Abstract: There are provided a camera module driver and a camera module including the same. The camera module driver includes: a driving unit driving a lens; and a memory unit storing an operation setting value of the driving unit, wherein the driving unit includes a register sensing application of power to perform a reset operation of changing arbitrarily distributed data into preset default data, and the driving unit and the memory unit are formed in a single integrated circuit.

Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling power of the digital photographing apparatus so as to reduce power consumption of the digital photographing apparatus by analyzing image frames that are compressed and transmitted and then by determining a screen change in the image frames, when the digital photographing apparatus is remotely controlled.

Abstract: An audio/video system includes a display having a plurality of input sources and a first peripheral device connected to one of the input sources. The display provides a user interface for receiving a switching command for switching current input source of the display among the input sources from a user, and the display automatically generates a first standby command to the first peripheral device when the received switching command is not switching the current input source to the input source corresponding to the first peripheral device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an outer shell, a camera body arranged inside the outer shell and moving along the outer shell, drivers arranged inside the outer shell and configured to drive the camera body, a drive controller configured to control the drivers, a power source arranged inside the outer shell, a power receiver arranged inside the outer shell so as to move together with the camera body and configured to receive power from the outside of the outer shell to supply the power to the power source, and a power supply detector configured to determine whether or not the power is supplied from the outside of the outer shell. When the power is supplied, the drive controller moves the camera body to a predetermined power supply position.

Abstract: Imaging device includes an imaging element for receiving light from a subject and converting the light to an electric signal, a video signal processing circuit for performing signal processing on a video signal generated based on the electric signal, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the video signal processing circuit, a signal detection unit for receiving a backup lamp signal indicating light-on or light-off of a backup lamp from the backup lamp installed at a back part of a vehicle, and a power supply control unit for controlling the power supply circuit based on the backup lamp signal so that the supply of power is turned ON in time of light-on of the backup lamp, the supply of power is turned ON for a preset time after the light-off of the backup lamp, and the supply of power is turned OFF after the preset time has elapsed.

Abstract: A power supply device for a camera device operating at a plurality of operating powers in a mobile terminal. A switching regulator generates an operating power having a highest power consumption among the operating powers from a battery power of the mobile terminal. The consumption current of the power supply device for the camera device can be significantly reduced by the switching regulator generating a sub power. The sub-power is supplied as a core power, a sensor power, and an Input/Output (I/O) power among the operating powers.

Abstract: A method of operating an image pickup system includes generating a first control signal in response to a long duration exposure mode selectively input by a user, setting circuits to process image data associated with modes other than long duration exposure mode to a standby mode in response to the first control signal, generating a second control signal when the standby mode has been established, opening a shutter in response to the second control signal, and performing a long duration exposure to accumulate a charge corresponding to an optical signal incident on an image sensor of the image pickup system when the shutter is open.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for obtaining a properly exposed strobe-illuminated image are provided. One method for doing so may include, for example, gathering image capture statistics during a first period when a strobe is not emitting light and during a second period when the strobe emits a preflash. These image capture statistics may include distinct image capture control statistics and luma values associated with the periods. Final image capture control statistics then may be determined based at least in part on the first luma value normalized to the first image capture control statistics and the second luma value normalized to the second image capture control statistics. Thereafter, the final image capture control statistics may be used to capture a properly exposed strobe-illuminated image when the strobe emits a main flash.

Abstract: Provided is a method which reduces the power consumption of a camera for detecting a user's gesture, in a device that detects the user's gesture and performs a command corresponding to the detected gesture. Moreover, provided is a method which turns off a camera or drives the camera in an ultra low power mode when there is no user input, and detects presence of a user to activate the camera.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.

Abstract: A camera control device and a method for operating a mobile terminal having a single camera module in selected modes to reduce the power consumption of the mobile terminal is disclosed. The camera control device for a mobile terminal includes a camera module, a memory, and a control unit. The camera module has a sensor for photographing an image. The memory stores tables which are provided for respective modes of the camera module and which include camera register values set for each mode and stores initial values of the sensor for the respective modes to initialize the sensor of the camera module. The control unit determines a mode of operating the camera module, extracts camera register values for the mode from a corresponding table stored in the memory, and operates the camera module according to the extracted camera register values to implement the corresponding mode.

