Network (master/slave, Client Or Server, Etc.) Patents (Class 348/211.3)
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Patent number: 7663666Abstract: A mobile terminal, which is capable of communicating with a camera server via a network, has a display unit and a plurality of operating units. Operations for acquiring video and for controlling a camera are assigned to respective ones of the plurality of operating units. Depending upon the operation of the plurality of operating units, processing is executed for acquiring video from the camera server or for instructing the camera server to control the camera.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoaki Kawai, Motoo Ohnishi
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Patent number: 7665114Abstract: A system and method for scalably monitoring and/or recording video data, preferably through a distributed network such as a computer network for example. The system and method of the present invention are characterized by the separation of functions, preferably into separate modules, for accessing the monitored and/or recorded data, and/or for accessing different hardware and/or software components of the system. This separation optionally and preferably is performed by restricting access to each of a plurality of layers or hierarchical levels in succession, such that access to the next layer or level is more preferably not permitted until access to a previous layer or level is approved. The system and method of the present invention also preferably provides security through this separation of functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Nice Systems Ltd.Inventors: Israel Safran, Mordechai Shabtai, Mordekhay Dor-On, Fredrick Mark Manasseh
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Patent number: 7657914Abstract: An object monitoring system, including a slave system having slave processors (14, 16) and a plurality of cameras (10) for monitoring one or more objects, images of the cameras (10) being processed by respective ones of the slave processor (14, 16), and the slave processors including sensors (30) assigned to respective cameras (10) and at least parts of the fields of view of the cameras (10) to detect predetermined characteristics of the at least parts and generate a trigger in response thereto. A master system has to master processor (20) including agents (34) assigned to at least one of the objects and having one or more of the sensors (30) allocated thereto, the agents (34) each generating an event on receiving triggers from the one or more allocated sensors (30). An event system (6) receives the events and determines whether an alarm condition exists. A user interface system (8) can configure the sensors (30) and agents (34) and respond to events.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Safehouse International Inc.Inventors: Michael David Clive Whelan, Matthew Daniel McArdell, Andrew Lawrence Rowsell, Zoltan Indiana Toth, Robert Pieter Koger
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Patent number: 7657368Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a telematics enabled mobile vehicle communication system. The method includes receiving a navigation request at a service provider from a telematics unit. The navigation request includes current location information of the telematics unit, destination information, and telematics unit memory capacity information. The method further includes producing navigation instructions based on the received navigation request. The navigation instructions provide directions from the current location of the telematics unit to the destination. The navigation instructions include a plurality of data elements describing the navigation instructions. The amount of data elements included within the navigation instructions is associated with the received telematics unit memory capacity information. The method additionally includes communicating the produced navigation instructions to the telematics unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: General Motors CompanyInventors: John P. Weiss, Mark J. Glaza, James J. Piwowarski
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Patent number: 7657568Abstract: This invention allows a user to easily classify and manage image files by recording an image file obtained by image capture and an image file obtained from an external apparatus in different folders. For this purpose, a system control unit which controls an overall digital camera determines whether the latest image data stored in a storage medium is image data captured in an image pickup mode or image data received in a communication mode. The system control unit then determines whether the current mode is the image pickup mode or the mode which allows reception. If the current mode coincides with neither of the two modes, since it indicates that the source of the image data to be saved in a storage medium differs from the source of the latest saved image data, the system control unit turns on a folder creation flag for the creation of a folder.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jiro Shimosato
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Publication number: 20100020173Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera for use in a digital network, in particular as a surveillance camera in a working device, including an integrated router having at least two ports for communication with further network components, in particular having a first port for communication with a terminal and having a second port for communication with a further camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: Liebherr-Elektronik GmbHInventors: Volker Marquart, Marcel Brasch
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Publication number: 20100023982Abstract: A camera, connectible to a CCTV network, includes a camera lens and image sensor. as well as an analog video input connector that receives analog image signals corresponding to views from outside the camera. An image processing circuit outputs image signal data of the image sensor, and a video conversion circuit outputs image signal data of the analog image signals. The image signal data is stored on a storage device. A microcontroller controls the circuits, and a network adapter connects to an internet-protocol address corresponding to a network device capable of serving files. The microcontroller selectively transmits image signal data of the image sensor or transmits image signal data of the analog video input connector from the storage device to the network device using the network adapter and the internet-protocol address.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: PENTAX OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Rob CREAMER, Walter KNAPP, Mark KOCH, Yoshiyuki ARAKI, Richard HELTON
