Abstract: A system and method for capturing and distributing digitized photographic images via an electronics communications network are provided. A subject is provided with a portable identification wireless transmitter. A digital camera coupled with a wireless receiver creates a digital photographic document and includes the identification of the user in a formatted electronic message. The document may also retain information identifying the time and locale of the creation of the image. The document is made accessible to the electronic communications network, e.g. the Internet, in association with and by means of a data structure. The data structure and/or the document may be associated within an independent or additional identifier of the subject or of a third party. Information concerning the subject and locale related to the origination of the image are inserted into an available data field of a standard digital image format, such as a JPEG, MPEG of GIF format.

Abstract: An image capturing device with a voice command controlling function is provided. The image capturing device includes a voice command input unit and a voice command controlling chip. The voice command input unit receives standard voice commands and common voice commands. The voice command controlling chip determines if a common voice command satisfies a predetermined voice command identification standard, by comparing characteristics of the common voice command with characteristics of each of the standard voice commands. If the common voice command satisfies the predetermined voice command identification standard, the voice command controlling chip generates a controlling command according to the common voice command and drives an image capturing unit to perform a corresponding operation according to the command. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A projector device, includes: a projector unit, including a light source and a projection lens whose focal position is variable, that projects an image upon a projection surface with a light flux outputted from the light source that passes through the projection lens; an image-capturing unit, including a photographic lens whose focal position is variable, that captures an image of a subject with a light flux from the exterior that passes through the photographic lens; and a single drive source that generates drive force for changing both the focal position of the projection lens and the focal position of the photographic lens.

Abstract: A shot image display system includes a shooting device for transferring a shot image and blur produced at the time of shooting, and an image receiving device for receiving the shot image and blur transmitted from the shooting device. The image receiving device includes a blur correcting unit for executing blur correction for the received shot image based on the received blur, and a display unit for displaying the shot image corrected by the blur correcting unit.

Abstract: A picture image providing method and a picture-taking device using the method are provided. The picture-taking device includes: a picture-taking module generating a picture image by taking a picture of a photography object via a camera; a transmission location management module managing a target image for identifying the photography object included in the picture image, and transmission location information for transmitting the picture image, in correspondence to the target image; an area selection module selecting an area on the picture image corresponding to the target image; an image identification module identifying the target image corresponding to the photography object, included in the picture image, using the target image and the selected area on the picture image; and a picture image transmission module identifying the transmission location information corresponding to the identified target image, and transmitting the picture image to a location corresponding to the transmission location information.

Abstract: A system and method for serially communicating actual flash data related to a remote lighting device to a camera body via a hot shoe connector. In one example, a wireless communication device connected to the hot shoe connector of the camera body receives a request for a flash data from the camera body via the hot shoe connector. The wireless communication device responds via the hot shoe with actual information from one or more remote light devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems to relay short duration coded pulses of light emitted by a first flash device to a second flash device, which may be remote, using radio signals, wherein radio signals comprise data representative of short duration coded pulses of light from the first flash device which may comprise one or more binary commands and/or activation signals emitted by the first flash device. A first radio communication device may sense coded pulses of light from a first flash device and in response transmit radio signals representative of the coded pulses of light, and may subsequently stop transmitting radio signals following the transmission of radio signals representative of the coded pulses of light.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for performing wireless communication with a flash device, including a generation unit configured to generate a plurality of emitting instructions which include timing information indicating a timing for emitting the flash device, wherein each emitting instruction includes different timing information, and a transmission unit configured to successively transmit the plurality of emitting instructions to the flash device, wherein the transmission unit transmits each emitting instruction in succession based on the timing information.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote photographic flash devices from a camera body. Wireless functionality within a camera body provides wireless communication of a signal from within the camera body to one or more remote devices. In one example, a flash synchronization signal of the camera body may be wirelessly communicated using a wireless communication functionality within the camera body and an external antenna to one or more remote flash devices for triggering the one or more remote flash devices.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and by which photographic equipment having a wireless communication functionality may join a wireless personal area network which may be a mesh network. In various representative embodiments a photographic device may discover the existence of a wireless personal area network and may provide an indication to a node of the personal area network of its existence and thus a coordinator node or node of a personal area network may discover the photographic device. Methods by which specific events which must be substantially synchronized in time may be synchronized by information or data comprised in a superframe of a transmission of a node of a wireless personal area network.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus selectively records an image taken by itself or from at least one other apparatus. A digital video camera selects between an image taken by a camera block and an image taken by at least one other camera and received by a wireless communication module. The selected image is recorded on a magnetic tape of a video cassette. The camera transmits an image it takes to at least one other camera by the communication module. Processed by a control portion, the image taken by the camera and the image(s) from the other camera(s) are composited to be concurrently presented on a LCD.

