Abstract: A frame hanging assist device for correctly positioning mounting hardware for hanging a frame includes a plurality of markers. Each marker comprises a head coupled to a first end of a shaft. The head is configured to reversibly couple to a hanging bracket of a frame to couple the marker to the hanging bracket. When coupled, the marker extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame. A tip is coupled to a second end of the shaft. The tip is configured to leave an indicium on a wall. The markers are reversibly couplable to the frame. When the frame bearing the markers is positioned adjacent to the desired hanging location on the wall, the tips are configured to contact the wall leaving indicia designating the correct points to mount anchors on the wall to hang the frame from the wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of cradle frames and cushions are described herein. A cradle frame includes a connection assembly, a support assembly, an adjustment assembly, and a gear assembly. The connection assembly is configured to couple the cradle frame to a structure. The support assembly includes two side sections, and a middle section that is curved downward and positioned substantially between the two side sections. The adjustment assembly is coupled to the support assembly for adjusting the positioning of the support assembly. The gear assembly is coupled to the adjustment assembly for controlling the positioning of the support assembly. A cushion has a contoured upper side, and one or more opening in the middle part of the cushion on the underside.

Abstract: Embodiments of cradle frames and cushions are described herein. A cradle frame includes a connection assembly, a support assembly, and a gear assembly. The connection assembly is configured to couple the cradle frame to a structure. The support assembly includes two side sections, and a middle section that is curved and positioned substantially between the two side sections. The gear assembly is coupled to the adjustment assembly for controlling the positioning of the support assembly. A cushion has a contoured upper side, and one or more opening in the middle part of the cushion on the underside.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plate defining a surface for holding food and further defines at least one opening therein. A collapsible beverage holder fits within the at least one opening defined within the surface of the plate and moves between a collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being placed on a surface and an un-collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being lifted off the surface by the plate. A plurality of flexible latching tabs secures the collapsible beverage holder to an edge of the at least one opening. The plurality of flexible latching tabs further comprises at least one locking member for engaging the edge of the at least one opening to removeably secure the collapsible beverage holder to the plate. A flexible member interconnects the at least one locking member to the collapsible beverage holder.

Abstract: A lid is provided which permits a user to drink from a beverage can suspended within the interior of a disposable coffee cup. The user can thereby drink from the beverage can without the user's lips touching the can surface. Also it appears to an observer that the user is drinking from the disposable cup, not the beverage can, and also the beverage can is insulated to keep it cold. According to one embodiment, the lid has a standard outer circumference which engages and seals with the rim of the disposable cup. It also has an inner circular attachment ring attached to the lower inner surface of the lid which has tabs to grasp the rim of the beverage can and form an upper chamber through which the beverage can flow from the beverage can opening to the lid's drinking aperture. A gasket seals the circumference of the circular ring against the beer can. Thus the beverage can is suspended in the interior of the coffee cup and the beverage flows from the beverage can through the lid aperture when the cup is tipped.

Abstract: The present embodiments describe an insulated drinking vessel with a multifunction lid. In an embodiment, the drinking vessel can be configured to receive a multifunction lid. The multifunction lid may, in one embodiment, include an opening for receiving a drinking straw. In an embodiment, the multifunction lid may additionally include an opening for drinking or sipping directly through the lid. In an embodiment, the lid may include an operable cover for covering at least one of the openings in a first position and for allowing access to the fluid through the opening in a second position. In a further embodiment, the lid may include a plurality of operable covers. A first operable cover may be configured for covering the drinking straw opening in a first position and allowing insertion of a straw in a second position. The lid may also include an operable cover for covering the sipping spout in a first position and allowing drinking directly through the spout in a second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable insulator for a cup.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method that includes a lap tray, the lap tray having a flat portion and a raised perimeter edge, wherein the flat portion defines a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the flat portion defines an aperture. The apparatus further includes a tray compartment operably engaged with the lap tray. The tray compartment has a sidewall and a bottom wall, the sidewall and the bottom wall define, in part, an interior space accessible via the aperture. A lid operably engaged with the tray compartment is configured to enclose the interior space of the tray compartment.

