Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use in an electrophotographic imaging device includes a first counter to count a first value of changes of a first signal, with the first value related to a first location of a photoconductor in a first direction. In addition, the alignment apparatus includes a second counter to count a second value of changes of a second signal, with the second value related to a second location of the photoconductor in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, the alignment apparatus includes a circuit coupled to the first and the second counter to generate a change in a third signal after the first and the second counter count to, respectively, the first value and the second value.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a thermal printing head in an image forming section, which prints an image on one of first and second surfaces of a recording sheet oriented downwards. Feeder rollers feed the recording sheet to the image forming section after the recording sheet is set in a sheet supply slot. The printer includes at least one first memory for storing first image data of an image for being printed on the first surface, and second image data of an image for being printed on the second surface. The first or second image data are read from the first memory, and input to the image forming section. A second memory stores information of discrimination bar code adapted for designating the second image data associated with the first image data according to common assignment to the recording sheet. The information of the discrimination bar code is read from the second memory at a time of printing with the first image data to the first surface, and is printed on the first surface by the image forming section.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which can perform switching between a direct transfer system and an indirect transfer system, and which has reduced malfunction in print process, is provided. In the printing apparatus, determination is made whether a light emitting device detects the intermediate transfer sheet (S124), when the determination is affirmative, the touch panel is controlled to refuse accepting an input of a direct transfer mode (S128) and power supply for pulse motors which are driving sources for the direct transfer mode is stopped to make the first mode disable (S130). When the determination is negative, the touch panel is controlled to refuse accepting an input of an indirect transfer mode (S136) and power supply for pulse motors which are driving sources for the indirect transfer mode is stopped to make the indirect transfer mode disable (S138). When one mode is set, another mode is made disable.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus using an indirect transferring method, an ink ribbon is selectively heated by a thermal head, in a state where an intermediate transfer film and the ink ribbon are put one on the other on a platen roller, so that a record-image is formed as a mirror image on an image-forming layer of the intermediate transfer film. Then, the intermediate transfer film and a target object are supplied with heat and pressure between a heating roller and a pressure roller, so that the record-image is transferred along with the image-forming layer of the intermediate transfer film to the target object. The intermediate transfer film and the ink ribbon are respectively accommodated in cassettes detachably mounted in the apparatus, and are used for forming the record-image while being fed from the cassettes.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning apparatus includes a light source having first and second light source sections that hold a pair of semi-conductor laser diodes and coupling lenses that couple four beams irradiated from the pair of semi-conductor laser diodes with a base member. A light beam deviating device may be provided so as to deviate the four beams. A scan imaging device is also provided so as to scan a scan receiving surface with beam spots of the beams deviated by the light beam deviating device. A beam pitch-detecting device is also provided so as to detect a beam pitch of the respective beams formed on the scan-receiving surface. A beam pitch correcting device is provided in order to correct the beam pitch by causing relative deviation of a light axis among the respective beams on a sub scanning direction cross sectional plane.

Abstract: In the scanning optical apparatus, a light source including one or more of the plurality of light emitting points of the light source device, and a synchronism detecting device constituting the synchronism detecting device are provided on one and the same substrate, the substrate is designed to be rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of an optical axis of the incidence optical device, an optical element constituting the synchronism detecting device is disposed on a light incidence side of the synchronism detecting device, and the optical element is designed to be rotated in synchronism with the substrate when the substrate is rotated.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a light scanning device capable of suppressing a scanning line bend to a low level, which is caused by the arrangement error of a single-element lens serving as an imaging optical element, and an image forming apparatus using the device. In order to achieve the object, according to this invention, an imaging optical system is formed from a single-element lens, and a sectional shape of an exit surface in the main scanning direction is an arcuated shape. The power in the sub scanning direction substantially concentrates on the exit surface having an arcuated sectional shape in the main scanning direction, and the arcuated shape (curvature) in the main scanning direction is so determined as to make the magnification in the sub scanning direction uniform.

