Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture circuit, a control unit, a determination unit, and a filter control unit. The image capture circuit is configured to capture an image formed by an image capture optical system. The control unit is configured to control exposure by determining an exposure time of each of pixel groups including one or more pixels on an image capture surface of the image capture circuit. The determination unit is configured to, on a basis of the exposure time, determine whether an image capture mode is to be a first mode in which a filter configured to attenuate infrared rays is inserted in an optical path of the image capture optical system or a second mode in which the filter is removed from the optical path. The filter control unit is configured to control insertion and removal of the filter.

Abstract: A method for providing notifications is provided. The method includes a tangible user interface (TUI) element the receives an input from a computing device coupled to the TUI element. The input is indicative of an outcome corresponding to a functionality of an application on the computing device. Based on the outcome, the TUI element determines at least one illumination pattern from a plurality of pre-stored illumination patterns. Thereafter, the TUI element generates an output based on the at least one determined illumination pattern.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises a unit which accepts a switching operation of switching a display mode, a display switching unit which switches, in response to the switching operation, to a next display mode in a predetermined order from a plurality of display modes including a first display mode wherein a live view image is displayed on a display unit, a second display mode, different from the first mode, wherein a live view image is displayed, and a third display mode wherein no live view image is displayed, a unit which accepts a shooting preparation instruction, and a unit which controls, upon accepting the shooting preparation instruction when the display mode is the third display mode, to switch the display mode from the third display mode to the second display mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle (1) for actuating a device such as a video camera. The handle includes indentations (3) for accommodating the fingers of the user. An adjustment system (5, 7, 8, 9, 11) enables the width (11, 12, 13, 14) of at least a portion of said indentations to be modified in order to adapt it to the width of the user's fingers.

Abstract: An electronic camera including an electronic imaging sensor providing an output representing an imaged field, a first imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for taking a picture of a scene in the imaged field, a second imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for data entry responsive to user hand activity and a user-operated imaging functionality selection switch operative to enable a user to select operation in one of the first and second imaging functionalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using a mobile device camera, and particularly to implementing the camera rapidly and easily. The method according to the invention for triggering a mobile device camera (322) includes a predetermined key sequence for triggering the camera (322), so that as a response to feeding a predetermined key sequence, the camera is triggered (105, 205) irrespective of the current mode of the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera system, which can simplify an ordering procedure. An IC memory comprising a contactless interface is mounted on a camera, or an image recording medium, such as memory card or film. In a case where a customer has carried the camera to a photo lab, image data is read out of the memory card or is acquired by reading the developed film, by an image data acquisition component. Moreover, individual information, order information, account information, and the like, are read out of the IC memory over wireless communication by a reader and writer and are affixed to the image data, whereupon the resulting image data is stored in a database.

Abstract: Provided is a photographing parameter setting system including: a photographing device which photographs an image; and a photographing information providing device which provides photographing information for specifying predetermined photographing parameter values to the photographing device, wherein the photographing information providing device includes: a photographing information storage unit which stores photographing information corresponding to a photographing opportunity defined by a temporal range and a geographic range; and a photographing information transmission unit which transmits the photographing information stored in the photographing information storage unit, and wherein the photographing device includes: a photographing information reception unit which receives the photographing information transmitted from the photographing information transmission unit; and a photographing parameter setting unit which sets the predetermined photographing parameter values used for photographing at the phot

Abstract: The lens apparatus diagnostic system, the diagnostic program, the record medium, the lens diagnostic system and the controller diagnostic system have the effects of, by connecting a personal computer to a TV lens and having a diagnosis of the TV lens performed by the personal computer performing communication with the TV lens, implementing the diagnosis of the TV lens with an inexpensive system without necessity of providing a dedicated substrate for self-diagnosis to the TV lens and also capable of the diagnosis of an ENG lens. The personal computer is connected to the lens by an RS232C interface, and a program of an FIND system preinstalled on the personal computer is started. The FIND system allows a diagnostic mode for performing the diagnosis of the lens, a personal computer control mode for controlling the lens and so on to be selected, and the diagnosis of the lens is performed by the personal computer by selecting the diagnostic mode.

