Abstract: A CMOS imager is integrated on a single substrate along with logic and support circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager. Integrating a CMOS imager and peripheral circuitry allows for a single chip image sensing device.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus for recording data on a recording medium includes an acceleration detector configured to detect an acceleration which the apparatus is undergoing; a use mode detector configured to detect which one of fixed and non-fixed modes the apparatus is used in; a fall state determination unit configured to determine a fall state of the apparatus by switching fall detection algorithms for detecting a fall of the apparatus on the basis of an acceleration detected by the acceleration detector and the history of acceleration changes in accordance with the detection result by the use mode detector; and a preventive operation controller configured to cause an operation for preventing damage to the recording medium to be performed in accordance with the determination result of the fall state of the apparatus by the fall state determination unit.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture image data of a subject and to store the captured image data in an image-capturing operation; a speed detector configured to detect speed information; and a controller configured to control the image-capturing unit so that, in an automatic image-capturing process that is not based on a shutter operation of a user, a distance moved by the image-capturing apparatus is computed on the basis of information from the speed detector, and the image-capturing operation is performed in response to the fact that a computation result indicating that the image-capturing apparatus has moved a predetermined distance is obtained.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image capture unit, a writing unit, a calculation unit, and a determination unit. The image capture unit captures an image. The writing unit writes the captured image in a recording medium. The calculation unit calculates a number of free clusters in the recording medium. The determination unit determines whether the recording medium has been removed from the image capture apparatus. If the determination unit determines that the recording medium has been removed from the image capture apparatus, a free space in the recording medium is calculated from the calculated number of free clusters. If the determination unit determines that the recording medium has not been removed from the image capture apparatus, the number of free clusters from a predetermined area in the recording medium is acquired and the free space in the recording medium is calculated from the acquired number of free clusters.

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: An image-capturing apparatus is provided having a storage control device, a writing speed measuring device, and a selecting device. The storage control device writes image data into memory devices. The writing speed measuring device measures the writing speed of the memory devices by writing dummy data into the memory devices. The selecting device compares the writing speeds of the memory devices, and selects the memory device having the fastest writing speed. The storage control device stores image data in the selected memory device.

Abstract: An image capture device has a first image transfer method for storing a captured digital image on a storage medium and transferring the digital image to a communication device, and a second image transfer method for storing the digital image on the storage medium, reading the digital image from the storage medium and then transferring the digital image to the communication device. The first image transfer method or the second image transfer method is manually or automatically set.

Abstract: An image capture device provided with a first memory unit, which memorizes position information of non-continuous defective pixels of a solid-state image capture component, and a second memory unit with a higher access rate than the first memory unit, which memorizes position information of continuous defective pixels. When a continuous photography mode or a video photography mode is set, defective pixel correction processing is carried out on image data corresponding to each of defective pixels according to the defective pixel position information stored at the second memory unit. Alternatively, when a still photography mode is set, image data corresponding to all defective pixels is corrected, based on both the defective pixel position information stored at the first memory unit and the defective pixel position information stored at the second memory unit. As a result, it is possible to correct defective pixels with high efficiency in accordance with conditions of photography.

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: 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: An information recording apparatus with a capability of recording information to a plurality of non-contact recording media within a communicable range of the apparatus body, the apparatus including: a medium loading portion into which a non-contact recording medium is removably loaded; a medium detector configured to detect that a non-contact recording medium has been loaded in the medium loading portion; a first antenna for sending and receiving information to and from the non-contact recording medium loaded in the medium loading portion; a second antenna for sending and receiving information to and from the non-contact recording medium removed from the medium loading portion; and antenna switch for switching between the first antenna and the second antenna according to the detection output from the medium detector.

Abstract: A sensed image is saved in a printer in an environment in which a digital camera can directly communicate with a printer, and the sensed image can be directly printed. A printer and a digital camera (DSC) can be directly connected to each other via a USB interface. Upon this direct connection, the digital camera and printer serve as a print system, and the DSC serves as a user interface in that system. When the user inputs a print instruction of a desired image on the DSC, a print process of that image is executed. When the user inputs a save instruction of a given image, that image is saved in a storage device in the printer. Even when the image is erased on the DSC side, original image data can be prevented from being lost.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first part and a second part separable from each other. If the first part and the second part are in a united state, the imaging apparatus stores image data into a storage medium of the first part or a storage medium of the second part. If the first part and the second part are in a separated state, the imaging apparatus stores image data into a storage medium of the first part and transmits the image data stored in its storage medium to the second part.

