Abstract: A pivot shaft mechanism includes a rotation support cylinder; an inner shaft provided in the rotation support cylinder to be relatively rotatable; an annular space formed between an inner peripheral surface of the rotation support cylinder and an outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft; engaging recesses formed on the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft; and a resilient ring member which includes an arc-shaped arm portion which is formed as a partial annular ring, and a pair of bent end portions. The resilient ring member is installed between the rotation support cylinder and the inner shaft with the arc-shaped arm portion installed in the annular space in a resiliently deformed state and the pair of bent end portions installed in the engaging recesses in a resiliently deformed state to apply a frictional resistance between the rotation support cylinder and the inner shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter device to which a small video camera can easily be attached.

Abstract: A cellular phone provided with a camera that comprises an imaging optical system, a lens barrel, a drive mechanism, and a reception informing processor, is provided. The lens barrel holds the imaging optical system. The drive mechanism drives the lens barrel in order to carry out one of a focusing operation and a zooming operation of the imaging optical system. The reception informing processor informs of a reception of a communication when the reception is detected. The reception informing processor comprises a mechanism to inform of the reception by actuating the lens barrel by using the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A digital camera has a chassis housing an image sensor device for sensing an image, a processor for processing the sensed image, a print head for printing the sensed image, an ink supply arrangement for supplying ink to the print head and a supply of print media onto which the sensed image is printed. A casing surrounds the chassis so that the supply of print media is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld camera which includes a sensor adapted to sense an image, an input for receiving predetermined data representing a respective form of data manipulation and a processing system. The processing system is adapted to obtain the image from the sensor and manipulate the image in accordance with the predetermined data to thereby generate a manipulated image.

Abstract: A video printer (1) comprises a video printer housing portion (2), and a video camera station (3) disposed on a rear upper portion of the video printer housing portion (2) and having a signal input and output connection terminal (4). A video camera (6) with a liquid-crystal display monitor (7) is electrically connected to the connection terminal (4), and attached to the video printer (1) at its video camera station (3) so that, when the video printer (1) is in use, a user can operate the video camera (6) and the video printer (1) by operating operation systems (8), (9) disposed on the video printer (1) while visually confirming a picture displayed on a picture screen of the liquid-crystal display monitor (7).

Abstract: A compact flexible camera lens barrel designed for use with mobile telephones. The lens barrel may be used separately or in conjunction with a camera housing. The lens barrel is designed for use with a variety of different components including cover glass, cover plastics, flanges, gaskets and the like. The components do not affect the original z-height of the lens barrel.

Abstract: An image-photographing apparatus and method comprises a camera unit for capturing an image, a body in which the camera unit is disposed, a display panel for displaying the image, and a hinge unit connected to the display panel, for allowing the display unit to selectively turn to one of both side directions which are symmetrical with reference to the body. Accordingly, an operator can hold the apparatus with their right or left hand conveniently.

Abstract: A camera lens housing in a mobile communication terminal adapted to provide an easy control to rotation of a lens housing as well as remove noises generated upon rotation of the lens housing. The camera lens assembly utilizes a set of bearings for supporting the rotation of the lens housing rotatably coupled into the mobile terminal, which provides significant noise reduction upon rotation of the lens housing. The control of rotation in the bearing using a plate spring provide more efficient and smooth adjustment in setting the desired direction of photographing of the lens housing, and it makes it possible to keep the fixing state of the lens housing more stable during photographing using the mobile phone with a camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a rotation angle of a camera module of a mobile communication device includes: a camera module, a driving force generating means having a rotation shaft, a push member rotatably coupled to the rotation shaft, a camera rotating plate fixed to the camera module, a pivot member for connecting the push member to the camera rotating plate and serving as a pivot for the camera rotating plate, the driving force generating means driving the push member via the rotation shaft for selectively pushing the camera rotating plate to control a rotation angle of the camera module, a boss formed at the center of the camera rotating plate and having a coupling cavity at its central portion, and a projection connected to the rotation shaft of the driving force generating means so as to be inserted in the coupling cavity of the boss.