Abstract: A camera mount includes a hosting device including a flat surface for mounting a camera including a user interface. A first connector is located on the flat surface such that the first connector mates to a complementary connector located on the camera. The user interface of the camera also functions as the user interface of the hosting device.

Abstract: A method for automatically organizing digitized photographic images into events based on spoken annotations comprises the steps of: providing natural-language text based on spoken annotations corresponding to at least some of the photographic images; extracting predetermined information from the natural-language text that characterizes the annotations of the images; segmenting the images into events by examining each annotation for the presence of certain categories of information which are indicative of a boundary between events; and identifying each event by assembling the categories of information into event descriptions. The invention further comprises the step of summarizing each event by selecting and arranging the event descriptions in a suitable manner, such as in a photographic album.

Abstract: A CPU judges whether a current operating state of a camera corresponds to an in-service state of a lens barrel or an in-service state of a self-timer, and performs light emission control over a front display LED or a rear display LED by controlling an LED drive circuit. The front display LED or the rear display LED is constituted by integrating LED chips having a plurality of types of colors. Therefore, the front display LED and the rear display LED can emit the light in a plurality of different colors by using one light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for adding captions to photographs. An apparatus for adding captions to photographs includes a medium for storing a photograph image. A microphone is provided for receiving user spoken words. A voice recognition system is coupled to the microphone for generating text unit instructions. A caption generation unit is coupled to the voice recognition system for storing a caption with the photograph image on said medium. Both a film camera system and a digital camera system are used for adding captions to photographs. In the film camera system, the caption is simultaneously stored with the photograph image on photographic film. In the digital camera system, the caption can be simultaneously stored with the photograph image on digital storage medium or can be added at an earlier time or a later time.

Abstract: A camera includes a power supply, a microcontroller having a timer, and a multimode power button capable of being actuated for an actuation time. When the camera is off and the button is actuated, the microcontroller turns the camera on. When the camera is on and the button is actuated so the actuation time is shorter than a threshold time, the microcontroller changes a mode of the camera. And when the camera is on and the button is actuated so the actuation time is not shorter than the threshold time, the microcontroller turns the camera off.

Abstract: A stand facilitates and supports the use of digital cameras including digital video cameras in performing an equivalent function to a scanner in recording digital images which may be downloaded to a computer. The stand incorporates means for automatically configuring the camera into a mode of operation for document image capture on placing said camera into said stand. Said stand is adjustable in height and includes hinge sections 201 to appropriately position said camera for use in capturing an image of a document.

Abstract: A camera of the kind using a cartridge with the cartridge accommodated inside a cartridge chamber is required to ensure that the lid of the cartridge chamber is openable only when film has been rewound into the cartridge. To meet this requirement, there is a known method for unlocking the cartridge chamber lid only when the film has been rewound. However, in the event of some accident, it might become impossible to rewind the film to make the cartridge chamber lid no longer unlockable. To solve this problem, a camera according to the invention disclosed is arranged to make the cartridge chamber lid unlockable in response to a specific operation performed differently from an ordinary photo-taking operation.

Abstract: A camera operating apparatus for operating at least one camera unit at an operation speed which is to be changed by an operator, comprises a retainer having an operation surface, a joystick mounted on the retainer and having a center axis, the joystick being pivotable at an inclination angle between the center axes of the joystick positioned at first and second angular positions, angle signal inputting means for inputting an angle signal indicative of the inclination angle of the joystick, a plurality of keys each operatively arranged on the retainer to perform a key-pushed action and a key-released action, each of the keys being operative to input a speed signal indicative of the key-pushed action thereof, the keys including a specified key selected for the operation speed of the camera unit desired by the operator, information recording means for recording specific relevant information between the angle signal inputted from the angle signal inputting means and the speed signal inputted from the specified ke

Abstract: A camera mount includes a body including a flat surface for mounting a camera. A hollow post is located on the flat surface and sized to fit within a mounting hole of the camera. A trigger device for raising and lowering a first connector is located within the hollow post. The first connector mates with a complimentary connector located within the mounting hole of the camera and a second connector is located on the body for connecting to a cable. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector.