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Patent number: 7649551Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Akira Ohmura, Shinichi Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20100007750Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: AXIS ABInventors: Stefan Lundberg, Jon Hansson
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Patent number: 7644431Abstract: A method of sending image signal data from a camera to a CCTV network receives images via a camera lens and image sensor as well as receiving analog video signals corresponding to views from outside the camera via an analog video input connector. Image signal data corresponding to the images received by the sensor is output, and image signal data corresponding to the analog video input connector is also output. The image signal data is stored on a storage device. A network adapter of the camera connects to an internet-protocol address corresponding to a network device capable of serving files. The image signal data of the image sensor or image signal data of the analog video input connector are selectively transmitted from the storage device to the network device using the network adapter and the internet-protocol address.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Pentax of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Patent number: 7639279Abstract: A user can easily preview image data obtained by photography in a facility such as a theme park and an entertainment facility and can place an order on the image data during the stay in the facility. A service server stores the image data obtained by photography of the user by a photography system, by relating the image data to the user ID of the user. When the user instructs the service server to display the image data for preview via a communication apparatus, the service server sends the image data to a PDA via the communication apparatus. The user displays the image data on the PDA and can preview and edit the image data, and can place a printing order.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Mamoru Shinohara, Yoichi Nakamura, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Jun Enomoto
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Patent number: 7640567Abstract: A camera, connectible to a CCTV network, includes a camera lens and image sensor as well as an analog video input connector that receives analog image signals corresponding to views from outside the camera. An image processing circuit outputs image signal data of the image sensor, and a video conversion circuit outputs image signal data of the analog image signals. The image signal data is stored on a storage device. A microcontroller controls the circuits, and a network adapter connects to an internet-protocol address corresponding to a network device capable of serving files. The microcontroller selectively transmits image signal data of the image sensor or transmits image signal data of the analog video input connector from the storage device to the network device using the network adapter and the internet-protocol address.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Pentax of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Patent number: 7640568Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Pentax of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Patent number: 7631335Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Pentax of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Publication number: 20090290031Abstract: A network camera system is configured such that an adapter is connected with a digital camera, and the adapter is connected with a network to which a client is also connected. A video signal representing a real-time image and a digital image signal representing a high-resolution still image are transmitted from the camera to the adapter. The adapter has a function of a file server and allows the client to download image data corresponding to the high-resolution still image. The adapter device further has a function of a streaming server and transmits streaming data representing the real-time image. The client can transmit an operation command to the adapter through the network, and the adapter can transfer the command to the camera to perform the operation required by the client.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: HOYA CORPORATIONInventors: Shintaro NAKAMURA, Toshihiro NAKAYAMA
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Patent number: 7623157Abstract: A video system including a circuit for automatically correcting reversed polarity in a polarity sensitive system. The system includes a video camera, a camera controller for controlling the video camera, a transmission medium for communicating a polarity sensitive signal between the video camera and the camera controller, and a polarity correction circuit configured to detect an incorrect polarity in the polarity sensitive signal. The polarity correction circuit includes a polarity controller to provide an inversion signal in response to incorrect polarity, and an inversion circuit which inverts the incorrect polarity in response to the inversion signal. In another aspect of the invention, the video system is configured to automatically correct the reversal of transmit and receive wires.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLCInventor: Thomas F. Berkey
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Patent number: 7623152Abstract: The subject of this invention is the network camera comprising an image sensor, image processor, and network interface, where image processor is capable of detecting the motion in the field of view of the camera, extracting/windowing the portion (sub-window) of the image that corresponds to that motion and submitting thus identified sub-window to the network interface hardware for transmission and where said image processor is also capable of submitting to the network interface the full field of view reduced-resolution (decimated) image either as the only image to be transmitted or as the image to be transmitted in a time-interleaved fashion with the said image window containing the motion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Arecont Vision, LLCInventor: Michael Kaplinsky
