Abstract: The invention relates to digital equipment (10) capable of supplying image data comprising local wireless network communications (12) and a physical connection interface (14, 15, 18). According to the invention, the equipment also has means of detecting (16, 20) a mute connection of the interface (14, 18) to a connector (32, 38), the equipment being controlled by the detection means to automatically trip an image data transmission procedure from the camera to a printing station (30), through the local wireless network, in response to the detection of a mute connection. Application to mobile phones with image sensor or to any mobile terminal provided with multiple communications (wire and wireless).

Abstract: A setting for white balance used by a camera during image-capturing can be reflected in a printer, thereby preventing, during printing, execution of such correction as negates an atmosphere of a light source in a recorded image in which the atmosphere has been intentionally allowed to remain. A camera used for a system of the present invention is a digital camera having a white balance process function of allowing the atmosphere of a photographing light source to remain in an image. During image-capturing, WB adaptation rate information indicative of a level of white balance correction is recorded on a recording medium as additional information. A printer reads the WB adaptation rate information for the camera via the recording medium to control white balance in accordance with the setting for the WB adaptation rate. For example, if the WB adaptation rate is less than 100%, then an AWB process executed by the printer is turned off to print the recorded image without changing its tints.

Abstract: A processor for controlling a printer, the processor comprising: an input interface for receiving input image data; and, a very long instruction word (VLIW) processor connected to the input interface for processing the input image data to generate output image data.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an information input system which can flexibly select the storage location of information input from an input apparatus. To achieve this object, in an information input system which comprises an input apparatus for inputting information, and an information processing apparatus which is connected to the input apparatus and processes information transferred from the input apparatus, the input apparatus has a storage unit for storing input information, a connection detection device for detecting whether or not the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus, and a controller for controlling to transfer the input information to the information processing apparatus without storing the information in the storage unit, when the connection detection device detects that the information processing apparatus is connected to the input apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-held digital camera device includes a programmable processing circuitry incorporating a four-way parallel VLIW vector processor; an image sensor interface connected to the programmable processing circuitry and configured to receive signals from an image sensor and pass data representing the signals to the programmable processing circuitry; and a printhead interface connected to the programmable processing circuitry and configured to receive data from the programmable processing circuitry and generate control signals to be received by a printhead of a printing mechanism. The programmable processing circuitry, the image sensor interface and the printhead interface all form part of CMOS integrated circuitry provided on a common wafer. An instruction set of the VLIW vector processor is tuned for image manipulation processing.

Abstract: In a photographic apparatus (1), there are included a housing (11) consisting of a pair of side panels (13, 14) and a top panel (15) provided contiguously to the side panels (13, 14) in pair, these panels defining together a photo compartment (16) in the housing (11), a photographic unit (17) provided at the rear side of the housing (11) to take a picture of an object person inside the photo compartment (16), printers (18, 19) installed to the housing (11) to print an image of the object person, captured by the photographic unit (17), onto a photographic paper and eject the photographic paper having the object image printed thereon to a photo outlet (38), and a curtain (33) provided, by hanging, on the top panel (15) at the front side, opposite to the rear side, of the housing (11) to face the photographic unit (17). One (13) of the side panels (13, 14) is formed narrower than the other (14). The housing (11) is generally flush, at the bottom thereof, with the floor surface.

Abstract: A setting for white balance used by a camera during image-capturing can be reflected in a printer, thereby preventing, during printing, execution of such correction as negates an atmosphere of a light source in a recorded image in which the atmosphere has been intentionally allowed to remain. A camera used for a system of the present invention is a digital camera having a white balance process function of allowing the atmosphere of a photographing light source to remain in an image. During image-capturing, WB adaptation rate information indicative of a level of white balance correction is recorded on a recording medium as additional information. A printer reads the WB adaptation rate information for the camera via the recording medium to control white balance in accordance with the setting for the WB adaptation rate. For example, if the WB adaptation rate is less than 100%, then an AWB process executed by the printer is turned off to print the recorded image without changing its tints.

Abstract: A terminal such as a cellular phone sends setting data including print parameters to a printer by wireless. Upon receiving the setting data, the printer sets print parameters in a print controller according to the setting data. The printer then renders image data transmitted by wireless from the cellular phone, forming a rendered image, and prints the rendered image by the print controller. When setting data is not received, the printer sets default print parameters. According to the default print parameters, the printer renders image data transmitted by wireless from the cellular phone, forming a rendered image, and prints the rendered image.

