Abstract: An image pickup device which makes it possible to perform shooting without moving a device body in response to motion of an object, and also even if an eye gaze direction of a shooter changes in response to the motion of the object, to perform the shooting while turning a display monitor to the eye gaze direction of the shooter. A lens barrel is supported on a device body in a manner rotatable around at least a first axis. A display monitor has a screen section on which a shot image captured by the lens barrel is displayed. A lens barrel drive unit is adapted to rotate the lens barrel around at least the first axis. An interlock unit is adapted to rotate the display monitor around the first axis, in an interlocked manner with the rotation of the lens barrel around the first axis by the lens barrel drive unit.

Abstract: The information terminal body may be designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases each having a display unit through a hinge which is equipped with a photographing optical system for the camera function unit of which optical axis of lens is perpendicular to an axial center of the hinge. The display units display information from communication channels and images taken in by the camera. The cases may have the display units such that the display units face outside in a folded state. At least one of the two display units may be a finder for photographers, while the other may be a finder for the subject persons. The terminal is equipped with a shutter button and a terminal operation button. The terminal operation button works also as a shutter button. The information terminal is also equipped with a viewfinder for the camera lens system.

Abstract: A camera having a lens and display. The camera also includes a main camera body and a display housing. The display housing has a front side and a back side. The display is encased in the back side of the display housing. The main camera body has a front end and a back end. The display housing is movably connected to the main camera body. The camera lens is of a given diameter and is encased in the front end of the main camera body. The display housing has first and second positions relative to the camera lens. In the first position, the display housing covers the lens and in the second position, the lens is exposed.

Abstract: A hand-held imaging apparatus 10 comprises a lower housing 11, an upper housing 21, an outer camera 25, a lower LCD 12, a touch panel 13, and change means. The upper housing 21 is foldably connected to the lower housing 11. The outer camera 25 is provided in an outer surface of the upper housing 21 when folded. The lower LCD 12 has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the lower housing 11 when folded, and displays a live image which is currently taken by the outer camera 25. The touch panel 13 is provided on the display screen of the lower LCD 12. The change means makes a change to the live image based on an input with respect to the touch panel 13.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus (1) includes a first casing (41) and a second casing (42) which are foldably connected to each other and have a photographic lens (31) and a display device (18) which is visible in a same field of view as the lens. A user can photograph himself/herself while verifying his/her photographed image by means of the display device, and thus is able to gain an anticipated image composition easily, and therefore reduce unsuccessful photographs. The photographed image is displayed as a mirror image, so that the user can verify the image as if looking in to an ordinary mirror, without experiencing any awkwardness.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus which is thin in thickness and has enough strength to be able to be accommodated in the breast pocket of one's shirt or back pocket of one's pants or in a handbag without bothered by a feeling of strangeness is provided. The imaging apparatus is composed of an imaging unit and an operation unit, both units being connected rotatably relative to each other by a hinge mechanism and formed into a low-profile, rectangular shape in the normal state in which the units are positioned parallel to each other.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera and a portable telephone equipped with a digital camera in which while a user views one monitor screen, the user can selectively photograph an image located in the side of the face of the user and an image located in an opposite side to the face of the user without turning out the digital camera or the portable telephone having the digital camera under a state that the user holds the digital camera or the portable telephone having the digital camera. The digital camera and the portable telephone having the digital camera of the present invention include a first camera mounted on a first surface of a casing member, a second camera mounted on a second surface in the back side of the first surface of the casing member and a camera selecting unit for selecting a photographing camera.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a display component and a device aperture component which are mounted on separate segments of the electronic device. Each segment can be rotated with respect to the other, thus permitting a user to photograph an object while adjusting the display to a desired viewing condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aiming device for a camcorder. An open frame with an attachment means is mounted to the camcorder such that one can see what the camcorder will record through the open frame yet still view the non recorded material at the same time.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising: a main unit with a display device attached to a palm or back of a hand; an image-pickup section attached to any one of fingers; a detection device which detects bending of a plurality of fingers; and a control section which changes an operating mode of the image-pickup section or display device according to the state of bending of the plurality of fingers detected by the detection device.