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Patent number: 7605849Abstract: Transfer history information of images to other apparatus is read out from a storing medium, reference is made to the transfer history information at the time of transferring images to other apparatuses or capturing images from other apparatuses, and images not transferred to other apparatus can be transferred or captured in batch fashion, thereby solving the problem in the conventionally-known art for displaying or recognizing transferred images, in that selecting all images not transferred yet at the time of making selection of the images to be transferred on a display screen has been extremely troublesome in the event that the number of images to select is great and that this increases with the number of images.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Hatanaka
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Patent number: 7602421Abstract: Image capture apparatus whereby a narrow beam infra-red transmitter (10) and a short range radio receiver (12) are mounted within a personal digital camera (14). A push-button mechanism (16) is provided on the outer cover of the camera (14) to activate the transmitter (10) when required. An environmental camera (18) is provided with a narrow beam infra-red receiver (20) and a short range radio transmitter (22). In the case whereby, for example, a user wishes to capture an image of themselves using the environment camera (18), they can simply position themselves within the camera's field of view (26), point the digital camera (14) at the camera (18) and press the push-button mechanism (16) causing the transmitter (10) to transmit an image capture request signal (28) to the security camera (18). The captured image is transmitted via a short range transmitter (22) to the user's personal camera (14) where it is received by the receiver (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Andrew Arthur Hunter, Stephen Philip Cheatle
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Patent number: 7576779Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Hisayoshi Tsubaki
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Patent number: 7573503Abstract: When a plurality of image communication apparatuses, especially digital cameras, communicate images, each of the users of the receiving digital cameras can pull desired images from an image transmitting camera. In an image communicating method in which an image can be communicated by wireless in a server-client system, an image is displayed on a server camera, and an image is selected from among displayed images for transmission to a client camera. Pressing of the release button of the client camera instructs the client camera to transmit to the server camera a request to send an image to the server camera. The client camera transmits the request to send an image to the server camera. The server camera transmits the selected image to the client camera. Thus, the user of the client camera can obtain a desired image from the server camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Mikio Watanabe, Sugio Makishima
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Patent number: 7561187Abstract: To provide a technology for easily distributing an image in a requested photograph direction. Photograph images, which are photographed by turning a photographing apparatus and continuously photographing the periphery of the photographing apparatus, are stored in a storing region. Any direction in a photograph range of the photographing apparatus is specified and a distribution request of an image photographed in the specified direction is received. A reading start position on one image is determined from the continuous photograph images in accordance with the specified direction of the distribution request. A part of the photograph image is read out from the start position as a distribution image. The distribution images are read out from the positions moved correspondingly to the turns from the start position on the image following the photograph image. The distribution images are distributed to request destinations of the distribution requests.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yasushi Umezaki, Yuichi Terui, Syuichi Takayama, Mitsuyo Hasegawa, Yutaka Yaginuma
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Patent number: 7562381Abstract: The invention, receiving a camera operation screen request from a client terminal, determines a code to be transmitted to the client terminal and transmits the code to the client terminal together with camera operation screen information, registers to a memory a code attached to a drive request signal transmitted from the client terminal, and, receiving a drive request signal from a client terminal, controls the camera in accordance with the signal in case a code matching a registered code is included, and rejects the drive request in case a code matching the registered code is not included. With this configuration, when a plurality of users operate a common camera unit via a network, a code determined by the camera unit is returned from a client terminal and the client terminal is identified based on whether the code is matching. This eliminates the needs for issuing a special id for identifying a client terminal and allows easy operation anywhere from the network by using a general-purpose browser.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Hisashi Koga
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Patent number: 7557825Abstract: Camera information corresponding to the position at which the target to be searched for in the captured image is detected is identified, another camera specified by the identified camera information receives a notification that the target has been detected (S209), and when a notification is received from another camera, the posture of the own camera is controlled so that the area associated with the camera information specifying another camera can be observed (S211).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mie Ishii, Masakazu Matsugu, Katsuhiko Mori, Yusuke Mitarai
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Method for Creating Custom Digital Images Utilizing Background Replacement Technology Over a Network
