Abstract: An electronic device with slideable covers is provided. The electronic device includes a main body. Two sliding slots are defined in each of side surfaces of the main body, and a receiving space is defined in one end of each sliding slot, another receiving space is defined in opposite end of each sliding slot. The sliding slots communicate with the receiving spaces defined in two opposite ends of the sliding slot, and the width of the sliding slots is less than the width of the receiving spaces. The electronic device further includes two covers and four connecting members. Each cover includes two rings for fixing two connecting members. The connecting members slideably connect the covers to the main body. The connecting members are able to slide in the sliding slots and the receiving spaces.

Abstract: A system for capture and transmission of video and audio data includes multiple input devices, each designed to be worn by a user. The input devices capture video and audio signals corresponding to views available at the location of each user and transmit the information to a remote system. The remote system uses the video and audio signals to create enhanced views. These enhanced views may be transmitted to other input devices.

Abstract: An opening structure of a portable apparatus includes a hook module and a camera module installed on a cover of the portable apparatus. The hook module includes at least one hook portion, at least one retaining portion and at least one resilient member. The camera module includes a casing, a camera lens and an axle, and a conversion component is connected to the axle. The hook portion is disposed on the retaining portion, and a resilience member is connected separately to the retaining portion and the cover, and the casing includes a camera lens and an axle installed on the casing. If the axle is rotated to produce a rotation force, the conversion component will convert the rotation force into a pushing force which will push the hook module to trigger a switch installed at the cover and turn on the portable hook module while the cover is being opened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water proof case for a digital camera. The water proof case for a digital camera according to the present invention comprises a housing having an inner space to accommodate the digital camera, an upper and a lower transparent films formed, respectively, on an upper and a lower sides of the housing, a first attaching member formed on an upper surface of the housing at a side of the upper transparent film, a corrugated header extended from the housing at a side of the first attaching member, a cover connected to the housing at the side of the first attaching member and positioned at a back of the corrugated header, a second attaching member formed on an upper surface of the cover, and a light tube unit heat-fused to the upper transparent film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera module that includes: a camera body including a lens-barrel, a substrate, an image pickup device, and a signal processing unit; and a shield case. The shield case has a substrate-covering plate part and a lock part. An insulating and elastic cushion material is disposed between the substrate and the substrate-covering plate part. The cushion material is disposed in a compressed state between the substrate and the substrate-covering plate part by the locking of the lock part to the camera body.

Abstract: A flexible image photographing apparatus includes a plurality of image photographing units to photograph a photographing object. A flexible body receives the plurality of image photographing units and may be transformed when a force is applied. A control portion is disposed at the flexible body to control each of the plurality of image photographing units to photograph the photographing object. The control portion stores images of the photographing object and performs various kinds of photography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the orientation of the displayed subject is the same as the actual orientation of the subject. The reference attitude when taking a picture is shown in FIG. 5, with the lid 12 being rotated substantially about 90 degrees about the X-axis with respect to the main body, and a perpendicular of the display 32 is in the same orientation as the optical axis of the CCD 41. In this attitude, the image captured by the CCD 41 is displayed as it is in the display 32. On the other hand, when the angle detector 51 detects that the lid 12 is rotated by a further 90 degrees with respect to the main body 11 from the attitude of FIG. 5 and the lid 12 and the main body 11 are opened by about 180 degrees, the image captured by the CCD 41 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated image is displayed in the display 32. The present invention can be applied to portable type terminals such as mobile phones having a two axially rotatable structure, PDA, personal computers.

Abstract: Electronic equipment according to the present invention includes a display element. The electronic equipment includes a holding frame 23 holding a display unit 22 and including an elastic piece that can be elastically deformed in a substantially planar direction of the display surface of the display unit 22, a rear unit 21 holding a holding frame 23 and including an opening that allows the display unit 22 to be visible from outside, and a front unit 24 fixed to the rear unit 21 and covering the rear surface side of the display unit 22. The holding frame 23 is held with the rear unit 21 by elastically deforming the elastic piece. With this configuration, it is possible to attach and detach a display element such as a liquid crystal panel to and from the case easily, thus simplifying the assembling process.

