Abstract: An image capturing device capable of automatically switching the clock of the memory and a control method thereof. The image capturing device comprises an image capturing module, a display module, an image buffer module, an operating module and a processing module. The operating module increases the clock of the image buffer module to a first clock, and works with the image capturing module to perform an image capturing process. After the image capturing process is finished, the processing module stops a timing generating unit in the operating module from sending a synchronizing signal to the display module, and controls the operating module to decrease the clock of the image buffer module from the first clock to a second clock. Finally, the processing module controls the timing generating unit to re-send the synchronizing signal to the display module.

Abstract: An image capture device is described which is operable in any one of a number of capture modes. The device comprises a camera, a memory and a processor. The memory stores a plurality of sets of capture triggers, with each set of capture triggers being associated with one of the plurality of capture modes. The processor selects one of the plurality of capture modes, such that the device is operable in the selected capture mode. In the selected capture mode, an image is captured automatically when a capture trigger within the associated set of capture triggers is satisfied.

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: A photographing apparatus, such as a digital camera, provided with a scene recognition function is disclosed, in which images photographed according to a photographing mode or color candidate corresponding to a recognized scene are played back according to a predetermined classification. Live view data and actually-photographed image data representing a subject are acquired, and the live view data is analyzed to recognize at least one scene representing the subject. Then, a photographing mode or a color candidate corresponding to the scene is selected. The photographing mode or color candidate selected for each actually-photographed image data is recorded together with the actually-photographed image data acquired according to the selected photographing mode or color candidate. A photographing mode or color candidate for playing back the actually-photographed image data is specified to play back all the actually-photographed image data acquired according to the specified photographing mode or color candidate.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes: a detection unit that detects whether or not a detachable recording medium has a cache function; and a validating unit that validates the cache function when the detection unit detects that the recording medium has the cache function.

Abstract: An image file management apparatus capable of managing image data and attribute information associated with the image data includes an image file storage unit configured to store an image file including the image data and one or more pieces of attribute information associated with the image data, an attribute information recording unit configured to record at least one attribute information among the one or more pieces of attribute information included in the image file stored by the image file storage unit in association with an identifier of the image data, an attribute information disabling unit configured to disable the at least one attribute information recorded by the attribute information recording unit, and an attribute information restoring unit configured to restore and enable the at least one attribute information disabled by the attribute information disabling unit with respect to the image data.

Abstract: An image capture device has a first image transfer method for storing a captured digital image on a storage medium and transferring the digital image to a communication device, and a second image transfer method for storing the digital image on the storage medium, reading the digital image from the storage medium and then transferring the digital image to the communication device. The first image transfer method or the second image transfer method is manually or automatically set.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of video processors, a video memory for recording video data, and a plurality of ports. Each of the ports is connected between the video processor and the video memory, for accessing the video memory in response to supplied information. A plurality of memory map table units, each includes at least one table for being set with management information for managing a memory area of the video memory in which video data is recorded, for selectively supplying the management information set to the table to corresponding ports. A processing unit has a function of setting the management information to the table of the memory map table unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a digital photographing apparatus in which a captured image is stored in a non-volatile memory card, the method including: determining whether the non-volatile memory card is available; and if the non-volatile memory card is not available, transmitting the captured image that is temporarily stored in a volatile memory in response to a request to transmit the captured image. An associated apparatus and storage media for implementing the method are also provided.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus which is connectable to and able to communicate with an external control apparatus, comprises an image capturing unit configured to capture an object image and generates image data; a recording unit configured to divide image data generated by the image capturing unit into a plurality of files and records the files; and a notifying unit configured to notify the external control apparatus of individual files divided into the plurality of files and recorded as information of a single file.

Abstract: In a case where a position information acquisition setting unit sets to acquire position information and in a case where a determination unit determines that the image data recorded in a recording medium is automatically transmitted to an external device, a transmission setting confirmation screen is displayed, so that the image data to which the position information is attached is prevented from being transmitted to the external device while the user does not intend to do so.

Abstract: In a digital camera having a wireless communicator with a server, a storage controller treats full size image data and display size image data unequally if the full size image data has been already sent to the server. For example, the display size image data is not allowed to be replaced by new digital image data unless the digital camera is not in use over a prescribed time. Own image data and other's image data are treated equally. Image data received from outside and retrieved from inside memory are treated equally. Search key for own image data and related search keys existing in the outside are indicated in a comparable manner. The digital camera receives search key from neighboring advertiser to send it for Internet search of advertisement. Search key received from neighboring notable site is sent for Internet search of photographs of the notable site taken by others.

