Abstract: An electronic equipment includes a main body, a mounting portion that is provided in the main body and on which an accessory can be mounted, a battery that is stored in the main body, a battery voltage detection portion that detects an output voltage of the battery, an external power source supply portion which supplies the electric power from the battery to the accessory mounted on the mounting portion, and a control portion which determines the remaining capacity of the battery on the basis of the threshold value to be set based on accessory information on the accessory and a detection result of the battery voltage detection portion.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion area in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged to convert incident light into electric charges, a plurality of amplifying units are arranged to read and supply signals based on the electric charges of corresponding photoelectric conversion elements to output lines, a plurality of transfer units are arranged to transfer the electric charges of the corresponding photoelectric conversion elements to input units for corresponding amplifying units, and a plurality of voltage supply units are arranged to supply to corresponding input units voltages for setting the corresponding input units to have first and second potentials are disposed two-dimensionally, and a plurality of voltage supply control units are arranged to supply a voltage to corresponding voltage supply units of the plurality of voltage supply units.

Abstract: An accessory and an accessory for an image pickup apparatus are provided and are advantageous in reducing cost by reducing the number of parts. A retaining ring is engaged in an annular groove formed in an outer circumference of a cylindrical part of a wide-angle converter lens. Each of retaining ridges has a bottom wall extending from the inner circumference of the annular part in the direction of the width of the annular part in a recess, and a protruded wall extending radially outward of the annular part from the end of the bottom wall, spaced from the annular part, and protruding radially outward from the first outer circumference. When the parts, provided with the retaining ridges, of the annular part are depressed radially inward of the annular part, the protruded wall sink radially inward from the first outer circumference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.

Abstract: A method for shutting down a digital image capturing device is provided, The steps of the method are as follows: first, outputting a reset signal from a control unit of the capturing device to a timing generating unit; then setting a vertical pulse signal of the timing generating unit to a ground level within a time frame of the timing generating unit outputting a horizontal blanking signal; lastly, automatically shutting down the timing generating unit.

Abstract: A signal processor for reducing power consumption. The signal processor includes a signal processing circuit and a first regulator connected to the signal processing circuit. The first regulator receives an external regulated voltage from an external regulator connected to the signal processor and generates an internal regulated voltage that is in accordance with an output level of a CCD image sensor. The signal processing circuit operates with the internal regulated voltage and performs a predetermined signal processing on an image signal generated by the CCD image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a lens unit and an image pickup unit. The lens unit includes an optical system that projects a subject image onto an imaging device, the imaging device that converts the subject image into an electric signal, an imaging device driving part that drives the imaging device, an signal processing device that converts the electric signal from the imaging device into a digital signal, and a first connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically. The imaging pickup unit includes an electric power supply part, a second connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically, voltage supply lines that supply output voltage to the lens unit, and a voltage generating circuit that generates the output voltage supplied to the voltage supply lines.

Abstract: A battery capacity display device for an electronic apparatus, includes: a nonvolatile storage unit that stores information related to a remaining capacity in a rechargeable battery output from a battery module having the rechargeable battery and an arithmetic operation unit that calculates the information related to the remaining capacity in the rechargeable battery based upon a value of an electrical current flowing to the rechargeable battery; a display unit that displays the remaining capacity in the rechargeable battery based upon the information related to the remaining capacity; and a display control unit that controls the display unit so as to display the remaining capacity based upon the information related to the remaining capacity stored at the storage unit at least until the information related to the remaining capacity is output from the battery module following a startup of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic device. The device comprises circuitry for capturing data representing an image and circuitry for detecting a wireless signal associated with an object. The device also comprises circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for storing image data from said circuitry for capturing and associating and storing, with same image data, additional data included in the wireless signal.

Abstract: A camera includes a camera body, a video camera recorder, a battery compartment, and a weather cover. The camera body has a lens at front end and threads at a rear end. The video camera recorder has a forward portion located within the camera body. The battery compartment is connected to the video camera recorder. The weather cover has threads for mating with the threads at the rear end of the camera body to attach the weather cover to the camera body, thereby enclosing the video camera recorder and the battery compartment.

