Abstract: A digital camera is constituted of a main body and an image display unit which is selectively and removably attached to a front or a rear surface of the main body. When the image display unit is attached to the rear surface, a first menu screen is displayed on an LCD of the image display unit, and operation modes are limited to a still image capture mode, a movie capture mode, and a reproduction mode. When the image display unit is attached to cover the entire front surface, a second menu screen is displayed on the LCD, and the operation modes are limited to an image viewer mode and a music player mode. When the image display unit is attached to a position close to a lateral surface on the front surface, a taking lens is exposed, and the digital camera is set to a self capture mode.

Abstract: A viewfinder of a photographing apparatus to monitor a photographed image. The viewfinder of the photographing apparatus has a viewfinder body disposed to be drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body and outside of the photographing apparatus body, and a driving unit to drive the drawing-in and drawing-out of the viewfinder body. Moreover, when an outer LCD, which is disposed at an outer part of the photographing apparatus body, is rotated by a predetermined degree in a state that the viewfinder body is drawn outside of the photographing apparatus body, the viewfinder body is automatically drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body. On the other hand, when the outer LCD is rotated on a rotating axis on a plane of the outer LCD and faces an object, the viewfinder body is drawn out again to the outside of the photographing apparatus body.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus wherein, when a video camera is employed as a TV telephone or a portable telephone is employed as a TV telephone and when the direction of the display face of an LCD panel is directed (the display direction) is the opposite of that of a lens (the photographing direction), the image of an object photographed through the lens is displayed as the main picture on the LCD panel, and wherein, when the direction of the display face of the LCD panel is directed (the display direction) is the same as that of the lens (the photographing direction), an image transmitted by a communication partner is displayed as the main picture on the LCD panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a display apparatus having a display section tiltable in at least two directions within a predetermined tilting range using at least four tilting members, and an imaging device using the display apparatus. An example of the predetermined range, a range where a display surface of the display section intersects the optical axis of a photographing lens can be adopted. The display apparatus can be configured in such a way that while a tilting member is tilted, tilting of other tilting member is inhibited.

Abstract: The foldable portable terminal apparatus with a camera includes display sections on the front side (side A) and backside (side B) of the housing. When the housing (1) is open, both the person who is taking a picture using a camera (10, 8) and the person who gets his/her picture taken can check the captured image simultaneously using the display (11, 7). When the housing (1) is closed, the image taken can be checked with the display section on the front. Images taken in the past are stored in association with telephone numbers. When a call arrives from one of the persons, ringing tone sounds and at the same time the image of the sender is displayed on the display section (11, 7).

Abstract: A combined binocular viewing and digital recording device includes a binocular telescope wherein the binocular telescope includes a pair of monocular components (12a, b). Each monocular component (12a, b) has an image viewing end and an image receiving end. The monocular components (12a, b) include a focusing mechanism (18) to adjust images viewed through the image viewing end of the monocular components. Also, the device includes a digital video camera (15) mounted to and displaced between each monocular component. The camera includes a receiving lens (21) for receiving images with the camera lens' line-of-sight approximately parallel to the line-of-sight of the monocular components. The camera further includes random access memory (RAM) (56) and a display device (16).

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: A viewfinder to be used with a photographing apparatus or a camcorder to monitor an image being photographed. The viewfinder has a viewfinder body disposed to be drawn inside of the photographing apparatus body and to be drawn out of the photographing apparatus body, a compressing spring to press the viewfinder body to draw the viewfinder body outside of the photographing apparatus body, a locking unit to secure the viewfinder body within the photographing apparatus body, and an unlocking member to unlock the locking unit. Therefore, if the locking unit is unlocked, the viewfinder body is drawn out from a camcorder body by a restoration force of the compressing spring. On the other hand, when a user presses the viewfinder body against the photographing apparatus body, the viewfinder body is drawn into the photographing apparatus body. Thus, the appearance of the photographing apparatus is more appealing to the eye, and storage and handling of the photographing apparatus is easier.

Abstract: In a mobile communication terminal having a camera rotatively connected thereto, an apparatus and a method for controlling an image is provided. A photographic image generated by the camera can be reoriented so that the image appears inversed as a result of sensing a rotational position of the camera relative to the terminal. A position sensing unit detects a rotational position of a camera; a control unit compares the detected position to a default position and reorients the photographic image if the detected position does not correspond to the default position.

