Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an image sensor includes loading an image file having data sets associated with multiple image sensors respectively, identifying the image sensor if identification data included in one of the data sets matches to the image sensor, and configuring the image sensor according to configuration data included in the data set matching to the image sensor. The identification data indicates an identity of the image sensor. The configuration data indicates operation parameters of the image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus communicates with a second imaging apparatus connected to the imaging apparatus via a network, and analyzes a photographing frequency of the second imaging apparatus by receiving information indicating that the second imaging apparatus has performed photographing. When the analyzed photographing frequency exceeds a predetermined value, the imaging apparatus changes setting regarding image data to be recorded.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an image sensor includes loading an image file having data sets associated with multiple image sensors respectively, identifying the image sensor if identification data included in one of the data sets matches to the image sensor, and configuring the image sensor according to configuration data included in the data set matching to the image sensor. The identification data indicates an identity of the image sensor. The configuration data indicates operation parameters of the image sensor.

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 camera control apparatus includes: an input section to which a plurality of cameras controlled by the apparatus are connected, each of the cameras including a first preset information storage section capable of storing up to n preset information on the state of the camera setting; a second preset information storage section capable of storing (n+1)-th to m-th preset information (n<m) in each camera; an operation input unit to which an operation of selecting a specific one of the cameras and an operation of instructing registration or read out of the preset information on the selected camera are inputted; and a control section registering the preset information in the information storage section when the operation of instructing registration of the preset information is inputted, whereas reading and incorporating the preset information into the state of the selected camera when the operation of instructing readout of the registered preset information is inputted.

Abstract: In a monitoring system, a plurality of monitoring devices for performing a sequence operation of sequentially switching images output from a plurality of cameras are connected. Each of the monitoring devices includes: an address information collection unit configured to collect address information of other cascaded monitoring devices when the sequence operation of an own device is started; a storage unit configured to store the address information collected by the address information collection unit; and a command transmission unit configured to determine a next address from the address information stored in the storage unit and to transmit a command for starting the sequence operation to one of the other monitoring devices which has the determined next address when the sequence operation of the own device is terminated.

Abstract: A control apparatus controlling a state of an imaging apparatus and a method for controlling an imaging device. According to the present invention, when a moving area in shot images are detected and parameter control of an imaging device is performed, if the moving area relates to a predetermined shooting prohibited area, the parameter control of the imaging device is stopped.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of interaction with and control of a video capture device are described. In the described embodiments, video are presented at a display, the display having contact or proximity sensing capabilities. A gesture can be sensed at or near the display in accordance with the video presented on the display, the gesture being associated with a first video processing operation. The video are modified in accordance with the first video processing operation in real time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote controller apparatus including: preset holding means for holding, per preset code, preset information representative of correspondence between buttons of a plurality of trial-targeted remote controllers on the one hand, and an output signal given when each of the buttons is pushed on the other hand; evaluation value creating means for counting, out of the preset information held in the preset holding means, the number of preset codes of which the output signal is the same for each of the pushed buttons, before setting the largest count as an evaluation value of the button in question; and button presenting means for presenting as a trial button the button of which the evaluation value is the smallest.

Abstract: This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for setting a depth camera light source operating temperature in a thermal tuning mode executed during a depth camera manufacturing process. One embodiment of a method includes illuminating a target with light from a light source at a plurality of light source temperatures; for each light source temperature, sensing an intensity of reflected light received at a light sensor through a light filter positioned intermediate the target and the light sensor; approximating a frequency response relationship between a light filter cutoff frequency and a light source emission wavelength based on a comparison of the sensed intensities and stored reference data; generating a temperature set point so that the light source emission wavelength does not overlap the light filter cutoff frequency by more than a predetermined overlap threshold; and programming a temperature controller to control the light source to the temperature set point during depth camera operation.

Abstract: An image distribution system, which is connected via a network with a client for displaying an image picked up by an image sensing unit of a server, judges a communication status of the network. In addition, in accordance with a result of the judgment, the image distribution system changes a user interface for selecting a function request command for the image sensing unit of the imaging apparatus.

