Abstract: An image transmission apparatus (adaptor apparatus) is configured to transmit image data captured by an image pickup apparatus to an output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus is configured to obtain identification information of the image pickup apparatus and type information of the output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus selects a set of parameters corresponding to the identification information of the image pickup apparatus and the type information of the output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus outputs the selected set of parameters to the image pickup apparatus which converts image data into visible image data based on the selected set of parameters. The adaptor apparatus transmits visible image data received from the image pickup apparatus to the output apparatus.

Abstract: The image processing device performs image processing using image data generated by an image generating device, and image generation record information associated with the image data where the image generation record information includes at least operating information about the image generating device at the time of generation of the image data. A picture quality adjuster is able, when the image generation record information includes subject brightness information relating to the brightness of a subject at the time of generation of the image data, to adjust the picture quality of the image data using the subject brightness level derived from the subject brightness information.

Abstract: Whether a digital camera body (1) is in a horizontal shooting attitude (a) or in either of vertical shooting attitudes (b), (c) is detected by using drive means of an image blurring compensation device. In the case where a focus drive means detects that the digital camera body (1) is either in an upward attitude (d) or in a downward attitude (e), a shooting attitude thereof can be inputted. The inputted shooting attitude is recorded together with an image, whereby the image can be displayed in the same orientation as the image at the time of shooting thereof, even if the image is shot either in the upward attitude (e) or in the downward attitude (e).

Abstract: A portable image capture device, program and method for controlling and managing data captured thereby. A device program residing on the portable image capture device generally associates data processing attributes with image files generated for image data captured by the portable image capture device. In some embodiments, the device program associates data processing attributes related to prompts for pre-defined image data with corresponding image files generated in response to the prompts. The device program, and attribute and prompt data therefor are created on a data processing system and are transferrable therefrom to the portable image capture device.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an image recording apparatus comprising: an image recording device which records an extended image file storing a plurality of pieces of image data and a basic file storing at least one piece of image data selected from the pieces of image data stored in the extended image file, the extended image file and the basic file being associated with each other; a determination device which determines whether or not the basic file has been deleted or modified; and a basic file recovery device which recovers the basic file from the extended image file if it is determined that the basic file has been deleted or modified.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a nonvolatile memory storing multiple kinds of parameters, a volatile memory storing temporarily the parameters read out from the nonvolatile memory, a processing part executing a processing using the parameters stored in the volatile memory and a data controlling part reading out the parameters from the nonvolatile memory according to a provided clock and transferring the parameters to the volatile memory, and the imaging apparatus includes a first timing-adjusting part outputting a first clock for reading out a part of the multiple kinds of parameters stored in the nonvolatile memory to the data controlling part, when the imaging apparatus is powered on, and a second timing-adjusting part outputting a second clock for reading out another part of the multiple kinds of parameters stored in the nonvolatile memory to the data controlling part, while the imaging apparatus is preparing for image shooting.

Abstract: An imaging device to which a portable storage medium is attachable, includes: a portable storage medium attachment section which attaches the portable storage medium; an inside storage medium which links image data imaged to information of imaging date and time and stores the data; and a transfer control section which controls a transfer of the image data from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium, the portable storage medium having a data area which stores the image data transferred and a system area which stores management data generated corresponding to the image data stored in the data area, the transfer control section setting time stamp information of the management data generated in the portable storage medium corresponding to the image data transferred from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium as the information of imaging date and time linked to the image data transferred.

Abstract: A digital image capture device having a soft-copy display with improved image visibility under adverse viewing conditions, comprising: an image sensor; an optical system; a soft-copy display; a data storage system storing a plurality of color transforms; an environmental sensing means; and a processor for performing the steps of capturing an input digital image; selecting a preview color transform responsive to a signal from the environmental sensing means, wherein a preview color transform that provides improved image visibility is selected for signals from the environmental sensing means corresponding to adverse viewing conditions; transforming the input digital image using the preview color transform to form a preview image; displaying the preview image on the soft-copy display; and recording the input digital image in a processor-accessible memory without using the preview color transform

Abstract: An image file processing apparatus comprises a first storage unit configured to store an image, a first data creating unit configured to create main image data or sub-image data, a second storage unit configured to store the main image data and the sub-image data as one file, a management region setting unit configured to ensure management information of the sub-image data stored in the same file as the main image data in the second storage unit by a predetermined number and set the management information in a management region of the main image data, and a storage control unit configured to control so as to store the file based upon content set by the management region setting unit.

