Abstract: An image output control apparatus includes a recognition unit for recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a reading unit for reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and a generation unit for performing image generation for output by selectively reading necessary image data from the information recording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

Abstract: An image recognizing apparatus which makes it possible to shorten waiting time before the start of image recognition processing for recognition objects requested by clients. A registering section registers designating information designating recognition objects in image data and a recognition termination condition for terminating recognition carried out by an image recognizing section, which are transmitted from each of the clients that have requested the right of use of the image recognizing section, in association with each of the clients. A client managing section causes the image recognizing section to carry out recognition based on the registered designating information for a client apparatus given the right of use, and carries out control to change the right of use to the next client apparatus when the registered recognition termination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: For automatically transmitting an image file, a system transmits the file automatically through specifically specifying information for file transmission such as an address of a destination. The system includes a memory for storing a data file and an automatic transmission control file for briefly describing information of a file name of the file to be transmitted and a destination address, and a communication unit for transmitting the data file according to the automatic transmission control file. Therefore, the system can transmit the data file automatically only by having a memory storing the data file and automatic transmission control file connected to the communication unit.

Abstract: An image capture device of the present invention has an image shooting function, and is connectable to an external storage device. The image capture device includes: a memory in which image data obtained by image shooting is stored; a transmission unit for transmitting several pieces of image data stored in the memory at a time to the external storage device; and an allocation unit for allocating the several pieces of image data transmitted to the external storage device to one or a plurality of directories according to a certain index.

Abstract: A control apparatus that is connected to at least one image capturing apparatus by wireless communication transmits, by multicast or broadcast via the wireless communication, a command for instructing to start a prescribed operation to each image capturing apparatus, in response to detection of an operation for instructing to start the prescribed operation, and transmits, by unicast via the wireless communication, a command for instructing to end the prescribed operation to each image capturing apparatus, in response to detection of the operation for instructing to end the prescribed operation. Then, the control apparatus confirms a response to transmission of the command for instructing to end the prescribed operation, and retransmits, by unicast, the command to end the prescribed operation to each image capturing apparatus whose response is not confirmed.

Abstract: A video distribution system which is enhanced in flexibility in distribution mode switching. In a camera server connected to a viewer via a network, a video capture board captures a video image. A CPU processes the captured video image according to an electronic PTZ mode for cutting out a part of the captured video image and a mechanical PTZ emulation mode for cutting out parts of the captured video image and interpolating the cut-out images. The CPU distributes the processed video image to the viewer via the network. The CPU performs mode switching between the electronic PTZ mode and the mechanical PTZ emulation mode based on control information transmitted from the viewer.

Abstract: A system for automatically expanding the zoom capability of a wide-angle video camera using images from multiple camera locations. One preferred embodiment achieves this using images from the wide-angle video camera that are analyzed to identify regions of interest (RoI). Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) controls are then sent to aim slave cameras toward the RoI. Processing circuitry is then used to replace the RoI from the wide-angle images with the higher-resolution images from one of the slave cameras. In addition, motion-detecting software can be utilized to automatically detect, track, and/or zoom in on moving objects.

Abstract: The technology provides, in some aspects, methods and systems for triggering a master machine vision processor and a slave machine vision processor in a multi-camera machine vision system. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the technology provides a method that includes the steps of establishing a communications link between a slave machine vision processor and a master machine vision processor; receiving on the slave machine vision processor a data message from the master machine vision processor; and triggering the slave machine vision processor to perform a machine vision function, the triggering occurring at a frequency based upon the data message, wherein at least one triggering of the slave machine vision processor occurs independent of the master machine vision processor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.

Abstract: In a printing system in which a digital camera (DSC) and PD printer apparatus are directly connected via a USB, and image data is transmitted from the DSC to the PD printer apparatus and printed, Capability of the PD printer apparatus is transmitted from the PD printer apparatus to the DSC after communication procedures are established by an application (NCDP) installed in the PD printer apparatus and DSC. The PD printer apparatus is caused to execute print operation in accordance with print conditions set by the DSC on the basis of the transmitted Capability.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products permit communication between servers in a server system utilizing a proxy stream communicating over a connection between the servers. A first request for content is received, at a server, and a connection is created with at least one upstream server. At the server a name associated with the content at the upstream server is identified. A second request for the content is transmitted to the at least one upstream server, where the second request identifies the name. The content is then received at the downstream server.