Abstract: A plated cup set apparatus adapted to facilitate single-handed control thereof is provided. The plated cup set apparatus may include a planar base having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second surface forms a hand imprint. An elongated member spans a knuckle width of the hand imprint, wherein the opposing ends of the elongated member are joined to the second surface, thereby a user may snugly slide their hand into the hand imprint and between the elongated member and the second surface for gaining single-handed control of the plated cup set apparatus with the wrist providing needed support of the beverage container. The first surface, in addition to accommodating food stuff, may provide a container opening and a utensil notch for slidably receiving and retaining a beverage container and utensils, respectively, therein.

Abstract: A drinking vessel or container equipped with a mechanism or module configured to determine the number of drinking events during a drinking session is provided. The drinking vessel includes an orientation sensor configured to determine an orientation of the drinking vessel, a visual indicator operatively coupled to the drinking vessel, and a controller that is configured to receive signals from the orientation sensor. The controller is configured to determine whether the sensed orientation is indicative of a drinking event and provide a control signal to the visual indicator representative of the number of sensed drinking events during a given period.

Abstract: A multi-position hanger including a main body, a hook, a wishbone and a pants bar. The hook is attached to the main body. The wishbone and the pants bar are also attached to the main body. The wishbone is attached to the main body at a first offset in a first direction from the hook, and the pants bar is attached to the main body at a second offset in a second direction from the hook. Loading the wishbone produces a moment in a first direction and loading the pants bar produces a moment in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related systems and methods for lead-ins for anti-fatigue floor mats. More particularly, embodiments disclose lead-ins with tapered ends with variable heights that transition from a floor level to a mat surface level to enable drop stitch-mats to be used in residential and commercial areas.

Abstract: A mailbox for preventing mail from contacting pooling water in the mailbox includes a mailbox body and a mailbox insert, including: a front section, including a slanted portion, a front support which is connected to the slanted portion, a middle support, and a front lateral adjustment component; and a rear section, including a rear support which is connected to a rear end of the rear section, at least one side hook, and a rear lateral adjustment component; wherein the front section is configured to be insertable into the at least one side hook such that the front section is slidably coupled to the rear section; and wherein the front lateral adjustment component and the rear lateral adjustment component are configured to expand and contract laterally.

Abstract: Various embodiments of curtain support and swivel assembly designs are provided. One embodiment is a curtain support assembly comprising a support attachment member and a curtain attachment member. A rod extends from the support attachment member. A stop member is disposed on an end of the rod. The curtain attachment member has a longitudinal opening with a lip. The stop member is configured to be received within the longitudinal opening and positioned such that the stop member engages with the lip and rotates within the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: The utility model provides a roller ball hanging ring comprising a hanging ring, roller balls, a fastener and a grommet; wherein the hanging ring is provided with the fastener, the grommet for accommodating the fastener and a thin rod for accommodating the roller balls, and the roller balls are provided with round through holes for accommodating the thin rod. After the scheme is employed, a curtain fabric is unfolded and folded more smoothly and conveniently, thereby effectively avoiding scratches and reducing loss.

Abstract: The utility model provides an open-type roller ball hanging ring comprising a hanging ring, an opening, a first bump, a second bump and roller balls; wherein the hanging ring is provided with the opening and a connecting rod for fixing the roller balls, the opening is of a Chinese-character-Hu-shaped structure, the first bump and the second bump are respectively arranged at both ends of the hanging ring, and round through holes for accommodating the connecting rod at an inner side of the hanging ring are arranged inside the roller balls. After the scheme is employed, a curtain fabric is unfolded and folded more smoothly and conveniently, thereby effectively avoiding scratches and reducing loss.

Abstract: Packaged product (20) comprising a food product (24) to be cooked in a cooking device (10), the packaged product (20) comprising identification means (21) providing information to and readable by the cooking device (10) related to a plurality of steps to be applied for cooking the food product (24) according to a predetermined profile, such that, in particular the duration, the selection of the heating mode and the power level of each of the heating mode, optionally and additionally a cooling mode, are set for each one of these steps according to the type of product to be cooked. The heating mode for each step is selected amongst one or a combination of microwave heating, infrared heating, hot air convection or hot air impingement, the cooling mode being applied by one or a combination of sub-pressure cooling or air ventilation.

