Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is separably connected to a display device. The display device has a remote power supply control function of activating or deactivating the image capturing apparatus via a circuit. The image capturing apparatus activates the image capturing apparatus when a power supply button arranged on the image capturing apparatus is operated by the user, causes the display device to activate the power supply by remote control, causes the display device to deactivate the image capturing apparatus by remote control, and switches between inhibiting power supply deactivation and permitting power supply deactivation depending on whether the power supply is activated by a direct power supply activation unit or by a remote power supply activation unit.

Abstract: A device includes: an interface for performing communication with an apparatus to which the device is connected; and a supplying section that supplies support information, for notifying functions supported and controlled by the apparatus based on a detection result provided from a detecting section that detects a malfunction associated with a program held in a holding section, to the apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera control unit outputs serial data containing information for specifying a predetermined control target device to be controlled from among plural control target devices comprised in a camera head. The camera head identifies the control target device specified by the received serial data, and supplies the identified control target device with a select signal for an active state.

Abstract: A camera, controller, method and non-transitory computer readable storage device cooperate to control different portions of an area covered by a camera. Selective control is granted to different remote devices to establish respective portions of the area, so the respective portions of the image are sent to the remote devices making the request. Moreover, the camera has a digital pan, digital tilt, and digital zoom capability, which allows multiple portions of the image to be set by remote devices. When a limited number of remote devices are allowed to simultaneously control the portions of the area covered by the camera, then control is selectively transferred from one device to an awaiting device.

Abstract: Image capture techniques are described. In implementations, an image is captured, by an image capture device of a computing device, of an object that is disposed on a surface of a first display device of the computing device. The computing device includes a first housing that includes the first display device and a second housing that is rotatable attached to the first housing and that includes a second display device. The captured image is displayed on at least one of the first display device or the second display device.

Abstract: An image capture device having an image capture function includes an interface which receives first data from an external electronic device; and a processing section including a circuit which is used for transcode processing. The processing section performs the transcode processing on the first data using the circuit to generate second data. The interface transmits the generated second data to the electronic device.

Abstract: A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image capturing system can provide an image having the desirable composition captured by an image capturing apparatus to the user is provided. The image capturing system includes: an image capturing unit; a composition storage section for storing a plurality of compositions of the image captured by the image capturing unit; plurality of position indication units for indicating a position at which a main subject should be located in order to capture an image having the composition stored in the composition storage section; and a composition presentation section for presenting the composition of the image captured by the image capturing unit for the plurality of position indication units when the main subject is located at the position indicated by the position indication unit. The image capturing unit is fixedly installed in a predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention includes a image capture subsystem, a computing device and a software program. The software program is stored on the computing device. When executed, the image capture subsystem captures images of different faces or sides of the physical element, crops and resizes the images to map to a selected physical model and then creates a virtual representation of the physical element based on the selected physical model. These element virtual representations are stored in a database along with indexing information. Each of the images may also be scanned and metadata regarding the physical elements is captured and indexed. The software system and program, which when executed, also allows owners/user to input element identification information to retrieve relevant element virtual representations. After the element virtual representation has been retrieved, an owner or user can review and sort, from their computer device, without ever physically touching or retrieving from storage the physical element.

Abstract: A camera event logger device coupled to a motion picture camera, including: a data port configured to receive control signals to manage the logger device including a particular receive frequency; a radio-frequency receiver configured to receive time signal of the particular receive frequency to enable fine adjustment of a timecode; a timecode manager including a plurality of timecode readers and at least one timecode generator, a first timecode reader of the plurality of timecode readers configured to receive the time signal from the radio-frequency receiver and make the time signal available to the at least one timecode generator, wherein the at least one timecode generator is configured to generate the timecode by conditioning the time signal, the timecode manager configured to receive camera timecode from the motion picture camera, and to send back adjusted camera timecode adjusted in accordance with the conditioned timecode; a processor configured to receive camera status information from the motion pictu

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera unit, comprising an image sensor (10), a mechanical shutter (16), a host module (12), and connections between them, in particular a data and control connection (D1, C1) between the image sensor and the host unit. In the image sensor (10), there is a photoelectric pixel matrix (101), a timing unit controlling it, an electronic shutter (ERS), and a ‘global reset’ circuit for resetting the pixels simultaneously. The said data and control connection comprises: a data connection (D1) based on a series bus, a control connection (C1) based on a series bus, and a global-reset signal connection (G1, G2) separate from these. The invention also relates to a method for controlling an image sensor in a camera unit.