Abstract: An integrated Internet camera includes, as embedded components contained within the camera body and controlled by a microcontroller, at least a network interface device for connecting to the Internet, a transport control device for packetizing according to Internet protocols, a file transfer device for communicating with a destination user directory on the Internet, and a transmission initiating device for initiating the connection and transfer operations of the file transfer device and transport control device. The network interface device may be a modem, network adapter, or adapter for connection to the Internet. Upon capturing the digital image, the camera initiates a connection to the Internet, connects to the destination user directory, and uploads the digital images. Thereafter, the digital images are available to authorized (or any) user having access to the Internet.

Abstract: A real-time image monitoring and recording system includes a plurality of IP cameras and a plurality of surveillance servers. The IP cameras and the surveillance servers can process anycast packets. The surveillance servers control the IP cameras and store data generated by the IP cameras. Peer-to-peer connection exists between the surveillance server and its neighboring surveillance servers. Any surveillance server stores configuration data of its neighboring surveillance servers rather than the configuration data of all the surveillance servers.

Abstract: A mobile device (104) interacts with a media collection system (102). The media collection system has a communication nodes (106) placed at various locations in a region, area, or facility where the mobile device may be carried by a user. The mobile device interacts (306) with the media collection system over a short range radio link (206) to request media collection service. The media collection system then uses media collection devices (107) in the same region, area, or facility as the communication nodes to record media, thereby producing a record of the user's experiences in the region, area, or facility. The collected media is stored on a database (112) which accessible by the user using an access identifier.

Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus includes process components configured to input, process, or output image data; and a registration unit configured to obtain a list of the process components available in the image processing apparatus, to display on a display unit a screen for selecting a plurality of the process components from the list and thereby defining a combination of the process components which combination implements an application program for performing an image processing task, and to register the combination with an identifier in the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: Images are offloaded from a portable camera automatically to a network server at the time the images are taken, transparently to a user of the camera. The server executes processing functions on the images and returns the output of the processing over the network to the camera and/or other user-defined destination device to thereby relieve the camera processor of potentially complex processing chores.

Abstract: An automatic photographing method is provided.

Abstract: When a request for a transmitting method of video frames of the client apparatus is received in a communicating unit to communicate with said client apparatus, whether the received request for the transmitting method of the video frames is a request for the transmitting method of the video frames for recording or a request for the transmitting method of the video frames for a live display is discriminated. If the received request for the transmitting method of the video frames is the request for the transmitting method of the video frames for recording, each of the video frames formed in an image sensing unit is temporarily stored in a memory and each of the stored video frames is transmitted. If the received request for the transmitting method of the video frames is the request for the transmitting method of the video frames for the live display, a process for transmitting the latest frame among the video frames formed in the image sensing unit is repetitively executed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera device for outdoor photography and a method to capture wildlife photographs. The camera device comprises: a four sided block; a solar panel on the top side of the block, where the solar panel supplies power to the camera device; a camera lens on each side of the block; a sensor on each side of the block, where the sensor detects motion and activates the camera lens associated with said sensor; and a programming panel on each side of the block, where the programming panel may program the functionality of each camera and sensor. The camera device also includes adequate memory and a processor, where the memory stores photographs taken by each camera and the processor executes commands related to the functionality of each camera and sensor of the camera device.

Abstract: A virtual camera component allows multiple camera-use applications to share a camera simultaneously. For example, a first application can request access to the camera for a first set of data, and a second application can also request access to the camera for a second set of data. The virtual camera component is coupled between the first and second applications and the camera, and caches and then processes the data according to respective requirements of the first and second applications.

