Abstract: Digital watermarking technology is used in conjunction with map data, such as is acquired by satellite and other aerial sensors, and as may be generated from databases based on such aerial data. The watermarks can be used, e.g., to track meta data, provide serialization and forensic tracing, and various other benefits. The disclosure also contemplates that incoming imagery is automatically geo-referenced and combined with previously-collected data sets so as to facilitate generation of revised composite maps.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises a portable computer having a software-implemented subsystem and a connection to a sensor responsive still image digital camera including a control module and a FIFO buffer for storing more than one but less than two data image frames. When the image subsystem reaches a point during reading of a frame from the buffer where it is “safe” for the next image data frame captured by the image sensor to be stored in the buffer, the subsystem issues a “continue” signal, causing the next image data frame to be stored in the buffer. The “continue” signal is only issued if the buffer has sufficient capacity for the next frame to be completely stored. The “continue” signal minimizes frame loss, optimizes memory requirement, and sensibly drops frames when the host computer cannot handle image data at the same rate they are generated.

Abstract: According to this invention, an electronic photographing device includes: a recording medium for recording image information corresponding to each frame photographed by panorama photographing; a predicted number of panorama-photographed frames setting device for setting information corresponding to the predicted number of photographed frames to be photographed by panoramic photographing; a number of available frames setting device for setting the number of frames which can be photographed on the basis of a capacity of the recording medium; a comparison device for comparing the number of available frames set by the number of available frames setting device with the predicted number of photographed set by the predicted number of panorama-photographed frames setting device; and a warning device for warning the user that a spare recording medium is required as a result of comparison by the comparison device if the number of available frames set by the number of available frames setting device is smaller than the

Abstract: A camera and method automatically exclude electronic images corresponding to film images in a loaded film unit from first in-first out overwriting. In the method, a set of latent images are captured in the camera. A first subset of electronic images that correspond to the latent images are captured, during the capturing of the latent images. A second subset of electronic images are captured independent of the capturing of the latent images. The memory of the camera is filled to capacity with a plurality of the electronic images. After the memory is filled, the electronic images of the second subset in the memory are replaced on a first in-first out basis and the electronic images of the first subset are retained in the memory.

Abstract: When an image pickup apparatus is changed over to a mode different from a photographing mode, such as a power-off mode or a reproducing mode, priority is given to writing a temporarily-recorded image in a recording medium, so that it is possible to surely preserve the photographed image. Moreover, it is possible for the user to confirm or enjoy the photographed image, by virtue of functions which are different from the photographing operation.

Abstract: A camera, method, and system provide downloaded electronic images that have metadata identifying individual images previously excluded, within the camera, from first in-first out overwriting. In the method, a first plurality of electronic images are captured in the camera and the camera memory is filled to capacity. A second plurality of electronic images are then captured in the camera. Individual tags are selectively assigned to one or more of the electronic images. During the capturing of the second plurality of electronic images, untagged images are replaced in the memory on a first in-first out basis and tagged images are retained in the memory. The tagged and untagged electronic images are downloaded together to provide a set of downloaded images external to the camera. The downloaded images corresponding to the tagged electronic images have retained tags.

Abstract: The video camera has an opening for removal of a cassette tape. The video camera includes a cassette detecting portion 2 detecting ejection of the cassette tape from the opening, and a cassette insertion preventing mechanism 5 preventing re-insertion of the cassette tape when the cassette detecting portion 2 detects ejection of the cassette tape. As such, a video camera for a recycling system can be provided where a recording medium or the like with a recorded content is easily and rapidly available to a user and a dedicated reproducing device is not required.