Abstract: A pixel clock pulse generating apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus includes high frequency clock pulse and pixel clock pulse generators. The high frequency clock pulse generator generates relatively high frequency clock pulses. The pixel clock pulse generator generates pixel clock pulses based on the phase data for instructing a transition time of pixel clock pulses and the high frequency clock pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for generating address book entires from a captured video frame simplifies user interaction with a video network. During an established video call, a user captures a frame of the video stream and stores the frame as an icon in an address book along with associated call configuration information. To initiate a video to call to the participant or location associated with the frame, the user selects the icon and the address book initiates the video call using the stored call configuration.

Abstract: A method and system configures video calls and schedules the calls for a video call network based on a query from a user to establish a video call between end points of the video call network. A configuration engine accepts video call information from a query engine based on the video call request and applies device data and rules to determine one or more possible call configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred video call configuration and schedules devices of the video call network without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities. Automatic configuration and scheduling of video calls simplifies the use of a video call network to reduce the expense and complexity of efficiently using network resources.

Abstract: A 3D model of a scene is constructed by acquiring first images of a scene having unknown characteristics with a first camera. Corresponding second images of a another scene having known characteristics are acquired by a second camera. The first and second cameras have a fixed physical relationship to each other. Only the second images are analyzed to determine corresponding positions of the second camera while acquiring the first images. Then, the first images are assembled into the 3D model using the corresponding positions and the fixed physical relationship of the first and second camera.

Abstract: One expansion substrate or a plurality of expansion substrates that realize different facilities can be connected to a main substrate that realizes basic processing to be performed by a CCU. Based on an ID number produced by an ID generation unit mounted on a connected expansion substrate, a CPU incorporated in the CCU identifies the facility realized with the expansion substrate. A menu screen image presents item BOD Control under which the facilities are presented. When item BOD Control is designated, a BOD Control screen image that lists control items indicating the facilities realized with all the expansion substrates that are connected to the main substrate is displayed. When a concrete facility such as a P-in-P facility realized with an expansion substrate is selected or designated in the BOD Control screen image, a screen image concerning the designated P-in-P facility is displayed. Thus, the details of a facility that is realized with a connected expansion substrate can be set easily.

Abstract: A video surveillance camera capable of operating with flickering illumination is formed from a time-delay-integration linescan camera in conjunction with a mechanical scanner. The line rate of the camera is adjusted to provide an integration time substantially equal to an integer number of periods of the lighting flicker.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is provided, including a wheeled trailer, a lockable cabinet mounted on the trailer and a mast, coupled to the trailer and capable of being folded for storage and transport and capable of being extended vertically. A plurality of video cameras are mounted on the mast, a screen splitter is located within the cabinet and receives video images at each of the plurality of cameras and combines the plurality of images into a single video image at an output. A video recorder located within the cabinet and having an input coupled to the output of the screen splitting device records the combined image from the screen splitter.

Abstract: A canine remote audio/video system includes a custom molded skull cap formed from a mold of the head of a particular dog. The skull cap includes an opening for receiving each ear of the particular dog, a chin strap for securing the skull cap to the head of the dog, and a mount. A camera for recording visible light and/or infrared light, a microphone for recording sound in the vicinity of the dog, a speaker for broadcasting sound, and a light source emitting light compatible with the camera, are fixed to the mount. A power pack configured for being secured to the dog includes a power source providing electrical current, a transmitter for transmitting signals from the camera and the microphone to a remote receiver, and a receiver for receiving transmissions from a remote transmitter. At least one cable electrically interconnects the separate components.

Abstract: A vehicle-based video processor module for a video system of a vehicle includes a video processor circuit, a plurality of electronic sensor interfaces that are operable to receive image output data from a plurality of imaging devices and at least one electronic vehicle interface that is operable to communicate with a vehicle communication bus. The video processor circuit is operable to process the image output data from the plurality of imaging devices in a single database in a standard format and enhances the image output data.

