Abstract: A camera according to the present invention is equipped with an image sensor; an A/D converter that converts analog image-pixel signals read from the image sensor to digital image-pixel signals; an image stabilizer that comprises a coil and a movable member configured to move in a given direction while supporting the image sensor; an image stabilization controller that controls a position of the movable member at given time intervals by sending pulse drive signals through the coil; and a timing adjustment processor that shifts at least one of a rise timing and fall timing of the pulse drive signals from a signal-processing interval associated with an A/D conversion process.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention is equipped with an image sensor; an A/D converter that converts analog image-pixel signals read from the image sensor to digital image-pixel signals; an image stabilizer that comprises a coil and a movable member configured to move in a given direction while supporting the image sensor; an image stabilization controller that controls a position of the movable member at given time intervals by sending pulse drive signals through the coil; and a timing adjustment processor that shifts at least one of a rise timing and fall timing of the pulse drive signals from a signal-processing interval associated with an A/D conversion process.

Abstract: An image signal processor comprising a first setting block and an adjustment block is provided. The setting block sets an exposure time. An optical image of an object is captured by an imaging device in order to generate an image signal during the exposure time. The adjustment block adjusts a black level of the image signal using a black signal if the exposure time is over a threshold time. The black signal is generated based on a signal output from a black pixel. The light receiving surface of the imaging device is shielded at the black pixel. The adjustment block adjusts a black level of the image signal using a dummy signal if the exposure time is under a threshold time. The dummy signal corresponds to the image signal when the exposure time is nearly zero.

Abstract: A digital camera with an anti-blur function is provided with simple structures. The digital camera comprises an automatic exposure control mechanism for an automatic exposure mode and inclinometer. As sub-modes, the automatic exposure mode comprises a normal program mode and a high-shutter-speed priority program mode. Output of the inclinometer is repeatedly checked at a predetermined period to detect camera-shake. Camera-shake is determined by stable or unstable output from the inclinometer. When the output is unstable, it is determined that camera-shake exists, and the high-shutter-speed priority program mode is selected. Contrarily, when it is stable, it is determined that no camera-shake exists, and the normal program mode is selected. Attitude of the camera, which is sensed by the inclinometer, is recorded to a detachable PC card with the image data when camera-shake is not detected. If camera-shake is detected, the sensed attitude data is invalidated.

Abstract: In an image reader, a line image sensor optically and electronically reads by scanning a standardized image-recording frame area of a photographic transparency with the line image sensor. In a regular-reading operation, the frame area is scanned at a fine-scan-pitch with the line image sensor. Prior to the regular-reading operation, a pre-reading operation is executed such that the standardized frame area is scanned at a rough-scan-pitch with the line image sensor. It is determined whether an image to be read from the transparency is recorded on a whole of the standardized frame area or a panorama frame area defined and restricted on the standardized frame area. When it is determined that the image to be read is recorded on the panorama frame area, the execution of the regular-reading operation is regulated such that the panorama frame area is scanned with the line image sensor.

Abstract: A remote controller in which a command signal is transmitted to a still video camera through a radio communication, so that at least an image pickup operation of the camera can be controlled in accordance with the command signal. The remote controller includes a signal transmitting system that radio-transmits the command signal to the still video camera, a signal receiving system that receives image data of an object image picked-up by the still video camera, a recording medium loading portion in which an external recording medium is detachably load, and a recording system that records the received image data onto the recording medium. A camera system using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A camera, including a body, a lens barrel has a rotating ring, a rotational position detector, a character memory and a character information recorder. The rotating ring is rotatably provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel. The rotational position detector detects a rotational position of the rotating ring. Character information, associated with the object image and defined on the basis of the plurality of characters, is set by an operator. The character information recorder selectively reads characters, corresponding to the character information, from the plurality of characters stored in said character memory, and records the character information in the recording medium as additional data. Then, the rotating ring operates as a device for setting the character information. The character information to be recorded in a recording medium is set in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating ring.

Abstract: A camera, including a body, a lens barrel has a rotating ring, a rotational position detector, a character memory and a character information recorder. The rotating ring is rotatably provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel. The rotational position detector detects a rotational position of the rotating ring. Character information, associated with the object image and defined on the basis of the plurality of characters, is set by an operator. The character information recorder selectively reads characters, corresponding to the character information, from the plurality of characters stored in said character memory, and records the character information in the recording medium as additional data. Then, the rotating ring operates as a device for setting the character information. The character information to be recorded in a recording medium is set in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating ring.

Abstract: A remote controller in which a command signal is transmitted to a still video camera through a radio communication, so that at least an image pickup operation of the camera can be controlled in accordance with the command signal. The remote controller includes a signal transmitting system that radio-transmits the command signal to the still video camera, a signal receiving system that receives image data of an object image picked-up by the still video camera, a recording medium loading portion in which an external recording medium is detachably load, and a recording system that records the received image data onto the recording medium. A camera system using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital camera with an anti-blur function is provided with simple structures. The digital camera comprises an automatic exposure control mechanism for an automatic exposure mode and inclinometer. As sub-modes, the automatic exposure mode comprises a normal program mode and a high-shutter-speed priority program mode. Output of the inclinometer is repeatedly checked at a predetermined period to detect camera-shake. Camera-shake is determined by stable or unstable output from the inclinometer. When the output is unstable, it is determined that camera-shake exists, and the high-shutter-speed priority program mode is selected. Contrarily, when it is stable, it is determined that no camera-shake exists, and the normal program mode is selected. Attitude of the camera, which is sensed by the inclinometer, is recorded to a detachable PC card with the image data when camera-shake is not detected. If camera-shake is detected, the sensed attitude data is invalidated.