Abstract: In an endoscope apparatus in which a scope is connected to a processor unit in a freely attachable and detachable way, the endoscope apparatus wherein matrix calculation is conducted for RGB signals formed by using CCD, a color space conversion processing circuit is provided for forming spectral images of the arbitrarily selected wavelength range. CCD characteristics identification information including types of color filters of the CCD and spectral characteristics or scope characteristics information is stored in the ROM of the scope, a plurality of matrix data corresponding to characteristics identification information is stored in the memory of the processor unit, and matrix data corresponding to the obtained characteristics information is read from the memory, thereby forming an excellent spectral image by using data suitable for characteristics of the CCD or the scope.

Abstract: A digital imaging device and methods thereof that will enable the embedding and retrieving of information in digital images are provided. The digital imaging device includes a capture module for capturing an image and creating a digital image file; an input module for inputting information regarding the captured image; and a processing module for associating the inputted information to the digital image file. The device further includes a scanning module for reading a symbology associated with a printed digital image and wherein the processing module is adapted to use the symbology to retrieve the associated information of the digital image file. The device may be embodied as a digital camera, a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.

Abstract: Optical transfer information of an imaging lens is input from the imaging lens, and characteristic information of an image capturing unit of an image capturing apparatus is acquired. The optical transfer information is converted into that, which depends on the characteristics of the image capturing unit, based on the characteristic information. A correction filter, which corrects degradation of an image captured via the imaging lens, is generated based on the optical transfer information which depends on the characteristics of the image capturing unit.

Abstract: Selection candidates for number of imaging pixels and for an image compression rate are displayed in a two-dimensional arrangement on a setting screen for setting an image quality, and combinations of selectable number of image pixels and a compression rate can be presented to a user. An instruction for moving a cursor which displays a selected position on the screen is received, and a setting can be changed to a number of pixels and a compression rate which are pointed by the cursor after a position of the cursor is designated. More specifically, numbers of pixels to be selected are 2400×1800, 1280×960, and 640×480, and compression rates to be selected are Fine, Normal, and Basic. When the user selects the number of pixels, candidates of the selectable compression rate for the number of pixels are displayed.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device which includes a pixel unit having a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix shape and having a mechanism for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal and outputting the resultant signal, a column processing circuit for performing column processing of the signal from the pixel unit, a calculating circuit for calculating a processing result of the column processing circuit, a frame memory unit, an internal interface for connecting the calculating circuit and the frame memory unit, an external interface for connecting an external unit or device and the frame memory unit, and a connection switching circuit for switching a connection of the frame memory unit relative to the internal interface and the external interface.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having a plurality of setting items related to an image pickup condition, the image pickup apparatus including: a setting unit adapted to set respective setting information of the plurality of setting items; a storage unit; a specification mean adapted to specify a registration target item to set a registration target from among the plurality of setting items in accordance with an instruction operation of a user; a registration control unit adapted to register the setting information set by the setting unit regarding the registration target item in the storage unit as a registration image pickup condition; and a generation unit adapted to call the registration image pickup condition from the storage unit in accordance with a call operation of the user to generate a new image pickup condition which reflects the registration image pickup condition.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an imaging operation state acquiring unit that acquires imaging operation state information representing imaging operation states at the time of an imaging operation for a plurality of images that are consecutively generated in a time series, an image processing unit that performs image processing, which is used for generating a synthesized image representing transition in a specific operation of an observed subject included in the plurality of images, based on the acquired imaging state information for the plurality of images, and an image synthesis unit that generates a synthesized image by synthesizing the plurality of images for which the image processing has been performed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an image appended with extra landscape information are disclosed. An image recorder is provided, and having a global-positioning system, an electronic compass, a gyro sensor, and an accelerometer for determining the space information as capturing an image. Under the determination, the space information can include a view angle, a direction, an elevation angle, and a coordinate. The information is used to compare with the content of a database, in order to obtain the landscape information of the image. After that, an image appended with the landscape information is generated. Thereby, the image appended with the landscape information may be used for generating a space map and be a liveview of the recorder.

