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: A composite image device having image capturing, laser pointing, lighting and related functions in one includes a first perspective window, a second perspective window, a third perspective window, an image capturing module, laser source module, a light source module and a switchable light modulating module. The image capturing module captures ambient light through the first perspective window to generate digital image data. The laser source module emits a laser through the second perspective window. The light source module emits illuminating light through the third perspective window. The switchable light modulating module includes at least a light modulating gate and a switching device for moving the at least a light modulating gate to a position relatively parallel to the second or third perspective window to modulate the emitted laser or the emitted illuminating light.

Abstract: When at least a portion of an aperture of a lens part is covered with some object, both adjusting of the sensitivity of an image pickup part and display of “though image” are inhibited. Also, it is able to shorten a length of time for which the camera enters into a power saving mode, and to prevent capture of improper images. Provided herein is a determining unit for determining whether at least a portion of the aperture of the lens part is covered. When the determining unit determines that it is covered, the camera inhibits the sensitivity adjustment of the image pickup part and the display of “though image”, shortens the length of time after which the camera enters into the power saving mode, interrupts shooting or continuous shooting, or a movie imaging, and inhibits a flash emission.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable communicating terminal (T) fitted out with means (C) for processing and acquiring images through at least one optical system (O), an accessory comprising: means (4) for attachment onto the communicating terminal (T), an acquisition window (5) intended to be placed in relationship with the optical system (O) of the communicating terminal (T), illumination means (10) adapted for illuminating an acquisition region included in the field of acquisition of the optical system through the acquisition window (5), means (12) for powering the illumination means, and means (14) for controlling the illumination means.

Abstract: A folding-type mobile terminal is provided with a camera that is capable of accurately imaging an object. This is accomplished by mounting the camera such that a viewing direction of the display of the terminal is substantially parallel to a camera imaging direction.

Abstract: A digital photo frame with photographing function includes a digital frame, a lens module, a bracket, and a copy stand. The digital frame may further include a display module, a frame, a memory module, a control module, an input module, a power supply module, and a sense module. The display module is framed within the frame, and the lens module is disposed at a predetermined location on the frame. A paper photo can be disposed on the copy stand that is pivotally connected to the bracket. The input module can input a control signal to operate and control the lens module to copy photograph the paper photo into a digital photo and store the digital photo in the memory module and further display the digital photo on the display module.

Abstract: Provided is a hand-held modular camera assembly with a camera module, a printer module, and a dispenser module. The assembly has a central processor which includes a RISC processor core, and a memory operatively storing operating instructions for the processor core and image data for manipulation by said core. The central processor also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module.

Abstract: A camera manipulation device comprising a plate having a top surface, a mounting element for securing a camera to the top surface of the plate, a handle for a user to hold the camera manipulation device and two or more connector elements for connecting the handle to the mounting plate, wherein each of said connector elements comprises at least one of a first and second pivot element.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus having a plurality of displays and a method of displaying an image. A photographing apparatus to photograph and record an image includes a lens unit, first and second photograph buttons to input commands to photograph the image, first and second zoom buttons to input zoom commands, a recording unit to record the image photographed via the lens unit, and a battery to supply a power supply voltage to the photographing apparatus. The first photograph button and the first zoom button are disposed on a front panel of the photographing apparatus, and the second photograph button and the second zoom button are disposed on a top panel of the photographing apparatus. This allows a user to more easily photograph an infant, check a photographed image, and photograph an object located in a lower position.

Abstract: A system for extracting, processing, and sending metadata associated with audio data and/or video data is described. In one embodiment, a system includes a sensor configured to acquire image data. A first electronic board with a processor is configured to control the sensor. A second electronic board that is configured to enrich the image data is operatively and removably coupled to the first electronic board.