Abstract: With a digital camera 100, a photographed image 31 is displayed on a liquid crystal display and the user selects a desired image and specifies print specifications of the number of print sheets, a print paper size, a print color mode, etc., then print image data is prepared. The prepared print image data is transmitted from the digital camera 100 to a color printer of an output unit. An image is printed at the color printer in accordance with the print image data.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises a housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a base surface and an inclined surface adjoining the rear and base surfaces, the base surface being the surface on which the digital camera is supported at rest; an image sensor for capturing an image, the image sensor provided on the front surface; a digital storage device for digitally storing the image captured by the image sensor; a printer located within the housing for printing the captured image on media external to the camera as the camera traverses the media, a printhead of the printer being provided on the inclined surface and at an angle normal thereto; and a speed sensor for sensing a speed at which the camera traverses the media. The printhead of the printer is operated in accordance with the speed sensed by the speed sensor. The inclined surface is presented parallel to the media to effect printing.

Abstract: A method of generating manipulated images with a digital camera is provided in which objects within a digital image produced by the digital camera utilising an autofocus unit of the digital camera are detected by processing the digital image with a processor of the digital camera utilising focusing settings of the autofocus unit as an indicator of positions of said objects, and a manipulated image is generated by applying a digital image manipulating process of the processor to the detected objects.

Abstract: An image processor for a camera module having an image sensor that captures an image for transfer to a printer module of a compact printer system including a capture unit that captures the image from the image sensor and transforms it to planarized linear RGB form. The image processor also includes one or more interface units communicating with components of said camera module under control of the central processing unit and image processing units, being an application specific integrated circuits, in communication with said image storage memory to transform said image for transmission. A Serial Bus interface communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system to transfer data and power between modules. In one application, the camera module captures an image, which is transferred to the image storage memory of a printer module for printing by a printhead.

Abstract: It is conventionally difficult to select which of an image sensing apparatus and printer executes image correction processing in direct printing of printing by directly connecting the image sensing apparatus and printer. To solve this problem, a processing site at which processing considered to obtain a more preferable output result can be executed is determined from information on image correction processes executable by the image sensing apparatus and printer. For example, the versions of software modules which execute image correction processing are compared, and processing is done by either the image sensing apparatus or printer that has a module of a newer version. An appropriate apparatus can be selected to execute image correction processing.

Abstract: When a signal detection section detects a signal of an earthquake early warning, a control section (i) causes a storage apparatus to store display information being displayed on a display apparatus, (ii) reads, out of the storage apparatus, information on instructions in the event of an earthquake and an evacuation map in the event of an earthquake, (iii) causes the display apparatus to display: information on the instructions and the evacuation map; and information on the earthquake early warning and (iv) causes a printing apparatus to print the information on the instructions and the evacuation map. This allows a user to be appropriately evacuated from an installation site of the display apparatus.

Abstract: A camera is provided having a first image capture portion connected to a base by means of a pivot assembly. An electronic imaging sensor is located in the image capture portion and signals from the camera are conveyed by electrical contacts disposed about the base. In order to facilitate electrical communication between the imaging sensor and the electrical contacts over the full pivoting range, an integrated image processing circuit is mounted to a flexible PCB that interconnects the image capture portion with the contacts. The flexible PCB is sufficiently slack to accommodate pivoting of the image capture portion relative to the base.

Abstract: An ejection tray includes a container that contains a plurality of stacked recording sheets printed by a printing unit of an image forming apparatus, a movable cover mounted on the container, and a sorting member that sorts out a desired recording sheet from the recording sheets stacked in the container. The desired recording sheet sorted out in the container is allowed to be taken out when the cover is opened.

Abstract: A communication system includes an image pickup device and an information processing apparatus. The image pickup device is connectable to a printer, and the information processing apparatus is connectable to a server device. The image pickup device includes an acquiring unit that acquires printer information indicating information on the printer if the image pickup device is connected to the printer and a transmitting unit that transmits the printer information acquired by the acquiring unit to the information processing apparatus if the image pickup device is connected to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus also includes a display control unit that displays, on a display unit, an indication that the printer indicated by the printer information can be registered with the server device, based upon the printer information transmitted from the transmitting unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for applying desired effects to a stored image. The apparatus comprises an optical reader; a feed mechanism for feeding a card having an array of dots past the optical reader; an optical reader interface that is connected to the optical reader, the optical reader interface able to control the optical reader to detect a data area on the card, to detect a bit pattern corresponding to the array of dots in the data area, and to produce raw data from the bit pattern while the card is being fed past the optical reader, the raw data used to produce an image processing script; and, a processor that is connected to the optical reader interface to receive and apply the image processing script to the stored image to generate an output image with the desired effects. The array of dots defines a first resolution and the optical reader has a sensor with a second resolution at least twice the first resolution.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit includes programmable processing circuitry. An image sensor interface is connected to the processing circuitry and is configured to receive signals from an image sensor and to pass data representing the signals to the programmable processing circuitry. A printhead interface is connected to the processing circuitry and is configured to receive data from the processing circuitry and to generate control signals to be received by a printhead of a printing mechanism.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided having an image sensor for capturing an image, an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor to produce print data, a printhead for printing the print data, and a cartridge interface for receiving a cartridge having a supply of media substrates pre-printed with postcard formatting and a memory storing information relating to the dimensions of the postcard formatting. The image processor produces the print data in accordance with the stored information accessed via the cartridge interface to produce personalised postcards.

