Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor for inputting an object image and obtaining as an image signal; an image processor for conducting the image processing according to printer characteristic information on the obtained image signal; and a display device for displaying an image according to the image signal after the processing by the image processor.

Abstract: The video camera has an opening for removal of a cassette tape. The video camera includes a cassette detecting portion 2 detecting ejection of the cassette tape from the opening, and a cassette insertion preventing mechanism 5 preventing re-insertion of the cassette tape when the cassette detecting portion 2 detects ejection of the cassette tape. As such, a video camera for a recycling system can be provided where a recording medium or the like with a recorded content is easily and rapidly available to a user and a dedicated reproducing device is not required.

Abstract: To provide a pull model which can remotely control an image pick-up device by connecting the image pick-up device to an image information receiver through a communication path and operating a general purpose file reading program by the image information receiver. The image pick-up device includes: a communicating unit capable of transmitting and receiving information to/from the image information receiver; and an information processing unit for instructing the information of directories in which the file names of functions indicating at least a function for picking up an image are registered to be transmitted to the image information receiver through the communicating unit. The information processing unit transmits an image file obtained by picking up the image to the image information receiver through the communicating unit, so that the image pick-up device can be easily remotely controlled from the image information receiver.

Abstract: A camera control system has one or more cameras, power supply to which can be externally controlled, one or more camera management devices for managing the cameras, one or more terminal stations which communicate with the camera management devices to display images from the cameras, and an instruction device for generating a power turn-on/off instruction of an arbitrary one of the cameras from the terminal station.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A system controller of a digital still camera turns off power supply of an LCD regardless of on/off of a LCD switch, when the camera is connected to a personal computer and hence LCD is unnecessary. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be reduced, and the camera can be driven for a long period of time even by a battery or cell.

Abstract: An electronic equipment having the function of displaying the battery residual quantity for displaying the usable residual time of a battery pack used as a power source of the electronic equipment. The equipment is designed to cope with different types or future version of the battery cell. The residual usable time of the battery can be known with improved display accuracy. The video camera 60 carries a battery pack 1 outputting at least the information on the residual battery capacity, charging/discharging current detection information and the battery cell voltage detection information.

Abstract: An electronic still camera has a hard disk device in which a hard disk is mounted to record image data obtained by the electronic still camera. The hard disk can also be used as an external storage device for a computer. When a mode select switch is set to select a photographing mode to record image data on the hard disk, a rotation of the hard disk is stopped after recording the image data. When the mode select switch is set to select an external mode in which the hard disk is accessed by the computer, a rotation of the hard disk is stopped when the hard disk has not been accessed by the computer for, for example, 5 minutes.

Abstract: An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus for processing an information signal. The apparatus is arranged to temporarily store information data inputted thereinto and move, after a predetermined amount of information data is stored, a moving element of a recording medium into which the information data is to be recorded, so that it is possible to stably execute continuous recording of the information signal by means of a simple arrangement with a small power consumption.

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

Abstract: A digital power fluctuation detecting apparatus detects fluctuations in a power supply signal and includes a data storage device, coupled to the power supply signal, that stores predetermined digital data signals but modifies at least one stored signal if the power supply signal fluctuates; a data monitoring device that monitors the stored signals; and a power fluctuation detector that determines if the stored signals differ from the predetermined digital data signals.

Abstract: Photosensor rows are disposed in such a manner that one photosensor row is shifted by a half of a layout pitch of photosensors, relative to another adjacent photosensor row. Column direction charge transfer devices are disposed in such a manner that two column direction charge transfer devices are disposed between adjacent two photosensors in the row direction and one column direction charge transfer device is disposed between obliquely adjacent two photosensors.

Abstract: A power supply provides a voltage to a digital camera. If the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, a voltage sensor generates a signal to a power manager. In response, the power manager configures the camera into a lower power consumption state. As the power source weakens further, the power manager continues to place the camera into a lower and lower power consumption state, until the power source is exhausted. The method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of monitoring the power source's voltage, generating a signal if that voltage falls below a pre-determined threshold, and reducing the camera's power consumption in response to the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for powering one or more television cameras through an information signal transmission line wherein the television camera is operated by a constant DC current and outputs multiplexed electrical information signals is provided with a constant current supply unit and a rechargeable battery for powering the television camera when the constant DC current is cut off. A transmission line connects the television camera with the constant current supply means for feeding the television camera with the constant DC current and feeding the current supply unit with the multiplexed electrical information signals. The constant DC current provided by the constant DC current supply unit is equal to the sum of a constant current required for operating the television camera and a constant current required to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image pickup device provided with a focusing lens for regulating the focus state of a phototaking optical system; an encoder for detecting a region in which the focusing lens is positioned; and a control circuit for detecting, by means of the encoder, the region in which the focusing lens is positioned at the start of power supply and, if the focusing lens is not positioned in a predetermined region, releasing a drive control signal for driving the focusing lens to an initial position in the above-mentioned predetermined region.

