Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of mounting multiple storages and transmitting and receiving data to and from the multiple storages. The imaging apparatus includes a first interface configured to receive detailed information necessary for the mounting and an instruction to mount a specific storage from the outside and a second interface configured to receive an instruction to mount an arbitrary storage with at least part of the detailed information necessary for the mounting being omitted from the outside.

Abstract: A microcomputer is provided, which can load data of different areas in parallel and transfer the loaded data to a storage circuit. The microcomputer includes a CPU to control a DRIs each of which loads image data of a prescribed area out of image data inputted from a camera and transfers the image data to a memory blocks, and the DRIs each of which transfers image data of respectively different area out of the image data inputted from camera to the memory blocks. Therefore, it becomes possible to load image data of different areas in parallel and to transfer the loaded image data to the memory blocks.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus that transmits an image to be distributed to a reception apparatus includes a holding unit configured to hold a plurality of settings that include resolution of a captured image and that are used for generating the image to be distributed, a reception unit configured to receive, from the reception apparatus, specification information for specifying one of the plurality of held settings in relation to superimposition of the mask image and superimposition information indicating a position at which the mask image is superimposed upon the image to be distributed generated in accordance with the one of the settings specified by the specification information, and a setting unit configured to set a position at which the mask image is superimposed upon the captured image on the basis of the specified one of the settings and the superimposition information received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A processing control apparatus controls mask processing for an image sensed by an image sensing unit with a variable image sensing position. A storage unit stores a mask setting. A control unit controls the image sensing unit. An obtaining unit obtains, from the control unit, exposure time information representing a progression of exposure by the image sensing unit, and obtains an image sensing position of the image sensing unit. A determination unit determines whether the exposure time information reaches a predetermined value, and determines a position on the image to which the mask processing is performed, based on (i) the image sensing position of the image sensing unit obtained by the obtaining unit and (ii) the mask setting, when the exposure time information reaches the predetermined value.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus having a plurality of card slots in which memory cards are removably inserted, it is determined, with regard to each of the plurality of card slots, whether a memory card that has been inserted into the slot is a wireless card having a wireless communication function. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a first card slot among the plurality of card slots is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is enabled. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a card slot other than the first card slot is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is disabled.

Abstract: A photographing information management method, which includes: judging whether there is equality between photographing position information added to an image file stored in an external storage medium which is detachably attachable to an imaging apparatus and photographing position information stored in an internal memory of the imaging apparatus; and when it is judged that the two pieces of photographing position information have the equality, displaying an image and the photographing position information of the image file on a display screen of the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes an input unit configured to input moving image data, a recording unit configured to record the moving image data input by the input unit to a plurality of recording media, an output unit configured to output information to a display device, a selection unit configured to select any of a plurality of modes including a first mode for simultaneously recording the moving image data input by the input unit to the plurality of recording media, and a control unit configured, when a last clip is recorded in the first mode from the moving image data of a plurality of clips recorded to the plurality of recording media, to control the output unit to output a selection screen for selecting any of the plurality of recording media, and erase the moving image data of the last clip from the selected recording medium.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus having a plurality of card slots in which memory cards are removably inserted, it is determined, with regard to each of the plurality of card slots, whether a memory card that has been inserted into the slot is a wireless card having a wireless communication function. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a first card slot among the plurality of card slots is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is enabled. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a card slot other than the first card slot is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is disabled.

Abstract: A digital camera checks whether an image file stored in a flash memory unit belongs to an image file group including a RAW file and a JPEG file generated from the RAW file, and displays an image of an image file belonging to the image file group and an image of a single image file not belonging to any image file group in mutually different modes and so that the user can select an image. If the image of the image file group is selected, text that allows the user to select an image file to be deleted among the image files belonging to the image file group is displayed. As described above, one image corresponding to an image file among a plurality of image files belonging to an image file group is displayed, and text that allows the user to select an image file to be deleted is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging unit configured to capture a subject image to generate image data; a first operating unit configured to receive a user operation; and a controller configured to execute a predetermined function according to an operation received by the first operating unit and an operation received by a second operating unit that is different from the first operating unit. The controller assigns different functions to the first operating unit and the second operating unit when executing a moving image recording process that records the image data as moving image data, and assigns the same function to the first operating unit and the second operating unit when not executing the moving image recording process.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a communication unit that executes data communication with a predetermined number of external devices, a search unit that searches for external devices that can executes data communication with the imaging apparatus, and a determination unit that, if the search unit finds a number of external devices that is greater than the predetermined number, determines with which of the external devices communication is to be activated. The determining unit is configured to, in case that the imaging unit executes an imaging process, preferentially activate communication with external devices that are used in the imaging process.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a method for managing media files created by a digital camera. More specifically, a content analyzing module tags a media file with one or more location media tags, event media tags, and/or content media tags. The location media tags are indicative of the geographic location where the media file was created. The event media tags are indicative of an event where the media file was created; and, the content media tags are indicative of individual(s) in the media file. A priority analyzing module connected to the content analyzing module determines a priority of the media file based on priority rules and the location media tags, event media tags, and/or the content media tags. A storage management module connected to the priority analyzing module stores the media file based on the determined priority.