Abstract: A processor for image capture and printing has a RISC core. A four-way parallel VLIW vector processor is connected to the RISC core via a suitable data cache. The vector processor has four processing units interconnected with a crossbar switch. A memory interface is connected to the vector processor to permit interfacing between the data cache and a memory. Interfacing circuitry is operatively connected to the vector processor. The interfacing circuitry includes at least an image sensor interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an image sensor and a printhead interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an inkjet printhead.

Abstract: A portable camera with an inbuilt printer device is disclosed. The camera includes a digital image capture device, an inbuilt programming language interpreter internally connected to the digital image capture device for the manipulation of the digital image captured by the capture device and a script input means for inputting a self documenting program script for the manipulation and filtering of the captured digital image to produce visual alterations of the image. A card reader optically reads the script printed as an array of dots on one surface of a portable card, which has a visual example of the likely effect of the script on a second surface of the card. The script is interpreted and executed by the interpreter to modify the captured digital image in accordance with the script to produce a modified digital image. The modification is visually exemplified on the second surface of the card. The modified digital image is then printed out on the inbuilt printer device.

Abstract: A method of processing and printing an image with a processor and printer of a camera is provided, in which the processor detects structures within an image captured by a sensing device of the camera at the autofocus settings of an autofocus unit of the camera by processing the captured image utilising said autofocus settings as an indicator of positions of the structures, the processor applies image effects to the detected structures to produce a manipulated image, and the printer prints the manipulated image.

Abstract: A system for automatically obtaining a printable photographic image of an object for a document, particularly adaptable to police traffic-ticket dispensing situations is described. A tablet computer with a stylus input display device has a video camera device associated with it that points at the object of the document, in the preferred example the object of the document being the suspect or perpetrator of the offense. Wireless communication with a printer affiliated with another computer in the police car makes printing of the ticket easy, and additional wireless connections to remote databases provides the officer at the scene with confirmation of the object's identity and additional information. The end result is a ticket or document that is self proving and can be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the document when presented. This system can also be used in transportation, commercial, and medical settings.

Abstract: An image file processing method adopted in an image file processing apparatus, includes steps for: inputting from the outside an image file containing at least color information corresponding to each of pixels defined by a color space used in the image file, a color space identification tag indicating whether or not the color space used in the image file is a first color space and a color space information tag providing color space information related to the color space used in the image file; making a decision as to whether or not the color space used in the image file is the first color space based upon the color space identification tag; and referencing the color space information tag in the image file if the color space used in the image file is determined not to be in the first color space.

Abstract: A method of printing from a digital camera system. The method includes the steps of: retrieving a planarized linear image from a memory of the camera system; producing a dithered image in real-time from the retrieved planarized linear image; and printing the dithered image using a printhead supplied with colored inks.

Abstract: An image data transmitting device comprises a communication device and an information processing device. The communication device that transmits main image data stored in a storage medium to an external apparatus. The information processing device that deletes the main image data stored in the storage medium after the communication device transmits it. The information processing device produces reduced image data of the main image data and stores the reduced image data in the storage medium, or keeps reduced image data of the main image data stored in the storage medium. This makes it easy for the user to recognize the image after the main image data has been transmitted.

Abstract: A digital camera capable of compensating a portion of a captured image with another image without putting a squeeze on storage capacity. The digital camera has a plurality of image-capturing systems capable of essentially simultaneously capturing images of a single subject at mutually-different angles of view. Information about relevant image data which are items of the other simultaneously-captured image data is imparted as relevant information to at least one item of image data among items of image data captured by the plurality of image-capturing systems. The image data imparted with the relevant information and the relevant image data captured simultaneously with the image data are stored as separate items of data in user memory which serves as storage means.