Abstract: A method including using an optical image stabilization function in an imaging apparatus comprising a lens and an image sensor; acquiring system change information, the system change information concerning changes that affect optical path through the lens to the image sensor during capturing of an image through the lens; adjusting a lens shading correction function on the basis of the acquired system change information; and applying the adjusted lens shading correction function to image data representing the captured image.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the album including user's favorite pictures as main features can be easily provided. The system includes; a image capturing section which captures an image; an image capturing time measuring section which measures the time after setting the image capturing section ready to capture the image and while the user continues to operate the image capturing section to capture the image in each image capturing operation of the image capturing section; a ranking calculating section which ranks the image based on the image capturing time calculated by the image capturing time measuring section; and an output controlling section which displays or prints out the image ranked more highly by the ranking calculating section.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that enables to prevent waste of electric power, memory or the like by selecting image data that is highly significant for image processing from multiple pieces of image data contained in a single file and subjecting the image processing to image data. A reception section receives a file that contains multiple pieces of image data with attribute information added. A determination section determines whether or not a corresponding one of the pieces of image data is to be subjected to image processing based on the attribute information contained in the file received by the reception section.

Abstract: A digital camera 40 transmits to a printer 20 a command for transmitting RAW format compatibility information which is information of a RAW file format directly printable by the printer 20. Upon receipt of the RAW format compatibility information from the printer 20, the digital camera 40 determines, on the basis of the received RAW format compatibility information and the format of a RAW file stored in a flash memory 46 thereof, whether the RAW file can be directly printed by the printer 20. If the RAW file can be directly printed, the digital camera 40 transmits the RAW file to the printer 20. If the RAW file cannot be directly printed, the digital camera 40 transmits to the printer 20 the RAW file and a development enabling parameter which enables analysis of RAW data included in the RAW file as image data. The printer 20 prints the RAW file with the use of the development enabling parameter.

Abstract: An image processor that can get a number of image files resized collectively is provided in order to realize a more user-friendly resizing function. The image processor includes: a control section configured to select a particular set of resizing conditions from a plurality of sets of resizing conditions in accordance with a user's instruction; and an image processing section configured to perform resizing processing on each of a plurality of images in accordance with the selected particular set of resizing conditions. Each set of resizing conditions specifies a plurality of estimated resized image sizes. Each estimated resized image size is associated with a respective image aspect ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, receiving predetermined data in the form of a card image, the card image read from a card by a card reader, rotating the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the card reader, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager.

Abstract: A internet based method and apparatus is described for automatically processing a captured digital image taken by a smart device at a fixed-location, mobile or virtual event, and synchronizing the combination of that captured primary image with a secondary image, be it a picture frame, or a watermark to create a combined media image. If desired, the combined image may also contain an audio file. Once combined, the image may be stored for later viewing, and/or automatically returned to the user of the smart device or the PC of the user who captured the primary image, forwarded to an online print service website, posted to a photo sharing website, and/or forwarded to a distribution list. The automated post processing of said captured images is handled by a process engine hosted at an Application Provider's website, the process engine containing instructions for the media combining and metadata tagging of said images.

Abstract: According to a method of managing photographing conditions for an image sensing apparatus, one of images photographed by the image sensing apparatus is selected. The selected image, photographing conditions such as the exposure value and shutter speed in photographing the image, and a separately input photographing status such as the photographing place are stored in association with each other.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a subject, a recording unit configured to record one of still image data and video image data captured by the image capturing unit on a storage medium in the form of an image file, a generating unit configured to generate a management file used for managing the image file recorded on the storage medium, and a registering unit configured to register an identifier of the image file recorded on the storage medium in the management file on a capture date basis in the order of capture time.

Abstract: An image processing device capable of executing adjustment of image quality of image data includes a feature amount obtainment unit which obtains an amount of feature indicative of a feature of image quality of the image data, a correction amount obtainment unit which obtains an amount of correction for adjusting the feature amount of the image data to a predetermined target value, and an image quality evaluation unit which evaluates an image quality based on the correction amount.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus includes a plurality of image processing circuits, a memory having real address space, a memory management unit that performs virtual memory control, and a CPU that controls the image processing circuits. Each image processing circuit has a function of specified data processing, and writes/reads data to/from the memory in virtual address space. The memory management unit has corresponding information for managing correspondence between specified data unit region (virtual page) in virtual address space, and specified data unit region (real page) in real address space, and deletes the correspondence between virtual page and real page concerning the read data in the corresponding information when the image processing circuit completes the read operation of the data in specified data unit from the memory.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus provides improved expressive capability during presentations. Image, sound, memo information and other related input data that are recorded in an electronic camera are set to be reproduced in a predetermined order. When reproducing information that is set, images are displayed on a liquid crystal display that is part of an electronic camera and, in addition, similar images can be displayed on a separate monitor connected to the electronic camera. If it is desired to provide supplementary information during a presentation with the electronic camera, such supplementary information may be overlaid on any arbitrary section of the image being displayed using a pen type pointing device, for example. Furthermore, the supplementary overlaid information may be erased independently from other recorded information as needed because the supplementary information is stored in a different area of memory from the image and memo information.

