Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided that includes a fuel cell device, an image pickup device, a temperature sensor, and a system controller. The electronic apparatus is mobile and may be held in a user's hand while being operated. The fuel cell device controls generation of electrical power. The image pickup device is position relative to the fuel cell device and converts an image into an image pickup signal. The temperature sensor obtains a temperature from the image pickup device. The system controller configured to control operation of the fuel cell device based on the temperature from the image pickup device.

Abstract: A portable integrated device and a method of controlling power thereof. The method of controlling power to a digital integrated device which includes a first body and a second body slidingly attached to each other and a first mode and a second mode including sliding the first body relative to the second body from an open position to a closed position, turning off power of the digital integrated device in the first mode, and maintaining the power of the digital integrated device in the second mode. Accordingly, power control may be performed differently according to whether the sliding part is open or closed and whether the preset function mode of the portable integrated device is a camera mode or a non-camera mode, so that functions of the non-camera modes can be maintained even when the sliding part is closed.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate generating and/or maintaining low noise reference voltages for CMOS imaging System-on-Chip (iSoC) sensors. A primary reference voltage can be generated utilizing a low noise bandgap. Further, the primary reference voltage can be filtered via a low pass filter. The filtered, primary reference voltage can thereafter be distributed to a plurality of isolated domains. Each of the isolated domains can generate an independent set of reference voltages based upon the filtered, primary reference voltage. Moreover, subsets of these reference voltages can be employed by programmable digital to analog converters (DACs). Each of the reference voltages can be isolated from switching noise and/or clock glitches generated within each domain. Further, each DAC output can be buffered to have adequately low impedance with appropriate drive capability and requisite signal swing.

Abstract: Either of two power off modes can be selected in a digital camera that reads out images from an image-capturing element, temporarily stores them in a buffer memory and then transfers and records the images from the buffer memory into a recording medium. In a first power off mode, the supply of stabilized power is stopped in response to a main switch off operation only after unrecorded images present in the buffer memory are all recorded into the recording medium. In a second power off mode, the supply of the stabilized power is stopped immediately in response to a main switch off operation regardless of whether or not there are yet-to-be recorded images present in the buffer memory. The power is cut off in conformance to the current power off mode setting when the main switch is turned off.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit configured to execute processing to capture image data, a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to execute position calculation processing based on data received from a satellite, and a main controller configured to measure an imaging frequency of the imaging unit, to determine or update a control parameter as a condition for a transition of an operation state of the GPS device based on the measured imaging frequency, and to cause a transition of the operation state of the GPS device based on the determined or updated control parameter.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a power source controller for controlling a power supply to the image capturing apparatus to be in one of: (i) an on state, and (ii) an off state. A detector detects when any one of a plurality of operation members of the image capturing apparatus is operated when the power supply is in the off state. A brightness acquiring section controls an image capturing unit of the image capturing apparatus to acquire a brightness of an environment of the image capturing apparatus, when the detector detects that one of the operation members has been operated when the power supply is in the off state. A determining section determines whether or not the acquired brightness is above a predetermined level. And an image capturing controller permits the image capturing unit to capture an image of a subject only if the determining section determines that the acquired brightness is above the predetermined level.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording information obtained from a sensor, comprises: a face detecting unit for detecting a face of a person among the information obtained from the sensor; a face detection switching unit for switching a control of the face detecting unit between valid and invalid; a face detection setup information obtaining unit for obtaining information of whether face detection set up by the face detection switching unit is valid or invalid; a face detection observation unit for observing on whether detection is made on the face or not, when the face detection is valid; a power-saving controller unit for executing a power-saving control; a recording unit for record the information inputted from the sensor onto a recording medium; a recording observation unit for observing on whether recording of the information is conducted or not by the recording unit; a memory unit for memorizing information necessary for controlling the information recording apparatus; and a controller unit fo

Abstract: A mobile system that is capable of providing advertising both indoors or outside is provided. The system may be remotely controlled by a user. Using the remote control the user is capable of changing the height of the advertisement display, on demand, for example, depending on the location and desired height that a user would like to display an advertisement.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with a power source, a power supply circuit connected to the power source and having power supply lines for supplying a positive voltage and a negative voltage, an image pickup element, plural drivers for generating multi-phase driving signals and applying the generated multi-phase driving signals to the image pickup element, a discharging circuit connected in parallel with the plural drivers, and a conducting circuit for allowing unnecessary charge accumulated in the power source to discharge through the power supply circuit for a negative voltage to the discharging circuit at the time when the power source is turned off, wherein the power supply circuit for a negative voltage is connected to the plural drivers.