Abstract: A modular night vision device for universal use with various types of camera devices. The night vision device has an image intensifier module for intensifying light images which can be removably coupled to a lens mount aperture of a camera device, and a separate power supply control module which can be removably coupled to a remotely located surface of the camera device and electrically coupled to an externally-located power jack of the camera device. The power supply control module is provided for receiving any DC voltage produced by the camera device which falls within a predetermined range of DC voltages and converting the voltage into a plurality of operating voltages which are useable to power the image intensifier module. The night vision device also has a cable for transmitting the operating voltages from the power supply control module to the image intensifier module.

Abstract: A connector adapted to detect a connective state is disposed in a monitor having a video input terminal and display. The detector detects the presence of an external video output connected to the video input terminal. When a video input it detected, a power controller enables the video display; however, if no connection is detected to the monitor input, power to the display is disabled. According to one embodiment the detector determines the connective state based on the presence of a video signal input from the video input terminal. In yet another embodiment the control signal terminal is provided for connection with a video camera. In addition, video operation switch and output for controlling the video camera are also provided. Finally, the monitor may include an infrared controller for sending control signals to control the operation of the video camera.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus capable of using power sources of different kinds each having a different characteristic is provided with an apparatus for controlling the operating mode of the electronic apparatus on the basis of the discrimination result provided by a discriminating switch, the discriminating switch being provided for discriminating the kind of a power source by means of the configuration of the electrodes of the power source. The electrodes of each kind of power sources is formed to have a different configuration. A recording or reproducing apparatus is also disclosed which controls the execution or non-execution of erasing operation in accordance with the result of discrimination of the kinds of power sources.

Abstract: A video camera recorder (1000) has a plurality of operating modes, and comprises an imaging means (205, 200) which receives an image and generates an image representative video signal (Iv). A recording means (500) is coupled to the imaging means for recording the image representative video signal (Iv). The imaging means (205, 100), and the recording means (500) may be independently energizable for implementing a plurality of operating modes in which different ones and combinations of the imaging means (205, 200), and the recording means (500), are simultaneously energized. A microprocessor (4000) is controllably coupled to the imaging means (205, 200) and the recording means (500) for adaptively controlling power dissipation responsive to an external interface coupling (J1, J2, P1, S1, W1, 21). User control commands and external device coupling may be used for adaptively controlled power conservation in the video camera recorder (1000).

Abstract: A camera operating from a secondary battery has a camera body, a unit including a taking lens, and a secondary battery incorporated in the unit. The secondary battery is charged by being supplied with electric power from the camera body. The unit is a lens barrel.

Abstract: The present invention is a simple, rugged, preferably hand-held video camera and light source useful for inspection of a remote or obstructed field of view. The invention is particularly adapted for use by automobile mechanics and others, as a replacement for the mechanics' mirrors presently in use. The apparatus comprises a shaft, a support, a pivot, a miniature video camera, and a light source. The shaft has a handle at one end and supports the camera and light source on a support pivoted to its other end. The shaft can be bent to a particular shape readily, then substantially hold that shape as it is used. The light source can be at least one electric-powered illuminating lamp. The preferred light source includes two or more illuminating lamps distributed around the camera lens to reduce shadows. A preferred light source is a series of infrared LED's. The present apparatus has several advantages, particularly inexpensive, versatile construction and a superior, shadow-free light source.

Abstract: A digital camera having image capture and processing electronics receives a first battery for operating the image capture and processing electronics of the digital camera and has an integral printer having a removable cartridge for printing captured images on receivers. The integral cartridge includes cartridge interface and printer actuator electronics and a second battery in the cartridge for operating the cartridge interface and printer actuator electronics.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus which is provided with both a large-size image display monitor and an EVF of the type which is provided in a video camera or the like, the EVF is provided with a proximity-of-eye detecting circuit, and if proximity of an eye of a photographer is detected, the large-size image display monitor is turned off. However, if the large-size image display monitor faces the direction of a subject side, the large-size image display monitor remains on. Accordingly, power consumption is reduced, and a subject can visually confirm a photographed image even during photography. In addition, if the proximity of the eye of the photographer is detected, control of the image pickup apparatus based on an external (for example, wireless) control signal is inhibited.