Publication number: 20090167870Abstract: A system and method for allowing a consumer to create a custom digital image with consumer selected backgrounds and foregrounds. Digital images are taken by a photographer and uploaded to a server. A consumer can log in to the server through a web browser and view the digital images. The background of the digital image can be removed. After selecting a digital image, the consumer can change the digital image's background and foreground, and change the position and size of the digital image relative to the background and foreground. Multiple photographers can use the same system to create a custom website that enables consumers to create custom digital images and order prints of the custom digital image or items that have the custom digital image printed on it. After the order is completed, the custom digital image is processed and printed, and mailed to the consumer or made available for pickup.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Serge Caleca, Tim Justice, Steven Chua -
Patent number: 7554576Abstract: Techniques for capturing and receiving digital information. The digital information may comprise information of one or more types including video information, audio information, images, documents, whiteboard information, notes information, and the like. Various actions may be performed based upon the digital information. The digital information may be captured by one or more capture devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Berna Erol, Jonathan J. Hull, Dar-Shyang Lee
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Publication number: 20090153687Abstract: A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ichiko MAYUZUMI
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Publication number: 20090158364Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling a camera may include a telephony device communicatively coupled to a data network. The telephony device comprises at least one module adapted to generate a control signal in response to receiving a user command associated with dialing of an emergency telephone number. A camera may be adapted to start capturing images in response of receiving the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Verizon Data Services, Inc.Inventor: Peter Jayaprathap SWAMIDAS
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Patent number: 7538814Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing module for capturing an image; a display module for displaying the captured image captured by said image capturing module; a main object selecting module for selecting a main object out of the captured image; a frame display module for displaying a frame, which surrounds the main object, over the captured image on the display module. The frame display module may display a frame in the neighborhood of and around the circumference of the main object, in order to capture a high quality image easily by recognizing a main object correctly and controlling an image capturing condition on the basis of the image of the recognized main object.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takashi Igarashi, Ayumu Isomura
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Patent number: 7535492Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Lightsurf Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philippe R. Kahn, Eric O. Bodnar, Paul A. Egli, Brian Bodmer, Shekhar Kirani, Mark Tarantino
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Patent number: 7535493Abstract: In a camera control system for remote-controlling a video camera, a range within which the viewing direction of the video camera can be changed and the current viewing direction are displayed on a screen. A desired viewing direction to which the camera should be tilted or panned can be designated by a scroll bar. In response to the operation of the scroll bar, the camera is rotated to the designated direction. An image taken via the camera, which now faces in the new direction, is displayed on the screen of a controller in an enabled state in which the controller can access the camera, wherein a button of the scroll bar displayed on the screen moves with the change in the viewing direction of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Morita
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Patent number: 7523481Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: PENTAX of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Patent number: 7523480Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: PENTAX of America, Inc.Inventors: Rob Creamer, Walter Knapp, Mark Koch, Yoshiyuki Araki, Richard Helton
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Patent number: 7523044Abstract: A system and method for providing a consumer with dental services and products from a retail location, such as, for example, a local shopping mall. The dental service or product may include a teeth whitening product or service. The retail location is operated by a registered dental assistant or hygienist under supervision of a licensed off-site dentist. The dental assistant or hygienist uses an intra-oral camera and/or x-ray machine to take images of the customer's teeth and/or mouth. The images are transmitted to the off-site dentist over a data communications network. The off-site dentist evaluates the images and approves or denies a request for a particular dental service or product. If approved, the product or service is dispensed from the retail location. The off-site dentist may also recommend that the customer see a specialist. In this case, a referral to a specialist in the customer's area is made.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Discus Dental, LLCInventor: Kenneth Rosenblood
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Patent number: 7515176Abstract: A camera control system capable of controlling a plurality of cameras determines whether or not the camera to be controlled is controllable. The display state of an interface is used for performing a camera operation is changed in accordance with a result of this determination.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akitomo Sasaki
