Abstract: A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD.

Abstract: According to a remote control device of the present invention, the operation situation according to the transmission of the remote control signal is judged based on a changing brightness of the image, and the information of the content according to the result of judgment is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to investigate a reaction of the apparatus to be controlled to the remote control signal, and visually indicate the reaction to the user.

Abstract: An imager comprises an image sensor and a controller coupled to the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to obtain an image of a field of view of the image sensor with a configuration pattern placed in the field of view. The controller is configured to determine a location of the configuration pattern within the image, interpret the configuration pattern, and set a parameter of the imager based on the interpretation of the configuration pattern.

Abstract: Each pixel cell (12) of an image sensor (10) is made of a 4-Tr structure, in which only one Tr for resetting a column (X) is so added to an ordinary 3-Tr APS as to reset only an arbitrary pixel selectively, thereby to confine the pixel size. When a pixel signal is to be read, the period, for which the pixel signals composing an ordinary image of one frame are read, is finely divided so that the pixel signals of the pixels receiving an ID light for the period are read out bit by bit and repeatedly. At this time, for only the column being read, an electric current is fed to a read amplifier in the pixel cell (12) or a variable gain amplifier in an output unit (14), thereby to suppress the power consumption. As a result, a lower power consumption and a higher pixel formation can be attained in an image pickup device for picking up an image and for acquiring the ID information of a light beacon existing in the image pickup range.

Abstract: When the function of a printer has been changed, the printer notifies a DSC of a change in printer function using a capabilityChanged tag. If the DSC does not return any inquiry about the capabilityChanged tag, the printer determines that the DSC has no function that supports the capabilityChanged tag. The printer executes disconnection and re-connection of USB to execute a communication procedure with the DSC from the beginning, thereby notifying the DSC of the latest capability information in the printer.

Abstract: A remote instruction system includes a control portion. The control portion transmits an image captured by an image capturing portion provided for capturing the image of a subject to a remote terminal, and controls a projection portion to project an annotation image onto the subject according to an instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the image captured. The control portion measures a reflection characteristic of a surface of the subject on the basis of the image captured, and converts a color of the annotation image to be projected onto the subject on the basis of a comparison result between the color of the annotation image instructed by the remote terminal and the reflection characteristic of the surface of the subject to project the annotation image onto the subject.

Abstract: When image data is sent and received between cameras via communication, it is possible for the user to ascertain the images that are being communicated. Thumbnail image data for transfer purposes is transmitted from a transmit-side camera to a receive-side camera. Main (full-size) image data is thenceforth transmitted from the transmit-side camera to the receive-side camera. When the main image data is sent and received, display screens on respective ones of the cameras display an image in which a transfer thumbnail image represented by transfer thumbnail image data moves from the display screen on the transmitting side to the display screen on the receiving side.

Abstract: This invention provides a camera system, including voice recognition, one or multiple microphones, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling at least some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon. One aspect of the touch sensitive inputs provides that the touch sensitive pad is mouse-like and is operable for, among other things, receiving user touch inputs to control at least some aspect of the camera operation. Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides for gesture recognition to be used to interface with and control the camera system.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including: a registration portion that, every time a new image is input, registers the image and an identifier with a storage; a reception portion that receives a delivery request including an identifier of an image and a delivery condition from an external terminal; a transmission portion that, when the identifier satisfying the delivery request is registered, transmits the image corresponding to the identifier to the external terminal; an addition portion that, when the identifier satisfying the delivery request is not registered, adds a set of the identifier, the delivery condition, identification information of the external terminal, and a registration time to the storage; and a notification portion that, when the identifier is not registered although a given period has passed from the registration time, notifies the external terminal of information showing that the image corresponding to the delivery request does not exist.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to let a user arbitrarily and easily see any other scene than himself or herself in his or her view (the scene seen from any other moving body than him or her). In a display device (an image pickup and display device 1 or a display device 40), specification information is generated to specify a specific image pickup device of outer image pickup devices (the image pickup and display device 1 or and image pickup device 30), and image data are received from the image pickup device specifyed by the specification information and are displayed. As an outer image pickup device, for example, and image pickup device wore by some other person, image pickup devices set at a car, an electric train, and the like, or further mage pickup devices set at an animal, a bird, and the like are supposed. Image data picked up by these image pickup devices are transmitted to the display side and the image display is carried out in the display device.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a video camera arranged to provide a video signal on a transmission medium including: transmitting command data on the video transmission medium to the camera, and receiving response data from the camera over the video transmission medium during a single vertical blanking period of the video signal, improving controllability of dome type cameras. Using an encoding format with data with bit widths narrower than those conventionally used in UTC protocols, increases the usable transmission medium length for the system by allowing for longer propagation delays without errors caused by interference. A method of downloading data to a camera by disabling the video signal, and a method of self-instantiating camera functions are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a photographing ordering system and a photographing system. The photographing system includes an image sensor which photographs a subject and generates an image signal; a camera-side communication unit which communicates with the photographing ordering system; a subject judging unit which judges whether or not the subject is the person to be photographed based on the person identifying data when or after the subject is photographed; an image processing unit which generates the image data with the image signal; and a camera-side control unit which extracts the image data of which the person to be photographed has been photographed based on a judged result of the subject judging unit and transmits the extracted image data to the photographing ordering system.

