Abstract: A solid image capturing device outputs image data and characteristic data of the solid image capturing device on the same output signal line. Both outputs are processed by the same circuit. In one embodiment, the characteristic data is optically stored in the solid image capturing device. In another embodiment, the characteristic data is non-optically stored in the solid image capturing device. The image field of the solid image capturing device includes an invalid image field located outside the effective image field. Signals output from the invalid image field include those concerning the characteristic data of the solid image capturing device.

Abstract: In a digital camera, the state of copying is monitored and displayed when image data stored in a main memory are copied to an auxiliary memory, and data for preventing illegal copying are added thereto, in order to improve operability and reliability. When a copying mode is designated, the image data stored in the main memory MM upon photographing are transferred and copied to a detachable auxiliary memory MC by way of a bus B. During copying, the number of uncopied image data in the main memory MM and the number of image data which can be copied to the auxiliary memory MC are sequentially displayed in a liquid crystal display section 30, while each image data is copied with management data indicative of the date and time of copying or the like added thereto. Also, flag data indicating that copying is in progress and that copying has been completed are added thereto.

Abstract: This patent discloses a digital camera and an external device for both storing digital images from the camera and controlling certain camera functions. The external device may be either directly attached to the camera or remotely attached by way of a cable or similar device. The external device may also include a means for recording images onto removable recording media. The external device may also include a button for sending instructions to the camera to allow for switching between image resolution modes, flash lighting modes, and autofocusing modes.

Abstract: A digital camera senses still images on a first image capturing device and moving images on a second image capturing device. The first and second image capturing devices have different characteristics adapted to their respective uses. The images from the second image capturing device are usable as a view finder for framing the image for the first image capturing device, as well as for performing preliminary measurements for use by the first image capturing device. The second image capturing device is of a type which permits omitting unneeded pixels, thereby reducing electric power consumption. In one embodiment, the optical axis is the same for the first and second image capturing devices, thereby eliminating parallax. In another embodiment, two displaced optical axes are used. Parallax is eliminated by processing the output of one of image capturing devices to align its image with the image of the other image capturing device.

Abstract: A solid image capturing device outputs image data and characteristic data of the solid image capturing device on the same output signal line. Both outputs are processed by the same circuit. In one embodiment, the characteristic data is optically stored in the solid image capturing device. In another embodiment, the characteristic data is non-optically stored in the solid image capturing device. The image field of the solid image capturing device includes an invalid image field located outside the effective image field. Signals output from the invalid image field include those concerning the characteristic data of the solid image capturing device.

Abstract: In a digital camera, the state of copying is monitored and displayed when image data stored in a main memory are copied to an auxiliary memory, and data for preventing illegal copying are added thereto, in order to improve operability and reliability. When a copying mode is designated, the image data stored in the main memory MM upon photographing are transferred and copied to a detachable auxiliary memory MC by way of a bus B. During copying, the number of uncopied image data in the main memory MM and the number of image data which can be copied to the auxiliary memory MC are sequentially displayed in a liquid crystal display section 30, while each image data is copied with management data indicative of the date and time of copying or the like added thereto. Also, flag data indicating that copying is in progress and that copying has been completed are added thereto.

Abstract: This camera has a plurality of light-emitting devices such as LED, which flicker in response to the number of shots which can be photographed. Also, while having no liquid crystal display for showing an error when it occurs, this camera has a non-volatile memory for writing an error code. When the camera is connected to a computer, the error code can be displayed on the computer screen.