Abstract: A grating apparatus grates an object to be grated, and includes an upper mill including an upper mill grinding surface and an opening portion in a center of the upper mill grinding surface, a lower mill located below the upper mill and including a lower mill grinding surface abutting on the upper mill grinding surface, and a core at least partially located in the opening portion. The core includes a plate-shaped portion which rotates, and an engagement portion engaged with an object to be grated is provided in a peripheral end surface of the plate-shaped portion.

Abstract: A beverage preparation apparatus includes a liquid storage tank, a liquid supply path having one end serving as an introduction port and the other end serving as a supply port, a heating device for heating a liquid in the liquid supply path, a tank to which the liquid heated by the heating device is supplied through the supply port, an air passage path including an air inlet and an air outlet and sending air into the tank, and a fan arranged in the air passage path. The air passage path is provided to include a portion extending from a lower side toward an upper side along a peripheral surface of the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: A hot and cold beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a hot and a cold beverage separately includes a water storage tank, a hot water circuit, a cold water circuit, beverage extract holding chambers, nozzles, and a control system. The hot water circuit receives water from the water storage tank and heats the water. The cold water circuit is isolated from the hot water circuit and receives the water from the water storage tank. The water is recirculated multiple times to make the cold beverage. The beverage extract holding chambers receive either the heated water or the cold water to make the hot beverage or the cold beverage respectively. The nozzles dispense the hot or the cold beverage respectively based on a selection received by a control system. The control system actuates one-way valves to control the flow of the water based on the received selection.

Abstract: A coffee percolator is provided having a funnel-shaped main body made of a thin stainless steel sheet and an inner layer component, wherein the sidewall of the main body is formed with a plurality of holes by means of etching technology; the inner layer component is fixed on the inner side of the sidewall of the main body. The inner layer component is provided with second holes with smaller diameter than that of the first holes provided on the sidewall of the main body. Through the double-layer wall structure made up of the inner layer component and main body side wall for the liquid to pass through and the fine second holes provided on the inner layer component, coffee grounds and foreign bodies can be completely prevented from passing through the sidewall when preparing and filtering coffee, so that the coffee prepared by the user has better purity and taste.

Abstract: An eductor suitable for use in an assembly for preparing a liquid product comprises a housing having a substantially cylindrical wall. The eductor comprises an injector valve which is displaceably arranged within the cylindrical wall from first position to a second position longitudinally spaced from the first position, and vice versa. On its outer surface the injector valve comprises two annular protrusions which are spaced from each other, each of the annular protrusions engaging the inner surface of the cylindrical wall for forming a seal therewith, said annular protrusions together with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall forming an annular chamber, said protrusions being arranged for isolating the annular chamber from fluid communication with any environment outside the annular protrusions when said injector valve is positioned in the first position or the second position or any position in between.

Abstract: A beverage machine (300) comprises a pump (106) for pumping water (104) from a water tank (102) through a heater (108) and a hollow injection needle (200) into a beverage capsule (202), a pressurization device (302) comprising a cavity (304), a water line (116) connecting an outlet of the pump (106) to said cavity (304), a pressurization device valve (316) between the pump (106) and said pressurization device (302), a gas line (312) connecting the pressurization device (302) to said hollow injection needle (200), and a discharge valve (314), such that the pressurization device (302) receives a volume of water (104) from the pump (106) to compress a volume of gas (310) held in the cavity (304) of said pressurization device (302), and such that said compressed volume of gas (310) is discharged through the hollow injection needle (200) when the discharge valve (314) is opened.