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: A digital camera including an imaging unit, a flash device, a face region extraction unit for detecting a face region from image data generated by the imaging unit, and a flash control unit for controlling emission amount of the flash using the region information outputted from the face region extraction unit. The flash control unit includes a first calculation means for performing a calculation on the image data generated by the imaging unit without using the region information, a second calculation means for performing a calculation on the image data generated by the imaging unit using the region information, and an emission amount determination means for determining an adequate emission amount Ch of the flash by performing an adjustment using the provisional adequate value Cn supplied from the first calculation means and provisional adequate value Cf supplied from the second calculation means as reference values.

Abstract: A wireless sensor device capable of constant operation without replacement of batteries. The wireless sensor device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the battery is recharged wirelessly. Radio waves received at an antenna circuit are converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. A sensor circuit operates with the electrical energy stored in the battery, and acquires information. Then, a signal containing the information acquired is converted into radio waves at the antenna circuit, whereby the information can be read out wirelessly.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus comprising an area sensor in which detecting elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate, and a reference supply circuit, for supplying a reference voltage to the detecting elements, which comprises a regulator for regulating the reference voltage. A low-pass filter is arranged between the regulator and the detecting elements. The reference voltage is supplied through the low-pass filter from the reference supply circuit.

Abstract: A method of managing power consumption in a device, such as a video image processing device for processing data from one or more pixels, includes forming a frame of an image. The method further includes determining one or more regions of interest in the image, identifying one or more pixels located in the one or more regions of interest, and processing the one or more identified pixels in a predetermined manner. Power for at least part of the device is switched off if no pixels are identified in a region of interest within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A digital camera having a camera body, a shutter release button, a photographic optical system, a display cover, a lens/strobe flash cover, a nonskid grip pits/projection, a mode dial, operation buttons, indication lamps, a display screen, and a strobe flashing unit. When the camera is not in use, the display screen is covered by the display cover and a lens of the photographic optical system and the strobe flashing unit are covered by the lens/strobe flash cover to provide protection to such features. The lens/strobe flash cover is mechanically coupled to the display cover via a coupling mechanism such as a gear mechanism or a link mechanism or a chain/wire mechanism, or a combination of those mechanisms. An electric power switch to turn on and off an electric power supply to operate the digital camera is activated coupled to the movement of the display cover and the lens/strobe flash cover.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for reducing power consumption. The apparatus includes a first regulator connected to a signal processing circuit and a second regulator connected to an output circuit. The first regulator generates a first regulated voltage that is in accordance with an output level of a solid-state image sensor. The second regulator generates a second regulated voltage that is in accordance with an input level of an external device.

Abstract: A camera including a processor and an image sensor, memory device, and communication port that are electrically coupled with the processor. The image sensor captures image data and transmits it to the processor, which sends it to the memory device for storage. After the image data is downloaded from the camera through the communication port, the processor becomes disabled. Preferably, the memory device is a volatile memory device that is permanently connected with a power supply. Preferably, the communication port is a standard USB receptacle. Preferably, the image data is deleted from the memory device after it is downloaded from the camera. Preferably, the camera includes a sealed housing that contains the processor, image sensor and memory device.

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: An electronic device including a fuel container to accumulate fuel inside thereof, a fuel cell device body unit engaged with the fuel container and comprising a power generating cell to generate electricity by using the fuel which is supplied from the fuel container and an electronic device body unit in which the electricity is supplied from the fuel cell device body unit, and the electronic device body unit comprises a case having a concave portion in which the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are housed, an opening part which forms an open end of the concave portion, and the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are engageable with and separable from each other and detachable from the concave portion in a state where the fuel cell device body unit and the fuel container are engaged to one another and only the fuel container is detachable from the concave portion.

Abstract: An image sensor includes filters formed over a portion of an array of photosensitive elements in a predetermined pattern. The pattern can be such that the exposure of a matrix (such as a 2-by-2 square of pixels) to light (such as blue light) is improved, while maintaining acceptable capability to capture light across the entire spectrum. The pattern can be such that two blue filters, one red, and one green filter is used by a 2-by-2 square matrix of pixels. The pattern can also include cyan, yellow, and magenta (CYM) filters.