Abstract: The information terminal body may be designed to foldably pivot a pair of flat cases each having a display unit through a hinge which is equipped with a photographing optical system for the camera function unit of which optical axis of lens is perpendicular to an axial center of the hinge. The display units display information from communication channels and images taken in by the camera. The cases may have the display units such that the display units face outside in a folded state. At least one of the two display units may be a finder for photographers, while the other may be a finder for the subject persons. The terminal is equipped with a shutter button and a terminal operation button. The terminal operation button works also as a shutter button. The information terminal is also equipped with a viewfinder for the camera lens system.

Abstract: Portable terminal equipment includes an upper chassis, a lower chassis, a connector therebetween, a camera holder, and a camera. The upper chassis includes the first obverse side and the first reverse side. The lower chassis includes the second obverse side and the second reverse side. The connector is operable to collapsibly interconnect the upper and lower chassis. The camera holder is slidable outward and inward with respect to either the upper chassis or the lower chassis. The camera is disposed on the camera holder in a relationship coextensive with the first obverse side. When the upper and lower chassis are opened up, then images taken by the camera are displayed on a first display. When the upper and lower chassis are folded up, then images taken by the camera are displayed on a second display. Thus the thinned portable terminal equipment including the single camera is operable to photograph both a user and any other subject.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal comprising a main body, a folder having a display, a first hinge formed at an upper portion of the main body for rotating the folder about the main body in a first direction, a camera positioned at a surface of the first hinge, and a second hinge formed between the folder and the first hinge for rotating the folder about the main body in a second direction. An object can be easily photographed at various angles and, even with the folder in a closed position, the object can be photographed while checking an image through the display.

Abstract: An image recording/replaying device, such as a video camera, has various operating switches which have enhanced operability so as to suit a mode of use. The image recording/replaying device includes an image display section chat is foldably, unfoldably, and rotatably supported at a body internally incorporating a taking lens. The image recording-replaying device also includes a control switch including an operating key and a plurality of contacts disposed at end portions The control switch further includes direction selection switches which are such that the directions used within the display screen of the image display section corresponding to the directions of the positions of the four end portions of the operating key are changed in accordance with a change in the orientation of the image display section resulting from rotation of the image display section.

Abstract: A camera has an operation member and a display processor. The operation member is operated to select specific camera information from a series of camera information associated with a photograph. The display processor displays the plurality of setting items with a captured image on a display. The operation member has a first selecting member and a second selecting member. The firs t selecting member is operated to designate a setting item along a first direction in order, and in accordance with the arrangement of the plurality of setting items. The second selecting member is opposite to the first selecting member, and is operated to designate a setting item in order along a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction. The display processor performs a selection-display process to express a setting item selected by an operation of the first selecting member or second selecting member.

Abstract: A portable terminal, comprises: a terminal body provided with a display unit to output visual information relating to a capturing mode, and having wireless communication functions; a touch input unit provided at the display unit, and configured to input information when at least one of the visual information is touched; a camera body arranged at the terminal body in a longitudinal direction, and rotatably coupled to the terminal body so that a direction of a camera mounted therein rotates in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of the terminal body; and camera manipulation units disposed on the camera body, and receiving input manipulations relating to an operation of the camera.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus includes: a first display panel; and a second display panel which performs a first motion that moves the second display panel between a first position, where the second display panel covers the first display panel, and a second position, where the first display panel is exposed, and performs a second motion in a generally perpendicular direction to the first motion.