Abstract: A shooting system includes a main body, a recording/reproducing unit, and an interface box. The main body includes a first housing having a plurality of outer surfaces of different orientations. Two different outer surfaces of the first housing provide first and second attachment parts, each attachment part having main-body-side connectors. The recording/reproducing unit has a second housing which constitutes an exterior thereof and provides a recording/reproducing-unit-side attachment part attachable to both the first and second attachment parts. The recording/reproducing-unit-side attachment part provides recording/reproducing-unit-side connectors connectable to the main-body-side connectors. The interface box has a third housing which constitutes an exterior thereof and provides an interface-box-side attachment part attachable to both the first and second attachment part. The interface-box-side attachment part provides interface-box-side connectors connectable to the main-body-side connectors.

Abstract: A bracket system used for mounting wireless microphone receivers and other accessories to a video camera. This bracket system is comprised of three main parts. The first part comprises a platform with a mounting screw which attaches to the bottom of the video camera; a threaded mounting hole to allow mounting to a tripod; and a combination of a pin and a resilient pad to help secure the video camera from twisting. The second part comprises a vertical section with a system of mounting holes for attaching wireless microphone receivers, camera accessories, adapter boxes, and adapter plates. The third part is a combination of one or more adapter boxes and plates. The adapter box is open on the top and partially open on the bottom, with a system of mounting holes to attach it, and an additional adapter box or adapter plate, to the vertical section. The adapter box has a horizontal tab at the bottom and a spring and spring clip system inside the box to secure a wireless microphone receiver.

Abstract: A camera mounting assembly for mounting a camera to a support structure. The mounting assembly including a first bracket fixable relative to the camera body such that the first bracket supports the camera. A second bracket engages the first bracket and is rotatable about a first axis relative to the second bracket. A third bracket supportingly engages the second bracket and is rotatable about a second axis relative to the third bracket. The first and second axes are substantially mutually perpendicular. The third bracket is securable to the support structure and is rotatable about a third axis relative to the support structure. The second and third axes are substantially mutually perpendicular. At least two of the first, second and third brackets are relatively translatable along a substantially linear length, and the first, second and third brackets are all securable relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A defogging device for a surveillance camera has a heating element, a circuit board and a power cord. The heating element is mounted over the lens of the surveillance camera. The circuit board compares ambient temperature to a preset temperature, activates the heating element and has a power input terminal, a power output terminal and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is mounted between the power input terminal and the power output terminal and senses ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is above the preset temperature, the circuit board activates the heating element. The power cord is connected to the circuit board and the heating element and transmits power to the heating element from the circuit board. By activating the heating element during periods of cold ambient temperature, the defogging device removes fog and frost from or keeps fog and frost from forming on the lens of the surveillance camera.

Abstract: A variable-sized screen includes a support, at least one scrolling device and a flexible display. The support has a fixing frame and a movable frame, which are retractably connected. The scrolling device and the flexible display are assembled on the support. The flexible display is wrapped around the support, and the size of the flexible display is variable due to displacement of the support. When the support changes size through a retracted movement of the movable frame and the fixing frame, the flexible display also changes size correspondingly and the size of the screen becomes variable. Therefore, the dimensions of the screen and electronic products are not limited, and the display device has the advantages of a big screen yet is still portable and convenient for a user.

Abstract: An anti-vibration controller having an ON/OFF switch for the anti-vibration is arranged on the outer circumference of a fixed lens barrel where extender lenses are positioned. When to manipulate the ON/OFF switch, a cameraperson manually operates a focusing ring with the little and ring fingers, a zooming ring with the middle finger and an iris ring with the index finger, all of the left hand. Then he or she can manipulate the ON/OFF switch of the anti-vibration controller fitted to the outer circumference of the fixed lens barrel with the unengaged thumb without having to move the fingers away from manipulating rings.

