Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the distribution, including printing, of digital images using a wireless enhanced, digital imaging device, such as a cellular phone equipped with a digital camera. A picture created using the digital camera is uploaded to a remote server. Arrival of the digital image, activates the automatic printing and automatic delivery of that image, according to instructions placed on the server by the creator of the digital image, prior to its creation. Information attached to the digital image may be used to route and process the uploaded image, in accordance with a set of predetermined user preferences. The single action of sending a digital image to a web address from a cellular phone may cause the image to be stored, printed and delivered as a print to an address, with the printing and mail delivery being automatically charged to an account or credit card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to simultaneously perform a TV reception function and a calling function in a multimode mobile phone supporting two or more communication services. The apparatus comprises a first RF switch separating a received signal into N communication services; M diplexers associated with the communication services, for separating a signal received from the first RF switch into a call signal and a TV signal; a second RF switch for applying the TV signal received from the diplexers to a TV tuner; and a controller for controlling an overall operation of the multimode mobile phone and controlling the first RF switch and the second RF switch according to the received signal.

Abstract: An image processing system or image processing method for performing image sensing by an image sensing unit having plural image sensing devices then outputting plural image data, wireless-transmitting the plural image data, and generating a combined image based on the wireless-transmitted plural image data.

Abstract: A device and method for displaying image data and user interface (UI) data in a mobile terminal. A camera outputs captured image data to be displayed and a synchronous signal. The mobile terminal generates UI data. In response to the synchronous signal from the camera, a selector divides a frame data time into a first time and a second time. The selector selects and outputs the image data in the first time. The selector selects and outputs the UI data in the second time. A display unit displays the image data and UI data output from the selector on corresponding display areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable terminal having a camera lens assembly includes a first housing; a second housing adapted to rotate about a hinge axis extending along a direction to unfold from a state in which it faces the first housing or to fold on the first housing; a lens housing positioned on the second housing and adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis; and an exposure opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lens housing. The portable terminal having a camera lens assembly has a pair of housings adapted to rotate about a hinge axis to fold/unfold and a lens housing adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis for photographing in various directions. As the lens housing is not positioned in the terminal, the terminal design can be diversified and more efficient utilization of space for mounting components can be achieved.

Abstract: A mobile telephone with a camera function has an optimum shooting posture and optimum storage ability. The mobile telephone has a first housing and a second housing which are so connected by a hinge to enable longitudinal folding. A main display section has an operation section containing a set of a ten-key pad and functional keys, which are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the first and second housings and are invisible when the housings are folded. A subsidiary display section and a camera section are respectively provided on the outer surfaces opposite to the inner surfaces and a shutter switch and a phone to camera changeover switch are provided on the outer surface of the housings.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for imaging a first object at a normal distance and a second object nearer than the first object readily with high precision. The imaging apparatus has an imaging lens, an imaging device for capturing an image formed by the imaging lens, and a camera control unit. The imaging lens is a multifocal lens and contains a first lens portion having a first focal length for imaging the first object (e.g., the user of the imaging apparatus) at a normal distance and a second lens portion having a second focal length for imaging the second object (e.g., a bar code) nearer than the first object. The first and second lens portions are arranged on the same plane and formed in one piece. The information collected by imaging the second object is used for processing such as communications or displays.

Abstract: A monitoring camera has a body (10), a focus ring (20), a lens (30) and an optional control cover assembly (50). The focus ring (20) has an inner flange with an inner threaded surface (24) and an outer threaded surface (23) to attach respectively to the lens (30) and the body (10). The structure allows the lens (30) to be focused over a broad range. Additionally, the control cover assembly (50) is attached to a side face of the body (10) to cover and protect multiple switches (16) on the body (10).

Abstract: A camera system having a pole, camera mount assembly and an actuator. The camera mount assembly mounts to the pole and includes a pole base, camera base, link, tendon and spring. The pole base connects to the pole and the camera base connects to the camera. The link connects the pole base and the camera base and allows rotation of the camera base. The tendon pulls on the camera base and rotates the camera base about the pole base. The spring interconnects the pole base and the camera base. The spring also acts as a return. The spring stretches when the tendon pulls on the camera base and recoils to pull the camera base back to an original position when the tendon is released from pulling on the camera base. The actuator mounts to an actuator end of the pole and is used pull the tendon in order to move the camera.

Abstract: A direction-turning device for the lens of a camera phone contained in the rear side of the camera phone includes a lens base having a pivot at two sides respectively connected pivotally in an interior wall of the groove, a driving unit able to rotate the pivot for 180 degrees, and a positioning unit having an auxiliary gear fixed with the lens base and an elastic locking wire always stopping the auxiliary gear to keep the lens base positioned stably when moved to a position electronically or manually. The driving unit and the pivot of the lens base are linked by viscous oil, enabling the lens base driven by the driving unit or manually. The invention is totally hidden to keep the camera phone looked normally and able to shift the lens to face forward or backward with a self-shooting function.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a camera system is provided having an image capture system adapted to capture an image of a scene during an image capture sequence and an eye monitoring system adapted to determine eye information including a direction of the gaze of an eye of a user of the camera system. A controller is adapted to store the determined eye information including information characterizing eye gaze direction during the image capture sequence and to associate the stored eye information with the scene image.

Abstract: A clipping dock for network video cameras includes a primary clip rod, a secondary clip rod, a torsional spring, an actuating button and a cap. The secondary clip rod is stacked on the primary clip rod. The torsional spring is mounted onto the stacked location to enable the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod to extend or fold elastically relative to each other. The secondary clip rod has ratchet teeth at the stacked location to engage with the actuating button located nearby. The cap covers the stacked location. When the primary clip rod and the secondary clip rod are extended or folded at a desired angle, the actuating button may be moved to engage with the ratchet teeth to form an anchor condition to thereby achieve a self-adjusting function for extending or folding.

Abstract: A portable, foldable electronic device comprising an opened use position and a closed use position, and a handle arrangement for the same. It comprises at least a first housing part, a second housing part, a hinge mechanism arranged for folding the housing parts, an electronic display fitted on at least one inner wall of the housing part, a handle-like third housing part arranged for holding the device in the use positions and comprising a wall to be placed transversely against the user's palm, wherein the hinge mechanism is arranged on the side of the opposite wall and arranged for folding the first and the second housing parts in relation to the third housing part, wherein each adjacent wall is provided with at least one key button within reach of the fingers, and wherein the first wall, the upper wall or the edge therebetween is provided with a navigation key within reach of the forefinger, equipped with a push-button function and arranged rotatable in at least two opposite directions.

Abstract: An image-capturing device comprises a lens, flash and viewfinder attached along a central axis of symmetry to the top of a grip having recessed shutter triggers on opposing sides and rear thumb controlled means for adjusting the focus of the lens, powering and controlling the performance of the device. The center of gravity of the image capturing device is coincident with or proximate the grip. A detachable grip for use with a portable photographic device is also described. The detachable grip may be used with interchangeable lens components.

Abstract: A camera is provided where it is easy for a user to grip a camera body, it is easy for the user to operate, and it is advantageous for improving handling and manageability. A grip belt is provided at the right side surface of a camera body. The grip belt has a first belt and a second belt. The second belt is connected to a belt connecting link. The second belt has a hand insertion section of a size that allows insertion of four fingers of the right hand with the exception of the thumb and the palm portion corresponding to the four fingers, which is provided by an inside belt section positioned at the right side surface of the camera body and an out side belt section positioned to the outside of the inside belt section.

Abstract: In a foldable cellular phone, an image taken and provided by a camera portion is displayed on a first or second display portion for previewing before storage in a third memory. The second display portion displays the image in the opposite directions corresponding to a folded state and an open state, respectively. In either the folded state or the open state, a second display driver portion rotates the image by 180 degrees to display the image on the second display portion for previewing. Although the direction of the image displayed on the second display portion is inverted depending on the state selected between the folded state and the open state, the second display portion displays the image in a constant direction with respect to a user in both the folded state and the open state of the cellular phone during the previewing operation.

Abstract: A portable terminal device includes: a first member having a keyboard operation portion; and a second member having a display portion and attached to the first member via a coupling member movable in a horizontal direction relative to the first member, the second member being movable together with the coupling member in the horizontal direction relative to the first member. The second member is rotatably attached to the coupling member so that a side face or a rear face of the second member is allowed to face forward after the coupling member is moved in the horizontal direction relative to the first member. It is also possible to attach the coupling member to the first member so as to be slidable in one direction or rotatable in the horizontal direction, and to attach the second member to the coupling member to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A camera includes a columnar camera main body portion having a photographing lens, and a flexible display for displaying an image of an object to be photographed through the photographing lens, in which one end of the flexible display is attached to the camera main body portion, and which is provided so as to be taken-up into the camera main body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera drive unit and a cellular phone equipped with the camera drive unit to provide users with convenience in use by making an automatic control of camera's position.

Abstract: A portable telephone apparatus with camera is disclosed, in which the interference between the harmonic component generated from the camera and the receiving frequency band for radio communication can be reduced. The apparatus comprises a radio communication circuit for conducting the radio communication with an external device, a clock signal generating circuit capable of controlling the output clock signal frequency, a camera operated with the output clock signal as an operating clock signal and a control circuit. The control circuit, based on the receiving frequency band information acquired from the radio communication circuit, controls the clock signal of the clock signal generating circuit in such a manner that the harmonic components of the clock signal frequency are not superposed on the receiving frequency band for conducting the radio communication.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided which an operator (photographer) has not an abnormal but favorable feeling from a design (aesthetic) viewpoint and which enables the operator to know an area in which a photograph can be successfully taken or a position of a subject to be photographed. A control section has an auxiliary display section display present time, notification of arrival of data and/or messages, or a like when no photograph is taken. When the operator presses down a photographing mode selecting key, the control section controls a liquid crystal panel so that its all pixels are put into a light transmitting state and causes reflected light from a mirror reflecting plate to be visually viewed by the operator. That is, the auxiliary display section operates as the mirror to look therein at an image of a subject to be photographed.

Abstract: A portable communication terminal having an image-taking function is composed of a camera unit that takes an image of a subject through a photographic lens, and two displays, the first display being positioned on same a front surface of housing of the portable communication terminal as the photographic lens and being visible in a same view as the photographic lens, and the second display being positioned on a back surface of the housing. The mobile communication terminal has a function of having the image taken by the camera unit displayed on at least one of the displays.

Abstract: The cradle apparatus for a camera facilitates satisfactory engagement and disengagement of a camera connector, ready locking of a camera in a state in which connectors are connected, and minimization of the dustiness of the connector of the cradle is to be provided. The cradle apparatus is mainly configured of a cradle body, a box-shaped sliding member, which is slidable relatively to the cradle body and accommodates and fixes a digital camera, and a cradle connector disposed on a side of the cradle body. By sliding the sliding member in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction of the camera after mounting the digital camera to the sliding member, a camera connector can be engaged with and disengaged from the cradle connector.

Abstract: A digital camera for use by both left-handed and right-handed users. The digital camera has a body design that employs a swivel mechanism and symmetric placement of pertinent camera hardware components, particularly flash devices.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional imaging device and method for automated exposure control that implement two distinct modules to control the exposure and gain settings in the imager so that processing can occur in a multi-tasking single CPU environment. The first module, referred to herein as the imager control module, controls the exposure and gain settings in the imager. The first module is typically implemented in a high priority routine, such as an interrupt service routine, to insure that module is executed on every captured frame. The second module, referred to herein as the histogram processing module, calculates a target contrast (the product of the targeted exposure and gain settings) based on feedback data from the first module and image data from memory. The second module is typically implemented in a low priority routine, such as a task level routine, to allow for the routine to be executed systematically in accordance with priority.

Abstract: A docking station assembly for transmitting digital images, the docking station assembly comprises a housing for forming an enclosure for the docking station assembly and the housing includes an insert-receiving portion for receiving any of a plurality of removable and replaceable inserts; and a removable and replaceable insert having a docking mating portion which mates with the insert-receiving portion, and having a camera mating portion having a shape of a portion of a particular digital camera.

Abstract: A multifunctional portable electronic device (3) includes a base cover (32), a flip cover (30) pivotally connected with the base cover, and a camera (36) mounted on the flip cover. A vision window (304) is defined through the flip cover, adjacent to the camera. A display (34) is defined on an inner face of the base cover. The vision window is positioned at a location corresponding to the display, when the electronic device is in a closed position. When the electronic device is in the closed position, a user can preview images shown on the display before photographing the user. When the electronic device is in an open position, the user can preview images shown on the display before photographing other objects. The portable electronic device of the present invention allows the user to very conveniently preview pictures before taking them, has a simple structure, and has a low cost manufacturing.

Abstract: A wireless camera including an enclosure having a lens opening; an imaging sensor positioned toward the lens opening; memory coupled to the camera to receive image data from the imaging sensor; and a wireless transmitter coupled to the camera.

Abstract: A digital camera having a limiting-use component to limit use of the digital camera to a single use-cycle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an image capturing apparatus for capturing a subject includes: a vertical body including a front face and a back opposed to the front face; a grip to be grasped by an operator's hand, the grip including at least a region of the front face and a region of the back; a release switch provided on the front face of the body in a region other than the part included in the grip; a capturing lens provided on the back of the body in a region other than the part included in the grip; an image monitor operable to display the subject, the image monitor being provided above the release switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video camera system comprising a mobile video camera 1 and a base station 2. The camera 1 comprises means of acquiring images and means of radio transmission of the acquired images. The base station 2 comprises means of radio reception for receiving the acquired images. The system comprises evaluation means AGC, MER, BER and 500 for evaluating the quality of the transmission between the camera 1 and the base station 2, and display means 506 to 509 for displaying information QR relating to the quality of transmission.

Abstract: A photographing method is disclosed that uses a mobile communication terminal having a camera, with the method including steps of entering a remote-control photographing mode, receiving a predetermined call, determining whether or not a telephone number of the predetermined call corresponds to a telephone number stored in a memory, and operating the camera to take a photograph when the telephone number of the predetermined call corresponds to the telephone number stored in the memory. The photographing is carried out by remote-controlling the camera accommodated in the mobile communication terminal.

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: The present invention is a true digital output intraoral camera with a docking station.

Abstract: A docking station assembly for transmitting digital images, the docking station assembly comprises a housing for forming an enclosure for the docking station assembly and the housing includes an insert-receiving portion for receiving any of a plurality of removable and replaceable inserts; and a removable and replaceable insert having a docking mating portion which mates with the insert-receiving portion, and having a camera mating portion having a shape of a portion of a particular digital camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a camera equipped in a portable terminal including a first housing having the camera and a second housing having a display section. The apparatus includes a first sensor installed at a predetermined position of the second housing, a second sensor installed at a predetermined position of the first housing in such a manner that the second sensor faces the first sensor when the second housing is in a closed position with respect to the first housing and generating on/off signals depending on a relationship with respect to the first sensor, a motor driving section for generating a driving signal in order to adjust a photographing angle of a lens of the camera to a predetermined photographing angle when a signal representing an opening of the second housing is generated from the second sensor, and a motor for rotating the lens of the camera according to the motor driving signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that adjusts an angle of image device used with information processing equipment such as a portable computer, a computer for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor, and a Personal Digital Assistance (PDA). As a display device is rotated from a main body, a supporting member adjusts a position of the image device according to rotation of the display device to maintain a desired angle of the image device. The information processing equipment can include a main body with a plurality of key buttons and a display body including a display unit which is rotationally coupled to one side of the main body. An image device unit is installed on one side of the display body for holding the image device. A connecting link rotates the image device unit in accordance with the rotation angle of the display body against the main body. Therefore, the angle of image device such as a camera can be automatically controlled according to the movement of the display body.

Abstract: A camera actuator having a main body, camera support, camera link, push arm and actuator cable. The main body rotatably mounts to a pole. The camera support extends from the front of the main body. The camera support is adapted to rotatably receive a camera. The camera link connects to the camera, where movement of the camera link moves the camera about the camera support. The push arm extends from the front of the main body and is connected to the camera link. The push arm mounts in the main body such that the push arm slides in and out of the front of the main body to rotate the camera. The push arm mounts in the main body such that rotation of the push arm rotates the main body. The actuator cable extends into the rear of the main body from the pole and connects to the push arm.

Abstract: A multi-functional image fetching module inserted in a slot of an electronic device comprises a body having a recess, a first housing and a second housing both slidingly received in the recess, the first housing having a hinge for coupling to the second housing so that the first housing is capable of pivoting about the second housing for fetching an image through an image fetching module installed therein, and a switching knob for moving a latched member from the second housing to let the first housing spring out of the recess.

Abstract: In disposing a display part, such as an LCD panel, on a side face of the body of a compact video camera of a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending longer in the direction of height for use as a viewfinder as well as for a reproduction display, an attempt to minimize the whole size of the video camera for improvement in portability severely limits the size of a major side of the display part, preventing the display image plane from having an easily viewable size. To solve this problem, an intermediate connection part disposed between the video camera body and the display part is arranged to enable the display part to rotate in opening and closing directions with respect to the video camera body and also to rotate in directions included in a plane at which the display part is connected to the video camera body.

Abstract: A digital still camera capable of telecommunication includes a device which converts an optical image into a digital electromagnetic signal indicative of a still image, a receiver which receives an electromagnetic signal generated in accordance with a wireless telephone system, a modifying unit which modifies the electromagnetic signal into a digital electronic signal indicative of a still image, and a displaying device which alternatively displays a still image on the basis of the digital electronic signal from the converting device or from the modifying unit.

Abstract: A mobile telephone with a camera function has an optimum shooting posture and optimum storage ability. The mobile telephone has a first housing and a second housing which are so connected by a hinge to enable longitudinal folding. A main display section has an operation section containing a set of a ten-key pad and functional keys, which are respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the first and second housings and are invisible when the housings are folded. A subsidiary display section and a camera section are respectively provided on the outer surfaces opposite to the inner surfaces and a shutter switch and a phone to camera changeover switch are provided on the outer surface of the housings.

Abstract: A digital-type camera having a printing mechanism which assures a high quality of prints in an environment with a low temperature. The digital-type camera has an arrangement in which an ink cartridge, for storing ink fed to a printer head of a printing part, is installed on a rear surface of a substrate on a front surface of which a CCD of a heat-generating component is installed. Heat generated from the CCD is conducted to the ink cartridge via the substrate, so that the ink stored inside the ink cartridge is prevented from dropping down in temperature, and so that the temperature of the ink is kept within a thermal region within which its printing operation is guaranteed.

Abstract: A simplified image display control interface provides easy and convenient retrieving and viewing of digital images captured by a digital camera. Two control buttons provide for scrolling backwards or forwards through a plurality of captured images displayed on a display and stored in the digital camera memory. When the oldest captured image has been displayed, subsequent actuation of a control button causes the display to be turned off. When the most recently captured image is displayed, subsequent actuation of another control button causes a live preview to be displayed.

Abstract: Pawls are formed on an outer peripheral portion of an operation dial at intervals equal to step rotating angles of the operation dial so that a user's finger nail can be placed on one of the pawls to rotate the dial. When the finger nail is placed on one of the pawls to rotate the operation dial, the finger nail placed on that pawl abuts against a stopper provided on a camera main body. Thus, rotation of the operation dial is stopped at each step rotating angle.

Abstract: A foldable portable terminal unit containing a picture taking device capable of transmitting both image and voice. The unit enables users to see the display when taking pictures of themselves, as well as taking pictures of other objects. The lid portion (3) folds and rotates with respect to the case main body (2) of the portable terminal unit. The display (6) is provided in the lid portion (3) and rotates with respect to the picture taking device (11) fixed on the rear face or the side face of the case main body (2), corresponding to the state of taking a picture so as to enable monitoring.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable apparatus has been disclosed to facilitate the viewing of an object by the human eye. The apparatus provides an electronic camera unit disposed on a holder mechanism and in electrical communication with an image processor module to capture the image of an object and format the image for display on a display device also disposed on the holder mechanism. At least one user-interfaced control mechanism is also disposed on the holder mechanism and in electrical communication with the image processor module for controlling the operations of the module to regulate display of the image by the display device. In this way the viewing of an object by the human eye is facilitated by the use of camera and the image enhancing features of the image processor module.

Abstract: A low cost video recording apparatus for one time recording on a recording medium, comprises a casing (15) which houses a video cassette tape, a lens (1), a microphone (16), a colour CMOS sensor, a signal processing module, a write head and a drive unit, in operational relation to each other. Also provided is a view finder (21) and an operating switch (22). The casing (15) has formed thereon a tear strip (20) used for opening the casing once recording has been completed. Removal of the cassette tape also involves disabling of tape guide components. Since one time recording only is possible with no playback or rewind, the life requirements for the various components can be considerably reduced.

Abstract: A side view mirror and camera assembly for providing a mirror combined with a camera directed towards the blind spot of the mirror to allow a driver of a vehicle to view objects near the vehicle that are not viewable using the side view mirror alone. The side view mirror and camera assembly includes an adjustable camera coupled to a side view mirror housing to show a view of the blind spot of the side view mirror on a display viewable by a driver of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the camera is positioned within the side view mirror housing behind a one way portion viewing of the mirror.

Abstract: A digital still camera is provided with a freely rotatably dial. The camera has a liquid crystal display screen provided on its back and the screen displays film borders. A thumbnail image corresponding to main image data that has been recorded on a memory card is displayed in a thumbnail image border within the film borders. By rotating the dial, the film borders are moved so that a desired thumbnail image becomes enclosed by a designating frame. When the thumbnail image is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image is displayed an area. When a blank area is enclosed by the designating frame, the main image data can be recorded on the memory card. Operability is facilitated because recording, playback and designation of a frame to be played back can all be performed in accordance with rotation of the dial.