Abstract: An electronic camera includes a sensor for capturing an image, an electronic image display for displaying the captured image, and a user interface for selectively enabling a quick view feature in which the image display is automatically turned on for a set period of time after an image is captured, and then automatically turned off, in order to quickly review the captured image. The camera further includes a processor for performing processing on the captured image and generating a processed image file therefrom, and a memory for storing the processed image file. When an erase command is provided to the processor, the processing of the image file is terminated and the partially completed image file is deleted from the second memory.

Abstract: Image sensing apparatus having an image sensing element for sensing an object of shooting is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, when a cleaning mode is designated and executed to remove a foreign substance in the neighborhood of and on the image sensing element, the remaining amount of a battery which supplies electric power to the image sensing apparatus is detected by a voltage detector. If the remaining amount of the battery declines to a first predetermined value or less, a warning is issued by a lamp or a sound production unit. Moreover, if the remaining amount of the battery is the first predetermined value or less, a shift to the cleaning mode is prohibited. Furthermore, if the remaining amount of the battery declines to a second predetermined value or less, which is a lower value than the first predetermined value, mirror-down processing is performed so that cleaning operation cannot be executed.

Abstract: A video camera having a power-On recording standby mode, a power-On recording disabled mode, and a power-saving mode, in addition to power-OFF mode. The power-saving mode is a state in which the time taken to shift to said recording standby mode is shorter than the time taken to shift from power-OFF mode. Switching to the power-saving mode is inhibited when recording on the recording medium is not possible, thereby improving the operability of the video camera for the user. The user is prevented from attempting to record during power saving mode.

Abstract: An imaging device comprises an organic EL monitor for displaying an image from an image pick-up device. A controller sets such initial values of at least one of a diaphragm amount, an exposure time, and a gain to values for causing control that the luminance level is increased toward a proper level when a power is turned on. Displaying of a through-image of only white is prevented.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image capture unit, an internal memory, a digital communication unit, a display unit and a control unit. The image capture unit captures an image. The internal memory stores the captured image. The digital communication unit sends the captured image stored in the internal memory to an external device. The control unit (i) selects a low-speed transfer mode if the display unit displays an image, and (ii) selects a high-speed transfer mode if the display unit does not display an image. Both the low-speed transfer mode and the high-speed transfer mode are used for transfer of data between the internal memory and the digital communication unit for transfer of the captured image to the external device.

Abstract: A method of scaling complexity of a video processing system including determining a power saving factor based on an operating parameter and adjusting processing of video information based on the power saving factor to reduce computation complexity. The operating parameter may include available power and/or available processing capacity. A method of complexity scalability for a video processing system using prioritized layered coding including determining a power saving factor based on one or more metrics, such as power capacity and/or available processing capacity, and reducing processing complexity of multiple prioritized coding functions in a predetermined order of priority based on the level of the power saving factor. A video processing system including a power management circuit which determines the power saving factor and a video encoder system which correspondingly adjusts computation complexity.

Abstract: Image sensing apparatus having an image sensing element for sensing an object of shooting is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, when a cleaning mode is designated and executed to remove a foreign substance in the neighborhood of and on the image sensing element, the remaining amount of a battery which supplies electric power to the image sensing apparatus is detected by a voltage detector. If the remaining amount of the battery declines to a first predetermined value or less, a warning is issued by a lamp or a sound production unit. Moreover, if the remaining amount of the battery is the first predetermined value or less, a shift to the cleaning mode is prohibited. Furthermore, if the remaining amount of the battery declines to a second predetermined value or less, which is a lower value than the first predetermined value, mirror-down processing is performed so that cleaning operation cannot be executed.

Abstract: Digital cameras and methods that provide for a rapid camera power-on sequence. A warm-sleep state is defined in which the camera and nearly all of its internal components are shut down, yet just enough information is retained within high speed volatile storage and processing units to rapidly return the camera to full operating state. The warm-sleep state is managed to consume a minimum amount of power to keep the vital information intact. Upon receipt of a power-on indication, the camera then transitions from the warm-sleep state to full operation by simply activating the processing units, and continuing operation from the state it was in immediately prior to the power-off request.

Abstract: An electronic information device which uses a memory card to which a liquid crystal display using liquid crystal with a memory effect is attached. If a command to turn off the electric power source is issued during writing of information on the liquid crystal display, a power-off process is executed after completion of the writing. This electronic information device is adapted, for example, to be used as a digital camera.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A camera includes a columnar camera main body portion having a photographing lens, and a flexible display for displaying an image of an object to be photographed through the photographing lens, in which one end of the flexible display is attached to the camera main body portion, and which is provided so as to be taken-up into the camera main body portion.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an electronic image sensor, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes a full-size image storage storing one or more full-size digital images and a transfer image storage storing one or more corresponding transfer images. During an image capture, the image capturing device captures and stores a full-size image and also stores a transfer image that is a smaller version of the full-size image. The size of the transfer image is predetermined by the user.

