Remote Control Patents (Class 348/211.99)
  • Patent number: 8139120
    Abstract: Provided are an image processing apparatus and method in which, when there is a change in a subject, a picture in which a changing part thereof is enlarged makes it possible to easily confirm whether or not the subject is changing and contents of the changing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Opt Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuro Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8125531
    Abstract: A video signal combining apparatus comprises a video signal processing unit which is adapted to combine an output video image stream from two input image streams from first and second sources by dividing an image area of an image of said output video image stream into two regions and applying to said first region image information from said first source and applying to said second region image information from said second source, and a display unit for displaying at least one of said input and output video image streams, characterized in that the display unit is adapted to display a border between said first and second regions superimposed upon an image from one of said sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GVBB Holdings S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Martinus Wilhelmus Cornelis Van Geel, Evert Van Der Kuijl, Marcel Koutstaal
  • Patent number: 8102432
    Abstract: In the creation of video program material, picture composition decisions—especially framing parameters—taken by an operator for small-display presentation of a scene are used the automatic generation of picture composition decisions for a larger display. Framing parameters such as pan, are temporally filtered before being applied to the wider field of view provided for the larger display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Snell Limited
    Inventor: Michael James Knee
  • Publication number: 20120007998
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fluid real-time camera control of at least one camera to at least one network user via a network including the internet. A control pad or area can be provided to camera users via an application or applet that can be calibrated to provide fluid camera control. Compressed or uncompressed analog, digital, or streaming video and audio data can also be provided to the users to allow real-time low latency continuous audio/visual feedback. Multiple camera users can obtain control of a camera using a dynamic queuing technique that can allow single user camera control for certain time intervals. An administrator can establish user camera control parameters including camera control intervals for subscriber users versus non-subscriber users, camera usurping by an administrator, elimination of camera control privileges for a user, and denial of camera control requests by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Peter A. Mottur, Ethan Z. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8085310
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is separably connected to a display device. The display device has a remote power supply control function of activating or deactivating the image capturing apparatus via a circuit. The image capturing apparatus activates the image capturing apparatus when a power supply button arranged on the image capturing apparatus is operated by the user, causes the display device to activate the power supply by remote control, causes the display device to deactivate the image capturing apparatus by remote control, and switches between inhibiting power supply deactivation and permitting power supply deactivation depending on whether the power supply is activated by a direct power supply activation unit or by a remote power supply activation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8068637
    Abstract: A multimedia device includes input ports dedicated to receiving a real-time media signal and a processor system dedicated to capturing the real-time media signal. The processor system defines an embedded environment. The input ports and the processor system are integrated into the multimedia capture device. The input ports include an audio input port and at least one of a visual-capture input port or a digital-image input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Echo 360, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Benjamin Allen, Steven Lee Geyer, Rodney Dale McElrath
  • Patent number: 8060283
    Abstract: A leader location-determining receiver determines a leader location of a lead vehicle. A follower location-determining receiver determines a follower location of a follower vehicle, which has a container for storing a material. A data processor or position module calculates an observed relative position between the lead vehicle and the follower vehicle. Target relative positions are established between the lead vehicle and the follower vehicle. A data processor or selector selects a preferential one of the established target positions. A data processor or adjuster adjusts the observed relative position of the follower vehicle to achieve the selected preferential one of the established target positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Cameron Ray Mott, Andrew Karl Wilhem Rekow
  • Publication number: 20110273570
    Abstract: A camera, controller, method and non-transitory computer readable storage device cooperate to control different portions of an area covered by a camera. Selective control is granted to different remote devices to establish respective portions of the area, so the respective portions of the image are sent to the remote devices making the request. Moreover, the camera has a digital pan, digital tilt, and digital zoom capability, which allows multiple portions of the image to be set by remote devices. When a limited number of remote devices are allowed to simultaneously control the portions of the area covered by the camera, then control is selectively transferred from one device to an awaiting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori SAKAKI
  • Publication number: 20110267479
    Abstract: An image capture device having an image capture function includes an interface which receives first data from an external electronic device; and a processing section including a circuit which is used for transcode processing. The processing section performs the transcode processing on the first data using the circuit to generate second data. The interface transmits the generated second data to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru HINO, Yoichi HIRATA, Takeshi SAEKI, Masafumi NOSAKA, Masahiko KUWAHARA, Yasuhiro SASANO, Kazuyuki MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20110262010