Abstract: A pixel bias current supply for supplying a stable source of bias current to pixels of an imager includes a current bypass feature for improving stability when one or more pixels of an imager saturates. The pixel bias current supply also features voltage limiters to restrict the output voltage of a pixel in order to prevent reverse video from being output when very strong light is incident upon one or more pixels.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: plurality of control units configured to control an imaging function; a requesting unit configured to request execution of start-up processing of a plurality of the control units; a detecting unit configured to detect movement to be applied to a device main unit; and a start-up control unit configured to cause, upon the detecting unit detecting particular movement in a power-off state wherein the movement of the device main unit externally appears to be stopped, each of a plurality of the control units to start the start-up processing still in the power-off state, and upon execution of the start-up processing being requested from the requesting unit, cause a plurality of the control units to start reception of an imaging command according to the states of the start-up processing of a plurality of the control units.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes coupling at least one power supply to a power bus comprised in a digital camera. The method of this embodiment may also include allocating power to at least one component of the digital camera by coupling at least one component to the power bus based on at least one power management priority rule. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

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: Provided are a battery cover structure and a photographing apparatus including the same. The battery cover structure includes a frame in which an antenna connection unit is disposed, and a battery cover installed on the frame, wherein the battery cover includes an installing unit installed on the frame, a first cover unit installed on the installing unit, and an antenna unit installed on the first cover unit, wherein electrical contact between the antenna unit and the antenna connection unit is maintained or released according to a location of the first cover unit.

Abstract: When the power supply is turned on, the value of a mode flag first is set to 0, the mode flag is evaluated, and processing of the record mode is executed. In the record mode, charging processing of the strobe is performed for a specified interval of time, and the strobe can be reliably caused to flash. Charging processing of the strobe is not performed while processing of reproduction (play) mode or another mode is being performed, and battery consumption is controlled.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a housing, a camera module, a motion detector and a driving module. The housing defines a receiving cavity therein. The camera module is flexibly received in the receiving cavity. The motion detector is fixedly positioned on the camera module and is configured for detecting a rotational movement of the camera module. The driving module includes a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member. The first magnetic member is positioned on the camera module. The second magnetic member is positioned on the housing. The driving module is configured for driving the camera module to rotate through interaction of the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member to counteract the detected rotational movement of the camera module.

Abstract: An image sensor 20A contains a photodiode array portion 21, a signal processor 22, a switching instruction part 23A and a control part 24A. Each switch SWn is provided between the corresponding photodiode PDn and the common output line L, and instructed to carry out the switching operation by the switching instruction part 23A so as to be closed, whereby the charges accumulated in the junction capacitance portion of the photodiode PDn are output to the common output line L. On the basis of the instruction from the switching instruction part 23A, the N switches SW1 to SWN carry out the switching operation so that the N switches SW1 to SWN are set to the close state in the different periods and the interval at which each switch SWn is set to the close state is equal to an integral multiple of a base period. As described above, the charge accumulation time of each of the N photodiodes PD1 to PDN is set to an integral multiple of the base period.

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: The present invention relates to a standard color referencing panel system for cinematography that reproduces the original colors of captured images. The standard color referencing panel system for cinematography includes a memory that stores scene display content and standard color display content of an object to be captured; an input unit that allows a user to turn on a power switch and an image capture start switch; a controller that supplies power in response to a power switch on a signal received from the input unit, transmits control signals in response to an image capture start switch on the signal received from the input unit, and reads the scene display content and the standard color display content from the memory; and a display unit that is supplied with power from the controller to preheat a screen, and displays the scene display content and the standard color display content on the screen in response to the control signals transmitted from the controller.