Abstract: A method transfers image information from a camera module (1) to an electronic device, such as a mobile station (23). In the camera module (1), an image is formed by an image sensor (2) having pixels, where the light to which the pixel (P1,1-Pm,n) is exposed is converted into an analog signal which is converted into digital image information. The image information is transferred in serial form, and the transfer of the image information is controlled by the electronic device (23).

Abstract: It is so arranged that the user of a device such as a digital still camera can ascertain the transfer history of an image file that has been transferred to the camera. An image file is obtained by “Mr. A” shooting a subject using a digital still camera, whereupon information concerning the owner of the camera is read and “Mr. A” is written to a photographer/transferor history table as the photographer of the image file. The table is placed in the header recording area of the image file. If the image file is transferred to a “Miss B”, the table is read out of the image file and “Miss B” is written to the table as the transferor of the image file. The table thus updated is placed in the header recording area of the image file. One can determine the photographer and transferor of the image file by referring to the table.

Abstract: An image acquisition system includes a camera as an image acquisition device and a commanding device configured as a member separate from the camera to transmit a command for controlling the camera to the camera so that the camera can perform the operation corresponding to the command. The ability to transmit/receive the command between the commanding device and the image acquisition device is switchable.

Abstract: A camera includes a central processing unit (CPU), an optional hand-operable controller and a mobile housing including a base and a cover pivotally connected thereto. The housing further includes a mechanism for capturing trail images that is disposed within the housing base and a keypad for identifying access codes and instructions by which a user can operate the capturing mechanism. An internal power source and a display panel is positioned at the housing base adjacent to the keypad. The camera system further includes a wireless communication link and a mechanism for wirelessly sending the trail images in real-time to the controller. An antenna facilitates transmission of the trail images over the communication link.

Abstract: A method of transferring images from a first device to a second device and computer program code for performing this method is described. A connection characteristic for a connection between the first & second devices is determined and at least one image is selected from a plurality of images on the first device for transfer dependent upon both the connection characteristic and image selection criteria. The selected image(s) are then transferred over the connection from the first device to the second device.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a communications device which can receive from another communications apparatus by wireless an image-capturing condition of restricting an image-capturing process or a sound recording condition of restricting a sound recording process, and a device which performs an image-capturing or sound recording process according to the received image-capturing condition or sound recording condition. Thus, a user can automatically set a recording function of a recording apparatus in a restricted state without special care in a position where image-capturing, sound recording, etc. are prohibited, thereby recording on an allowed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a wireless telephone and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed, the apparatus having a dual camera module. The dual camera module includes a flex interconnect on which a first image module and a second image module are attached, each image module adapted to capture images. The two image modules can be placed such that images can be captured in different directions; at different resolutions; at different times; independently or simultaneously; generating independent or composite data streams.