Abstract: An electronic camera includes a driving power supply unit which can be selectively connected to, as a driving power supply, an internal power supply including a battery and an external power supply, an image sensing unit for sensing an image and generating image data, a recording unit for signal-processing the image data from the image sensing unit and recording the data on a recording medium, a reconstruction unit for reconstructing an image from the recording medium and outputting the reconstructed image data to a printer, a display unit for selectively displaying a picture, a reconstructed image, and an operation menu, a power supply recognition unit for recognizing whether the driving power supply is a battery, and a control unit for inhibiting display by the display unit in accordance with the operation state of the printer when the power supply recognition unit recognizes the battery as the driving power supply.

Abstract: A video camera connects a monitor with a camera body. A first multi-connector is connected to the camera body and includes a video output terminal for outputting a video signal to an external apparatus and a recognition output terminal for outputting a recognition signal in response to a ON/OFF state of the camera power. A second multi-connector is connected with the monitor, for connecting to the first multi-connector. The second multi-connector includes a video input terminal for inputting the video signal and a recognition input terminal for inputting the recognition signal from said camera body. A display is also provided for displaying an image based on the video signal inputted from the video input terminal of the second multi-connector and a power controller controls a monitor power to be ON/OFF based on the recognition signal inputted from the second terminal of the second multi-connector.

Abstract: A digital camera having an upper cover functioning as a cover for the monitor and also attached to the basic body of the camera so that it can freely be opened or closed, and exposing or incorporating the monitor by opening or closing the upper cover, in which an upper cover state detector detects whether the upper cover is opened or closed, and a controller controls power supply to the basic body of the camera and/or to monitor according to a result of the detection by the upper cover state detector.

Abstract: A device that adds freeze-frame capability to camcorders or video cameras so that they can be used as a digital snapshot cameras. The freeze-frame adapter is designed as an add-on module which connects to the battery receptacle of the video camera or camcorder. The snapshot module contains both the freeze-frame electronics and the battery and replaces the battery of the camcorder. The battery provides power to both the camcorder and the photo adapter module. No modifications of the camcorder are required. The video signal used as the source of images for the freeze-frame adapter is derived from the Audio-Video output of the camcorder. The unit is always on and ready for use whenever the camcorder is on. Still images can be acquired simultaneously to video. The viewfinder of the camcorder also operates as the viewfinder in the snap-shot mode. The image is captured by pressing a shutter button on the freeze-frame adapter. Images can be acquired while the camcorder is filming.

Abstract: A system and method for using a unified memory architecture to implement a digital camera device comprises a dynamic random-access memory for storing captured image data during processing and compression, a memory manager routine for allocating storage space within the dynamic random-access memory, a power management system for protecting the stored image data in case of a power failure, and an input/output interface for allowing an external host computer system to access the dynamic random-access memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for timelapse capture in an image capture unit. A system and method for timelapse capture according to the present invention comprises capturing a first image automatically; initiating a sleep mode after capturing the first image; and transitioning from the sleep mode into a wake mode prior to capturing a second image. According to the present invention, a system and method is provided which provides a digital camera with the ability to automatically place the digital camera in a sleep mode during the interval when the camera is inactive. The sleep mode minimizes power consumption during inactive periods of a timelapse capture sequence, thus allowing automation of timelapse sequences. The sleep mode can be initiated if a predetermined time interval is greater than a setup time required prior to initiating the next image capture.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a storage circuit arranged to store information on a controlled target, a storage control circuit arranged to rewrite the information stored in the storage circuit or to add different information to the information stored in the storage circuit, a power-decreased state detecting circuit arranged to detect an output state of a power source battery, and a control circuit arranged to control actions of the storage circuit and the storage control circuit according to an output of the power-decreased state detecting circuit.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device comprising; a sensor section having a plurality of light-receiving regions arranged in plurality in which each of the light-receiving regions converts an incident light into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of light, a charge transfer register for transferring the signal charges read out from each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section, a charge discharging section for discharging charges stored in each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section, and a control means for controlling such that charge stored in each of the light-receiving regions are discharged to the charge discharging section within a predetermined period of time upon rising of the power supply.

Abstract: A device for controlling a recording operation of a still video camera includes a plurality of slot units, with a recording medium mounted in each of the plurality of slot units. A power supply circuit applies a voltage to the plurality of slot units to record an image signal to the recording medium through the plurality of slot units. A mechanism detects a remaining capacity of a recording medium to which an image signal is being recorded by one of the plurality of slot units. A control circuit controls the power supply circuit in such a manner than, when the remaining capacity reaches a predetermined amount while an image signal is being recorded through one of the plurality of slot units, a voltage is applied to another slot unit through which said image signal is not being recorded.

Abstract: A power supply provides a voltage to a digital camera. If the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined threshold, a voltage sensor generates a signal to a power manager. In response, the power manager configures the camera into a lower power consumption state. As the power source weakens further, the power manager continues to place the camera into a lower and lower power consumption state, until the power source is exhausted. The method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of monitoring the power source's voltage, generating a signal if that voltage falls below a pre-determined threshold, and reducing the camera's power consumption in response to the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing dimly illuminated and rapidly changing scenes includes a sensor assembly which generates a video signal. The apparatus further includes a controller which receives the video signal for comparison to a desired average video value whereupon the controller adjusts at least one adjustable variable contained within the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a lens which has an adjustable iris and an image intensification tube which includes a photocathode and a micro-channel plate. The photocathode has an adjustable photocathode gate pulsewidth and the micro-channel plate has an adjustable micro-channel plate gain. A strobe is also provided to illuminate the scene viewed by the sensor assembly wherein the strobe is connected to a processor which is also connected to the controller. The controller determines what the ambient light level is to be at the next illuminated or non-illuminated scene and adjusts the adjustable variables accordingly.

Abstract: An electronic still-video camera is provided capable of preserving image data having a quantity which is greater than the storage capacity of a memory cartridge (memory card) loaded in the camera. Besides being capable of receiving an external memory in a memory cartridge loaded in the camera, the camera incorporates an internal memory. Image data obtained as a result of photography is stored in either the internal memory or the external memory, depending upon which memory has been selected by a memory selection switch.

Abstract: A videophone system having an electronically controlled shutter to vary the amount of light falling onto the target by a shutter, e.g., for a greater or lesser length of time during a short exposure time rather than b y means of a controlled mechanical aperture. Data reduction is used for the transmitted signal, a control circuit is used for the exposure time, and the mains power supply, which produces ambient light, are coupled by means of a PLL circuit so that the exposure time occurs at the same phase of the mains voltage. In this way, interference occurring when data reduction is used for the signal to be transmitted is avoided and macroblocks are not formed when no difference signal is present.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first microcomputer disposed in a body, a second microcomputer disposed in an accessory device which can be detachably attached to the body, and a switching circuit for selectively switching a part of communication lines provided between the first and second microcomputers between an open state and a low-level state. The switching circuit controls an operation of at least one of the first and second microcomputers.

Abstract: A compact, light-weight electronic still camera that is thin and inexpensive to manufacture, and that can be insertably connected directly into a PC card slot of an external device. The electronic still camera is capable of accepting attachment of a cover member or a camera accessory for assisting the camera function. The electronic still camera includes a camera body, having a slot fitting portion which can be inserted into the PC card slot, or a card-shaped recording medium of the external device. A PC card connector is provided on the slot fitting portion, for connection with an internal connector of the slot upon insertion of the slot fitting portion thereinto. A camera accessory, having a connector for connection with the connector, is so formed as to be mountable on the camera body. The camera body is provided with a phototaking lens, an image pickup device, a memory device for the image signal, switches and a battery. The camera accessory is provided with a second battery and second memory devices.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus for sensing an object and for transmitting the image information to a bus line as digitized data. The image sensing apparatus includes a solid state image sensor. The sensor has a plurality of light-receiving elements aligned in a matrix form and stores information charges produced by each light-receiving element in response to received light. A driver provides the solid state image sensor with a clock pulse and causes it to sequentially output the information charges stored in the individual light-receiving elements in accordance with the clock pulse. A signal processor produces image signals in a predetermined format in response to the information charges from the solid state image sensor. An A/D converter quantizes the image signals produced in the signal processor and produces image data corresponding to each light receiving element. An output interface outputs the image data from the A/D converter to the bus line.

Abstract: A printer-built-in image-sensing apparatus including a camera which performs image sensing with film exposure, and a printer which prints an image sensed by the camera. After a shutter button has been pressed and image sensing with strobe light emission has been performed, if printing is instructed by pressing of a print button, then electric charging a capacitor of a strobe circuit is made after the completion of the print operation. Otherwise, the charging of the capacitor is started immediately after the image sensing. In this case, even if printing is instructed during the electric charge, printing is started after completion of the electric charge. Thus, electric consumption upon print operation can be reduced and fluctuation of voltage can be suppressed.