Abstract: A CMOS imager is integrated on a single substrate along with logic and support circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager. Integrating a CMOS imager and peripheral circuitry allows for a single chip image sensing device.

Abstract: An image processing system including: an image pickup apparatus for picking up an image of a subject; and an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing the image picked up by the image pickup apparatus; wherein the image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit for obtaining an image by image pickup, an image pickup rate controlling unit for controlling an image pickup rate of the image pickup unit, a line reducing unit for removing a plurality of lines from the image obtained by the image pickup, and an image storing unit for storing a reduced image in which the plurality of lines are removed on a storage medium, and the image reproducing apparatus includes an image reading unit for reading the image stored on the storage medium, an up-converter for up-converting the read image, and a reproduction displaying unit for displaying the up-converted image.

Abstract: A method for operating a video system to generate and store encoded video comprising a plurality of key frames and a plurality of delta frames is provided. The method includes capturing video data comprising a plurality of frames of a scene, and selecting a fundamental view of at least a portion of the scene contained in the plurality of frames. The method also includes generating the plurality of key frames from a first subset of the plurality of frames and the fundamental view of at least the portion of the scene, generating the plurality of delta frames from a second subset of the plurality of frames and the plurality of key frames, and transferring the encoded video for delivery to storage.

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: The present invention provides a video reproducing device which provides a function of reproducing a still image file and a moving image file recorded onto a recording medium in plural formats so that a user can easily identify a matched statuses of the files in the video reproducing device and can select and operate a target file as well as a control method therefor. The present invention displays an index screen in which thumbnails of a still image file and a moving image file in plural formats read from a recording medium are arrayed and further displays icons for clarifying a match relation between the video reproducing device and the files.

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: 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: A mobile communication device in a palm-held size housing has a cellular or satellite telephone capable of wireless communication with the Internet and remotely located telephones. The device includes one or more replaceable memory card sockets for receiving a blank memory card for recording data directly from the Internet and, in particular, musical performances that then can be selectively reproduced by the device for the enjoyment of the user, including both audio and visual recordings and reproductions. The device also includes a camera and microphone for recording images and sound within the range of the device that can be wirelessly transmitted, either selectively or automatically to a remote telephone. Further, the device includes sensors for sensing unusual conditions that may also be transmitted to a remote telephone, together with the location of the device as determined by a GPS section of the device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that records image data on a detachable storage medium in a previously set recording format is provided. The apparatus sets the recording format of image data, and determines whether or not a storage medium attached to an attachment unit has a communication function that communicates with a different apparatus than the image processing apparatus. If it is determined that the storage medium has a communication function, and that the recording format of image data that can be transferred by the communication function does not match the recording format that has been set, the apparatus issues a warning.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus includes an operating section having dual functions depending on being in an image capture mode or in a reproduction mode respectively. While one of the recording mode and the reproduction mode is being carried out, in response to start of the other mode, a controlling function of the operating section is switched to the function of the other mode, and in response to the completion of the other mode, the function of the operating section is switched to the function of the one mode.

Abstract: In a recording/reproduction device, a type of recording medium which is currently selected is shown to the user on its small built-in monitor screen in a user-friendly manner and, for more user convenience, a background color of the screen is changed depending on the type of recording medium selected by the user. The user can know the currently selected type of recording medium from the screen's background color so it is possible to identify very quickly the type of recording medium even on a small monitor screen.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software are disclosed for capturing and/or importing and processing media items such as digital images or video (202) associated with a sporting event such as a marathon or bicycle race (FIG. 3). The media items are processed, including bib number or facial recognition if necessary (204, 206, 504), to associate them with an individual participant. Other input sources may include spectator uploads (506), external web sites and media sharing (508) or social networking (510) services. The system (500) aggregates, organizes and generates content, and distributes it (580) via various output channels, which may include event web sites (256), personal feeds (250), and other output channels (260, 254, 252, FIG. 4). Preferably, selected content is associated with at least one individual participant in the event, and that content is automatically distributed to channels that are associated with that individual participant.

