Abstract: According to the present invention, face parts to be compared are set by the comparison target setting section based on the number of images of a group of search target images. Then, a retrieval target image and each image of the group of search target images is compared by the set face parts. An image with a particular correlation is determined to be a similar image and retrieved from the group of images to be compared. Thereby, it is possible to perform quick retrieval based on the number of images of the group of search target images.

Abstract: A digital still camera is provided with a freely rotatably dial. The camera has a liquid crystal display screen provided on its back and the screen displays film borders. A thumbnail image corresponding to main image data that has been recorded on a memory card is displayed in a thumbnail image border within the film borders. By rotating the dial, the film borders are moved so that a desired thumbnail image becomes enclosed by a designating frame. When the thumbnail image is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image is displayed an area. When a blank area is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image data can be recorded on the memory card. Operability is facilitated because recording, playback and designation of a frame to be played back can all be performed in accordance with rotation of the dial.

Abstract: To provide an image folder for depositing image files which is automatically created for each recording medium so that image files recorded on each recording medium can be managed separately. By using a memory card having unique identification information recorded in a rewrite impossible area, the identification information is acquired from the above described memory card and presence or absence of an image folder having a directory name (image folder name) corresponding to the identification information is discriminated at the time of depositing image files recorded on the memory card in an image filing apparatus. The above described image files are deposited in the above described image folder when the above described image folder is present or an image folder having the image folder name corresponding to the above described identification information is created and the above described image files are deposited in the created image folder.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprising: an image pickup device which takes an image of a subject and generates an image signal; an operation device in which first operation and second operation are independently acceptable; a detection device that detects the first operation and second operation of the operation device; a memory device which loads and stores the image signal from the image pickup device when the first operation of the operation device is detected by the detection device; a preview image display device which performs predetermined display processing to the image signal stored in the memory device, displays a preview image on a monitor in accordance with the processed image signal, and stops display of the preview image when the first operation or second operation of the operation device is detected by the detection device during display of the preview image; and an image data recording device which performs predetermined recording processing to the image signal stored in the memory device and re

Abstract: A camera having a first part and a second part with the second part being substantially the same size as the first part. A hinge mechanism couples an end of the first part with an end of the second part such that the first part and the second part can pivot around the hinge mechanism for the first part and the second part to be folded over and aligned with each other to close. An information input/output part has at least one projecting part that is provided on and projects from the first part. An accommodation part is provided on the second part for accommodating the projecting part of the information input/output part when the first part and the second part are folded over to close such that an image of a subject can be captured by the information input/output part while accommodated into the accommodation part.

Abstract: When images recorded in a memory card are read and reduced images of image files are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor in order, printing information of the image files is referred to. An image of which two or more prints have been designated is enclosed by a predetermined-colored (for example, yellow) frame, and a figure is displayed according the number of the prints that have been designated. An image of which any prints have not been designated is not enclosed by the frame. An image that has been printed is enclosed by an another-colored (for example, blue) frame.

Abstract: The printer receives image data representing multiple images from a storage medium and produces an index print, on which thumbnail pictures representing the images are arranged in the form of a matrix. While looking at the index print, a user selects a desired picture and puts a mark on the index print with a pen, etc. at a position corresponding to the selected picture. The marked index print is inserted into the printer through a paper feeding inlet, and photo-reflectors detect the position of the mark while the index print is transported by means of a transport system, which is also used during the printing. The picture selected by the user is determined with the detected position of the mark, and the image corresponding to the selected picture is printed in a full-size.

Abstract: Before obtaining service from an installed terminal, a mobile unit can be authenticated (subauthenticated) only by the operation of the mobile unit such as an unauthenticated digital camera, etc. using an authenticated mobile phone. A digital camera is radio-connected with an installed terminal, and the digital camera is also radio-connected with a mobile phone of a user. The installed terminal center is notified of the identification code of the mobile phone through the digital camera and the installed terminal. The installed terminal center inquires of the carrier center about the validity/invalidity of the mobile phone. Upon receipt of the notification of the validity of the mobile phone from the carrier center, the installed terminal center permits service to the installed terminal in the installed terminal.

Abstract: A camera having a first part and a second part with the second part being substantially the same size as the first part. A hinge mechanism couples an end of the first part with an end of the second part such that the first part and the second part can pivot around the hinge mechanism for the first part and the second part to be folded over and aligned with each other to close. An information input/output part has at least one projecting part that is provided on and projects from the first part. An accommodation part is provided on the second part for accommodating the projecting part of the information input/output part when the first part and the second part are folded over to close such that an image of a subject can be captured by the information input/output part while accommodated into the accommodation part.

Abstract: A digital still camera is provided with a freely rotatably dial. The camera has a liquid crystal display screen provided on its back and the screen displays film borders. A thumbnail image corresponding to main image data that has been recorded on a memory card is displayed in a thumbnail image border within the film borders. By rotating the dial, the film borders are moved so that a desired thumbnail image becomes enclosed by a designating frame. When the thumbnail image is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image is displayed an area. When a blank area is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image data can be recorded on the memory card. Operability is facilitated because recording, playback and designation of a frame to be played back can all be performed in accordance with rotation of the dial.

Abstract: A camera which records positional data, which is obtained by a GPS unit during photographing, and image data on a memory card. The camera receives the positional data representing the photographing place from the GPS unit, and records the positional data and the image data on the memory card. While the GPS unit is measuring the position to obtain the positional data to be recorded, an image pickup circuit including a CCD sensor, etc. which converts image light into an image signal, a recording circuit for recording the image signal on the memory card, an LCD monitor which is used as a view finder, a strobe unit and a printer are halted.