Abstract: Methods and systems to set an amount of light to be emitted by a remote flash device may comprise: a first radio communication device coupled to a camera, a means for a user to set a desired light emission intensity or power emission level which may be perceptible to a first radio communication device, and at least a second radio communication device coupled to a remote flash device. The first radio communication device may transmit at least one radio signal to the second radio communication device which may comprise a power emission level. The at least second radio communication device may send any sequence of data or control signals to a remote flash device which may be representative of the desired light emission intensity or power emission level. The at least second radio communication device may send activation signals to the coupled flash device, followed by allowing a delay interval to elapse, followed by sending quench signals to the coupled flash device.

Abstract: A camera-equipped portable terminal facilitating convenient transmission of taken photographs and method therefor are provided. The portable terminal has a display unit for displaying at least one input address, a camera module for taking one or more photographs of target objects, a wireless communication module for transmitting the photographs taken by the camera module to the input address through wireless communication, and a controller. The controller controls address display of the display unit, target-object image display of the camera module through the display unit in response to a photography mode command during display of the input address, a photograph-taking operation of the camera module in response to a photograph-taking command, and photograph transmission of the wireless communication module. As a result, photographs taken for transmission can be rapidly and conveniently transmitted to a destination address.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing a camera restriction on a wireless handheld communication device. As more handheld devices incorporate camera functionalities, organizations and individuals with privacy concerns are more vulnerable to unauthorized disclosure. The camera restriction prevents a user from taking a picture of a subject if the device has not been steadily focused on the subject in question for a predetermined period of time. In short, this process extends the normal camera-taking procedure and thus requires the camera user to take pictures in a conspicuous manner—the rationale being that a camera user would be less likely to take unauthorized pictures if such actions could be easily recognized. The camera restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: An image compilation production system and method, for use in a setting attended by multiple visitors. The system comprises multiple identification devices, multiple digital image capturing devices, and a reader device associated with each of the image capturing devices. Each identification device includes an electronic data storage device having identification data stored therein. One of the identification devices is carried by at least one of the visitors to the setting. The reader device activates the digital image capturing device to capture the image of the visitor when the identification data stored in the electronic data storage device of the identification device is carried within the detection range of the associated reader device by the visitor.

Abstract: A system and method of wirelessly communicating a camera synchronization from a camera body to a remote device with a wireless camera flash synchronizer that prior to detecting a synchronization signal loads transmit frequency information to a transceiver and automatically switches from a wireless receive mode to a wireless transmit mode after detecting a first signal from a camera that is generated after the activation of a camera trigger.

Abstract: This invention provides a camera system, including voice recognition, one or multiple microphones, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling at least some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon. One aspect of the touch sensitive inputs provides that the touch sensitive pad is mouse-like and is operable for, among other things, receiving user touch inputs to control at least some aspect of the camera operation. Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides for gesture recognition to be used to interface with and control the camera system.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and distributing digitized photographic images via an electronics communications network are provided. A subject is provided with a portable identification wireless transmitter. A digital camera coupled with a wireless receiver creates a digital photographic document and includes the identification of the user in a formatted electronic message. The document may also retain information identifying the time and locale of the creation of the image. The document is made accessible to the electronic communications network, in association with a data structure. The data structure and/or the document may be associated within an independent or additional identifier of the subject or of a third party. Information associating the subject and locale related to the origination of the image are inserted into an available data field of a standard digital image format, such as a JPEG, MPEG of GIF format.

Abstract: A camera capable of conducting a wireless communication includes a wireless communication circuit and a wireless communication antenna. The wireless communication antenna, which is disposed at a non-metal movable member that can advance and retreat relative to a camera body, moves relative to the camera body.

Abstract: Methods and systems to prepare and activate a wireless flash device may comprise a remote camera flash device comprising: a first radio communication device coupled to a camera, and at least a second radio communication device coupled to the remote camera flash device. The first radio communication device may transmit at least one radio signal to the second radio communication device in response to receiving camera communications sent from the camera, the second radio communication device sends pseudo camera communications to the remote camera flash device in response to receiving the at least one radio signal, and the second radio communication device does not transmit a radio signal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implementing subsystem or functional aspect restrictions on a wireless handheld communication device. Data defining geographical boundaries of a restricted operating area is stored on the device. The present position of the device is ascertained and a determination is made whether the device is located within the restricted operating area. A restriction on the subsystem or functional aspect is imposed when it is determined the device is within the restricted operating area. The subsystem or functional aspect restriction can be communicated to the device via a wireless communication network. Additionally, the restrictions and boundaries can be communicated to the device as part of an IT security policy.