Abstract: From a time point at which a storage capacity reaches a certain remaining capacity with respect to a limit value of 4 GB per one file depending on a file system, a subtraction time-managing portion (100A) changes photographing elapsed time display (174) which is displayed on a display picture of a liquid crystal display portion (17) to subtraction time display (178) in which residual time until 4 GB is reached is continuously subtracted in the inside of a portable image pickup device (1). Hence, a photographer can be visually informed of timing at which the photographing blank time period will occur. As a result, the photographer can be previously given the opportunity for the judgment about whether the photographing should be continuously performed or the current photographing should be ended to start new photographing.

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: Systems and methods of receiving image content in a first format and storing converted image content in a second format are disclosed. A method includes receiving image content in a first format from a camera at an interface of a data storage device that includes a controller coupled to a memory. The data storage device emulates a printer via the interface. The image content in the first format is converted to image content in a second format and stored at the memory of the data storage device.

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: 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: A method for providing a film image and an image display apparatus for providing the film image are provided. The method includes determining a scheme of an input image signal; if the input image signal is determined to be an interlaced image signal, converting the input image signal into a progressive image signal to generate a converted progressive image signal and converting a scanning rate the converted progressive image signal to generate an image signal having a selected scanning rate; if the input image signal is determined to be a progressive image signal, converting a scanning rate the input progressive image signal to generate the image signal having the selected scanning rate; and converting a color characteristic of the image signal having the selected scanning rate into an image signal having a color characteristic related to a selected type of a film. Accordingly, a general image can be viewed which has a similar effect to when a film image is projected on a screen.

Abstract: An image format for storing digital images within a baseline DCT compatible bitstream comprises entropy coded image data, a first application marker storing a first data value using a first encoding method to convey a first information value related to the image, and a second application marker storing a second data value using a second encoding method to convey the same said first information value related to the image. More specifically, the first application marker uses TIFF tags within an Exif application marker and the second application marker uses a FlashPix compatible structured storage stream, while the entropy coded data includes restart markers to define tile boundaries within the entropy coded image data.

Abstract: A sensed image is saved in a printer in an environment in which a digital camera can directly communicate with a printer, and the sensed image can be directly printed. A printer and a digital camera (DSC) can be directly connected to each other via a USB interface. Upon this direct connection, the digital camera and printer serve as a print system, and the DSC serves as a user interface in that system. When the user inputs a print instruction of a desired image on the DSC, a print process of that image is executed. When the user inputs a save instruction of a given image, that image is saved in a storage device in the printer. Even when the image is erased on the DSC side, original image data can be prevented from being lost.

Abstract: By connecting to or mounting a first storage medium that stores image data as a retrieval object (e.g. first memory card 121) and a second storage medium that stores a retrieve condition (e.g. non-volatile memory 111 or second memory card 122), an imaging apparatus 100 can store image data as a retrieval object and a retrieve condition on different storage medium. By replacing the first storage medium with a third storage medium, image retrieval can be executed for a plurality of storage medium using the same retrieve condition.

Abstract: In the method of properly deleting music data in a music player or other equipment with audio reproduction function, and a camera with audio reproduction function, unnecessary audio file can be exactly deleted to keep a recording area of image data during image-capturing. The camera is a digital camera for recording electronic image data picked up via a CCD in a memory card. This camera contains an audio decoder circuit that can reproduce a music file stored in the memory card and can output audio from a speaker or a head phone. When the music file is deleted, a part of the file is reproduced to prompt an operator to make a confirmation. Also, when the memory card becomes full in an image-capturing mode, the music file can be reproduced if a photographer depresses a shutter button, thereby prompting the operator to confirm deletion.

Abstract: A secure storage device for securing digital camera data at the acquisition stage. Original digital camera data is saved in the memory of the secure storage device which has the capability of performing one or more security functions, including encryption, creation of an authentication file, adding data to the image data such as fingerprinting, and adding secure annotations such as separate data included in an image-header. The device prepares original authentication data from original digital camera data, and encrypts and stores both the original authentication data and the original image data. The use of the device includes downloading the original image data to a first computer, and encrypted original authentication data to a second computer.