Abstract: Herein disclosed a moving object detecting method of detecting optical flow segments indicative of loci of one or more moving objects apparently moved in a moving picture sequence including a plurality of picture frames each indicating the one or more moving objects at a time point to ensure that the one or more moving objects are correctly detected, the picture frames including a first picture frame indicating the one or more moving objects at a first time point, a second picture frame indicating the one or more moving objects at a second time point, a third picture frame indicating the one or more moving objects at a third time point, and a fourth picture frame indicating the one or more moving objects at a fourth time point in late order, the method comprising the steps of: h) generating filtered optical flow segments indicative of loci of the one or more moving objects apparently moved in the moving picture sequence in the time interval starting from the third time point to the first time point; and i) ad

Abstract: An image recording surface of an exposed instant film is held so as to face an optical head module. Read light (white light) emitted from a light source passes a transparent portion of a color-separation filter, a first mirror, a first graded-index-type optical fiber array, and a second mirror in order. Then, the read light is radiated toward an instant film from an opening of the optical head module. The second mirror is set to a read position where the read light is inclined by a predetermined angle relative to the instant film. The read light is reflected by the image recording surface of the instant film and enters a line-CCD sensor via a second graded-index-type optical fiber array. By moving the optical head module in a sub-scanning direction, it is possible to read an image from the instant film.

Abstract: A system which allows a user to transmit image data to a print laboratory technician and receive photo prints at a shop suffers cumbersome personal identification when the print laboratory technician reliably hands photo prints. To solve this problem, an electronic camera transmits image sensing data, and designation information which designates a print service which should print the image sensing data. An image gateway transmits the received image sensing data and a printing instruction for the image sensing data to the print service designated by the received designation information. Upon confirming that the print service has received the image sensing data and printing instruction, the image gateway transmits, to the electronic camera, receipt information which corresponds to the printing instruction and is used to receive a print.

Abstract: A digital image storage system includes a digital camera having a first terminal for data communication in accordance with a data communication interface standard and an adapter for the digital camera for communicating with the digital camera. The adapter has a second terminal for data communication in accordance with the same data communication interface standard as in the first terminal. The digital image storage system further includes a data storage having a third terminal for data communication in accordance with the same data communication interface standard as in the first terminal. The data storage is capable of communicating with the digital camera by way of the adapter through a connection between the third and the second terminals and also capable of directly communicating with the digital camera through a connection between the third and the first terminals.

Abstract: Automated camera apparatus comprises a head mounted electronic camera 1 for providing a video signal 3 representative of an image 2 viewed by the wearer, video signal processor 51 arranged to receive said video signal for judging the degree of interest shown by the wearer in a feature in the scene and for providing a related saliency signal 12, the means 51 including image analyser 5 for identifying the presence of features and their locations relative to a reference position (e.g. the centre) in the frame within each of a series of frames in a time window of the video signal, and track analysis means 7 coupled to the output of said image analyser for analysing the movement of at least one said feature over said series of frames to provide the saliency signal.

Abstract: Process for improving the view in a vehicle, in particular in darkness, bad weather and fog, wherein laser light with a wavelength outside of the visible spectrum is emitted in a predetermined spatial area, which is observed by a camera, of which the images are displayed to the vehicle operator. According to the invention the laser light and/or the camera is additionally used for optical communication with other vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a system having a plurality of video cameras. The cameras are linked to a control unit which has a motion detection apparatus for monitoring the images received from the cameras and detecting motion therein. The cameras are adapted to operate in at least two modes: a low resolution mode and a high resolution mode. Under normal circumstances, cameras will be operating in low resolution mode to minimise use of system resources. If activity is detected within the field of view of one of the cameras, that camera is switched to high resolution, the other cameras remaining in the low resolution mode.

