Abstract: This portable terminal comprises a main unit having a microphone, a key operation unit, and a radio sending/receiving function of image and sound, a rotation axial unit having a video camera and an operation dial, an image display unit with a touch panel capable of displaying an image taken by the video camera, a received image and a screen for input operation, and a flip unit having the image display unit, a CCD camera, a speaker and an operation button. The rotation axial unit further includes an opening/shutting axis for connecting the main unit and the flip unit in a mutually rotatable way and a rotation axis for connecting the flip unit in a way of rotating the flip unit across the above rotation in the horizontal direction, and when the flip unit is opened and rotated across, it is used as a video camera with a monitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image pickup device which includes a camera body and a display unit serving as a monitor, supported for turning on an upper surface of the camera body and capable of being folded in a horizontal position on the upper surface of the camera body and capable of being set in a standing position at an angle to the upper surface of the camera body. A first recess capable holding the folded display unit therein is formed in the upper surface of the camera body, and the display unit has a back surface which is substantially flush with the upper surface of the camera body when the display unit is held in the first recess.

Abstract: A camera for mounting to a weapon includes a housing, a camera lens, a video recorder, a cover, and a mounting rail. The camera lens is located at a front end of the housing. The video recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The cover is coupled to a rear end of the housing for accessing components located within the housing and the mounting rail extends along an exterior surface of the housing and mounts the camera to the weapon.

Abstract: A device includes a housing unit which includes a first housing, and a second housing which has a main-surface provided with a first display which displays an image, a second display which displays an operation unit, and accepts an instruction through operation of the displayed operation unit, and a detector which detects which of the main-surface and a rear-surface is exposed to outside in a state where the housing unit is folded with the first and second housings being placed on each other. The second display is positioned on a surface of the housing unit exposed to outside in the folded state. The operation unit to be displayed on the second display is switched to either a display operation unit which accepts an instruction for image display, or a sound recording operation unit which accepts an instruction for sound recording, based on detection from the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a viewfinder including: a rail removably attached to an image pickup apparatus; a seat coupled to the rail so as to be movable in an extending direction of the rail; a display panel formed in a rectangle having left and right sides and upper and lower sides to have a display surface on which an image picked up by the image pickup apparatus is displayed; and a pair of left and right arms supporting the display panel on the seat.

Abstract: A view finder includes: a screen portion provided with a display screen which can display images captured by a camera main body; a mounting portion that can be fixed to the camera main body; and an arm portion connecting the mounting portion to the screen portion and moving the screen portion with respect to the mounting portion. The arm portion includes right and left arm portions respectively provided on right and left sides of the screen portion. The right arm portion includes first and second right arms rotatably formed with the screen portion and the mounting portion. The left arm portion includes first and second left arms rotatably formed with the screen portion and the mounting portion. The first and second right arms, the mounting portion and the screen portion, and the first and second left arms, the mounting portion and the screen portion form four-bar rotation link mechanism.

Abstract: A camera includes a camera body, a video camera recorder, a battery compartment, and a weather cover. The camera body has a lens at front end and threads at a rear end. The video camera recorder has a forward portion located within the camera body. The battery compartment is connected to the video camera recorder. The weather cover has threads for mating with the threads at the rear end of the camera body to attach the weather cover to the camera body, thereby enclosing the video camera recorder and the battery compartment.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a video camera includes: a control unit; a driving device connected with and controlled by the control unit; a first belt pulley connected with the driving device; a second belt pulley smaller than the first belt pulley in diameter; a belt looped around the first and second belt pulleys for power transmission, and including a first protuberance; a translation member provided with a second protuberance so that through a loose fitting connection between the two protuberances, the translation member is driven to move; and a positioning element having a positioning plane, at least two inclines, and at least two top surfaces, wherein the positioning plane and the at least two inclines are designed to contact the second protuberance of the translation member alternately so as to restrict and reposition the translation member.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes a housing body, an image capture optical system, an image capture device, a connector, a cover, and an operation member. The display panel is provided to the housing body to be pivotable between a usage position where a display surface of the display panel is visible and a storage position where the display surface of the display panel is in contact with a surface of the housing body. The cover opens or closes the insertion/removal opening by extending or retracting on the insertion/removal opening from an interior of the housing body. The operation member is provided to the housing body, and is operated to move the cover along a direction of opening or closing the insertion/removal opening, the operation member being provided to the housing body.