Abstract: A digital camera is disclosed which has a first recording medium for recording captured images and a second recording medium, different from the first recording medium, for recording images obtained after editing the captured images. Since the edited images are recorded on the second recording medium, it is easy to sort out a desired image.

Abstract: When a key for directly transferring from the screen of a “video mode” of tape reproduction to the screen of memory stick reproduction is separately arranged, the ratio of an occupation area of the key on the screen is increased. Therefore, a setting operation is performed such that a stop key (11a) is displayed when the “video mode” is set and no memory stick is mounted as shown in FIG. 1A, and when the tape is being reproduced as shown in FIG. 1C. In contrast to this, the setting operation is also performed such that a switching key (11f) for transferring to the reproducing screen of the memory stick of FIG. 1D is displayed when the “video mode” is set and no tape is being reproduced and the memory stick is mounted as shown in FIG. 1B.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an imaging-unit storing portion, a memory-card storing portion, and a lid. The imaging-unit storing portion stores an imaging unit capturing an image. The memory-card storing portion is arranged in the rear of the imaging-unit storing portion and includes a card slot for loading a memory card that stores an image signal obtained by capturing the image in the imaging unit. The lid covers the card slot arranged to the memory-card storing portion, and opens and closes by sliding along a side surface of a body of the image capture apparatus from a position covered therewith.

Abstract: Charging of a camera and backup of data are concurrently executed to enable picking up an image regardless of a remaining available memory. As the camera is attached to a cradle, image data for the image picked up by a camera module of the camera is directly transferred to and recorded in a HDD of the cradle. Image data, already recorded in the flash memory of the camera, is backed up by the HDD of the cradle. Further, the cradle allows a charging circuit to charge a rechargeable battery of the camera using electric power supplied via an AC cord. Also, the cradle has a tripod bore through which the camera is fixed to a tripod for picking up the image.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image processing apparatus that generates control information related to the generation of image data executed in shooting processing, and generates component information of a special effect, for example, such as a film grain, based on the control information.

Abstract: A camera-equipped electronic device comprises a photographic unit that stores in a storage medium (12) an image obtained by photographing a subject via an imaging unit (14, 15) a non-photographic unit that executes non-photographing processing different from photographing processing executed in the photographic unit and requires electric power greater than the electric power consumed in the photographing processing, a decision-making unit (19) that makes a decision as to whether or not a current state of use is such that if the non-photographic unit is engaged in operation over a predetermined length of time, the remaining capacity in a battery (13) will become depleted to a level equal to or less than a predetermined value and a restricting unit (19) that restricts the use of the non-photographic unit with regard to the consumption of electric power based upon the results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided that can playback and output a desirable file of multiple files accumulated in an external storage device. The image capture device of the present invention has a camera body including: a memory controller for writing an image file obtained by image shooting to an external memory card, or for reading a file from the external memory card; a USB interface for making connection to an external hard disk drive; a USB host controller for controlling transmission and receipt of data through the interface; and a CPU for controlling the operations of the memory controller and the USB host controller in order to transmit data between the external memory card and the external hard disk drive.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a camera determines whether to acquire an image (e.g., automatically), determines whether to store the acquired image, and determines how to store the acquired image.

Abstract: The data transfer apparatus according to the present invention includes a transfer portion that reads out image data stored in a first storage medium, and transfers the image data to a second storage medium; an identification portion that identifies image data stored in the first storage medium and image data stored in the second storage medium; a specification portion that, when transfer of image data by the transfer portion is terminated partway, determines the presence or absence of untransferred image data to the second storage medium among interrelated image data based on the identification result by the identification portion, and that, when the presence of untransferred image data is determined, specifies image data related to the untransferred image data among image data stored in the second storage medium; and a deletion portion that deletes the image data specified by the specification portion from the second storage medium.