Abstract: A camera is made compact with its internal temperature adjusted to a more appropriate temperature. A temperature T is read from a temperature sensor disposed within the camera (S100) and it is judged whether or not the temperature T exceeds a threshold Tref1 (S102). When the temperature T exceeds the threshold Tref1, the operation of the camera is changed to a power-saving mode where the power consumption is lower than in the ordinary mode (S104). The threshold Tref1 is determined to be a rated temperature at which the camera can operate stably or a temperature lower than that. Thus, the temperature in the camera can be made appropriate.

Abstract: A battery property judging circuit measures a voltage of battery before and while a zoom motor is operated respectively. A type of the battery is determined by a voltage change of the battery. A CPU selects either one of a normal operation sequence or a power-saving operation sequence in accordance with the type of battery upon carrying out an operation mode. In the normal operation sequence, whose operation mode is zooming or focusing, the zoom motor and an AF motor are simultaneously driven so as to perform zooming and focusing, whereas in the power-saving operation sequence, zooming first, then focusing is performed.

Abstract: A backup device in case of power failure comprises a device for continuing, when power failure is detected by a power failure detecting circuit during a recording operation, the recording operation by turning a switch on, and a device for turning the switch off when data which have been stored in both memories immediately before power fails and all data composing two blocks to which the data belong have been recorded on a recording medium, to stop the recording operation.

Abstract: When an image is played back on a liquid crystal cell, an auxiliary lamp is turned on. In this way, a displayed image can easily be confirmed. If an image frame forward switch is not turned on after the auxiliary lamp is turned on, the auxiliary lamp is turned off. In this way, unnecessary lighting of the auxiliary lamp can be prevented, and an amount of electric power consumed can be reduced.

Abstract: To display information about an image sensing apparatus on a display when the display is OFF, the display is turned ON for only a predetermined time and displays the information in the image sensing apparatus having an image sensor and the display for displaying an image obtained by the image sensor and information about the status of the image sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A simplified image display control interface provides easy and convenient retrieving and viewing of digital images captured by a digital camera. Two control buttons provide for scrolling backwards or forwards through a plurality of captured images displayed on a display and stored in the digital camera memory. When the oldest captured image has been displayed, subsequent actuation of a control button causes the display to be turned off. When the most recently captured image is displayed, subsequent actuation of another control button causes a live preview to be displayed.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a mode change switch. This mode change switch selects a still image recording mode to record 1 scene of an image signal to a recording medium, and a continuous image recording mode to record a plurality of scenes of continuous image signals to the memory medium. In the still recording mode, an battery remaining capacity goes below 5%, the shutter button is disabled in operation. In the continuous image recording mode, when the battery remaining capacity goes below 25%, the shutter button is disabled in operation. These threshold values are related to a consumed power required for recording the image signal taken in each of the modes.

Abstract: In a camera and method, the electronic image initially made available for viewing, following deactivation and reactivation of a display, depends upon the duration of inactivity and the prior electronic image viewed. In the method, a series of electronic images are sequentially captured and stored in memory in a camera. An image display of the camera is then selectively activated. A default image is shown on the display responsive to the activating. The display is selectively switched to a user selected image following the showing of the default image. The display is deactivated at the end of a display deactivation time period and selectively reactivated following the deactivating. The default image is shown, responsive to the reactivating, when the deactivating is prior to the switching. The user selected image is shown, responsive to the reactivating, when the deactivating follows the switching and the reactivating is during a first time period following the deactivating.

Abstract: A system controller of a digital still camera turns off power supply of an LCD regardless of on/off position of an LCD switch, when the camera is connected to a personal computer and, hence, an LCD is unnecessary. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be reduced, and the camera can be driven for a long period of time even by a battery or cell.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a reflecting/transmitting-type liquid crystal display unit that includes a backlighting device for controlling whether backlighting is turned on or off. The shutter-release button of the camera is provided with a touch sensor. Backlighting is turned on when the touch sensor is touched. Thus, backlighting is turned on only when a subject is photographed, thereby making it possible to conserve power.