Abstract: A viewfinder includes: a main unit to be detachably attached to a camera body; and a display unit including a display portion on which a picture to be imaged at the camera body side; wherein the display portion includes a supporting member, a display panel including a display surface, a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the main unit and the supporting member so as to rotate, and a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the supporting member and the display panel so as to swing between a laid state in which the display panel is laid on the supporting member and a standing state in which the display panel stands from the supporting member; wherein the first connecting mechanism is configured such that the supporting member can rotate within a range of at least not less than 180 degrees on the main unit.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus capable of generating a mirror image of a captured image and superimposing character patterns on the mirror image. The image capture apparatus includes an image capture device and a display device. The display device is rotatably coupled to the image capture device such that the display device can rotate between a normal position and self-portrait position. When in the self-portrait position, the display device displays a mirror image of the captured image, a superimposed character pattern, and an operation condition pattern. Furthermore, the image capture apparatus includes operation devices that are inhibited from operating by a user when in the self-portrait mode.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a recording and reproducing unit which records an image data obtained by an image pickup unit on a recording medium and reproduces the image data from the recording medium; a communication unit which transmits the image data to an external device through radio communication; a power supply which supplies electric power to the communication unit; a display unit which displays an image according to the image data, a position of the display unit being arbitrarily movable; a display control unit which displays the image when the display unit is located at a second position, and inhibits the image display when the display unit is located at a first position; and a power supply control unit which stops the electric power supply to the communication unit when the display unit is located at the first position, and supplies the electric power to the communication unit when the display unit is located at the second position.

Abstract: A folding-type mobile terminal is provided with a camera that is capable of accurately imaging an object. This is accomplished by mounting the camera such that a viewing direction of the display of the terminal is substantially parallel to a camera imaging direction.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a camera body having an image-capturing lens for receiving light to form an image of a subject and a display unit having a display screen for displaying the image. The display unit is slidably supported by the camera body. A surface of the display unit opposite a surface having the display screen disposed thereon faces a surface of the camera body opposite a surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. An image capture button is disposed on the surface of the camera body opposite the surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. The image capture button is exposed when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a first direction and the image capture button is covered by the display unit when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A foldable electronic equipment comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are interconnected through a hinge (4). The hinge (4) comprises at least one leaf spring (17) that is connected to the first part (2) and the second part (3) and is arranged to force the first part (2) and the second part (3) away from each other. Additionally, a camera is provided on the hinge, the camera being aligned with an opening on the hinge when the first part and the second part are forced away from each other.

Abstract: A digital image processor and method of improving user recognition in the digital image processor are provided. The digital image processor includes a view finder for a user to view a subject and a display unit on which an image is electrically realized, the digital image processor includes: a sensing unit for sensing rotation of the digital image processor; a detecting unit disposed at one side of the view finder and comprising an emission unit for emitting light and a light receiving unit for receiving light reflected by the user; and a control unit for increasing time for emitting light from the emission unit when the rotation is sensed by the sensing unit and controlling power supply to the display unit based on an output value corresponding to an amount of incident light onto the light receiving unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a display unit capable of being displaced between a non use state and a use state in such a manner that a display surface displaying an image of a subject is directed at least to the subject or a user in the use state, and a display control unit that inverts a direction in a vertical direction of the image of the subject displayed on the display surface in response to an operation on an operation member when the display unit is in the use state and cancels the inversion when the display unit is in the non use state.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a camera body having an image-capturing lens for receiving light to form an image of a subject and a display unit having a display screen for displaying the image. The display unit is slidably supported by the camera body. A surface of the display unit opposite a surface having the display screen disposed thereon faces a surface of the camera body opposite a surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. An image capture button is disposed on the surface of the camera body opposite the surface having the image-capturing lens disposed thereon. The image capture button is exposed when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a first direction and the image capture button is covered by the display unit when the display unit is slid over the camera body in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a pedestal portion which is formed further forward than the handle holding portion and configured to store the display monitor with a display surface of the display monitor face thereto, a projected portion formed further forward than the pedestal portion, and a hinge member one part of which is fixed to the display monitor and the other part of which is fixed to the projected portion. The display monitor is drawn from the pedestal portion to an opposite side to the grip portion by rotating the display monitor in a first direction around a first rotating shaft of the hinge member. The display monitor is drawn from the pedestal portion to a side of the grip portion by rotating the display monitor in a second direction which is an opposite direction to the first direction around a first rotating shaft.

Abstract: A switch for changing the mode of a device main body accompanied with the rotation of an image capture unit and an operation section provided in the device main body and performing inputting or outputting operations of the external information are included, and the external information outputting unit and the operation section change a plurality of modes controlled according to the mode change of the device main body by the switch.