Abstract: A stabilized support for supporting motion-sensitive, ultra-lightweight, camera equipment includes a hollow platform on which the camera equipment is mounted, and a structure on which the platform is detachably mounted. The structure has a handle, a counterweight mounted below the platform, and an arm for connecting the handle with the counterweight. The platform has a plurality of interior compartments preferably arranged in generally parallel rows at opposite sides of the platform, each row extending past a center of gravity. A plurality of ballast weights is held and confined in the interior compartments within the platform to balance the support when held by the handle, or supported by optional support legs. The placement of the ballast weights is based on a balancing procedure in which the camera equipment is balanced relative to a stationary horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A balanced mounting arrangement stably supports a motion-sensitive, image capture device, and includes a mount for holding the device during image capture, and a handheld equipoising structure having a support platform on which the mount and the held device are mounted during image capture, a bottom counterweight below the platform, and a curved arm extending along an arcuate path between the platform and the counterweight. A weight component is mounted on, and is movable relative to and along, the curved arm to adjust a vertical balance position of the arrangement.

Abstract: In order to provide an electronic photographing apparatus capable of reduction in size and cost and obtaining a stable photographic image, the invention includes a structure having an electric circuit board and an electronic photographing apparatus constituting unit (barrel unit, strobe unit, display device unit, battery case, recording medium case) attached to the electric circuit board and a box-shaped exterior body in which the structure is inserted and housed.

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

Abstract: A flash accessory device readily adaptable to most compact digital camera models provides a hand grip with a mounting base for attachment to the bottom of a compact digital camera. The hand grip contains a multi-mode digital pre-flash detector circuit, a wireless transmitter and a battery power source. An articulating arm extends from the hand grip and is adjustably movable relative to the front of the camera in order to position a sensor on the end of the articulating arm directly in front of the camera's built-in flash. A cup member surrounding the sensor covers the built-in flash to block light emitted by the built-in flash. Light from the built-in flash is detected by the sensor which triggers transmission of a wireless signal from the transmitter to a receiver in a remote flash device to thereby activate illumination of the remote flash in synchronization with activation of the built-in camera flash.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus comprises an imaging sensor, a controller, and an exposure-mode-selecting device. The controller performs a photometric operation on a photographing subject and obtains a luminance value of the photographing subject based on the photometric operation. The exposure-mode-selecting device is used for selecting an exposure mode of the photographing apparatus that has a sensitivity priority AE mode. The photographing operation is performed with a sensitivity of the imaging sensor that is set by a user and a shutter speed and an aperture value that are calculated based on the luminance value and the sensitivity, while the photographing apparatus is in the sensitivity priority AE mode.

Abstract: A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, receiving predetermined data in the form of a card image, the card image read from a card by a card reader, rotating the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the card reader, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a body to which a lens barrel is attached, a grip portion fixed onto the body, the grip portion including a handle to be gripped in holding the body, an extension that extends from the handle to a object side, and a projection that upwardly projects from the extension, and a tally lamp unit formed on a top surface of the projection and a rear surface of the projection which is a surface opposite to an object.

Abstract: The portable electronic device according to the present invention comprises a cabinet including an opening defined in a front surface thereof, a cover body opening and closing the opening of the cabinet, and a pivoting mechanism for pivotally supporting the cover body to the cabinet, the pivoting mechanism comprises a shaft and a pair of bearings supporting the shaft, the cabinet has an attaching part for attaching a string-like member, and the attaching part projects from the front surface of the cabinet. In this portable electronic device, the attaching part is disposed adjacent to the pivoting mechanism, the shaft which is a component of the pivoting mechanism includes a projecting part projecting toward the attaching part from one of the bearings closer to the attaching part, and the projecting part extends along a back surface which is a reverse side of the front surface of the cabinet.

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: 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.

Abstract: A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with a first camera window and a first aperture in the front of the portable electronic device or a second camera window and second aperture in the rear of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus comprises a photographing device which photographs an image of an object; an illumination device which emits light at the photographing time and illuminates the object; a face detection device which detects a face area and a size of the face area of the person of the object from the image photographed by the photographing device; an object distance calculating device which calculates a distance up to the object from the size of the face area; a photographing sensitivity setting device that sets a photographing sensitivity according to the object distance; and a main emission control device which performs a main emission photographing by using the setting of the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting device.