Abstract: In a video system of the invention, control means is provided for a terminal input apparatus which is connected by a communication network of a camera on the partner side and which comprises an image display apparatus having a multiwindow display function for selecting and displaying the camera. An image pickup operation which is required to the camera on the partner side, for example, the image pickup direction, focal distance, panning, exposure amount, white balance, automatic focusing, and the like of the designated camera are inputted by using an image display and a window display of the image display apparatus. The operation of the camera on the partner side and the operations of a tripod, a movable arm, and the like to hold the camera are controlled through communicating means. A photographed image is displayed by the display apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for controlling a plurality of cameras includes determining a selected camera though a control system, displaying a route map of the selected camera, and calculating motion parameters of a touch motion on a touch panel of the electronic device. The motion parameters are sent to the control system to control the selected camera according to the motion parameters. The touch panel displays acquired video images from the selected camera.

Abstract: Images stored in a camera are edited using a television. Television remote control output signals are received at the camera. The television remote control output signals are converted to camera image editing commands. An image stored in a memory associated with the camera is edited based upon the camera image editing commands. The edited image is output to the television. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A robot system that includes a robot face with a monitor, a camera, a speaker and a microphone. The system may include a removable handle attached to the robot face. The robot face may be controlled through a remote controller. The handle can be remove and replaced with another handle. The remote controller can be covered with a sterile drape or sterilized after each use of the system. The handle and remote controller allow the robot to be utilized in a clean environment such as an operating room without requiring the robot face to be sterilized after a medical procedure. The robot face can be attached to a boom with active joints. The robot face may include a user interface that allows a user to individually move the active joints of the boom.

Abstract: A camera adjusting system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a control apparatus. The first camera is movably arranged on a sliding rail to monitor a locale. The second camera captures a three dimensional (3D) image of a head of a subject. The control apparatus receives the captured 3D image of the head of the subject and simulates a corresponding 3D model according to the captured 3D image, and compares the actual 3D model with a reference 3D model, to compute a compared result, and outputs a control signal to the first camera to adjust parameters of the first camera according to the compared result.

Abstract: A camera adjusting system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a control apparatus. The first camera is used to monitor a locale. The second camera captures a three dimensional (3D) image of a head of a subject. The control apparatus receives the captured 3D image of the head of the subject and models a corresponding 3D model according to the captured 3D image. Compares the actual 3D model with a reference 3D model, to compute a compared result, and outputs a control signal to the first camera to adjust parameters of the first camera according to the compared result.

Abstract: A camera adjusting system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a control apparatus. The first camera is used to monitor a locale. The second camera captures an image of a head of a subject. The control apparatus receives the captured image of the head of the subject and compares the captured image with a reference image, to compute a compared result, and outputs a control signal to the first camera to adjust parameters of the first camera according to the compared result.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an information processing apparatus which receives a live view image from an imaging apparatus and displays the live view image by overlaying a predetermined overlay image thereto on a screen and the live view image when various operations regarding shooting processing are performed by the imaging apparatus. The information processing apparatus sets whether to display the overlay image by overlaying it onto the live view image or not for each type of an instruction to the imaging apparatus. When the information processing apparatus receives an instruction in response to a user operation, it detects the type of the instruction. When the overlay image is set to be displayed for the detected type of the instruction, the information processing apparatus displays the overlay image by overlaying it onto the live view image.

Abstract: A system and method for mechanically panning, tilting, and/or zooming a webcam to track a user's face. In one embodiment, such movement is controlled by kernel software in a host to which the webcam sends video data. In this way, a driver in the host kernel handles the face tracking, transparent to the application programs that would access the video. In an alternate embodiment, such movement is controlled by firmware in the webcam itself The video and control signals are sent over the same standard cable, such as a USB bus. In one embodiment, the video is supplied to an instant messaging application. The use of a standard bus (e.g., USB) and the offloading of the face tracking to the webcam and driver allows easy use by the instant messaging application.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling a camera may include a telephony device communicatively coupled to a data network. The telephony device comprises at least one module adapted to generate a control signal in response to receiving a user command associated with dialing of an emergency telephone number. A camera may be adapted to start capturing images in response of receiving the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method for data acquisition and processing is described which can form the basis of online gaming. Encoded datagram images are captured from a computer screen or a printed document using a mobile phone or PDA or fixed line device and processed relative to a stored profile and then transmitted to a remote server to be decoded. The received datagram is read and compared with one of a plurality of stored datagram images and or decoded according to specific attributes of the datagram image. The method makes possible the capture and transmission and processing of datagrams to access services such as to cause the download of specific software such as a software application. In one embodiment this may comprise an online casino application where a player receives the software to play as well as a certain amount of credit. In a separate gaming application, the datagrams may be unique such that a player captures and transmits a datagram to find whether it is a winning datagram.

