Abstract: A remote-control device controls a digital camera, to make the digital camera perform a particular photographing operation having a continuous photographing operation or a bulb photographing operation. The remote-control device may be a personal computer. A start-command generating processor generates a start-command for starting the particular photographing operation, by depressing a switch, which may be a button of a mouse for the personal computer. An end-command generating processor generates an end-command for ending the particular photographing operation, by releasing the switch.

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: A camera is provided with a control signal communication unit and a video and audio signal communication unit. A main camera operated by a shooter captures camera driving and operation control information such as panning, tilting, zooming, recording and reproduction conducted by the shooter and transmits the information to a sub camera through the control signal communication unit. The sub camera reflects the received control signal to itself to operate the camera. The sub camera transmits the video which is shot by itself to the main camera through the video and audio signal communication unit. At this point, the main camera receives videos of one or more sub cameras to simultaneously output the videos on a monitor.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a cradle device which inhibits driving of a pan/tile driving unit in the event of an imaging device being detached from the cradle device, and also receiving a control command of the imaging device from a camera. The cradle device can lock the imaging device in the event that the imaging device is mounted on the cradle device. The cradle device can have a configuration enabling detaching the imaging device, thus facilitating the most appropriate environment for a surveillance system.

Abstract: A relay unit connected between a remote control unit and an optical device having a focus lens comprises a first switching signal input unit for switching control of the focus lens between automatic focal point detection focusing and control of the focus lens by remote commands from the remote control unit. This enables remote control of a lens unit simply by replacing the lens unit with one having automatic focus capabilities.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of reduced-power imaging. For example, a device includes: an imager able to acquire one or more images; a triggering sensor able to sense a triggering event; and a receiver able to receive signals, wherein while the device is in a disarm mode the receiver is operational and the imager and the triggering sensor are not operational.

Abstract: An anti-vibration controller having an ON/OFF switch for the anti-vibration is arranged on the outer circumference of a fixed lens barrel where extender lenses are positioned. When to manipulate the ON/OFF switch, a cameraperson manually operates a focusing ring with the little and ring fingers, a zooming ring with the middle finger and an iris ring with the index finger, all of the left hand. Then he or she can manipulate the ON/OFF switch of the anti-vibration controller fitted to the outer circumference of the fixed lens barrel with the unengaged thumb without having to move the fingers away from manipulating rings.

Abstract: A system according to this invention easily and adequately notifies, on a remote controller, the user of the release timing on an image sensing apparatus side. To accomplish this, the remote controller receives a release timing signal associated with the image sensing timing from a digital camera, and notifies the image sensing timing on the basis of the received release timing signal.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus is connected to a camera server delivering image information obtained by image sensing to a display operation terminal. When image information is received from the camera server, the conversion apparatus converts the received image information to a format for a portable display terminal, and delivers it to the portable display terminal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling an image pickup apparatus in an image delivery system delivering an image acquired from the image pickup apparatus to at least one of multiple external devices, the image pickup apparatus being remotely controllable by the multiple external devices. In the method, the image pickup apparatus is controlled at a preset time based on preset control data, and remote control of the image pickup apparatus by predetermined external devices is inhibited during the control.

Abstract: A system and a method for optically communicating information between a display and a camera that is observing the display. In general, the transmission of information is unidirectional in a direction from the display to the camera. The display transmits information to the camera that is observing the display by displaying a series of symbols and images (such as an alphabet) on the display. Information (such as a network address of the display or camera) may be transmitted to the camera without any prior shared knowledge between the two. The present invention also is capable of determining a spatial location (or pose) of the display (relative to a camera observing the display) by observing a pattern presented on the display and using well-known correlation techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for providing visible indications of an area of interest for assisting the visual orientation of a user using a digital camera is provided. The system includes a digital camera having a built in illumination projector. The illumination projector optical axis is related to the camera optical axis. Typically the illumination projector is collimated with the camera. Images produced by the illumination projector are viewed by camera user and are used as a reference for understanding the camera orientation and for selecting the desirable direction and field of view (FOV) for the camera. The system and method is extremely useful for portable and wearable digital cameras as well as for setup of fixed camera applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a point of view video system comprising: a camera for receiving an image and for generating a video signal; a portable video image recording module including: a display; one or more user activators; a communication interface for signally communicating with the camera that is remote from the recording module; a power source; a speaker; a processing device in signaling communication with the display, the one or more user activators, the speaker, and the communication interface for processing data; and a sealed housing for containing the recording module, the sealed housing being separable from the camera.