Abstract: A video camera has a video camera body having a storage region in a side surface thereof, an imaging unit housed in the video camera body for imaging an object and generating a video signal, and an electronic viewfinder for monitoring the video signal generated by the imaging unit. An angularly movable support supports a side edge of the electronic viewfinder for angular movement about a first axis to move an opposite side edge of the electronic viewfinder away from the storage region. An auxiliary angularly moving mechanism angularly moves the electronic viewfinder about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, so that one of face and back sides of the electronic viewfinder can be selected for storage into the storage region.

Abstract: A portable wireless terminal device which has a main body including a first case provided with a plurality of manual keys, a second case provided with a display having a rectangular screen of a predetermined aspect ratio, and a connecting mechanism for interconnecting the two cases. The connecting mechanism includes a pivot mechanism for rotating the second case relative to the first case along a plane parallel to the screen. For wireless communication, the display is activated in a screen position wherein the screen is elongated vertically. For receiving a television broadcast, the display is activated in a screen position wherein the screen is elongated horizontally.

Abstract: In a foldable cellular phone, an image taken and provided by a camera portion is displayed on a first or second display portion for previewing before storage in a third memory. The second display portion displays the image in the opposite directions corresponding to a folded state and an open state, respectively. In either the folded state or the open state, a second display driver portion rotates the image by 180 degrees to display the image on the second display portion for previewing. Although the direction of the image displayed on the second display portion is inverted depending on the state selected between the folded state and the open state, the second display portion displays the image in a constant direction with respect to a user in both the folded state and the open state of the cellular phone during the previewing operation.

Abstract: A portable terminal device includes: a first member having a keyboard operation portion; and a second member having a display portion and attached to the first member via a coupling member movable in a horizontal direction relative to the first member, the second member being movable together with the coupling member in the horizontal direction relative to the first member. The second member is rotatably attached to the coupling member so that a side face or a rear face of the second member is allowed to face forward after the coupling member is moved in the horizontal direction relative to the first member. It is also possible to attach the coupling member to the first member so as to be slidable in one direction or rotatable in the horizontal direction, and to attach the second member to the coupling member to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A camera includes a columnar camera main body portion having a photographing lens, and a flexible display for displaying an image of an object to be photographed through the photographing lens, in which one end of the flexible display is attached to the camera main body portion, and which is provided so as to be taken-up into the camera main body portion.

Abstract: A portable communication terminal having an image-taking function is composed of a camera unit that takes an image of a subject through a photographic lens, and two displays, the first display being positioned on same a front surface of housing of the portable communication terminal as the photographic lens and being visible in a same view as the photographic lens, and the second display being positioned on a back surface of the housing. The mobile communication terminal has a function of having the image taken by the camera unit displayed on at least one of the displays.

Abstract: A modular digital imaging system adapted to transfer digital images. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of modules which are stackable to form a customizable unit. A first one of the plurality of modules provides a first function and has a first electrical connector and at least one attachment member. A second one of the plurality of modules provides a second function different than the first function and has a second electrical connector matable with the first electrical connector. The second module further comprises at least one attachment feature complementing the attachment member whereby the at least one attachment member mates with the at least one attachment feature to securely attach the first and second modules when the first and second modules are stacked. The electrical connector is employed to transfer the digital images between modules when securely attached.

Abstract: The present provides a mobile terminal device includes first and second housings foldably coupled to each other by a hinge portion, and the first housing can turn in the direction orthogonal to the unfolding/folding direction. The mobile terminal device also includes a first camera provided for a surface opposed to said second housing in a state that the device is folded, and a second camera provided for a surface of the first or second housing on the opposite side to the surface having the first camera, when the two housings are unfolded at an angle of about 90° and the first housing turns at an angle of about 90° to the second housing, and a sensor for detecting a positional relation between the two housings according to a change of the angle between the two housings. According to the detected position, operations of the first and second camera are stopped/started.

Abstract: A portable communication device is disclosed. The portable communication device comprises a first housing extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, a second housing rotated about a first hinge axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first housing such that the angle between a bottom surface of the second housing and a corresponding top surface of the first housing varies, and a cylindrical hinge housing disposed at one end of the first housing while a portion of the cylindrical hinge housing protrudes outward from the first housing. The first hinge axis extends in the diametrical direction of the cylindrical hinge housing wherein the second housing is attached to the cylindrical hinge housing while the second housing is rotated about the first hinge axis. The cylindrical hinge housing has a second hinge axis extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical hinge housing so that the second housing can rotate about the second hinge axis.