Abstract: Even when a remaining amount of an image memory built in a digital camera is decreased, the photographing can be further continued while reserving a photographed image. An image which is obtained from an image input unit including image pickup means is accumulated into an image memory. When a remaining amount calculating unit detects that the remaining amount of the image memory is small, an image record discriminating unit compares it with an image size in a photograph mode at that time which is obtained from an image size table, thereby discriminating whether the continuation of the photographing can be performed or not. When the photographing is impossible, an image selecting unit selects an old image, an image in which the number of colors is small, or the like on the basis of management data regarding the photographed images in a memory managing table. The selected image is transmitted by a PHS communication by a data transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic camera according to the invention is provided with an imaging unit for generating image data by taking a subject image; a lossless compression unit for generating compressed data by performing substantial lossless compression on the image data; a compression judging unit for judging whether the amount of the losslessly compressed data exceeds a threshold value; and a recording unit for recording the image data uncompressed in a recording medium when the amount of the losslessly compressed data exceeds the threshold value, and for recording the compressed data in the recording unit when the amount does not. In the electronic camera, when the amount of data after lossless compression is unexpectedly large, uncompressed data having a generally stable amount of data is recorded instead of compressed data. This can avoid accidents where shooting results cannot be recorded due to unexpectedly large amount of compressed data.

Abstract: A portion of the capacity of a storage medium is set aside in advance as an adjustment capacity to be utilized in making an adjustment on the extent by which the target code volume is exceeded during a fixed-length compression. A nominal remaining frame quantity calculated by excluding the adjustment capacity from the remaining capacity is indicated as the remaining frame quantity at the storage medium to prevent any irregular change in the number of remaining frames displayed at the electronic camera. In addition, by allowing the compression code volume to exceed the target in correspondence to the excess (the estimated capacity value representing the remaining area) of the remaining capacity, a planned reduction in the remaining area is achieved.

Abstract: A method for selectively adjusting the resolution levels or the quality levels of digital images stored in a memory of a digital camera having a predetermined memory space includes capturing a first image and storing the captured first image at a specific resolution level or quality level. The resolution level or quality level of the stored first image is adjusted based on the available memory space in the digital camera memory so that a subsequent captured image can be stored. A subsequent image is then captured, and the captured subsequent image is stored with the adjusted first image.

Abstract: In a hybrid camera and method, the number of stored electronic images protected from overwriting is not fixed, but instead changes depending upon the film unit used in the camera. In the method, a first film unit is loaded in the camera. The first film unit has a first quantity of available film frames. An equal quantity of corresponding electronic images is less than the capacity of memory in the camera. The first quantity is determined by the camera and a tag number is set to an integer value equal to or less than the difference between the image capacity, in units of space for individual ones of the electronic images, and the first quantity. A plurality of electronic images are captured in the camera and stored in the memory. Individual tags are selectively assigned to one or more of the electronic images. The first film unit is removed and a second film unit is loaded in the camera. The second film unit has a second quantity of available film frames that is less than the image capacity.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, an external device and an image pickup method enabling provision of an open area in an image memory by performing automatic transfer operation of a digital image signal without requiring a user to cancel a photography preparation instruction or a picture taking instruction are provided. A digital camera or the image pickup apparatus is arranged to transfer to a computer a digital image signal accumulated in a RAM when the digital camera is in a photography preparation state or in a photography execution state, when an image already saved to a storage medium exists in the RAM, and when the RAM is full and a new digital image signal cannot be accumulated.

Abstract: In an apparatus which captures a photographic image, stores the captured image in an image storage device, reads the image stored in the image storage device, and records the read image on a recording medium, in a method for controlling such an apparatus, and in a computer program product for providing such a control method, an adjustment value of exposure is displayed with a bar-type indication before shooting and the number of images which can be stored in the image storage device is displayed within a predetermined time after shooting, and the display of the number of images which can be stored in the image storage device is changed according to the number of images which can be recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for decompressing a bit stream of compressed data representing a plurality of image blocks. This includes a two-step method of processing both a DC code and a plurality of AC codes. With respect to the processing of the AC codes, a plurality of bits of compressed input data relating to the AC codes are first retrieved from the bit stream. A first decoding operation is then executed based on the obtained compressed input data in order to generate first output data. It is then determined whether sufficient space is available for the first output data. If it is determined that there is sufficient space for the first output data, the first output data is outputted. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is insufficient space for the first output data, an alternate second decoding operation is executed in order to generate second output data.