Abstract: Capturing motion including: a clock configured to generate a time reference; a plurality of motion capture cameras substantially synchronized to the time reference; at least one device used in motion capture; a multicast module configured to receive the time reference, and to transmit a multicast signal, wherein the multicast signal includes information derived from the time reference to configure the at least one device to operate synchronously with the plurality of motion capture cameras; and an integration module configured to integrate device data generated by the at least one device with camera data generated by the plurality of motion capture cameras.

Abstract: A method of starting snapping a static scene is applied to a system, which is electrically connected with an image-capturing device and a display device. The display device has a displaying zone for display a visual field of the image-capturing device. After an instruction of setting a block in the displaying zone is received by the system, a skin color coverage percentage of the block is calculated. According to the skin color coverage percentage, the system determines whether the scene within the visual field is stored or not. By the method and system of the present invention, a self-timer function is activated according to the skin color.

Abstract: An automatic camera steering control for directing video conferences including a communicator with a microphone and a voice activated LED emitter. Cameras receive an LED signal transmitted by the LED emitter and focus on the speaker associated with the activated LED emitter. A controller automatically selects and inserts into the video stream the audio and video of the speaker.

Abstract: A control apparatus receives a third command from a remote control apparatus. The control apparatus determines which of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is used to connect an image capture apparatus and the control apparatus, if a mode of the image capture apparatus is not the same as a mode designated by the third command. If the first interface unit is used to connect the image capture apparatus and the control apparatus is determined, the third command is converted into a first command for changing the mode of the image capture apparatus to the mode designated by the third command. If the second interface unit is used to connect the image capture apparatus and the control apparatus is determined, the third command is converted into a second command for changing the mode of to the image capture apparatus to the mode designated by the third command.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for automatic control of multiple cameras capable of supporting an effective camera view angle in a broadcast, a movie, etc. The automatic control apparatus of multiple cameras includes: a first main camera; a first camera driver controlling an operation of the first main camera; a second main camera; a second camera driver controlling an operation of the second main camera; at least one auxiliary camera; at least one third camera driver controlling an operation of the at least one auxiliary camera; and an interoperation processor changing a view angle of the at least one auxiliary camera by controlling the at least one third camera driver in accordance with a view angle changing reference changed by changing the view angle of the first main camera, the second main camera, or the first and second main cameras.

Abstract: A method of creating a garment. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a person using a camera; (b) selecting a card having a depiction of a garment and encoded information relating to the garment depicted; (c) optically reading the encoded information on the card; (d) manipulating the captured image in accordance with the encoded information; (e) generating print data for garment pieces using the encoded information and the manipulated image; (f) communicating the print data to a garment fabric printer; and (g) printing outlines of garment pieces and a decorative finish on to a surface of a bolt of fabric.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting image parameters of cameras first determines if there are disqualified cameras whose image parameters need to be adjusted according to an image quality of the captured image of each camera, outputs the captured image of each of qualified cameras whose image parameters do not need to be adjusted, determines if the image parameters of each of the disqualified cameras are adjusted through a network. The image parameters are updated by each of the disqualified cameras itself if the image parameters of the disqualified camera are not adjusted through the network, or the image parameters of each of the disqualified cameras are updated by the computer using a broadcast mode or a non-broadcast mode with user-defined values if the image parameters of the disqualified camera are adjusted through network.