Abstract: A remote control imaging system includes an independently controlled imaging platform controlled by a camera operator. A telecontrol unit includes a video preview monitor, camera and trim controls and an interface for attachment of a conventional camera control handle to permit selection of telecontrol zoom, iris, focus and camera on/off controls. An imaging platform is capable of motion about three orthogonal axes independent of the motion or control of a support vehicle, such as a crane or helicopter. The imaging platform may also accommodate rapid interchange of a variety of imaging devices using a standardized three point securing system, which may also isolate vibration from the support vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is more particular to a camera that is fully equip with an inbuilt motion and smoke detector and a digital audio recorder and a vice synthesizer and a text generator, the camera is specially design to be set by the user to capture any emergency condition detected by any of the said inbuilt detectors, and automatically send picture or pictures of the emergency along with an audio speech pre-recorder by the user or a written text pre-enter by the user at the top of the picture or bottom, side or middle of the captured image, the voice synthesizer, or the text generator states the exact emergency which can be fire or intrusion, why the pre-recorder audio or text entered by the user states the address of the emergency both information combined together (the emergency and the address) is sent out by the camera to one or more preset number of a cellular telephone of the user choice, cellular telephone that can receive the picture with the text or the audio by means of any available telecommunication

Abstract: This invention is more particular to a camera that is fully equipped with an inbuilt motion and smoke detector and with a special remote control for operating the camera, furthermore the camera is specially design to be set by the user to capture any emergency condition detected by any of the said inbuilt detectors and then the camera automatically send picture or pictures of the emergency along with a written text massage placed at the top, bottom, side or middle of the picture, the text message states the exact emergency which can be fire or intrusion and also the address of the emergency and this said information is sent by the camera to one or more programmed or preset cellular telephone that the telecommunication number was preset by the user and that can receive the picture and the text message by means of any available cellular telecommunication net work.

Abstract: A camera system for capturing an image of a predetermined scope, having a plurality of monitoring cameras operable to change a monitoring area respectively, comprises a camera controller, when changing its monitoring area of one of the monitoring cameras, operable to control the other monitoring cameras to monitor a dead area that is outside of the monitoring area of the monitoring camera. When the camera controller controls the monitoring camera to zoom into a subject, the camera controller may control the other monitoring cameras to monitor the dead area of the monitoring area by zooming out the subject.

Abstract: When a shot reproduction command of a preset function is given from a platform controller 12 and a zoom position of a shot to be reproduced is closer to the wide side than a current position, CPU 42 of a platform main body 16 performs driving of the zoom prior to driving of the pan/tilt. On the contrary, when the zoom position of the shot to be reproduced is closer to the telephoto side than the current position, CPU 42 performs the driving of the pan/tilt prior to the driving of the zoom.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a camera system suitable for remote monitoring. The present invention is made by making improvements to a camera system that transmits camera image data to a network. The camera system includes a camera head including an image sensor and a sensor controller that controls the image sensor; a video signal processing means that performs video signal processing on image data from the image sensor; and a web server which transmits image data from the video signal processing means as the camera image data to the network, receives control data from the network, and controls at least the sensor controller or the video signal processing means.

Abstract: A method of remote capture with user interface providing separate inside- and outside-light-box modes is provided, wherein when the user selects the inside-light-box mode together with an automatic mode to take a photograph, it is the photographic parameters, which are obtained experimentally for various cameras under given light sources, but not the photographic parameters, which are automatically generated by the light sensor of the camera, that are utilized to control the camera. Via the inside-light-box mode together with the automatic mode, an image in good qualities is acquired.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a host, a microphone module, a first camera module, a second camera module, a driving module and a control module. The microphone module is connected to the host. The first camera module and the second camera module are respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the host. The driving module disposed in the host drives the first camera module or the second camera module to turn.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a dome camera assembly that is able to ensure repeatability. The dome camera assembly includes a nonvolatile storage mechanism including a stored video image and a corresponding stored camera position. The assembly may further include an image capturing device for capturing a current video image after the camera moves to the stored camera position. An image processing component compares the current video image with the stored video image and determines an offset amount between the current video image and the stored video image. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a current camera position in accordance with the determined offset amount to facilitate repeatability.