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: A system for Unmanned Air Vehicles and security applications that enables the use of a megapixels commercial digital camera with high resolution stills picturing capability, integrated with a camera control interface unit, long range wireless analog video link or CCTV link having 5 MHz bandwidth, but still able to transmit the high resolution pictures in full, by breaking the megapixels stored picture of the digital camera to a multitude of “subpictures”, each limited in resolution and 5 Mhz bandwidth. The wireless received analog video “subpictures” stream feed a P.C with frame grabber and software that reconstruct the complete megapixels picture.

Abstract: A device is described that includes an encoder/decoder (CODEC) in which functionality is partitioned between a video front end (VFE) and a video back end (VBE). The VFE encapsulates functionality and image processing operations to support a variety of applications, and presents a flexible inter-processor by which an external master device can easily control these operations. The video back end (VBE) operates as an encoder and/or a decoder to generate encoded and/or decoded video sequences. The VFE and VBE may execute within an operating environment provided by a slave device.

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 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 apparatus and method to track and to photograph a mobile object over a wide range, by a cooperative operation of multiple cameras. In addition, a mobile tracking system is provided for tracking the mobile object by the cooperation of multiple cameras, in which each camera includes a photographing device which photographs and recognizes the mobile object, a changing device which changes a view angle of the photographing device, a position deriving device which derives a position of the camera, a distance deriving device which derives the distance between the camera and the mobile object, and a communication device which transmits an identifier of the camera, a position of the camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and the distance between the camera and the mobile object to another camera and receives an identifier of the other camera, a position of the other camera, a moving direction of the mobile object and a distance between the other camera and the mobile object from the other camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera control system designed for video capture of a presentation made in a lecture hall or similar place. The system combines preset views triggered by presence-sensing devices at fixed locations with views tracking the motion of the presenter elsewhere. A tracking camera displays a preset view when the presenter steps on a switch mat or enters into the region of detection of some other presence sensor such as an infrared sensor. At other times, the tracking camera is guided by motion detection logic that uses a wide field of vision provided by a reference camera. The reference camera, the tracking camera, and the presence-sensing devices are integrated by a controller. Various parameters can be configured by a user through a graphical user interface on a computer, manual controls on the box housing the controller, or a hand-held remote control device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that can alleviate the stress of a user by clearly showing the acquisition status of contents data that is held by a peripheral device in a situation in which a plurality of devices are connected by a network. Contents data including metadata and image data that are held in the peripheral devices is acquired. A list of at least one of device data that represent the peripheral devices, the metadata, and the image data is displayed on the display unit in accordance with a stage of acquisition of the contents data by the contents data acquiring unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of interaction with and control of a video capture device are described. In the described embodiments, video are presented at a display, the display having contact or proximity sensing capabilities. A gesture can be sensed at or near the display in accordance with the video presented on the display, the gesture being associated with a first video processing operation. The video are modified in accordance with the first video processing operation in real time.

Abstract: A system for creating customized audiovisual content is provided. The system includes a location cue system for providing a plurality of synchronized location cues to direct a plurality of movement sequences for an actor. A speech cue system for providing a plurality of synchronized speech cues to direct a plurality of spoken sequences for the actor. A sequence controller for receiving location cue data and speech cue data and controlling the location cue system and the speech cue system.

Abstract: The invention described is a method and system for preventing image capture and transmission in a restricted or prohibited zone.

Abstract: Revealed is an intelligent camera security monitoring, fuzzy logic analyses and information reporting system that includes video/audio camera, integrated local controller, interfaced plurality of sensors, and input/output means, that collects and analyses data and information observations from a viewed scene and communicates these to a central controller. The central controller with fuzzy logic processor receives, stores these observations, conducts a plurality of computer analyses techniques and technologies including face, voice, lip reading, emotion, movement, pattern recognition and stress analysis to determine responses and potential threat of/by a person, crowd, animal, action, activity or thing. This invention recognizes possible terrorists, criminals, enraged or dangerous persons and also can identify a person's level of intoxication or impairment by alcohol or drugs via a new “Visual Response Measure”.

Abstract: A system and method for managing media is described herein. The system includes a camera oriented towards a visually distinguishing mark, at least one actuation device that generates an instruction for at least one of the camera and an RFID reading system, and a central control unit in communication with the camera and the RFID reading system. In response to an instruction from the at least one actuation device, the RFID reading system detects an RFID device neighboring the visually distinguishing mark and transmits a first identifying information of the detected RFID device to the central control unit. The central control unit receives an image captured by the camera, creates a media file including the captured image and the received first identifying information, and transmits the media file to a server.