Abstract: A barrel includes a through-hole through which an interlocking lever passes, the interlocking lever provided on a barrier drive member to receive a rotational force. The barrier drive member includes a flange portion in a circumferential direction. The flange portion is positioned at the same phase as the interlocking lever and covers the through-hole from an optical axis direction during a rotation of the barrier blades from an open state to a closed state.

Abstract: The notebook computer includes a base and an upper cover. The base has a keyboard. The upper cover includes a screen, an image pickup device and a close-up lens. The upper cover is rotatable with respect to the base such that the image pickup device is able to capture an image of a document on a working plane. After the document image is obtained by the image pickup device, a built-in image processing program performs correction on the document image so as to obtain a corrected document image.

Abstract: A notebook information processor includes a lid including an image photographing unit and a display, and a main body, wherein the control unit includes a live view displaying unit that displays a live view obtained by photographing at least a portion of the main body within a photographing area of the image photographing unit on the display, a rectangle detecting unit that detects a rectangle for calculating a projective transformation parameter from the live view, a projective transformation parameter calculating unit that calculates the projective transformation parameter from a coordinate of the rectangle, and a still image obtaining unit that performs a projective transformation on the live view so as to obtain a live view photographed from a front direction, using the projective transformation parameter, obtains a still image from the live view after the projective transformation, and stores the still image in the storage unit.

Abstract: A camcorder has a main body, a lens, which is provided on a front surface portion of the main body, and a display unit having a display screen, which displays incoming images from the lens. A first surface of a rear surface portion of the main body faces the display unit and is concave toward the front surface portion of the main body. A second surface of the display unit faces the first surface. The second surface is convex toward the front surface portion of the main body corresponding to the first surface. The first surface slidably moves the display unit with respect to the second surface.

Abstract: A notebook information processor includes an image photographing unit, a display, a keyboard, a storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes, a live view displaying unit that displays a live view obtained by photographing at least a portion of the keyboard within a photographing area of the image photographing unit on the display, a still image obtaining unit that obtains a still image from the live view displayed on the display by the live view displaying unit, when receiving a photographing start signal to start photographing the still image of a document put on the keyboard, and an image processing unit that performs projective transformation on the still image obtained by the still image obtaining unit so as to obtain an image photographed from a front direction, executes image processing so as to perform cropping to clip the document, and stores a transformed image of the document after the image processing in the storage unit.

Abstract: A digital video camera may include a digital video image sensor for capturing digital video footage to be stored on an internal memory. The digital video image sensor and internal memory may be housed in a camera body. A retractable arm having a data connector may be attached to the camera body. The arm can be extended from and retracted into the camera body, while the data connector can be used to transfer digital video footage to an external device, such as a computer. The data connector may conform to a standard for connecting peripheral devices, such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) standard.

Abstract: A modular pen-like device is provided having a camera module for capturing images, an effects module for applying visual effects to the captured images, and a printer module for printing the captured and visually effected images. The modules have respective, generally cylindrical bodies configured to be assembled together so that the assembled body of the modular pen-like device is generally cylindrical.

Abstract: An original is inclined with respect to an optical axis of a camera until the camera is positioned outside a reflected-image taking range by inclining a mounting surface of an original glass on which the original is placed. This makes it possible, when the original is taken by the camera, to prevent the camera from being reflected on the original and being taken in with the original. An imaging case formed of a diffusing member that is made of a high light-diffusing material or a high light-absorbing material is arranged in the reflected-image taking range. This makes it possible to prevent an object positioned in the reflected-image taking range from being reflected on the original and being taken by the camera. Consequently, clear image information can be more reliably obtained.

