Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a digital camera system having a digital camera and a computer for transferring pictures of images taken by the digital camera therebetween. The digital camera system includes a card removably and directly coupled, without any intermediary device, between the digital camera and the computer for temporarily storing the images and for transferring the temporarily stored images to the computer for viewing, editing and reproduction thereof.

Abstract: An electronic camera automatically suspends the power supply when an external storage medium is detached, and automatically resumes the power supply when the external storage medium is attached. This eliminates the necessity of operating a power switch when the external storage medium is detached and attached. The power supply to a memory card interface and a memory card is suspended upon detection of the start of the detachment of the memory card while the main switch is ON. This protects the memory card and data therein, and reduces the waste of power in the camera while the memory card is detached from the camera. The power supply is resumed upon detection of the attachment of the memory card to the camera. If a predetermined period has elapsed since the power supply is suspended while the memory card is not attached from the camera, the main switch is automatically turned off.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus capable of mounting a media card 101 having a nonvolatile memory and a communication circuit, when image data of a captured image is transmitted to an external, the image data corresponding to a data length of a packet is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the media card, and the image data is sent to the communication circuit 103 of the media card and divided into a plurality of packets to be transmitted to the external. When transmission of the image data is aborted, the image data still not stored in the nonvolatile memory is stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: An imaging device for receiving an input image and producing two size-adjusted output images. The imaging device includes a detector that captures the input image and outputs the captured input image as image data; a first adjuster for performing image size adjustment using a linear interpolation on the image data to produce a first output image that is displayed and outputted; a second adjuster for performing image size adjustment using a curve interpolation on the image data to produce a second output image that is recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a photographing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus to which the photographing apparatus and a recording medium can be connected. The photographing apparatus includes a controller for executing a program recorded in the recording medium. The image processing apparatus includes a processor for creating a region accessible from the photographing apparatus, and a controller for causing the program to be stored in the region.

Abstract: A capturing and viewing appliance and method are provided for capturing and communicating images to other appliances and devices with communication capabilities. The capturing and viewing appliance includes a processor for manipulating and viewing the images on a built-in display. Program code stored in internal memory includes a menu navigation interface application program which allows the user to use navigation buttons and operational buttons to operate the menu navigation interface in operating the appliance. The menu navigation interface provides a user-friendly interface for operating an appliance or other device through reuse of the navigation buttons and operational buttons in menu activation and deactivation as well as menu item selection.

Abstract: In a camera and method, a plurality of image pairs is captured. Each image pair includes an archival image of a scene and an initial electronic image of the same scene. The archival image of each pair has a first geometric format. The initial electronic images are stored in memory. A designation of a alternative geometric format different than the first geometric format is recorded in association with selected image pairs. The film unit is removed from the camera. The initial electronic images of the selected image pairs are abridged to the respective alternative geometric formats to provide abridged electronic images. The initial electronic images of the selected image pairs are replaced in memory with respective abridged electronic images.

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 digital camera reduces the possibility that a user's release operation is disabled and performs photographing operations at the appropriate times. The digital camera (1) can load a memory card (40a) and a magnetic disk card (40b) as a plurality of recording media, wherein a CPU (17) can independently make accesses to the memory card (40a) and the magnetic disk card (40b). The CPU (17) performs a plurality of tasks in parallel, whereby a captured image is recorded on either one of the memory card (40a) and the magnetic disk card (40b) while predetermined processing is performed on the other. In such a configuration, a captured image which is stored in image memory (21) through a photographing operation can be recorded at an early stage on one of the recording media. This enables continuous photographing and the like even in such a condition that recording on a recording medium which is selected as a subject of recording is not allowed.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a user interface, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes a user-programmable non-volatile memory section that stores one or more non-volatile mode variables. The user interface is capable of receiving a mode input from a user and the processor is capable of overwriting a non-volatile mode variable value in the user-programmable non-volatile memory section in response to the mode input.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging apparatus constructed as follows. The imaging apparatus picks-up a subject image formed by a imaging optical unit, and comprises an image pickup device for photoelectrically converting a subject image, a memory for storing gamma property data of the image pickup device and light quantity distribution data of incident light in accordance with pixel positions on the image pickup device; and a correcting circuit for correcting image signals outputted from each pixel of the image pickup device based on the gamma property data and light quantity distribution data that are stored in the memory. Thereby, a drop in peripheral light quantity can be electrically corrected while reflecting the gamma property of the image pickup device without an increase in noise, whereby a high-quality image accurately reproducing the actual brightness distribution in a shooting range can be obtained.