Abstract: A previewing system has a remote control that is detachably fixed to an image-capturing device. The remote control comprises a display panel and a control panel. A user can detach the remote control from the image-capturing device and use the control panel of the remote control to remotely control functionality of the image-capturing device. Furthermore, with the display panel, the user can preview an image that the image-capturing device will capture.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery in an electronic camera is charged without additionally providing the camera with a power generating device. When a power-supply switch of the camera is turned off, a diaphragm and a shutter are opened and a taking lens is controlled so as to set focus to infinity. Signal charge that has accumulated in a CCD is output as a charging current, and the rechargeable battery is charged by a power-supply control circuit.

Abstract: A video camera includes a liquid-crystal monitor for displaying an image picked up by the camera, a backlight provided behind the liquid-crystal monitor, a switch for turning on/off a power supply of the camera, and a controller for reducing luminance of the backlight when the power supply has been turned on.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a data processing device includes an imaging unit for outputting a taken picture as image data, a memory for temporarily storing the image data output from the imaging unit every at least one frame, a power source for applying power to the imaging unit and the memory, and a plurality of operation switches. Only when a predetermined operation switch of the operation switches is operated, the device controls so as to apply power to the imaging unit and the memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microdisplay system that utilizes a small high resolution active matrix liquid crystal display with an illumination system and a magnifying optical system to provide a viewfinder in a electronic image record system such as a digital camera or video camera. The matrix display can be transmissive or reflective using sequential lighting. The system can use an alternating common voltage which allows reduced power consumption. In addition an internal heating system in the display allows the system to be used at low temperatures.

Abstract: A camera is made compact with its internal temperature adjusted to a more appropriate temperature. A temperature T is read from a temperature sensor disposed within the camera (S100) and it is judged whether or not the temperature T exceeds a threshold Tref1 (S102). When the temperature T exceeds the threshold Tref1, the operation of the camera is changed to a power-saving mode where the power consumption is lower than in the ordinary mode (S104). The threshold Tref1 is determined to be a rated temperature at which the camera can operate stably or a temperature lower than that. Thus, the temperature in the camera can be made appropriate.

Abstract: An electronic camera that reduces the consumption of electricity when an image is displayed on an LCD and is able to perform other signal processing at a high speed. Image data captured through an imaging unit is stored in an image memory and is then read from the image memory continuously or intermittently to an LCD drive circuit through a signal processing circuit and a video output circuit. While no video signal is applied in the case that the video signal is intermittently read, the LCD drive circuit suspends applying of drive pulses to the LCD and maintains a currently-displayed image on the LCD. On the other hand, while no image data is read from the image memory in the case that the image data is intermittently read from the image memory for the display on the LCD, the image memory can be freely accessed to perform other signal processing such as recording the image data into an external storage medium.

Abstract: A lens cap detection system and method for an image capturing device are provided according to the invention. The lens cap detection system in one embodiment includes a lens apparatus and a lens cap detector that is capable of detecting the presence of a lens cap on the lens apparatus and outputting a signal indicative thereof. The lens cap detection system further includes a processor that communicates with the lens cap detector. The processor generates an alert if the lens cap is detected by the lens cap detector, and does not generate an alert if the lens cap is not detected.

Abstract: The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup device that captures an image of a subject so as to produce an image signal representing the subject, a display device on which a visible image is displayed by the image signal, an optical finder that allows the image of the subject to be observed therethrough, a detecting device that detects a user approaching the optical finder; and a control device that controls an operation of the display device, based on a result of detection of the detecting device.

Abstract: An electronic equipment having the function of displaying the battery residual quantity for displaying the usable residual time of a battery pack used as a power source of the electronic equipment. The equipment is designed to cope with different types or future version of the battery cell. The residual usable time of the battery can be known with improved display accuracy. The video camera 60 carries a battery pack 1 outputting at least the information on the residual battery capacity, charging/discharging current detection information and the battery cell voltage detection information.

Abstract: A battery property judging circuit measures a voltage of battery before and while a zoom motor is operated respectively. A type of the battery is determined by a voltage change of the battery. A CPU selects either one of a normal operation sequence or a power-saving operation sequence in accordance with the type of battery upon carrying out an operation mode. In the normal operation sequence, whose operation mode is zooming or focusing, the zoom motor and an AF motor are simultaneously driven so as to perform zooming and focusing, whereas in the power-saving operation sequence, zooming first, then focusing is performed.