Abstract: A communication system includes a portable phone and a digital still camera. The user selects an image for transmission, and data indicating a frame number of the selected image is sent from the portable phone to the digital still camera. The portable phone sends a re-size instruction to the digital still camera. The digital still camera re-sizes the image data to reduce a data quantity thereof. The re-sized image data is sent from the digital still camera to the portable phone. The image data is sent from the portable phone via a network to a partner communication system. The image data has a reduced data quantity through the re-sizing and hence can be completely transmitted thereto in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: Photography mode setting information is transferred by transmitting from a first digital camera certain photography mode setting information set in the first digital camera through a communications means, such as a USB cable, and receiving the photography mode setting information transmitted from the first digital camera with a second digital camera. Prior to this transfer, by way of the first digital camera or the second digital camera, the model type information of the other digital camera is obtained, and the photography mode setting information set in the first digital camera is changed (converted) so that the setting information is appropriate for the second digital camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for transmitting image data that converts 2D image data taken by a digital camera to 3D image data and transmits the 2D and 3D image data to a computer. The image data transmission method that converts 2D image data taken by a digital camera to 3D image data and transmits the 2D and 3D image data to a computer, thereby reducing the required memory capacity and hence the image transfer rate includes: extracting contours from the 2D image data taken by the digital camera; and transmitting the contour extraction data to the computer when the extraction of the contours is completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods having a 3D model of a space provides a 3D context for the inputs from the ICDs; inputs from the ICDs, including direct cross-communication information, location, settings, environment conditions, and inputs (video, audio, temperature, other sensors), being visually represented on a GUI independently and in the 3D context for simultaneous display of all the info, and analytics based on the info, including activity density within the 3D context based on the inputs, for surveillance and analysis of target environment(s).

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 direct recording device which is incorporated into each of a first apparatus and a second apparatus connecting by signal to the first apparatus, and allows mutual handling of data held by the first and second apparatuses, wherein the direct recording device incorporated into each of the first and second apparatuses includes an identifier setting part configured to set, for data stored in each of internal storage devices of the first and second apparatuses, an identifier for identifying the data, and a transfer part configured to mutually transmit and receive information containing at least one of an identifier and data stored in each of the internal storage devices of the first and second apparatuses.

Abstract: High-resolution image data and large-capacity data are transmitted as transmission data. A camera apparatus includes a fixing part and a moving part rotating about a rotary axis. The fixing part includes at least a first wireless section, a first signal processing section, and a power source section. The moving part includes at least a camera section, a second signal processing section, a second wireless section, and a driver section for driving the camera section. The first wireless section is coupled with the second wireless section using a waveguide tube to propagate an electric wave. The waveguide tube includes a waveguide path aligned with a center of the rotary axis of the moving part.

Abstract: In high-end professional video cameras a triax system is used for transferring various signals back and forth over a single coaxial cable between the camera and a base unit using frequency multiplexing. In low-cost camera systems the analogue camera CVBS video output signal is replaced by a standard serial SDI signal from the camera to a base unit, having a maximum data rate of e.g. 270 Mbit/s for standard definition TV signals. According to the invention, the camera/base unit system is locked via SDI channels whereby the base unit video output is synchronised to the base unit Genlock signal. The camera unit and the base unit each use a local oscillator and H and V counters, whereby in the camera unit only a frequency locking is carried out.

Abstract: An imaging module is provided and includes: an imaging portion for capturing an image of an object and outputting an image signal, AFE for subjecting the image signal from the imaging portion to an analog signal processing to be converted into digital; and a digital signal processing portion for generating image data including recording image data and displaying image data based on the image signal from AFE, in which the digital signal processing portion transmits the recording image data to a post stage device portion at a timing of rising of a synchronizing clock and transmits the displaying image data to the post stage device portion at a timing of falling of the synchronizing clock.

Abstract: An imaging system is described that automates fulfillment of image photofinishing based on location. The system includes the following components: an imaging device capable of capturing a plurality of images; a local host, at least occasionally connected to the imaging device, that is capable of offloading images from the imaging device and capable of determining a current position based on GPS (Global Positioning System) information; and a remote (e.g., Web-based) host capable of receiving the plurality of images, capable of receiving a request for photofinishing the images, and capable of transmitting the plurality of images to a particular fulfiller for photofinishing, based on the current position.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a record and reproduction unit for recording and reproducing image data on and from a record medium, a display unit, a communication unit arranged to transmit captured image data and reproduced image data to an external device, and a mode switch unit for switching over a plurality of operation modes in accordance with a connection status of the communication unit. The operation modes include a first mode, in which the communication unit is operated and operations of the imaging unit and the display unit are stopped; a second mode, in which the communication unit and the display unit are operated to display an image reproduced from the record medium on the display unit, and operation of the imaging unit is stopped; and a third mode, in which the imaging unit, the display unit, and the communication unit are operated to display an image captured by the imaging unit on the display unit.