    Abstract: An input system for a digital camera may include a portion for taking at least one image to be used as a control image; and a controller to control at least one operation of the digital camera based on a control command recognized from the control image, the control command controlling a function of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Ola Karl THÖRN
  • Patent number: 8040383
    Abstract: A communication system includes a first and a second communication devices, and the first and the second communication devices includes a first and a second transmission units that are disposed respectively on bodies of the communication devices and wirelessly transmits predetermined information to each other. The first communication device further includes a first reception unit that is disposed in a position where the first reception unit is capable of communicating with the second transmission unit and receives second information that has been transmitted from the second transmission unit, and a first control unit that controls the first communication device such that, when communication becomes possible between the first reception unit and the second transmission unit, the first reception unit receives the second information, and such that, when communication becomes possible between the first transmission unit and the second reception unit, the first transmission unit transmits first information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Wakabayashi, Kenji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8035734
    Abstract: A self-balancing remote sensing device, and a system comprised of the remote sensing devices and one or more base stations, is provided for remotely monitoring both terrestrial and maritime environments. Specifically, a spherically-shaped self-balancing remote sensing device having one or more cameras and various sensors is provided, which may ascend and descend within the water column as desired, by altering its buoyancy, while maintaining proper orientation of the camera and sensors. Further, the remote sensing system comprised of the devices and base stations is provided, wherein the devices and base stations may form an ad hoc network, thereby greatly extending the range and coverage of the system. The devices, due to their small size, may be quickly and easily deployed using various vehicles, including flight vehicles, land-based vehicles, water craft, and subsurface water vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth R Jones
  • Patent number: 8031231
    Abstract: In a video system of the invention, control means is provided for a terminal input apparatus which is connected by a communication network of a camera on the partner side and which comprises an image display apparatus having a multiwindow display function for selecting and displaying the camera. An image pickup operation which is required to the camera on the partner side, for example, the image pickup direction, focal distance, panning, exposure amount, white balance, automatic focusing, and the like of the designated camera are inputted by using an image display and a window display of the image display apparatus. The operation of the camera on the partner side and the operations of a tripod, a movable arm, and the like to hold the camera are controlled through communicating means. A photographed image is displayed by the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Suga, Tomotaka Muramoto, Katsumi Iijima, Hideaki Mitsutake, Masayoshi Sekine
  • Patent number: 8022997
    Abstract: An information processing device that is connected to a projecting device that projects an annotation image input from an external terminal a projection area including an object and a background, and is connected to an image capture device that captures an image of the projection area including the object and the background, includes: a detecting unit that detects movement of the object from an image captured by the image capture device; an extracting unit that extracts a changed region that is caused in the captured image by the movement of the object; and a processing unit that performs processing on at least one of the captured image and the annotation image, when the annotation image exists in the changed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Shingu, Katsura Sakai
  • Publication number: 20110216209
    Abstract: A digital camera for capturing an image containing the photographer, comprising: an image sensor; an optical system for forming an image of a scene on the image sensor; a processor for processing the output of the image sensor in order to detect the presence of one or more faces in a field of view of the digital camera; a feedback mechanism for providing feedback to the photographer while the photographer is included within the field of view, responsive to detecting at least one face in the field of view, and a means for initiating capture of a digital image of the scene containing the photographer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Fredlund, Kenneth A. Parulski, Robert M. Guidash, Kevin E. Spaulding, Frank Razavi
  • Publication number: 20110211084
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of remote control of a device on board a mobile vehicle and concerns more specifically a method and a device for controlling, from a remote station, a camera on board a mobile station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Sturzel
  • Patent number: 8004573
    Abstract: Upon an operation to full-press a shutter button being detected, a CPU detects human faces included in a picture imaged by an imaging unit, counts the number of the faces, and stores the number of the counted faces in a predetermined area of a memory unit. Thereafter, the CPU again detects faces included in an imaged picture and counts the number of the faces. When the number of the counted faces is equal to or smaller than the number of the faces stored in the predetermined area of the memory unit, the CPU repeats the process of detecting faces included in an imaged picture and counting the number of the faces. Meanwhile, when the number of the counted faces has increased from the number of the faces stored, the CPU records a picture that is to be imaged after a predetermined period of time passes in a recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7990421
    Abstract: An input system for a digital camera may include a portion for taking at least one image to be used as a control image; and a controller to control at least one operation of the digital camera based on a control command recognized from the control image, the control command controlling a function of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Ola Karl Thörn