Abstract: To easily produce and/or invalidate a portrait medium without a special photographing admitting organization. A photo booth is provided with a digital camera for taking the face, a means for outputting certification information representing that the portrait data is of a real image, means for recording information representing a valid period of the portrait data and a recording portion which records the portrait data and the certification information not to be falsified.

Abstract: A camera for capturing and printing images is provided having an image sensor for capturing images, a network interface for transferring the captured images to a computer system and for receiving identities uniquely assigned to each transferred image by the computer system, and a printing mechanism for printing the images and coded data at least partially indicative of the assigned identities onto print media.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an image correction apparatus which can correct image blur properly, a storage medium storing an image correction program which makes a computer operate as such an image correction apparatus, an image correction method for correcting the blur properly, and an image correction system which corrects the blur properly. The image correction apparatus which corrects image blur caused by movement of a photographic device shooting an image includes a trimming section which extracts a main subject area from the image, edge analyzing section which produces edge information about edges of the main subject area, blur analyzing section which produces blur information about blur of an input image based on multiple pieces of edge information passed by the edge analyzing section, and correction section which corrects the blur of the input image using the blur information passed by the blur analyzing section.

Abstract: Use of a custom insert is obviated when a digital camera is attached to a base (dock). Two movable pins are provided, in such a way that a connector is sandwiched between the movable pins, on a digital camera attachment surface of a base (dock) which provides a digital camera with a recharging function and a printing function. The movable pins fit to holes in a bottom of the digital camera to thus act as guides during the course of attachment of the digital camera. Alternatively, the attachment surface itself may be configured so as to be vertically movable, and the attachment surface may descend during attachment of the digital camera and the attachment surface may be latched in a lower position after attachment of the same.

Abstract: A system to manipulate image data includes an apparatus having a processor that is responsive to an encoded card reader. The system further includes a number of image effect cards that bear instructions for reading by the card reader. The instructions cause the processor to apply various effects to image data stored in a memory of the apparatus. A further card is provided that contains instructions for the processor to combine effects encoded on the image effect cards in order that multiplicative image effects can be applied to the image data. An operator of the system is able to control the effects that are applied to the image data by varying the order in which cards are applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an image pickup unit, a recording unit for recording image data obtained by the image pickup unit, on a recording medium, a communication unit for exchanging data with an external equipment, a setting unit for setting a parameter relating to an image pickup operation of the image pickup unit, a generation unit for generating setting information based on the parameter set by the setting unit and a control unit for controlling the communication unit to transmit a command for instructing a start of an image reading and the setting information to an image scanner provided externally so that image data corresponding to the setting information are transmitted from the image scanner.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an imaging unit that images a subject; a storage that stores preset-image data indicative of a preset image having an insertion area for a user image, and imaging control data for controlling an imaging of a user image which is to be inserted into the insertion area, with associating the preset-image data with the imaging control data; a controller that controls the imaging unit based on the imaging control data; and an outputting unit that outputs user image data indicative of the user image output from the imaging unit, with associating the user image data with the preset-image data.

Abstract: A camera sensing device is provided for capturing and manipulating images. The device includes an image sensor configured to capture an image. A card reader includes a first roller assembly and is configured to read a card fed into the first roller assembly. The card has encoded thereon instructions for the manipulation of the captured image. A printed circuit board (PCB) bears a processor configured to manipulate the captured image in accordance with the encoded instructions. A print head unit includes a second roller assembly and includes an ink ejection printhead configured to print the manipulated image on print media fed by the second roller assembly. A media and ink supply is configured to supply ink and print media to the printhead unit.

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: An image processor for a camera module having an image sensor that captures an image for transfer to a printer module of a compact printer system including a capture unit that captures the image from the image sensor and transforms it to planarized linear RGB form. The image processor also includes one or more interface units communicating with components of said camera module under control of the central processing unit and image processing units, being an application specific integrated circuits, in communication with said image storage memory to transform said image for transmission. A Serial Bus interface communicates with the Serial Bus of a compact printer system to transfer data and power between modules. In one application, the camera module captures an image, which is transferred to the image storage memory of a printer module for printing by a printhead.

Abstract: A modular camera system is provided. The system comprises a camera module, a timer module and a printer module. The modules are mutually interconnectable via a bus, the bus providing power and data between the modules.

Abstract: Commands regarding printing of a plurality of types are stored in a non-volatile memory of a digital still camera and in a non-volatile memory of a printer. Print processing is executed by a command-based model with regard to types of printing for which commands are held in common by the digital still camera and printer. With regard to print processing for which the digital still camera does not possess the command, the digital still camera is made to function as a client and the printer as a server, whereby the print processing is executed by a user-interface export model.

