Movable Or Rotatable Unit Patents (Class 348/333.06)
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Patent number: 6633336Abstract: An electronic apparatus according to this invention has a display unit for displaying an index, an operation unit used for moving the index displayed by the display unit, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the operation unit, so that the moving direction of the index displayed by the display unit matches a moving direction that an operator intended. This invention can provide an effect of matching the moving direction that the operator intended with the actual moving direction of the index.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiyuki Toyoizumi, Hideyuki Arai, Kazunori Kashimura, Kunio Motohara, Junichi Doi, Hiroshi Hosoe
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Patent number: 6630958Abstract: A digital camera 1 includes a main body 2 and an image pickup section 3 connected to the main body rotatably. The main body 2 has a display monitor 10 which displays an object picture. A switch SCPOS2 detects rotation position of the image pickup section 3. When the image pickup direction of the image pickup section 3 is detected to agree generally with the direction to the side of display monitor, the image data taken by the image pickup section is displayed in the display monitor with reversal upside down, while it is recorded without reversal in an IC card 35. Thus, when a photographer takes a picture thereof, the picture can be taken and recorded at a fast speed without a complicated and expensive circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tanaka, Hirokazu Yagura, Toshihito Kido, Manabu Inoue
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Shift register, display device, image sensing element driving apparatus, and image sensing apparatus
Patent number: 6621481Abstract: In a shift register having stages each formed from three to six NMOS transistors, a transistor, which outputs an output signal when an ON voltage is applied to the gate, outputs an output signal from the source. Simultaneously, the gate voltage is increased by the parasitic capacitance between the gate and source. For this reason, the voltage of the output signal rises, and the output signal output from each stage does not attenuate.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minoru Kanbara -
Publication number: 20030160891Abstract: In a camera-incorporating VTR (1), the camera-signal processing circuit (5) performs a camera-signal process on a video signal output from an imager (4). The recording circuit (7) receives an image signal from the camera-signal processing circuit (5) and records the signal on a video tape. The reproducing circuit (8) reproduces the image signal recorded on the videotape by the recording circuit (7). The microprocessor (9) causes the focus ring (3) mounted on the optical lens (2) to function as a speed-changing ring to change the speed of reproducing the image signal. The VTR (1) remains small and can yet enable the user to edit data with a high efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Masaki Mikamo
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Patent number: 6597400Abstract: An image pickup apparatus and its method of operation eliminate complicated operations of a touch panel and simplify its operation. An image pickup apparatus has an electronic viewfinder provided on a video camera body so as to enable a user to watch a shooting subject image through an eyepiece. A liquid crystal display monitor externally provided on the video camera body includes a touch panel on a display screen thereof. A plurality of icons representing distinct operations of the image pickup apparatus are displayed at predetermined positions of a finder screen of the electronic viewfinder. Touch sensitive areas of the touch panel corresponding to the icon positions displayed on the finder screen can be touch-operated to select a desired operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoshihiko Nishimura
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Patent number: 6597346Abstract: The present invention is a fully functional hand held computer having a see through display. An external viewing arrangement, such as a monocular scope, is used to view the operator's immediate surroundings. Optical images from the scope are superimposed with digital images from a miniature computer display. The resultant image allows the operator to look through the device and view his surrounding while simultaneously viewing and operating the software based applications. The entire device is held like a pair of binoculars and mouse like controls are located adjacent the operator's gripping position.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Havey, Steven A. Lewis
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Patent number: 6573939Abstract: A digital camera having a camera body and a lens assembly within an imaging unit which is rotatably connected to the camera body. Rotation of the imaging unit containing the lens assembly with respect to the position of the camera body causes the flash within the camera body to follow the direction at which the lens assembly is aimed. If the camera has a self-portrait mode in which the lens assembly can be aimed backwards at the user of the camera but the flash cannot be aimed backwards due to constraints of the camera body or if the flash cannot cover the complete angular range of the lens, a mechanism is utilized to couple the movement of the lens and the flash over a limited range of movement of the lens. Springs, concentric gears attached by springs, or a clutch mechanism may be utilized to selectively couple the flash with the lens rotation. By separating the flash from the lens, the red-eye phenomena will be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Kouji Yokoyama
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Patent number: 6571056Abstract: A waterproof case for containing a camera includes a case body configured such that the camera is freely inserted therein and removed therefrom, and an optical system arranged at a part of the case body where a photographic lens of the camera faces. The optical system serves as a conversion lens for the photographic lens.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Shimamura, Keiji Enomoto