Abstract: A beverage preparation apparatus and method are provided, the apparatus including a brewing chamber, at least one pump configured to supply a diluent to the brewing chamber, two heaters configured to heat the diluent, at least one heater of the two heaters being a pipe heater, a controller configured to independently supply power to one or both of the heaters as a function of a flow rate and of a temperature of the diluent.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus that includes a housing that is adapted to receive a supply of combustible material, and defines an open upper end, as well as a bottom end. Mounted with the housing is a cooking or cooktop member, which defines a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer periphery, and at least one interior opening positioned above the open upper end of the housing. The top surface includes at least a portion that extends downwardly from the outer periphery to the interior opening.

Abstract: An automated cooking system is disclosed which includes a wok for receiving food and heat, a stirrer capable of making swing and rotating motions in the wok, a sensor placed in the wok for measuring ambient data, a base unit housing a heating element for heating up the wok, the base unit also housing a controller for operating the heating element, the stirrer's swing and rotating motions and the sensor, and a computing device physically separated from the base unit yet signally coupled to the controller, the computing device storing a recipe which instructs the computing device to obtain the ambient data from and send operating commands to the controller.

Abstract: A non-electric adapter for cooking food over a plurality of burners to an electric or gas stove comprises: (i) a base frame having a substantially rectangular shape with side handles at opposed ends, a plurality of vertical wire rods, a left and right grate end rod and a forward curved rod for holding a drip tray; (ii) a griddle with a flat upper surface onto which food is placed for cooking, said griddle being slanted between about 7 to 15 degrees from planar when used for cooking and having a flap at each front edge corner for resting on a grate end rod of the base frame; and (iii) a cover lid hinged to a rear edge of the griddle and overlapping its front edge by about 1.5 to 2.5 inches at its maximum width when lowered over the griddle. A method for cooking with this adapter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grilling apparatus for bacon or other thinly sliced meat. The apparatus includes a base with sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the base. A pair of doors are coupled to opposite sides of the base and movable from an open position to a closed position. A pair of grill plates are removably connected to a corresponding one of the doors. A heating element extends from the base between the side walls. A removable grill is placed over the heating element between the said side walls. When the doors are in the closed position, the grill and the grill plates form an enclosed space, so that when power is supplied to the heating element, heat generated by the heating element is provided by convection to the grill and the grill plates.

Abstract: A cookware cover includes a base portion and two opposing flaps connected thereto. A first fastener, such as a zipper, has its complementary parts attached to the flaps, such that, when the flaps are folded over the top of the base portion, the flaps can be secured to each other. Additional fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, can have their complementary parts attached to the flaps and the base portion, respectively, so that the flaps can also be secured to the base portion in order to seal a piece of cookware within the cover. The cookware cover can include and/or be constructed from a thermally-insulative material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a food processing and cooking apparatus comprising: a container module having a rotary blade for crushing a food material contained in an inner space; a housing module formed by the coupling of an upper housing for supporting the container module and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing; and a power module mounted by a base bracket on the inner space of the housing module and transmitting power generated by the motor to a power-transmitting unit to rotate the rotating blade, wherein the container module is detachably mounted while preventing from being shaken by a mounting groove of the upper housing, the power module is configured such that vibration and noise are reduced by the anti-vibration member, and the food material is cooked using a heater provided in the container module or the housing module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-screen grinding mechanism and a double-screen grinding juicer, belonging to the technical field of household appliances. The juicer comprises a motor box, a motor, a middle cover, a grinding mechanism and an upper cover, wherein the grinding mechanism consists of a filter screen and a rotor, the filter screen being of a double-layer filter screen structure and comprising an upper filter screen and a lower filter screen, the rotor comprising an upper rough-grinding portion and a lower fine-grinding portion; the motor is mounted in the motor box; the middle cover is fixed on the motor box; the filter screen is mounted within the middle cover; the rotor is located in the filter screen; the upper cover is covered on the middle cover to shield the filter screen and the rotor; and, the rotor is connected to the motor via a rotor shaft.

Abstract: A versatile food processing system that can work with plurality of top-mounted food processing units of different types and sizes is disclosed. The motor base of the food processing system has a locking mechanism and safety actuators at different radial locations so that food processing units of different sizes can utilities the safety mechanism. One particular processing unit is especially useful for making noodles and vegetable strips. The processing unit comprises a stationary outer vessel and a rotating inner vessel. Blades are located on an inner lid of the inner vessel. The inner vessel spins in unison with the inner lid without a central shaft to avoid harm caused by the shaft to the quality of the resulting noodles.