  • Patent number: 7978219
    Abstract: A wireless communication device operable as a digital image capturing device (wireless digital camera) may be used to associate processing information with a captured image. The wireless communication device may communicate information to a network server, such as a WAP server and/or a process server for processing. A process associated with the communicated information is identified and initiated to process the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Reid Imes
  • Patent number: 7952638
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus that acquires, from a photographing apparatus that photographs a subject and records image data obtained as a result of the photographing, state information indicating a present state of the photographing apparatus includes: a state acquiring unit that acquires the state information from the photographing apparatus on a real time basis; a data acquiring unit that acquires image data recorded in the photographing apparatus; a recording control unit that causes an accumulating unit that accumulates the image data acquired by the data acquiring unit to record the image data; and a presenting unit that presents the state information acquired by the state acquiring unit on a real time basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Shinkai, Fumihiro Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20110122270
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with a control apparatus using a first communication protocol, an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject to obtain image data in response to an image capturing instruction from the control apparatus in a controlled state, a second communication unit configured to communicate with an external apparatus using a second communication protocol, and an activation unit configured to activate a function of receiving access using the second communication protocol from the external apparatus and transmitting the image data stored in the storage medium to the external apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Takagi
  • Patent number: 7944484
    Abstract: A self-contained wireless camera (10) and a wireless camera system (25) having such a device and a base station (20). Video processing circuitry (200, 210) of the camera device receives video signals from a camera (130) and provides processed video signals. A radio receiver (101) receives processed video signals from the base station or another camera device. Images from the camera or the base station are displayed in a selected manner on a display or monitor (140). The base station device (20) receives processed video signals, stores them and retransmits them. A command signal is received by the radio receiver to modify operation in such a manner as to control bandwidth usage. Wireless camera devices can adjust their operation to accommodate other wireless camera devices. Different transport protocol modules 230 and 240 can be selected according to the application that the user selects for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: MemoryLink Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Strandwitz, Robert Kniskem, Gary D. Schulz, Jan-Michael Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 7944479
    Abstract: An image-capture apparatus having an intercom connecting unit, capable of voice communication with an external camera control unit (CCU) is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit, a warning-sound signal generator, a receiving unit, a voice synthesizer and a transmitting unit. The control unit outputs a warning-command signal when determining that a control-information signal value indicating a state of the apparatus varies from a predetermined standard. The warning-sound signal generator outputs a warning-sound signal corresponding to the warning-command signal. The receiving unit receives a multiplexed signal from the CCU and extracts an intercom-voice signal at the multiplexed signal. The voice synthesizer combines the intercom-voice signal extracted at the receiving unit with the warning-sound signal from the warning-sound signal generator to generate a voice-synthesized signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Ito, Hidekazu Suto
  • Patent number: 7907181
    Abstract: According to a remote control device of the present invention, the operation situation according to the transmission of the remote control signal is judged based on a changing brightness of the image, and the information of the content according to the result of judgment is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to investigate a reaction of the apparatus to be controlled to the remote control signal, and visually indicate the reaction to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Koshiba, Atsushi Misawa
  • Publication number: 20110058052
    Abstract: A camera capable of capturing still images and video and included in a portable media device can be controlled remotely using an accessory. The accessory can register with the PMD to automatically receive notifications whenever there is a change in the camera state. The camera states can include mode, operation status, and configuration settings. The accessory can send instructions to a camera application that interfaces with the camera to control the camera. The accessory can remotely activate the camera, change camera mode, and send instructions to operate the camera. The accessory and the PMD can concurrently control the camera. The PMD can send the captured still images and recorded video to the accessory for preview and receive instructions from the accessory on disposition of the still images and the video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Bolton, Sylvain R. Y. Louboutin, Shailesh Rathi, David J. Rempel, Peter T. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 7893961
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and method is disclosed wherein image pickup intended by a person located remotely can be carried out readily and with certainty. An acquisition section acquires, from a transmission apparatus which transmits setting data to be used in image pickup, the setting data. An image pickup apparatus includes: an acquisition section configured to acquire, from a transmission apparatus which transmits setting data to be used in image pickup, the setting data; a setting section configured to set the setting data acquired by said acquisition section; and an image pickup section configured to carry out image pickup using the setting data set by said setting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi Shinkai