Abstract: An digital camera includes a storage medium for connecting a storage medium having image information stored thereon and a display unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium. The digital camera displays characteristic images symbolizing one or more pieces of the image information stored on the storage medium on the display unit. The characteristic images include key images, images extracted by retrieval, or images obtained by analyzing plural pieces of image information.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The image apparatus has: a camera body; a viewfinder unit including a frame; a revolving mechanism for revolving the frame; a frictional mechanism including a detachable plate and giving frictional resistance to the frame and maintaining rotation of the frame; and a lock mechanism for locking and unlocking rotation of the frame. The lock mechanism includes a cylindrical member and a manipulating member for locking. When the manipulating member is rotated in one direction, the manipulating member moves the cylindrical member toward the detachable plate. The part of the frame around a pivot-receiving hole is held between the front end of a barrel and the detachable plate. When rotated in the other direction, the manipulating member permits the cylindrical member to move away from the detachable plate.

Abstract: A camcorder has a main body, a lens, which is provided on a front surface portion of the main body, and a display unit having a display screen, which displays incoming images from the lens. A first surface of a rear surface portion of the main body faces the display unit and is concave toward the front surface portion of the main body. A second surface of the display unit faces the first surface. The second surface is convex toward the front surface portion of the main body corresponding to the first surface. The first surface slidably moves the display unit with respect to the second surface.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus has a grip portion, a camera portion, and a monitor portion for displaying an image captured by the camera portion. The camera portion has an imaging optical system and an imaging device for capturing the image of a subject guided by the imaging optical system. The grip portion has a grip casing resembling a flat plate. The casing has a width greater than its thickness and a length greater than the width. The camera portion is connected to a longitudinal end of the grip casing rotatably about a first axis extending along the width. The monitor portion is connected to the camera portion so as to be rotatable together with the camera portion about the first axis and is connected rotatably about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The imaging optical system of the camera portion has an optical axis located on the first axis.

Abstract: A remote viewfinder display device using an image capturing device including a sensor positioned at an existing camera's viewfinder in communication with a remote display device which shows the viewfinder image at an alternative location to allow a photographer to frame the photograph in the viewfinder when the viewfinder is in an inaccessible or inconvenient position. The display can also provide a larger image for easier viewing. The remote viewfinder display device eliminates the constraints of a near eye view finder and provides for the ability to frame pictures with the alternatively positioned viewable screen or display independent of the existing camera's limited viewfinder position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image pickup apparatus configured to include an image pickup unit housing in which an image pickup unit that picks up images is housed, and a handle that is disposed on an upper part of the image pickup unit housing at a predetermined gap from the image pickup unit housing and is disposed approximately in parallel with an optical axis of light incident on the image pickup unit. The image pickup apparatus further includes a display unit that is placed on a lower surface of the handle and is operable when pulled out from the lower surface to display images picked up by the image pickup unit in a viewable manner.

Abstract: A camera includes a housing, a camera lens, a video camera recorder, a display, and a mounting rail. The housing is elongated and sealed. The camera lens is located at a front end of the housing. The video camera recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The display is configured for viewing the recorded images. The mounting rail extends along an exterior surface of the housing and mounts the camera to the weapon.

Abstract: A digital camera having a housing and a lens assembly receiving in the housing, includes a touch screen, a right shutter button, a left shutter button, and a selection switch. The right shutter button is configured for right-handed activation of a shutter function of the lens assembly of the digital camera. The left shutter button is configured for a left hand to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection switch is electronically connected to the left, right shutter buttons and the touch screen. The selection switch is configured for selecting and activating one of the left, right shutter buttons to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection is also configured for changing a relative position of the image-displaying area and the virtual button area in response to the left shutter button and the right shutter button that is activated.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an orientation of a camera installed on a vehicle, comprising the following operations: installing the vehicle at a location provided with markings on the ground, detecting these markings, estimating a vanishing point based on these markings, and matching the vanishing point with a positioning point by angular displacement of the camera.

Abstract: A portable terminal is disclosed, having a first housing, a second housing that is rotatably combined with the first housing and moves toward or away from the first housing while facing the first housing, and a camera lens assembly provided on the second housing. The second housing moves toward or far from the first housing as it is rotated with respect to a predetermined hinge axis. The hinge axis provides a rotation axis of a lens housing of the camera lens assembly, the rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the camera lens assembly and passing through the center of the camera lens assembly. The lens housing and the second housing rotate with respect to the first housing as the second housing is moved toward or away from the first housing and the lens housing are rotated with respect to the second housing by a user when desired.