Abstract: A camera which records positional data, which is obtained by a GPS unit during photographing, and image data on a memory card. The camera receives the positional data representing the photographing place from the GPS unit, and records the positional data and the image data on the memory card. While the GPS unit is measuring the position to obtain the positional data to be recorded, an image pickup circuit including a CCD sensor, etc. which converts image light into an image signal, a recording circuit for recording the image signal on the memory card, an LCD monitor which is used as a view finder, a strobe unit and a printer are halted.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a shutter controller for sending a drive signal to the shutter of a camera loaded with a silver halide sensitive type of film. The drive signal is synchronous to a release signal generated when a release button is pressed, and causes the shutter of the camera with the film to open. The release signal is also applied to a dual shoot controller included in the electronic camera. In response, the dual shoot controller feeds release signals to a synchronizing signal generator and a system controller. In response, the synchronizing signal generator delivers to a solid-state imaging device a drive signal synchronous to the release signal fed to the synchronizing signal generator, without regard to the output signal of a reference oscillator. As a result, an electronic shutter included in the imaging device is opened, and charge is stored in the imaging device.

Abstract: In an electronic still camera, a mechanical shutter is opened in synchronizing with a synchronizing signal generated by a synchronizing signal generating circuit, a solid state electronic imaging device is exposed while the mechanical shutter is being opened, and a video signal outputted from the imaging device and representing an imaged subject is processed by a signal processing circuit. The synchronizing signal generating circuit starts the generation of the synchronizing signal in response to a shutter release by a shutter release button. The mechanical shutter is opened in synchronizing with a synchronizing signal which is generated after a predetermined constant time period elapses from the start of the operation of the synchronizing signal generating circuit, and is closed after time necessary for exposure elapses from the opening of the mechanical shutter.

Abstract: In an image data transfer system including an electronic still camera and equipment separably connected to the camera, the camera has an imaging device for shooting a desired subject. A signal converter converts an image signal generated by the imaging device to digital image data. A data processor executes predetermined image processing with the digital image data. A transmitting section sends the processed image data output from the data processor to the equipment. A controller controls the transmitting section in such a manner as to control a transfer rate for transferring the image data to the equipment. The equipment has a receiving section connected to the transmitting section of the camera by a data line for transferring the image data, and a control line for reporting to the camera the permission/inhibition of data transfer from the camera by using an ON/OFF control signal.

Abstract: A picture-taking system includes a film camera for capturing a photographic image of a subject on photosensitive film, and a video camera having a solid-state electronic image sensing device 12, for outputting a video signal representing the photographic image of the subject. Essentially the same photographic image of the subject is photographed by both the film camera and the video camera under a single strobe flash generated by a strobe light-emission device 40. To achieve this synchronized photography and simplify the synchronized photography control system, it is arranged so that the video camera responds to a photographic trigger signal from a shutter switch by generating, and applying to the film camera, a shutter release signal the vertical synchronizing signal of the video camera as a reference. The shutter of the film camera starts opening in response to the shutter release signal.

Abstract: An analog/digital converting circuit necessary for recording processing is also used when exposure control is performed employing digital image data. A gamma corrector circuit 10 capable of being changed over between a gamma-correction characteristic and a linearly proportional characteristic in response to depression of a two-stage shutter release button is provided. When exposure control is carried out, changeover of the gamma-corrector circuit 10 is controlled in such a manner that the input/output characteristic of the circuit will be a linearly proportional characteristic. When exposure control is performed, a b terminal of a changeover switch 14 is connected to the A/D converting circuit 13 so that a photometric value is calculated using circuits 15, 16, and 17. When processing for recording image data is executed, changeover of the gamma-corrector circuit 10 is controlled is such a manner that the output signal thereof takes on the value of the input signal raised to the 0.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for split photometry, a plurality of split photometric areas are established by setting a plurality of horizontal and vertical photometric intervals respectively within intervals in a horizontal scanning direction and a vertical scanning direction of the solid-state electronic image sensing device. An extracted luminance-signal component is integrated over a horizontal integration interval designated by an integration control signal. Integrated values obtained by the integration operation are summed, in every split photometric area, over the corresponding vertical photometric interval, and a photometric value is calculated for every split photometric area based upon the value obtained by summing the integrated values in another embodiment, data for controlling exposure or controlling the focusing of an image pick-up lens can be obtained for each of a plurality of blocks set in a photographic area.

Abstract: A memory card has a volatile semiconductor memory for storing therein image data, a built-in battery as a backup power for preserving the image data in the volatile semiconductor memory, and a non-volatile memory for storing therein data related to an alarm of a decrease in a voltage of the built-in battery. When the memory card is loaded on the digital, electronic, still camera, the data concerning the alarm state is read from the loaded memory card and the voltage value of the battery is sensed. If the value of the battery voltage thus determined is less than a threshold voltage attained from the data read from the memory card, an alarm is notified.

Abstract: A multiple-CPU system including a main CPU and at least one subordinate CPU connected thereto. Both the main and subordinate CPU are provided with a respective voltage detector circuit for detecting when a main or primary power supply voltage for the CPU's has dropped below a predetermined threshold level. When the respective detector circuit outputs a signal indicating detection of the drop in main power supply voltage, the respective CPU is placed in a standby state. However, the threshold level of the detector circuit of the main CPU is set to a voltage lower than the threshold level of the detector circuit of the subordinate CPU. As a result, the subordinate CPU is placed in a standby state before the main CPU. The main CPU is equipped with an auxiliary power supply so that when the subordinate CPU is placed in a standby state, automatic recovery is thereafter carried out by the main CPU.