Abstract: A user can easily preview image data obtained by photography in a facility such as a theme park and an entertainment facility and can place an order on the image data during the stay in the facility. A service server stores the image data obtained by photography of the user by a photography system, by relating the image data to the user ID of the user. When the user instructs the service server to display the image data for preview via a communication apparatus, the service server sends the image data to a PDA via the communication apparatus. The user displays the image data on the PDA and can preview and edit the image data, and can place a printing order.

Abstract: A digital camera is composed of a camera body and a lens unit removebly attached to the camera body. When the lens unit is attached to the camera body, the lens unit and camera body send and receive control signals by antennas and wireless I/Fs each disposed on the lens unit and the camera body, respectively. In addition, data of the image captured with the lens unit is sent to the camera body by serial drivers, each disposed on the lens unit and the camera body, through connection contacts that electrically connect the lens unit and the camera body. When the lens unit is detached from the camera body, on the other hand, the control signals are sent and received by the antennas and the wireless I/Fs, and the image data is sent by the wireless communication.

Abstract: A camera which can place an antenna for performing wireless communication at an ideal position without providing a complicated mechanism is disclosed. The camera has a camera body, a movable portion which can be projected from and retracted in the camera body to take an image or observe an image, and an antenna which is formed in the movable portion to perform wireless communication.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a communications device which can receive from another communications apparatus by wireless an image-capturing condition of restricting an image-capturing process or a sound recording condition of restricting a sound recording process, and a device which performs an image-capturing or sound recording process according to the received image-capturing condition or sound recording condition. Thus, a user can automatically set a recording function of a recording apparatus in a restricted state without special care in a position where image-capturing, sound recording, etc. are prohibited, thereby recording on an allowed condition.

Abstract: An energy conserving remote power efficient viewing system comprising an instantaneous analog video transmission camera, an analog video receiver that receives and transmits a video image to a video monitor and a remote transmitter that activates the analog video transmission camera. The remote camera device is normally off, sleep mode that has a minimal power drain. The system includes a battery powered camera requiring a first voltage to operate and an RF transmitter to send an activation signal to the camera. The activation signal has a duration. A camera power circuit includes a normally sleeping signal receiving circuit and a first timer. The first timer periodically activates the signal receiving circuit to check for the presence of the activation signal and turns off the signal receiving circuit if the activation signal is not present and turns on the camera if the activation signal is present, and wherein the time the signal receiving circuit is off is less than the activation signal duration.

Abstract: There is provided an image capturing apparatus that enables a user to confirm images already captured by the user on the image capturing apparatus even when the captured images have been transferred to another storage unit other than the image capturing apparatus and that enables the user to display the desirable captured images on an external display unit by remotely controlling the image capturing apparatus connected with the external display unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling an image data output of a portable device, a portable device having a signal detection unit and image processing unit are provided. The signal detection unit generates a photographing-disabled mode signal in response to a restricted area signal. The image processing unit has a photographing-disabled mode decision unit, an authentication decision unit and a control unit. The photographing-disabled mode decision unit determines whether the portable device is in the photographing-disabled mode or not based on the photographing-disabled mode signal. The authentication decision unit determines whether the portable device is authenticated or not when the portable device is in the photographing-disabled mode. The control unit outputs first photographed image data when the portable device is authenticated, and prohibits an output of the first photographed image data when the portable device is not authenticated.

Abstract: An image capturing device with a voice command controlling function is provided. The image capturing device includes a voice command input unit and a voice command controlling chip. The voice command input unit receives standard voice commands and common voice commands. The voice command controlling chip determines if a common voice command satisfies a predetermined voice command identification standard, by comparing characteristics of the common voice command with characteristics of each of the standard voice commands. If the common voice command satisfies the predetermined voice command identification standard, the voice command controlling chip generates a controlling command according to the common voice command and drives an image capturing unit to perform a corresponding operation according to the command. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises an interface unit for cable connection with the computer, an information acquisition unit that acquires network information related to setting of the wireless network from the computer that has been connected to the electronic camera by a cable with using the interface unit, a profile creation unit that creates a profile in which information for connection to the computer via the wireless network is recorded, based upon the network information that has been acquired by the information acquisition unit, a profile storage unit that stores therein the profile created by the profile creation unit, and a wireless connection unit that connects the electronic camera to the computer via the wireless network, based upon the profile that is stored in the profile storage unit.