Abstract: Group keys and image group names of image groups to which the owner of a digital camera belongs are transmitted from a server to the digital camera. The image group names are displayed in list form and an image group name is selected from the list. The group key of the selected image group is transmitted from the digital camera to the server. The server sends the digital camera access information for accessing the user computer of another user who belongs to the image group identified by the received group key. The digital camera accesses the user computer based upon the access information and receives the image file desired.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an image capture device is provided. The accessory has a trigger button and an image capture system adapted to capture an image in response to actuation of the trigger button. The accessory also has a body adapted to be detachably connectable to the image capture device with the body including, a holding unit for receiving a removable metadata source having metadata stored therein; a communication interface for communicating with the removable metadata source; and a trigger sensor for generating a trigger signal when the trigger button of said image capture device is depressed. The communication interface obtains metadata from the removable metadata source in response to the trigger signal and stores the metadata in a metadata memory so that the metadata is associated with the captured image.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes (a) a connection unit capable of connecting with a detachable storage medium; (b) a storage unit that stores a program for controlling the image input apparatus; (c) a bus communicably coupled with the storage unit and the connection unit; (d) a container unit adapted to contain the detachable storage medium; (e) a detecting unit adapted to detect whether a cover on the container unit is open; (f) a control unit configured to use the bus to access the detachable storage medium or the storage unit; and (g) a display unit that displays a message notifying a user that the cover is open, if the detecting unit detects that the cover is open. If the detecting unit detects that the cover is open, the control unit disables access from the control unit to the storage unit.

Abstract: An image obtained as a result of an image-taking process carried out at a screen rate higher than a standard screen rate is stored in a recording medium in the contemporary video format. To put it more concretely, the image obtained as a result of an image-taking process is supplied at a first screen rate to first compression/coding means for carrying out a compression/coding process at the first screen rate and image data obtained as a result of the compression/coding process is temporarily stored in temporary storage means. After image data output by the first compression/coding means during a predetermined period of time is stored in the temporary storage means, decompression/decoding means reads out the image data from the temporary storage means at a second screen rate lower than the first screen rate, carries out a decompression/decoding process on the image data and stores a result of the decompression/decoding process in recording means.

Abstract: A secure storage device with the external dimensions of a PCMCIA card, for securing digital camera data at the acquisition stage. Original digital camera data is saved in the memory of the secure storage device which has the capability of performing one or more security functions, including encryption, creation of an authentication file, adding data to the image data such as fingerprinting, and adding secure annotations such as separate data included in an image-header. The device prepares original authentication data from original digital camera data, and encrypts and stores both the original authentication data and the original image data. The use of the device includes downloading the original image data to a first computer, and encrypted original authentication data to a second computer. The second computer can be programmed with software whereby the encrypted original authentication data can be decrypted by a user having a key.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images is provided. The apparatus for capturing images includes a control unit that determines whether an internal memory is available for use, and a process-driving unit that loads background processes.

Abstract: A detachable processing device that is mounted in an image sensing apparatus, integrated, and used by the device includes a logic circuit that can be changed to a plurality of configurations, which implement functions corresponding to a plurality of processes performed by the image sensing apparatus, a memory that stores possible configurations of the logic circuit, and a controller that controls the configuration of the logic circuit on the basis of the logical configurations stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing moving picture signals in the apparatus equipped with a camera.

Abstract: There is provided a storage device including: a wireless communication link to communicate between the storage device and a digital imaging device; a storage medium for storing a digital image from the digital imaging device; where the digital image is wirelessly transferred between digital imaging device and the storage medium in real-time. The storage device enables the real-time storage of a digital image captured from a digital imaging device using a wireless interface. The storage device provides standalone operation without the need for a personal computer. The digital images stored in the storage device can be transmitted to peripheral components either by a wire connection or wireless transmission to such peripheral devices as a printer or directly to a web site for image loading and sharing. There is also provided a method of storing a digital image in a storage device.

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: A digital video camera (10) includes a CPU (52) mounting a multitasking OS. A plurality of frames of YUV data forming a motion image are recorded in a recording medium (50) in a compressed manner under the control of the CPU 52. Here, a plurality of tasks to be executed by the CPU (52) includes an imaging processing task in relation to a compression process of the plurality frames of the YUV data and a BG processing task in relation to a recording process of a plurality of frames of JPEG data. Furthermore, the imaging processing task includes a determining process for periodically determining a recording processing speed of the JPEG data and a changing process for changing a compression ratio of the YUV data on the basis of the determination result.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a digital image processing apparatus that, in response to input button signals generated by a user, selectively reproduces files stored in a plurality of storage mediums. The method includes (a) reproducing a next file after a file currently being reproduced in a storage medium if a first input button signal is generated; (b) reproducing a previous file before the file currently being reproduced in the storage medium if a second input button signal is generated; and (c) reproducing a file in a storage medium different from the storage medium of the file currently being reproduced if a third input button signal is generated.