Abstract: A reflowable camera module is implemented using a Chip Scale Package (CSP). An image sensor is formed on one portion of the carrier. A light emitting diode (LED) is formed on another portion of the carrier. The LED serves as an integrated camera flash. Additional optical isolation is provided within the camera module to prevent stray light generated by the LED from degrading image quality.

Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing portable photographic images are described. The present invention includes a small, portable electronic display unit that may be placed within a wallet or purse. The display unit may include an input port for downloading digital images from a computer or digital camera. The display unit may also include one or more buttons to provide a user with the ability to select an image for display from a given set of digital images that have been stored in memory. The display unit may be preloaded with one or more digital images, or it may be configured to be loaded by a user. The digital images may, for example, include still digital photographs or short video clips that have been captured from a digital camera.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device mainly includes a first casing, a second casing, and an image-capturing apparatus. The first casing has a display screen, and the second casing is pivoted to the first casing about a hinge section and movable between first and second positions relative to the first casing. In addition, the image-capturing apparatus is mounted on the second casing and spaced from the hinge section at a distance. The second casing is permitted to fold over the first casing so that the image-capturing apparatus and the display screen both face the same direction and the display screen is exposed through the window.

Abstract: Provided are a mobile communication terminal and a photography method for the same using a conversion lens. The mobile communication terminal includes a terminal body, a camera assembly installed at one side of the terminal body and a conversion lens detachably installed on a front surface of the camera assembly, wherein product data of the conversion lens mounted on the camera assembly are automatically identified and a microcomputer installed in the terminal body automatically adjusts a photography mode such that a special photography mode is entered without requiring any professional knowledge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter device adapted for easier operation of a lid that opens and closes an opening through which a video camera is to be inserted and on which a viewfinder is to be installed. The present invention provides an adapter device to which a video camera device is to be attached, the adapter device including an adapter body having formed therein a receptacle in which the video camera device is to be installed and having formed at the rear end thereof an opening through which the video camera device is to be inserted first at a lens-unit mount thereof, a lid provided pivotably on a vertical pivot of the adapter body to open and close the insertion opening, and a mount base provided on the top of the lid on which a viewfinder is to be installed.

Abstract: A hand-portable electronic device 10 comprising: a first body part 11; a second body part 12 rotatably connected to the first body part, the second body part comprising a camera assembly 14 having an imaging axis 15 and an imaging window 16; and a slidable cover 13, the first and second body parts being rotatable with respect to each other about a rotation axis 17, the camera assembly being configured such that the imaging axis is orthogonal to the rotation axis, the slidable cover being adapted to slide between: i) a first position in which the first and second body parts are unlocked and are thereby able to rotate relative to one another; and ii) a second position in which the first and second body parts are locked by engagement of the slidable cover therebetween, relative rotation of the first and second body parts being thereby prevented, and in which the slidable cover covers the imaging window.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an imaging section adapted to capture an image; a setup information storage section adapted to store setup information relating to the operational setup of the imaging section; a selection condition detection section adapted to detect a selection condition for selecting given setup information from the setup information storage section; an acquisition section adapted to acquire given setup information based on the selection condition; and a control section adapted to set up the operation of the imaging section based on the given setup information.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an image capture device is provided. The accessory has a trigger button and an image capture system adapted to capture an image in response to actuation of the trigger button. The accessory also has a body adapted to be detachably connectable to the image capture device with the body including, a holding unit for receiving a removable metadata source having metadata stored therein; a communication interface for communicating with the removable metadata source; and a trigger sensor for generating a trigger signal when the trigger button of said image capture device is depressed. The communication interface obtains metadata from the removable metadata source in response to the trigger signal and stores the metadata in a metadata memory so that the metadata is associated with the captured image.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a portable device having a first enclosure and a second enclosure, comprising: a joint device which slidably joints the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and which enables a first operation of slidably moving the first enclosure between a first position and a second position in a same plane and enables a second operation of rotatably moving the first enclosure around a predetermined axis in the same plane based on a reference position of at least one of the first position and the second position; and an instruction input device which inputs an instruction to the portable device based on at least the second operation of the first enclosure.

Abstract: A digital camera module is conveniently packaged within an electronic device for sliding motion between a stored position and an operational position. The camera module is nested within the electronic device in the closed position to provide a streamlined external contour.

Abstract: In an image sensing device in which a hinge mechanism is secured to the side face of the main body of the image sensing device and an image display unit for displaying a captured image is mounted by the hinge mechanism so as to be free to rotate, a light-emitting device for emitting light toward a subject is accommodated inside the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: A digital camera having a housing and a lens assembly receiving in the housing, includes a touch screen, a right shutter button, a left shutter button, and a selection switch. The right shutter button is configured for right-handed activation of a shutter function of the lens assembly of the digital camera. The left shutter button is configured for a left hand to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection switch is electronically connected to the left, right shutter buttons and the touch screen. The selection switch is configured for selecting and activating one of the left, right shutter buttons to turn on the lens assembly of the digital camera. The selection is also configured for changing a relative position of the image-displaying area and the virtual button area in response to the left shutter button and the right shutter button that is activated.