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Patent number: 6552720Abstract: A compact device and method for communication and entertainment needs that include combining various functions performed by different keypads and units into a single pad or unit. The device includes circuitry with transceiver capabilities, a chassis, a display, two arms secured to the chassis that can rotate from an open position to a closed position, and a user-interface that provides the user with navigational control and image conversion. The method for reducing the number pads on a keypad of the device, which has the circuitry, includes providing a chassis for securely holding the circuitry, securing a user-interface to the chassis, coupling the user-interface to the circuitry, limiting rotation of the user-interface to a first range of rotational motion using a locking mechanism to provide navigational control, and releasing the locking mechanism to allow rotation of the user-interface beyond the first range of rotational motion to provide image conversion.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Julian Gartrell, Alastair Stuart Curtis, Tanja Finkbeiner
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Patent number: 6549237Abstract: An image sensing apparatus having a display device mounted rotatable about an axis on a side of the image sensing apparatus for displaying a sensed image. When the display device is folded up by the side of the image sensing apparatus, a mirror reflects an image displayed on the display device toward a finder, so that the displayed image can be seen though the finder.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mutsumi Inuma, Mikihiro Fujimoto, Shuichi Idera, Kyoji Tamura, Toshiyuki Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20020196358Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeong-Goo Kim
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Publication number: 20020191096Abstract: A digital camera 1 includes a main body 2 and an image pickup section 3 connected to the main body rotatably. The main body 2 has a display monitor 10 which displays an object picture. A switch SCPOS2 detects rotation position of the image pickup section 3. When the image pickup direction of the image pickup section 3 is detected to agree generally with the direction to the side of display monitor, the image data taken by the image pickup section is displayed in the display monitor with reversal upside down, while it is recorded without reversal in an IC card 35. Thus , when a photographer takes a picture thereof, the picture can be taken and recorded at a fast speed without a complicated and expensive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 1998Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: TOSHIYUKI TANAKA, HIROKAZU YAGURA, TOSHIHITO KIDO, MANABU INOUE
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Patent number: 6483542Abstract: An electronic still camera comprises: a image pick-up section including a front surface and a image pick-up lens provided on the front surface; an image receiving section having a rear surface and a monitor provided on the rear surface, for displaying an image which has been taken; and a connecting portion for pivotally connecting between one end of the image pick-up section and one end of the image receiving section, the connecting portion including a vertical shaft such that the monitor is set being opposite to the image pick-up lens when the image receiving section is rotated backward round the vertical shaft, and the monitor is set being faced with the image pick-up lens when the image receiving section is rotated forward round the vertical shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Morinaga
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Patent number: 6483610Abstract: A mounting system for a two-dimensional scanner may comprise a base and a platen mounted to the base. A multi-axis scanner support apparatus mounted to the base is sized to receive the two-dimensional scanner. The multi-axis scanner support apparatus allows the two-dimensional scanner to be moved between a first position wherein the two-dimensional scanner receives image light from an object positioned on the platen and a second position wherein the two-dimensional scanner receives image light from an object not positioned on the platen.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Roland John Burns
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Publication number: 20020167606Abstract: A video camera recorder having a main camera body, electronic components, a cassette holder, a battery and weather cover. The main camera body has a first end that is generally cylindrical in shape. The electronic components are used for operations of the video camera and are housed in the main camera body. The cassette holder is in electrical communication with the electronic components. The battery is in electrical communication with the electronic components. The weather cover selectively covers and protects the electronic components, the cassette holder and the battery from weather. Moreover, the weather cover has a first end that is generally cylindrical in shape and a second enclosed end. The first end of the weather cover is selectively connected to the main camera body to form a weatherproof seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventor: Larry Allan Holmberg
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Patent number: 6477329Abstract: A digital camera with rotatable components is disclosed. In the front of camera there is provided a lens, a flash, and a viewfinder, while in the rear thereof there is provided a liquid crystal display (LCD) corresponding to lens, a control button, and the rear of viewfinder. Control button is operable to press for rotating lens, flash, viewfinder, and LCD in the same direction and into a desired angle with respect to an object. Next a shutter button on the camera is operable to press for taking a picture. This camera has the benefits of ergonomic, precise picture taking, and full covering of the object by flash.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Inventec Multimedia & Telecom CorporationInventors: Shih-Hsiung Weng, Chee-Heem Hoe
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Publication number: 20020149682Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventor: Toshimichi Kudo