Abstract: A CPU detects the available space A of a first recording medium, the available space B of a second recording medium and a preprogrammed image information amount C necessary for preprogrammed recording by first and second recording medium space managing portions and the contents of preprogrammed recording input from an operation portion by the user. When the preprogrammed image information amount C is larger than the available space A of the first recording medium, an amount of shortage in recording space for preprogrammed information D is obtained from the CPU by subtracting the available space A of the first recording medium from the preprogrammed image information amount C. A larger amount of image information than the recording space shortage D is selected from the image information stored on the first recording medium, and the selected image information is moved to the second recording medium.

Abstract: An information display status indicator is described. The status indicator is typically connected to a user device that uses consumable resources. Icons representing resource usage are shown on the status indicator as the resources are used. The icons could represent memory resources available to the device. The icons, which are patterned around a perimeter of the status indicator, are turned on sequentially to form a complete loop when the memory becomes full. Additionally, each icon may be made of a set of pixels or blocks where each set is individually controllable.

Abstract: An electronic camera can be loaded with a semiconductor memory and a storage medium that has a storage capacity larger than that of the memory and is rotated to record or reproduce data. Digital image data obtained by photographing are recorded in the memory. When the residual storage capacity of the memory reaches a predetermined value, the digital image data recorded in the memory are transferred to the storage medium.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an image-capturing element; a recording device that records image data constituted of image capturing signals output from the image-capturing element into a data recording medium; a frame number calculating device that calculates a number of frames of image data that have been recorded or can be recorded into the data recording medium; a display device at which the number of frames is displayed; and a control device that controls the display device so as to display at least the number of frames when a main switch is in an OFF state.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing image processing services and deriving revenue from such services as well as revenue from placement of advertising information passed on to users. A local image service center connected to a server computing system, offers services for uploading image data from a storage medium to local and/or remote storage as well as other services for processing uploaded image data. Access to uploaded image data is available via a cable television system. Revenue is derived from the services provided as well as from advertisers whose information is passed along to users.

Abstract: A camera, method, and system provide downloaded electronic images that have metadata identifying individual images previously excluded, within the camera, from first in-first out overwriting. In the method, a first plurality of electronic images are captured in the camera and the camera memory is filled to capacity. A second plurality of electronic images are then captured in the camera. Individual tags are selectively assigned to one or more of the electronic images. During the capturing of the second plurality of electronic images, untagged images are replaced in the memory on a first in-first out basis and tagged images are retained in the memory. The tagged and untagged electronic images are downloaded together to provide a set of downloaded images external to the camera. The downloaded images corresponding to the tagged electronic images have retained tags.

Abstract: A camera and method automatically exclude electronic images corresponding to film images in a loaded film unit from first in-first out overwriting. In the method, a set of latent images are captured in the camera. A first subset of electronic images that correspond to the latent images are captured, during the capturing of the latent images. A second subset of electronic images are captured independent of the capturing of the latent images. The memory of the camera is filled to capacity with a plurality of the electronic images. After the memory is filled, the electronic images of the second subset in the memory are replaced on a first in-first out basis and the electronic images of the first subset are retained in the memory.

Abstract: A still image is photographed by a still image photographing operation performed during a moving-image photographing operation and a moving image is photographed during the moving-image photographing operation. The still image is recorded together with link information indicating the moving image to be linked with and the moving image is recorded together with link information indicating the still image to be linked with. Further, a timing information is recorded for indicating a photographing time when the still-image photographing operation is performed during the moving-image photographing operation. In an operation for reproducing the moving image, when a still image is prepared to be linked with the moving image, a still image mark M1 is displayed during a period from five seconds before to five seconds after the photographing timing. Upon manipulation during such period, the still image is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an image pickup unit, a memory which stores moving image data output from the image pickup unit, a detection circuit which detects that free space of a storage capacity of the memory becomes not more than a predetermined amount, a communicating unit which transmits the moving image data to an external device, and a controller which according to output of the detection circuit provided during photographing the series of moving image data, starts to transmit the moving image data stored in the memory to the external device while photographing the moving image data.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus includes a slot for receiving a memory card having a disk, a flash memory and a controller. Each time one frame of compressed image data is recorded to the disk, a vacant capacity value of the disk is written to the flash memory. This vacant capacity value is read out according to an instruction given from a CPU. When the vacant capacity of the disk is lower than the vacant capacity of a compressed image area formed in an SDRAM, the CPU invalidates the vacant capacity of the compressed image area in a portion exceeding the vacant capacity of the disk. This restricts the number of frames to be picture-taken.