Abstract: A camera comprises a photographing data memory for storing data determined for each photographing at the time of photographing, a setting memory for determining whether to store the photographing data or not, a remaining memory capacity discriminator for outputting a first signal when a memory area to store the photographing data is present and outputting a second signal when the memory area to store the photographing data is exhausted. When the second signal is outputted, an alarm is displayed or a release operation is inhibited. In accordance with another aspect, the camera may comprise an inhibit circuit for comparing a memory capacity necessary to store the photographing data and a film end mark with a remaining memory capacity and inhibiting the storing of the photographing data when the remaining memory capacity is smaller than the required memory capacity.

Abstract: A data-imprinting apparatus for preventing the imprinting of incorrect dates in a lens-equipped film unit that lacks a monitor display unit for the confirmation of the date display. The lens-equipped film unit 1 contains a built-in data module 27 that lacks an external display unit that allows the confirmation of the date display from the outside. The data module 27 contains a transmission-type liquid crystal display unit 45 that automatically updates and displays dates based upon a pre-stored calendar. In the liquid crystal display unit 45, external light enters from the light collection window 15 on the front cover 12, thus creating a beam of data light. The data light, acting in concert with the shutter release operation, is guided into a dark box. The image-forming optical system that is provided in the dark box forms an image of the data light on a part of the photographic film.

Abstract: A camera operating apparatus for operating at least one camera unit at an operation speed which is to be changed by an operator, comprises a retainer having an operation surface, a joystick mounted on the retainer and having a center axis, the joystick being pivotable at an inclination angle between the center axes of the joystick positioned at first and second angular positions, angle signal inputting means for inputting an angle signal indicative of the inclination angle of the joystick, a plurality of keys each operatively arranged on the retainer to perform a key-pushed action and a key-released action, each of the keys being operative to input a speed signal indicative of the key-pushed action thereof, the keys including a specified key selected for the operation speed of the camera unit desired by the operator, information recording means for recording specific relevant information between the angle signal inputted from the angle signal inputting means and the speed signal inputted from the specified ke

Abstract: A camera system includes a taking lens and a lens cover type of operation card. The operation card incorporates a function of operating the camera system and covers the taking lens when attached to a front of the camera. The operation card may also be attached to another surface of the camera, and may be entirely detached from the camera and used as a remote control device.

Abstract: A camera of the kind using a cartridge with the cartridge accommodated inside a cartridge chamber is required to ensure that the lid of the cartridge chamber is openable only when film has been rewound into the cartridge. To meet this requirement, there is a known method for unlocking the cartridge chamber lid only when the film has been rewound. However, in the event of some accident, it might become impossible to rewind the film to make the cartridge chamber lid no longer unlockable. To solve this problem, a camera according to the invention disclosed is arranged to make the cartridge chamber lid unlockable in response to a specific operation performed differently from an ordinary photo-taking operation.

Abstract: In order to match up individual recordings in a sequence (150) of recordings with corresponding items in a sequence (151) of separately-stored auxiliary data items concerning those recordings, both the recordings and auxiliary data are time-stamped, though from different clocks. The process of subsequently matching up the recordings and auxiliary data involves matching the pattern of timestamps.

Abstract: An apparatus having a film-cartridge-ID confirming funtion which is adapted to a film cartridge with an information recording portion includes a reading device that reads ID information for identifying the film cartridge from the information recording portion, an input device that inputs information from the outside, and an operation control device that performs an operation corresponding to whether or not the ID information read by the reading device and the information input to the input device is in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: In a camera system, if software is rewritten in accordance with the change in hardware structure, compatibility between the hardware and the software is determined, thereby avoiding a problem, such as an inoperable condition or a breakdown of a component. The camera system includes a camera body operated in accordance with programs stored in a program storage circuit and a peripheral for rewriting at least a part of the programs. The camera body comprises a data storage circuit which stores structure data of the camera. The peripheral comprises a communication circuit for receiving the structure data of the camera and a control circuit for determining whether the programs should be rewritten based on the structure data.