Abstract: There is provided an image delivery apparatus including a camera capable of changing a shooting condition specified by at least a shooting direction, a camera controller that causes the camera to shoot image shots corresponding to a plurality of shooting conditions in a predetermined period according to a shooting pattern containing the plurality of mutually different shooting conditions and having the predetermined period, an image storage that stores data of image shots shot corresponding to the plurality of shooting conditions and updated in the predetermined period, an operation information receiver that receives operation information indicating any shooting condition contained in the shooting pattern from image reproducing apparatuses, and an image delivery unit that delivers data of image shots corresponding to the shooting condition indicated by the operation information received from each of the image reproducing apparatuses and updated in the predetermined period to each of the image reproducing appa

Abstract: An image output control apparatus includes a recognition unit for recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a reading unit for reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and a generation unit for performing image generation for output by selectively reading necessary image data from the information recording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention pertain to enhanced zooming capability of user devices. A user device such as a mobile phone with a camera may capture images of different objects of interest. The capture and zooming limitations of the user device are overcome by replacing, supplementing or otherwise enhancing the image taken with one or more geo-coded images stored in a database. For instance, if the user attempts to zoom in on a feature of an object of interest and exceeds the zooming capability of the user device, a request is sent to a remote server to provide an image showing the feature of the object of interest at a desired resolution. The server determines which, if any, stored images correlate to the captured image of the object of interest. The resulting imagery is provided to the user device and is presented on a display.

Abstract: An Internet Protocol (IP) camera management system and method determines a MAC address of an IP camera corresponding to a communication channel, searches an IP address of the IP camera through the determined MAC address of the IP camera, then establishes connection between the IP camera management system and the IP camera through the searched IP address. Furthermore, video image data are acquired from the IP camera through the communication channel and are displayed on a display interface.

Abstract: Using a plurality of transmission units (110, 111, 112), multicast transmission of camera images shot by a plurality of cameras (101, 102, 103) is performed by way of a network, and then, a synthesis-parameter calculation unit (105) calculates, corresponding to image processing units each, synthesis-parameters required to synthesize using the camera images display images to be displayed on respective display units (113, 114, 115, 116), and transmits the synthesis-parameters to the image processing units (106, 107, 108, 109), whereby the image processing units (106, 107, 108, 109) synthesize display images from the camera images, based on the synthesis-parameters. Synthesis processing of the display images thereby is performed being distributed to the image processing units each.

Abstract: Location information transmission apparatus for exchanging information about the on-road location on a digital map, characterized in that apparatus at an information provider comprises a location information converter for converting transmit on-road location information to road shape data including the on-road location consisting of a string of coordinates representing the road shape of a road section having a length that depends on the situation and relative data indicating the on-road location in the road section, and that apparatus at a party receiving the on-road location information comprises a shape matching section for performing shape matching by using the road shape data, identifying the road section on a digital map and identifying the on-road location in the road section by using the relative data. This makes it possible to correctly exchange information about the location on a digital map without defining node numbers or link numbers on a road network.

Abstract: Camera-based services are provided to a user of a portable communication device by recognizing text contained in an image. An image of an environment is captured using a camera within the portable communication device so as to obtain image data. The image data is processed such that text data is recognized and extracted from the image data. Data related to the text data is then output in a form recognizable by a user of the portable communication device. The text data can be processed on the portable communication device to obtain the data related to the text data. Alternatively, the processing is performed by a processing unit external to the portable communication device. Translated and audio versions of the text data are output to the user. One camera-based service provides price and product information related to a product described in an image captured by the camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a network enabled digital video camera arranged to be connected to a digital network. The network enabled digital video camera includes a digital network module arranged to transmit and receive digital signals, an input/output port being an electrical connector and being connected to the digital network module, and an analog video generator arranged to output an analog video signal. The input/output port connected to the digital network module is also connected to the analog video generator. The present invention also relates to an adaptor used to connect the network enabled digital video camera to an off-the-shelf video preview device.

Abstract: In a printing system in which a digital camera (DSC) and PD printer apparatus are directly connected via a USB, and image data is transmitted from the DSC to the PD printer apparatus and printed, Capability of the PD printer apparatus is transmitted from the PD printer apparatus to the DSC after communication procedures are established by an application (NCDP) installed in the PD printer apparatus and DSC. The PD printer apparatus is caused to execute print operation in accordance with print conditions set by the DSC on the basis of the transmitted Capability.