Abstract: A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with an aperture in the front of the device or an aperture in the rear of the device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for displaying a plurality of different images in a mobile terminal in an external display device and a display unit in various modes. The mobile terminal operates according to a Different Image In and Out (DIIO) mode when the external display device is connected to the mobile terminal. When the external display device is not connected to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal displays the plurality of different images in the display unit of the mobile terminal by operating according to a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) mode or an Overlay mode, so as to take into consideration size limitations of the display unit of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image pickup apparatus configured to include an image pickup unit housing in which an image pickup unit that picks up images is housed, and a handle that is disposed on an upper part of the image pickup unit housing at a predetermined gap from the image pickup unit housing and is disposed approximately in parallel with an optical axis of light incident on the image pickup unit. The image pickup apparatus further includes a display unit that is placed on a lower surface of the handle and is operable when pulled out from the lower surface to display images picked up by the image pickup unit in a viewable manner.

Abstract: An imaging operation controller including a casing, a control panel attached to a back part of the casing and having a plurality of operating members and function indicators that indicate the functions of the operating members and placed near the operating members, respectively. The control panel includes a base plate attached to the casing, a mounting plate placed on the base plate and a printed indicator sheet placed on the mounting plate. The plurality of operating members are supported on the base plate, indicator lighting light sources are supported on the base plate at positions respectively corresponding to the function indicators so as to emit light backward. The indicator lighting light sources are white light-emitting diodes attached to the base plate so as to emit light backward.

Abstract: The method and circuit corrects errors in an active pixel sensor which generates an output indicative of illumination intensity and which may experience an error in the output as a result of artifacts which produce an erroneous output. The approach includes determining the output from the pixel, comparing the output with a threshold value, and if the output is lower that the threshold value identifying the existence of an erroneous output and storing a value in a latching device in response thereto. A maximum value is generated in response to the latching device to replace the erroneous output, thereby correcting the error. The present invention switches the system from the analog to digital domain with respect to the issue of artifacts by using a latch to store a value which is then used to replace the actual output if the output is wrong.

Abstract: An image photographing apparatus includes a main body, and a gripping unit rotatably disposed on the main body. The gripping unit includes a first member that protrudes from and is rotatably disposed on a side surface of the main body to adjust in a linear direction, and a second member fixed at approximate right angles to the first member. With this construction, a user can photograph while freely changing a position of her/his hand according a photographing angle that she/he wants to photograph at, in a position that a gripping state to the apparatus is held.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first device body and a second device body. The first device body includes a first front surface, a first rear surface, and a lens module disposed at the first front surface. The second device body is disposed rotatably in front of the first device body, and includes a second front surface, a second rear surface, and a display screen disposed at the second rear surface. The second device body is rotatable relative to the first device body between a deactivated state and an activated state. The display screen and the lens module are covered by the first front surface and the second rear surface respectively when the second device body is in the deactivated state, and are uncovered by the first front surface and the second rear surface respectively when the second device body is in the activated state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a device for coupling a camera to an article of clothing, for example, a belt, of a wearer. The coupling device comprises a slot engaging portion on one end for engaging a slotted receptacle of a support structure. The device includes a camera engaging portion on another end for engaging a thread receiving receptacle of a camera. The coupling piece is configured to permit rotation of the camera with respect to the support structure when the thread receiving receptacle of the camera is engaged with the camera engaging portion, and when the slot engaging portion is engaged with the slotted receptacle.

Abstract: A function key assembly and a portable device having the same. The function key assembly is exposed to an outside of the portable device having a screen to allow a user to select various functions, includes a direction key unit provided in the portable device, and having a plurality of buttons to select or move a menu on the screen, a mode key unit movably provided around the direction key unit to allow the user to select a predetermined mode provided from the portable device according to a position motion thereof, and a circuit board provided inside the portable device to prevent the direction key unit and the mode key unit from being detached therefrom, and having switches to generate signals in response to an operation of the direction key unit and the mode key unit.

Abstract: A casing 20 of a mobile phone body is provided with a sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23, a projector lens 26, a light source 35 including an LED. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the projector lens 26 are movable between a normal position contained within the casing 20 and a raised position raised from the normal position. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 is fixed at the raised position roughly perpendicularly to the light axis Q between the-sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the light source 35 so that the light axis of the projector lens 26 is substantially aligned with the light axis Q. The illumination light from the light source is set to be parallel rays.