Abstract: In a camera which mounts a microcomputer with an internal flash memory, it is impossible to arbitrarily rewrite the contents of all program areas in the flash memory. In this invention, the flash memory is divided into a plurality of banks, and one bank holds a control program for altering the contents of the flash memory. Upon rewriting contents of this bank, the control program held in that bank is copied to the other bank, and the contents of that bank are rewritten under the control of the control program on the other bank.

Abstract: A panoramic camera has a camera housing rotatable about an axis of rotation that defines a viewpoint which points along a radial optical path that object rays traverse as the camera is rotated about its axis; a lens assembly having an optical path and a front nodal point mounted for rotation with the camera housing with the optical path of the lens offset from the radial optical path; a specular assembly including an object specular member along the radial optical path mounted for rotation with the housing that cooperates with the lens assembly for gathering object rays that traverse the radial optical path and for deviating them along the optical path of the lens assembly in such a way that the front nodal point of the lens subassembly virtually appears to lie on the axis of rotation thereby eliminating image smearing; and has different ambient light responsive controller embodiments operative either to continuously vary or to preset exposure, or to base exposure on a control sinewave whose phase is obtained

Abstract: A data transfer device comprises a camera body provided with a lens mount, to which an interchangeable lens can be attached, and a printer having a connector. The lens mount is attached to the connector, so that the camera body is connected to the printer. A lens control pin provided on the lens mount is electrically connected to a data transfer pin provided on the connector. Image data obtained by a photographing operation of the camera is transferred to the printer through the lens control pin and the data transfer pin.

Abstract: A camera includes a recording device which records image information and character information on a recording medium, a receiving device provided for the Global Positioning System, and a setting circuit which sets a language of the character information on the basis of position information obtained by the receiving device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first non-volatile memory for storing a control program for controlling an operation of the electronic device, and a second non-volatile memory for storing at least one modifying program for modifying the control program. The second non-volatile memory also stores modification information related to a modification of the control program. At least one predetermined portion of the control program can call a software modification management routine. The modification information is then read and the electronic device determines whether a modifying program to be executed is present in accordance with the modification information and address information, which indicates a current operating position of the control program, in response to the calling of the software modification management routine. The control program and the modifying program are then executed if the electronic device determines that the modifying program is present.

Abstract: A photographic and data communication system includes a camera used with a magnetic communication system in which information is stored on a magnetic medium external to the camera. The camera includes means for capturing an image, a magnetic read section for reading a magnetic signal from the magnetic medium, and a recording section for storing the magnetic signal in association with the image. More specifically, the camera is capable of receiving digital data through a magnetic recording head and saving received data along with the captured image. In case of a digital camera this extra information is stored in solid state memory on the camera. In case of a camera utilizing a film with magnetic tracks or regions, the received data is stored on the magnetic portion of the film. In case of a camera using regular film, the received information is stored on the camera in solid state memory to be downloaded later on.

Abstract: Apparatus (10; 800) is disclosed for loading a camera (106) of a type including an external housing (320) having at least one movable closure (322, 324) which, in an open position of the closure, enables a discrete filmstrip (332) to be loaded from an exterior of the camera into the camera; the camera further including a memory feature (344) for storing and communicating information, the apparatus including a frame (40-50); a station (14, 138, 142; 804) to support a camera to be loaded; a source (150, 168) supported by the frame for unexposed photographic film; a film loading member (522) supported by the frame and extended between the source and the station for guiding film from the source to a camera; a mechanism (176, 246, 248) for driving film from the source, via the film loading member, and to a camera; a customer interface (18-30) supported by the frame for inputting at least one signal about a desired manner of photo-finishing; and means (212, 348) responsive to the at least one signal for communicati

Abstract: A CPU in a one-chip microcomputer executes a control operation in accordance with program data stored in part of a flash memory capable of erasing/writing data in each memory block defined in the flash memory. A write controller writes data in a specific block in the flash memory. A plurality of adjustment values for correcting variations between products which the system is to be used are written in a specific block of the flash memory after the adjustment values are determined. A control program for rewriting data stored in the flash memory is written before the one-chip microcomputer is incorporated in the system. After the one-chip microcomputer is incorporated in the system, data is written in the flash memory through the write controller. In addition, the circuit configuration of the system is stored in part of the flash memory.