Abstract: A camera module (100) configured to connect to an outer circuit board includes a lens barrel (12), a holder (14) and a sensing chip (20). The holder has a first end (141), an opposite second end (142). The first end defines a cavity (143) therethrough, and the lens barrel is engaged in the cavity of the first end. The second end defines an opening (144) communicating with the cavity. The sensing chip is attached to the second end thereby sealing the opening defined by the second end. The sensing chip has a back surface (21) away from the first end of the holder, and the back surface is provided with a plurality of welding spots (201) configured for connecting the sensing chip to the outer circuit board electrically and structurally.

Abstract: A hidden image capturing device is applied to a display. The hidden image capturing device has a shell, a control module, a slide module, and an image capturing module. The slide module is disposed in the shell and controlled by the control module for sliding. Besides, the slide module enables the image capturing module to extend out or withdraw into the shell when it slides.

Abstract: A digital electronic camera which can accept various types of input/output cards or memory cards. When an I/O card is inserted into and connected with the camera, a processor within the camera determines the type of I/O card which has been connected by reading a memory location within the card. A control program which is contained in the I/O card is transferred to a memory within the camera in order for the camera to perform I/O functions which correspond to the type of the inserted card. Different types of I/O cards which may be used include a modem card, a LAN card, a SCSI card, or an ISDN interface. Image signals and audio signals are transmitted between the camera and an external processor, information describing the status of the camera is transmitted from the camera to the external processor, and commands to control the camera are transmitted to the camera from the external processor.

Abstract: A focusing auxiliary device of an image-capturing apparatus includes a base and an extension rod. The base is arranged on the image-capturing apparatus. The extension rod is coupled to and movable relative to the base for sustaining against a supporting surface so as to keep the lens set of the image-capturing apparatus at a fixed distance from an object to be photographed. By marking graduations on the extension rod, the focusing distance from the image-capturing apparatus to the object can be realized at the same time.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a cylindrical image pick up portion with a lens, a strobe unit, and a display. The image pick up unit is cylindrical and is rotatably held at each end, so that the lens and strobe unit move in concert. The image pick up unit can be rotated to face the rear of the camera, where the display is located, so that the user can do self-images.

Abstract: A connector on an electronic device includes a pair of locking plates, a guide groove, and a space. Each locking plate has, on its edge, a first concave portion, a first convex portion, a second concave portion, and a second convex portion. An intermediate surface for determining a position of an accessory device below the guide groove is provided below the second concave portions and the second convex portions. A contact mounting surface provided with plural contacts is provided below the first convex portions. Guide surfaces for determining a position of the accessory device in the width direction of the guide groove are provided below the first concave portions and the first convex portions.

Abstract: A cradle apparatus for a digital camera with a control program preliminarily installed, including a communicating device in which an information signal is sent and received between an information processing apparatus and the digital camera, an output by which video signal is output, a connector onto which the digital camera is detachably connected, a charging detector to detect a voltage level of battery in the digital camera, and a version detector to detect the control program for the digital camera being sent and received as the information signal between the digital camera and the information processing apparatus by the communicating device to re-write the control program.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus with a laser-framing viewfinder includes a housing, a laser source installed inside the housing for generating a laser beam, a first lens installed inside the housing for diverging the laser beam, a framing mask for masking the laser beam diverged by the first lens to form a laser-framing viewfinder, and a camera lens installed in the housing for capturing an object in the laser-framing viewfinder.

Abstract: A system for producing photographic prints includes a digital camera, having a memory configured for storing images, and a stand-alone printer. The printer includes a docking port and control devices. The docking port is configured to mechanically receive the digital camera. The control devices are configured to allow selection of an image from the memory of the digital camera, and to initiate printing thereof by the printer. The system and method allow a user to deliver an image captured by the digital camera, either as a hard-copy print or as an electronic file, using controls of the printer device.

Abstract: An image pickup device and a manufacturing method thereof. A digital signal processing (DSP) chip is attached on a first surface of a substrate. A CMOS image sensor (CIS) chip is attached on an active surface of the DSP chip. The DSP chip and the CIS chip may be electrically connected to the substrate by wire bonding. A housing kit having a lens configured to transmit an image to the DSP chip may be mounted on the substrate. An inner space between the housing kit and the substrate is not molded, thereby simplifying a manufacturing process and providing a thinner and/or lighter image pickup device.