  • Patent number: 7884873
    Abstract: An image pickup device includes a display that displays one of image data including an operation menu or operation key image data representing operation keys; an external output section that outputs the image data including the operation menu to the outside; an output state detector that detects that the external output section is in a state capable of outputting the image data to the outside; a display data instruction section that instructs to display the operation key image data on the display and to display the image data including the operation menu on an external display device, which is an output destination of the image data in the external output section, when the external output section is detected to be in the capable state, and instructs to display the image data including the operation menu on the display when the external output section is not detected to be in the capable state; a display data supply that supplies one of the display or the external output section with one of the image data incl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shiota, Kazuhiko Nishiwaki, Tetsuya Oda, Makoto Omata, Kazunori Takagi, Kanako Tamamatsu, Motoki Kobayashi, Ryoko Amano, Kumiko Tsukuda, Tsutomu Kume, Hidefumi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 7862179
    Abstract: A dual-mode projection apparatus has a projection module for projecting an image onto a projection surface. An image sensor module captures images of the projection surface and determines spatial and temporal characteristics of a visible light spot superimposed on the projection surface. A communications module transmits the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot to a remote device for remote control of the device based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jizhang Shan, Jin Li
  • Patent number: 7855727
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote-head imaging system with a camera control unit capable of supporting multiple input devices. The camera control unit detects an input device to which it is connected and changes the camera control unit's internal functionality accordingly. Such changes includes altering clock timing, changing video output parameters, and changing image processing software. In addition, a user is able to select different sets of software program instructions and hardware configuration information based on the head that is attached. The remote-head imaging system utilizes field-programmable circuitry, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), in order to facilitate the change in configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Adler, Shai Finkman, Arie Blumzvig
  • Publication number: 20100302392
    Abstract: A document presentation device 10 includes a video signal controller 50 adapted to output a video signal of a video image for display on a display unit 40; and a remote controller RC. The video signal controller 50 includes a video signal processing unit 60 for creating a live video image within the field captured by an image sensor 31a; a masking setting unit for setting the brightness differential of the masking region; and a masking image display control unit that upon receiving an instruction from a masking instruction unit of the remote controller RC, sets a portion of the live video image to a masking region based on settings that are set in advance through the masking settings portion, and displays the live video image on the display unit 40; and that upon receiving an instruction from a position instruction unit of the remote controller RC changes the position of the masking region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Masaki Tanabe, Shinya Futamura, Masataka Furuya
  • Patent number: 7844468
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system and methodology for sorting and/or distributing items and articles being shipped to a receiving party through private and/or commercial delivery systems. Various characteristics of an article being shipped are obtained and assembled in a database. In an exemplary embodiment, the descriptive characteristics of the article are acquired at a first site and the processing and desired disposition of the article is determined at a second site which is physically separate from the first site. The descriptive characteristics of the article being shipped are displayed at the second site and are sufficient to identify the article to a processing individual located at the second site. The processing individual is then enabled to indicate a desired disposal of the article from the second site without being exposed to the physical article located at the first site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Sandip Lahiri
  • Patent number: 7830417
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an image based controller to control and manipulate objects with simple point-and-capture operations via images captured by a camera enhanced mobile device. Powered by this technology, a user is able to complete many complicated control tasks via guided control of objects without utilizing laser pointers, IR transmitters, mini-projectors, or bar code tagging and/or customized wall paper are not needed for the environment control. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Qiong Liu, Donald Kimber, Patrick Chiu, Laurent Denoue, Jack Yang, Hanning Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100271497
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a traffic monitoring system and methods of use. This traffic monitoring system may be suitable for automatic monitoring of vehicle traffic at desired locations such as, for example, traffic lights, school zones, construction zones, remote locations, locations having high traffic accidents and/or locations with frequent traffic violations. The traffic monitoring system may be employed for detecting traffic violations involving a vehicle (e.g., running a red light, speeding and/or driving while using a cell phone) and collecting information associated with the vehicle and/or the operator of the vehicle. The traffic monitoring system may include one or more portability features that may make this system well-suited for deployment and redeployment at any number of desired locations, for example where traffic monitoring is desirable but suitable permanent infrastructure is not in place or is cost prohibitive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Michael G. Monsive, JR.