Abstract: A live video stream captured by an on-device camera is displayed on a screen with an overlaid guideline. Video frames of the live video stream are analyzed for a video frame with acceptable quality. A text region is identified in the video frame approximate to the on-screen guideline and cropped from the video frame. The cropped image is transmitted to an optical character recognition (OCR) engine, which processes the cropped image and generates text in an editable symbolic form (the OCR'ed text). A confidence score is determined for the OCR'ed text and compared with a threshold value. If the confidence score exceeds the threshold value, the OCR'ed text is outputted.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a camera apparatus includes, an imaging unit which acquires videos, a cable which connects the imaging unit to a control unit, and the control unit which comprises an asynchronous FIFO memory and a signal processing module and controls the imaging unit, the control unit performing transmitting to the imaging unit a drive signal configured to control an image sensor included in the imaging unit, and receiving a video signal including a clock signal or a synchronous signal output from the image sensor and converting this signal into a video signal standardized via the signal processing module.

Abstract: An image pickup device is connected with a computer. A video program is installed in the computer. The image pickup device includes an image pickup module and a monitor program. The image pickup module is controlled by the video program to capture an image. The image pickup module includes a lens and a shielding cover in front of the lens. When the monitor program detects an execution status of the video program, the shielding cover is driven to move to a position where the lens is not shielded by the shielding cover. When the monitor program detects a non-execution status of the video program, the shielding cover is driven to move to a position where the lens is shielded by the shielding cover.

Abstract: A fluttering illumination system and method for encoding the appearance of a moving subject includes an image capturing device, a lens, a shutter, an illumination source, and a device to control illumination triggering and power. The image capturing device may be configured in a bulb shutter mode to integrate light patterns from the object upon the sensor via the shutter until a shutter release is open. The control device may be invoked to trigger several illuminations of varying power in a predetermined sequence by rapidly turning the illumination source on and off when the shutter release is open. The shutter release may then be closed following the firing of a last illumination in order to invertibly encode the appearance of the moving subject in a single image. Data indicative of a motion blur associated with the image may be estimated and the image processed to recover a sharp image without noise and ringing artifacts.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically calibrating the aiming direction of a camera onboard a vehicle. The method uses GPS and solar almanac data to estimate the location of the sun relative to the vehicle, and compares this to the solar position in an image from the camera. The comparison is performed with an ongoing recursive calculation which yields an improved estimate of the sun position relative to the vehicle, while simultaneously calibrating the aiming direction of the camera. The aiming calibration data is used to improve the accuracy of the camera's images as used for all of the camera's other functions.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging apparatus including: a receiving unit that receives information representing a first focal length from a terminal which produces an image of a first imaging area by capturing an image of a subject at the first focal length; an imaging unit that produces an image of a second imaging area by capturing an image of the subject at a second focal length; an extraction unit that extracts a characteristic area of the subject from the image of the second imaging area based on information representing the first focal length and information representing the second focal length; and a transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the image of the characteristic area to the terminal.

Abstract: An image apparatus, including: a recording unit configured to record therein as an image file an image data generated through conversion from an optical image representing a photographed subject into an electrical signal; an interface for connecting the imaging apparatus to an external device; and a displaying unit configured to display an operation screen according to information about a capability processable by the external device transmitted from the external device.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention provide parental and corporate control for a wireless camera. An administration authority web site is provided that enables an owner of a wireless camera to log into a server and establish a set of control policies that specify what actions on the phone are authorized for what user. The control policies are downloaded to the wireless camera, and the wireless camera is then operated such that a user of the wireless camera is only able to perform actions authorized by the control policies. In a further embodiment, a control policy is provided that requires the wireless camera to upload captured images to the server for review by the wireless camera owner. In addition, the images may be quarantined until the wireless camera owner authorizes their release to the user.

Abstract: A camera controller allows the user to control a predominant camera currently shooting a subject and its nearby cameras simply by manipulating the predominant camera. The camera controller is communicably connected to networked cameras held at positions and controls the shooting direction of the imager built in the cameras according to control data. The controller has a video data detector for extracting motion picture data produced by the predominant camera from motion picture data produced by all of the cameras, and a camera control that corrects control data about the shooting camera with camera control request data entered by the user. The camera control outputs the corrected control data about the shooting camera to the predominant camera and also to the nearby cameras near the predominant camera.

Abstract: A shooting system which has an image sensing apparatus and a monitoring apparatus, distributes an image from the image sensing apparatus to the monitoring apparatus, and allows the monitoring apparatus to remote-control the image sensing apparatus, comprises: an unit adapted to set access permission information containing at least information on a user permitted to access, for each partial area contained in a shootable range of the image sensing apparatus; an unit adapted to set access restriction information with which the access-permitted user restricts access by other users to the access-permitted partial area; an unit adapted to generate an image having undergone an image process to restrict view of the partial area for the other access-restricted users; and an unit adapted to distribute the image having undergone the image process to the other access-restricted users.