Abstract: A system and method for creating still images by utilizing a video camera comprises a cradle device that transports the video camera across a target object during a scanning procedure that captures and stores video data. During the scanning procedure, a motion detector captures and provides scan motion data to a scanning manager from the video camera. The scanning manager may then responsively utilize the scan motion data to accurately extract still frames corresponding to the target object from the captured video data at pre-determined time intervals. A stitching software program may then access and combine the still frames generated by the scanning manager to thereby create composite still images.

Abstract: A hinge for an LCD monitor of a video movie camera is composed of a vertical axle, a barrel, a horizontal axle, a positioning disk, two resilient dished washers, and a seat. The vertical axle is secured on the camera. The barrel is pivotally mounted on the vertical axle. The horizontal axle is rotatably mounted on the barrel. The positioning disk and the resilient dished washers are provided on an end of the horizontal axle. The seat is mounted at the other end of the horizontal axle and the LCD monitor is installed on the seat. The LCD monitor can be smoothly turned about the vertical axle and the horizontal axle, and be stably positioned at any desired positions.

Abstract: An electronic notice-board system for allowing information to be contributed to an electronic notice board. A first short-distance communication device carries out communication with the mobile terminal located in a predetermined communication range and a second communication device exchanges data with the mobile terminal after the user of the mobile terminal has been authenticated. Similarly, the mobile terminal also has a short-distance communication device for carrying out communication with the electronic notice board located in a predetermined communication range and a second communication device for exchanging data with the electronic notice board after the user of the mobile terminal has been authenticated. Since users of the electronic notice board must be close by, it is possible to avoid improper use of the electronic notice board by any user located a long distance away from the electronic notice board.

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: 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: In disposing a display part, such as an LCD panel, on a side face of the body of a compact video camera of a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending longer in the direction of height for use as a viewfinder as well as for a reproduction display, an attempt to minimize the whole size of the video camera for improvement in portability severely limits the size of a major side of the display part, preventing the display image plane from having an easily viewable size. To solve this problem, an intermediate connection part disposed between the video camera body and the display part is arranged to enable the display part to rotate in opening and closing directions with respect to the video camera body and also to rotate in directions included in a plane at which the display part is connected to the video camera body.

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 small-sized photographing apparatus in which a single display device performs both of a viewfinder and monitor display. The apparatus includes a body having a viewfinder window; the display device, the display surface of which can be observed from outside of the body; a pair of reflection mirrors inside the body; and a member for moving one of the reflection mirrors between a reflection position at which a beam of light from the display surface of the display device is reflected so that the beam is guided towards the viewfinder window, and a non-reflection position which is different from the reflection position.

Abstract: An information communication apparatus for conducting information communication such as a telephone conversation, sending and reception of E-mails and the like and for capturing an image of a subject comprises an image capturing unit for capturing an image through the zoom optical system, and a body unit for displaying an image and accepting a user's input. A rotating mechanism is provided between the image capturing unit and the body unit. When a user conducts information communication or carries the information communication apparatus, the image capturing unit is positioned so that the optical axis of the zoom optical system is substantially parallel to a display screen of a display. This prevents impairment of the portability of the information communication apparatus. When the user captures an image, the image capturing unit is positioned so that the optical axis of the zoom optical system is substantially perpendicular to the display screen of the display.

Abstract: A foldable portable terminal unit containing a picture taking device capable of transmitting both image and voice. The unit enables users to see the display when taking pictures of themselves, as well as taking pictures of other objects. The lid portion (3) folds and rotates with respect to the case main body (2) of the portable terminal unit. The display (6) is provided in the lid portion (3) and rotates with respect to the picture taking device (11) fixed on the rear face or the side face of the case main body (2), corresponding to the state of taking a picture so as to enable monitoring.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile telephone in which a camera portion is rotatably provided in a coupling partition for rotatably coupling a first casing and a second casing with each other, a main display part and a manipulating part are provided in a casing surface which is hidden in a condition in which the first casing and the second casing are folded to each other. And a subdisplay part and an image pick-up button are provided in a first casing surface which is always exposed, and a switch for changing over the display condition of the subdisplay part between a camera mode and an equipment status display mode is provided, whereby the image pick-up by the camera portion can be simply carried out with no affection by folding motion of the casings.

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.