Abstract: An electronic camera system has an electronic camera and a cradle. The electronic camera includes an image pickup section that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate image data, a first recording section that records image data, a first connecting terminal used for transmission/reception of data to/from an outside of the camera, and a camera controlling section that transfers the image data to the outside of the camera. The cradle includes a second connecting terminal constructed to be capable of engaging with the first connecting terminal, a cradle controlling section that transmits/receives data to/from the electronic camera, and a second recording section in which the image data transferred from the electronic camera can be recorded. Also, at least one of the electronic camera and the cradle further includes a transfer determination section which determines a possibility of transferring the image data based on predetermined authentication information.

Abstract: By connecting to or mounting a first storage medium that stores image data as a retrieval object (e.g. first memory card 121) and a second storage medium that stores a retrieve condition (e.g. non-volatile memory 111 or second memory card 122), an imaging apparatus 100 can store image data as a retrieval object and a retrieve condition on different storage medium. By replacing the first storage medium with a third storage medium, image retrieval can be executed for a plurality of storage medium using the same retrieve condition.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that includes a main body that includes a recording and reproducing unit that houses a main recording medium and records an information signal. The information signal from the main recording medium is reproduced. An auxiliary recording medium unit is detachably mounted on a mounting section of the apparatus main body and houses an auxiliary recording medium separate from the main recording medium. During imaging, the apparatus main body is placed on one shoulder of a camera operator and a grip section is disposed on a front surface side of the apparatus main body. The mounting section is formed between the grip section and the recording and reproducing unit. The auxiliary recording medium unit is detachably attachable during imaging.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, comprising: a first recording module, which has a first initialization time from initialization to coming into a recordable condition; a second recording module which has a second initialization time from initialization to coming into a recordable condition, being longer than the first initialization time; a mode switching module, which is configure to switch over a power OFF mode, a mode for recording into the first recording module, and a mode for recording into the second recording module, wherein the mode exchange switch, which is configured to exchange the mode in an order from the power OFF mode to the mode for recording into the first recording module, and to the mode for recording into the second recording module, whereby shortening an apparent initializations time of the recording module having a long initialization time, while using a high-speed initialization characteristic of the recording module having a short initialization time effectively, thereby obtaining an improvement

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus is provided having a storage control device, a writing speed measuring device, and a selecting device. The storage control device writes image data into memory devices. The writing speed measuring device measures the writing speed of the memory devices by writing dummy data into the memory devices. The selecting device compares the writing speeds of the memory devices, and selects the memory device having the fastest writing speed. The storage control device stores image data in the selected memory device.

Abstract: An imaging device to which a portable storage medium is attachable, includes: a portable storage medium attachment section which attaches the portable storage medium; an inside storage medium which links image data imaged to information of imaging date and time and stores the data; and a transfer control section which controls a transfer of the image data from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium, the portable storage medium having a data area which stores the image data transferred and a system area which stores management data generated corresponding to the image data stored in the data area, the transfer control section setting time stamp information of the management data generated in the portable storage medium corresponding to the image data transferred from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium as the information of imaging date and time linked to the image data transferred.

Abstract: An image-recording device comprises a recording processor recording a common still image, to which an identical frame number (a folder-number/file-number pair, for example) is attached, on a plurality of recording media, respectively. A plurality of images, to which an identical frame number is attached, are simultaneously indicated on the screen of a monitor. A candidate image is selected, which should be subjected to a predetermined image process such as deletion operation, from the plurality of images indicated on the screen.

Abstract: In a data processing apparatus having a plurality of card slots in which memory cards are removably inserted, it is determined, with regard to each of the plurality of card slots, whether a memory card that has been inserted into the slot is a wireless card having a wireless communication function. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a first card slot among the plurality of card slots is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is enabled. In a case where it is determined that a memory card that has been inserted into a card slot other than the first card slot is the wireless card, the wireless communication function of the wireless card is disabled.

Abstract: An image reproduction device has a display interface, a data reading unit, an image processing section, a recording unit, and a control section. The display interface outputs to a monitor device including a display screen. The data reading unit reads data from an external recording device as well as including a connection section capable of electrically connecting the external recording device recording photographic image data. The image processing section generates monitor image data based on the photographic image data. The image size of the monitor image data corresponds to the image resolution of the monitor device. The recording unit records the monitor image data in a memory. The control section performs the reproduction mode in which a reproduction image based on the monitor image data is displayed on the monitor device. Besides, the control section is configured to produce a reproduction image when not connected with the external recording device.