Abstract: A photographing lens includes an eccentricity adjusting frame which holds an eccentricity adjusting lens group serving as a part of a photographing optical system of the photographing lens; a lens support frame, an axis of which is coincident with a predetermined optical axis of the photographing optical system, supporting the eccentricity adjusting frame in a manner to allow the eccentricity adjusting frame to move in a plane orthogonal to the predetermined optical axis during an assembly-stage of the photographing lens; and a fixed aperture member having a circular aperture, the fixed aperture member being integrally formed with the lens support frame so that a center of the circular aperture coincides with the axis of the lens support frame.

Abstract: The card attachment apparatus is provided such that, when a card-like recording medium is inserted or pulled out, the attachment unit is rotated a predetermined angle to project from the device and a blocking cover is simultaneously pulled in, thereby allowing memory card to be pinched and taken out in an easy manner. This attachment unit has top face cover on which operation button is provided, thereby eliminating a space in a main body of camcorder in which operation button is provided. When opening section is moved, the attachment unit is opened and the memory card can be inserted or pulled out.

Abstract: Usability of device is improved for an imaging device that images a target object mounted on a table. In order to hold a camera head 120 and an illumination unit 130 with respect to a table 110 on which a target object is mounted, an imaging device 100 coaxially and rotatably supports a camera head holding arm 140 and an illumination unit holding arm 150 at an elevated portion 118, which is located at an inner-left corner of the table 110, such that degrees of inclinations of the arms may be variable with respect to the table 110. The arms are rotatably and axially supported at the elevated portion 118 such that the camera holding arm 140 can rotate with an accompanying rotation of the illumination unit holding arm 150 and the illumination unit holding arm 150 can rotate independently with no accompanying rotation of the camera holding arm 140.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for an image photographing apparatus wherein the hinge apparatus rotatably connects a housing with respect to a main body so that the housing can rotate in a predetermined rotation range. The hinge apparatus includes a fixing bracket secured to the main body, a hinge unit secured to the housing and connected to the fixing bracket to be reciprocatingly rotatable within a predetermined angle, a shaft member for rotatably connecting the hinge unit and the fixing bracket so that the hinge unit and the fixing bracket can be rotated with respect to each other, and a sensing unit disposed on the hinge unit and/or the fixing bracket to sense the relative rotational range of the hinge unit with respect to the fixing bracket.

Abstract: The camera support base of the invention is designed to meet the need for a stable, lightweight, compact, economical fixture that can be removably affixed to a photographic camera to safely support the camera when it is set down out-of-hand. A preferred basic design of the camera support base comprises a three legged device that assumes the overall general shape of a “T”, having a flat horizontal top portion or plate bisected by a flat perpendicular vertical portion in the same plane. The widths of the top portion and the vertical portion can be the same or different with a width wide enough at the juncture of the two portions to assure contact with the bottom part of a camera sufficient to support the camera and secure it to the base.

Abstract: A surveillance camera mounting apparatus for facilitating installation of a surveillance camera on a mounting pole such as a conduit. Typical installations on a conduit include a globe enclosure for protection of the camera equipment and to discourage a person from avoiding the aim of the camera. The mounting apparatus may also be adapted to mount a surveillance camera in a ceiling. A pivotable saddle allows for the top or bottom attachment to a camera. Adjustments facilitated by the saddle provide for positioning the camera to have its optical axis maintained in a position normal to the tangential surface of a globe enclosure over almost any vertical or horizontal position of the camera.

Abstract: A camera lens assembly for a portable terminal. The camera lens assembly comprises a cylindrical housing having a receiving space extended in the longitudinal direction thereof, a camera holder inserted into or drawn out from the housing at one end of the housing, a bracket fixed to the end of the camera holder and linearly reciprocated in the housing, a guide plate linearly reciprocated on the bracket in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bracket and having a guide groove formed in the shape of a prescribed figure, a supporting cap attached to the other end of the housing and having a guide protrusion formed at the inner circumferential surface thereof and slidably moved along the guide groove for stopping the linear movement of the bracket at least once, and a spring supported by the supporting cap at one end thereof for applying an elastic force to the camera holder in the direction of drawing out the camera holder from the housing.