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

Abstract: A control apparatus controlling a state of an imaging apparatus and a method for controlling an imaging device. According to the present invention, when a moving area in shot images are detected and parameter control of an imaging device is performed, if the moving area relates to a predetermined shooting prohibited area, the parameter control of the imaging device is stopped.

Abstract: A smart camera with modular expansion capabilities, including a housing, a camera directly attached to the housing for acquiring an image of an object, a functional unit comprised in the housing and coupled to the camera, where the functional unit is configurable to implement an image processing function, a backplane comprised in the housing and coupled to the functional unit to provide electrical communication, and one or more slots comprised in the housing, where each slot includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the backplane, and where each slot is adapted for receiving a function module. An inserted function module provides modular functionality to the smart camera, such as dedicated image processing functionality, pattern recognition, analysis, communication, sensor, sensor I/O, signal conditioning and/or conversion, control, measurement, and synchronization, among others. The function module may communicate a protocol to the functional unit which may be configured to implement the protocol.

Abstract: An external I/F gives numerical information on an imaging device, input from PC or PLC, to a memory. The memory outputs the numerical information to CPU as well as retaining the numerical information. CPU transmits the numerical information through a camera to an operation control unit. The operation control unit performs correction using a correction value from a correction table. In order to correct a variation individually possessed by a lens unit or an illumination unit, the correction table is previously produced for each lens unit or illumination unit based on the numerical information from the camera. The post-correction control signals are output to a lens unit 62 and an illumination unit.

Abstract: Clock time information displayable together with a corresponding image upon image playback display is recorded in a header field of an image file as EXIF data, and clock time information specific to a digital camera is recorded in a header field of the image file difference from the header field for the clock time information recorded as the EXIF data. Since the camera-specific time information is recorded in addition to the display time information, even if pictures are taken with a digital camera abroad where there is a difference in time after the display clock time is corrected or changed to the local time, images of the pictures can be playback-displayed in order of actual shooting based on the camera-specific time information.

Abstract: The user of an objective device registers a favorite setup of the objective device in a user setup data recording device in correspondence with user information based on a physical feature. Upon detecting the physical feature of the user, the objective device sends its device ID to the user setup data recording device together with the user information based on the physical feature. The user setup data recording device sends setup data of the objective device, which is set in advance by the user, to the objective device on the basis of the received user information and device ID. The objective device changes its setup on the basis of the received setup data.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a rear zoom lens system which includes focus preset devices 15 and 16 for controlling the storage of a given distance from a subject (camera-to-subject distance) and shift of focus to the position. Trajectory information can be stored corresponding to each of camera-to-subject distances and indicating correspondences between zoom-and-focus positions, which facilitates moving the second lens group to compensate for the movement of the first moving lens group while facilitating maintaining its focus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inspection of underground conduits, railroad bridge support structures and other facilities that may be examined remotely, using a video camera or other imaging system. The present invention provides fast and cost-effective systems and methods to inspect such structures remotely and to produce comprehensive and detailed information about inspected structures.

Abstract: A remote management system includes a plurality of image processing devices which each detect their own first state information according to a power state transition or an operation, provide the first state information via a network, and respond to polling; and a management server which manages the first state information provided by each image processing device and second state information obtained from a response to polling, and manages a history of each image processing device based on the first state information and the second state information. The remote management system can remotely collect and manage operation state, error information that can cause a malfunction, error information generated by abnormal operation as well as malfunction of individual image processing devices and can collect/manage state information such as image processing device internal operation state information, image processing device malfunction, network connection failure, and software error.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A photographing system having plural image pickup units for a moving apparatus with enhanced user's visibility of images for a driver of the apparatus. A system control part controls the image pickup units. Image pickup unit picks up images ahead of the moving apparatus. Image pickup unit picks up images aback. System control unit predicts surrounding state of the moving apparatus based on map information or position information and, when the moving apparatus enters a tunnel, issues a control instruction to image pickup unit so as to increase exposure quantity of image pickup device thereof, and then, when level of output image signal of the image pickup unit enters within a specified range, issues a control instruction to image pickup unit so as to increase exposure quantity of the image pickup device thereof.

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

Abstract: The invention described is a method and system for preventing image capture and transmission in a restricted or prohibited zone.

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

Abstract: A smart camera with modular expansion capabilities, including a housing, a camera directly attached to the housing for acquiring an image of an object, a functional unit comprised in the housing and coupled to the camera, where the functional unit is configurable to implement an image processing function, a backplane comprised in the housing and coupled to the functional unit to provide electrical communication, and one or more slots comprised in the housing, where each slot includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the backplane, and where each slot is adapted for receiving a function module. An inserted function module provides modular functionality to the smart camera, such as dedicated image processing functionality, pattern recognition, analysis, communication, sensor, sensor I/O, signal conditioning and/or conversion, control, measurement, and synchronization, among others. The function module may communicate a protocol to the functional unit which may be configured to implement the protocol.

Abstract: An exemplary imaging apparatus includes a body, a rotation unit, and an image control unit. The body includes a camera module configured for sensing an image. The body can be attached to the rotation unit. The image control unit includes an image capturing module, a setting module, a retrieving module, and a processing module. The image capturing module is configured for capturing the image. The setting module is configured for setting a predetermined figure and a predetermined position. The retrieving module retrieves data of the predetermined figure and the predetermined position. The processing module controls the rotation unit to rotate until the predetermined figure is detected at the predetermined position in the image. If the predetermined figure is detected at the predetermined position in the image, the imaging apparatus is controlled to take a picture.

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: 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.

Abstract: A combined camera and printer assembly includes a support structure suitable for housing electronic components. A central processor is positioned in the housing. An area image sensor is mounted on the housing and is co-operative with a view finder and image capture mechanism to permit an operator to capture an image, the central processor being connected to the area image sensor to receive captured image data from the image sensor. A printer assembly is housed in the support structure and is connected to the central processor to print, under control of the central processor, print data based on the image data. A card reader is housed in the support structure and is connected to the central processor. The card reader is configured to read coded data off a card and to communicate the coded data to the central processor. The central processor is configured to apply image processing instructions to the image data based on the coded data.

Abstract: A cellular phone provided with a camera that comprises an imaging optical system, a lens barrel, a drive mechanism, and a reception informing processor, is provided. The lens barrel holds the imaging optical system. The drive mechanism drives the lens barrel in order to carry out one of a focusing operation and a zooming operation of the imaging optical system. The reception informing processor informs of a reception of a communication when the reception is detected. The reception informing processor comprises a mechanism to inform of the reception by actuating the lens barrel by using the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A camera device comprises a movable type optical system, a driving unit which drives the optical system, and a control unit which makes the driving unit start driving of the optical system to a predetermined position by an initialization of the optical system, before other initializations than the initialization of the optical system, when the camera device is started up in a state in which an operation mode for photographing is set.

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: A tripod device and system for mounting a camera and tracking movable objects includes a base with a camera mount, a processor, a user interface, actuators for rotating and tilting the camera mount, and a plurality of pendants. Each pendant includes a transmitter for transmitting a unique signal for receipt by a receiver in communication with the processor. The processor includes programming for determining the direction of a signaling pendant and for moving the camera mount to follow a selected pendant. The user interface enables a user to select a mode of operation, such as tracking a selected pendant, alternating between two or more pendants, or facing an area having the most pendants. Each pendant includes a receiver and a visual indicator for indicating when it is the active subject pendant. This invention provides for taping a birthday party having multiple persons to be taped according to selected modes.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to make the movable parts of a robot reproduce the movement of the movable parts of an animated object, via the transmission of movement parameters to the robot in a primary signal PS. The primary signal PS comprises sets of parameters associated with the movable parts of the animated object, the sets of parameters being inserted in said primary signal according to a hierarchical graph structure reflecting the structure of the movable parts of said animated object. The movable parts of the robot reproduce the movement characterized by the movement parameters comprised in the sets of parameters which are associated with them. Use: An animation system for a robot.

Abstract: A system and method for using scripts and selectable feature parameters to configure digital camera device features. The digital camera includes memory storing scripts for providing digital camera device features, an interface enabling a user to modify feature settings, a port connectable to a host computer for modifying or adding scripts to the memory, and a script manager for interpreting the scripts and the feature settings. The digital camera further includes an imaging device for generating a digitized image, and image processors for enhancing the digitized image according to the scripts and the selected feature settings. The digital camera still further includes command handlers for configuring the imaging device and the image processors according to the scripts and the feature settings.