Abstract: A camera control apparatus provides an end user with environment to easily remote-control a video camera via a general network such as the Internet. When the camera control apparatus 1001 receives a file-transfer request described in the format of the network from an external device 1002 connected to the apparatus, it handles a characters in a character string of a file name of the request as camera-control characters. As a result, if the character string includes description corresponding to the format for camera control, the camera control apparatus 1001 controls the camera in accordance with the description to perform image sensing, and transfers the obtained video image as the content of an image file requested by the external device as the file-transfer request originator.

Abstract: A system (30) for remotely controlling the operation of a camera (10) having a video signal tap and a lens having lens focus, zoom and T-stop adjustment motors (24, 26, 28). A digital motor driver unit (32) is connected to and controls the camera and the lens motors. A portable digital controller (34) has either a hardwire (36) or wireless connection to the motor driver unit and is sized for holding in one hand. The controller has separate controls (52, 62, 66, 70) that are manually adjustable for controlling the motor driver unit to separately and independently control the camera and the lens motors. The controller also has a display screen (56) for selectively displaying a scene from the video signal tap of the camera or data from the lens motors. The system includes a memory and processing means for selective operation with a plurality of different cameras and lenses and to calibrate the lenses to the controller and motor driver unit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve usage of a terminal which receives and displays image data, by causing a camera or the like to effectively photograph or take an image existing within a photographable range of the camera, and by holding the photographed image as the image data. In order to achieve the object, it is provided, e.g.

Abstract: A method of displaying a digital image comprises the steps of: providing a processor with image data for generating a displayable image, which image data is from a plurality of static digital images, the processor generating a displayable rendered image from the image data, determining a rostrum path to display part of the displayable rendered image and generating a novel viewpoint simulating a different viewing angle. A corresponding computer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Developing processing performed after embedding digital watermark information in CCD-RAW image data greatly damages the embedded digital watermark information. Prevention of copying, tampering, and illicit use of an image photographed in the CCD-RAW mode cannot be guaranteed by the digital watermark at the photographing time point. In order to reliably prevent copying, tampering, and illicit use of an image, digital watermark information is attached to unprocessed image sensing data acquired by an image sensing device. After the image sensing data undergoes image processing, the attached digital watermark information is embedded in the resultant image sensing data.

Abstract: A digital image storage system includes a digital camera having a memory capable of storing digital images and an adapter on which the digital camera is to be laid downfor informing the adapter of the digital images in the memory. The digital image storage system further includes a data storage having a storage medium that stores the digital images informed through the adapter. The data storage is in cooperation with the digital camera by way of the adapter to delete a digital image from the memory of the digital camera in case of the digital image completely informed and stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: An electronic still camera comprising a lens, shutter, and exposure control system, a focus and range control circuit, a solid state imaging device incorporating a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) through which an image is focused, a digital control unit through which timing and control of an image for electronic processing is accomplished, an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter circuit to convert the analog picture signals into their digital equivalents, a pixel buffer for collecting a complete row of an image's digital equivalent, a frame buffer for collecting all rows of an image's digital equivalent, and a selectively adjustable digital image compression and decompression algorithm that compresses the size of a digital image and selectively formats the compressed digital image to a compatible format for either the IBM Personal Computer and related architectures or the Apple Macintosh PC architecture as selected by the operator so that the digital image can be directly read into most word processing, desktop publ

Abstract: A digital camera includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) for viewing images captured from an image sensor and stored on a removable memory card. The LCD also presents a user interface (UI) that allows the user to create a print order “utilization file”. As individual images are viewed, the user can decide how many (if any) prints to make of the image, the print size, and the print quality (low cost ink jet versus high quality thermal prints, for example). The memory card can then be inserted in a home printer, walk-up kiosk, or dropped off/mailed to a photofinisher, or the camera itself can be connected to the printer or kiosk via a wired or wireless (e.g., IrDA) link. The print order can then be automatically produced without any additional user intervention.