Abstract: By rotating a second camera (4) by a hinge (5) by 180 degrees so as to obtain an opening state, the second camera 4 faces a surface side. As a result, a first camera (3) and the second camera (4) are aligned horizontally, and use the same direction as a photographing range. When the second camera (4) is rotated, a system controller determines that a state is in a stereoscopic vision photographing mode. When a camera shutter is operated by a user, both the first camera (3) and the second camera (4) are allowed to perform a photographing process, and obtained two image data are stored in a memory after being attached to information indicating that the image is for the right eye and the image is for the left eye, and etc. Then, the two image data are transmitted by an e-mail function to a terminal of a communicating partner.

Abstract: A torch casing 10 with a reflector 46 and a bulb 44 incorporates camera 48 50 52 taking pictures through front face 64 and employs flash tube 58 behind the camera chip 50 reflecting off reflector 46 and reflected onto reflector 46 by mirrored surface 60 on the back of camera chip 50. Captured images, still or video, are exported by radio frequency unit 22 to, for example, secure and supervised store 124. Ultraviolet unit 65 causes fluorescence which is photographed by camera 48 50 52. Display screen 70 shows camera 48 50 52 images or received images. The apparatus continuously sends its position determined by GPS navigation. Sounds can be recorded, sent and received. Iris patterns and fingerprints can be recognised from an updated store.

Abstract: A camcorder mounted on a binocular includes a periscope that receives incident light on the effective line-of-sight of the binocular and reflects the light onto the line-of-sight of the camcorder into image processing elements of the camcorder, the camcorder being operable in telephoto mode and the binocular having a wide angle field of view, whereby the binocular serves as the target acquisition and maintenance of centering means for the camcorder, thereby enabling easiest acquisition of a target and enabling distant subjects of particular interest to be recorded in largest image without loss of sight of the target when the camcorder is operated in telephoto mode.

Abstract: A camera case capable of stopping a movement of the lens barrier provided on a camera if the camera receives an accidental shock. The camera case can contain a camera having an image-taking lens, and a lens barrier movable between a closed position for covering the image-taking lens and an opened position for exposing the image-taking lens. The camera case comprises a case body; and a stopper which stops the movement of the lens barrier of the camera contained in the case body.

Abstract: A minimized camcorder including a knob for a mode-changing device. The camcorder includes a knob rotatably installed on a case. A knob holder is provided for holding the knob on the inside of the case to prevent the knob from separating from the case. A plate spring is installed inside the case and has locking swells to provide tactile feedback. A ring plate rotates together with the knob holder and has locking parts formed with a plurality of holes into which the locking swells are locked.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an apparatus main body including a recording and reproducing unit that houses a main recording medium and records an information signal in and reproduces the information signal from the main recording medium and an auxiliary recording medium unit that is detachably mounted on a mounting section of the apparatus main body and houses an auxiliary recording medium separate from the main recording medium. During imaging, the apparatus main body is placed on one shoulder of a camera operator and a grip section provided on a front surface side of the apparatus main body is gripped. The mounting section is formed between the grip section and the recording and reproducing unit on a side surface on the opposite side of a side surface on the camera operator side of the apparatus main body during imaging. The auxiliary recording medium unit is detachably attachable during imaging.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal with an integrated photographic apparatus is disclosed. The photographic apparatus is rotatively connected to the terminal. Further, a magnet, which generates a flux, is connected to the photographic apparatus. A magnetic flux sensor is also connected to the terminal so that an image produced by the photographic apparatus is inverted when the magnetic flux sensor detects the magnetic flux. Rotation of the photographic apparatus at a predetermined angle approximates the magnet to the magnetic flux detecting sensor.

Abstract: A cellular phone set comprises a control device, a display device, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, a storage device, a power supply section, a communication device, an opened and closed state detector, and an acceleration sensor for detecting a state in which a second case has been started to be opened with respect to a first case, a state in which the second case has been started to be superimposed (closed) with respect to the first case, or an acceleration in a state in which the second case is completely superimposed (closed).