Abstract: Control information is exchanged between a component and a remote control device or a server using RFID or using network discovery procedures. The control information if gathered by the server is provided to the remote. In this way, the need to manually program the remote with component code information is eliminated.

Abstract: A mobile telephone is connected to a camera, and their respective power supplies are turned on. A telephone number of the local station is read out and recorded in a flash ROM as registration number data. Moreover, the registration number data is input with image data. As the registration number data is the telephone number of the local station input from the mobile telephone, the image data may be secured without the complex encryption processing of conventional examples. That is, a sense of security may be obtained because forgetting the specific registration number is unlikely when the telephone number of the local station input from the mobile telephone is used as the specific registration number data. Accordingly, the collation procedure becomes easier when the image data is obtained or an order for photo prints is made, and access to the image data may be easily restricted since the image data can be secured without complex encryption processing.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a photodetector element for receiving an infrared signal transmitted from a remote controller and outputting the received signal, a conversion unit for converting the received signal outputted from the photodetector element into a binarized pulse signal and outputting the signal, and a decode unit for converting the pulse signal outputted from the conversion unit into code data and outputting the code data, and a control unit for performing a control operation in accordance with the code data. The electronic apparatus further includes a measuring unit for measuring a pulse width of a pulse signal outputted from the conversion unit in a state where the infrared signal from the remote controller is not received at the photodetector element, and a judging unit for judging whether the pulse width measured by the measuring unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A system and method of security monitoring is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes determining a channel of a television system associated with video content from a security camera. In a particular embodiment, a method includes sending a first alert to a display device and sending a second alert to a remote control device.

Abstract: The “Universal Digital Camera Remote Control” (“UDCRC”) allows users to add a remote control to any camera having an interface port. The UDCRC comprises an adapter unit that connects to the interface port of the digital camera, and a remote unit that communicates with the adapter unit. Controls on the remote unit correspond to various functions of the digital camera so that when a user selects and activates one of the controls on the remote unit, a signal corresponding to the control selected is sent to the adapter unit. The adapter unit detects the signal and sends a corresponding command to the digital camera via the interface port so that the digital camera performs the function corresponding to the control selected by the user.

Abstract: An imaging system and method which enables viewers and/or attendees of entertainment events, such as athletic events or concerts, to order and obtain photographic products that are associated with the event. The system and method offers attendees at the entertainment event a choice of imaging services, such as a photographic product or photopackage, that includes images of the participants at the entertainment event, as well as images of the attendee and his/her family or friends at the event, preferably at their seats, and preferably while enjoying the event.

Abstract: An image-capture apparatus having an intercom connecting unit and having an autofocus mechanism, capable of voice communication with an external camera control unit through an intercom connected to the intercom connecting unit includes: an image-capture unit, an image signal processor, a control unit and a transmitting unit. The image-capture unit captures an image of a subject and converts the image into an image signal. The image signal processor performs processing on the signal from the image-capture unit. The control unit determines whether the subject is in focus and generates a command signal based on a result of the determination. The transmitting unit multiplexes an image signal from the processor with a control information signal including the command signal from the control unit based on the result of the determination and status information indicating a state of the image-capture apparatus and transmits multiplexed signals to the camera control unit.

Abstract: The captured video will be compressed group by group and transmitted to the receiver through wireless transceiver. The mechanism of the wireless video communication includes the defining of whether or not to request resend when data loss or data damage happened. When the time of the data loss or data damage happened is more than the predetermined threshold, the video will be compressed by further lower bit rate. Areas of the captured image with more interest will be compressed by assigning more bit rate. The area of less interest will be compressed with less bit rate and transmitted. One of every predetermined amount of images will be shrunk and displayed in the smaller area of the display device to let the video shooter view the position the image is captured and decides whether the position results in good image quality.