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Patent number: 7511737Abstract: In a method for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, an ad hoc network is formed between a plurality of image capture devices. A leader is then selected from the plurality of image capture devices. The leader sends the other image capture devices (termed “followers”) a capture message. In response to the capture message, the follower image capture devices synchronously capture images of a common subject matter. The follower image capture devices send their respective captured images to the leader. The leader then consolidates the captured images. In this manner, simultaneous and/or synchronized multi-perspective image capture of a common subject matter is accomplished without requiring expensive or specialized devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Scenera Technologies, LLCInventor: Mona Singh
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Patent number: 7507946Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Avaak, Inc.Inventors: Bar-Giora Goldberg, Gioia Messinger
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Patent number: 7508419Abstract: A system and method for providing a peer-to-peer photo-sharing environment. The system includes: manual and automatic photo annotation at the client; periodic client-server synchronization; an index of client photos on a central server or a photo database that is resident on the central server, which is updated by the client-server synchronization function; end-user search functionality to search the centralized index or photo database; and transmission of the relevant photos to the client via an on-line image cache. In one embodiment, one client's new photos are automatically displayed on another client's computer (e.g., via screen saver or another mechanism).Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Microsoft, CorpInventors: Kentaro Toyama, David Vronay, Padmanabhan Anandan
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Patent number: 7502673Abstract: A method for remote vehicle communication is provided. The method monitors, stores and/or transmits data representative of the operation of a component or system, whereby the transmitted data may be analyzed and vehicle performance improved through the analysis thereof. Additionally, the vehicle systems are remotely accessible such that a technician can remotely analyze the vehicle without taking control of the vehicle away from the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Timothy A. Robinson, James H. Stewart, Stephen J. Hussey
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Patent number: 7493213Abstract: Disclosed is a single or multi-route map matching apparatus in a system which provides a navigation service via a mobile communication terminal. The map matching apparatus comprises: an information center for calculating an optimum route to a destination inputted by a user based upon a present location of the mobile communication terminal, and generating a format of route data based upon the calculated optimum route; and an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) terminal for detecting the present location of the mobile terminal to generate location data, processing the route data, performing map matching based upon the location data to determine whether the user travels on a given route or departs from the route, and performing road guidance based upon a result of the map matching.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Eun-Hee Lee, Kyong-Joon Chun, Young-Khon Moon
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Patent number: 7492390Abstract: The subject of this invention is the network camera sensitive to both visual and near-infrared or infrared spectral bands and comprising two or more image sensors with different spectral responses, one or more image processors, and network interfaces. In the preferred embodiment the network camera disclosed in this invention comprises two image sensors with individual optics, where both sensors have similar fields of view. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention one of the sensors is color image sensor with infrared-cut filter positioned in front of pixel array, while the other sensor is monochrome image sensor with optics characterized by lower f-number than that used for color sensor and without infrared-cut filter in its field of view. In one of the embodiments of this invention, monochrome sensor has larger pixel sizes than color sensor to provide for higher low-light sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Arecont Vision, LLC.Inventor: Michael Kaplinsky
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Patent number: 7492391Abstract: A network camera comprising an image sensor, an image processing unit, a buffer memory and a network interface. The image processing unit is configured to divide the entire image readout by the image sensor into a plurality of overexposed regions and a plurality of non-overexposed regions, select a subset of the overexposed regions containing most oversaturated pixels, control said image sensor to readout only said selected subset of the overexposed regions with adjusted optical integration time, apply multiplicative scaling to readout pixels of said selected subset of the overexposed regions to generate scaled pixels, and replace pixels in the entire image corresponding to said selected subset of the overexposed regions with respective said scaled pixels to increase dynamic range of the entire image.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Arecont Vision, LLC.Inventor: Michael Kaplinsky
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Publication number: 20090033752Abstract: A digital imaging system is described that provides techniques for reducing the amount of processing power required by a given digital camera device and for reducing the bandwidth required for transmitting image information to a target platform. The system defers and/or distributes the processing between the digital imager (i.e., digital camera itself) and the target platform that the digital imager will ultimately be connected to. In this manner, the system is able to decrease the actual computation that occurs at the digital imager. Instead, the system only performs a partial computation at the digital imager device and completes the computation somewhere else, such as at a target computing device (e.g., desktop computer) where time and size are not an issue (relative to the imager). By deferring resource-intensive computations, the present invention substantially reduces the processor requirements and concomitant battery requirements for digital cameras.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Eric O. Bodnar, Shekhar Kirani, Venkat V. Easwar, Philippe R. Kahn, Sonia Lee Kahn