Abstract: Techniques for providing improved perpetrator imaging are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for providing improved perpetrator imaging comprising identifying a client device as at least one of lost and stolen, detecting, on the client device, a difference in first pixel data associated with a first frame of a visual image and second pixel data associated with a second frame of the visual image, and capturing, on the client device, a plurality of photographs in response to detecting the difference.

Abstract: In a collaborating work, it is to provide a digital camera in which camera information about each camera is displayed on a monitor of a master camera and a memory status of each memory card in use is also displayed and further, when monitoring a video from a slave camera, a size of a display screen can be manually set and in a digital camera system at collaborating work, a first digital camera is provided with camera information about each digital camera, a total memory capacity, a total sum of shot-taken frame numbers, a total remaining memory capacity or a display device indicating a total sum of remaining frame numbers. Camera information is information that is required to be set when instructing a shooting work or a storage work or to specify a second digital camera.

Abstract: In one general sense, a user may be presented with a multimedia experience corresponding to an entertainment event or venue by managing a sensor array having at least two sensors that are made configured to provide a stream of data units, associating location information with sensors in the sensor array, enabling the user to perceive a map related to an entertainment event or venue, relating the perceived map to one or more sensors within the sensor array, receiving a user request identifying a selected position within the map, identifying one or more sensors within the sensor array corresponding to the selection, and presenting to the user a multimedia experience based on one or more streams of data units associated with the selected sensors.

Abstract: A portable data storage device compatible with both standard and high definition digital video cameras is provided. The device includes at least one SDI I/O, and preferably at least one audio I/O and preferably at least one medium speed I/O interface. A device controller takes the high speed serial data, packetizes it, and then sends it out to a plurality of memory modules. Preferably each memory module includes four NAND clusters, each NAND cluster consisting of a flash memory controller and two NAND flash memories. Interposed between the device controller and the memory modules are a plurality of memory controllers, each memory controller controlling a group of memory modules. A user interface is coupled to the device controller, the interface including a display capable of at least two user-selectable orientations, record/playback controls and a four-way directional control pad.

Abstract: An image capture device is wirelessly coupled to a network to facilitate distribution of captured images. The image capture device captures and stores digital images. The image capture device is adapted to determine whether there is an accessible network. If there is an accessible network, the image capture device the image to a network storage device for distribution to one or more recipients. A user can also modify, review and/or delete captured images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling panoramic images having valid and invalid pixel regions are provided. An invalid region is identified in an initial panoramic image. Pixel data of invalid pixels in the initial panoramic image are replaced with pixel data of pixels from a valid region in at least one nearby panoramic image to obtain a valid fill region.

Abstract: Images captured at a venue and relating to one or more patrons of the venue are incorporated into one or more products in accordance with image selections and/or product selections made by the patron(s). The images may be captured at venues with a variety of image capture devices such as pre-mounted cameras, cell phones, cameras brought by patrons to the venue, or cameras provided to patrons by the venue or another entity. The patrons may obtain products such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, prints, slideshows, or other products incorporating one or more selected images. Patrons may also view the images on portable electronic devices.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus acquires images captured by cameras. A data processing apparatus 2 calculates relative positional relationship between the camera that captured an image and a camera that is captured in the captured image, by image recognition of the captured image. The data processing apparatus 2 aggregates positional relationships calculated for the captured images, respectively, and by having one camera as reference, calculates the relative positions and directions of other cameras. Based on the calculated results, a user interface for supporting selection of the captured image by a user is generated.

Abstract: A dual camera system includes a first bayer sensor block for outputting an external bayer image data constituted with photosensitive values of respective photosensitive cells which are sensitive to an incident light and a data processing unit, including a second bayer sensor block for outputting an internal bayer image data, for converting the external and the internal bayer image data into an image frame data with a predetermined format.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a cylindrical image pick up portion with a lens, a strobe unit, and a display. The image pick up unit is cylindrical and is rotatably held at each end, so that the lens and strobe unit move in concert. The image pick up unit can be rotated to face the rear of the camera, where the display is located, so that the user can do self-images.