Abstract: A switching device for a portable apparatus, comprises a button disposed in an opening formed in a housing. A spring member, supported by the housing, is integrally connected to a first connecting portion of the button. A stopping claw is connected to a second connecting portion of the button, and can engage with an inner wall of the housing near the peripheral edge of the opening. The switching circuit board is provided in the housing. The switching circuit board is depressed and released through the button. The switching circuit board has a notch in which the stopping claw is inserted when the button is depressed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention is a portion of the image pickup portion is exposed on a first surface of the casing. The apparatus includes: a holding frame disposed on a second surface, which is the rear surface of the first surface of the casing, wherein the image pickup portion is held by the holding frame, and the holding frame is fixed to a third surface adjacent to the second surface. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of components, and to eliminate the need for the step of attaching the double-faced tape, and the step of attaching the cover ring to the front panel.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a lens unit, a grip unit which can be attached and detached to/from the lens unit and forms all or a part of a grip when photographing, a guiding member which, being set on the lens unit, guides the grip unit in a direction approximately orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens unit; and a guided member which is set on the grip unit and engaged with the guiding member.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and methods are disclosed for generating video clips for specific events. The system comprises at least a server, a video capture device, the video capture device being operatively coupled to the server, and one or more mobile timestamp devices, the one or more mobile timestamp device being removably coupled to the server. A first mobile timestamp device is a small device comprising a button and an interface that can reside in a user's hand. The button can be depressed to make timestamps after which it reverts back to its original extended position. A second mobile timestamp device can be a PDA having a software application adapted to collect a variety of data in conjunction with the timestamps. Video clips are generated by the system relating to event indications of specific events as identified by software.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel, a lens holder, an image pickup device, and a plurality of springs supporting the lens holder in such a manner that the lens holder is movable along an optical axis of an imaging optical system. Each of the springs includes first and second arm portions extending perpendicularly to each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Each of the first and second arm portions includes two parallel spring strips that are connected to each other by an arc portion. One of the spring strips of the first arm portion is connected to one of the spring strips of the second arm portion. The other one of the spring strips of the first arm portion is attached to the lens holder, and the other one of the spring strips of the second arm portion is attached to the lens barrel.

Abstract: When the monitor is slid to the inner side of the device main body, a portion of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are display in one portion of the area, and when the monitor is slid outside of the device main body, the whole area of the monitor is faced outside of the device main body, and various pieces of information are displayed in the whole area.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus, such as a digital camera, having a movable lens barrier or cover which can easily be opened and closed to operate the image capturing apparatus in various predetermined modes depending on the position of the lens barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the image capturing apparatus has a body having a front face, a back face and a side face, which is between the front face and back face. A lens section is provided on the body and is operable to form an image. A lens barrier is operable to cover the front face, back face and side face of the body and to pivotally move around an axis which is substantially parallel to an optical axis of the lens section.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal comprising a first unit comprising a circuit; a second unit comprising a rotating camera module; and a flexible printed circuit board connecting said circuit to said rotating camera module. The rotating camera module comprising a first peg forming a first turning point for said flexible circuit board to wind around in a first direction, wherein a wound path of said flexible circuit board around said first turning point virtually divides said flexible circuit board into a first region and a second region, said first region being defined by a first portion of said flexible circuit board extending from a connection point to said rotating camera module to said first peg, said second region being defined by a second portion of said flexible circuit board extending from said first peg to an area above said connection point.

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image.

Abstract: A combination camcorder handset device in a clam-shell form factor that has at least two operational modes-one of which is a phone mode wherein the device is used by holding the device to the ear and talking, and another of which is a camera mode wherein the device is rotated on its side so the screen is pointed horizontally and the device is held in one hand just like a traditional camcorder. The angle of the device's clam-shell hinge determines the operational mode. The camera points in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the keys on the keyboard keys move when pressed. The camera may be contained in a removable camera module. Straps on the keyboard half hold the device in place when the device is held with one hand during camera mode. Buttons along the side of the keyboard half perform functions such as shutter release, zoom-in, and zoom-out, and are within immediate access of the fingers of the hand that is holding the device.

Abstract: There is provided a pivot hinge mechanism to support a main body and grip unit of a video camera pivotably in relation to each other. It includes a stationary plate to be installed to one of the main body and grip unit, rotating plates to be installed to the other of the main body and grip unit, and a spindle to support the rotating plates rotatably in relation to the stationary plate. The stationary plate and each of the rotating plates have formed therein a first and second openings, respectively, through which a harness routed between the main body and grip unit is penetrated. The first and second openings are formed to overlap each other at least partially in an angular range in which the grip unit is pivoted in relation to the main body.

