Abstract: The camera apparatus comprises a camera-body portion 1; a display pane 2 attached to the camera-body 1 as an outwardly fixing type with freely rotary operation; and a lens block 5 provided at the upper portion of the camera-body 1 and having a pop-up portion rotatable between a stored position within the camera-body 1 and a pop-up position by making a support-axis 14 as a support, wherein the lens block 5 is housed within the camera-body 1 when the camera is not in a taking-picture condition such that the lens surface protected by the outer body and lens block 5 is made up be a pop-up condition with an angle of a predetermined elevation-angle relative to the camera-body 1 when the camera is in a taking-picture condition.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is capable of protecting a camera against impact from outer peripheries of a casing, and clearly indicating the passage of the camera through an image-inversion position. A camera (30) is rotatably installed in a casing (40). Windows (40d, 40e), through which the camera is able to view the outside of the casing and to be operated to rotate by a user, are formed in a front wall (40a) and a rear wall (40b), respectively, of the casing. Each of frames enclosing the windows, respectively, has a part which lies near an outer peripheral side of the casing and which is constituted by a bridge portion (44) connected with the casing. In this construction, all the outer peripheral sides of the camera (30) excepting those corresponding to the front and rear sides of the casing are covered with the casing and the bridge portion (44). As a result, an impact applied to the camera from a peripheral side of the casing adjacent to the bridge portion can be blocked by the bridge portion.

Abstract: In an optical viewer instrument with a photographing function, a telescopic lens system for observing an object and a digital camera system for photographing the object are housed in a casing. A manually-operable rotary wheel is rotatably provided in the casing such that a portion of the rotary wheel is exposed to the outside from the casing to bring the object into focus through the telescopic lens system. A display panel unit for displaying the object as a motion picture on a display screen thereof is mounted on the casing so as to be movable between a retracted position, where the display screen of the display panel unit is close to a wall surface of the casing, and a display position, where the display screen of the display panel unit is directed to the ocular-lens-system side of the telescopic lens system. The rotary wheel is arranged such that the exposed portion of the manually-operable rotary wheel is hidden behind the display panel unit when being at the retracted position.

Abstract: The present digital camera system includes a camera body and an interchangeable lens barrel. The camera body contains an image pickup device with an imaging range Ri, and the interchangeable lens barrel is removably attached to the camera body. The mount opening portions of the interchangeable lens barrel and camera body includes openings equal to or larger than a square opening range Rm formed by connecting ends of segments Sd tilted outwardly from the four corners of an imaging range Ri diagonally to the outside by 12 degrees to 14 degrees and extended to a flange back FB position. The circumscribed circle diameter Dm of the mount opening portion is 1.8 times or larger of the circumscribed circle diameter Di of the imaging range Ri. The digital camera system can provide an interchangeable lens and digital camera body reducible in size without deterioration in amount of peripheral light.

Abstract: A recyclable, one-time use, print on demand, digital camera comprises a chassis. The chassis carries an image sensor device for sensing an image, a processor for processing the sensed image, a pagewidth 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 and encases the chassis so that the ink supply arrangement is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing.

Abstract: In a wrist-carried camera having a watch function, a body including a taking lens is provided in such a manner as to freely rotate with respect to a band part through a rotation mechanism, and a release switch is provided at the unrotated band part. Setting a camera mode stops the hands of the watch in the direction of a taking lens so as to display an image-capturing direction. A rotary bezel is arranged around a display part, and marks indicating modes of the camera are formed on the bezel. A hand of the watch is also used as an indicator for pointing the mode display mark in the bezel. Setting the mark in the bezel to the indicator switches and displays the operation modes.

Abstract: An objective lens 3 for taking a photograph of a subject is arranged on one end surface of a generally cylindrical electronic camera body 1. A display device 2 for displaying the taken image is arranged on another end surface. Zoom switches 5 and 6 for operating the electronic camera, and a shutter 7 are arranged in a position out of the center in a longitudinal direction of the side. Further, when carrying the camera, a strap 9 can be fixed to a strap fixing parts 8, and the camera can be carried by suspending from the neck. Therefore, there is provided an electronic camera which, even when the camera is miniaturized so as to be suitable for carrying, does not cause erroneous operations and is convenient to use.

Abstract: A digital camera image controller apparatus for a mobile phone is disclosed, which uses a sensing module to collect optical signal of an image and produce RGB (red, green, blue) image signal from the optical signal, and an image controller to receive the RGB image signal and accordingly produce a preview signal of the image to an LCD module. Also, the image controller outputs compressed or non-compressed image signal to a baseband processor. In addition, the image controller includes chromatic aberration interpolator and an RGB-to-YUV converter provided by a typical camera module. Therefore, the inventive camera module can include a sensing module simply having lens and sensor, thus avoiding defects caused by using the typical camera module.

Abstract: The present digital camera system includes a camera body and an interchangeable lens barrel. The camera body contains an image pickup device with an imaging range Ri, and the interchangeable lens barrel is removably attached to the camera body. The mount opening portions of the interchangeable lens barrel and camera body includes openings equal to or larger than a square opening range Rm formed by connecting ends of segments Sd tilted from the four corners of an imaging range Ri diagonally to the outside by 12 degrees to 14 degrees and extended to a flange back FB position. The circumscribed circle diameter Dm of the mount opening portion is 1.8 times or larger of the circumscribed circle diameter Di of the imaging range Ri. The digital camera system can provide an interchangeable lens and digital camera body reducible in size without deterioration in amount of peripheral light.

Abstract: In a case where a digital still camera and a printer are connected to each other and marginless printing of an image stored on a memory card provided in the digital still camera is performed on a recording paper, a non-print area of the image not to be printed on the recording paper is displayed on a display of the digital still camera on the basis of a difference between an aspect ratio of the image and an aspect ratio of the recording paper, and the displayed non-print area is set to be able to be shifted in arbitrary directions by using an operation unit of the digital still camera.

Abstract: A combination camcorder and a stabilizing platform for attachment to the bottom of the camcorder to steady the filming of subjects with the use of fiber optics positioned along the body of the camcorder to transmit remote control infrared signals to an infrared receiving port on the camcorder. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camcorder to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the fiber optics thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. The fiber optic fibers are attached along a surface of the camcorder by tape or an adhesive.

Abstract: The camera module includes a body that has a camera portion rotatable between a first position aligned on a common axis with a base portion and a second position for capturing images. The camera module includes a CMOS image sensor that captures an RGB image when a take button is actuated. The RGB image is transformed to a suitable format, such as L*a*b*, for transfer directly to a printer module. The camera module incorporates a connection means connects the camera module directly to a corresponding connection means on the printer module. The connection means includes a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data. The camera module may include a self-timer. It may also connect to and control a flash module.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with a camera includes: a main body (14); a cover body (12); a driver gear (162) fixed relative to the cover body and having a plurality of teeth (1622); a driven gear (164) having a plurality of teeth and meshing with teeth of the driver gear; a lens (1642) installed in the driven gear; and a hinge mechanism pivotally connecting the main body with the cover body. When the cover body is rotated to an open position, the driver gear rotates with the cover body, thereby driving the driven gear to rotate. The lens in the driven gear is thereby exposed to the external environment for taking photos. When the cover body is rotated back to a closed position, the lens is thereby rotated back into the main body where it is protected from the external environment.

Abstract: In a wrist-carried camera having a watch function, a body including a taking lens is provided in such a manner as to freely rotate with respect to a band part through a rotation mechanism, and a release switch is provided at the unrotated band part. Setting a camera mode stops the hands of the watch in the direction of a taking lens so as to display an image-capturing direction. A rotary bezel is arranged around a display part, and marks indicating modes of the camera are formed on the bezel. A hand of the watch is also used as an indicator for pointing the mode display mark in the bezel. Setting the mark in the bezel to the indicator switches and displays the operation modes.

Abstract: A universal adaptor that may be used to hold any of a number of different surveillance cameras for deployment in any of a number of different camera housings or enclosures. The adaptor is in the form of a bi-sectional open-ended generally rectangular assembly designed to snap together around a camera and its associated PC boards encapsulating them into a single unit. The assembly includes a plurality of internal slots for holding up to several PC boards associated with the camera, and optional frontal tabs for heating/defrost elements. The camera lens extends through a wide opening at one end of the adaptor. Ventilation, access and attachment openings are provided on the adaptor allowing access to the interior for adjusting PC board switches, running wires and attaching the unit inside a larger mounting enclosure.

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 display cabinet having a monitor is attached to a main cabinet serving as a handle portion so as to be overlapped with the main cabinet. The main cabinet and the display cabinet are pivotal within a plane generally perpendicular to the optical axis of a lens with one end of the main cabinet being connected to one end of the display cabinet. A soft lock device is provided between the main cabinet and the display cabinet for holding the display cabinet at a pivot position with respect to the main cabinet. The display cabinet has a pivot center axis which is aligned with the optical axis of the lens, and an image pickup device is located behind the lens. An operation button is provided on the main cabinet within the reach of a finger of a hand holding the main cabinet.

Abstract: A small-sized photographing apparatus in which a single display device performs both of a viewfinder and monitor display. The apparatus includes a body having a viewfinder window; the display device, the display surface of which can be observed from outside of the body; a pair of reflection mirrors inside the body; and a member for moving one of the reflection mirrors between a reflection position at which a beam of light from the display surface of the display device is reflected so that the beam is guided towards the viewfinder window, and a non-reflection position which is different from the reflection position.

Abstract: An electronic camera having therein a CCD (image sensing device). A lens barrel is mounted on a camera body thereof. As focusing means, this camera has therein a ranging unit in an active AF manner and a contrast detector in a contrast AF manner using subject light from the lens barrel. A grip portion is arranged at the left side (as seen from the subject) of the camera body. A peak portion is arranged over the grip portion. A ranging window for the ranging unit is arranged over the peak portion. When the camera body is held, it is possible to prevent fingers from moving to the front of the ranging window and covering the window by the peak portion. Even if the lens barrel has a large aperture, it is also possible to arrange the ranging unit on the front portion of the camera body.

Abstract: A stabilizing platform for attachment to the bottom of the camcorder to steady the filming of subjects with the use of fiber optics positioned along the body of the camcorder to transmit remote control infrared signals to an infrared receiving port on the camcorder. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camcorder to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. The handle has a locking pin to prevent the handle from rotating with respect to the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the fiber optics thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. The fiber optic fibers can be attached along a surface of the platform or along the surface of the camcorder by tape or an adhesive.

Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture module, which uses an image sensor to convert field images obtained through a lens thereof into image data and has a viewfinder for finding the field, and an adapter pivoted to the image capture module and adapted to receive image data from the image capture module, to store received data in a RAM thereof, and to transmit image data to an external mobile computer or the like through a card bus thereof

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit has a transmissive liquid crystal plate having a number of pixels arranged on a two-dimensional basis, on which an image is formed, and a light source unit emitting beams of light of a plurality of luminescent colors for irradiating said liquid crystal plate from back. An interface circuit receives an image signal representative of a color image to sequentially form on said liquid crystal plate a plurality of separation images in which the color image is separated in association with the plurality of luminescent colors of said light source unit. The interface circuit causes said light source unit to flash with a luminescent color associated with a separation image formed on said liquid crystal plate in synchronism with a sequential formation of the separation images onto said liquid crystal plate. Beams of light emanated from the light source unit and transmitted through the liquid crystal plate reproduce an image.

Abstract: A portable electronic computer has a cabinet having a top case forming an upper surface of the cabinet, a bottom case forming a lower surface of the cabinet and a middle case interposed between the top case and the bottom case to form a side surface of the cabinet, a display unit provided on the upper surface of the cabinet so as to be visible from outside, at least one circuit board mounted to the lower surface of the cabinet and adapted to implement the function of a camera unit and the function of a portable information terminal, and a camera lens provided on the lower surface of the cabinet so as to be directed to the outside of the cabinet.

Abstract: This electronic imaging apparatus comprises in front of a body an open/close lid for protecting a picture-taking lens, the open/close lid where a strobe flashing unit is incorporated, and a housing, which is a structure of the body, and its exterior (members from a housing to its exterior) that are formed with conductive material, the electronic imaging apparatus wherein a trigger transformer for strobe flashing is also incorporated with the strobe flashing unit in the open/close lid for protecting the picture-taking lens, a part of the housing near to the strobe flashing unit is formed with a non-conductive clear member, and this clear member is constructed with including a flash transmitting surface portion making flash from the strobe flashing unit pass and a part that is a part except this flash transmitting surface portion and faces to a part of the back of a strobe reflector.

Abstract: When a lens unit is to be mounted, the lens unit is moved downward along guide grooves, whereby an opening portion cover is also pushed down counter to an elongation force of coil springs, the lens unit is mounted to a camera body, and the opening portion cover is moved to an open position. When the lens unit is to be removed, the lens unit is moved along the guide grooves, whereby engagement with the guide grooves is released. Because the opening cover portion is urged from the open position to a closed position by the coil spring at this time, the opening portion cover is moved with the lens unit along the guide grooves and fixed at the closed position.

Abstract: An information communication terminal with a TV telephone function, includes a display data generating section, a TV telephone processing section, a display unit, a first switch and a control section. The display data generating section generates first display data in a general use mode in which a TV telephone function is not used. The TV telephone processing section generates second display data in a TV telephone use mode in which the TV telephone function is used. The display unit displays inputted display data. The first switch is provided among the display data generating section, the TV telephone processing section and the display unit. The control section controls the first switch to connect the display data generating section and the display unit in the general use mode such that the first display data is supplied to the display unit and to connect the TV telephone processing section and the display unit in the TV telephone use mode such that the second display data is supplied to the display unit.

Abstract: A recyclable, one-time use, print on demand, digital camera comprises an image sensor device for sensing an image. A processor processes the sensed image. A pagewidth printhead prints the sensed image. An ink supply arrangement supplies ink to the print head and the image is printed on print media from a supply of print media. The supply of print media is pre-marked with tokens designating that postage has been paid so that each image printed out on the print media has one such token associated with it.

Abstract: This electronic image pickup apparatus converts a subject image formed by an image-taking optical system into an electrical signal. In order to realize miniaturization by efficiently arranging components in the apparatus, this apparatus includes a plurality of electrical boards which have respective component sides parallel to a principal plane of the apparatus body having a flat shape and which are arranged so as to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval from the principal plane of the body. A plurality of power supply batteries are arranged in the apparatus so that the axial direction of the plurality of power supply batteries are parallel to the component sides of these electrical boards in a space sandwiched by this plurality of electrical boards. A relay board is arranged in a space between a lens barrel which holds the image-taking optical system and the plurality of power supply batteries and connects the plurality of electrical boards.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus has a photographic optical system, an image sensing device for converting an optical image formed by the photographic optical system into electric signals, a main board and an image sensing board for processing the electric signals from the image sensing device into image signals for displaying, transmitting to an external device, or recording on a detachable recording medium, and a power supply board for supplying electric power to the image sensing apparatus, where the photographic optical system is arranged between the main and image sensing boards and the power supply board.

Abstract: A universal adaptor that may be used to hold any of a number of different surveillance cameras for deployment in any of a number of different camera housings or enclosures. The adaptor is in the form of a bi-sectional open-ended generally rectangular assembly designed to snap together around a camera and its associated PC boards encapsulating them into a single unit. The assembly includes a plurality of internal slots for holding up to several PC boards associated with the camera, and optional frontal tabs for heating/defrost elements. The camera lens extends through a wide opening at one end of the adaptor. Ventilation, access and attachment openings are provided on the adaptor allowing access to the interior for adjusting PC board switches, running wires and attaching the unit inside a larger mounting enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal with an integrated camera having multidirectional adjusting capabilities to allow changes in orientation and position of the camera without altering the position and orientation of the terminal. The terminal comprises of a body, a display, and one or more input devices to enter terminal and photographic commands. A camera is affixed to the terminal, and a device for manipulating the position and orientation of the camera is included. One or more shafts operationally connect the camera to an adjusting plate so that forces applied to the adjusting plate correspond to movement and changes in orientation of the camera. Alternatively, a rotation member can be installed so that rotation of the adjustment plate results in the rotation of the camera.

Abstract: A handheld mobile image sensing and printing device includes a support structure. A color image sensor is positioned on the support structure for sensing a color image. A color printing mechanism is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor to print the image sensed by the image sensor. A remote communications arrangement is positioned on the support structure and is operatively connected to the image sensor to transmit data representing the image and to receive data representing images to be printed by the printing mechanism.

Abstract: The foldable portable terminal apparatus with a camera includes display sections on the front side (side A) and backside (side B) of the housing. When the housing (1) is open, both the person who is taking a picture using a camera (10, 8) and the person who gets his/her picture taken can check the captured image simultaneously using the display (11, 7). When the housing (1) is closed, the image taken can be checked with the display section on the front. Images taken in the past are stored in association with telephone numbers. When a call arrives from one of the persons, ringing tone sounds and at the same time the image of the sender is displayed on the display section (1, 7).

Abstract: A digital camera for electrically photographing an image, which includes an electrical photography unit and a display unit having a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit is disposed in a camera body and the electrical photography unit is disposed in a swing cover attached to the body. The swing cover is rotatable between an angle of complete closure of the LCD and an angle of disclosure of the LCD.

Abstract: When the interior of the electronic camera is seen from the back side, a battery is arranged at the part corresponding to the inside of a grip part arranged at the right side of the casing so that the long axis of the battery is along the right side of the casing, and an imaging part including a taking lens and a CCD is arranged at the upper left. Below the imaging part, an LCD monitor and a memory card holder are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the taking lens. In this arrangement, the components of the camera are arranged in a compact size. On the back face of the camera body, a mode dial is arranged at a position that can be operated by the thumb of a hand holding the grip part. The mode dial is capable of rotating within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the taking lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carried image processing device. The carried image processing device comprises a base, a rotational cantilever, a handle, the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, the third rotating shaft, an image collecting device, and an image collecting device holder, wherein the rotational cantilever and the handle are connected to the base by using the first rotating shaft and the third rotating shaft and the image collecting device holder is connected to the rotational cantilever by using the second rotating shaft. The base of the present invention comprises a circuit module, a control key module, the first communication port, and a power connector.

Abstract: A portable small-sized camera has a case having a ball-point pen appearance in a portion thereof and a through hole in one side, and a camera circuit part built in the case and for photographing an object through the through hole. The portable small-sized camera has the ball-point pen appearance, photographing a particular location in secret is possible without exposure to others. The camera circuit part is connected to a wireless transmission device for outputting a signal by a cable. A wireless receiving device at a remote location from the wireless transmission device receives a signal of the wireless transmission device for outputting or recording.

Abstract: When a printer is connected to a digital camera and a compression rate select switch is not operated, a non-compression mode is initially set as a compression mode of image information photographed by the digital camera. If the compression rate select switch is then operated, a compression rate becomes settable. The image information is thus compressed by the compression mode or at the compression rate.

Abstract: Motion of a user's line of sight is detected. If motion of the user's line of sight stops for a period of time greater than a fixed period of time, a shutter-release operation is performed. Image data representing the image of a subject obtained by shutter release is recorded on a memory card. This makes it possible to record image data on the memory card without pressing a shutter-release button.

Abstract: A camera docking system comprises a camera and a docking station. The docking station accepts connections from multiple external devices in addition to the camera itself and a power connection. The docking station has multiple controls that the user can actuate to initiate interactions between the camera and the other devices, each control corresponding to a device. At least some of the interactive functions can be accomplished without a computer attached or active. The docking system may optionally detect what devices are connected and indicates the operability of corresponding controls.

Abstract: A mobile telephone equipped with camera(s) may employ, as camera flash(es), RGB tri-color LED(s) arranged on face(s) of the mobile telephone on side(s) thereof which is or are in direction(s) in which photograph(s) may be taken by camera(s). Where this is the case, the structure employed may be such that viewing angle(s) of RGB tri-color LED(s) is or are greater than field angle(s) of camera(s), and lens(es) may be arranged to the front of light emitting portion(s) of RGB tri-color LED(s) so as to cause illuminance of RGB tri-color LED(s) to be uniform within field angle(s) of camera(s). RGB tri-color LED(s) may also serve as incoming call indicator lamp(s).

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an instant camera is provided which includes an imager for receiving an image of an object to be photographed. The imager outputs a signal corresponding to the received image, and a memory device stores the signal. A printer prints instant film photographs corresponding to received or stored images, and has the capability to print at least one image on a single piece of instant film. A preview unit has at least one display for displaying an image corresponding to a received or stored image. A controller, in communication with the imager, the memory device, the printer, and the preview unit, controls the transfer of the signal from the imager to the memory device, from the memory device to the printer, and from the memory device to the preview unit.

Abstract: A substantially pocket-sized portable control device for a digital camera, comprising: a camera interface unit, a display unit for displaying images received from the digital camera, a control unit for defining control parameters for sending to the digital camera, and a user interface, for obtaining user input for applying settings to the control unit. The device allows screen-based data input (e.g. via stylus). Conveniently the device is a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: In a camera-incorporating VTR (1), the camera-signal processing circuit (5) performs a camera-signal process on a video signal output from an imager (4). The recording circuit (7) receives an image signal from the camera-signal processing circuit (5) and records the signal on a video tape. The reproducing circuit (8) reproduces the image signal recorded on the videotape by the recording circuit (7). The microprocessor (9) causes the focus ring (3) mounted on the optical lens (2) to function as a speed-changing ring to change the speed of reproducing the image signal. The VTR (1) remains small and can yet enable the user to edit data with a high efficiency.

Abstract: An information input apparatus is shown having an integral touch tablet positioned on a surface of a digital camera relative to a photographic lens, a microphone and operating switches such that the camera can easily be operated to take pictures and record sounds while two-dimensional positional information is input via the touch tablet. The camera can be inserted into a shirt pocket, with the photographic finder, and light-emitting component being positioned such that they protrude from the pocket, thus allowing photography of objects while the apparatus is inserted into a shirt pocket. The view finder is positioned approximately half way between the left and right sides of the camera, and the total width of the camera is small enough such that an object can be observed with both eyes when looking through the finder with either eye.

Abstract: A DIY-assembled easy digital camera mainly comprises a flush base plate of package foldable for building box and a digital camera module. A fixing base is glued on the base plate having a battery seat and a circuit board seat for receiving a battery pack and the digital camera module respectively. A fixing hole for setting a viewfinder is perforated in the base plate of package at a proper position where the fixing base is bound with the base plate of package. An opening is formed in the base plate at a location corresponding to a lens and the viewfinder such that the lens and the viewfinder can be exposed to the air through the opening for picture-taking operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully functional hand held computer having a see through display. An external viewing arrangement, such as a monocular scope, is used to view the operator's immediate surroundings. Optical images from the scope are superimposed with digital images from a miniature computer display. The resultant image allows the operator to look through the device and view his surrounding while simultaneously viewing and operating the software based applications. The entire device is held like a pair of binoculars and mouse like controls are located adjacent the operator's gripping position.

Abstract: An electronic system comprising an image pickup unit 1, a computer 2, and communication terminals for connecting the unit and the computer, such as infrared communication ports 6, 10, a card slot 8, and serial communication terminals 5,9 wherein the necessary image data is allowed to be produced from the unit 1 and transmitted to the computer through the communication terminals. The computer communicates with the image pick up unit by examining the port of each communication means in order to recognize whether a connected unit is the image pickup unit or a foreign unit and to determine and store the communication speed for each communication port. The image data and memory space information is then automatically transmitted to the computer and displayed on a device connected to said computer.

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 camcorder mounting and control system comprising a camera interface unit (termed a “camera box”) and mounting tray combination. The camera box contains a camera interface circuit board having a power transmit line and battery charging voltage transmit line which function as a bridge between an in-vehicle system control unit and a camcorder. The forward end of the circuit board is provided with an electronic interface which is accessible via a forward end opening on the camera box. The camera box is received in the special mounting tray which includes a quick disconnect adapter board having a first adapter electronic interface complimentary to the circuit board electronic interface and, in electrical communication therewith, a second adapter electronic interface for receiving a cable from the in-vehicle system control unit. The camcorder is easily disconnected from the mounting tray by sliding the camera box toward the rear of the mounting tray.