Abstract: A still video camera in which a command signal from a remote controller is received through a radio communication is provided, so that at least an image pickup operation of the camera can be controlled in accordance with the command signal. The camera includes an image pickup device, a recording medium on which image data of an object image picked-up by the image pickup device is recorded, a recording device for recording the image data on the recording medium in the camera, a signal receiver for receiving the signal from the remote controller, a signal transmitter for radio-transmitting the image data to the remote controller, and a controller for controlling the operation of at least the image pickup device, the recording device, and the signal transmitter. A remote controller and a camera system using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A still video camera system including a still video camera and a remote controller for remotely operating the still video camera by transmitting a control signal to the still video camera. The remote controller is detachably coupled to the still video camera, and when the remote controller is coupled to the still video camera, a signal transmission device of the remote controller is utilized for transmitting the image data to an external device.

Abstract: A camera provided with a distance measuring system having an infrared light emitting element, and an infrared light receiving element. The infrared light emitted by the emitting element and reflected by an object is received by the light receiving element, and based on a point where the reflected infrared light is incident to the light receiving element, an object distance is determined. In such a camera, the light emitting element is used for sending data by emitting a modulated infrared light. Similarly, the light receiving element is used for receiving data. Further, the light emitting angular range is changed in accordance with whether the emitted light is used for distance measuring or the data transmission.

Abstract: A device for controlling a recording operation of a still video camera includes a plurality of slot units, with a recording medium mounted in each of the plurality of slot units. A power supply circuit applies a voltage to the plurality of slot units to record an image signal to the recording medium through the plurality of slot units. A mechanism detects a remaining capacity of a recording medium to which an image signal is being recorded by one of the plurality of slot units. A control circuit controls the power supply circuit in such a manner than, when the remaining capacity reaches a predetermined amount while an image signal is being recorded through one of the plurality of slot units, a voltage is applied to another slot unit through which said image signal is not being recorded.

Abstract: A record and play-back system in a still video device, in which a picture signal and an audio signal associated therewith are recorded on a first track and a second track of a recording medium, wherein a first code signal and a second code signal are recorded together with the associated picture signal and the associated audio signal to discriminate that the respective picture signal and audio signal are recorded together with the corresponding audio signal or the picture signal. The second track is played-back when the first code signal is recorded on the first track upon play-back of the first track. The audio signal can be be post-recorded on the second track when no signal is recorded on the second track.

Abstract: An electronic still video apparatus in which, when an image releasing operation is effected, image signals are picked up and recorded on a recording medium, and when a sound receipt operation starts, sound signals are received for a predetermined period of time, so that the received sound signals are recorded on the recording medium when a sound releasing operation is effected. The electronic still video apparatus has an AV record mode in which the image signals and the sound signals are recorded on the recording medium in corresponding fashion. The image signals are recorded prior to the recording of the sound signals, regardless of the receipt of the sound signals in the AV record mode when the image release operation is effected.

Abstract: A record and play-back system in a still video device, in which a picture signal and an audio signal associated therewith are recorded on a first track and a second track of a recording medium, wherein a first code signal and a second code signal are recorded together with the associated picture signal and the associated audio signal to discriminate that the respective picture signal and audio signal are recorded together with the corresponding audio signal or the picture signal. The second track is played-back when the first code signal is recorded on the first track upon play-back of the first track. The audio signal can be be post-recorded on the second track when no signal is recorded on the second track.

Abstract: A recording method of an electronic still video apparatus in which when an image releasing operation is effected, the image signals are picked up and recorded on a recording medium and when a sound receipt operation starts, the sound signals are received for a predetermined time, so that the received sound signals are recorded on the recording medium when a sound releasing operation is effected, the still video apparatus having an AV record mode in which the image signals and the sound signals are recorded an the recording medium to correspond to each other, wherein the method includes recording the image signals prior to the sound signals regardless of the receipt of the sound signals in the AV record mode when the image release operation is effected.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera having a built-in memory for storing a plurality of frames of image data, and a removable memory for storing a plurality of frames of image data. At least one of the plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory is selected.

Abstract: A still video camera includes an image pickup device with a non-volatile memory incorporated in the camera, wherein an image taken by the image pickup device can be recorded or an image recorded in the non-volatile memory can be erased. An external memory, which is detachably attached by a connector portion to the camera, may also be used to store images taken by the image pickup device. The still video camera includes a connection detecting device which detects the connection between the connector portion and the external memory. A recording device records image signals representative of the image taken by the image pickup device in the non-volatile memory or the external memory. The recording device records the image signals in the external memory when the connection between the connector portion and the external memory is detected by the connection detecting device.