Abstract: An image sensor IC may have a non-volatile memory for several functions. The functions may include storing control parameters for a camera autofocus module, part tracking data, and data for defect correction or color science. The non-volatile memory can in particular be an antifuse non-volatile memory, which may not need special light shielding.

Abstract: In a digital camera having a wireless communicator with a server, a storage controller treats full size image data and display size image data unequally if the full size image data has been already sent to the server. For example, the display size image data is not allowed to be replaced by new digital image data unless the digital camera is not in use over a prescribed time. Own image data and other's image data are treated equally. Image data received from outside and retrieved from inside memory are treated equally. Search key for own image data and related search keys existing in the outside are indicated in a comparable manner. The digital camera receives search key from neighboring advertiser to send it for Internet search of advertisement. Search key received from neighboring notable site is sent for Internet search of photographs of the notable site taken by others.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus and a booting method thereof are provided. In the method, a power-on signal is received, and then memory card plug information is read to determine whether a memory card of the image capturing apparatus has been plugged out in a power-off period of the image capturing apparatus. If it is determined that the memory card has not been plugged out, a previously recorded free space and a previously recorded file index table of the memory card are directly read, so as to accordingly boot the image capturing apparatus. If it is determined that the memory card has been plugged out, the free space of the memory card is re-calculated and a file sorting procedure is executed to generate the file index table, so as to accordingly boot the image capturing apparatus.

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

Abstract: An image processing apparatus that records image data on a detachable storage medium in a previously set recording format is provided. The apparatus sets the recording format of image data, and determines whether or not a storage medium attached to an attachment unit has a communication function that communicates with a different apparatus than the image processing apparatus. If it is determined that the storage medium has a communication function, and that the recording format of image data that can be transferred by the communication function does not match the recording format that has been set, the apparatus issues a warning.

Abstract: An image sensor may include a shared memory resource, which can be selectively used by a digital filter for image scaling or by a defect correction circuit.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus includes a connection unit which is capable of connecting, as a recording medium, a first recording medium having a predetermined function and a second recording medium that does not have the predetermined function. The data recording apparatus detects a connection status of the recording medium to the connection unit, controls a menu concerning setting of the predetermined function. If the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the data recording apparatus makes the menu operable. If the detection unit detects that the first recording medium is removed and then detects that the second recording medium is connected to the connection unit, the data recording apparatus makes the menu inoperable, and maintains the menu in the operable state during a period from removal of the first recording medium to connection of the second recording medium to the connection unit.

Abstract: A data reproducing apparatus comprises: a reproducing unit adapted to read out data from a plurality of recording media; a list generating unit adapted to generate a content list which describes storage location information in association with contents stored in the plurality of recording media; and a communication unit adapted to communicate with an external device and sending the content list to the external device, wherein the list generating unit checks if the contents stored in the plurality of recording media include identical contents, and if the identical contents are detected, the list generating unit generates the content list including information indicating that the storage location information of the identical contents are integrated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing data for a wireless device, which includes a first memory for storing received data of a wireless device, a second memory for storing a network operational file, the operational file consisting of instructions for selecting a destination using a wireless module of the wireless device, and instruction steps for operating the network operational file for sending the received data using the wireless module to the selected destination.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging apparatus for simultaneously taking a still image and a moving image that hardly causes a fail in taking a moving image. The imaging apparatus is characterized by including an imaging means capable of taking a subject image and generating still image data and moving image data, a first storage means capable of temporarily storing the still image data and the moving image data generated by the imaging means, a second storage means, a transfer means capable of reading the still image data and the moving image data stored in the first storage means and transferring them to the second storage means, and a control means for controlling the transfer means so that any one of the still image data and the moving image data is transferred to the second storage means according to a status of use of the first storage means.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: an imaging unit that obtains image data by capturing an image of a subject; a recording control unit that records the image data obtained by capturing the image of the subject into a plurality of recording media; a speed detection unit that detects access speeds at each of the plurality of recording media; and a selection unit that selects the recording media, into which image data are to be recorded by the recording control unit, based upon each of the access speeds having been detected, wherein: at least one of the plurality of recording media is an exchangeable recording medium.

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 solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel unit configured to convert light into an electrical signal, an A/D converter configured to convert a signal read from the pixel unit into a digital signal, a light modulation unit configured to modulate an externally input light beam using the signal digitized by the A/D converter and output a signal light beam based on the signal read from the pixel unit, a timing generation unit configured to generate a synchronization signal used for synchronizing input and output of signals of the pixel unit, the A/D converter, and the light modulation unit, and a controller configured to control readout of the signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for distributing icons so that they do not overlap certain screen areas of a mobile device. In particular, screen areas of a background image displayed on a screen of a mobile device may be identified as image portions that are desirable for protection. After the desired image portions are identified, foreground screen areas corresponding to the desired image portions are designated as being unavailable to present icons. Icons are then presented on available screen areas of the mobile device so as to avoid overlapping desired image portions.