Abstract: A digital camera having a color image sensor, an optical system, a rotatable first switch, and a second switch that switches between various modes. The second switch indicates an intermediate point corresponding to the photograph mode, a first point corresponding to the first setting mode, or a second point corresponding to the second setting mode. A first setting unit sets a first processing condition relating to a white balance of an image according to a rotation angle of the first switch in the first setting mode. A second setting unit sets a second processing condition relating to a data size of an image according to a rotation angle of the first switch in the second setting mode. Furthermore, a processing unit processes an output signal of the color image sensor according to a first processing condition and a second processing condition in the photograph mode.

Abstract: In an image sensing device in which a hinge mechanism is secured to the side face of the main body of the image sensing device and an image display unit for displaying a captured image is mounted by the hinge mechanism so as to be free to rotate, a light-emitting device for emitting light toward a subject is accommodated inside the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: A camera with a display panel comprises a camera body and an LCD panel unit. The LCD panel unit is swingably attached to the camera body by a hinge portion. The LCD panel unit is provided with the display panel. A speaker portion is located on one surface (on the same side as an image display screen) of the LCD panel unit. A microphone portion is located on the other surface of the LCD panel unit, that is, a surface opposite from the image display screen. The LCD panel unit houses a circuit board including sound circuits. The circuit board is connected electrically with a speaker and a microphone through a connector portion.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus has a display unit which is movably coupled with an apparatus main body 1 through coupling portion 5. The display unit has fastening members 21 and 22 for fixing exterior members 3 and 4 of a casing 2 of the display unit. The apparatus main body 1 has a concave portion 8 into which predetermined portions of the exterior members 3 and 4 can be loosely inserted. A movable range of the display unit is widened by the concave portion 8, thereby enabling the fastening members 21 and 22 to be operated. Thus, the image pickup apparatus and an electronic apparatus in which handling performance including a disassembling work and the like of the display unit can be improved are provided.

Abstract: A cellular phone having a plurality of cameras and being able to switch display of a picture without interrupting display for the camera is provided. Processes executed by a control unit of the cellular phone include the steps of measuring a holddown time when holddown of a button is detected; sending the video signal sent from the camera corresponding to a numeric button to a main monitor when a first function button is held down for a holddown time shorter than a predetermined time and the numeric button is held down; and sending the video signal sent from the camera set as a next source to the main monitor when the numeric button is not held down. The processes further includes the step of sending the video signal sent from a main camera to main monitor when the holddown time is longer than the predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital camera which does not need a dedicated exclusive lens barrier and permits use in compact states in normal photography. The digital camera comprises a camera body, a photographing lens which is provided on the front side of the camera body, an image display unit which displays taken images, and a movable unit which moves the image display unit between the front and rear positions of the camera body. The image display unit is set so that when moved to the front position, the display panel faces the front side of the camera body just like covering the photographing lens, and when moved to the rear position, the display panel is exposed.

Abstract: An image photographing apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a mounting portion. A display unit having a display is mounted on the mounting portion. The display unit can be positioned at first pose where the display unit faces the bottom surface of the mounting portion, or at a second pose where the display unit faces away from the bottom surface of the mounting portion. A hinge unit connects the display unit to the main body so that the display unit is openable and closable to and from the mounting portion with respect to a first axis. The hinge unit also has a second axis that allows the display unit to be moved from the first pose to the second pose. A locking unit locks the display unit mounted on the mounting portion in the first or second pose.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus is disclosed. The photographic apparatus is rotatively connected to the terminal. Further, a magnet, which generates a flux, is connected to the photographic apparatus. A magnetic flux sensor is also connected to the terminal so that an image produced by the photographic apparatus is inverted when the magnetic flux sensor detects the magnetic flux. Rotation of the photographic apparatus at a predetermined angle approximates the magnet to the magnetic flux detecting sensor.