Abstract: A system for outputting camera-formatted data to a digital camera interface, wherein the camera-formatted data corresponds to application-formatted data from an application program. A print operation for the application program is started. A camera driver corresponding to the digital camera is selected as an output device driver for the print operation. Application-formatted data is printed from the application program to the selected camera driver, and camera-formatted data is formed based on the application-formatted data and according to a digital camera format. The camera-formatted data is output from the camera driver to the digital camera interface.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus uses a plurality of recording media. The image capturing apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting the loading of a first recording medium, and a control unit for switching the operation mode of the image capturing apparatus in accordance with a detection result obtained by the detection unit.

Abstract: The CPU 17 accesses multiple slots 41a and 41b in a digital camera 1 at regular intervals to detect whether or not memory cards 40a and 40b are mounted in the slots 41a and 41b, respectively. Based on whether or not memory cards 40a and 40b are mounted in the slots 41a and 41b, respectively, the CPU 17 selects one slot as the slot to be accessed. There are three modes available as the mode from which to perform this selection, i.e., a fixed mode, a priority mode and a manual operation mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing performance of a high-capacity storage media in a digital imaging device. The method aspect of the present invention includes, storing images on the storage media, where the images include tags for categorizing the images. A category list is generated from the tags in the images and the category list is stored on the storage media. A category within the category list is designated as a default category. The method further includes accessing the image category list in order to display the images, wherein only the images belonging to the default category are displayed, thereby speeding access to, and display of, the images.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD imager which outputs 640 pixels×480 lines of camera signal in a raster scan scheme. The camera signal outputted from the CCD imager is subjected to a predetermined signal processing whereby created are 640 pixels×480 lines of original image data and 80 pixels×60 lines of thumbnail image data. Both the created original image data and thumbnail image data are written to a SDRAM. The writing of the thumbnail image data is performed during a horizontal blanking period of the original image data. As a result, image data writing operation completes within a 1-frame period of time.

Abstract: A CMOS imager and non-volatile memory are integrated on a single substrate along with logic and support circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager. A protective layer covers the non-volatile memory contained on the substrate for blocking light received by the CMOS imager. The protective layer can be a metal layer used as an interconnect over other areas of the substrate or an opaque layer provided during the fabrication process. Integrating a CMOS imager, non-volatile memory and peripheral circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager allows for a single chip image sensing device, such as a digital camera.

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: A system and method for adding at least one function to a digital imaging device is disclosed. The method and system include accessing a remote memory containing information relating to the at least one function. The at least one function utilizes hardware which is not already supported by the digital imaging device. The method and system further include loading the information relating to the at least one function on the digital imaging device so that the at least one function and the hardware can be used by the digital imaging device.

Abstract: A data read/write apparatus records, in a root directory of a recording medium, a file “MEM*****.ind” indicating the type of the recording medium, a directory “DCIM” for storing still image files, a directory “VOICE” for storing voice files, a directory “HIFI” for storing audio files, and a directory “MS******” for storing information inherent to a vendor. The rules are defined as the method for recording data in the recording medium. Hence, an audio-visual apparatus can determine the type of data stored in the loaded recording medium, recognizes the format of data in a non-conforming format, and erases the data in the non-conforming format.

Abstract: An image sensor architecture that accommodates the relative mismatch of bus width between the image sensor, processor, and memory is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a dual-ported memory structure having a relatively wide data port for receiving data from the image sensor and having a relatively narrow data port for communicating data to and from the processor. In one embodiment of the invention, the memory is organized into banks of a specific width. The banks may be accessed sequentially by the processor, such that the bus width is equivalent to the bank width, and the banks may be accessed simultaneously, such that the bus width is equivalent to the combined bank widths. A simple switching means, operating under processor control, reconfigures the memory on the fly.

Abstract: A portable digital image and sound recording device of structural improvement comprising: a main body and a control unit; wherein a transfer interface is installed in or connected with the main body at a proper position for transferring data, a control unit is set inside main body and connected with the transfer interface for transferring the recorded data of main body to external storage device to be stored as backup data.

