to the left or right side of the picture as needed.

Abstract: Method and system for enabling an image capture system to respond to at least one command transmitted by a foreign remote control that is associated with a first device. The image capture system is first trained to respond to at least one command that is received from the foreign remote control. A user can then use the foreign remote control to access at least one function of the trained image capture system. For example, the foreign remote control can be used to access a first predefined function of the image capture system by transmitting a first instruction to the image capture system. The image capture system, responsive to the first instruction, performs the first predefined function.

Abstract: An image-taking lens system includes an image-taking lens, a lens driving control part for driving and controlling the image-taking lens, a reading part for reading information from a storage medium in which a plurality of pieces of lens control information according to conditions of shooting are stored, and a setting part for setting control parameters of the lens driving control part on the basis of the information read by the reading part. The arrangement enables the operator of the system to quickly change control characteristics for zooming and focusing as desired according to shooting conditions.

Abstract: A system includes a multiplexing transceiver which is adapted to mount directly between a video camera and a camera battery pack, eliminating the need for triaxial adapters or other electrical cables at the camera and video production facility. A fiber optic cable carries upstream and downstream television signals between the camera-mountable transceiver and a remote base station transceiver. The camera-mountable transceiver includes a transmitter adapted for converting an electrical information input signal received from the camera to an optical output signal. The transceiver further includes a receiver adapted for converting an optical input signal received from the fiber optic cable to an electrical information output signal. A transceiver housing includes a first plate on a first side for mounting the housing to the camera and a second plate on a second side for mounting the housing to a power source.

Abstract: The case of an image sensing apparatus such as a video camera is simplified by reducing the number of parts provided on the surface of the apparatus without eliminating a remote-control function. The video camera is formed to have an opening for introducing sensed light from a subject and first remote-control signal light which remotely controls the video camera into the interior of the camera case, and for projecting second remote-control signal light, by which the video camera remotely controls an external apparatus, to the exterior of the camera. After the first remote-control signal light is introduced into the interior of the camera case via the opening, the light is received by a remote-control light-receiving element and the second remote-control signal light is projected to the exterior of the camera case via the opening.

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: In response to a request transmitted by a client through the Fire Wall, a unique service server provides a unique service to the client by using a communication port. Response to an HTTP request which is not directed to the unique service, the unique service server transfers the request to the WWW server without processing, it provides both services by one communication port. A request for acquiring a data service is sent by a client HTTP through the Fire Wall, the unique service server determines the client's request is directed to data provided by the WWW server or directed to the uniquely provided data. If the unique service server determines that the client request is directed to the uniquely provided data, the processing is executed. If the unique service server determines that the client request is directed to data provided by the generally used WWW server, the server transfers the request to the WWW server.

Abstract: An Internet-based video feed management system controls, manages, and efficiently administers the commercial distribution of live video feeds from on-site video cameras as well as other sources of video feeds to production companies at other locations. The system employs a network of local video-propagation servers located in different localities for receiving the video feeds from the different source locations, and a master authorization server for receiving and granting requests via Internet from requesting parties for access to any of the video feeds transmitted to the video-propagation servers. The master server issues an access code to the requesting party and establishing a unique publishing point for the requested video feed from the video-propagation server handling the feed. The on-site video cameras can supply live video feeds to the requesting parties, or the video feeds can be transmitted to a video-propagation server for storage and later re-transmission.

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 came. Function of the components making up the system are changed by operation of a mode switch attached to the video camera.

Abstract: A remote-controlled camera-picture broadcast system is provided, which decreases the cost of hardware and network for the use of a lot of unspecified users. This system is comprised of a camera apparatus, a camera controller, a camera server connected to the camera controller through a first network, and clients connected to the camera server through a second network. Each of the clients transmits an operation demand for the camera apparatus to the camera server through the second network according to an input of a user. The camera server receives the operation demand from the client into which the input of the user is applied, and transmits an operation command corresponding to the operation demand to the camera controller through the first network. The camera controller controls the camera apparatus according to the operation command from the camera server so that the camera apparatus acquires a picture and produces a video signal of the picture.

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

Abstract: A remote transmitter and receiver for remotely controlling multimedia devices served by a converged multi-media portal for coupling a plurality of multi-media signals carried on a single network medium to a plurality of corresponding multi-media devices. Each device is served by a multi-media processing modules, which receives a multi-media signal from a network interface module and routes at least one multi-media signal to a corresponding multi-media device. Each module may comprise a remote control receiver. Alternatively, a separate control module that serves other multi-media processing modules may comprise a single receiver.

Abstract: The image capture device detects a sudden light change event and captures images associated with the sudden light change event. Exposure values associated with the captured images are calculated. The difference between the exposure values are compared to an exposure value change criteria. If the difference is at least equal to the exposure value change criteria, the presence of a sudden light change event is determined and the most recently captured image is saved into memory. Thus, only images associated with the sudden light change event are saved, thereby more efficiently utilizing limited memory capacity. The sudden light change event is typically characterized by a relatively large, sudden and unpredictable increase in light such that the object of interest is more lighted. Also, after the onset of the sudden light change event and/or before the onset of the sudden light change event, images may be stored in memory.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which comprises a combination of a camera module with a host system for processing image data. The host system receives the image data as frame rate measuring information from the camera module and measures the frame rate with the use of the image data. The host system is so configured as to, if the measured frame rate is not fitted to a transfer rate specification of the system, control the camera module and adjust the frame rate of the image data.