Abstract: An image-data processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: an image memory for storing image data; a plurality of processing sections each configured to output image data to be stored in the image memory, receive image data read out from the image memory and carry out image processing determined in advance on the received image data; and a memory control section configured to receive a write or read request from each of the processing sections and control a write access to store image data in the image memory in accordance with the write request and a read access to read out image data from the image memory in accordance with the read request.

Abstract: A data storage device includes an interface removably connectable to a camera to receive from the camera image content in a first format, where the image content is received at the interface from the camera when the camera is operating in a print mode. The data storage device also includes a processor coupled to the interface. The processor processes the received image content in the first format to generate converted image content in a second format. The data storage device also includes a non-volatile memory to store the converted image content in the second format. The data storage device also includes a second interface to a second electronic device. The second interface selectively outputs the image content in the second format to the second electronic device. The data storage device emulates a printer via the interface.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention comprises a control circuit executing an initialization processing of a recording medium mounted thereon and a series of photographing processings. The control circuit starts the initialization processing of the recording medium when a power of a camera body is turned on, and thereafter, determines presence/absence of an image recording operation regardless of whether or not the initialization processing has been completed. The control circuit starts the series of photographing processings when it is determined that the image recording operation has been performed, then, when either the exposure processing or one or more steps of signal processing is completed, suspends the series of photographing processings to determine whether or not the initialization processing of the recording medium has been completed, and resumes the series of photographing processings when it is determined that the initialization processing of the recording medium has been completed.

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: A recording media control apparatus is disclosed which includes: a host interface configured to connect recording media to a recording media unit, the recording media being subject to the writing and reading of data thereto and therefrom, the recording media unit incorporating an internal temperature sensor; an access request section configured to make either a data write request or a data read request to the recording media unit; a temperature status determination section configured to request temperature acquisition from the recording media unit in a predetermined cycle and, based on the acquired temperature, to determine temperature status of the recording media; and an access control section configured to transmit a command to the recording media unit via the host interface in response to an access request from the access request section and the temperature acquisition request from the temperature status determination section.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus connectable to an external device includes a recording instruction module which instructs a recording, an imaging module which generates an image signal from an optical image, a memory module which stores the image signal generated by the imaging module, a connecting module which enables connection of the imaging apparatus to the external device, and a control module which controls wiring into the memory module and effects control of an operation of the recording instruction module or an operation responsive thereto.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices of securing data. For example, a method of securing data comprises receiving, by a secure storage device, unsecure data from a source. The secure storage device is removably attached to the source. The method further comprises securing the unsecure data within the secure storage device by performing digital processing related to the unsecure data to create secure data. The secure storage device is responsive to the same protocol as an unsecure storage device and as a result the secure storage device is transparent to the source. The source responds to the secure storage device as if it were an unsecure storage device.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging device including a first processor having a list creating unit for, when a group is specified and a creation process of a data list is requested for data divided to one or a plurality of groups, creating a data list related to data of the specified group, and a list transmission unit for transmitting a data list created by the list creating unit through a first line when a transmission request of the data list based on the PTP is acquired through the first line; and a second processor having a list creation requesting unit for specifying the group and requesting for the creation process of the data list with respect to the first processor through a second line different from the first line, and a list transmission requesting unit for transmitting the transmission request of the data list to the first processor.

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: This invention has as its object to allow an authentication process that avoids unnecessary information from being stored in a digital camera irrespective of whether or not a digital camera connected to the printer has a direct print function. To this end, in this invention, in an early stage of connection between a digital camera DSC and PD printer, the PD printer side requests an object which contains a keyword as authentication information of those which are stored and held by the DSC (S29). As a result, after it is determined the returned information contains authentication information, the printer notifies the DSC of its own authentication information (S33).

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

Abstract: 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 includes: an image capturing device that performs photoelectric conversion on a subject image formed by a photographic optical system and outputs image data; an image display device that displays an image based upon the image data; a first storage device achieving a first access speed; a second storage device achieving a second access speed lower than the first access speed; and a control device that, if image data for display are present in the first storage device when an image reproduction mode for displaying the image based upon the image data at the image display device is set, displays an image based upon the image data in the first storage device at the image display device, and if the image data for display are not present in the first storage device, displays an image based upon image data in the second storage device at the image display device.