Abstract: The electronic camera is provided with an image pickup device which picks up an image, an image processing device which outputs the picked up image to a recording medium and at the same time records the image in a memory capable of executing a writing process or reading process with a speed higher than that of the recording medium, and a display device which displays the image. In case of reproducing and displaying the image, the image recorded in the memory is read and displayed on the display device, and therefore it is possible to reproduce and display the image in a short time.

Abstract: Location stamping of digital photos provides a convenient way to subsequently catalogue the photos. However, most digital cameras are not provided with a location discovery mechanism. To overcome this, arrangements are provided for enabling location data to be separately recorded (for example using a cell phone) at the time a photo is taken and then subsequently united with the photo.

Abstract: A system and method for providing help with operating an image capture device is provided. One embodiment comprises a method for providing help with operating an image capture device. The method comprises providing via an interface of the image capture device a menu comprising at least one menu option; providing a sub-menu in response to a selection of one of the menu options, wherein the sub-menu comprises a help option and at least one sub-menu option, the at least one sub-menu option relating to the selected menu option; and providing information regarding at least one of the at least one sub-menu option in response to a selection of the help option.

Abstract: Consumption of power in a digital electronic still-video camera is reduced. Specifically, a digital electronic still-video camera includes a first memory module circuit and a second memory module circuit controlled by a memory module circuit so as to be placed in active and standby states. When one memory module circuit is in the active state, the other memory module circuit is placed in the standby state, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Image data obtained by an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera are sent at an advantageous data rate of a wireless LAN communication network. Image data sets obtained by a digital camera and selected for printing are sent to wireless LAN communication equipment via a wireless LAN communication network. The selected image data sets are temporarily stored in a memory of the wireless LAN communication equipment, and sent to an image server via a wired communication line such as an ADSL. Prints are then generated in a mini-laboratory based on the selected image data sets. In this manner, the selected image data sets can be sent to the wireless LAN communication equipment at a data rate of the wireless LAN communication network, without being affected by a data rate of the wired communication line.

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: In a video conferencing system, digital data representing pixels of a selected scene are stored in a Video accumulator Array Memory cells (VAM), each cell having memory with several register structures and having the capability of processing the digital data to facilitate compression of the digital data. The VAM has the ability to tell the processor information about the temporal nature of the video data without requiring the processor to first read the data and then test the data. In accordance with the present invention, the capability of processing the video data is designed directly in the memory function as they are stored. The memory array, by providing a capacity of temporal processing wherein the digital data in one video frame can be logically interacted with another video frame later in time, can make a significant reduction in the bandwidth required to transmit a video frame.

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 capturing device generates a picture handle for designating a picture file and transmits the picture handle to a picture display device. When an alias corresponding to the picture handle is recorded in a file in a storage medium, the image capturing device transmits the alias. The picture display device displays the received picture handle. By using the picture display device, a user selects a picture handle included in a list and inputs an alias corresponding to the selected picture handle. The input alias is transmitted from the picture display device and is recorded in a file in a storage medium loaded into the image capturing device.

Abstract: Image data obtained through image capturing are held on an internal memory 23. The image data are compressed by a CPU 22, recorded on a memory card 45, and sent by a communications interface 46, a Bluetooth™ transmission module 50, a portable telephone function unit 52 or the like. The CPU 22 is capable of compressing the image data at different compression ratios which are different between recording and sending. In this case, the image data held on the internal memory 23 are compressed at the different compression ratios and recorded in mutually different recording regions of the memory card.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image processing system capable of providing a high-quality pickup image by an arrangement in which white balance control to a pickup image can always be efficiently, properly performed. To achieve this object, a pickup image storing side multi-stores, in a memory removable from an apparatus or system together with an image picked up by an image pickup device having a plurality of color filters, a plurality of control values (values obtained by a generating device) used for white balance control of the pickup image. A pickup image reproducing side reads out the pickup image and the control values from the memory, and performs white balance control to the pickup image on the basis of an arbitrary control value selected from these control values.

Abstract: An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

Abstract: For an image photographed by a digital still camera or the like, color matching cannot be performed because photographing conditions of the image cannot be specified. The effect of a CMS cannot be expected even when one profile is prepared for such an input device as a digital still camera. In this invention, a photographed image and the photographing conditions of the image are input. An input profile closest to the photographing conditions is selected from a plurality of input profiles stored in an external storage. On the basis of the selected input profile, color matching processing is performed on the input image.