Abstract: In order to provide an information processing apparatus which has improved operability and can obviate the need for setting operation of the apparatus, when an external apparatus (portable terminal apparatus) is connected to the information processing apparatus (computer apparatus), the information processing apparatus detects the current setting (setting of a display language or the like) of the external apparatus, and changes its own setting on the basis of the detection result. For example, when the external apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus, the setting in the information processing apparatus is automatically changed in correspondence with that in the external apparatus.

Abstract: In order to provide an information processing apparatus which has improved operability and can obviate the need for setting operation of the apparatus, when an external apparatus (portable terminal apparatus) is connected to the information processing apparatus (computer apparatus), the information processing apparatus detects the current setting (setting of a display language or the like) of the external apparatus, and changes its own setting on the basis of the detection result. For example, when the external apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus, the setting in the information processing apparatus is automatically changed in correspondence with that in the external apparatus.

Abstract: A digital camera has an imaging information record mode where imaging information including information on a target to be picked up is recorded in association with image data as well as a regular shooting mode. When imaging information to be recorded is determined, the details of the information is sent to external apparatus via a radio interface and an antenna and corrected by the user interface of the external apparatus. The corrected image is input via the antenna again and updated. The updated image is recorded as property information in an image file including the shot image. According to the digital camera, it is possible to readily correct and add imaging information recorded as property information of image data.

Abstract: An image processing system makes it possible to transfer a large amount of image data to another apparatus efficiently. A digital camera transfers image data to a server after transferring thumbnail image data yet to be transferred to the server. When new thumbnail image data is generated during the transfer of the image data, the transfer of the image data is stopped, and the new thumbnail image data is transferred first. Obtaining the thumbnail image data, the server displays the thumbnail images on a display, receives a request for the transfer of image data from a user, and then supplies the request to the digital camera. The digital camera transfers the image data to the server on the basis of the request.

Abstract: Described is a system used in defining and producing a live television broadcast. The system includes one or more control panels, a workstation, a router, and devices. The control panels may be hard control panels or soft control panels. The control panel includes programmable buttons having a display determined in accordance with a show definition. Display and control of a portion of the control panel buttons may vary in response to another control or button selection. Primary and backup communication connections are used to control the live show production.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes an image data generating unit, a data transfer unit and a control unit. The image data generating unit generates high resolution image data if the image input apparatus is in a high-resolution image mode, and generates low resolution image data if the image input apparatus is in a low resolution image mode. The data transfer unit tranfers the high resolution image data to an external device in an asynchronous or bulk transfer mode, and transfers the low resolution image data to the external device in an isochronous transfer mode. The control unit changes the low-resolution image mode to the high-resolution image mode, if an instruction for selecting the high-resolution image mode is received from the external device during the transfer of the low resolution image data.

Abstract: A control unit is detachably coupled to a camera and receptive of the imaging data with a plurality of data processing instructions being stored on the camera and/or the control unit such that when the camera is coupled to the control unit, the plurality of data processing instructions transfer the imaging data from the camera to the control unit. The data processing instructions being field upgradeable with a portable upgrading module which may couple directly to either the camera and/or the control unit.

Abstract: To realize a wireless imaging apparatus having excellent sensitivity to an environmental change, a wireless imaging device has an imaging unit with a function of imaging a subject and a communication unit with a wireless communication function. The imaging unit has, at least, an optical lens, an aperture 2 to limit incident light from the optical lens, an optical sensor 4 to convert the incident light passed through the aperture 2 into an electric signal, and an antenna for wireless communication, integrally formed with the aperture.

