Abstract: An object is to provide a video recording/playing apparatus for facilitating recording/playing of motion pictures.

Abstract: Upon the activation of a system, an activation program that at the least is required for activating an image pickup unit is fetched to a buffer memory and is executed to enable photographing. Thus, when a release button is manipulated, image data obtained by the image pickup unit is stored in the buffer memory, and thereafter the remaining activation programs, including a program for obtaining information associated with a memory card, are fetched to the buffer memory and are executed. Since, prior to other processes such as the acquisition of information associated with the memory card, only the process for activating the image pickup unit is performed to quickly activate the system and enable photographing, the time required for activation from when power is switched on until photographing is enabled is shortened, and the probability that a photo opportunity will be lost is reduced considerably.

Abstract: A digital camera 10 includes a CCD imager 14. When an interval photographing or an animation photographing is selected, an object is photographed by the CCD imager 14 for a plurality of times, and compressed image data is generated each photographing by each photographing. The generated compressed image data is stored in a temporary area of an magnetooptical disk 42. Upon completion of photographing the desired number of frames, the generated respective compressed image data are converted into a moving image file, and moved to a proper recording area of the magnetooptical disk 42. Frame rate information is written in the moving image file. Upon reproducing, firstly, the frame rate information is detected, the compressed image data of each frame is reproduced in accordance with this information. The moving image that moves at a desired speed is displayed on a monitor 30.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) for viewing images captured from an image sensor and stored on a removable memory card. The LCD also presents a user interface (UI) that allows the user to create a print order “utilization file”. As individual images are viewed, the user can decide how many (if any) prints to make of the image, the print size, and the, print quality (low cost ink jet versus high quality thermal prints, for example). The memory card can then be inserted in a home printer, walk-up kiosk, or dropped off/mailed to a photofinisher, or the camera itself can be connected to the printer or kiosk via a wired or wireless (e.g., IrDA) link. The print order can then be automatically produced without any additional user intervention.

Abstract: In an image conversion system, a film scanner reads out an image on photographic film and generates a digital image signal representing the image. The format of the digital image signal is converted into a predetermined format used in a digital camera, and the digital image signal in the predetermined format is recorded on a recording medium which can be loaded in the digital camera.

Abstract: In a camera provided with a photographing element to convert image information into electric image data, and a memory mounting section on which a memory is mounted; a sensor detects a condition that the memory is being demounted from the memory mounting section and ouputs a demounting detecting signal and a controller prevents the memory from being demounted from the memory mounting section in response to the demounting detecting signal while the memory is accessed.

Abstract: An electronic still camera which is able to substantially lessen the amount of trouble of inserting and drawing a PC card during photographing or when image data are transferred to a host computer such as a laptop computer, and which is able to increase the number of photographing. The electronic still camera has the PC card which is inserted into or drawn out from a camera body, which has the same shape as the PC card. The PC card or the camera body shaped like the PC card is inserted into a PC card slot of the host computer to transmit and receive the image data, etc. . A camera casing including a taking lens, etc. is mounted in the camera body shaped like the PC card, and a sheet-like battery is provided in the camera body. The taking lens is capable of projecting from and retracting into the camera body.

Abstract: An electronic still camera which is able to substantially lessen the amount of trouble of inserting and drawing a PC card during photographing or when image data are transferred to a host computer such as a laptop computer, and which is able to increase the number of photographing. The electronic still camera has the PC card which is inserted into or drawn out from a camera body, which has the same shape as the PC card. The PC card or the camera body shaped like the PC card is inserted into a PC card slot of the host computer to transmit and receive the image data, etc. A camera casing including a taking lens, etc. is mounted in the camera body shaped like the PC card, and a sheet-like battery is provided in the camera body. The taking lens is capable of projecting from and retracting into the camera body.

Abstract: A digital camera and image processing system configured for transferring image data. Transferring means including wireless transmission, transmission through a telephone network, and copying image data to detachable memory modules. Recorded images are optionally previewed and selected for transmission prior to actual transmission. Wireless transmission may be through a cellular telephone network and may be to an internet-based image processing system configured to process digital images and optionally delivery them to a client. The digital camera optionally receives data from an internet based image processing system and/or from other digital cameras. In addition to image data transmission optionally includes processing preference data, user identifying data, and address data.