Abstract: A removably mountable, portable vision system, the portable vision system including a portable, auto-focusing camera, which is removably mountable to a surface, for capturing and transmitting video to a portable hand-held receiver where the video is displayed as an aid to the user. The system may be used in a variety of vehicle applications, such as attaching a snow plow or backing up and connecting a trailer hitch. The auto-focusing camera provides for quick installation by eliminating manual focusing of the camera by the user. In addition, the system utilizes a single wireless channel for data transmission, eliminating the need for the user to select a wireless channel before use. Finally, the receiver has normal and reverse image display modes of operation, enabling the system to provide the user with an optimal video image regardless of the mounting location of the camera and the current application of the system.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes a housing, a camera, a display, a memory, and a processing circuit. The housing is configured to be carried by a user while in use. The camera is configured to output image data. The memory is configured to store geographic element data representing one or more geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to receive the geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements. The processing circuit is configured to determine a camera orientation. The processing circuit is configured to concurrently display the image data and geographic element data for the plurality of geographic elements on the display.

Abstract: A camera stabilizer having a base onto which a camera is mountable. Two support members attach to the base by adjustable rods on each support member. A void in the base component facilitates placement of a user's hand therethrough for camera lens or other adjustments. A leveling device on the stabilizer permits a user to obtain a horizontally true picture. A mirror on the stabilizer permits a user to direct an external remote control device from the rear, onto the mirror, and reflected into a photosensor on the camera.

Abstract: There is provided a lens adapter easily detachable to and from a case, with an optical component such as a filter, a conversion lens etc. attached without a dedicated member on a camera side for attaching. The lens adapter has an attachment section attached to the case of the camera, and a lens barrel housing section provided at the attachment section for housing a lens barrel. The attachment section has first and second members swingably engaging in a detachable manner and is attached to the case in a state that the first and second members sandwich the case in a direction from front to rear of the case. A metallic ring is embedded on a front end of a cylindrical wall section forming a lens barrel housing section. A female screw for attaching an optical component such as a filter, a conversion lens etc. is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handheld camera having a sensor adapted to sense an image and a processing system. The processing system includes a a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image and, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image.

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 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 digital camera capable of selectively taking still images and moving images, includes a camera body including a photographing optical system; a grip mounted to the camera body to be rotatable relative to the camera body; a first manual operational member adopted for making the digital camera take the still images; and a second manual operational member adopted for making the digital camera take the moving images. The grip includes two adjacent non-parallel surfaces, neither of which faces the camera body, the first manual operational member and the second manual operational member being provided on one and the other of the two adjacent non-parallel surfaces, respectively.

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

Abstract: A grip device and an image photographing apparatus are provided in which a user can photograph an object at any intended angle by freely changing a position of his or her hand while holding the image photographing apparatus. The image photographing apparatus includes a main body including a lens unit to photograph an object, and a button unit to input a plurality of manipulation signals, and a grip device rotatably mounted on one side of the main body. The grip device includes a rotation unit including a grip unit and a connection unit to connect the rotation unit to the main body so that the rotation unit is rotatable about the main body.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a main body, a cover body, a first lens module, at least one positioning hole, a second lens module, at least one resilient positioning member and an image sensor. The cover body is slidably mounted on the main body between a first position and a second position. The through hole is defined in the main body and configured for receiving the first lens module. The at least one positioning hole is defined in the first lens module. The second lens module and the image sensor are received in the cover body. The at least one resilient positioning member is defined in the cover body and engaging in the positioning hole at the first position. The image sensor is configured for detecting light from the first and second lens module at the first position and light from the second lens module at the second position.

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 head mounted support system for a head mounted apparatus. The apparatus includes a monocular display with a wireless communications interface, a user input device, a transmitter, receiver and a controller. The controller is configured to control the transmitter for sending and receiving control signals to and from an external device via the wireless interface. The monocular display is positioned relative to the user's dominant eye to display images to the user while occluding less than half of the user's maximum viewing space, while enabling the user to send and receive audible information or music. The head mounted support system may include an ear loop, and a housing for storing one or more functional components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a case, a photographing optical system, an imaging element, and a viewfinder device. The viewfinder device includes a viewfinder case, a transmission liquid crystal panel, a lighting device, a first sheet polarizer, and a second sheet polarizer. The viewfinder case includes a case body and a case partitioning member. The lighting device and the first sheet polarizer are supported inside the case partitioning member. The transmission liquid crystal panel is supported inside the case partitioning member with the display surface faced to the window. The second sheet polarizer is supported inside the case body.

Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a first operating member, to which a predetermined function is fixedly allocated and a second operating member capable of customizing an allocated function, in which the second operating member is arranged on the right back-face region of the image-pickup apparatus in a standard position, and the predetermined function allocated to the first operating member can also be allocated to the second operating member.

Abstract: An image setting device for sensing whether an image of a rotatable image capturing device needs to be set is disclosed. The rotatable capturing device has a photographic element and is capable of rotating in an electronic device. The image setting device includes a one-way magnetism sensor having a sensing direction and a magnet. The one-way magnetism sensor is capable of rotating with the photographic element. The magnet may be provided at the electronic device, and an N-S pole direction of the magnet is parallel to the sensing direction of one-way magnetism sensor.