Abstract: A method of auto-retracting a lens of an image capture apparatus and a control system using the same are applied to an image capture apparatus with a retractable lens. The method includes the following steps. A hardware circuit of the image capture apparatus detects whether an abnormal power failure event occurs or not. The hardware circuit performs a re-boot procedure when detects that the abnormal power failure event occurs. After the hardware circuit performs the re-boot procedure, software in the image capture apparatus utilizes residual power only to perform a control procedure of retracting the lens. After the retractable lens is detected to have been retracted into the image capture apparatus, the software controls the image capture apparatus to be powered off.

Abstract: A camera system includes a video camera having a first mating mechanism defined on a bottom, planar surface of the video camera. A battery assembly contains an energy cell and a first surface of the battery assembly is releasably engageable with the mounting mechanism such that the battery assembly is suspended beneath the video camera, with the bottom, planar surface of the video camera in substantial contact with the first surface. A support apparatus having a second mating mechanism is also provided, the second mating mechanism releasably engaging a second surface of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A power supply of a plasma display device includes a power source unit configured to convert a direct current source into an alternating current source, a transformer including a primary side winding electrically coupled to the power source unit and a secondary side winding having a first winding and a second winding, a sustain power supply electrically coupled to the first winding of the secondary side of the transformer, the sustain power supply configured to output a first voltage to a first voltage output terminal, and an address power supply electrically coupled to the second winding of the secondary side and serially connected to the sustain power supply, the address power supply configured to output a second voltage to a second voltage output terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for enabling a mobile terminal to drive a camera with low power. The mobile terminal applies power to an image sensor in response to a camera function execution request, initializes the image sensor, maintains the image sensor in a software standby state in which a streaming output of sensed data is interrupted, when a low power standby mode is set, and displays a null image on a display unit.

Abstract: A flash accessory device readily adaptable to most compact digital camera models provides a hand grip with a mounting base for attachment to the bottom of a compact digital camera. The hand grip contains a multi-mode digital pre-flash detector circuit, a wireless transmitter and a battery power source. An articulating arm extends from the hand grip and is adjustably movable relative to the front of the camera in order to position a sensor on the end of the articulating arm directly in front of the camera's built-in flash. A cup member surrounding the sensor covers the built-in flash to block light emitted by the built-in flash. Light from the built-in flash is detected by the sensor which triggers transmission of a wireless signal from the transmitter to a receiver in a remote flash device to thereby activate illumination of the remote flash in synchronization with activation of the built-in camera flash.

Abstract: In an electronic image pickup apparatus, if a mode used and some of setting values of additional functions are changed, a camera control microprocessor computes the number of images that can be captured on the basis of a current consumption integrated value that has been computed by a current integrating unit and stored in a storage unit, updates data of the number of images that can be captured using the computation result, and performs control processing so as to cause a display unit to display the updated data.

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: 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: 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: A solid-state image pickup device, including: a pixel section including at least one pixel circuit including a mechanism for converting an optical signal into an electric signal and accumulating the electric signal in response to exposure time; a pixel driving section configured to drive the pixel section to carry out signal accumulation and signal outputting; at least one different circuit section configured to carry out a process relating to accessing to the pixel section through the pixel driving section; and a control section configured to control, at least upon the signal accumulation of the pixel circuit, the pixel driving section so as to maintain the pixel circuit in a state wherein the pixel circuit accumulates the electric signal and control supply of a power supply voltage to the different circuit section.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a camera module. The camera module may include a camera sensor and associated image preprocessing circuitry. The image preprocessing circuitry may analyze images from the camera module to perform motion detection, facial recognition, and other operations. The image preprocessing circuitry may generate signals that indicate the presence of a user and that indicate the identity of the user. The electronic device may receive the signals from the camera module and may use the signals in implementing power saving functions. The electronic device may enter a power conserving mode when the signals do not indicate the presence of a user, but may keep the camera module powered in the power conserving mode. When the camera module detects that a user is present, the signals from the camera module may activate the electronic device and direct the electronic device to enter an active operating mode.