Abstract: A method for processing an image abnormality caused by power supply is provided, which is used in a digital image-capturing apparatus. The method can be described as follows. First, power of the digital image-capturing apparatus is turned on. Next, a line data of an image being captured is started to be transmitted, wherein the line data has a dummy pixel region and an effective pixel region, and the dummy pixel region is first transmitted, and then a plurality of pixel data of the effective pixel region is transmitted. Next, a horizontal driving current to be input to a horizontal driver is processed, so that the horizontal driving current substantially approaches a stable state before the effective pixel region is output. Finally, the above steps are repeated for continually transmitting a next line data of the image being captured until the image of the digital image-capturing apparatus is completely transmitted.

Abstract: The battery power consumption in a camera is adjustable based on the level of camera activity determined from formation on scene changes. Information can be gathered from statistical data on auto-white balance, auto-exposure and auto-focusing calculations, or from scene movement and camera movement. When the activity level is low, the viewfinder frame rate can be reduced, the accuracy of analog-to-digital conversion in the camera can be reduced, and the entire camera operation can be slowed down.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.

Abstract: A pan and tilt control system that includes a pan and tilt head having an attachment mechanism for selective attachment of an image capture device. The system further includes an inductive coupling device in electrical communication with the pan and tilt head. The coupling device is rotatably secured to the head. The system allows an image capture device attached to the pan and tilt head to be in electrical communication with said inductive coupling device and also be rotated about a first axis in a substantially horizontal plane and about a second axis in a substantially vertical plane.

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 predicting the quantity of pictures that can be taken is applied to a picture-taking function of a digital still camera. Firstly, a lookup table is individually built for different power using operations of a battery according to the operational modes of the picture-taking function. Next, the method looks up the corresponding lookup table according to an obtained battery voltage value of the digital still camera and the operational mode. Finally, a quantity of pictures that can be taken is obtained from the lookup table, and is displayed on a display unit of the digital still camera and is provided to the user. Thereby, the user can change the operational mode to reduce power consumption and take more pictures.

Abstract: A camera includes: a battery unit on which a battery is mounted, that can be detachably loaded into the camera and supplies power to the camera; and a function unit that executes camera functions, wherein: as a function of the camera is executed, the function unit transmits information related to the executed function to the battery pack; and the battery unit has a storage unit in which the information related to the camera function is stored.

Abstract: A self-balancing remote sensing device, and a system comprised of the remote sensing devices and one or more base stations, is provided for remotely monitoring both terrestrial and maritime environments. Specifically, a spherically-shaped self-balancing remote sensing device having one or more cameras and various sensors is provided, which may ascend and descend within the water column as desired, by altering its buoyancy, while maintaining proper orientation of the camera and sensors. Further, the remote sensing system comprised of the devices and base stations is provided, wherein the devices and base stations may form an ad hoc network, thereby greatly extending the range and coverage of the system. The devices, due to their small size, may be quickly and easily deployed using various vehicles, including flight vehicles, land-based vehicles, water craft, and subsurface water vehicles.

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: According to the invention, a system for dynamically scaling bias current on an imaging system is disclosed. In the invention an image sensor capable of producing at least a two-dimensional image and capable of at least two modes of operation is equipped with a control unit. The control unit determines a digital output for each of the modes of operation of the imaging system and outputs the digital outputs to a converter. The converter converts the digital output from the control unit to a bias current and provides this output to an analog and or mixed signal circuit associated with the imaging system that has operating characteristics that may be varied by the application of different bias currents.

Abstract: An image-taking apparatus includes a chassis which is disposed inside an outer package member of the image-taking apparatus and is a structural body of the image-taking apparatus, an image-pickup device which photoelectrically converts an object image, a first circuit which processes output signals from the image-pickup device, and a second circuit which generates an electromagnetic wave. Herein, the first circuit is disposed on the opposite side of the second circuit with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to execute processing to capture an image; a GPS (Global Positioning System) device configured to execute position calculation processing based on data received from a satellite; a power-supply control unit configured to control power supply to the GPS device; an apparatus control unit configured to monitor a state of photographing by a user to calculate a frequency of use of the imaging unit per unit time, and to cause the power-supply control unit to intermittently supply power to the GPS device when the calculated use frequency is lower than a predetermined threshold; and a data-recording control unit configured to generate photographed data attribute information in which positional information acquired in the GPS device is set as attribute information of an acquired image in the imaging unit, and to execute processing to store the photographed data attribute information in a storing unit.

Abstract: Provided are a photographing control method and apparatus for capturing image data at a moment in time when booting. According to the photographing control method, booting and photographing are simultaneously performed by combining use of a power supply button and a certain key button or by pressing a certain key button for a predetermined time without pressing a power supply button.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a detection unit including a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a matrix and that are divided into at least first and second pixel groups, a signal processing unit including first and second readout circuits and first and second A/D converters, a power supply unit configured to supply the components included in the signal processing unit with respective biases, and a control unit configured to control at least one of the signal processing unit and the power supply unit. The control unit is configured to perform processing of altering an analog signal capable of being input into at least one of the first and second A/D converters or altering an A/D conversion characteristic of at least one of the first and second A/D converters.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and techniques associated with battery powered wireless camera systems. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a system that includes a battery powered wireless camera including an internal battery to provide energy and a burst transmission unit to transmit information during burst periods. The system includes a base station, separated from the battery powered wireless camera, in wireless communication with the battery powered wireless camera to receive information from the battery powered wireless camera. The base station is configured to process the received information and includes a web server to transmit the processed information to a client. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.

Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention includes a solid-state image sensing device; a vertical transfer drive circuit for feeding a subpulse to the solid-state image sensing device; and a control circuit, and repeats a series of photographing operations in a cycle same as or longer than a period during which the series of photographing operations are performed, the series of photographing operations including an exposure operation for exposing an imaging area after the subpulse is fed to the solid-state image sensing device to sweep out electric charges accumulated in pixels. The control circuit stops the subpulse from being fed from the vertical transfer drive circuit to the solid-state image sensing device during a period during which the exposure operation included in the series of photographing operations is not performed.

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 image capturing apparatus connectable to a display device is provided, including: an image capturing unit to capture and output image data; a recording unit to record image data and parameter data of the display; a command unit to generate a command signal while the display device is connected; a interface connectable to the display of the display device; a power supply unit to supply power for the display via the interface while receiving a power supply signal; and a processing/control unit to generate and output the power supply signal to the power supply unit while receiving the command signal and transmit parameter data and image data to the display via the interface, providing a plug and play function for the display.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit for picking up an image, a lens barrier for covering the front of a lens of the image pickup unit, a display for displaying image data recorded on a recording unit, and a controller for controlling mode switching of the image pickup apparatus in response to a mode switching command from a mode switching unit. The controller switches among three modes including an image pickup mode, a play mode, and a review mode. During the image pickup mode, power is supplied to the image pickup unit for image pickup. During the play mode, data is played on the display with power supplied to the image pickup unit for image pickup. After an elapse of a predetermined threshold time, power supplying to the image pickup unit is stopped. During the review mode, data is played on the display.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic camera system which operates an electronic camera in a minimum power mode when a not-genuine secondary battery is attached to the electronic camera. Namely, for the electronic camera which uses a detachable secondary battery as a power source, it determines from identification information whether the secondary battery is a genuine battery of the electronic camera. When determining that the secondary battery is a genuine battery, the electronic camera system allows the electronic camera to normally operate. When determining that the secondary battery is not a genuine battery, it places the electronic camera into the minimum power mode.

Abstract: Provided are: a determiner which determines whether or not a power-source connecting operation for transitioning to a connected state between a power source and a apparatus main body is performed; a start-up acceptor which accepts a manipulation for executing a start-up process for transitioning the apparatus main body from a non-activated state to an activated state; a non-volatile memory which holds start-up information necessary for executing the start-up process to the apparatus main body; a volatile memory; a transferer which executes a transfer operation for transferring the start-up information from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory; a start-up processor which executes the start-up process to the apparatus main body by using the start-up information transferred, according to the start-up manipulation by the transferer, to the volatile memory; and a controller which executes the transfer operation when it is determined by the determiner that the battery mounting operation is performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device that reduces its power consumption and prevents an upload failure due to power insufficiency when it uploads movie content. The imaging device includes a power supply identification section which determines whether a drive power supply is a battery or an AC power supply, and a remaining battery power value acquisition section which, when a battery is employed as the drive power supply, acquires a current remaining battery power value P and compares it against a predetermined value P0. When the current remaining battery power value P is less than the predetermined value P0, an operation for movie content transmission by a communication module section is interrupted. In addition, an interruption information storage section stores the information about an interruption point of content to be interrupted.

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: Provided are apparatus and method for saving power used by a digital image processing device by determining whether the digital image processing device is held and, if the device is not held, signaling that the digital image processing device may enter a power save mode. The power saving device may include: a digital image processing unit arranged to determine that the device is not being held and to signal the device to enter a power save mode if substantially no image change occurs between frames generated by the digital image processing device.

Abstract: A circuit and method of detecting a saturation level of an image sensor including a photodiode using a black pixel circuit included in the image sensor. The saturation level detecting circuit includes a pixel unit, a reset node and a detection controller. The pixel unit includes a floating diffusion node connected to, or disconnected from, the photodiode and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node. The reset node is connected to, or disconnected from, the floating diffusion node. The detection controller transfers a power voltage or a reference voltage to the reset node.

Abstract: The invention provides a greeting card having provided therein an imaging device, the imaging device being configured to capture an image, the capture of an image being controlled by operation of an activation means and a detection means. The activation means being operable on the detection means and is switchable by a user between a non-activated mode, and an activated mode. On adoption of the activated mode, a subsequent detection of the occurrence of a preset event by the detection means effects a corresponding issuance of a trigger signal, the trigger signal causing the capture of the image by the imaging device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image recording apparatus capable of preventing maloperations when entering into sleep mode. The image recording apparatus comprises a display module, a detecting unit, a power supply unit, a first switch, a second switch and a control unit having an interrupt unit. The control unit controls the first switch in an on-state to supply power to the display module and the detecting unit and executes a corresponding operation. After an idle status of the image recording apparatus exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit disables the interrupt unit and controls the second switch in an on-state and the first switch in an off-state to supply power to the detecting unit via the second switch. After a default time, the control unit enables the interrupt unit, therefore, maloperations when entering into the sleep mode can be prevented.

Abstract: Provided is a 4-transistor CMOS image in which a driving condition or a pixel structure is changed so that a transfer transistor in a pixel operates in a pinch-off condition during reset and transfer operations in order to reduce dark current and fixed-pattern noise caused by a change in an operation condition of the transfer transistor and inter-pixel characteristic discrepancy. The image sensor includes a photosensitive pixel including a transfer transistor for transferring photon-induced charges created in a photodiode; and a voltage control unit for controlling a turn-on voltage applied to a gate of the transfer transistor to be lower than a floating diffusion node voltage plus the threshold voltage of the transfer transistor during a partial or entire section of a turn-on section of the transfer transistor such that the transfer transistor operates in a pseudo pinch-off mode.

Abstract: An image sensor power distribution arrangement includes a sensing portion having a first contact at a first edge thereof and a second contact at a second edge thereof, and a control portion. A first power supply supplies power to the sensing portion via the first contact. A second power supply supplies power to the sensing portion via the second contact, and to the control portion.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an imaging apparatus and an information processing method, and a computer program are provided. An information processing apparatus includes: a state detecting part which detects physical fluctuations that are generated in association with a user carrying the information processing apparatus; and a control part which receives detection information of the state detecting part, and which shifts a state to a hot standby state in which a system startup process necessary prior to data processing in the information processing apparatus is completed, or which executes a process to continue the hot standby state, based on determination that the information processing apparatus is being carried by the user.

Abstract: A test image has a black bias on a white background. The black bias is a line set at about 45 degrees to the scan lines of a scanner. Boundary points of the scanned bias are found. A regression line is calculated from the positions of the boundary points. Differences in the positions of adjacent boundary points, together with the slope reciprocal of the regression line, are used to determine error values. The error values are compared with a gate value to determine if there are any occurrences of scan line misalignment.