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Patent number: 6459857Abstract: An electronic camera includes: a substantially rectangular parallelepiped image-capturing unit main body provided with an image-capturing device for generating an image signal by capturing an optical image formed by a photographic lens unit; a substantially rectangular parallelepiped display unit main body provided with an external display device for displaying an image based upon the image signal generated by the image-capturing device; and a linking portion that links the image-capturing unit main body and the display unit main body in a manner that the image-capturing unit main body and the display unit main body can rotate relative to each other. And, at the display unit main body, a shutter release button is provided and a grip portion is provided near an end surface furthest away from the image-capturing unit main body; and at the image-capturing unit main body, an optical viewfinder unit is provided beside the photographic lens unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tomoaki Kawamura, Daiki Tsukahara, Hidefumi Ota
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Publication number: 20020130962Abstract: An electronic camera recording/playback apparatus has the function of shooting a subject and the function of editing shot data, and 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 as follows: 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 in parallel with the side surface of the main unit and is exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic camera recording/playback apparatus that is simple to operate, and enables shooting and editing of shot data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Tamotsu Senda
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Patent number: 6445417Abstract: A video still camera with a strobe allows angle or high angle photographing to be carried out without changing an angle of user's hand holding a camera body. A recess portion is formed in a tap surface portion of an outermost housing of a camera body which has a built-in recording/reproducing unit. A photographing unit having a lens unit and a strobe unit which are arranged in a transverse direction with a predetermined separation, is fitted into the recess portion and is rotatable in an up-and-down direction, and is pivoted about openings on opposite sides of the recessed portion. Electrical connections of the lens unit and the strobe unit for connection with the camera body side are introduced through the opening, and connected to the recording/reproducing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Chisato Yoshida, Sachi Kaho, Yuu Hirono, Hiroyuki Suzuki
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Publication number: 20020080255Abstract: A digital picture frame device is provided with image acquisition capabilities. The digital picture frame device may include a display device mounted on a hinged lid. An image acquisition device may be located beneath the hinged lid. The image acquisition device may, for example, be a line scanner in which successive scan line images of an object are obtained as the scan head moves in relation to the object being scanned. Alternatively, the image acquisition device may be a two dimensional image acquisition device. In this manner, an image of a desired object can be acquired and displayed on the digital picture frame device without the need for a separate image acquisition device. Alternatively, the digital picture frame device may be provided without a hinged lid. In this case, an object to be scanned may be fed into the digital picture frame device through a slot. A drive mechanism, e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Hans A. Lichtfuss
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Publication number: 20020063774Abstract: The image of a local user is captured from a beam splitter disposed in front of a video display. By canting the beam-splitter away from the surface of the video display, the bore-sight of the video camera is made to coincide with the line of sight from the local user to the center of the video display. This enables the arrangement to convey eye-contact from one user to another user using the same type of apparatus at a remote location.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: William Daniel Hillis, Bran Ferren, Clinton Blake Hope
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Patent number: 6397006Abstract: A head module contains a head motor, a reduction mechanism, and an optical head. The optical head is disposed behind an opening through which printing light is emitted toward an instant film. Both sides of the head module are provided with pinion gears rotated by the head motor via the reduction mechanism. A chassis is provided with rack gears respectively meshing with the pinion gears. The head module is reciprocated in a sub-scanning direction by the head motor. During the reciprocation of the head module, the printing light is emitted from the opening in accordance with image data to expose the instant film. A driving mechanism for the head module does not exist outside a movement range of the head module so that it is possible to downsize an instant printer using this head module.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidemi Sasaki, Teruaki Koizumi
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Patent number: 6393222Abstract: A digital camera comprises an electronic view finder (EVF) for electronically displaying an image of a subject and a movable monitor. The movable monitor is slidable along guide grooves and movable between a first position in which the EVF is covered with the movable monitor and a second position in which the EVF is not covered. By a sensor for position detection, when it is detected that the movable monitor is in the first position, no image is displayed on the EVF but an image is displayed on the movable monitor. When it is detected that the movable monitor is in the second position, no image is displayed on the movable monitor but an image is displayed on the EVF. Consequently, power can be saved, and when the movable monitor is in the first position, adhesion of dusts and dirt onto the display face of the EVF can be decreased.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Nakagawa, Tatsuro Izumi, Yoshiyuki Inoue, Daigo Yoshioka, Hisanori Itoh, Shoichi Minato