Abstract: Mobile devices and methods of operating mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mobile device includes a rechargeable battery, a battery charger electrically coupled to the battery, and an image sensor operably coupled to the battery charger to selectively charge the battery. As such, the image sensor is configured to capture images and provide current to charge the battery. The image sensor can be a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The mobile device may further include a housing, with the battery, battery charger, and image sensor contained within the housing.

Abstract: A quick image capture system for a notebook computer able to capture the images while the notebook computer does not launch an operation system is described. The quick image capture system includes a hot key, a read-only memory, a central processing unit, a chip set, a random-access memory, a video module and a camera module. The read-only memory stores a driving software. When the hot key is triggered, the central processing unit reads the driving software from the read-only memory and executes the driving software so as to enable the video module, display and the camera module by the chip set.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in a digital image processor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) module using power and configured to generate initial GPS location information of the digital image processor; and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to receive the initial GPS location information, to set user selected location information for recording in a captured image, and to cut the power to the GPS module. The method includes supplying power to a global positioning system (GPS) module; receiving initial GPS location information of the digital image processor, wherein the initial GPS location is generated by the GPS module; setting a user selected location information to capture an image; and cutting the power to the GPS module.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus comprises a photographing device which photographs an image of an object; an illumination device which emits light at the photographing time and illuminates the object; a face detection device which detects a face area and a size of the face area of the person of the object from the image photographed by the photographing device; an object distance calculating device which calculates a distance up to the object from the size of the face area; a photographing sensitivity setting device that sets a photographing sensitivity according to the object distance; and a main emission control device which performs a main emission photographing by using the setting of the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting device.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a multiplicity of display units including an electronic viewfinder and a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The apparatus has various display modes. The remaining battery power, i.e., estimated amounts of remaining battery times relative to a current remaining battery capacity, are calculated for the respective display modes. The calculated remaining battery power is collectively displayed as the remaining battery power information on the respective display units. The remaining battery power can be obtained for all the display modes even when the battery is being charged, so that a user can always grasp the remaining battery power of any of the display modes.

Abstract: In the digital camera that can be used in connection to a mobile phone or other mobile electronic devices and the system thereof, a battery mounted in each device is shared to allow power to be supplied between the devices, and allow both devices to be used for longer hours. The digital camera and the mobile phone are electrically connectable by a connection cable. Generally, a power supply selection switch is set to A, and a power supply selection switch is set to D. The digital camera receives power supplied from a battery, and the mobile phone receives power supplied form a battery. From this state, when the power supply selection switch is switched to C, power is supplied from the battery to the mobile phone. On the other hand, when the power supply selection switch is set to B, and the power supply selection switch is set to D, power is supplied from the battery of the mobile phone to the digital camera.

Abstract: A battery takes in a charge current value or a discharge current value from a current detection device at predetermined sampling intervals. Then, based upon the current value, a power consumption quantity representing the extent to which power has been consumed during a sampling interval is calculated and a total power consumption quantity is determined by sequentially adding the power consumption quantity corresponding to each sampling interval. Based upon the total power consumption quantity calculated at each sampling interval, a determination device determines as to whether or not the battery needs to be refreshed, and the determination results are transmitted to the camera. The camera informs the user that the battery needs to be refreshed if the determination device judges that a refresh operation is necessary. The sampling interval may be set longer when the power to the camera is in an OFF state compared to when the power to the camera is in an ON state.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having an imaging means for imaging an object is provided, when connected to an external device, the apparatus is capable of setting on a screen a function corresponding to the external device, and also capable of displaying a character or outputting sound, corresponding to an automatic power-off function or the switched over operation mode.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control to change power consumed by a lens unit or operation state of an actuator of the lens unit during processing of an image signal obtained from an image pickup element according to a noise tolerance of a camera and a set state of the camera, such as an ISO speed rating.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a power supply; a first voltage converter producing first and second voltages which are different from each other based on an output of the power supply and outputting them to first and second output systems, respectively; a second voltage converter producing the first voltage based on the second voltage and outputting the first voltage to a third output system; an imaging element operated by the first voltage; at least one circuit element operated by at least one of the first and second voltages; a sensitivity setting section setting an input sensitivity of the imaging element based on at least one of a user's operation and information of a photographic subject; and a power supply switching section switching to supply the first voltage of the first output system to the imaging element in the case where the input sensitivity is lower than a predetermined sensitivity and switching to supply the first voltage which is outputted from the third output system to the imaging element i