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: An appearing and disappearing type image pickup device having a lens unit and/or a terminal connection unit mounted to be capable of selectively appearing and disappearing in relation to a main body of the image pickup device so that the image pickup device can be used as a multipurpose device. The image pickup device comprises a lens unit for capturing an image of an object, a main body receiving the lens unit in one end of the main body to be capable of appearing and disappearing, an image outputting unit provided at one side of the main body, a recording unit provided in the main body, and a battery installed in the main body for supplying power to the respective components of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A compact and light digital camcorder, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a camcorder body, and a camera unit moving into and out from a top portion of the camcorder body in a length direction of the camcorder body. The camera unit comprises a camera adjusting unit, such that the camera unit is received in the camcorder body when not in use, and is protruded out from the camcorder body when in use.

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 portable electronic device including a first section having a first display on a first side of the first section; and a second section pivotably connected to the first section. The second section includes a second display on a first side of the second section. The second section comprises a second side opposite the first side of the second section. When the first and second sections are in a first folded configuration relative to each other the first side of the first section is located opposite the second side of the second section.

Abstract: A viewfinder includes a main body detachably attached to a camera body, a display unit on which an image captured at the camera body is displayed, and an eyepiece unit detachably attached to the display unit. The eyepiece unit magnifies the image. The display unit includes a support connected to the main body in a rotatable manner, a display panel having a display surface on which the image is displayed, and a connecting mechanism that connects the display panel to the support in a rotatable manner. The support and the display panel can be set to a first folded state in which a rear surface of the display panel that is opposite to the display surface is placed on the support, a second folded state in which the display surface is placed on the support, and an unfolded state in which the display panel is raised from the support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bar-type wireless communication terminal, and a rotary type hinge device thereof. The bar-type wireless communication terminal comprises a lower body and an upper body. The lower body is installed at its one side surface with a camera lens unit, and at its front and rear surfaces with first and second keypads, respectively. The upper body is coupled to the upper end of the lower body so that it is rotatable in a twisting direction relative to a rotation axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower body. The upper body is installed at its front surface with a display device. According to the bar-type wireless communication terminal constructed as stated above and a rotary type hinge device thereof, it is possible to provide the user with a wider choice of the terminals.

Abstract: A camera rotating apparatus of a portable terminal includes a main body of the portable terminal, a head portion including a camera module, the head portion being capable of rotating in front, rear, left and right directions with respect to the main body, and a hinge portion rotatably connecting the head portion to the main body.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a first body, a second body, and at least one speaker is provided. The second body is pivotally connected to one side edge of the first body, such that the second body is selectively rotated to cover the first body, or to form an angle with respect to the first body. The speaker is movably disposed on an upper surface of the first body, and can be moved relative to the first body. Thus, the speaker can be moved and fixed to a predetermined position to achieve optimized output sound quality.

Abstract: An image pickup and display device including a body having an image pickup lens, a display unit capable of displaying an image and having a longitudinal side extending along a longitudinal side of the body in a folded state where the display unit is in close proximity to or abuts against the body, a first rotation shaft having an axis extending along a surface of the body, a rotation-supporting mount rotatably attached to the body through the first rotation shaft, and a second rotation shaft extending perpendicular to the first rotation shaft through the rotation-supporting mount and rotatably supporting the display unit with respect to the rotation-supporting mount. The second rotation shaft extends along a side of the display unit and a side of the body when the display unit is folded. With this, even when the body is in a stable horizontal position, the display unit can be viewed excellently by being rotated around the second rotation shaft.

Abstract: A stand apparatus having the connector so as to correspond to a position of an electronic equipment being housed and comprises a connection inhibiter member to inhibit the connection if the position of the electronic equipment being housed and a turned state of the connector do not match with each other. Furthermore, electronic equipment, e.g., a camera, can be connected with the stand apparatus electrically either in the state of the equipment body facing up with the display apparatus of the camera being folded thereon, or in the state of the display apparatus being folded onto the back side of the equipment body with the display surface facing up.

Abstract: A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls.

Abstract: A portable electronic device adopts a modular design structure and includes a display screen, a picture taking module and a control module that can be swiveled relative to one another at various angles to provide different operation modes. When in use, due to the swiveling relationship between the display screen, picture taking module and control module, different operation modes can be achieved to meet the requirements of users' different using habits.