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Patent number: 6377302Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that includes a body on which an optical system is mounted for facing a subject for an image, a signal generator is rotatably provided for generating an image pickup signal in response to an image of the subject obtained through the optical system, and a rotary driver is mounted for rotating the signal generator in relation to the body on an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with an optical axis of the optical system. An image pickup signal processor for producing a video signal that represents the subject according to the image pickup signal from the signal generator and a posture detector for detecting a posture of the image generator in relation to the subject.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Koji Ozaki, Yu Hirono
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Publication number: 20020015102Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Hisanori Itoh, Daigo Yoshioka, Yoshio Nakagawa, Naohiko Hayashi, Shoichi Minato
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Patent number: 6339447Abstract: An image sensing apparatus has an image sensing unit and a display unit. The image sensing unit has an optical system for photographing an object and an image sensing element. The display unit has a liquid crystal display device for performing an image display on the basis of a video output from the image sensing unit. A film fixing unit holds the image sensing unit and the display unit at a predetermined distance and also forms a mounting unit for mounting the object on the display surface of the display unit. A film holder for holding a film as an object is mounted on the mounting unit, and a film photographing operation is performed by the image sensing unit while using the display unit as an illumination device.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Sunao Kurahashi, Kazuhiko Etoh, Shigeo Ogura, Makoto Sekita, Nobuhiro Takeda, Kenji Takahashi
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Publication number: 20010055071Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Kenji Kawai, Shigenobu Chichimatsu
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Publication number: 20010050716Abstract: To preferably display an image on a liquid crystal display panel at any time irrespective of a circumferential environment, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) (1) is constructed by a front side polarizing means (11), a front side transparent plate body (12), a liquid crystal display section (13) of a transmitting type, a rear side transparent plate body (14), and a rear side polarizing means (15). A back light means constructed by a fluorescent lamp (2), a reflector (3) and a light guiding plate (4) having a triangular shape is provided on a rear side of the liquid crystal display panel (1). Further, a light diffusing plate (5) such as a prism plate, a diffusing film, etc. is provided between the liquid crystal display panel (1) and a light emitting face of the light guiding plate (4) of the back light means. A circuit substrate (6) for driving the liquid crystal display panel (1) is provided on a rear side of the light guiding plate (4) of the back light means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 1997Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventors: KAZUO HASHIMOTO, YUTAKA NAKAGAWA, TSUTOMU NIIMURA, MAKOTO ONGA
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Patent number: 6295088Abstract: The invention provides improved operability for portable electronic devices. 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Daiki Tsukahara, Tomoaki Kawamura, Nobuya Kawahata
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Patent number: 6253032Abstract: In a studio camera (SC), comprising an image pickup unit (PUU) for converting a scene into image signals, and a viewfinder (VF) for displaying the image signals on a viewfinder display (D), the viewfinder (VF) having a position adjustment mechanism (PAM) for allowing a camera operator (CO) to have an optimal view on the viewfinder display (D), the position adjustment mechanism (PAM) is automatically controlled so as to direct the viewfinder display (D) to the camera operator (CO).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Florus B. Van Den Herik
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Publication number: 20010004269Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Inventors: Junichiro Shibata, Shuuji Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 6249653Abstract: Camera body and taking lens unit are constructed such that they may rotate relative to each other, and circuit board of connector to which taking lens unit is mounted and the electrical circuitry inside the camera body are connected by means of flexible circuit board. Further, the grounding line is strengthened by having reinforcing plate that is in electrical contact with detachable circuit board comprise a metal plate and by having metal plate connected with the grounding line of the camera body to move against reinforcing plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisanori Itoh, Masatoshi Itoh, Mitsuhiro Sugita
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Patent number: 6236435Abstract: An apparatus is provided for displaying and demonstrating a camcorder. The apparatus includes a holder for receiving and holding the camcorder and a display monitor for demonstrating camcorder performance. Additionally, the apparatus includes a detector for detecting displacement of a camcorder from a holder and a controller for operatively connecting the camcorder to the display monitor upon detecting displacement of the camcorder. The method for displaying and demonstrating a camcorder includes the steps of providing a holder for each camcorder on display, detecting displacement of any camcorder from any holder and connecting any camcorder displaced from any holder to a monitor in order to demonstrate the camcorder.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Audio Authority CorporationInventor: Jonathan Gertz
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Patent number: 6181381Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device which produces output on a display. The display is rotatable with respect to the housing, about a pivot. A video camera is located at the pivot, and the display rotates about it.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: D. Scott Evans