Abstract: In an information terminal apparatus with a camera having a rotating function, the object of the invention is to impart a predetermined torque to a camera so as to render the camera easily rotatable by the force of a finger in a desired direction and to continue its state of standstill when the rotation is stopped.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided which includes a light emitting unit for emitting light, and a light detection unit which is irradiated with the light emitted by the light emitting unit and which includes an optical sensor for outputting an electric current corresponding to the brightness of the light. The light emitted by the light emitting unit is used for other purpose than being irradiated to the light detection unit. By including such configuration, even in the case of including an authentication means by using vein authentication which is a biometric authentication, an increase in the size of the housing can be suppressed.

Abstract: A digital still camera includes has a camera body. An imaging unit is secured to the camera body, and has an image pickup device incorporated therein. A rotational supporting mechanism supports the camera body on the imaging unit between a closed position and an open position. The camera body is disposed lower than the imaging unit. The camera body, when in the closed position, is inside an extending region defined by extending a shape of the imaging unit downwards, and when in the open position, is offset from the extending region of the imaging unit. In a preferred embodiment, a central axis of the rotational supporting mechanism extends vertically. The open position is located horizontally from the closed position.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a finder optical system for viewing a subject image. An imaging section obtains the subject image. A display section displays the subject image based on image data associated with the subject image obtained by the imaging section. A mode selecting section selects either a first mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while a user views the subject image through the finder optical system or a second mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while the user views the subject image on the display section. A first focus detection circuit performs a first focus detecting operation when the first mode is selected by the mode selecting section. A second focus detection circuit performs a second focus detecting operation when the second mode is selected by the mode selecting section.

Abstract: A camera has a camera body formed in a longitudinal rectangular shape, and in the intermediate portion of the camera body, a flexion/transformation mechanism dividing the camera body into an image photographing section including a lens system for capturing an optical image of a subject and a gripping section for a photographer to grip the camera body at the time of photographing is provided. The flexion/transformation mechanism is configured so as to dispose the image photographing section and the gripping section on a same straight line such that the camera body is formed in the longitudinal rectangular shape in a first state, and to dispose the gripping section angled relative to said image photographing section in a second state.

Abstract: A multi-functional portable viewfinder and digital camcorder system includes a camcorder with a transceiver electrically coupled thereto, and a headset. The headset includes a base member, and a view-finding arm pivotally mated thereto. The arm includes a lens operably mated to a distal end thereof. A headset transceiver is hard-wired to the camcorder transceiver or in wireless communication therewith. A user interface is electrically coupled to the headset transceiver, and includes control buttons disposed on an outside surface of the arm. The system includes a mechanism for automatically, selectively and manually actuating the camcorder to a recording mode. A digital imaging data interface circuit is electrically coupled to each of the recording mechanisms respectively for converting the captured image into a format understood by the digital camcorder.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit that takes an image; a display unit that displays the image taken by the imaging unit and displays a menu of selectable modes in accordance with a change in a position of the imaging device; and an operation detecting unit that detects a position or a direction of an operation applied to the imaging device. The imaging device also includes a control unit that determines the position or the direction of the operation detected by the operation detecting unit and performs control to switch a mode in accordance with a correspondence between the position or the direction of the operation and the menu displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus comprises a rotation body and a fixed body. The rotation body includes a frame which has a side portion orthogonal to a rotation axis and having a first through hole and a cut portion, and a longer side portion having an extending portion and extending along the rotation axis. The extending portion is engaged with the cut portion and has a protruding portion protruding outwardly of the side portion. The fixed body includes: a bracket having first and second side portions, a superimposed portion extending from the second side portion to be overlapped with the first side portion, and an opening passing through the first side portion and the superimposed portion; and a stud inserted through the opening and rotatably securing the frame to the bracket. The protruding portion is contacted with the superimposed portion at a predetermined angle to regulate the rotation of the rotation body.

Abstract: An image display apparatus which is capable of optimizing the image quality of a plurality of display devices having different optical characteristics when carrying out processing of an image signal supplied to the display devices, without providing a dedicated display driving circuit for each display device. The image display apparatus comprises a plurality of liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) having different optical characteristics. A liquid crystal driving circuit (2) processes an image signal outputted to the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11). Operative states of the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) are detected. At least one processing characteristic of the liquid crystal driving circuit (2) is changed according to the detected operative states.

Abstract: A digital still camera includes a main body; a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel coupled rotatably to an end portion of the main body of the camera in such a manner that a display portion thereof faces said main body; and a lens housing inserted rotatably and independently into a space formed in a portion where the main body and the LCD panel are coupled.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided with a vertically long camera body having an approximately rectangular solid shape. An LCD panel provided in a rear surface of the camera body is arranged such that longitudinal directions of the display screen and the camera body correspond to each other. The digital camera is operated through a touch panel provided in a lower portion of the display screen. In a taking mode, an image is displayed in a small size on an upper portion of the display screen. In reproducing, the camera body is rotated sideways by 90 degree. In a reproducing mode, display posture of the image is also rotated by 90 degree, and the image is displayed in a large size on the entire display screen.