Abstract: A blade driving assembly includes a blade-supporting shaft disposed to rotate parallel to, but laterally offset from, the axis of a food processor's drive outlet. A planetary drive system conveys rotational drive to the blade-supporting shaft, so that the blade-supporting shaft rotates around its own axis, thereby spinning the blade or blades, while at the same time the blade-supporting shaft rotates bodily around the drive-outlet axis, describing a locus, centered on the drive-outlet axis but separated therefrom by a radial distance corresponding to the lateral offset.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underlay strip consisting of silicon and having a top side and a substantially planar underside, the top side of the underlay strip having at least two raised supporting surfaces.

Abstract: An illuminating soap module includes a shell defining a cavity for holding liquid soap. The shell may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may include a dispenser, a plug, a light module, and combinations thereof. The illuminating soap module is configured to illuminate upon a triggering event.

Abstract: A face cleaning apparatus includes a brush head, a case, a transmission shaft, and an eccentric wheel module. The case has a throughhole. The transmission shaft is disposed within the case and has a shaft body having an oscillating end and a protrusion extending along an axial surface. The oscillating end is disposed axially through the throughhole and connected to the brush head. The eccentric wheel module is disposed within the case and includes a motor and an eccentric wheel rotated by the motor. The protrusion is pressed against a side of the eccentric wheel and reciprocates following rotation of the eccentric wheel such that the oscillating end is driven to oscillate with respect to the case. Therefore, the face cleaning apparatus has the advantages of low vibration, low noise, increased battery life, and simple assembly.

Abstract: A towel for cleaning hard-to-reach human body areas during or after bathing. The towel comprises an elongated body comprising a front surface and a rear surface and at least one pocket disposed on each of the front surface and the rear surface, at opposing ends. The pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of a first hand of a user, and enables to clean hard-to-reach areas of the body by reaching with a finger tip of the first hand within the pocket. The towel further comprises a handle loop at a corner of the elongate body for receiving a second hand of the user. The towel when stretched by holding the pocket using the first hand and the handle loop using the second hand allows cleaning or drying a back region of the body.

Abstract: A clamp-on paper towel holder has a back plate, a first and second holder arm, one or more clamps and a pop-up retainer. The first and second holder arms work together to grasp both ends of a paper towel roll and suspend the roll therebetween. The clamps mount on the back plate at mounting attachment points. Near each attachment point is a clamp extension against which the user can squeeze the clamp handle when desiring to open the clamp and reposition the holder between mounting locations. The clamps can grasp onto poles, rails, table edges, chairs, etc. and firmly suspend the holder therefrom. A user can simply squeeze the clamp's handles to open the clamps, reposition them, and then release the clamp handles to lock the holder in place. The pop-up retainer keeps the towel roll from unraveling in the wind.

Abstract: A compound type polyurethane toilet seat, comprising a surface coating layer, a positioning structure and a seat support; the surface coating layer is made from polyurethane and seamlessly covers the outer surface of the seat support by means of the positioning structure; the preparation process comprises: step 1, spraying a release agent and an in-mold paint in a cavity of a mold; step 2, cleaning the surface of the seat support; step 3, polishing or abrasive blasting; step 4, thermally treating the seat support; step 5, spraying the release agent in the cavity of the mold, and installing the seat support in the cavity of the mold; step 6, injecting a polyurethane raw material into the cavity of the mold, and shaking the mold; step 7, foaming the polyurethane raw material.

Abstract: A cyclone vacuum cleaner includes two suction fan stages, three stages of separation, plus a HEPA filter and allows capturing of wet or dry material in bag-less or bagged configuration in non-porous paper or plastic bags as well as ordinary garbage bags with pull tie tops for removal, with no suction loss. A steam generator may be added to provide substitute working vacuum fluid to the normal air for dirt pickup. Acoustic sound dumping may also be provided in the architecture of the assembly.