Abstract: A hand-held imaging apparatus 10 comprises a lower housing 11, an upper housing 21, an outer camera 25, a lower LCD 12, a touch panel 13, and change means. The upper housing 21 is foldably connected to the lower housing 11. The outer camera 25 is provided in an outer surface of the upper housing 21 when folded. The lower LCD 12 has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the lower housing 11 when folded, and displays a live image which is currently taken by the outer camera 25. The touch panel 13 is provided on the display screen of the lower LCD 12. The change means makes a change to the live image based on an input with respect to the touch panel 13.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including: an enclosure constituting an outer case of the apparatus; a receiving recess, formed of a bottom wall and a side wall uprising from a circumference of the bottom wall, disposed on the enclosure as opened outward; a holding member, formed of a vibration relaxing material capable of relaxing vibrations, received in the receiving recess; a supporting piece for supporting the holding member within the receiving recess such that a space is secured between the holding member and the bottom wall; a recess for microphone formed on a face, facing outward, of the holding member as opened outward, in a condition of the holding member being supported by the supporting piece within the receiving recess; a microphone inserted into the recess for microphone; and a grill disposed to cover a side of the holding member facing outward, in a condition of the holding member being supported by the supporting piece within the receiving recess, the grill being provided with a plurality of through h

Abstract: A video camera, building in a hard disk drive and an optical disk drive within the same housing, for dissolving a problem of increasing the temperature of hard disk drive due to heats generated within an inside of the main body thereof, comprises: an image pickup portion, which is configured to make photographing; a display portion 6, which is configured to display an image photographed; a hard disk drive 1 which is configured to record the image photographed therein; and an optical disk drive 9, which is configured to drive an optical disk being attached/detached, wherein the display portion 6, the optical disk drive 1, the hard disk 9 are disposed in that order, and the hard disk drive 1 is disposed on a cover portion to be opened when taking out the optical disk from the optical disk drive 9.

Abstract: A camera apparatus, which can be worn on a person and provides hands-free operation, includes a housing for a camera and a mounting device for the housing on a person. The camera apparatus is able to transmit video signals and may also transmit and receive audio signals.

Abstract: A voice activated headset imaging system and elements thereof enable hands-free imaging. Hands-free imaging in some embodiments of the invention comprises receiving by a headset assembly a voice command and executing by the headset assembly an imaging control instruction generated in response to the voice command. Execution of the imaging control instruction involves an operation such as activating an object pointer, capturing an image, deleting a captured image or downloading a captured image.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging device including a main body having a front part and a rear part; and a lens mounted to the front part of the main body. The main body includes a slope formed in the rear part, the slope being inclined upward with respect to a bottom surface of the rear part and continuous with the bottom surface of the rear part.

Abstract: A portable electric device with a rotatable image-capturing function includes a casing, a main circuit board and a touch pen. The main circuit board is disposed in the casing. The touch pen has a pen body and an image-capturing module disposed at one end of the pen body. The pen body is detachably coupled to casing. The image-capturing module and the main circuit board are electrically connected through the other end of the pen body.

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: A pad main body of a shoulder pad includes an elastic pad part comprising two side walls provided to face each other, and a bottom wall provided between these side walls to form a U-shape along with the side walls; and a rib provided on the inside of the U shape of the pad part, from one of the two side walls to the other.

Abstract: An electronic headset comprising connectivity functionality, the connectivity functionality arranged to allow the headset to be operatively coupled to a remote associated electronic device for the transmission of signalling between the headset and the device, the headset further comprising camera functionality arranged to capture one or more images, and wherein the camera functionality is arranged to be controlled by control signalling transmitted via the connectivity functionality, the control signalling being processed by the remote associated electronic device and being sent to the electronic headset to control the camera functionality.

Abstract: There is provided a grasp member joined to the top portion of an image pickup apparatus body including a lens barrel unit at the front end and a display unit at the rear end through leg portions. Here, the front one of the leg portions is joined to the image pickup apparatus body at an offset position to the left from an optical axis of light incident on the lens barrel unit.

Abstract: A digital camera for use with a media cartridge with a supply of media substrate, and an information store with information about the media substrate. The camera has an image sensor for capturing an image, an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead, and a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilize the information relating to the media substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a camera of a mobile terminal comprising a camera housing having a camera lens, a casing in which the camera housing is rotatably inserted, and a rotation angle fixing unit operating between the camera housing and the casing, for fixing a rotation angle of the camera housing. