Abstract: A sequential shooting controller includes both high and low load drive modes, and first and second power-voltage detectors. The high/low load drive modes drive a device under high/low loads. The first power-voltage detector detects a power-voltage by connecting a load. The second power-voltage detector detects the voltage across the device. The first power-voltage detector is actuated at the beginning of sequential shooting before a first image capturing operation starts. The high load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is higher than a first threshold. The low load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is lower than the first threshold. The second power-voltage detector is driven during a high load image capturing operation. The second power-voltage detector is disabled during a low load image capturing operation.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to convert an object image formed by an imaging optical system into an electrical signal, a power supply unit capable of being supplied with power from first and second power supply systems, and a control unit configured to cause the imaging unit to operate in different control modes according to whether power is supplied from the first power supply system or the second power supply system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for flash control. The method can include the steps of—in a portable electronic device (122)—detecting (212) a request to operate a flash component (132), determining (214) whether to delay a timing of the operation of the flash component and if the timing will not be delayed, selectively disabling (224) a transmission component (114) for the portable electronic device. The selective disablement can create an operational opportunity (324) for the flash component. The method can also include the step of operating (224) the flash component during the created operational opportunity. As an example, the portable electronic device can be a mobile communications unit having a camera (136), the flash component can provide a flash for the camera and the transmission component can be a power amplifier (128).

Abstract: A camera for mounting to a weapon includes a housing, a camera lens, a video recorder, a cover, and a mounting rail. The camera lens is located at a front end of the housing. The video recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The cover is coupled to a rear end of the housing for accessing components located within the housing and the mounting rail extends along an exterior surface of the housing and mounts the camera to the weapon.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention allows a lens unit to be attachable/detachable with respect thereto. The digital camera of the present invention includes a plurality of display portions and a control portion. When a mode for displaying an image on a first display portion among the plurality of display portions is set, the control portion causes the digital camera to come out of the mode and causes the display portion to display the setting information of the digital camera in accordance with an operation of the setting manipulation portion. Further, when a battery cover is opened, the control portion stops a display operation in the display portion. Further, when a voltage of a battery accommodated in a battery accommodating portion becomes lower than a predetermined value, the control portion selects a predetermined display portion to perform a warning display and turns off a power source after an elapse of a predetermined time.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus able to reliably detect a power supply abnormality even in an arrangement in which power supplies are managed by using a communication unit of single system. The image pickup apparatus includes a recording unit for writing image data onto a recording medium, and a power supply control unit for selecting and executing either a monitoring operation to monitor a state of a power supply for a camera main unit or a communication operation to communicate with a power supply for an accessory unit. The power supply control unit selects and executes the monitoring operation while the recording unit is performing an image data writing operation.

Abstract: Vertical signal lines are connected to each pixel column in an image pickup unit having pixels arranged in arrays, and the vertical signal lines are connected to a voltage supply circuit for supplying a voltage between a power source voltage and a reference voltage.

Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining a need to service a digital image acquisition system including a digital camera with a lens assembly includes analyzing pixels within one or more acquired digital images according to probability determinations that such pixels correspond to blemish artifacts. It is automatically determined whether a threshold distribution of blemish artifacts is present within one or more of the digital images. A need for service is indicated when at least the threshold distribution is determined to be present.

Abstract: A cradle for connecting to a portable electronic apparatus is described. The cradle includes an AC adapter connector, a USB connector, a mini USB plug, and a USB signal detecting circuit. The USB connector is used to connect to a USB interface of a computer. The mini USB plug is used to connect to the portable electronic apparatus. The USB signal detecting circuit detects the USB_D+ and the USB_D? of the USB connector. When the computer is suspended from an operating state, the portable electronic apparatus is charged by the AC adapter through the mini USB plug. When the computer resumes normal operation, the USB connection between the portable electronic apparatus and the computer is automatically reestablished.

Abstract: A digital device which can accommodate a large display yet still have a small overall size is provided. The digital device includes a first body with a lens and a display, and a second body with at least one operation button. The first and second body slide with respect to each other between a first position and a second position. The lens of the first body and the at least one operation button of the second body are exposed as the first body and the second body are slid into the first position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved infrared closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) camera installed with rechargeable batteries on a rotary stand. When power supply is normal, electrical power is stored into the rechargeable batteries, which supply power to the CCTV camera, in case of power failure or damages to the power system due to fire outbreak. In this way, the CCTV camera can transmit monitored images to the monitoring center. Moreover, in case of fire or power failure, the rechargeable batteries supply power to the LED lighting sets, which automatically glitter for emergency escape illumination. Furthermore, when night illumination is less than 5 Lux during normal power supply, the LED lighting sets automatically glitter for night illumination.

Abstract: A charge pump can be used with a bus-powered device connected to a bus. The charge pump is formed of a power connection from the bus carrying a DC power signal constrained to not exceed a given current limit and a given voltage limit, a DC-to-DC step-down voltage converter, a capacitor, and a DC-to-DC step-up voltage converter. The step-down converter has an input connected to the power connection and produces an intermediate signal having a voltage the same or less than the voltage of the power signal. The capacitor is connected to the output of the step-down converter. The step-up converter has an input connected to the output of the step-down converter and to the capacitor, and produces a final output signal having a voltage greater than the given voltage limit. The output of the step-up converter is connected to and provides DC power to the device.

Abstract: Portable docks are provided for use with a camera having a camera memory and a camera power supply. A dock has a dock memory, a dock power supply with sufficient power so that the camera power supply can be charged with at least sufficient power to enable the camera to perform completely at least one additional camera function, and an electrical connector adapted to engage a mating camera connector for data communication and power exchange therethrough. A control system enables the transfer of image related data between the camera memory and the dock memory. The dock memory, power supply, electrical connector, and control system are held by a body adapted to receive the camera so that the camera connector can engage the electrical connector.

Abstract: The camera module according to the present invention includes a first diode for interrupting overcurrent generated by electrostatic discharge and flowing from an image sensor unit to a serial clock line, a second diode for interrupting the overcurrent generated by the electrostatic discharge and flowing from the image sensor unit to a serial data line, a first switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial clock line when electric power is not supplied through power line, and a second switch for cutting off the connection between the image sensor unit and the serial data line when the electric power is not supplied through the power line.

Abstract: A crane camera system employs a hook camera transmitter to send wireless signals vertically upward to a trolley receiver, which are then relayed by a trolley transmitter to the operator cabin. This allows line-of-sight wireless transmission of signals from the hook to the cabin to take place reliably without interference from obstructions on the work site. It is especially suitable for a tower-type overhead or boom-type crane. A trolley camera may also be provided for taking look-down images of the hook and transmitting them to the cabin in tandem with the hook camera signals. The hook and trolley camera images allows the operator to see more precisely the positioning of the hook relative to the ground, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of accidents or damaging collisions with persons or objects on the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging apparatus in which an acquiring system supported by an AV hard disk device (AVHDD) as an external storing device is detected, either an FCP system, an RT system or a WT system is selected, latest battery capacity information and storage capacity information of the AVHDD is acquired by using either the FCP system, RT system or WT system and conditions of a battery and a storage capacity of the AVHDD are informed to the user. By providing such an imaging apparatus, the user can recognize the conditions of the battery and the storage capacity of the AVHDD, thereby preventing recording of a photo-taken image from suddenly becoming impossible.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable reliable supply of oxygen which is necessary for a fuel cell to generate electric power, to the fuel cell. In a camera, air orifices for linking the space inside a cell compartment with the outside of a casing are disposed in a position other than the portion (grip portion) which is held by a user, in the vicinity of the center of the front surface of the casing, that is, in the vicinity of a lens-barrel, and a concave-convex portion serving as an air orifice guard is formed at the side opposite to that where the lens-barrel is disposed with respect to the air orifices. As a result, even when the user takes a picture of an object by holding the camera with his/her own hand, the air orifices are prevented from being closed by the user's hand, oxygen (air) can be constantly supplied to the fuel cell accommodated inside the cell compartment, and the fuel cell can continuously generate a sufficient quantity of electricity.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a digital camera, including a DC power supply device for supplying direct current power; an image inputting device driven by the DC power supply device; a light emitting diode device driven by the DC power supply device and which auxiliary illuminates a subject to be imaged by the image inputting device; and a backup device connected to an output side of the DC power supply device and adapted for preliminarily charging the direct current power.

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 communication apparatus includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit and a control unit. The transmitting unit transmits a video data to an external apparatus via a first transmission line. The receiving unit receives a command from the external apparatus via a second transmission line. The control unit controls the transmitting unit and the receiving unit in accordance with a command that is received by the receiving unit via the second transmission line. The control unit disables the transmitting unit before a predetermined period of time elapses, if a power off command is received by the receiving unit via the second transmission line, the power off command being used to change the communication apparatus to a power off state, and wherein the control unit disables the receiving unit after the predetermined period of time elapses.

Abstract: A motion detecting camera system includes a portable motion detection device having an image sensor for detecting motion within a field of view of the motion detection device and automatically generating a digital image of a scene within the field of view upon detection of motion. The motion detection device includes a cellular telephone transmitter for transmitting cellular telephone communications. The camera system includes a base unit having a display screen. The motion detection device is configured to automatically transmit the digital image via the transmitter to the base unit for display on the display screen.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes a mounting unit adapted to mount a removable recording medium; and a lid for the mounting unit. If an opening of the lid is detected during access to the removable recording medium, the image input apparatus suspends the access to the removable recording medium after written data in the removable recording medium is consistent with file management information for the written data. If the lid is closed without removing the removable recording medium after the detection of the opening of the lid, the image input apparatus resumes the suspended access to the removable recording medium.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a pixel array portion, signal processing portion, common readout circuit, and common signal line. The signal processing portion includes the first power line and the second power line which is formed on the opposite side to the first power line when viewed from the common signal line. The common signal line has a portion formed along the signal processing portion to transfer, to the common readout circuit, a signal supplied from the signal processing portion. A cross connection line which crosses the portion of the common signal line along the signal processing portion connects the first and second power lines.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, such as a digital camera, having a movable lens barrier or cover which can easily be opened and closed to operate the image capturing apparatus in various predetermined modes depending on the position of the lens barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the image capturing apparatus has a body having a front face, a back face and a side face, which is between the front face and back face. A lens section is provided on the body and is operable to form an image. A lens barrier is operable to cover the front face, back face and side face of the body and to pivotally move around an axis which is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens section.

Abstract: A camera stand comprising a foot that will be placed a surface, a support having opposite ends at one of which the support is supported rotatably on the foot and turnable between a lying position and an upstanding position, an arm mechanism capable of attaching a digital camera removably at one end thereto and supported rotatably at the other end to the other end of the support such that in use the arm mechanism is adjusted in angle to the support so as to allow the camera to pick up an image of a picture/document placed under the camera while in non-use the arm mechanism is received within the confine of the support, which is then folded on the foot.

Abstract: In a digital camera having multiple optical systems, multiple image capturing elements are effectively driven to reduce power consumption. A digital camera has a first image capturing optical system having a lens and a first image sensor and a second image capturing optical system having a lens and a second image sensor. A controller and timing generator selects the image signal from the first image capturing optical system while controlling an operation or power of the second image sensor and a clock driver to be OFF when the zoom position falls within a first zoom range. When the zoom position falls within a second zoom range, the image signal from the second image capturing optical system is selected while an operation or power of the first image sensor and a clock driver is controlled to be OFF. An operation or power of the image capturing optical system which is not selected is stopped so that power consumption is reduced.

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 PN1 represents 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: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of restraining power consumption to the maximum possible extent while improving the AF and zooming performance using distance information. A video signal from an optical image formed through the focus compensation lens is output by a camera signal processing circuit. A focus signal is detected from the video signal by an AF signal processing circuit. Two image signals are detected by an external ranging unit. Focus is adjusted based on results of detection by the AF signal processing circuit and the external ranging unit. A shooting state and an operative state of the image pickup apparatus are determined by an AF microprocessor. Power supply to the external ranging unit is controlled in response to the states determined by the AF microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power source in a mobile electronic unit using a variety of types of batteries that have different nominal voltages is provided.

Abstract: An electronic device and method for power management in an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the electronic device includes the functionality of a personal digital assistant, wireless email paging and a camera with a flash that is operated via self-contained power supply in the form of a battery. The device also includes a supervisor circuit which causes the device to enter sleep mode, or disables the device, or certain features of the device, if the battery level falls below a certain threshold. A method in accordance with an embodiment performs, in response to a request to fire the flash, a pre-flash test which is selected so as to not trip the supervisor circuit. The battery level is examined after the pre-flash test. If the battery level meets certain criteria, the full flash is permitted to proceed, else the full flash is not permitted to proceed.

Abstract: A camera apparatus, which can be worn on a person and provides hands-free operation, includes a housing for a camera and a mounting device for the housing on a person. The camera apparatus is able to transmit video signals and may also transmit and receive audio signals.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of removing foreign substance, such as dust, attached to an optical member disposed in front of an image pickup element, even when accessories are exchanged in a power-off state of the image pickup apparatus. The type or state of an accessory mounted on the image pickup apparatus, which is detected immediately before a power-off of the image pickup apparatus are stored. When a type or state of a mounted accessory, which is detected immediately after the power-on, is different from the stored type or state of the accessory mounted on the image pickup apparatus, an operation for removing foreign substance attached to the optical member is carried out.

Abstract: A power control method is used with a video camera of a computer system. The power control method includes steps of executing a virtual web camera software to load a virtual web camera, executing a video application program such that the virtual web camera software generates a power-on message, and providing electric energy to the video camera in response to the power-on message.

Abstract: An electronic device powered by a fuel cell and a power supply system using a fuel cell include a first generating cell supplied with fuel directly from a fuel tank and a second generating cell supplied with fuel through the first generating cell. The second generating cell has a capacity different from the capacity of the first generating cell.

Abstract: Image display apparatus includes an EVF-display section which allows the pixel shift element to cyclically vary a spatial position of images displayed on the display element for a high definition display with more pixels compared with the display element by allowing extended image observation via an eye-optical system, an EVF-display control section which controls the EVF-display section in such modes as a four-point pixel shift, a two-point pixel shift, a partial pixel shift, a lowpass filter (LPF), and the pixel shift OFF, each with different power consumption, a power source, a power source state determination section for determining whether the power source is driven by the battery or the external power source, and the remaining battery level, and a pixel shift display determination section for setting the display mode with the lower power consumption in the order of the low-remaining battery level, the high-remaining battery level, and the externally-driven power source.

Abstract: Each of a pair of power supply electric lines (11 and 12) connected to power supply pads of a solid state image sensor (1) and a pair of power supply electric lines (13 and 14) connected to power supply pads of an integrated circuit chip (2) is arranged so that the power supply electric lines included in each power supply electric line pair are in parallel with each other and has a very small gap between them. The power supply electric lines (11 to 14) have a certain width and bend portions that are curved smoothly with a predetermined curvature or less and are formed on a flexible wiring board (3). In each of the solid state image sensor (1) and the integrated circuit chip (2), the high-potential and low-potential power supply pads are arranged side by side.

Abstract: A flash unit having a light emitting element, and a light condensing plate. The light condensing plate is provided with a surface on which a dimmed light-dispersing print is disposed near the light emitting element for equalizing intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting element. The other side of the light condensing plate contains a convexo-concave surface for condensing the light emitted from the light emitting element. The present invention provides a flash unit, a camera device, and a mobile terminal having a small dimension so as to provide a flash unit having an increased flash light.

Abstract: A LED driving topology includes a LED array and a current source connected in series between two power inputs receiving a positive voltage and a negative voltage respectively. This topology increases the voltage difference across the LED array and hence has the capability of lighting up more serially connected LEDs, without requiring an additional boost circuit or a high voltage. In addition, the circuit of the current source can be made by a low-voltage manufacturing process.

Abstract: A television camera system is provided and includes a television camera body and a lens device. When a power source is turned on, a lens controlling of the lens device recognizes a kind of the camera main body in accordance with a setting state of a camera code switch to decide whether or not an initializing process in the lens device can be carried out as usual. If the initializing process cannot be carried out, the initializing process in the lens device is interrupted for a prescribed time. After the prescribed time elapses, the initializing process in the lens device is started.