Abstract: When sending photographic image data obtained in an electronic camera 1 via a communication interface 42 to a radio telephone line of a PDC 3, a PHS 4, etc., an RISC-CPU 11 converts the image data to data having a configuration allowing communication and further converts by software processing the communication-allowing configuration data to data corresponding to the type of the radio telephone line.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-proof housing for an electronic equipment. The water-proof housing, according to the invention, has built-in drainage to cope with penetration of liquid into the electronic equipment. The water-proof housing essentially includes a main body with a plurality of ventilation holes formed thereon. The housing also includes a plurality of drainpipes which each corresponds to one of the ventilation holes and a collecting hopper is formed at one end thereof. The drainpipes are mounted on an inner wall of the main body such that each of the collecting hoppers is disposed underneath the corresponding ventilation hole. Once liquid flows into the interior of the electronic equipment through the ventilation holes, the liquid is collected by the collecting hoppers and drained out of the electronic equipment from an outlet.

Abstract: A compact appliance providing high resolution display capability in an ergonomically designed package. Subassemblies of the device are mechanically coupled to avoid interference between a user's hands and face while the device is used, while concurrently providing ergonomically located control for substantially all functions of the device.

Abstract: An auto-focusing zoom lens mechanism includes a base unit forming a space; an auto-focusing (AF) lens unit located in the base unit and having a trajectory bar engaged therewith; a zoom lens unit located in the base unit and mounted on the AF lens unit and having a trajectory bar engaged therewith; a cam plate unit engaged with the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit and provided with an AF trajectory groove and a zoom trajectory groove to receive the trajectory bars of the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit; and a step motor unit engaged with the cam plate unit to drive the cam plate unit, the AF lens unit and the zoom lens unit moving.

Abstract: An image blurring correction unit comprises: a holding module that holds a lens; a support member having a support portion that holds the holding module at an axial point so as to be swingable in an optional direction, the axial point being one point along an outer periphery of the holding module; and two drive mechanisms that drive the holding module through first and second drive points, which are apart from the axial point in first and second directions differing from each other, respectively, the two drive mechanisms comprising: a first drive mechanism that turns the holding module, through the first drive point, around a first axis connecting the axial point to the second drive point; and a second drive mechanism that turns the holding module, through the second drive point, around a second axis connecting the axial point to the first drive point, wherein the support member further comprises a first wing portion and a second wing portion that are interposed by the support portion and extend in the first

Abstract: The named invention, Imajector, is an invention that will enable a user of an electronic device to simply project images (still or in motion) via built-in and/or inserted diminutive projector in a digital camera, digital camcorder, laptop computer, and cellular telephone. The purpose of this invention is to eliminate the conventional bulky projectors for those users that want the convenience of having an all-in-one electronic component. By simply clicking on a button on the electronic device, a user can project the images onto a flat surface. The Imajector invention is the built-in and/or miniaturized projector that will be inserted in an electronic device such as a digital camera, digital camcorder, laptop computer, and cellular phone.

Abstract: A photonic buoy including a lengthy hull with a ballast portion which resides below the waterline and a top portion which is disposed above the waterline; an optical bench at the top portion of the hull configured to provide a panoramic view of the horizon; and a transmission cable extending from the optical bench for transmitting video signals to a remote location.

Abstract: A camera-equipped recording/reproducing apparatus is equipped with a lens assembly having a lens group and a body having a first side face and a second side face opposite to the first side face when viewed from an object to be photographed. The body is provided in series with and behind the lens assembly in a direction of an optical axis of the lens group when viewed from the object. A monitor screen is provided on the first side face of the body. A grip is provided on the second side face of the body. The grip houses a recording/reproducing unit. The grip is rotatable about an axis almost orthogonal to the optical axis.