Abstract: A monitoring camera is connected to an external power source. The external power source has an external maximum power level. Image data is being processed in a first processing state. The monitoring camera detects (202) an event and determines (206) a type of the detected event. An amount of energy in an energy accumulator is determined (208) in the monitoring camera. Based on the type of the event and based on the external maximum power level and based on the determined amount of energy in the energy accumulator, a second processing state is determined (210). The second processing state requires a power level that is higher than the external maximum power level. Image data is then processed (212) in the second processing state.

Abstract: A communication device including an image capturing device having a RF-ID unit for performing proximity wireless communication with a RF-ID reader/writer connected via an infrared communication path to a TV. The image capturing device includes: an antenna for the proximity wireless communication; a data receiving unit receiving an input signal from the RF-ID reader/writer; a nonvolatile second memory storing at least UID and an execution program; and a data transmission unit transmitting the UID and the execution program to the RF-ID reader/writer via the antenna according to the input signal. The UID is used to identify the communication device, and the execution program is executed by the TV with reference to the UID. The transmitted UID and execution program are transferred to the TV via the RF-ID reader/writer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera is provided that includes: an image sensor configured to provide an image signal; an automatic gain control (AGC) unit configured to determine an AGC control signal for controlling a gain applied to the image signal; a cooler configured to cool the image sensor; and a thermal control circuit configured to compare the AGC control signal to a threshold, wherein the thermal control circuit is further configured to turn on the cooler if the comparison indicates that the AGC control signal exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes an image-pickup element, a first wiring substrate where the image-pickup element is mounted, a second wiring substrate which is electrically connected with the first wiring substrate and a structure which has electrical conductivity. The first wiring substrate has a first wiring portion where a differential signal line is formed and a second wiring portion where a power-supply line is formed, a ground portion is formed on at least one surface of the first and second wiring portion which faces each other, the first wiring substrate is bended so that at least parts of the first and second wiring portion are overlapped with each other and the ground portion is located between the differential signal line and the power-supply line, and the bended first wiring substrate is arranged in the structure so that the second wiring portion is located between the first wiring portion and the structure.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus includes an operating section having dual functions depending on being in an image capture mode or in a reproduction mode respectively. While one of the recording mode and the reproduction mode is being carried out, in response to start of the other mode, a controlling function of the operating section is switched to the function of the other mode, and in response to the completion of the other mode, the function of the operating section is switched to the function of the one mode.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a computer or a printer, and a power save mode changeover unit that changes over a power save mode to either an ON or an OFF state according to the operational state of the electronic camera, if the power save mode is changed over to ON by the power save mode changeover unit, the wireless communication unit stops its operation when radio waves are not being transmitted, and if the power save mode is changed over to OFF, the wireless communication unit operates in a standby state when radio waves are not being transmitted.