Abstract: A digital image storage system includes a digital camera having a memory capable of storing digital images and an adapter on which the digital camera is to be laid down-for informing the adapter of the digital images in the memory. The digital image storage system further includes a data storage having a storage medium that stores the digital images informed through the adapter. The data storage is in cooperation with the digital camera by way of the adapter to delete a digital image from the memory of the digital camera in case of the digital image completely informed and stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: A method of displaying digital images comprises the steps of using a processor to determine an extent of similarity between a first image part and a second image part, displaying a first image part from a viewpoint and transitioning to displaying a second image part from a viewpoint, the second image part being selected at least partly based on a determined extent of similarity between the first image part and the second image part, in which the viewpoint of an image part is moved either during the transition or after the transition takes place. An appropriate system is provided.

Abstract: A method for customizing a camera for at least one particular demographic group is disclosed. The camera includes a programmable memory that stores at least one parameter value to control at least one operation of the camera. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one camera parameter having a preferred value for at least one demographic group that differs from the standard value for said parameter, selecting a demographic classification for the camera, and programming the programmable memory of the camera to set the parameter value to the preferred value for the selected demographic classification.

Abstract: A method of automatically selecting regions of interest within an image in response to a selection signal, and panning across an image so as to keep the selected region in view is disclosed, together with an image processing system employing the method.

Abstract: A defective pixel detecting method and an image-pickup apparatus having a plurality of solid-state image-pickup devices each receiving respective one of spectral lights obtained by separating light incident to the image-pickup apparatus, generating, for each spectral light, a value relating to an inspected defective pixel on an associated solid-state image-pickup device located at a corresponding same image-pickup point among the plurality of solid-state image-pickup devices based on a signal level produced from the inspected pixel and signal levels produced from a plurality of pixels of the associated solid-state image-pickup device in the vicinity of the inspected pixel, and determining the solid-state image-pickup device that generated a defective pixel based on the values obtained with respect to the plurality of solid-state image-pickup devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reconstruction of a full colour image from image mosaic data (13,14,15), in particular where the image mosaic data is unequally weighted between different colours. The image mosaic is composed of a plurality of image pixels (23,24,25). Each image pixel has one of at least three colour values (16,17,18) and has a luminance value representing the intensity of the colour value for that pixel in the image mosaic. The pixels (23,24,25) of each colour value (16,17,18) are interleaved across the image mosaic with pixels of different colour values to form the image mosaic. For each colour value (16,17,18), both a low spatial frequency monochrome image (33,34,35) and a high spatial frequency luminance image (43,44,45) are generated, the high spatial frequency luminance image extending only across pixels locations of the image mosaic for that colour value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a light source which irradiates an object with light, an image pickup unit which converts light from the object into an image signal, a driving circuit which controls an accumulation time of photoinduced charge in the image pickup unit, a detection circuit which detects an image signal from the image pickup unit and determines whether or not an exposure amount is proper, and a control circuit which controls on the basis of determined made by the detection circuit, the first mode of causing the driving circuit to change the accumulation time of photoinduced charge while the light source keeps off, and the second mode of causing the driving circuit to change the accumulation time of photoinduced charge while the light source keeps on.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a plurality of sensor cells each including a photoelectric conversion element, an amplifier transistor which amplifies and outputs a signal from the photoelectric conversion element, and a selector transistor for selectively outputting a signal from the amplifier transistor, and a driving circuit which supplies a predetermined voltage to the transistor so as to change the amplifier transistor to an OFF state or an accumulation state before the amplifier transistor outputs a signal generated in the photoelectric conversion element

Abstract: A solid state imaging device and a signal processing method therefor as well as a camera by which a reference signal for cancellation of vertical string-like fixed pattern noises can be obtained readily. In an initial stage after a power supply to the device is made available, a substrate pulse is outputted from a timing generator to reset pixel transistors immediately before pixel signals are read out. Then, in a condition wherein there is no signal originating from incidence of light, an operation pulse signal is caused to rise immediately to read out pixel signals from the pixel transistors through operation switches so as to be held by capacitors. Thereafter, in a horizontal image period, a horizontal scanning pulse signal is outputted from a horizontal shift register to successively put horizontal switches into a connecting state to successively output the signals of the capacitors thereby to obtain a reference signal for cancellation of vertical string-like fixed pattern noises.