Abstract: A data reproducing apparatus comprises: a reproducing unit adapted to read out data from a plurality of recording media; a list generating unit adapted to generate a content list which describes storage location information in association with contents stored in the plurality of recording media; and a communication unit adapted to communicate with an external device and sending the content list to the external device, wherein the list generating unit checks if the contents stored in the plurality of recording media include identical contents, and if the identical contents are detected, the list generating unit generates the content list including information indicating that the storage location information of the identical contents are integrated.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for improving digital image playback by switching among a plurality of displayed playback images according to a control signal generated from a user input. The apparatus includes a playback image generating unit (in an embodiment, a digital signal processor), which generates a playback image by using image data included in an image file. A display unit displays the playback image generated by the playback image processor. A detecting unit determines the duration of the control signal generated from the user input, and the playback image generating unit adjusts a specified speed of switching among a plurality of playback images according to the input of the control signal and the specified speed of switching playback images is adjusted according to the detected duration.

Abstract: Provided is a control section that, when created data is set to be recorded in both a first memory card and a second memory card and an amount of empty space in a writing buffer memory is less than or equal to a predetermined value, performs control to record the created data in only the first memory card and erases, from the buffer memory, data that has been recorded in the first memory card; and a transmission control section that, while a transmission path for image files from the first memory card to the second memory card is open, transmits to the second memory card, from among pieces of image data recorded in the first memory card, image files that are not recorded in the second memory card. When a memory card with a low communication speed is used, the effective recording speed is not decreased.

Abstract: A file recording device includes a control unit (101) that controls a batch copy process which copies collectively a plurality of files stored in a first recording medium (300) from the first recording medium (300) to a second recording medium (106). When a batch copy process is completed, the control unit (101) records copy date and time identification information for identifying copy completion date and time to the first recording medium. The control unit (101) performs the control so as to compare the batch copy completion date and time indicated by the copy date and time identification information with recording date and time information on files stored in the first recording medium, to identify a file recorded in the first recording medium (300) later than the date and time on which the batch copy is performed, and then to copy the identified file to the second recording medium (106).

Abstract: An apparatus which concurrently shoots a movie and a still image, comprises an image sensing unit which generates movie data and still image data; a storage unit which stores the generated still image data in a temporary memory area at predetermined time intervals; a detection unit which detects at least one of feature information, audio information and operation information; an analyzing unit which analyzes the detected information; a control unit which outputs, based on an analysis result, an instruction used as a trigger for selecting still image data among the still image data stored in the temporary memory area; an image processing unit which performs image processing on the selected still image data selected in accordance with the instruction used as the trigger; and a recording unit which records the processed still image data.

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

Abstract: An image-processing device generates image data in consecutive-photographing mode and stores the image data and file-management information in a removable recording medium. Data on images photographed consecutively is stored in an internal memory of a device in sequence and written into the removable recording medium in sequence. To reduce the number of writing data into the removable recording medium while in the consecutive-photographing mode, the file-management information used for managing a file including the image data is written into the removable recording medium only when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the file-management information is stored and updated in the internal memory.

Abstract: An image capture device using a memory array that is directly addressed and non-volatile is disclosed. The memory array can be used to replace and emulate multiple memory types such as DRAM, SRAM, non-volatile RAM, a non-volatile memory card, and FLASH memory, for example. The memory array may be randomly accessed. Data stored in the memory array is retained in the absence of electrical power. One or more memory arrays may be used in the image capture device. At least one of the memory arrays may be in the form of a removable memory card.

Abstract: This invention includes an imaging device that photographs a subject image, a first storage device that stores image data output from the imaging device at a first time interval, a display device that reads the image data stored in the first storage device at the first time interval and display the image data, a second storage device that reads the image data stored in the first storage device at a second time interval and stores the image data and a feature extraction device that extracts a feature section of the subject based upon the image data stored in the second storage device. Therefore, image data output from the imaging device for an image display is once stored in the second storage device and the feature section is extracted from the stored image data, so an extraction is not affected by an update of the first storage device.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an imaging device; an internal memory; an attachment device that attaches a storage medium; a medium detector that detects whether the storage medium attached to the attachment device is a storage medium limiting overwrite; and a record control device that controls so as to store image data taken by the imaging device in the storage medium attached to the attachment device. When the medium detector detects that the storage medium attached to the attachment device is the storage medium limiting overwrite, the record control device controls so as to store data management information of the image data recorded in the storage medium limiting overwrite in the internal memory.

Abstract: According to this invention, an intended image is transferred and printed even in a system which transfers image data by a handle upon reception of a print request list described by the file name of an image. In order to realize this, according to this invention, when a DPOF print request file which describes an image to be printed by the file name of the image exists in the memory card of a digital camera (3012) serving as an image supply side, a new file in which the file name in the print request file is replaced by a handle is generated and transmitted to a printer (1000).