Abstract: In order that a digital video (DV) camera function as a WWW server in a network, an image capturing section captures an image of a subject. A DV encoder encodes an image signal input from the image capturing section. A recording and playback section plays back DV data recorded in a DV cassette tape. An IP packet assembling/disassembling section assembles a DV signal input from the DV encoder, a DV signal input from the recording and playback section, or an HTML file input from a WWW server processing section into IP packets, and outputs them to an IEEE 1394 interface. The IEEE 1394 interface transmits, via the network, the IP packets input from the IP packet assembling/disassembling section to a personal computer which accessed the DV camera.

Abstract: The present invention decreases the processing load of a server related to a collation processing system which is implemented by a server which performs collation processing with a registered facial image.

Abstract: A video signal combining apparatus comprises a video signal processing unit which is adapted to combine an output video image stream from two input image streams from first and second sources by dividing an image area of an image of said output video image stream into two regions and applying to said first region image information from said first source and applying to said second region image information from said second source, and a display unit for displaying at least one of said input and output video image streams, characterized in that the display unit is adapted to display a border between said first and second regions superimposed upon an image from one of said sources.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fluid real-time camera control of at least one camera to at least one network user via a network including the internet. A control pad or area can be provided to camera users via an application or applet that can be calibrated to provide fluid camera control. Compressed or uncompressed analog, digital, or streaming video and audio data can also be provided to the users to allow real-time low latency continuous audio/visual feedback. Multiple camera users can obtain control of a camera using a dynamic queuing technique that can allow single user camera control for certain time intervals. An administrator can establish user camera control parameters including camera control intervals for subscriber users versus non-subscriber users, camera usurping by an administrator, elimination of camera control privileges for a user, and denial of camera control requests by a user.

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: An image for which a quality indicator is to be displayed is obtained. The image is processed to obtain a quality value associated with the quality of the image. The quality indicator based at least in part on the quality value is displayed, wherein the quality indicator is displayed with a displayed version of the image.

Abstract: An end user is provided with an environment to easily remote-control a video camera via a general network such as the Internet. For this purpose, on a client side, the content of camera control is described in file-transfer protocol description, and the description is transferred to a camera server on the Internet via a browser. The camera server interprets the description, controls a camera in accordance with the designated content, to perform image sensing, and returns the obtained video image as the content of a file to the client. The client performs various controls while observing the video image. When a desired angle has been found, the client instructs to register the angle in a bookmark, then angle information displayed at that time is registered. Thereafter, when the user of the client can see the video image obtained on the same image-sensing conditions by merely select-designating the angle information registered in the bookmark.

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus (adaptor apparatus) is configured to transmit image data captured by an image pickup apparatus to an output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus is configured to obtain identification information of the image pickup apparatus and type information of the output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus selects a set of parameters corresponding to the identification information of the image pickup apparatus and the type information of the output apparatus. The adaptor apparatus outputs the selected set of parameters to the image pickup apparatus which converts image data into visible image data based on the selected set of parameters. The adaptor apparatus transmits visible image data received from the image pickup apparatus to the output apparatus.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus detects attribute information of image data, and sets a wireless communication parameter based on the detected attribute information. The wireless communication parameter used for performing wireless communication can be easily set.

Abstract: Provided are a recorded content display program and a recorded content display apparatus which effectively display the recorded contents of video image recording apparatuses connected in plural. To display the recorded contents of the images when the image recording apparatuses for recording the images taken by a camera are connected in plural, the image retaining ranges for the image recording apparatuses connected in plural are arranged and shown on the one screen with the horizontal axis determined as a time direction. And, the image retaining ranges for the image recording apparatuses are displayed with their displays varied visually depending on a frame rate.

Abstract: A communication device for interconnecting a digital camera to a communication network for downloading data to a remote computer. The device has a network communication port for establishing communication with a network via a pre-defined protocol and communication mode, and has a camera communication port such as a serial, parallel, SCSI, USB or Irda-port that imitates the back end application of a PC, for connection to a digital camera for sending and receiving data to and from the camera. The camera communication port is also used for input of programming and setup data to the communication device from a PC. The device can be programmed to operate on the data directly, such as in the case of data for storage or operational direction, and/or direct the data to the camera. The device may also have a Smart card socket into which a user can insert a card to input data, such as user and camera I.D., user authorization, image marking, camera operational parameters, remote computer/destination address, etc.