Abstract: A conventional display device is constituted such that, when the display section is rotated to change the orientation thereof, the center of rotation and the center of the display section do not coincide, whereby the rotation operation lacks balance. Hence, the present invention provides a display device comprising a guide mechanism that comprises an annular track that rotates as the display section rotates and a guided member that is fixed to contact the annular track contained in the guide mechanism. By providing the annular track with recesses for fixing the position of the display section when the orientation of the display section is vertical or horizontal, the center of rotation and the center of the display section coincide, and also the screen height following the rotation can be optimized as a result of the rotation operation.

Abstract: This portable terminal comprises a main unit having a microphone, a key operation unit, and a radio sending/receiving function of image and sound, a rotation axial unit having a video camera and an operation dial, an image display unit with a touch panel capable of displaying an image taken by the video camera, a received image and a screen for input operation, and a flip unit having the image display unit, a CCD camera, a speaker and an operation button. The rotation axial unit further includes an opening/shutting axis for connecting the main unit and the flip unit in a mutually rotatable way and a rotation axis for connecting the flip unit in a way of rotating the flip unit across the above rotation in the horizontal direction, and when the flip unit is opened and rotated across, it is used as a video camera with a monitor.

Abstract: A digital image capturing device is includes an LCD and a main body. The LCD has a first fastening element. The main body has a switching device a sliding shaft, a sliding shaft sleeve and a second fastening element. The sliding shaft has the sliding shaft sleeve that is slipped onto it and is connected with the LCD. The LCD can be slid and rotated with the above-described mechanism. The LCD utilizes the first fastening element to engage with the second fastening element of the main body, which allows the LCD to be securely attached. The digital image capturing device utilizes the sliding movement to control the switching device to operate the switching function.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises: an image pickup unit for picking up an object image; an image display unit for displaying an image; a grip portion to be grasped by an operator; a moving portion for allowing the grip portion to move between a first position in which the grip portion overlaps part of the image display unit and a second position in which the grip portion does not overlap the image display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the orientation of the displayed subject is the same as the actual orientation of the subject. The reference attitude when taking a picture is shown in FIG. 5, with the lid 12 being rotated substantially about 90 degrees about the X-axis with respect to the main body, and a perpendicular of the display 32 is in the same orientation as the optical axis of the CCD 41. In this attitude, the image captured by the CCD 41 is displayed as it is in the display 32. On the other hand, when the angle detector 51 detects that the lid 12 is rotated by a further 90 degrees with respect to the main body 11 from the attitude of FIG. 5 and the lid 12 and the main body 11 are opened by about 180 degrees, the image captured by the CCD 41 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated image is displayed in the display 32. The present invention can be applied to portable type terminals such as mobile phones having a two axially rotatable structure, PDA, personal computers.

Abstract: A mobile terminal comprising: a first body; a second body mounted in the first body to be folded and unfolded; and hinge units for rotatably hinge-connecting the first and second bodies, wherein the hinge units comprise: a first hinge unit mounted in the first body; a second hinge unit mounted in the second body, and rotatably engaged with the first hinge unit to have the same rotation angle as that of the first hinge unit; and a connection unit for rotatably connecting the first hinge unit to the second hinge unit, whereby the first body can be rotated up to 360° with respect to the second body so that videos and satellite broadcasting can be viewed more conveniently.

Abstract: A combination camcorder handset device in a clam-shell form factor that has at least two operational modes—one of which is a phone mode wherein the device is used by holding the device to the ear and talking, and another of which is a camera mode wherein the device is rotated on its side so the screen is pointed horizontally and the device is held in one hand just like a traditional camcorder. The angle of the device's clam-shell hinge determines the operational mode. The camera points in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the keys on the keyboard keys move when pressed. The camera may be contained in a removable camera module. Straps on the keyboard half hold the device in place when the device is held with one hand during camera mode. Buttons along the side of the keyboard half perform functions such as shutter release, zoom-in, and zoom-out, and are within immediate access of the fingers of the hand that is holding the device.

Abstract: When the monitor is slid to the inner side of the device main body, a portion of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are display in one portion of the area, and when the monitor is slid outside of the device main body, the whole area of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are displayed in the whole area.

Abstract: A camera comprising: a camera body on which an image taking lens and an image display portion are provided, and a grip portion connected to the camera body so as to be foldable and extendable, wherein the grip portion can be moved to a first position at which it is folded to cover the image display portion and to a second position at which it is extended to function as a grip.