Abstract: A display magnifier for digital cameras is removably mounted to a camera using a screw tightened into a standard threaded tripod hole under the camera. A photographer views the display through the magnifier. When it is not in use, the magnifier can be folded for saving storage space and ease in carrying. The magnifier will not only magnify but also brighten since the magnifying lens will collect more light than the naked eye. Additionally, the screw may have a threaded hole in its head to allow the tripod screw to mate with it.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of mounting a photographing device capable of aligning the photographing device accurately when the photographing device is mounted. The apparatus for mounting the photographing device includes a base member including at least a lens unit; a photographing device converting light transmitted through the lens unit into an electric signal; an elastic pad disposed between the base member and the photographing device; and a fixing member supported by the base member to fix the photographing device.

Abstract: Operations when connected to a personal computer and when charging a battery in a camera are made simple and easy to understand, and also a camera operation mode can be automatically changed to a communication mode. A digital camera has on its bottom a camera connector having a USB terminal, a DC input terminal and so on, and a cradle to have the digital camera mounted thereon has a cradle connector to be connected to the camera connector in synchronization with an operation of mounting the camera provided. The cradle has a power supply switch, a USB jack, a DC jack and so on provided thereon, and they are connected to the cradle connector. If the power supply switch is turned on with the digital camera mounted on the cradle, the digital camera starts up in a USB mode.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an improved battery compartment door having a miniature camera disposed thereon. The battery compartment door with its camera advantageously does not alter the form factor of the handheld electronic device and can easily be replaced with a similar battery door without a camera which, when installed on the handheld electronic device, will provide the same form factor. A battery compartment of the handheld electronic device is configured to be larger than required to accommodate a battery of the handheld electronic device in order to also accommodate the camera of the battery compartment door.

Abstract: A smart camera with modular expansion capabilities, including a housing, a camera directly attached to the housing for acquiring an image of an object, a functional unit comprised in the housing and coupled to the camera, where the functional unit is configurable to implement an image processing function, a backplane comprised in the housing and coupled to the functional unit to provide electrical communication, and one or more slots comprised in the housing, where each slot includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the backplane, and where each slot is adapted for receiving a function module. An inserted function module provides modular functionality to the smart camera, such as dedicated image processing functionality, pattern recognition, analysis, communication, sensor, sensor I/O, signal conditioning and/or conversion, control, measurement, and synchronization, among others. The function module may communicate a protocol to the functional unit which may be configured to implement the protocol.

Abstract: A portability enhancement device (100) for enhancing portability and optical capability of a portable electronic device (102) equipped with a camera (108) and camera lens (110) is provided. The portability enhancement device (100) includes an attachment assembly (112) having a coupling interface (120) attachable to the portable electronic device (102), an optical accessory (122) disposed about the coupling interface (120), and a carrier (124) attached to the attachment assembly (112). When the portability enhancement device (100) is attached to the portable electronic device (102), the portability and the optical function of the portable electronic device (102) is enhanced.

Abstract: A video camera monitor shield for use with a video camera which has a hood for covering the LCD monitor of a video camera, a base member with an upward extending rod at its front to which the hood adjustably connects.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a handle provided above the body of the imaging apparatus and extending in the direction connecting a subject and a user, a voice input terminal on one side surface at the end of the handle on the subject side, to which a connector connecting to a microphone is to be connected, and a rotary dial on the opposite side surface of the one side surface at the end of the handle on the subject side, the rotary dial adjusting voice signals input through the voice input terminal.

Abstract: An electric dust-proof device includes a base seat, a driving mechanism, and a dust-proof cover. The driving mechanism is disposed on the base seat, and includes a power unit, and a drive unit. The drive unit includes a sliding seat driven by the power unit, a pair of first and second pushing portions disposed on the sliding seat and spaced apart from each other, and a guiding assembly for guiding reciprocal movement of the sliding seat along a direction. The dust-proof cover is disposed pivotally on the base seat, and has an engaging portion disposed between the first and second pushing portions, and a cover plate portion connected to the engaging portion. The first and second pushing portions cooperate to move the dust-proof cover between an open position and a close position as a result of the reciprocal movement of the sliding seat.