Abstract: A moving image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit adapted to acquire moving image data captured with an image capturing unit and image capturing information of the image capturing unit associated with each image frame constituting the moving image data; and an addition unit adapted to add marker information for performing display control of a marker display to the moving image data, in association with an image frame that has been designated from the moving image data.

Abstract: A mobile video terminal includes a video camera to supply video signals; processing logic to selectively encode the video signals from the video camera at different quality levels; a memory to store the video signals encoded by the processing logic; and a power supply to supply power for the mobile video terminal, where the processing logic is further configured to automatically alter the encoding of the video signals from the video camera based on a condition of at least one of the memory, the power supply, or the processing logic.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus is disclosed which includes: an acquiring device which, apart from a first picture sequence picked up for reproduction purposes, acquires a second picture sequence picked up in synchronism with the first picture sequence, the second picture sequence being made up of pictures wider in angle than those constituting the first picture sequence; a calculating device operable to calculate degrees of similarity between scenes each made up of a predetermined number of consecutive pictures included in the second picture sequence; and a linking device which, after appropriating the degrees of similarity calculated by the calculating device for the degrees of similarity between the corresponding scenes in the first picture sequence, links together those of the corresponding scenes which have high degrees of similarity in the first picture sequence.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus that facilitates determining whether image data is representing a 2D image or a 3D image and determining a type of image data, is provided. When image data is obtained, the electronic apparatus memorizes, in addition to the image data and a filename thereof, a dimension of an image represented by the image data and a type of the image data as an attribute thereof. The electronic apparatus also creates from the image data and memorizes image data representing a thumbnail image, and displays the thumbnail images arranged in a list view so that a content of the image represented by the image data is easily recognized. It is also possible to provide the thumbnail image data representing a 3D image.

Abstract: A media data security system for rendering a secure media data file, having associated authentication data, for output comprises a data preparation unit operable with respect to a version of the media data file, having user controls for generating a list of desired render operations to be applied to the media data file; and a secure data reproducer arranged to receive the list of desired render operations from the data preparation unit and to render the secure media data file for output on the basis of the list of render operations, the secure data reproducer comprising: a data authenticator for detecting the authenticity of the secure media data file using the authentication data; and a data reproducer operable, if the data authenticator detects that the input data is authentic, to perform the list of desired render operations with respect to the secure media data file.

Abstract: It is an object of an identification apparatus of the present invention to realize a face identification in such a way that a system user does not worry that other people take a glance at a user's own face image when the user gets the face image for use in face identification. An identification apparatus of the present invention includes a capturing device 22 for capturing an image, a face template database 254 for storing various images, an alternative image generation controlling portion 251 for specifying a first area, which contains at least a part of a face, out of the image captured by the capturing portion and then replacing the first area of the image captured by the capturing portion with an image stored in the face template database 254, and a displaying device 23 for displaying an image generated by the alternative image generation controlling portion 251.

Abstract: A constant amount of new portion of image data as still images is always stored on a memory in an image taking operation. In response to a shutter release operation, the image data stored on the memory is recorded onto a recording medium. A next new portion of the image data generated subsequent to the shutter release operation is then recorded on the recording medium. A predetermined pixel count, smaller than a standard pixel count set in the image data subsequent to the shutter release operation, is set in the image data prior to the shutter release operation. Process time for multi-shot operation is shortened in order to prevent photo opportunity missing. The pixel count in the image data subsequent to the shutter release operation remains unchanged so that the image data of high image quality is acquired.

Abstract: A content shooting apparatus is provided, in which thresholds for generating metadata concerning shot images can be calibrated in accordance with shooting conditions. In a content shooting apparatus (Acc) for converting content data (Dc) into a stream (AV) and recording the stream (AV) to a recording medium (214) in combination with content-related metadata (Dm), a camera (101) shoots a subject (105) and generates the content data (Dc), a camerawork statistics portion (206s) detects movement (?) of the camera, a camera microcomputer (206) compares the detected movement (?) with a predetermined value (Th) to generate the metadata (Dm), and an automatic threshold setting portion (206t) changes the predetermined value (Th) in accordance with the detected movement (?).

Abstract: A digital camera including a layout inputting unit that inputs a layout in drawing a digital image, an internal memory stored with the inputted layout, a selection receiving unit (S400) that receives selection of the layout stored in the internal memory, an object image outputting unit (S410, S420) that outputs the digital image outputted by the converting unit to a removable memory by being related to the layout selected by the selection receiving unit, and a layout unit (S440) that outputs the layout stored in the internal memory in the removable memory stored with the digital image by the object image outputting unit.