Abstract: A data transmitting device provided in an electro-developing type camera using a recording medium which electronically develops an image formed by a photographing optical system. A photographing optical system and an interface unit can be selectively attached to a lens mount of the camera body. The lens mount is provided with control data contact terminals and image data contact terminals. The control data contact terminals are used for transmitting first control data including lens information of the photographing optical system to the camera body, and for transmitting second control data between the camera body and the interface unit. The image data contact terminals are used for transmitting image data obtained by the electro-developing recording medium to the interface unit. The interface unit has an output terminal which can be connected to an external computer.

Abstract: A CPU in a one-chip microcomputer executes a control operation in accordance with program data stored in part of a flash memory capable of erasing/writing data in each memory block defined in the flash memory. A write controller writes data in a specific block in the flash memory. A plurality of adjustment values for correcting variations between products in which the system is to be used are written in a specific block of the flash memory after the adjustment values are determined. A control program for rewriting data stored in the flash memory is written before the one-chip microcomputer is incorporated in the system. After the one-chip microcomputer is incorporated in the system, data is written in the flash memory through the write controller. In addition, the circuit configuration of the system is stored in part of the flash memory.

Abstract: The camera system comprises a camera and an external device. The camera includes a microcomputer, a write control circuit for receiving replacement data from the external device and writing the replacement data into a replacement program memory of the microcomputer, and an interface circuit for controlling a camera element in accordance with the decoded value output from an instruction decoder (ID) of the microcomputer. The external device includes a memory for storing address data to be changed in the microcomputer in the camera and replacement program data, and a transmission circuit for reading out the replacement data from the memory and transmitting the read-out data to the camera.

Abstract: An advanced photo system (APS) camera includes a keyboard mounted on the inner surface of a rear cover hinged to the camera body. The camera also includes an LCD for displaying information entered on the keyboard, wherein the LCD is mounted at the rear of the camera body so as to be exposed when the rear cover is opened to provide user access to the keyboard. The information entered on the keyboard and displayed on the LCD is recorded on a magnetic track included on the photographic film advanced through the camera. The keyboard and the LCD may be separated from or remote from the APS camera, and the keyboard may be replaced with a plurality of input dials.

Abstract: A camera is equipped with an integral color temperature measurement mechanism. The color temperature measurement mechanism measures the color temperature of the light source illuminating the subject field and a display mechanism displays the color temperature information based on output from the color temperature measurement mechanism. The camera also includes a system that determines what kind of filter is recommended based on the output of the color temperature measurement mechanism and a display mechanism that displays the output of the filter determination.

Abstract: To cope with undefined codes of coded information, an information setting device is provided having a code read-in device, a memory device to store information corresponding to the codes, and an information reading device to read information from the memory device corresponding to the codes read by the code reading device. The memory device of the information setting device of a camera which sets information read from the information reading device in the camera can be an information overwritable memory device having an information storage area for undefined codes where information is not set.

Abstract: A camera capable of communicating with an external device, such as an adjustment device for performing camera testing, checking and adjustment operations. The camera includes a cartridge compartment having a wall member to accommodate a film cartridge, the wall member including a recessed portion, e.g., a hole or concavity, in the inner wall surface of the cartridge compartment to accommodate communication contact points which electrically connect the external device to the camera. A control unit which controls camera operations receives signals from the external device via the communication contact points and performs a predetermined camera operation based upon the received signals. The cartridge compartment also includes film sensitivity contact points, the film sensitivity contact points including a standard potential film sensitivity contact point which is also used to connect the adjustment device.

Abstract: An electrical system apparatus is constructed as follows to easily attain the desired adjustment, repair and change for the version of a stored program on the user side even if a microcomputer containing a rewritable or unrewritable memory is used. That is, the electrical system apparatus includes a one-chip microcomputer containing a memory which is divided into a plurality of blocks and includes one specified block n set in a preset block of the memory for storing a control program for realizing a preset function or specification of the system apparatus, a specified block rewriting program stored in at lest one of the blocks 1 to (n-1) other than the specified block to rewrite the content of the specified block, and a communicating section accessible to the memory and having a serial communicating function, and the rewriting program permits data transmitted from an external device and received by the communicating section to be written into the specified block n.