Abstract: A camera which can accurately inform a photographer of the number of times image taking is possible is disclosed. The camera comprises an image-pickup device which photoelectrically converts an object image to an electric signal, an image processing circuit which applies image processing to the image data obtained by using the image-pickup device and generates processed image data, a recording circuit which records the processed image data in a recording medium, a control circuit which causes the image processing circuit to perform image processing on the image data obtained through one-time image taking under a plurality of different conditions to generate a plurality of the processed image data, and an information output unit which outputs information on the remaining number of times image taking is possible.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a flash memory. When partial image data constituting one image is written on a memory area in the flash memory, head address data of the memory area is written to the memory area written with the foregoing partial image data to the partial image data. That is, link information about the memory areas written with partial image data for a same image is written to each memory area. Therefore, if a plurality of memory areas written by partial image data are distant from one another, the image data can be reproduced or erased by tracing the head address data.

Abstract: A recording system comprises a non-volatile recording medium, a recording device for recording information data on the recording medium, the recording medium including a first recording area in which to record the information data, a second recording area in which to record data indicative of an erased area in the first recording area, and a third recording area in which to record data indicative of a use status of each area in the first recording area. The recording device is operative to detect from the recording medium the data recorded in the second area and the data recorded in the third recording area, and perform erasure of, and recording of the information data in, a recording-enable and unerased area in the first recording area.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus having a video memory function includes a video memory having a plurality of read ports and a capacity of storing images in two fields or more, wherein CCD storage sensitivity enhancement means is connected to a write port; a write control circuit for storing a single-field image in each memory area provided by dividing the storage space of the video memory into a plurality of sub-spaces; a plurality of read control sections for reading a single-field image stored in each memory area; and memory control means for reading an image from the video memory by a delay amount corresponding to the timing of a synchronization signal from the CCD storage sensitivity enhancement means. This configuration allows adjustment of the delay amount and prevents an image write address from passing by an image read address so that image data given CCD storage sensitivity enhancement is processed normally.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided that includes an imaging device that takes a picture of a subject's image and generates an image signal, an image signal processor that performs predetermined conversion and compression processes on the image signal and generates digital image information, a storage device that stores the digital image information, a setting device that sets the resolution and compression ratio at which the image signal is processed by the image signal processor, and a control device that sends the resolution and compression ratio set by the setting device to the image signal processor. In the digital camera, the image signal processor changes either the resolution or compression ratio, or both, when the storage device has an insufficient space to store new images.

Abstract: The memory of a digital camera is flexibly managed. When memory is available the camera will use it to capture the highest possible quality and highest possible resolution images. The user is allowed to specify a decrease and increase to the quality and compression settings of the image through the camera's user interface, effecting the size of the image file in memory. (always within the bounds of what can be supported by the amount of image data actually captured by the camera). The user specified settings are applied by the camera to the image data at a later time (e.g. only when the image data is finally downloaded to the host pc). In addition, the camera can store more data even after the memory is full.

Abstract: When it is determined that a shutter button has been depressed, it is determined if a moving image photographing mode is set. When a still image photographing mode is set, a still image photographing operation is performed. It is determined if a user sets a recording medium for recording a still image. When the recording medium has been set by the user, the still image data is transferred and recorded in the set recording medium. When it is determined that the moving image photographing mode has been set, a moving image photographing operation begins. When the shutter button is depressed again, the moving image photographing operation finishes. It is determined if the recording medium is set by the user for recording the moving image data. When the recording medium has been set, the moving image data is transferred and recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus such as a video camera has the capability of automatic white balance control whereby the white balance is quickly adjusted for any object even just after an operator has turned on a power supply. An image pickup element converts an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal. The image signal is applied to a signal processing circuit and separated into a luminance signal and color signals. The separated color signals or the R and B signals are amplified by gain control circuits under the control of the correction signals supplied by a correction signal computing part, and then applied to a color-difference signal forming circuit which in turn produces color-difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y). An encoder circuit generates a television signal in the standard form from the above color-difference signals and the luminance signal.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus is provided, which can easily confirm a remaining capacity of a hard disc without taking any specific steps. When a power supply is turned on, a main microcomputer transmits a remaining capacity confirmation command to a HDD microcomputer. The HDD microcomputer implements an initial search, checks a remaining capacity, and sends back a search result to the main microcomputer. The main microcomputer determines a remaining capacity of the hard disc judging from the received search result, and turns on LEDs of a display depending on a remaining capacity of the hard disc.