Abstract: A lens control unit is provided in which a position of an operating member for operating a zoom position or a focus position of a lens unit is moved by following the actual zoom position or the focus position of the lens unit in the case where a shot function for instantly reproducing the zoom position and the focus position of the lens unit that are stored beforehand is executed, thereby the operating member can control the zoom or focus of the lens unit with the zoom position or focus position that is moved by the shot function as the origins. A lens operation screen is displayed on a monitor of a personal computer, which is connected to the lens unit. A manual operation screen and a shot operation screen are displayed on the lens operation screen. Zoom, focus, iris and extender of the lens unit are manually operated in the manual operation screen. In the shot operation screen, the shot function is executed to move the zoom and focus of the lens unit to positions that are registered beforehand.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an operation member for permitting a first operation and a second operation; a position detector for detecting a position of an optical element; a target position setting device for permitting arbitrary setting of a target position in driving of the optical element; and a control for controlling the driving of the optical element. The control stores the position of the optical element detected by the position detector and drives the optical element to the target position set by the target position setting device, in response to the first operation of the operation member, and the control drives the optical element to the stored position of the optical element detected by the position detector, in response to the second operation of the operation member.

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

Abstract: A 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: In the digital camera that can be used in connection to a mobile phone or other mobile electronic devices and the system thereof, a battery mounted in each device is shared to allow power to be supplied between the devices, and allow both devices to be used for longer hours. The digital camera and the mobile phone are electrically connectable by a connection cable. Generally, a power supply selection switch is set to A, and a power supply selection switch is set to D. The digital camera receives power supplied from a battery, and the mobile phone receives power supplied form a battery. From this state, when the power supply selection switch is switched to C, power is supplied from the battery to the mobile phone. On the other hand, when the power supply selection switch is set to B, and the power supply selection switch is set to D, power is supplied from the battery of the mobile phone to the digital camera.

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

Abstract: When image data is transmitted from an image shooting apparatus to an operation apparatus, the shooting time at which image shooting is performed (index information) is transmitted together with the image data. Receiving the image data, the operation apparatus performs image display based on the image data. While visually confirming the image displayed on the operation apparatus, the user inputs an operation command such as image recording when a desired image is displayed. Consequently, the operation apparatus generates a command corresponding to the operation command. Then, the operation apparatus transmits the received shooting time together with the image data to be displayed and the command to the image shooting apparatus. Receiving the command, the image shooting apparatus identifies the image data which the command is issued for, and appropriately executes the command.

Abstract: An image-taking device includes a base, a supporting plate, an arm, a first rotating shaft linking the base and arm in a relatively rotatable manner, a second rotating shaft disposed generally parallel to a plane perpendicular to the first rotating shaft for linking the supporting plate and arm in a relatively rotatable manner, an image-taking lens supported by the arm, a spindle motor for rotationally driving the supporting plate, and an electromagnetic linear actuator for rotationally driving the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a view field of an image picking-up apparatus using a manual manipulator. An image input interface converts video signal from the image picking-up apparatus to image data. An image memory stores the image data. An image processing unit processes the image data. A display unit displays the image data as an image with a manipulation marker superposed thereon at a position indicated by the manipulator. A controller controls the view field of the image picking-up apparatus using signals from the image processing unit. The manipulator moves the manipulation marker displayed on the image, and the image processing unit calculates a control amount of the view field based on position coordinates of the manipulation marker and controls the view field according to the control amount.

Abstract: An image capture detection system including a short range radio transmitter (13) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (12) installed in or on an image capture device (10). The system further comprises a remote detection unit (14) also comprising a short range radio transmitter (18) and a short range radio receiver and decoder (16). In use, the remote detection unit (14) transmits intermittent query signals (22) which are received by the receiver (12) in the image capture device (10) when the remote detection unit (14) is within a predetermined distance or range thereof. In response to receipt of the query signals (22), the transmitter (13) in the image capture device (10) is arranged to transmit an indicator signal (24) which is received by the remote detection unit (14). The remote detection unit (14) is arranged to generate a warning signal in response to receipt of the indicator signal ((24).

Abstract: Imaging apparatus for use with a tag 5 providing information comprises an electronic still or video camera 1 for providing an image signal 6, tag detecting means 8 for detecting the location of the tag and tag reading means 9, 10 for deriving the predetermined information from the tag, and image signal control means 11 to 13 for controlling the image signal in response to the output of the means 8 to 10 to provide a selected picture signal. As shown when a visitor enters a site details from a keyboard 16 are stored in a central computer 15 and printed 17 as a visible bar code tag 5 which is recognised 8 and provides a tag identity 9 and picture signal instructions 10. The latter act in conjunction with an image decision circuit 11 for judging picture composition, e.g. pan, tilt, zoom, and with an event detector 12 for picture timing (e.g.