Abstract: A printing system enables the printing of multimedia received from a media source that is communicatively coupled to the printer. Based on the received multimedia data, the printing system produces a paper or other printed output as well as a related electronic output. Together, the printed and electronic outputs provide a representation of the multimedia. The printer is also capable of communicating and controlling the functionality of the media source. Depending on the desired application for the printer, the printer may include any combination of mechanisms for receiving media data, printing the printed output, and producing the electronic output.

Abstract: A digital camera has a built-in printer to enable the printing of a stored image upon a page external to the camera as the camera traverses the page. The camera can be maintained compact and lightweight as no paper storage or paper feed mechanism need be provided. A replaceable ink cartridge that detachable connects to the printhead reduces the costs of ongoing consumables.

Abstract: A camera module for a compact printer system. The camera module includes a CMOS image sensor that captures an RGB image when a take button is actuated. The RGB image is transformed to a suitable format, such as L*a*b*, for transfer directly to a printer module. The camera module incorporates a camera portion pivotally connected to a base portion, where by the camera portion is pivotal between a first position where it is aligned with on a common axis on the base portion and a second position where there is no alignment. The base portion has a connector that connects directly to a corresponding connector on the printer module, providing both a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data.

Abstract: An image signal processing system, comprising a receiver, an addition block, and a transmitting block, is provided. The image signal processing system transmits a first image signal to a print block. The print block prints the rectangular image using the whole printable area. The aspect ratio of the rectangular image is a first aspect ratio. The receiver receives an original image signal corresponding to an original image. The aspect ratio of the original image is a second aspect ratio. The addition block generates a synthesized image signal corresponding to a synthesized image. The aspect ratio of the synthesized image is the first aspect ratio or nearer to the first aspect ratio than the second aspect ratio. The transmitting block transmits the synthesized image signal as the first image signal to the print block.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to variously edit an image recorded in an image recording/viewing system in an image distribution system enabling a recorded image to be viewed using a mobile communication terminal via a fixed communication network or mobile network, such that a result of edition can be viewed alone or along with associated information, and thus, to enable high value-added image distribution.

Abstract: A system wherein already-existing computing and memory resources in an electronic camera are used to process an image for printing. Rather than duplicating, in printers, computing and memory resources that are already in digital cameras, significant computing and memory resources need exist only in the camera. A digital camera can support many different printers, each with its own set of parameters such as for example print size, pixel size, colorimetry, sensitometry, and artifacts compensation. Printer parameters are uploaded from the printer to the camera to provide a basis for image processing specific to the associated printer; whereby compensation may be done for variations in the printer characteristics which may occur as a result of printer manufacturing variations, and further so that compensation may be done for different media types which may be installed in the printer.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to receive image data from image sensing apparatuses of various manufacturers and to print a high-quality image by making image data transfer and a printing instruction, which are independent from interfaces. Since an image sensing apparatus such as a digital camera or the like calculates image feature amounts, and transfers the calculation result to a printing apparatus, huge image data need not be transferred from the image sensing apparatus to the printing apparatus again and again, and a high-quality image can be output. Upon printing image data transmitted from a digital camera (DSC) (3012) to a PD printer (1000), after a protocol is established by applications (NCDP) installed in the PD printer and DSC, the PD printer transmits its Capability list to the DSC. The DSC calculates an image feature amount of a selected image to be printed, and transmits the calculation result to the PD printer.

Abstract: A system for discovering, installing and using a printer device directly from a digital camera is provided. The system eliminates the use of a personal computer as an intermediary in printing images from a digital camera.

Abstract: In a recording system in which a digital still camera and a photo-direct printer are directly connected to each other via a general interface, image data is transmitted to the printer from the camera, and the data is printed. A communication procedure is established by applications installed into the printer and the camera, each of a plurality of functions serving as the printing system are assigned to either the camera or the printer, data and a command are transferred between the functions assigned to the camera and the printer, and recording is performed by the printer based on image data supplied from the camera.

Abstract: A hand-held camera comprising an electronic image sensor for sensing an image, a photo-width printhead for printing the image onto print media, the photo-width printhead having an array of inkjet nozzles, each nozzles having micro electromechanical system (MEMS) actuator for ejecting ink, a receptacle adjacent the printhead for receiving a cartridge containing a roll of the print media, the print media having a magnetic recording surface, a magnetic recorder for recording associated information on the magnetic recording surface and a battery for powering the electronic image sensor, the photo-width printhead and the magnetic recorder; wherein during use, the photo-width printhead operates on less than 10 Watts.