Abstract: An electronic camera for capturing images that can be transferred to a service provider includes an image sensor for capturing a plurality of images of scenes and for producing image signals representative of the corresponding scenes; an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the image signals to produce corresponding digital images; and a memory for storing a plurality of digital images. The electronic camera further includes a display coupled to the memory for displaying at least one digital image from the plurality of stored digital images; and a user interface for scrolling through the plurality of digital images stored in the memory in order to display and select a particular digital image to be transferred to the service provider and to select a user, wherein the selected user is provided permission to view the particular digital image when the particular digital image is transferred to the service provider.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a remote operation support system includes a first control system arranged in an operating room, a second control system arranged in a primary support room, and a third control system arranged in at least one secondary support room, the first to third control systems being connected to each other through communication lines. The first control system has an imaging device for obtaining an image signal of a patient under operation, a first transmission/reception device for transmitting the image signal supplied from the imaging device to the second control system, simultaneously transmitting patient information regarding the patient under operation to the third control system, and receiving support information from the second control system, and a reproduction device for displaying the image signal and reproducing the support information.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging instruction issuing apparatus and one or more imaging apparatuses. The imaging instruction issuing apparatus includes a generation unit that generates notification data including identification information unique to each imaging instruction issuing apparatus and an imaging request signal, and a first communication unit that transmits and outputs the notification data to each imaging apparatus. Each imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that obtains captured image data of a subject, a saving unit that saves the captured image data obtained by the imaging unit, a second communication unit that receives the notification data from the imaging instruction issuing apparatus, and a control unit that causes the saving unit to save the captured image data and the identification information included in the notification data in an associated manner in a case where the notification data received by the second communication unit includes the imaging request signal.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently transferring data from an electronic camera device includes a camera device that is configured to capture image data and temporarily store the image data into an economical limited local buffer memory. A transfer manager from the camera device may then periodically arbitrate for access to a wireless communications network, and may transfer the captured image data from the buffer memory to a designated data destination, such as an image service on a distributed computer network like the Internet. A system user may then efficiently access the transferred image data from a dedicated storage location on the data destination by utilizing any appropriate data-access device, such as a personal computer device or a portable electronic device.

Abstract: An information collection system including an information collection apparatus, a photographing apparatus and information acquisition apparatuses. The information collection apparatus collects information on the information acquisition apparatuses and the photographing apparatus. The information collection apparatus selects at least one of the information-acquisition apparatuses based on the collected information, and collects information about a predetermined position by communicating with the selected information-acquisition apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically configuring a hand-held electronic device for accessing a site on a public network is disclosed. The method and system include establishing a connection to a website server, which is responsible for establishing and maintaining website accounts, and sending information uniquely identifying the electronic device to the website server. The server then sends user account information to the device, including an account ID and password, created based on the electronic device information. The user account information is then stored on electronic device for use the next time the electronic device accesses the website, whereby the user does not have to enter account information in order to establish the ISP connection or the website account before accessing the public network.

Abstract: A digital camera connects to a cradle through a signal line. In a first mode, the digital camera in combination with a personal computer forms a transmission path through a USB interface to allow for communication. In a second mode, the digital camera performs an intervening function for communication between a mobile telephone and the personal computer through a short-distance wireless communication interface and the USB interface. In the first mode, image and other data stored in a memory card of the digital camera can be transmitted to the personal computer and image and other data from the personal computer can be transmitted to the digital camera. In the second mode, the digital camera acts as a transmitter-receiver terminal for communication between the personal computer and the mobile telephone.

Abstract: A system according to this invention easily and adequately notifies, on a remote controller, the user of the release timing on an image sensing apparatus side. To accomplish this, the remote controller receives a release timing signal associated with the image sensing timing from a digital camera, and notifies the image sensing timing on the basis of the received release timing signal.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus is connected to a camera server delivering image information obtained by image sensing to a display operation terminal. When image information is received from the camera server, the conversion apparatus converts the received image information to a format for a portable display terminal, and delivers it to the portable display terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for conveying a digital image to an assistance center, such as an emergency-assistance center (e.g., 911 center). A camera phone captures an image and sends the image to a network server, and the network server stores the image in correlation with an identifier, such as an identifier of the camera phone or an identifier of an assistance call placed by the camera phone. The assistance center then queries the network server to obtain a photo correlated with the identifier. And the network server responsively provides the photo to the assistance center.

Abstract: A wireless communication device comprising a search apparatus and a detection apparatus, wherein the search apparatus searches for a peripheral device when the detection apparatus detects that the peripheral device is likely to be utilized by the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system and a method for optically communicating information between a display and a camera that is observing the display. In general, the transmission of information is unidirectional in a direction from the display to the camera. The display transmits information to the camera that is observing the display by displaying a series of symbols and images (such as an alphabet) on the display. Information (such as a network address of the display or camera) may be transmitted to the camera without any prior shared knowledge between the two. The present invention also is capable of determining a spatial location (or pose) of the display (relative to a camera observing the display) by observing a pattern presented on the display and using well-known correlation techniques.