Abstract: A system is used to remotely control camera positioning. A transformation model is used. By in putting image coordinates of the monitored position form camera, the object coordinates is obtained and displayed on a digital map. By inputting object coordinates on a digital map, image coordinates for the camera is obtained. After transferring parameters for camera positioning, the camera is moved to a desired position for monitoring an area and taking a photo.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a human/machine interface (HMI) for use with machine vision systems (MVSs) that provides the machine vision system processing functionality at the sensor end of the system, and uses a communication interface to exchange control, image and analysis information with a standardized, preferably portable device that can be removed from the MVS during runtime. In an illustrative embodiment, this portable device can be a web-browser equipped computer (handheld, laptop or fixed PC) or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The communication interface on the sensor-end of the system is adapted to communicate over a cable or wireless communication link (for example infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)), with a corresponding communication interface in the portable device.

Abstract: An imaging system and method are provided. In accordance with the method a trigger signal is detected and an image of a scene is captured in response to the trigger signal. The image is presented. A verification mode is determined and the presentation of the captured image is ended at a first ending time when a first verification mode is determined the presentation of the captured image is ended at a second ending time when a second verification mode is determined.

Abstract: An image pickup system capable of obtaining images to be observed without giving a sense of discomfort to an observer, while moving as fast as possible. The image pickup system comprises an image pickup device, and a drive section arranged to rotate the image pickup device in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, respectively. A directive is issued on a rotation target angle of the image pickup device associated with the first direction and a rotation target angle of the image pickup device associated with the second direction. A component higher than a specified cut-off frequency in a command signal associated with the first direction entered from the command section is cut. A component higher than a specified cut-off frequency in a command signal associated with the second direction entered from the command section is cut.

Abstract: Imaging for virtual cameras implemented through a Web site sometimes referred to as an “electronic photo shop.” Embodiments include receiving in an electronic photo shop, from a virtual camera coupled for data communications through a network to the electronic photo shop, an image request, the image request comprising a data structure including data elements specifying location coordinates and view direction; retrieving, in dependence upon the location coordinates and view direction, from among stored images, a raw image; transcoding the raw image; and storing the transcoded image in computer memory. Various embodiments include delivering transcoded images via network communications, email, or by use of recording media.

Abstract: A photography system includes a digital camera and a remote control whose location can be detected by the camera. The remote control includes a control for causing the camera to take a photograph. The camera selects a region to photograph from its field of view, based on the location of the remote control. The selected region may include the entire field of view of the camera or a portion thereof. The camera may optionally select a region that places the remote control in the center of the region. The photographer may optionally specify the size of the region to be selected. The camera may optionally adjust the size of the selected region to assist in photographic composition. The camera may optionally be capable of making video recordings.

Abstract: A photography system includes a digital camera and a remote control. The remote control emits a light that the photographer can use to designate a subject to be photographed by pointing the remote control at the subject, casting a light spot on the subject. In a preferred embodiment, the light is generated by a laser pointer included in the remote control. The camera selects a region to photograph from its field of view, based on the location or motion of the light spot. The camera may optionally select a region that is centered on the light spot. The photographer may optionally specify the size of the region to be selected. The camera may optionally adjust the size of the selected region to assist in photographic composition. The camera may optionally be capable of making video recordings.

Abstract: Communicating apparatus to be provided between an intermediate line and transmission lines to establish data communications, the intermediate line and the transmission lines having in combination data pass therethrough, the transmission lines including first line and second line 1 and 2, is designed to select the transmission line from among the first and second lines 1 and 2 based on detecting the data passing through each of the first and second lines 1 and 2 so as to transmit data without collision.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image transmission apparatus connected to an image pickup apparatus and configured to transmit an image picked up by the image pickup apparatus to a plurality of client terminals via a network. The image transmission apparatus includes a setting unit configured to set a transmission processing mode for transmitting a still image picked up by the image pickup apparatus and a real-time image picked up by the image pickup apparatus and having a resolution lower than that of the still image according to an instruction issued from one of the plurality of client terminals, and a control unit configured to control an instruction to the image pickup apparatus and a transmission processing for the still image and the real-time image according to the transmission processing mode set by the setting unit.