Abstract: A power-saving circuit for a light source of a LCD monitor is disclosed. The power-saving circuit indirectly controls the on-off state of the light source by controlling the the driving circuit of the light source. The power-saving circuit includes a control signal generator and a switching device. The control signal generator produces a low-frequency periodic control signal, the frequency of which is higher than a switching frequency of frames of the monitor. The switching device is coupled between the control signal generator and the driving circuit and used for alternatively controlling the on-off state of the light source by controlling the operation of the driving circuit.

Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus having a screen blanking function for suspending image information displayed on a screen and a screen blanking method using the same are provided. The image reproducing apparatus includes a command applying circuit for applying image blanking execution and cancellation codes, a screen blanking determining circuit for determining whether a screen is to be blanked according to a code provided by the command applying circuit, and a screen power controlling circuit for controlling the power supply provided to the screen according to the determined result of the screen blanking determining circuit.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A system facilitates visual monitoring of a dangerous location. The system includes a stationary camera device (110) and at least one mobile display device (120) corresponding to at least one vehicle. The camera device (110) captures a video image of the dangerous location and transmits video signals representative of the captured video image. The display device (120) receives the video signals from the camera device (110) when the corresponding vehicle is in proximity to the camera device (110) and presents the video signals as a video image of the dangerous location to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an electronic view finder (EVF) for electronically displaying an image of a subject and a movable monitor. The movable monitor is slidable along guide grooves and movable between a first position in which the EVF is covered with the movable monitor and a second position in which the EVF is not covered. By a sensor for position detection, when it is detected that the movable monitor is in the first position, no image is displayed on the EVF but an image is displayed on the movable monitor. When it is detected that the movable monitor is in the second position, no image is displayed on the movable monitor but an image is displayed on the EVF. Consequently, power can be saved, and when the movable monitor is in the first position, adhesion of dusts and dirt onto the display face of the EVF can be decreased.

Abstract: To display information about an image sensing apparatus on a display when the display is OFF, the display is turned ON for only a predetermined time and displays the information in the image sensing apparatus having an image sensor and the display for displaying an image obtained by the image sensor and information about the status of the image sensing apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic camera free from failures of an internal circuit, such as a signal processing portion, caused by a drop in battery voltage when there remains a small amount of electric charge in the battery, includes a signal processing portion for signal-processing an imaged video signal obtained from an imaging element to form image data, a monitor for displaying the image data, an electronic flash device, a battery for supplying current to the signal processing portion, the monitor and the electronic flash device, a battery voltage detector circuit, and a system controller. The electronic flash device includes a capacitor charged when no light is emitted, and a discharged tube receiving an output from the capacitor and emitting light.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus capable of optically correcting blur of an object image by an optical blur correction unit comprises an image sensing unit for converting an optical image of an object into image signals; a display unit for displaying image signals converted by the image sensing unit; a display ON/OFF switch unit for switching between ON/OFF states for displaying the image signals on the display unit when the image sensing apparatus is ON and in an image sensing mode; and a control unit for changing an operational state of the optical blur correction unit depending upon the switching between the ON/OFF states for displaying by the display ON/OFF switch unit.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A system controller of a digital still camera turns off power supply of an LCD regardless of on/off of a LCD switch, when the camera is connected to a personal computer and hence LCD is unnecessary. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be reduced, and the camera can be driven for a long period of time even by a battery or cell.

Abstract: This portable terminal comprises a main unit having a microphone, a key operation unit, and a radio sending/receiving function of image and sound, a rotation axial unit having a video camera and an operation dial, an image display unit with a touch panel capable of displaying an image taken by the video camera, a received image and a screen for input operation, and a flip unit having the image display unit, a CCD camera, a speaker and an operation button. The rotation axial unit further includes an opening/shutting axis for connecting the main unit and the flip unit in a mutually rotatable way and a rotation axis for connecting the flip unit in a way of rotating the flip unit across the above rotation in the horizontal direction, and when the flip unit is opened and rotated across, it is used as a video camera with a monitor.

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether or not the magnification set for image sensing is greater than the upper limit of the optical finder. When the set magnification is greater, the original image is subjected to a thinness process, the LCD is automatically turned ON, and the image is displayed. When using electronic zoom, an image of the photographic object corresponding to the effective image sensing magnification is displayed on the LCD 10, thereby avoiding impairing the compactness of the digital camera allowing easy confirmation of the photographic object, and allowing easy framing without providing a large optical finder.

Abstract: A video signal processing circuit, in which a horizontal synchronizing signal is separated from an input analog video signal by a synchronism separating circuit, whether a “H” period of the horizontal synchronizing signal continues for more than a prespecified period of time or not is checked by a synchronizing signal monitoring counter, and power supply to an A/D converter is controlled thereby according to a result the confirmation.