Abstract: A viewfinder for mounting on a camera having a video signal tap, such as a professional video camera, to extend forwardly and laterally of the camera. A pivotable member is connected to a support base for selectively pivoting about a laterally extending axis and being selectively locked in any angular position. A viewing module is releasably connected to the pivotable member to extend rearwardly along the side of the camera and has a CRT facing rearwardly with an eyepiece for viewing the CRT. The viewing module has controls for the CRT on an outwardly facing surface for manually adjusting the controls. Cooperating and releasable electrical connectors are provided between the pivot member and the viewing module for transmitting video signals and electrical power therebetween. An extension member, either of a fixed length or telescoping, may be installed between the pivot member and the viewing module and has the same electrical connectors.

Abstract: The camera apparatus comprises a camera-body portion 1; a display pane 2 attached to the camera-body 1 as an outwardly fixing type with freely rotary operation; and a lens block 5 provided at the upper portion of the camera-body 1 and having a pop-up portion rotatable between a stored position within the camera-body 1 and a pop-up position by making a support-axis 14 as a support, wherein the lens block 5 is housed within the camera-body 1 when the camera is not in a taking-picture condition such that the lens surface protected by the outer body and lens block 5 is made up be a pop-up condition with an angle of a predetermined elevation-angle relative to the camera-body 1 when the camera is in a taking-picture condition.

Abstract: There are provided an imaging apparatus and a video camera which allow an image being recorded and an image being reproduced to be easily discriminated from each other when an already recorded image signal is reproduced while a photographed image signal is being recorded. A recording section records an image signal obtained by an image pickup section on a randomly accessible recording medium, and a reproducing section is capable of reproducing an image signal recorded at a random location on the recording medium while the image signal is being recorded on the recording medium by the recording section. The recording section and the reproducing section are controlled such that the image signal recorded at a random location on the recording medium can be reproduced while the image signal obtained by the image pickup section is being recorded.

Abstract: An electronic camera recording/playback apparatus operable to both shoot a subject and edit shot data. The apparatus comprises a main unit and a display unit for displaying a shot image or an edited image, and the display unit is able to take plural attitudes to the main unit which are: a closed attitude in which a display screen of the display unit confronts the side surface of the main unit, and the rear surface of the display unit is exposed; a shooting attitude in which the display unit is released from the side surface of the main unit; and an editing attitude in which the display screen of the display unit is parallel to the side surface of the main unit and is exposed. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic camera recording/playback apparatus which is simple to operate and which enables shooting and editing of shot data.

Abstract: A timer module for a compact printer system is provided. The timer module comprises a body; a control system within the body that automates the capture of multiple images by a camera module, the capture of each image being separated by a specific time interval; and at least one connector incorporated in the body for connecting the timer module to a bus. The bus provides power and data between the timer module and the camera module. The bus is also connectable to a printer module.

Abstract: A foldable portable instrument with camera includes a first housing and a second housing connected in a foldable manner, a main display portion provided in the first housing, and a camera provided in the second housing. The camera is attached to the second housing such that a perpendicular direction with respect to a display surface of main display portion and an optical axis direction of the camera are identical when the first housing and the second housing are in an opened state. Accordingly, a foldable portable instrument with camera allowing natural image pick-up and directing the camera to a subject in a facilitated manner with a simplified configuration, when an image is picked up by the camera while it is monitored on the display portion, is obtained.

Abstract: A camera is provided that includes a camera housing and a TFT panel, which permits verification of a formed image, located on the back of the camera housing. A strobe unit and an electronic viewfinder unit are located in the upper part of the camera housing. The electronic viewfinder unit has a unit body including: a TFT panel permitting viewing of an object image; an eyepiece opposed to the back of the camera housing and used to view the object image displayed on the TFT panel; and a prism serving as an optical path conversion member that bends by a predetermined angle light emitted from an object image displayed on the TFT panel so as to route the light to the eyepiece, and adjoining the TFT panel and the eyepiece.

Abstract: An electronic camera system of this invention is an electronic camera system comprising an electronic camera and a camera stand which is provided so as to enable the electronic camera to be mounted thereon and includes a power supplying section for supplying power to the electronic camera mounted. The electric camera system is mainly characterized in that the electronic camera is formed so as to have an exterior shape capable of being mounted on the camera stand, and the camera stand is formed so as to have an exterior shape which enables the electronic camera to be mounted either in a first direction in which the front of the camera faces to the front of the camera stand or in a second direction in which the back of the camera faces to the front of the camera stand.