Abstract: A method and system allow a hand-held digital camera to access and store large volumes of digital image data utilizing a wireless communications link between a host computer and the camera. In an embodiment of the invention, imaging optics and a photosensor array capture image data that represents an image of a subject. A transceiver integrated into the hand-held digital camera then transmits the image data to a host computer via a wireless communications link. The host computer stores the image data, or a copy of the image data, and retransmits related image data or, alternatively, the same image data back to the hand-held digital camera via the wireless communications link. Once the image data is received by the hand-held digital camera, an electronic image is formed by a display device that is integrated into the camera. The host computer may process the digital image data into enhanced digital image, thereby enabling the camera to display an enhanced electronic image of a subject.

Abstract: The camera module according to the present invention includes a first diode for interrupting overcurrent generated by electrostatic discharge and flowing from an image sensor unit to a serial clock line, a second diode for interrupting the overcurrent generated by the electrostatic discharge and flowing from the image sensor unit to a serial data line, a first switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial clock line when electric power is not supplied through power line, and a second switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial data line when the electric power is not supplied through the power line.

Abstract: A controller, a system, and a method of controlling the operation of the controller of an electric device. The method comprises: sending a user interface software packet stored in the controller's memory to a first external device; disassembling the user interface software packet in the first external device into executable user interface server software and user interface client software; sending the user interface client software from the first external device to a second portable external device; the user interface client software communicating with the user interface server software via a wireless radio connection between the first external device and the second portable external device; the user interface server software converting the commands issued by the user interface client software and transferring the commands to the controller's interface; and the controller executing an operation according to the converted command received via its interface.

Abstract: Multiple streams of data are streamed to a user's terminal with images from different cameras. Low resolution thumbnail images tell the user what image streams are available. A focus stream provides high resolution images from a selected camera. A user can switch the focus stream to another stream by clicking on the associated thumbnail. The users can also be provided with a thumbnail of panoramic image. Other data streams sent to the user can contain (a) audio data, (b) interactivity markup data which describes regions of the image which provide interactivity opportunities such as hotspots, (c) presentation markup data which defines how data is presented on the user's screen, (d) a telemetry data stream which can be used for various statistical data. One data stream contains a low quality base image for each data stream which can be enhanced to form a high resolution focus image.

Abstract: In a remote control pan head system, communication data is outputted from an operation unit and is inputted to a system controller via a modem, a general communication line and another modem. The system controller recognizes a data format of the inputted communication data. If the data format differs from the data format for the communication of a pan head, the data format of the communication data is converted into the data format that conforms with the data format for the pan head, and the converted communication data is transmitted to the pan head. Thus, the remote control pan head can be controlled even if data formats of communication data differ between the operation unit and the remote control pan head.

Abstract: A personal optical viewer enables a person to view images of how the person looks wearing an accessory and compare images of how the customer looks wearing different accessories. A seller provides an accessory to a person. A capturing device captures a photograph or a video of the person and stores the image in a memory device. The personal optical viewer displays each image to the person and the person chooses which images to keep, reject, delete, or compare. The personal optical viewer replaces rejected images with other images stored in the memory device, and when the stored images have been exhausted the personal optical viewer automatically enlarges the remaining displayed images.

Abstract: A pan head system for selectively attaching a video camera to a stand that enables the video camera to be operated and panned from a remote location. The pan head system includes a camera mount for engaging a video camera. The pan head system also has a stand mount for engaging a support stand. A motorized orientation mechanism is disposed between the camera mount and the stand mount for selectively varying an orientation of the camera mount relative the stand mount. A user interface is provided for controlling the motorized orientation mechanism. The user interface is remote from the motorized orientation mechanism and communicates with the motorized orientation mechanism via a communications link.

Abstract: A digital image capturing system includes at least two digital image capturing devices and a bi-directional link cable connecting the image capturing devices. The image capturing devices are capable of sharing data items over the bi-directional link cable.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining photographic products and/or services and for the sharing of digital images without the need of a computer. In particular a cable set top box and cable communication network is used for communication with third parties, including image service providers.

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.