Abstract: A lens device includes a seat unit having an image sensing component, a first barrel unit, a first lens module coupled to the first barrel unit, and a second lens module mounted on the seat unit. When the first barrel unit moves toward the seat unit along an optical axis, the first lens module moves in radial directions via a first guide mechanism such that a first lens unit is misaligned with the image sensing component relative to the optical axis, while the second lens module is driven to rotate via a second guide mechanism such that a second lens unit is misaligned with the image sensing component. The lens device further includes a first biasing unit for biasing the first lens module to a first shooting position, and a second biasing unit for biasing the second lens module to a second shooting position.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus comprises an operation unit and a controller. The operation unit has a direct key and an operation key. The operation key is used for setting a function regarding at least one of an image processing operation of an image data obtained by a photographing operation and a storing operation of the image data and is operated more than once for setting the function. The direct key is used for setting the function and is operated only once for setting the function. The controller sets the function corresponding to an operation of the operation key and that sets the function corresponding to one operation of the direct key. When the direct key is operated once, the function is set regardless of a prior function state set by operating the operation key.

Abstract: A camera module unit includes a printed wiring board overlaid on a shielding enclosure. A camera module is supported on the surface of the shielding enclosure. The camera module is located inside a recess defined in the printed wiring board. A shielding metal plate covers over the camera module. An elastic piece is defined in the shielding metal plate. The elastic piece is resiliently received on the surface of the shielding enclosure. The shielding metal plate realizes a sufficient shielding for the camera module in the camera module unit. Electric current is allowed to easily run from the charged shielding metal plate to the shielding enclosure through the elastic piece. The camera module is supported on the shielding enclosure inside the recess. The height of the camera module is reduced above the printed wiring board.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, at least parts or all of the windows for tarry lamps are located in the outside of the front cover by constructing the front cover portion between the top face and left-hand side face of the front cover, and the front cover portion between the top face and right-hand side face of the front cover as the inclined planes respectively. That is, since the windows for tarry lamps are not covered by the front cover as conventional ones, visibility from the external improves.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a body, a first image capturing element, a cover and a arm. The body comprises a first surface and a second surface, with the first surface opposite to the second surface. The first image capturing element is disposed on the first surface. The cover is connected to the body, movable between a first cover position and a second cover position, wherein the cover covers the first image capturing element when the cover is in the first cover position, and the first image capturing element is actuated when the cover is in the second cover position. The arm is connected to the cover, pivoting between a first position and a second position, wherein when the arm is in the second position, a recording medium is received on a first end of the arm, and the first image capturing element captures an image data therefrom.

Abstract: A system for controlling photoflash includes a signal processing unit, a calculating unit, a photoflash module and an adjusting unit. The photoflash module includes a capacitor. The signal processing unit is configured for analyzing image information to get a current brightness value of the image, and the calculating unit is configured for calculating a first photoflash time of the photoflash module based on a first voltage value of the capacitor via analyzing the current brightness value. The adjusting unit is configured for adjusting the first photoflash time to get a second photoflash time according to a second voltage value of the capacitor, and outputting the second photoflash time to the photoflash module to control flashing of the photoflash module.

Abstract: An image photography apparatus enabling a user to capture an object by freely changing a position of the hand according to an angle shot while gripping the image photography apparatus. The image photography apparatus includes a main body and a rotation unit rotatably installed on the main body. The rotation unit includes a rotation part, a connection part rotatably connecting the rotation part to one side of the main body, and a grip band coupled to the rotation part.

Abstract: A digital camera has a housing and an exposure circuit in the housing. The digital camera further includes a locating post fixed on the housing, a rotatable assembly, and a shutter button electronically connected to the exposure circuit. The rotatable assembly has a hole for passage of the locating post and can rotate round the locating post. The shutter button is disposed on a side of the rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly may help users to select one of the left side and the right side of the digital camera as desired for left-handed or right-handed operation of the digital camera.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises an image pickup unit for photographing an object and generating image data, and a frame forming an outline of the image pickup apparatus, wherein spaces are formed between the image pickup unit and the frame to allow an operator grasp inner planes of the frame.