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 rotating apparatus of a portable terminal includes a main body of the portable terminal, a head portion including a camera module, the head portion being capable of rotating in front, rear, left and right directions with respect to the main body, and a hinge portion rotatably connecting the head portion to the main body.

Abstract: A sliding-type portable communication apparatus includes a body housing; a sliding housing sliding on an upper surface of the body housing while being in contact with the body housing; first and second angled housings, each of the first angled housings extending from one corner of one side of the body housing in an inclined direction gradually going far from a lower surface of the sliding housing, each of the second angled housing having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being in contact with the first angled housing while extending in the inclined direction, and the second surface being opposite to the first surface and in contact with the sliding housing; a pair of connecting arms, each of which extends from an end of one of the second angled housings in the inclined direction; and a rotatable lens housing disposed between the connecting arms and having a camera lens, the camera lens being oriented in a direction passing through the lower surface of the sliding housing when the sliding

Abstract: Digital miniature cameras and methods to manufacture thereof have been achieved. Said miniature cameras having an adjustable focusing device are intended to be used as a built-in modules in hand-held consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. mobile phones and PDAs. The cameras invented have a very small size and produce high-quality pictures. Glue is used to hold different parts together and to seal the joints. The lens is glued in the final stage of the manufacturing line, thus providing the focus setting and the sealing of the cavity that covers the image sensor. A glob top is used to cover and seal the image processor. Said glob top serves two different purposes, first, to distribute the heat away from the sensor and, second, to lock the frame, together with the lens house, into a printed circuit board. In one embodiment a cavity PCB is used to “bury” the sensor of the camera, thus reducing the overall height required.

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: A video and audio capture and transmission system is described in which a “see-what-I-see” or “CWIC” view is possible. A camera and audio sampling circuitry are provided in an earpiece designed to be comfortably worn by a user. The earpiece may be tethered to a power and control unit, or may be wireless. Video and audio signals are transmitted to a receiver wirelessly, permitting a hands-free capture of video and audio signals. The signals are then transmitted to viewers, such as via management or control devices. Access to the overall CWIC system may be controlled both for content providers and for viewers.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the camera system for a hunting weapon includes a camera subsystem, a mounting mechanism adapted to mount to the hunting weapon, a bushing located between the camera subsystem and the mounting mechanism and adapted to reduce the propagation of undesirable motion and vibrations from the hunting weapon to the camera subsystem, and an end cap connected to the bushing and selectively fastenable to the proximal end of the camera subsystem. The camera subsystem preferably has a distal end and a proximal end and including an image sensor located at the distal end and a memory device connected to the image sensor and accessed from the proximal end. The end cap preferably facilitates a waterproof seal of the memory device when fastened to the camera subsystem and allows access to the memory device when not fastened to the camera subsystem.

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 camera device captures a plurality of images and superimposes them to output image data of a superimposed image. The plurality of images are captured by a plurality of cameras. A processor superimposes the plurality of images to produce the superimposed image, which is displayed on screen and is sent by moving-image mail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of indexing image data comprising the steps of acquiring image data representing a series of images, acquiring manually provided user cues for designating ones of the images, and indexing the image data in association with the manually provided user cues. The invention also relates to an apparatus for indexing image data comprising an image acquisition system operative for acquiring image data, a system operative for acquiring manually provided user cues, and an indexing device operative for indexing the acquired image data in association with the acquired manually provided user cues.

Abstract: In order to securely and easily perform electric connection in a circuit board, an image pickup apparatus comprises a solid-state image pickup element which picks up an image of a subject, a circuit board which is arranged on a back face of the solid-state image pickup element and includes a signal processing circuit, a holding member which is arranged between the solid-state image pickup element and the circuit board and holds the solid-state image pickup element, a first connector which is arranged on the circuit board and includes a plurality of electrodes and a first electrical insulation member provided so as to cover the plurality of electrodes, and a first connecting member which electrically connects the solid-state image pickup element and the first connector and includes a plurality of interconnections and a second electrical insulation member provided so as to cover the plurality of interconnections, wherein the first connecting member extends from the solid-state image pickup element toward an out

Abstract: In a mobile electronic equipment, a main body has a flat bottom surface and a flat side which cooperatively form a frame and having a recess with rib slots on its side. A camera unit is constructed by connecting a flexible cable to a substrate on which a camera IC portion is mounted. A holder has a window portion through which the camera IC portion is passed and a cover portion which covers the camera unit and which has ribs engaging with the respective rib slots. The camera unit is housed in the recess together with the holder in which the camera IC portion is passed through the window portion, and the ribs are fitted into the respective rib slots to incorporate the camera unit into the main body.