Abstract: An image pickup element drive control method can outputs a sharp image effectively without producing any overlapped images when it is driven for a high rate image pickup operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image recording device (10), comprising:

Abstract: An image sensing device for transferring electric charge from a plurality of photoelectric converters disposed therein. The image sensing device is divided into a plurality of pixel areas. At least a pair of the divided pixel areas contiguous to each other have a vertical transfer CCD, an oblique shift CCD and a horizontal transfer CCD to transfer the electric charge from the photoelectric converters to an output stage. The output stage is at least disposed contiguous to the boundary of the divided pixel areas adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a focusable lens apparatus, an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixel elements, and an electronically actuatable shutter device including a plurality of individually addressable and actuatable shutter elements. A shutter element substantially corresponds to one or more pixel elements. A processor controls a focus depth of the lens apparatus and selectively actuates particular shutter elements associated with each of a plurality of focus depths during image capture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a constitution in which an area with strobe light rays dominant therein, which corresponds to strobe light dominant area, is extracted in accordance with various extraction conditions, and a white balance adjustment suitable for a property of the area is set in order to enhance a result of an indoor strobe photographing. Moreover, it is judged whether or not correction is appropriate for each white balance area in accordance with a result of evaluation exposure of a steady light amount.

Abstract: A signal processor for reducing power consumption. The signal processor includes a first regulator for generating a first regulated voltage with a power supply voltage and supplying the first regulated voltage to a signal processing circuit. A second regulator generates a second regulated voltage with the power supply voltage and supplies the second regulated voltage to an output circuit. The second regulator shifts the second regulated voltage in accordance with a change in an input level of the external device.

Abstract: An image pickup device provided with an optical system for taking the image of an object, a photoelectric converting element for photoelectric conversion of the object image taken by the optical system, an electric signal outputting board for outputting an electrical signal from the photoelectric converting element, and a position defining member for defining the position of the optical system relative to the photoelectric converting element, wherein the electric signal outputting board is positioned between the photoelectric converting element and the position defining member.

Abstract: A substrate is made from a nonmetal including a ceramic or the like. A semiconductor device chip for image pickup includes a two-dimensional C-MOS image sensor or the like which is mounted on the substrate. A lens-barrel body is attached to the substrate so as to enclose the semiconductor device chip for image pickup therein. The infrared light blocking filter, lens, and diaphragm are respectively mounted on the lens-barrel body. A transparent member is provided between the substrate and the lens-barrel body so as to protect a surface portion of the semiconductor device chip for image pickup. A potting material is provided so as to cover an electrode lead or the like at a peripheral portion of the semiconductor device chip for image pickup and so as to simultaneously adhere a peripheral portion of the transparent member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small image pickup module in which a structure, which mounts a lens-barrel body so as to enclose therein a semiconductor device chip for image pickup mounted on a substrate, is improved, and in which assembly work is easy and a reduction in costs is possible. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a small image pickup module comprising a substrate made from a nonmetal including a ceramic or the like, a semiconductor device chip for image pickup including a two-dimensional C-MOS image sensor or the like which is mounted to the substrate, a lens-barrel body which is attached as a reference on the substrate so as to enclose the semiconductor device chip for image pickup therein, and in which a diaphragm section and a lens fixing portion are press-formed integrally in that order from the distal end portion, and a lens which is mounted to the lens fixing portion of the lens-barrel body.

Abstract: A hand held stabilizer holder for hand held cameras comprises a first frame having a hand grip and a pivot mount spaced from the hand grip; a second frame pivotally mounted to the first frame at the pivot mount, and a camera mount on the second frame disposed below the pivot mount so that the camera remains in its orientation upon pivoting of the holder.