Abstract: A portable, handheld battery-operated camera system is claimed. The camera is positioned atop a handle with a grip and comprises a finger-operated trigger for starting or stopping camera operation. The handle comprises a substantially hollow interior and a bottom concavity which detachably receives a rechargeable battery for powering the camera.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed, which attachment/removal of a memory medium can be facilitated without increasing the size of the apparatus body. The electronic apparatus comprises an apparatus body which accommodates first and second members each having a curved surface portion so that the central axes of curvature of the curved surface portions extend parallel to each other, and a medium attachment part to which a memory medium is removably attached. In a state in which the two members are accommodated inside the apparatus body, the medium attachment part is placed between the two members, and an attachment/removal space through which the memory medium is attached to and removed from the medium attachment part is formed so as to widen towards the outside of the apparatus body along the curved surface portions of the two members.

Abstract: An image recording/replaying device, such as a video camera, has various operating switches which have enhanced operability so as to suit a mode of use. The image recording/replaying device includes an image display section chat is foldably, unfoldably, and rotatably supported at a body internally incorporating a taking lens. The image recording-replaying device also includes a control switch including an operating key and a plurality of contacts disposed at end portions The control switch further includes direction selection switches which are such that the directions used within the display screen of the image display section corresponding to the directions of the positions of the four end portions of the operating key are changed in accordance with a change in the orientation of the image display section resulting from rotation of the image display section.

Abstract: In a REC mode of an ordinary image pickup standby state, a main capacitor is connected to a side of a step-up/charging circuit via a switch, and the main capacitor is charged with electric power of a charging battery. When the REC mode is changed to other modes, the main capacitor is connected to a side of a step-down circuit by a switching operation of the switch. The step-down circuit steps down charging voltage of the main capacitor to 4.2 V to supply it to a power supply circuit of a camera, and steps down the charging voltage to 5 V to supply it to the charging battery which is a power supply of the camera. When it is no longer necessary to emit fill light, the electric power lost from the main capacitor due to natural discharge can automatically be utilized efficiently for operations other than the emission of the fill light.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to convert an object image formed by an imaging optical system into an electrical signal, a power supply unit capable of being supplied with power from first and second power supply systems, and a control unit configured to cause the imaging unit to operate in different control modes according to whether power is supplied from the first power supply system or the second power supply system.

Abstract: A digital camera includes an image pickup device which converts incident light of an object image into an electrical signal during an exposure operation; a processor which captures the electrical signal, and thereafter generates a digital image from the electrical signal; a battery checking device which performs a battery check process for determining whether a battery voltage of the digital camera is lower than a predetermined voltage level; a controller which forcibly terminates the exposure operation when the battery checking device determines that the battery voltage drops below the predetermined voltage level during the exposure operation, and subsequently makes the processor start capturing the electrical signal in order to generate a backup digital image; and a warning device which warns a user that the exposure operation is forcibly terminated due to a shortage of the battery voltage and that the backup digital image is underexposed, in the case where the exposure is forcibly terminated.

Abstract: A power management method and associated apparatus allows a device to make maximum use of its battery before replacement or recharging. After a battery failure, the device may be shut down properly and disabled until the battery is replaced or recharged. An exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a digital camera.

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: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a record and reproduction unit for recording and reproducing image data on and from a record medium, a display unit, a communication unit arranged to transmit captured image data and reproduced image data to an external device, and a mode switch unit for switching over a plurality of operation modes in accordance with a connection status of the communication unit. The operation modes include a first mode, in which the communication unit is operated and operations of the imaging unit and the display unit are stopped; a second mode, in which the communication unit and the display unit are operated to display an image reproduced from the record medium on the display unit, and operation of the imaging unit is stopped; and a third mode, in which the imaging unit, the display unit, and the communication unit are operated to display an image captured by the imaging unit on the display unit.

Abstract: A system for turning on camera or camcorder power includes a camera or camcorder and an enclosure unattached to the camera or camcorder and suitable for storing and carrying the camera or camcorder, the enclosure having a radio-frequency identification tag sending a wireless signal identifying if the enclosure is closed or at least partially open, and the camera or camcorder having a radio frequency identification tag sensor sensing whether the tag identifies that the enclosure is closed or at least partially; a fastener or a zipper on the enclosure, wherein unfastening the fastener or unzippenng the zipper changes the state of the enclosure from closed to at least partially open; and if the sensor senses that the state has changed to at least partially open; then the power to the camera or camcorder is automatically turned on regardless of the light level inside and outside of the enclosure.