Abstract: Provided is a digital image processing apparatus including a body and a rotating display device rotatably installed on the body. The rotating display device comprises: a display panel that displays an image; and a direction sensor for sensing a direction of the display panel. Various embodiments of the direction sensor are also disclosed including, for example, a direction sensor that is capable of sensing at least four rotational states of the rotating display device. In addition, the image displayed on the display panel may be reversed if the direction sensor detects that the rotating display device has been rotated.

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: 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: Disclosed is a combination image-capturing apparatus and method. A combination image-capturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body, a combination image-capturing unit installed on the main body to be location-changeable that include first and second signal processing units, and first and second recording media. The combination image-capturing apparatus further comprises a mode selection switch unit for generating an operation mode signal corresponding to a selected image-capturing unit according to position changes of the combination image-capturing unit, a photo switch for generating an image-capturing trigger signal, and a control unit for controlling storage of the first and second formatted signals in the first recording medium and the second recording medium if the image-capturing trigger signal is received.

Abstract: In an information processing device, system operations can be simply performed while a screen of a display body is viewed, even when the display body is folded against a main body. In the information processing device, a display body with a screen arranged on the front surface is connected to a main body having a keyboard mounted thereon so as to rotate in opening/folding directions and in a turning direction, and an operating button is positioned to be operable when the back surface of the display body is close to the main body. Also, a system menu is displayed on the screen according to operation of the operating button.

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed, which includes a host, a display, an image capturing module and a biaxial rotating structure. The host is used for processing digital data. The display is used for displaying the result of processing digital data. The image capturing module is pivoted on a frame of the display by the biaxial rotating structure, such that the image capturing module may rotate horizontally or vertically relative to the display, thus increasing the viewing angle of the image capturing module.

Abstract: A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.

Abstract: In order to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring due to erroneously operating an operation button during adjustment of the angle of a display panel, various operation buttons are provided on a display panel, which is provided on a side surface of a main unit of an imaging apparatus. In this way an angle, at which the display panel is disposed, is suitably adjusted by a tilting mechanism. Moving images and still images are recorded and reproduced by operating this operation button, and a buffer is provided for temporarily storing data between an imaging section and a recording/reproducing section, so that data is processed through this buffer. A displacement detection unit detects displacement of the display panel and erroneous operation is detected if there is displacement of the display panel within a time lapse after operating the operation button, the operation is canceled, and the display panel is returned to an original status.

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 portable device includes a camera section, a camera image display, a first case having a first surface having the display therein and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second case that can be positioned over the second surface of the first case, a rotation axis section supporting the second case to the first case rotatably about an axis perpendicular to the first surface of the first case, and a camera/display operation section. The camera section has an optical axis, and the rotation axis section accommodates the camera section so that the optical axis is parallel to the rotation axis. The operation section is on the first surface of the first case opposite an image-capturing direction of the rotation axis of the rotation axis section.

Abstract: A video camera recorder that includes a main camera body, a camera mount member, a first mount member and a second mount member. The camera mount member is coupled to the main camera body. The camera mount member has a camera mount track portion. The first mount member has a first mount inner surface adapted to abut a first portion of an object. The second mount member has a receiving track portion and a second mount inner surface adapted to abut a second portion of the object. The first mount member is selectively coupled to the second mount member to couple the first and second mount member around the first and second portions of the object. The receiving track portion of the second mount member is adapted to receive the camera mount track portion to selectively couple the main camera body to the second mount member.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to properly output sounds in stereo at the time of reproducing of images in a video camera having a pivotal image display unit. The invention includes an image display unit which can pivot on an electronic device body and displays images, first and second sound output units, a detection unit for detecting pivoting operation of the image display unit, and a control means for controlling switching of sound signals output to the first and second sound output units upon pivoting operation of the image display unit.