Abstract: An electronic still camera comprising a lens, shutter, and exposure control system, a focus and range control circuit, a solid state imaging device incorporating a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) through which an image is focused, a digital control unit through which timing and control of an image for electronic processing is accomplished, an Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter circuit to convert the analog picture signals into their digital equivalents, a pixel buffer for collecting a complete row of an image's digital equivalent, a frame buffer for collecting all rows of an image's digital equivalent, and a selectively adjustable digital image compression and decompression algorithm that compresses the size of a digital image and selectively formats the compressed digital image to a compatible format for either the IBM Personal Computer and related architectures or the Apple Macintosh PC architecture as selected by the operator so that the digital image can be directly read into most word processing, desktop publ

Abstract: A method of storing images includes providing an image capturing apparatus. A non-volatile memory medium is inserted into the image capturing apparatus. The non-volatile memory medium is suitable for storing image data. A program is written onto the non-volatile memory medium. The program is capable executing without specific user initiative when the non-volatile memory medium is coupled to a computer to access image data stored in the non-volatile memory medium.

Abstract: In a camera provided with a photographing element to convert image information into electric image data, and a memory mounting section on which a memory is mounted; a sensor detects a condition that the memory is being demounted from the memory mounting section and ouputs a demounting detecting signal and a controller prevents the memory from being demounted from the memory mounting section in response to the demounting detecting signal while the memory is accessed.

Abstract: A still video camera or apparatus which eliminates possible erasure in error of a picture image to be maintained and wherein a picture image recorded in an internal memory can be reproduced readily. The camera comprises image pickup means, recording means for recording a picture image signal obtained by the image pickup means into a record medium which may be an internal memory or a removable IC card, manually operable means, protect signal recording means operable in response to an operation of the manually operable means for recording into the record medium a protect signal representative of inhibition of erasure of a picture image signal recorded in the record medium, and controlling means for inhibiting erasure of a picture image signal at a portion of the record medium corresponding to the thus recorded protect signal.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus is convenient to operate and can be easily configured according to interface, communication, and memory capacity requirements. The electronic imaging apparatus is constructed so that the imaging device, processing circuit, memory circuit, and central processing unit (CPU) are located within a main housing. The main housing includes an opening for receiving a plurality of PC cards of different types including memory cards and I/O cards. Accordingly, PC cards can be chosen and mounted in the opening to provide the electronic imaging apparatus with desired capacities and capabilities. Within the opening are a plurality of connection terminals that electrically connect to the PC cards. Each connection terminal can receive the different types of PC cards. The imaging device, processing circuit, memory circuit, CPU and each of the plurality of connection terminals are connected to a data bus.

Abstract: On the external packing film 124 of the memory card insertion section vicinity of the bottom surface of the digital camera 100, the ROM chip and the print wiring 131 are surface-mounted, and one end of the print wiring 131 is connected to the ROM chip 130, and the other end is connected to the external connecting terminal 132 provided on the bottom surface of the digital camera 100. The identifying information in the ROM chip 130 is read out at the time of the operation of the digital camera 100, and is collated with the identifying information inside the camera, and when it can not be collated or it is not coincident, the power source of the camera is compulsively turned off.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for receiving a memory card. A card connector is disposed in an opening of an exterior wall of the electronic apparatus. A door connected to the electronic apparatus pivots between and open and closed position. In the open position, a slot integral with the door removably receives the memory card. In the closed position, an exterior surface of the door covers the opening. An aperture in the slot is arranged in overlapping registration with the electrical connection portion when the door is in the closed position whereby, when a memory card is disposed within the slot, a terminal portion of the memory card forms an electrical connection with the electrical connection portion.

Abstract: A system and method for adding file formats to a digital imaging device is disclosed. The digital imaging device includes a built-in file format. The method and system include allowing a user to loading a first file extension module, providing a management layer, and providing a plurality of data processing utilities. The first file extension module includes a second file format. The management layer communicates with the first file extension module to write and read an image file having the second file format. The management layer also communicates with a portion of the digital imaging device using an internal format. The plurality of data processing utilities are for converting data to between the second file format and the internal format.

Abstract: A protection-cover opening/closing mechanism for a digital still camera includes an electromagnet having a stator around which an electromagnetic coil is formed and a movable member, a first lever to which the movable member is pivotally attached at a first end portion and which receives a rotational force, a second lever which is able to reciprocate on a stationary member, which is engageable with a second end portion of the first lever, and which is pressed toward an initial position thereof. While a CD-R is being operated, current is applied to the electromagnetic coil to restrain the movable member on the stator and thereby prevent the first lever from rotating, and the movement of the second lever in the direction away from the initial position is limited due to the engagement between the first lever and the second lever, thereby locking a protection cover at a closed position.