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a main memory, an auxiliary memory, an image capturing module, a quick turn-on button, a first initialization module, and a second initialization module. The capacity of the auxiliary memory is smaller than that of the main memory and is capable of storing images after being initialized. The image capturing module is capable of capturing images after being initialized. The quick turn-on button is configured for starting the image capturing device. The first initialization module is configured for initializing the image capturing module and the auxiliary memory when the quick turn-on button is triggered. The second initialization module is configured for initializing the main memory after the image capturing module and the auxiliary memory being initialized.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit, a buffer unit, an image processing unit, a processing determining unit and a power control unit. The imaging unit has an imaging sensor converting a subject image into an electrical signal and generates an image data of a photographed image. The buffer unit has a terminating resistor and temporarily stores the image data. The image processing unit performs image processing on the image data. The processing determining unit determines whether or not high-speed processing requiring a high-speed data transfer is performed. The power control unit disables the terminating resistor of the buffer unit and sets a clock supplied to the buffer unit at low speed compared to a case in which the terminating resistor is enabled when the high-speed processing is not performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the imaging device supporting the high-speed processing.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera head separated type camera device including: a camera head; a camera control unit; and a cable connecting the camera head and the camera control unit with each other, wherein the camera control unit includes: a control portion which feeds a predetermined DC (Direct Current) voltage to the camera head, and wherein the camera head includes: an LVDS conversion driver portion which transmits an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signal to the camera control unit; a correction control portion which outputs a correction value for the LVDS signal; and an LVDS control portion which controls the LVDS conversion driver portion based on the correction value.

Abstract: An image pickup device provided on a base board, comprises an image pickup element provided on the base board and including a photoelectrically converting section in which pixels are arranged, a peripheral surface formed around the photoelectrically converting section and a side surface crossing the peripheral surface; an optical member including a lens section to form an image of an object onto the photoelectrically converting section of the image pickup element, a leg section to support the lens section and a contact surface to be brought in contact with the image pickup element, wherein the lens section, the leg section and the contact surface are made in a single body. The optical member is mounted on the image pickup element such that the contact surface is brought in contact with the peripheral surface or with a surface member when the surface member is provided on the peripheral surface.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a number of devices or techniques that can be capable of obtaining an operational capacity for a shared image device; estimating at least one operational resource to perform a transformation of one or more images based at least in part on the obtaining the operational capacity; and sharing the one or more images with at least one other shared image device in a manner that performs the transformation of the one or more images.

Abstract: A camera module includes an image sensor, a lens module and a circuit board. The lens module is disposed at an object side of the image sensor and has a plurality of electrical connection points thereon. The circuit board includes a main body and a bent portion electrically connecting with the main body. The image sensor is mounted on the main body and received between the lens module and the main body. The bent portion extends from a side surface of the main body and a plurality of electrical connection points is formed on the bent portion corresponding to the electrical connection points of the lens module. The electrical connection points of the bent portion are configured for connecting with the electrical connection points of the lens module to supply power to the lens module.

Abstract: A camera system includes a video camera having a first mating mechanism defined on a bottom, planar surface of the video camera. A battery assembly contains an energy cell and a first surface of the battery assembly is releasably engageable with the mounting mechanism such that the battery assembly is suspended beneath the video camera, with the bottom, planar surface of the video camera in substantial contact with the first surface. A support apparatus having a second mating mechanism is also provided, the second mating mechanism releasably engaging a second surface of the battery assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes, in an interior of a flat housing, a battery compartment, and a device side terminal portion that contacts a side terminal portion of a battery stored in the battery compartment portion. The device side terminal portion includes a plurality of terminals that contact terminals of the side terminal portion of the battery, and a terminal holder that holds the plurality of terminals and that is attached to a printed circuit board. The terminal holder includes a printed circuit board overlap portion that supports the printed circuit board in overlapping relationship with a side portion of the terminal holder. The plurality of terminals are connected to the printed circuit board through the printed circuit board overlap portion. The device side terminal portion also includes one or more ground terminals.