Abstract: A method for processing images comprises the steps of performing the reception of data through the net work, inputting image data obtainable in accordance with the designated input mode, managing the storage of the data received in the receiving step and the image data inputted in the input step to the memory, and intervening between the operations of the reception step and the input step in accordance with the storage management in the controlling step. With the method thus structured, the compression ratio of the input image is heightened by changing the current photographing mode if the added value of the estimated reception data through communicating means and the data side of photographed image predetermined by the current photographing mode should exceed the remainders of memory in the storage, hence making it possible to implement the compatibility of immediacy between the image input and the communication by dealing with any sudden reception during photographing.

Abstract: An electronic system comprising an image pickup unit 1, a computer 2, and communication terminals for connecting the unit and the computer, such as infrared communication ports 6, 10, a card slot 8, and serial communication terminals 5,9 wherein the necessary image data is allowed to be produced from the unit 1 and transmitted to the computer through the communication terminals. The computer communicates with the image pick up unit by examining the port of each communication means in order to recognize whether a connected unit is the image pickup unit or a foreign unit and to determine and store the communication speed for each communication port. The image data and memory space information is then automatically transmitted to the computer and displayed on a device connected to said computer.

Abstract: An image recording device uses a first recording medium which stores image data photographed by an image photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, and uses a second recording medium which has a larger available storage capacity than the first recording medium. When the image data stored in the first recording medium is transferred into the second recording medium, history data corresponding to the image data to be transferred, is also transferred together. The history data is used for retrieval of the image data. Thus, the image recording device makes it possible to perform later image retrieval operations easily and conveniently. If available storage capacity of the first recording medium is not enough to record data from the second recording medium, the image recording device displays a message for indicating it. This system allows effective use of memory capacity.

Abstract: A digital camera having a plurality of adjustable memory card fullness icons to visually indicate the amount of memory space that is available for storage in a plurality of corresponding removable memory cards insertable into the digital camera is disclosed. The digital camera includes an arrangement for capturing and digitizing image data, a display, and a processor for constructing the memory card fullness icon on the display. Each memory card fullness icon includes an inner portion that can be adjusted to graphically display the relative amount of memory space that is available for storage in its corresponding removable memory card. The digital camera further includes circuitry for transferring the digitized image data into a selected removable memory card.

Abstract: The number of images recordable in a plurality of recording media, which are used for recording sensed image data in different purposes, is notified to a user. First, an available recording capacity of a recording medium incorporated in an image processing apparatus and an available recording capacity of a recording medium which is detachable from the image processing apparatus are calculated. Based on the calculated results, the smaller capacity is determined, and an indication with respect to this capacity is displayed.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CPU. When a memory card is attached to the digital camera, the CPU determines as to a format formed on the memory card. If the format is a normal format, the CPU changes the normal format to an optimal format. However, where an image file is already stored in the memory card or a directory for a file other than the image file is formed, the CPU does not change the format.

Abstract: An image capture system comprises a portable computer having a software-implemented subsystem and a connection to a sensor responsive still image digital camera including a control module and a FIFO buffer for storing more than one but less than two data image frames. When the image subsystem reaches a point during reading of a frame from the buffer where it is “safe” for the next image data frame captured by the image sensor to be stored in the buffer, the subsystem issues a “continue” signal, causing the next image data frame to be stored in the buffer. The “continue” signal is only issued if the buffer has sufficient capacity for the next frame to be completely stored. The “continue” signal minimizes frame loss, optimizes memory requirement, and sensibly drops frames when the host computer cannot handle image data at the same rate they are generated.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus consists of an image capture sensor for capturing a current image, a memory bank for storing image data, and a memory controller. The memory bank contains two or more memory units, which store copies of images captured by the sensor. The memory controller stores newly captured images in at least two of the memory units, thus creating one or more backup copies of the image data.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CPU. When a memory card recorded with an additional program is mounted, the CPU detects a size of the additional program, a maximum vacant area formed in a flash memory and a size thereof. The CPU then compares the size of the additional program with the size of the maximum vacant area. If the maximum area is sufficiently large, it is written by the additional program. On the other hand, if the size of the maximum vacant area is not greater than the size of the additional program, the photographed image data recorded following the maximum vacant area is moved, for each cluster, to another vacant area, thereby extending the maximum vacant area.