Abstract: An adapter device for arranging a container (4, 6) on the upper face (5) of a cleaning device (9), said adapter device consisting of an adapter plate (1, 2) with a support surface (13, 15) and at least one locking element for locking the container in place on the (4, 6) adapter plate. The adapter plate (1, 2) is divided into at least two parts and consists of a front adapter plate (1) and a rear adapter plate (2) which can be separately mounted on the upper face (5) of the cleaning device (9).

Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool that includes a nozzle body having a first end and a second, spaced apart end and at least one light emitting element that emits light that will illuminate a surface to be cleaned by the accessory tool is described. The light emitting element is protected by a protective housing that protects the element when the tool is inserted into areas during cleaning, yet still allows the light to illuminate surfaces during operation.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner having a nozzle inlet facing a surface to be cleaned, and a rotatable side brush. The rotatable side brush has bristles extending substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle inlet includes a frame structure forming an opening, the opening being arranged in fluid communication with a debris receptacle. The bristles extend over a side portion of the nozzle inlet. The frame structure has a base portion extending substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned. The base portion extends at a first level. The frame structure at the side portion extends substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned at a second level. The first level is arranged closer to the surface to be cleaned than the second level.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a foot assembly having a suction inlet thereon, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough, and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The foot assembly further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms, a rotatable agitator on each extension arm, and a drive assembly configured to counter-rotate the agitators. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris towards the suction inlet.

Abstract: A brushroll for a vacuum cleaner includes a brush dowel having a plurality of bristles and a drive motor within the brush dowel for rotating the brush dowel in a first direction of rotation, wherein an armature and motor shaft of the drive motor counter-rotates in a second direction of rotation.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner having a nozzle inlet arranged in a portion of a housing of the vacuum cleaner. The nozzle inlet has a frame structure forming an opening. The frame structure has a base portion extending substantially in parallel with a surface to be cleaned, the base portion extending at a first level. A leading edge portion has at least two distance members forming there between a channel to the opening. The channel has a delimiting surface extending at a second level substantially in parallel with the first level. The first level is arranged closer to the surface to be cleaned than the second level. Each distance member has a substantially triangular cross section. At least a portion of side surfaces of the distance members extend substantially perpendicularly to the base portion.

Abstract: A central vacuum wherein said central vacuum comprises a housing with a portion of said housing comprising a motor housing, a filter housing and a dust collecting bin. A motor, power source, foam filter a dust collecting bin are incorporated within the filer housing. The housing further compromising an exhaust outlet, and at least two optional intake ports adapted to receive an intake hose. The first intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose is channeled into the filter where it passes through the filter, trapping dust and debris in the filter. The second intake port is adapted such that the air and debris received from an intake hose is channeled directly into a bag adapter and the air and debris is channeled into a vacuum filter bag, trapping the dust and debris in the bag. With either intake port, the air to flows through the filter or filter bag into the housing, where the air is exhausted through the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner includes an outer housing and a separator assembly that is removably received by the autonomous vacuum cleaner. A portion of the separator assembly defines a portion of at least two walls of the outer housing.

Abstract: A cleaning robot is provided. The cleaning robot includes a sensor configured to sense obstacle information, and a controller configured to generate a map based on sensed values obtained by the sensor, analyze a structure of the generated map by detecting a region segmentation point from the map, and generate a map image based on an analysis result.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of recording an abnormality immediately upon occurrence of the abnormality. The vacuum cleaner has a main casing. The vacuum cleaner has driving wheels for enabling the main casing to travel. The vacuum cleaner has a control unit for controlling drive of the driving wheels to make the main casing autonomously travel. The control unit has a function as an abnormality sensor for detecting an abnormality. The vacuum cleaner has a camera for picking up an image. The control unit has a cleaning mode for cleaning a cleaning-object surface, an image pickup mode for performing image pickup with the camera, and a standby mode applied during a standby state. Upon detection of an abnormality during the cleaning mode, the control unit is switched over to the image pickup mode to perform image pickup with the camera.