Abstract: In a recording/reproduction device, a type of recording medium which is currently selected is shown to the user on its small built-in monitor screen in a user-friendly manner and, for more user convenience, a background color of the screen is changed depending on the type of recording medium selected by the user. The user can know the currently selected type of recording medium from the screen's background color so it is possible to identify very quickly the type of recording medium even on a small monitor screen.

Abstract: From a time point at which a storage capacity reaches a certain remaining capacity with respect to a limit value of 4 GB per one file depending on a file system, a subtraction time-managing portion (100A) changes photographing elapsed time display (174) which is displayed on a display picture of a liquid crystal display portion (17) to subtraction time display (178) in which residual time until 4 GB is reached is continuously subtracted in the inside of a portable image pickup device (1). Hence, a photographer can be visually informed of timing at which the photographing blank time period will occur. As a result, the photographer can be previously given the opportunity for the judgment about whether the photographing should be continuously performed or the current photographing should be ended to start new photographing.

Abstract: A method of operating a timer module includes the steps of querying a non-volatile memory module to determine available digital image storage locations, each storage location having assigned thereto an image number; receiving a selection selecting one of the available digital image storage location as a starting location, and assigning an image number corresponding to the starting location as a starting image number; determining a number of image storage locations having an image number equal to or greater than the starting image number; instructing the image capture module to capture images a number of times equal to the number of image storage locations having an image number equal to or greater than the starting image number; transferring an image to the memory module each time the image capture module captures an image, the image being transferred into the memory module at a storage location corresponding to the starting image number; and updating the starting image number to correspond to a consecutively

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus represented by digital camera 200 is capable of accessing at least two storage media. Each time one of the storage media becomes full, the image capturing apparatus switches the image data recording destination to the other storage medium. While one of the storage media is serving as the image data recording destination, image data in the other storage medium is transferred to a host unit by communication.

Abstract: An electronic device that is accessible to a first storage medium that has no communication function and a second storage medium that has a communication function and is detachable to the device, comprising: an input unit configured to input image data; a designation unit configured to designate at least one of the first storage medium and the second storage medium as a storage medium serving as a storage destination of the image data input by the input unit; and a control unit configured to, if the first storage medium is designated as the storage destination of the image data and the second storage medium is not designated, store the image data in the first storage medium and store the image data in the second storage medium as well so as to transmit the image data to an external apparatus by the communication function of the second storage medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a digital still camera includes: an image sensor for receiving light and generating output signals representative of an image of an object or a scene of interest; a processing circuit connected to the image sensor for processing the output signals from the image sensor; and a control circuit connected to the processing circuit for successively generating a plurality of image files and for determining a remaining picture count after each image file is generated based on one of a plurality of predetermined decrement numbers corresponding to an actual image file size of each image file.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes (a) a connection unit capable of connecting with a detachable storage medium; (b) a storage unit that stores a program for controlling the image input apparatus; (c) a bus communicably coupled with the storage unit and the connection unit; (d) a container unit adapted to contain the detachable storage medium; (e) a detecting unit adapted to detect whether a cover on the container unit is open; (f) a control unit configured to use the bus to access the detachable storage medium or the storage unit; and (g) a display unit that displays a message notifying a user that the cover is open, if the detecting unit detects that the cover is open. If the detecting unit detects that the cover is open, the control unit disables access from the control unit to the storage unit.

Abstract: A secure storage device with the external dimensions of a PCMCIA card, for securing digital camera data at the acquisition stage. Original digital camera data is saved in the memory of the secure storage device which has the capability of performing one or more security functions, including encryption, creation of an authentication file, adding data to the image data such as fingerprinting, and adding secure annotations such as separate data included in an image-header. The device prepares original authentication data from original digital camera data, and encrypts and stores both the original authentication data and the original image data. The use of the device includes downloading the original image data to a first computer, and encrypted original authentication data to a second computer. The second computer can be programmed with software whereby the encrypted original authentication data can be decrypted by a user having a key.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus represented by digital camera 200 is capable of accessing at least two storage media. Each time one of the storage media becomes full, the image capturing apparatus switches the image data recording destination to the other storage medium. While one of the storage media is serving as the image data recording destination, image data in the other storage medium is transferred to a host unit by communication.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes a mounting unit adapted to mount a removable recording medium; and a lid for the mounting unit. If an opening of the lid is detected during access to the removable recording medium, the image input apparatus suspends the access to the removable recording medium after written data in the removable recording medium is consistent with file management information for the written data. If the lid is closed without removing the removable recording medium after the detection of the opening of the lid, the image input apparatus resumes the suspended access to the removable recording medium.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus uses a plurality of recording media. The image capturing apparatus includes a detection unit for detecting the loading of a first recording medium, and a control unit for switching the operation mode of the image capturing apparatus in accordance with a detection result obtained by the detection unit.