Abstract: A display cabinet having a monitor is attached to a main cabinet serving as a handle portion so as to be overlapped with the main cabinet. The main cabinet and the display cabinet are pivotal within a plane generally perpendicular to the optical axis of a lens with one end of the main cabinet being connected to one end of the display cabinet. A soft lock device is provided between the main cabinet and the display cabinet for holding the display cabinet at a pivot position with respect to the main cabinet. The display cabinet has a pivot center axis which is aligned with the optical axis of the lens, and an image pickup device is located behind the lens. An operation button is provided on the main cabinet within the reach of a finger of a hand holding the main cabinet.

Abstract: In an image compensation apparatus for controlling an attitude of image pickup section capable of rotating around mutually orthogonal three axes, the apparatus comprises sight line direction information detection section for detecting information about a sight line direction of a pilot, driving section which output a driving signal for rotating and driving the image pickup section with reference to the information about the sight line direction and rotate and drive the image pickup section based on this driving signal, image pickup attitude information detection section for detecting information about an attitude of the image pickup section, aircraft attitude information detection section for detecting information about an attitude of an aircraft, and correction section for correcting the driving signal with reference to the information about the attitude of the image pickup section and the information about the attitude of the aircraft.

Abstract: A digital camera which can be handled by a user with a high operability, when the user takes a still image of an object and when the user takes a motion image thereof. The digital camera includes: an optical system, a picture-taking direction of which can be changed; an operation part for switching over between a first mode and a second mode; and an interlocking part for changing the picture-taking direction of an optical system, in which the interlocking part is interlocked with the switchover of the operation part between the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: The invention proposes a camera 1 furnished with a flat screen viewfinder 4 which comprises a specific fixing system. The fixing system essentially comprises a boom 5 for connecting the viewfinder 4 and the camera body 2. The boom 5 is connected on the one hand to the camera body 2 and on the other hand to the viewfinder 4 by fixing means 6 and 7 allowing fine-tuning and positional retention. According to one embodiment, the boom 5 extends towards the rear of the camera 1 so that a possible position of the viewfinder 4 lies in the extension of the lens 3.

Abstract: A portable electronic computer has a cabinet having a top case forming an upper surface of the cabinet, a bottom case forming a lower surface of the cabinet and a middle case interposed between the top case and the bottom case to form a side surface of the cabinet, a display unit provided on the upper surface of the cabinet so as to be visible from outside, at least one circuit board mounted to the lower surface of the cabinet and adapted to implement the function of a camera unit and the function of a portable information terminal, and a camera lens provided on the lower surface of the cabinet so as to be directed to the outside of the cabinet.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes a camera body having a photographic optical system, and a monitor device detachably attached to the camera body. The monitor device has an image indication portion in which an object image obtained by the photographic optical system can be indicated. The monitor device can be electrically connected to the camera body when the monitor device is attached to the camera body and is rotatable about a rotation axis provided in the camera body within a predetermined range of angular displacement. The monitor device can be detachably attached to the camera body in any direction within the predetermined angular displacement range.

Abstract: A digital camera can be selectively installed in a cradle in whichever states where an imaging lens is arranged toward the outside in the cradle or where a liquid crystal display portion is arranged toward the outside in the cradle, and a device connected to the cradle and the digital camera is allowed to perform a linkage operation.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes an opto-electric transducer arrangement having a matrix of optical-to-electric converter elements for outputting parallel electrical signals providing a first electronic representation of an optical image received thereon from a lens, an electro-optical transducer arrangement (view screen) having a matrix of electrical-to-optical converter elements for converting a second electronic representation of an Image to an optical image, and a window-selecting unit for selecting a size and location of the second electronic representation within the first electronic representation,

Abstract: A digital camera for electrically photographing an image, which includes an electrical photography unit and a display unit having a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit is disposed in a camera body and the electrical photography unit is disposed in a swing cover attached to the body. The swing cover is rotatable between an angle of complete closure of the LCD and an angle of disclosure of the LCD.

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: 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 (3) that is foldably, unfoldably, and rotatably supported at a body (2) internally incorporating a taking lens (4). The image recording-replaying device also includes a control switch (14) including an operating key (15) and a plurality of contacts disposed at end portions and an intersection of a cross-shaped portion of the operating key in correspondence with end portions and the central portion of the operating key, in which, by pressing any one of the end portions and the central portion of the operating key, the contact disposed in correspondence with the pressed portion is closed.

Abstract: A display module adapted to receive a removable display device having a display for displaying digital images stored on the device. The display module includes a body having planar support surface, a recessed area, and a movable support member pivotable relative to the planar support surface. The movable support member is adapted to receive the digital image display device. The support member is movable between a first and a second position. The first position provides a viewing position, and the second position provides a storage position wherein the display device is substantially disposed within the recessed area.