Abstract: A display device with playback functionality includes: an image information extracting module for extracting image information from a storage medium, and processing the image information so as to generate and output a first setting image signal conforming with a specific format; an image processor for receiving the first setting image signal and performing picture quality processing so as to generate and output a second setting image signal conforming with the specific format; a display unit capable of receiving and displaying one of the first and second setting image signals conforming with the specific format; and a control unit for performing control such that the display unit receives one of the first and second setting image signals when a command is received, and the other of the first and second setting image signals when the command is not received.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an image capturing unit and a processor. The processor controls the image capturing unit to periodically capture an image in front of the electronic device, and analyzes the captured image to determine whether a user is using the electronic device, and further controls the electronic device to be in a working state if a user is using the electronic device. A method for controlling an electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes: a comparison unit that compares a reference voltage and an input voltage and outputs a voltage difference signal; an output voltage generating unit that generates an output voltage based on the voltage difference signal; an input voltage generating unit that generates the input voltage based on the output voltage; a current output unit that outputs a reference current; a resistor that generates the reference voltage in accordance with the reference current; and a capacitor that is connected to the resistor in parallel and is charged by the reference current, wherein the current output unit allows the reference current at the time of startup to be lower than the reference current during an operation.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus which is capable of appropriately providing notification about a connecting state and an operating state of a wireless communication unit, and reducing power consumption. Upon receiving a beacon signal from a wireless communication access point with a predetermined period, a notification unit provides notification that the wireless communication unit is linked to the wireless communication access point. Based on a time corresponding to the predetermined period, the wireless communication unit is returned into a first state from a second state in which a smaller amount of power is consumed than in the first state. When the wireless communication unit lies in the second state, the notification unit is intermittently disabled, and when the wireless communication unit returns from the second state into the first state, the notification unit is disabled.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: An image sensor array that has a buffer amplifier, having a capacitor which receives photogenerated energy from a photodetector, and stores the photo generated energy in a capacitor of the buffer amplifier. Reset across the buffer amplifier which is sufficient to allow the amplifier to settle transiently prior to applying said clamp voltage.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes plural photoelectric conversion means arranged along light receiving surfaces, readout means for reading out signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion means, a voltage supply means for supplying various levels of voltages to respective units including the photoelectric conversion means and the readout means, a detection means for detecting level change of a prescribed supply voltage in supply voltages by the voltage supply means and a control means for controlling so that the level change is converged when level change of the prescribed supply voltage is detected by the detection means.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus connects to a first battery unit and a second battery unit. The image capture apparatus includes a counting unit and a calculation unit. The counting unit counts the number of shots (PN). The calculation unit divides the number of shots (PN) to PN1 and PN2 based on a first battery consumption and a second battery consumption. The PN1represents the number of shots allotted to the first battery unit, and the PN2 represents the number of shots allotted to the second battery unit. The first battery consumption represents a consumption of the first battery unit, and the second battery consumption represents a consumption of the second battery unit.

Abstract: Provided is an accessory which is capable of communicating with a camera, including an illumination light emitting section that emits illumination light, a nonvolatile memory that stores light-emittable time information indicating the longest time for which the illumination light emitting section is capable of continuously emitting the illumination light, and an accessory control section that transmits the light-emittable time information stored in the nonvolatile memory to the camera.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling a display for image transmission. The method of controlling a display for image transmission reduces the time required to select images to be transmitted and increases user convenience and efficiency by calculating the residual amount of battery power and the amount of image files or data that is capable of being transmitted based on the current amount of battery power. Some embodiments of the method and apparatus notify a user about the amount of image files or data that is capable of being transmitted based on the residual amount of battery power and indicate whether fewer image files need to be selected for transmission.

Abstract: An image capture device includes an image sensor for capturing image data of a scene, and a display screen for displaying a preview of the captured image of the scene. Additionally, the image capture device includes a photovoltaic solar cell for outputting electrical energy responsive to environmental lighting conditions. A control section determines whether the image capture device is or is not currently being used in a bright environment. Responsive to a determination that the image capture device is currently being used in a bright environment, the control section increases brightness of the display screen, and switches electrical energy outputted from the photovoltaic cell for use by the display screen.

Abstract: An imaging device according to the present invention comprises: an imaging section photoelectrically converting an object image and outputting image data; a display section displaying the object image based on the image data; an acceleration sensor section detecting vibration in at least one direction among a plurality of directions of a camera; a determination section continuously determining an output equal to or greater than a gravity force by means of the acceleration sensor section; and a power supply control section supplying power to the imaging section upon detection of an output equal to or greater than the gravity force by the determination section and also upon detection of an attitude change in a vertical direction or the like or a predetermined acceleration when a photographer sets the camera while viewing the display section of the camera.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing element (1) has a main face provided with an imaging region (1a) in which unit pixels containing photoelectric conversion elements are formed in matrix. Peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) are configured to control imaging operation of the solid-state image sensing element (1) or to perform signal processing of an image output of the solid-state image sensing element (1). The imaging region (1a) is covered with a transparent material (2). The peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) are mounted to a region of the main face of the solid-state image sensing element (1) except for the imaging region (1a) such that main faces of the peripheral circuit elements (3, 4) face the main face of the solid-state image sensing element (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera integrated with a connector for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing thereof, and the camera integrated with a connector for a vehicle includes: a housing; and a camera module accommodated inside the housing, in which a connector unit is formed in one piece at a certain position on one side of the housing, and a protection cover for protecting the camera module from being damaged by injection pressure and injection temperature generated when the housing is molded by injection is combined outside the camera module. The method of manufacturing camera integrated with a connector for a vehicle includes: a camera module assembly step, a camera module inserting step, an injection molding step and an extraction step.