Abstract: A microcomputer and an EEPROM are mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. A land of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the upper wall of a cassette chamber. Provided on the bottom surface of this land are a reflection type photosensor for reading a bar code of a photographic film cassette and a plurality of contacts. The reflection type photosensor and the plurality of contacts are exposed in the cassette chamber via an opening formed in the upper wall. A data input apparatus has a connector and a console unit. As the connector is inserted into the cassette chamber, each connector pin of the connector contacts each of the plurality of contacts to electrically connect the microcomputer to the data input apparatus. By manipulating the console unit of the data input apparatus, various sets of data are written in EEPROM via the microcomputer of the camera. Data in EEPROM is read by the data input apparatus.

Abstract: A photographing mechanism for a moving body camera, namely a slit camera, utilized for judgement of arrival order in horse race, etc. A light array 18 consisting of vertically arrayed plural LEDs is located closed to film 4. A light emission control box 17 illuminates and unilluminates the LEDs in response to dot data of characters to be recorded. Hence, as the film 4 is rewound, the film 4 is exposed by the LEDs, so that the characters are recorded on the film.

Abstract: A camera communicates with an external device using light signals that are transmitted using one or more photoelectric elements. Preferably, the communications are facilitated by using one or more camera photoelectric elements located in a cartridge chamber of the camera, which usually is used to receive a film cartridge. The one or more camera photoelectric elements usually are used to read a bar code on the film cartridge. In order to perform data communications with the external device, a dummy cartridge, which is linked to the external device, is placed in the cartridge chamber and includes one or more cartridge photoelectric elements that oppose the one or more camera photoelectric elements when placed in the cartridge chamber. Communications can take place in one or both directions between the camera and the external device.

Abstract: The presentation apparatus for photographic data according to the present invention includes: a presentation element which presents photographic data for each frame of a film; an input device; a setting circuit which sets frame numbers which are to be presented corresponding to the photographic data which are to be presented, in response to the operation of the input device; and a control circuit which controls the presentation element to present the set frame numbers and the photographic data corresponding to said frame numbers.

Abstract: A camera system including a camera which performs data communication with external equipment. The external equipment is connected to a communication terminal in the camera via a connector, such as a cable. The camera and the external equipment initially perform communication at a predetermined initial communication speed via the communication terminal and cable. The camera system includes a device to transmit a communication speed change command to the camera at the initial value of communication speed, and a device to change the initial value of communication speed to a high speed based upon the received communication speed change command. The camera system further includes a device to restore the communication speed to the original initial value of communication speed by generating a communication end command which is transmitted to the camera during communication with the external equipment.

Abstract: A system for setting data of a camera comprises at least two accessories and a tranferring unit. The two accessories are attachable to and detachable from a camera body. The accessories are capable of transferring set data for controlling the camera body to the camera body. When one accessory transfers the set data to the camera body, the transferring unit transfers the same set data to the other accessory. The camera body executes a predetermined action on the basis of the transferred data.

Abstract: When an exposure counter in a single-use camera indicates that the maximum number of exposures on a roll of film in the camera have been exposed, a function of the camera such as an electronic flash capability is disabled to prevent unauthorized recycling of the camera. A reset code must be inputted to the camera to initialize the exposure counter and to enable the electronic flash capability, to permit authorized reuse of the camera with another roll of film.

Abstract: In a camera system, if software is rewritten in accordance with the change in hardware structure, compatibility between the hardware and the software is determined, thereby avoiding a problem, such as an inoperable condition or a breakdown of a component. The camera system includes a camera body operated in accordance with programs stored in a program storage circuit and a peripheral for rewriting at least a part of the programs. The camera body comprises a data storage circuit which stores structure data of the camera. The peripheral comprises a communication circuit for receiving the structure data of the camera and a control circuit for determining whether the programs should be rewritten based on the structure data.