Abstract: A device and method for retrofitting a camera system uses a radio bridge that can successfully transmit a complete data stream, normally just sent via infrared light pulses, in near real time. The data stream is acquired at a source device. A transmitter unit is positioned near the source device, and a receiver unit is positioned near a remote device, such as a flash unit. The transmitter unit monitors IR signals produced by the source device and immediately transmits any detected light pulses without needing to put the pulses into packets or even determine if the pulses are part of a legitimate data stream. Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK) modulation is the preferred method for transmitting a radio signal. The radio signal is intentionally shifted, between a high state and a low state, at the end of very precise intervals of time to prevent any random switching of the radio signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing optimally sized Picture ID images are provided that allow a wireless communication device to modify the size of the camera viewfinder when capturing an image to be used as a Picture ID. During the capture of a Picture ID image, the camera viewfinder image area is optimally sized for the capture of an image to be stored as a Picture ID image. When a Picture ID image is captured, any excess image data that is outside of the optimally sized camera viewfinder is discarded and the remaining optimally sized image stored with the contact record.

Abstract: A camera includes a mode setting unit which sets an operation mode of the camera to a normal mode or an illumination apparatus control mode. A display unit selectively displays an image and information. A setting unit sets and changes operating conditions of an illumination apparatus. A communication unit instructs the operating conditions to the illumination apparatus. A control unit controls the mode setting unit to set the operation mode to the illumination apparatus control mode, and changes a display form of the display unit, when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The predetermined conditions include any one of the followings (1) the communication unit is attached to the camera, (2) the communication unit set to an illumination apparatus control mode is attached to the camera, and (3) the communication unit which is incorporated in the camera is set to an illumination apparatus control mode.

Abstract: This is an information terminal device for receiving signals transmitted by a camera device. The device comprises information memory for storing information, a receiving unit for receiving a signal wirelessly transmitted by the camera device and a transmitting unit for attaching the information stored in the information memory to image data included in the signal received by the receiving unit and transmitting the image data with the information attached, to a prescribed address.

Abstract: In a portable electronic device with camera, a radio wave detection circuit detects specific radio waves, and when the radio wave detection circuit detects the specific radio waves, a control circuit prohibits close-up photography by a camera.

Abstract: A radio sync system for photographic equipment including a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The transmitter unit utilizes a power-management scheme for keeping the transmitter unit in a low-power stand-by state except when an RF signal needs to be transmitted, and returning the transmitter unit back into the low-power stand-by state within a predefined short period of time after transmitting the RF signal. The receiver unit utilizes a power-sensing scheme for keeping the receiver unit in a low-power stand-by state when it is not connected to a remote photographic equipment or the remote photographic equipment is powered off but turning the receiver unit on when it is connected to a remote photographic equipment and the remote photographic equipment is powered on such that when an RF signal is received, the receiver unit can send a command signal to operate the remote photographic equipment.

Abstract: Coordinated image capturing is appropriately performed even if an error occurs in the synchronization between cameras that are connected via a network. Camera A for image capturing and camera B for providing strobe light are connected via a radio network, and camera A sets a point at which to start exposure for image capturing Tx and a point at which to start strobe emission Tf such that Tx is earlier than Tf, the time difference Id between Tx and Tf becomes larger than a synchronization error Ie between a synchronous clock of camera A and a synchronous clock of camera B, and the sum (Id+If+Ie) of the time difference Id, the strobe emission period If and the synchronization error Ie becomes smaller than exposure period Ix. Then, camera A outputs a strobe emission command with Tf designated and an exposure command with Tx designated, and controls the exposure control mechanism to start exposure at Tx in response to the exposure command.

Abstract: In a system for providing a service to members of a group, a more complex form of the group can be flexibly and appropriately dealt with, and the service that is more convenient for the group can be provided. A group management database stores a group property, thereby a quantity of prints printed by a laboratory and information provided by a terminal can be determined based on the group property and the number of the members, for example. Furthermore, the group can be changed. In addition, security of image search can be set for the group by using the terminal. One of the members in charge of payment is registered for the group so that the member can collectively pay for the group.

Abstract: A system and method for setting the power operating condition of a photographic wireless communication device. An information representing a shutter speed of a camera body is detected from the camera body. A shutter speed of the camera body is determined from the information representing a shutter speed. The power operating condition of the photographic wireless communication device is automatically set based on the shutter speed of the camera body.