Abstract: Imaging systems may be provided with image sensors having verification circuitry. Verification circuitry may be configured to verify proper operation of the image sensor during operation. Verification circuitry may include one or more switchable voltage contacts configured to generate a voltage drop across a power supply network of a pixel array during verification operations. Verification circuitry may include a controllable voltage supply coupled to the power supply network of the pixel array. Verification image data may be generated by applying the voltage drop or by using the controllable voltage supply to supply a different supply voltage to each row of pixels prior to readout of that row. Verification image data may be read out using the same circuitry that is used to readout imaging data. Based on a comparison of the verification data with a predetermined standard, imaging systems may continue to operate normally or corrective action may be taken.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, an image sensor including the pixel array and a method for operating the image sensor. The pixel includes a photo-electro conversion unit; a first capacitor for storing a first quantity of charges of the photo-electro conversion unit; a second capacitor for storing a second quantity of charges of the photo-electro conversion unit; and an output unit to output the first and second quantities of the charges.

Abstract: Provided is a method which minimizes power consumption by controlling power of a camera that is used for recognizing a user's gesture, in a video processing apparatus, which recognizes the user's gesture and is controlled according to the recognized gesture, such as a TV or a monitor. In the present invention, a camera is driven in a low power mode or a high power mode, and when a user's specific gesture is detected in the lower power mode, the camera is switched to the high power mode for recognizing a detailed gesture.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.

Abstract: A portable terminal with a pair of housings is provided, in which a guide rib is formed in a first housing for providing a reception groove, a first hinge member is engaged with the first housing for rotating upon a first hinge axis extended along a length direction of the first housing, a second hinge member is formed in a second housing and includes a hinge housing extended along a width direction of the second housing, and an additional device is accommodated in the hinge housing.

Abstract: A wireless camera system is described. A housing enclosure contains the wireless camera, and the wireless camera collects video data. The housing enclosure also contains a first circuit board and a rechargeable battery. A first solar cell assembly is coupled to the housing enclosure. The first circuit board is in wireless communication with a base station, and the base station is configured to receive the video data. The camera operates a continuous feed of the video data. The video data is at least partially processed in a location away from the housing enclosure and made available to a remote client for viewing.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a computer or a printer, and a power save mode changeover unit that changes over a power save mode to either an ON or an OFF state according to the operational state of the electronic camera, if the power save mode is changed over to ON by the power save mode changeover unit, the wireless communication unit stops its operation when radio waves are not being transmitted, and if the power save mode is changed over to OFF, the wireless communication unit operates in a standby state when radio waves are not being transmitted.

Abstract: A system and method for effectively implementing an electronic image hub device includes a peripheral device, such as a digital camera, that may be periodically connected to the image hub device by a system user. The system user may then utilize the image hub device to transfer captured data from the peripheral device to a specific data destination, such as a user service on a distributed computer network. The peripheral device also may utilize the image hub device to recharge batteries that become depleted through operation of the peripheral device. The system user may then subsequently access and utilize the captured data from the data destination in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An image processing circuit includes an analogue front-end (AFE) processing unit, comprising a horizontal driver, an image-capturing unit, a voltage current regulation unit, and a dummy loading device. The image-capturing unit is driven by the horizontal driver. The voltage current regulation unit at least provides a voltage and a current to the AFE processing unit. The dummy loading device bears an inrush current noise of the current, connected to an output terminal of the voltage current regulation unit. During a predetermined time section just before a start of transmitting a horizontal shift clock by the AFE processing unit to the image-capturing unit, the dummy loading device is set at a turned-on state within the predetermined time section, and set at a turned-off state other than the predetermined time section.