  • Patent number: 7822409
    Abstract: A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masumi Ishiwatari
  • Patent number: 7821542
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for restricting, within a specific area, the photographing function of a camera mounted in a mobile terminal. A control signal is transmitted to a mobile terminal within a photograph-prohibited area and the mobile terminal disables the camera. Upon leaving the photograph-prohibited area, the camera is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Hyup Lee, Jun-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100266160
    Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing portion which generates image data of an image by image sensing, and a record control portion which records image data of a main image generated by the image sensing portion together with main additional information obtained from the main image in a recording medium, in which the record control portion records sub additional information obtained from a sub image taken at a timing different from that of the main image in the recording medium in association with the image data of the main image and the main additional information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihiko YAMADA
  • Patent number: 7811009
    Abstract: A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ichiko Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 7813630
    Abstract: An image capturing device with a voice command controlling function is provided. The image capturing device includes a voice command input unit and a voice command controlling chip. The voice command input unit receives standard voice commands and common voice commands. The voice command controlling chip determines if a common voice command satisfies a predetermined voice command identification standard, by comparing characteristics of the common voice command with characteristics of each of the standard voice commands. If the common voice command satisfies the predetermined voice command identification standard, the voice command controlling chip generates a controlling command according to the common voice command and drives an image capturing unit to perform a corresponding operation according to the command. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Meng-Chieh Chou
  • Publication number: 20100245606
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20100245554
    Abstract: Provided are vision watching system and method for a safety hat. The vision watching system includes: a receiver which receives an image signal of a watching zone of a camera; a processor which determines whether an object of the image signal is a person, based on a size and an outline of the object and determines whether the person wears a safety hat, based on at least one or more of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values of a head part of the person and a Hue value of Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) of the head part; and a transmitter which outputs a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) control signal of the camera to obtain a thumbnail image of the person when determining the person who does not wear the safety hat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: AJOU UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION
    Inventors: Yun Young Nam, Moo Rim Kim, Suck Chul Kim, We Duke Cho
  • Patent number: 7804523
    Abstract: In a head detachable camera comprising a camera head and an image processing unit which does not have an exclusive line for notifying the type of image sensing device used in the camera head, when the power switch is turned on, vertical interval data signal processing units of the camera head and the image processing unit are set to a predetermined communication mode, such as one conforming to the NTSC video mode. Under this situation, identification information showing the number of pixels and the video rate used in the image sensing device is transmitted from the camera head by multiplexing the identification information in a blanking period of an image signal, and the communication mode of the camera head is changed in accordance with the number of pixels and the video rate of the image sensing device, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Ikeda, Yoshito Haba
  • Patent number: 7800654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a picture-taking apparatus including an apparatus main body and a remote control device for controlling the apparatus main body, wherein the apparatus main body includes an image-pickup optical system having a plurality of movable optical elements, an actuator for moving the plurality of optical elements, a first optic operating member for instructing movement of the plurality of optical elements, an image-pickup unit having an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting light from the image-pickup optical system, a first image-pickup operation member for instructing image-pickup operation of the image-pickup unit, a picture-taking direction operation unit for controlling a picture-taking direction of the apparatus main body, (vii) a picture-taking direction driving unit for moving the apparatus main body into the picture-taking direction, and an apparatus-main-body-side communication unit for enabling communication with the remote control device, and wherein the remote control device in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Idemura
  • Publication number: 20100207774
    Abstract: In a handheld electronic device, a motor is controlled to adjust, according to input received at a user-input element of the device, an angle of rotation of a camera module about a rotation axis of the camera module. The camera module is partially embedded in a housing of the device. An image sensor is embedded in the camera module and senses an image in a field of view that is centered around a line of sight. The line of sight is perpendicular to the rotation axis. An orientation of the housing relative to a direction of gravity is sensed, and the motor is controlled to rotate the camera module and hence the line of sight about the rotation axis to achieve a particular angle between the line of sight and the direction of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Jae Ryee SONG