Abstract: Upon the activation of a system, an activation program that at the least is required for activating an image pickup unit is fetched to a buffer memory and is executed to enable photographing. Thus, when a release button is manipulated, image data obtained by the image pickup unit is stored in the buffer memory, and thereafter the remaining activation programs, including a program for obtaining information associated with a memory card, are fetched to the buffer memory and are executed. Since, prior to other processes such as the acquisition of information associated with the memory card, only the process for activating the image pickup unit is performed to quickly activate the system and enable photographing, the time required for activation from when power is switched on until photographing is enabled is shortened, and the probability that a photo opportunity will be lost is reduced considerably.

Abstract: An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is arranged to receive, as an input, an information signal to temporarily store therein the input information signal and to temporarily store therein management information prepared during a recording of the information signal in the recording medium, thereby recording the temporatily stored information signal and management information in the recording medium. Accordingly, it is possible to record an information signal having a large amount of information in the recording medium without lowering a recording speed and it is also possible to easily reduce the size, weight and cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a circuit for use with a video camera that extends the dynamic range of the camera allowing a limited-range output device to see brighter and darker portions of an image at the same time, and also increasing the low-light sensitivity of the camera, which is of great value in a security application. The circuit of the present invention matches the output dynamic range of a CCD imager to an ADC and subsequent DSP/ASIC by using a logarithmic function to fit a wider input dynamic range onto a narrower output dynamic range.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a main unit including an optical unit for acquiring an image of an object, and a photographing unit for photographing the image acquired by the optical unit as image data by optical-to-electronic conversion; and a replacement unit including an image recording unit for storing the image data photographed by the photographing unit, and a number information storing unit for storing information specifying a number of images stored in said image recording unit, wherein the replacement unit is detachably mounted on the main unit.

Abstract: Useless transmission of image data can be prevented if the free space size of a data storing apparatus is not enough. Image data are recorded in a recording medium and sent to a server via a mobile phone to be stored therein, when the free space size of the recording medium becomes 0. Before transmission, size information regarding the image data S is sent to the server and compared with the free space size in the server. Information representing a result is sent to the mobile phone. The information may indicate the fact that the image data sets can be sent if there is sufficient free space size. Otherwise, the information includes information for carrying out deletion of image data sets stored in the server, for example.

Abstract: The record position information of broadcasts is used to evaluate the blank length from the tape head up to the record start position of the first broadcast. The blank length from the record end position of the broadcast up to the record start position of the next broadcast is evaluated. The blank lengths are compared up to the last broadcast sequentially to detect the longest blank section. The longest blank section is compared with the blank lengths from the record end position of the last broadcast up to the tape end, and the longer one is discriminated to be the blank section of the longest blank length. The maximum available record time which depends on the recording mode is calculated from the longest blank length, and it is displayed. The maximum available record time of the recording medium can readily be detected.

Abstract: In an information recording apparatus, for conducting finalizing process on a removable recording medium with certainty, on which information is recorded in an easy format contained within a portable equipment in real-time manner, wherein the finalizing process is executed (steps 102, 103 and 104) when a predetermined amount of capacity remains in a battery 22, or when an external electric power source is connected to (20), depending upon a disc recording medium 32. Also, providing electric power saving (37) during time-period of this process and means (16) for inhibition of camera operation, for stoppage on a way and for re-recording, realizes the certain finalizing process. Further, a means is provided for conducting that process at high speed. Therefore, the finalizing process can be achieved with stability even in a portable equipment.