Abstract: A timer module is arranged to be mechanically and electronically coupled to a digital image capture camera module and one or more memory modules. A method of operating the timer module includes initially querying the one or more memory modules to determine available memory storage locations. Once the available memory locations are determined the timer module instructs the image capture module to capture images and transfer them to the memory modules a number of times on the basis of the available digital image storage locations. The elapsed time between the image captures may be set as desired by a user of the module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing images of opposing pages in a bound document at high speed using multiple cameras are disclosed. The system generally includes a cradle preferably tilted toward an operator for holding a bound document having two opposing sides, and two cameras each positioned to capture an image of a corresponding side, each camera having an image capture size approximately the size of each side. The cameras may be high definition and store images via direct high speed data communication interfaces, e.g., firewire. A controller and/or foot pedal may provide control of the cameras. The controller may control flashes to selectively light each side simultaneous with each camera capturing the image of the corresponding side. A positioner may position a light-absorbing page between opposing sides.

Abstract: An electronic camera creates image data by performing predetermined signal compression on a still image signal or a moving image signal picked-up and created by an image pickup unit, and records the created image data to a hard disk serving as a main storage medium. The image data is divided into a recording folder or recording file based on the unit of preset recording data capacity and records the divided recording folders or recording files to the hard disk. Each recording folders or recording files are transferred and are recorded to an SD-card serving as a storage medium for transfer, and are copied and recorded to another storage medium by using the SD-card.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a digital image processing apparatus that, in response to input button signals generated by a user, selectively reproduces files stored in a plurality of storage mediums. The method includes (a) reproducing a next file after a file currently being reproduced in a storage medium if a first input button signal is generated; (b) reproducing a previous file before the file currently being reproduced in the storage medium if a second input button signal is generated; and (c) reproducing a file in a storage medium different from the storage medium of the file currently being reproduced if a third input button signal is generated.

Abstract: A removable recording medium having an area for storing a content and, when attached to a reproducing apparatus, allowing the content recorded in the area to be reproduced is arranged so as to include, separately from the area for storing the content, an area for storing one or more conditions that allow the content to be reproduced by the reproducing apparatus. With this arrangement, by pre-recording on the recording medium, information for allowing the reproducing apparatus to reproduce a content, the recording apparatus can automatically perform processing such as encoding to a content in accordance with the information recorded on the recording medium and then record the content on the recording medium; and the reproducing apparatus can unconditionally reproduce a content recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: An image-recording device comprises a recording processor that records a common still image on a plurality of recording media, respectively, which are detachably mounted on the image-recording device. A common unique data is recorded together with the still image on the plurality of recording media in a photographing operation, respectively. In a displaying operation for the still image, the unique data is read out from the plurality of recording media. When the read-out unique data coincide with one another, the image-recording device displays record information indicating that the read-out unique data are identical.

Abstract: A memory card holder in which different types of memory cards are compatible, and a digital image processing apparatus using the memory card slot. The memory card holder and digital image processing apparatus each includes: a plurality of memory card accommodating units that are formed at a predetermined angle from each other and share a predetermined space to accommodate memory cards of different standards; and connecting ports that are formed on one side of each of the plurality of memory card accommodating units. The digital image processing apparatus has a storage medium, such as a removable memory card of a predetermined standard, in which is stored an image of a subject that is photographed and converted into digital signals.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus comprises a plurality of recording media, data generating means for generating recording data, recording means for, whenever the recording data is generated from the data generating means, allocating and recording the recording data in the plurality of recording media, and data transfer means for integrating, into one recording medium, the plurality of recording data recorded in a distributed manner in the plurality of recording media, when the data generating means and the recording means are not in operation.

Abstract: One of first and second picture-taking operating devices is placed in a rear surface of a camera body, while the other of the picture-taking operating devices is placed in a front surface of the camera body. An operator can selectively use the two picture-taking operating devices and can therefore be prevented from erroneously operating the operating devices. Each of the picture-taking operating devices is provided so that its operating direction is parallel to the optical axis of a picture-taking lens. Therefore, camera shake due to an operating force can be reduced. When the first picture-taking operating device is operated, picture data on a subject is recorded on a first recording medium. When the second picture-taking operating device is operated, picture data on the same subject is recorded on a second recording medium. The two picture-taking operating devices are selectively used to distribute picture data to the corresponding recording mediums.