Abstract: A mobile communication device in a palm-held size housing has a cellular or satellite telephone capable of wireless communication with the Internet and remotely located telephones. The device includes one or more replaceable memory card sockets for receiving a blank memory card for recording data directly from the Internet and, in particular, musical performances that then can be selectively reproduced by the device for the enjoyment of the user, including both audio and visual recordings and reproductions. The device also includes a camera and microphone for recording images and sound within the range of the device that can be wirelessly transmitted, either selectively or automatically to a remote telephone. Further, the device includes sensors for sensing unusual conditions that may also be transmitted to a remote telephone, together with the location of the device as determined by a GPS section of the device.

Abstract: Provided are an image processing program and an image processing apparatus that support imaging setting in an imaging apparatus. In a focus value display window, temporal change of a focus value (index value) in an input image is outputted. A user operates the imaging apparatus with reference to graph display in the focus value display window to adjust the focus. The focus value displayed in the focus value display window indicates a relatively high value in a “focused” state to a subject such as a work. In the focus value display window, a maximum focus value indicating bar is displayed in association with a focus value indication. The user adjusts the focus state in the imaging apparatus so that the focus value indication “approaches” or “exceeds” this maximum focus value indicating bar as much as possible.

Abstract: An image processing system may include an imaging device for capturing an image and an image processing apparatus for processing the image. The imaging device may include an imaging unit for capturing the image, a first recording unit for recording information relating to the image, the information being associated with the image, and a first transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the image to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus may include a reception control unit for controlling reception of the image transmitted from the imaging device, a feature extracting unit for extracting a feature of the received image, a second recording unit for recording the feature, extracted from the image, the feature being associated with the image, and a second transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the feature to the imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for instructing persons using computer based programs and/or remote instructors. One or more video cameras obtain images of the student or other participant. In addition images are analyzed by a computer to determine the locations or motions of one or more points on the student. This location data is fed to computer program which compares the motions to known desired movements, or alternatively provides such movement data to an instructor, typically located remotely, who can aid in analyzing student performance. The invention preferably is used with a substantially life-size display, such as a projection display can provide, in order to make the information displayed a realistic partner or instructor for the student. In addition, other applications are disclosed to sports training, dance, and remote dating.

Abstract: Media content and communication services are provided to a user. A schedule of media content and communication services provisioned for the user is received, and an interactive menu is generated including selectable options for each of the provisioned media content and communication services. The interactive menu is stored in a host device associated with the user. The interactive menu is displayed on a display connected to the host device, and the host device receives input signals from a remote control that correspond to selections of the selectable options on the interactive menu. The media content or communication service associated with an option on the interactive menu is initiated when selected with the remote control.

Abstract: A personal response system 10 includes a plurality of camera assemblies 12 each having a camera 16 constructed and arranged to capture an image of information 18 on material that rests on a surface below the camera. Each camera assembly includes a transmitter 21 constructed and arranged to transmit the captured image in a wireless manner. A single receiver structure 22 is constructed and arranged to receive transmitted captured images from the camera assemblies. The receiver structure is constructed and arranged to be associated with a single host computer such that the captured images can be managed at the host computer.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an image capture apparatus includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit transmits a first command to the image capture apparatus if a predetermined area in a captured image received from the image capture apparatus and a pointer operated by an operation unit are overlapped. The communication unit transmits a second command to the image capture apparatus if a button of the operation unit is clicked in a state that the predetermined area and the pointer are overlapped.

Abstract: A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.

Abstract: A system including a display device including a display surface. The system can include a camera to capture one or more images of the display surface. A computing device can be connected to the camera to control the camera and to recognize an object placed on the display surface.

Abstract: Group photographs are continuously taken with the same background, whereby at least two image frames are produced. A position of a face of each person is detected from each image frame. A combination weighting function w[p](x, y) is set such that, on the basis of the face detected in one of the two image frames, combination weights of pixels of the said one image frame to corresponding pixels of the other image frame are set, which combination weights decrease with increasing distance from the face of the person in said one image frame. The pixels of the said one image frame are laid on the corresponding pixels of the other image frame based on the combination weighting function w[p](x, y), whereby one composed image is produced.