  • Patent number: 7777783
    Abstract: A video tracking system includes a user interface configured to facilitate tracking of a target between video cameras. The user interface includes user controls configured to assist a user in selecting video cameras as the target moves between fields of view of the video cameras. These user controls are automatically associated with specific cameras based on a camera topology relative to a point of view of a camera whose video data is currently being viewed. The video tracking system further includes systems and methods of synchronizing video data generated using the video cameras and of automatically generating a stitched video sequence based on the user selection of video cameras. The target may be tracked in real-time or in previously recorded video and may be track forward or backwards in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Proximex Corporation
    Inventors: Hu Chin, Ken Prayoon Cheng
  • Patent number: 7762672
    Abstract: A data presentation apparatus having a function to generate a pointer image pointing a position in a presentation image is provided and includes: an image transmission section that transmits an image data of the presentation image to a terminal; a receiver that receives a control signal to determine a display position of the pointer image in the presentation image, the control signal being transmitted from the terminal; and an image generation section that generates an image data of a composite image based on the control signal, the composite image including the presentation image and the pointer image displayed in the presentation image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Yokoyama, Naoki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7760239
    Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting reception apparatus for simultaneously capturing a camera image and a digital broadcasting image and a method thereof. The digital broadcasting reception apparatus includes a digital broadcasting reception unit for receiving digital broadcasting data, an image collection unit for collecting images under external control, a collected image processing unit for displaying the collected image with a camera preview screen, an image combination unit for combing the digital broadcasting data with the camera preview screen, and a display unit for displaying a combined result from the image combination unit and a DMB image and a camera image through a multiple-layered overlay structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yong Min Kim, Jae Gon Son, Kang Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 7760233
    Abstract: A portable terminal has an imaging section, a storage section that stores an image picked up by the imaging section, a radio section that transmits and receives data through a communication network, and a control section that controls the imaging section and the radio section. When the radio section receives an e-mail, the control section extracts an instruction information from the e-mail, controls the imaging section to pick up an image, determines the timing of transmitting the picked-up image to a predetermined destination based on the instruction information, and controls the radio section to transmit the picked-up image at the determined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Kasai
  • Patent number: 7750939
    Abstract: An image photographing device (1), which converts an optical image of a subject into an electric signal by an image pick up device, and stores image data by the electric signal in an information recording medium (21), includes a communication interface (25), which communicates the image data, a determination device (31), which determines whether a device connected to the communication interface is an external device (2) or a release device (3), a communication process device (10), which conducts a communication process with the external device if the determination device determines that the external device is connected, and a photographing process device (10), which conducts a photographing process if the determination device determines that the release device is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kobayashi, Takayoshi Shimizu, Koji Oka
  • Publication number: 20100157076
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the visibility of rain in acquired images are provided. One or more inputs relating the scene desired to be acquired by the user are used to retrieve camera settings that will reduce the visibility of rain in acquired images. Additionally, features relating to the scene may be automatically determined and used alone, or in combination with user inputs, to retrieve camera settings. The acquired images may be part of a video. Another feature of the invention is its use as a rain gauge. The camera settings are adjusted to enhance the visibility of rain, then one or more images are acquired and analyzed for the amount and size of raindrops. From this analysis the rain rate can be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Kshitiz Garg, Shree K. Nayar
  • Publication number: 20100149337
    Abstract: Among other disclosed subject matter, a system includes a first camera generating a live image of a scene, the first camera configured for being placed in a plurality of locations by robotic motion. The system includes a handheld device that includes a display device for continuously presenting the live image, wherein movement of the handheld device causes the handheld device to generate an output that controls the robotic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Domenico Porcino