Abstract: A solid state image pickup device includes a sensor section having a plurality of light-receiving regions arranged such that each of the light-receiving regions converts an incident light into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of light. A charge transfer register transfers the signal charges read out from each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section. A charge discharging section discharges charges stored in each of the light-receiving regions of the sensor section under control of control means such that charges stored in each of the light-receiving regions are discharged to the charge discharging section within a predetermined period of time upon rising voltage of the power supply.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering from a power failure in a digital camera comprises a power manager for detecting power failures, an interrupt handler for responsively incrementing a counter device, service routines which register to receive notification of the power failure, and a processor for evaluating the counter and providing notification of the power failure to the service routines which then assist the digital camera to recover from the power failure.

Abstract: A video camera comprises a built-in secondary battery, a terminal used for connection with an external power source, and a main switch for controlling the supply of electric power to a circuit part provided for a control system and a signal processing system. The video camera is arranged such that the circuit part is connected to the built-in secondary battery or to the external power source when the main switch is closed and that the built-in secondary battery can be connected to the external power source when the main switch is open.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a switching mechanism for a video lighting apparatus operating in response to a signal generated by a video camera upon the operation of the video camera. Thus, the lighting apparatus provides light only for the periods needed, i.e., during the actual camera operation.

Abstract: A video camera having a taking lens of multiple focal lengths is provided with a separate, multiple focal length view finder lens. When power has been supplied to the camera via the "on" switch but a switch for video recording has not yet been closed, the focal length of the view finder is automatically made to coincide with the focal length of the taking lens so as permit the scene to be viewed in the same frame size as it will appear when recording, but without wasting power by supplying power to those circuits of the taking lens that form electrical signals of the scene or that record the scene. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, six different power level consumption states are provided so as to supply power only to the minimum circuitry required for each state.

Abstract: An encoder converts digital RGB signals into analog television signals. This encoder forms digital composite, luminance and chrominance signals based on digital signals input through an RGB input terminal. The encoder has a first, a second and a third D/A converters for converting digital composite, luminance and chrominance signals into corresponding analog signals. The encoder is provided with a switch for activating required ones of the three D/A converters and deactivating others of the D/A converters.

Abstract: The user observes a liquid crystal display panel screen positioned within a lens barrel through a lens. An infrared LED that emits pulses of light and a phototransistor are positioned in an eyecup against which the user's eye is pressed. An ambient light detecting circuit provides a control signal showing whether or not the user's eye is pressed against the eyecup and a control signal showing the amount of ambient light on the basis of the output signal of the phototransistor. A control circuit controls the luminance of a backlight unit according to the control signals. When the user's eye is not pressed against the eyecup, the display luminance is reduced to zero and the display is turned off. The display luminance is enhanced only when the amount of ambient light is large. Thus, needless power consumption can be avoided, and the screen can be satisfactorily observed even if a large quantity of light enters into the ocular part where the ambient light is bright.

Abstract: A camera-integrated video recorder in which a camera portion and a recorder portion are disposed in a single casing is arranged in such a manner that a grip portion having a viewfinder and a control portion for controlling the recorder portion is rotatably and detachably fastened to the casing. The grip portion acts as a remote control device for remote-controlling the camera portion and the recorder portion when it has been detached from the casing. The casing has an image transmission circuit for transmitting monitor image information to the viewfinder in the grip portion.

Abstract: Protection of EHT and/or scan output stages in multiscan displays is provided without the use of additional components within the power supply other than those required to perform the power supply function itself. Operation is non-dissipative, conserving power. A drive control signal is AC coupled. The switch is on during retrace of the flyback pulse. The drive control signal is varied in accordance with the load, becoming active longer and longer periods of time with increasing load until the control signal vanishes (becomes continuously asserted), turning off the switch. In accordance with a further feature of the invention, feedback to a controlling integrated circuit concerning an overload condition may be achieved without dedicating a line or pin to a separate feedback signal.

Abstract: A camera having camera movement detection includes a movement detection circuit for detecting the movement of the camera and a blur correction circuit for correcting the blur of a picture image due to the movement of the camera on the basis of the output of the movement detection circuit. A control circuit controls the power supply of the camera on the basis of the output of the movement detection circuit and turns off the power supply of the blur correction circuit in a case where the camera is fixed.