Abstract: A single oscillator synchronizer system and method that automatically switches from a wireless receive mode of the oscillator to a wireless transmit mode of the oscillator upon the detection of a synchronization (synch) signal of a camera body. In one example, a method of wirelessly communicating a camera synchronization from a camera body to a remote device with a wireless camera flash synchronizer connected to a synchronization connector of the camera body, the wireless camera flash synchronizer including a transceiver having an oscillator element with a wireless receive mode and a wireless transmit mode, the oscillator element configured to be in only one of the wireless receive mode and wireless transmit mode at a time is provided. In another example, a wireless camera flash synchronizer that automatically switches from a wireless receive mode to a wireless transmit mode upon detection of a synch signal of a camera body is provided.

Abstract: A system includes a camera and a monitoring system that are capable of wireless communication. The camera is operable to send a message to the monitoring system via a plurality of wireless communication paths. The message includes information relating to an operational status of the camera. The camera may generate and analyze a video signal and the message may include information relating to the analysis of the video signal. The camera may be one of a plurality of cameras capable of generating video signals. The system may further include an intermediate node capable of wireless communication with the cameras and the monitoring system. The intermediate node may multiplex the video signals from the cameras to the monitoring system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote photographic flash devices from a camera body. Wireless functionality within a camera body provides wireless communication of a signal from within the camera body to one or more remote devices. In one example, a flash synchronization signal of the camera body may be wirelessly communicated using a wireless communication functionality within the camera body and an external antenna to one or more remote flash devices for triggering the one or more remote flash devices.

Abstract: A method for turning on the power of a camera or camcorder includes storing the camera or camcorder in an unattached enclosure, the enclosure having at least one radio-frequency identification tag that sends a wireless signal that identifies if the enclosure is closed or at least partially open, and the camera or camcorder having a radio frequency identification tag sensor that can sense whether the tag identifies that the enclosure is closed or at least partially; unfastening a fastener or unzipping a zipper on the enclosure, changing the state of the enclosure from closed to at least partially open; the sensor sensing that the state has changed to at least partially open; then automatically turning the power on to the camera or camcorder regardless of the light level inside and outside of the enclosure; and then removing the camera or camcorder from the enclosure.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an imaging system which can enhance its operational performance to allow an operator to easily obtain a good grasp of images collectively displayed on a screen by comprising: a camera (1) to be disposed in a remote place, the camera (1) having an optical axis (1a); driving means (8, 13) for driving the camera (1) to have the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1) moved in each of horizontal and vertical directions; position detecting means (10) for detecting a position of the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1)in each of the horizontal and vertical directions; position information storing means (12) for storing position information indicative of the position of the optical axis (1a) of the camera (1)to have the position information linked to an image taken at the position by the camera (1); and remote controlling apparatus (21) to be electrically connected to the driving means (8) through a communication network (19, 22) to control the driving means (8, 13), the remote controlling apparatus (

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: This invention is more particular to a camera that is fully equipped with an inbuilt motion and smoke detector. The camera is specially design to be set by the user to capture any emergency condition detected by any of the said inbuilt detectors, it and automatically send picture or pictures of the emergency along with a written text massage merge to the picture at the top, bottom, side or middle of the picture, the text message states the exact emergency which can be fire or intrusion and also the address of the emergency. This information is sent by the camera to one or more programmed cellular telephone (number), that can receive the picture and text message by means of any available telecommunication network. The picture sent by the camera can be a still picture or a motion picture.

Abstract: A device operable with a camera is disclosed which includes a display screen, remote from the camera, and a processor for receiving an image signal of the field of view of the camera and for displaying an image of the field of view of the camera on the display screen. The device communicates with and controls certain camera functions to allow a photographic or video image to be framed and taken from a location remote from the camera.

Abstract: A camera system for use with a weapon includes a camera, a lens assembly separate from the camera, and a mount attached to the lens assembly for mounting the lens assembly to a weapon. The camera includes a body, a wireless receiver disposed along the body, and a storage medium in communication with the receiver. The lens assembly comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting signals from the lens assembly to the receiver. The camera system may include a sensor connected to the lens assembly for detecting a change in the position of the lens assembly from a non-shooting position to a shooting position and for activating the camera system based upon detection of this change in positions.

Abstract: A system and method for removable connection of an antenna element to a first flash synchronization connector of a camera body having wireless communication capability therein. An electrical event may be produced when the antenna element is connected to the first flash synchronization connector, the electrical event providing an indication to the wireless communication capability of the presence of the antenna element.