Abstract: A self-contained camera device (10) and method for capturing and communicating images via a modem (13). The self-contained camera device (10) comprises an image capturing device (15) and a chassis (11) for receiving a storage module or a modem (13). A removable modem (13) is mountable on the chassis (11) and couplable to the image capturing device (15). The removable modem (13) is replaceable with the storage module.

Abstract: A wireless reception apparatus detects the reception status of a wireless transmitted information signal and counts the time of continuation of a predetermined inferior reception status according to the result of detection. The wireless reception apparatus further terminates the recording operation of a recording unit in case the counted time of continuation reaches a predetermined value. Such control of the recording operation according to the reception status of the received signal allows to suppress the wasted use of the recording medium and to lower the wasted electric power consumption.

Abstract: Image data coded by a variable length coding module is output to an external R/W controller and an internal R/W controller. A determination module compares the amount of coded picture data to be recorded next with the amount of free space on an external recording medium. If there is enough free space, image data is written on the external recording medium. If free space is insufficient, subsequent image data is written into an internal memory. When image data is coded into variable length data, it is difficult to predict precisely a recording time of the external recording medium, which means that the external recording medium may become full before a desired amount of image data is recorded. However, image recording may be continued using the internal memory even after the external recording medium becomes full.

Abstract: A camera is provided which includes an exposure mechanism adapted to expose an image of an object onto film, and an image pickup element adapted to capture a digital image of the object. A memory stores digital image data captured by the image pickup element, and a mode setting switch enables setting of either a digital photographic mode which executes only operations to capture digital images, or a hybrid photographic mode which executes both operations to capture digital images and operations to expose object images onto the film. A CPU controls use of the memory so that in the digital photographic mode, old digital image data stored in the memory is overwritten with new digital image data when there is insufficient free space in the memory.

Abstract: A digital image storage system includes a digital camera having a first terminal for data communication in accordance with a data communication interface standard and an adapter for the digital camera for communicating with the digital camera. The adapter has a second terminal for data communication in accordance with the same data communication interface standard as in the first terminal. The digital image storage system further includes a data storage having a third terminal for data communication in accordance with the same data communication interface standard as in the first terminal. The data storage is capable of communicating with the digital camera by way of the adapter through a connection between the third and the second terminals and also capable of directly communicating with the digital camera through a connection between the third and the first terminals.

Abstract: An electronic still camera comprising a lens, shutter, and exposure control system, a focus and range control circuit, a solid state imaging device incorporating a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) through which an image is focused, a digital control unit through which timing and control of an image for electronic processing is accomplished, an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter circuit to convert the analog picture signals into their digital equivalents, a pixel buffer for collecting a complete row of an image's digital equivalent, a frame buffer for collecting all rows of an image's digital equivalent, and a selectively adjustable digital image compression and decompression algorithm that compresses the size of a digital image and selectively formats the compressed digital image to a compatible format for either the IBM Personal Computer and related architectures or the Apple Macintosh PC architecture as selected by the operator so that the digital image can be directly read into most word processing, desktop publ

Abstract: On the external packing film 124 of the memory card insertion section vicinity of the bottom surface of the digital camera 100, the ROM chip and the print wiring 131 are surface-mounted, and one end of the print wiring 131 is connected to the ROM chip 130, and the other end is connected to the external connecting terminal 132 provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera 100. The identifying information in the ROM chip 130 is read out at the time of the operation of the digital camera 100, and is collated with the identifying information inside the camera, and when it can not be collated or it is not coincident, the power source of the camera is compulsively turned off.

Abstract: A reusable camera is provided. The camera comprises an image processing unit configured to capture images and a memory coupled to the image processing unit. The memory is configured to store a plurality of images to be captured by the image processing unit.

Abstract: When a memory card MC is inserted into a slot, a control circuit of a color printer acquires and analyzes graphics processing control information GC from the memory card MC. A CPU corrects standard values for image quality parameters indicating properties of graphics data, to reflect the graphics processing control information GC. The CPU corrects image quality parameters to bring them into approximation with the corrected standard values, and adjusts image quality of the graphics data to reflect the corrected image quality parameters.