Abstract: Power saving techniques are provided for processing circuitry on image sensors. Processing circuitry may include one or more processing blocks. The processing blocks may receive pixel data in the form of lines separated by blanking time. To reduce power consumption, each processing block may have a clock that is enabled when processing data and disabled during blanking time. The processing blocks may have respective clocks that are enabled and disabled at different times. Timing control circuitry may provide a clock enable signal to a first processing block. Each processing block may receive a clock enable signal and output a time-shifted clock enable signal for a subsequent processing block.

Abstract: A power supply voltage containing a noise component is supplied to each pixel at the time of sampling of a reset level of a signal read out from each pixel, and a power supply voltage in which the noise component is suppressed is supplied to each pixel at the time of sampling of a read level of the signal read out from each pixel.

Abstract: Techniques for mobile device power state are described. In one or more implementations, a mobile device includes a computing device that is flexibly coupled to an input device via a flexible hinge. Accordingly, the mobile device can operate in a variety of different power states based on a positional orientation of the computing device to an associated input device. In one or more implementations, an application that resides on a computing device can operate in different application states based on a positional orientation of the computing device to an associated input device. In one or more implementations, techniques discussed herein can differentiate between vibrations caused by touch input to a touch functionality, and other types of vibrations. Based on this differentiation, techniques can determine whether to transition between device power states.

Abstract: Techniques for mobile device power state are described. In one or more implementations, a mobile device includes a computing device that is flexibly coupled to an input device via a flexible hinge. Accordingly, the mobile device can operate in a variety of different power states based on a positional orientation of the computing device to an associated input device. In one or more implementations, an application that resides on a computing device can operate in different application states based on a positional orientation of the computing device to an associated input device. In one or more implementations, techniques discussed herein can differentiate between vibrations caused by touch input to a touch functionality, and other types of vibrations. Based on this differentiation, techniques can determine whether to transition between device power states.

Abstract: Modular digital motion camera systems are disclosed. Individual modules may be removed from the system and replaced, such as to benefit from upgraded technology, while preserving the remaining modules in the system. The modules may be disassembled and reconstructed to convert the physical form of the camera, such as between ENG configurations, DSLR configurations and studio configurations. Universal lens mount modules are provided, to enable use of lens systems from a variety of commercial manufacturers.

Abstract: Modular digital camera systems, such as modular digital still and motion cameras are disclosed. Individual modules may be removed from the system and replaced, such as to benefit from upgraded technology, while preserving the remaining modules in the system. The modules may be disassembled and reconstructed to convert the physical form of the camera, such as between still configurations, motion configurations, ENG configurations, DSLR configurations and studio configurations. Universal lens mount modules are provided, to enable use of lens systems from a variety of commercial manufacturers.

Abstract: A monitoring camera includes a camera lens, an image sensor, and a housing enclosing the image sensor. The housing encloses a volume of Phase Changing Material (PCM) having the characteristic of not beginning a phase change until its temperature rises above a predetermined phase changing temperature. The phase changing temperature is in the range of 20-80 degrees Celsius, and the PCM is arranged to enclose the camera lens.

Abstract: A digital camera is provided that includes a camera body and a monitor device. The camera body includes an imaging module, an image stabilization module, a first connector half and a first wireless communication module. The monitor device is detachable from the camera body and includes a monitor, a second connector half complemental to the first connector half and a second wireless communication module complemental to the first wireless communication module. An operation of the image stabilization module is suspended when monitor device is detached from the camera body.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus that commences a pre-shooting operation on a first stroke of a release button, executes a shooting operation on a second stroke of the release button, and stores generated image data in a connected storage medium. The image capturing apparatus includes a power supply unit adapted to supply power to the storage medium, and a controller configured to control the power supply unit so that the power supply to the storage medium is started in response to the first stroke of the release button going ON.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for controlling power supply is provided. An image forming apparatus includes at least one cover unit to be mounted in the image forming apparatus, at least one replaceable unit to participate in an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, a sensing unit to sense whether the at least one cover unit is opened or closed, and a main board unit to cut off the power supply to the at least one replaceable unit for a predetermined period of time when the at least one cover unit is opened or closed. Accordingly, stable operation is enabled.