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Patent number: 7485115Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Takeaki Nakamura
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Publication number: 20090027509Abstract: Vision system and method. The system includes a vision system, including: a camera, a processor and memory, coupled to the camera, and an EtherCAT interface, coupled to the processor and memory, possibly contained in a chassis, and operable to couple to an EtherCAT network that provides for deterministic low-latency communication between the vision system and devices coupled to the EtherCAT network. The vision system may be configurable to operate as any of: an EtherCAT master device, an EtherCAT slave device, or a TCP/IP Ethernet device. One or more additional vision systems may couple to the EtherCAT network. The vision systems may be synchronized using an EtherCAT distributed clock technique, time-based triggered, and/or event triggered, via the EtherCAT network, e.g., in a multi-view vision, collaborative processing, control, I/O, or video servoing application, e.g., using an EtherCAT deterministic low latency closed loop feedback system, including processing, control, or I/O devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Robert J. B. Giesen
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Patent number: 7479987Abstract: To take a ceremonial photograph including a user himself/herself in a theme park or the like, the user must hand to a third person a camera to ask the photographing. There is a system which can take a picture of a user when the user is in a predetermined position, but the user cannot confirm the picture when the user is being photographed. For the purposes, an image service system includes plural cameras connected to a network, an administration server for accumulating or distributing images taken by the cameras, and a client terminal for displaying the images taken by the cameras. The position of the user and the positions of surrounding cameras located within a predetermined distance from the client terminal are detected automatically. Images including the user can be displayed on the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Jun-ichiro Watanabe, Sergio Paolantonio, Takeshi Hoshino, Peter Hohmann
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Patent number: 7480450Abstract: Coordinated image capturing is appropriately performed even if an error occurs in the synchronization between cameras that are connected via a network. Camera A for image capturing and camera B for providing strobe light are connected via a radio network, and camera A sets a point at which to start exposure for image capturing Tx and a point at which to start strobe emission Tf such that Tx is earlier than Tf, the time difference Id between Tx and Tf becomes larger than a synchronization error Ie between a synchronous clock of camera A and a synchronous clock of camera B, and the sum (Id+If+Ie) of the time difference Id, the strobe emission period If and the synchronization error Ie becomes smaller than exposure period Ix. Then, camera A outputs a strobe emission command with Tf designated and an exposure command with Tx designated, and controls the exposure control mechanism to start exposure at Tx in response to the exposure command.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Masao Kobayashi, Shuji Asami, Kunihiko Kanai
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Publication number: 20080297611Abstract: A video communication system may include a computer program that implements a feedback control process for automatically controlling a light. The feedback control process may include receiving an image from a video camera and determining an initial difference between the received image and a stored image. For example, the feedback control process may determine, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, whether the color and intensity of a facial region in the captured image is sufficiently close to the color and intensity of a facial region in the stored image. If the difference between the captured image and the stored image exceeds a threshold, the feedback control process includes transmitting an optimization instruction to the light. This optimization instruction, when performed by the light, decreases the difference between the received image and the stored image.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jingyu Qiu, Regis J. Crinon, Warren V. Barkley
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Patent number: 7460781Abstract: The invention easily photographs a subject from plural directions collectively. When a picture photographing instruction and a moving picture photographing instruction are inputted in a master digital still camera 3 set as a master of photographing for a subject 2, the invention transmits picture photographing instruction data D13 and moving picture photographing instruction data D18 to slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N, subjects the subject 2 to picture photographing and moving picture photographing according to the picture photographing instruction data D13 and the moving picture photographing instruction data D18 with the slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N, and generates and records slave picture-photographed image data D25 and slave moving-picture-photographed image data D26 corresponding to a photographed image of the subject 2.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Fujio Kanai, Mitsuru Mura, Toshiaki Ueda
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Patent number: 7457528Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus has a network mode for transmitting and receiving image data through a network and a normal mode for recording and reproducing image data without connecting to a network. In a mode capable of switching between the network mode and the normal mode, the apparatus prohibits the data recording operation on a recording medium and the data erasing operation on the recording medium regardless of whether an accidental-recording prevention means is in a recording-allowed state or in a recording-prohibited state.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuo Fukushima