Abstract: When image data is transmitted from a digital camera (DSC) to a PD printer apparatus and printed, the PD printer apparatus transmits its Capability to the DSC. The DSC restricts the setting items of a UI screen displayed on the display to functions of the PD printer apparatus in accordance with Capability, and displays the items.

Abstract: In response to the user's short press of one preset button, a video camera according to one aspect of the invention reads out preset values stored in an EEPROM and adjusts the pan position, the tilt position, the position of a zoom lens, the position of a focus lens based on the read-out preset values. A movable range of the focus lens is restricted to a specific limited range between a closer direction end and a background position as a previously focused position. Hill-climbing control is then performed in this restricted movable range. This arrangement effectively ensures quick adjustment of the focus position of the video camera.

Abstract: Methods of capturing image pixel data representing a scene may be practiced using a camera and may be implemented as software, such as an application program executing within the camera. The methods are particularly advantageous where user modification to the camera control parameters leads to a difference between the values of the pre-capture control parameters for the camera when compared to the pre-capture control parameters that the camera would determine in fully automatic mode. The measured difference may be compared to one or more predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a recording and reproduction unit configured to record a serial moving image signal generated by the imaging unit as one cut on a recording medium during a period from an instruction to start photographing to an instruction to stop photographing, and to reproduce a moving image signal recorded on the recording medium, a mode setting unit configured to selectively setting one of a reproduction mode for reproducing a moving image signal recorded on the recording medium and a recording mode for recording a moving image signal on the recording medium, and a control unit configured to, responsive to an instruction to start reproduction in the reproduction mode, control the recording and reproduction unit to reproduce a moving image signal starting with a cut recorded first among a plurality of cuts recorded within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A digital camera can employ logic to delay capturing a still image after a person has operated the control button until such time as predetermined subject criteria are met, e.g., the subject is smiling with eyes open, three or more players are in the field of view to ensure a good action shot, etc.

Abstract: In an image sensing apparatus, the color value of a conversion destination is acquired from a code image included in the image data captured by an image sensing unit. A frame is displayed on an electronic viewfinder screen, which is displayed based on the image data output from an image processing unit in the image sensing apparatus. The color value of a conversion target is determined based on color information included in the frame of an image displayed on the electronic viewfinder screen in response to a predetermined operation input. Color conversion parameters of the image processing unit are determined so as to convert colors within a predetermined range including the color value of the conversion target into colors within a predetermined range including the color value of the conversion destination on a color space.

Abstract: An automatic white balance system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a color separation and synchronization unit which has a line memory for generating a white-balance-adjusted YUV signal, a color judgment unit which judges whether or not a white balance adjustment is needed, a white balance adjustment gain computation unit which calculates a white balance adjustment gain on the basis of the result of the judgment at the color judgment unit and the white-balance-adjusted YUV signal, a reciprocal computation unit which outputs the reciprocal transformation value of the white balance adjustment gain, and a second multiplier which multiplies the white-balance-adjusted YUV signal by the reciprocal transformation value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for recording and reproducing an image, comprises: a recording unit that records the image; a search unit that searches file data recorded in the recording unit when the apparatus is started; an operation unit that designates a predetermined operation to the apparatus; and a control unit that enables acceptance of an operation upon designation of the operation by said operation unit during a search of said search unit, even before the search is completed.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an image capturing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus is configured to capture an image including an object, to obtain status information of the object, and to record the image and the status information of the object. The image processing apparatus is configured to specify details of a modification to be applied to the image according to the recorded image and status information of the object, to set setting information for modifying the image on the basis of the details of the modification, to extract a feature value from the image, and to record the setting information in a setting-information recording medium in association with the extracted feature value of the image.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for continuous image capturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes continuously capturing a sequence of images with an image capturing device. The method may further include storing a predetermined number of the sequence of images in a buffer. The method may further include receiving a user request to capture an image. In response to the user request, the method may further include automatically selecting one of the buffered images based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images. The sequence of images is captured prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing a digital camera image capture rate comprises an imaging device for capturing raw image data, a frame buffer for receiving the image data, a first RAM spooler for transferring the raw image data to a RAM disk, a first flash spooler for transferring the raw image data from the RAM disk to a flash memory, an image processor for processing and compressing the raw data, a second RAM spooler for storing the compressed image data into the RAM disk, and a second flash spooler for transferring the compressed image data from the RAM disk to the flash memory.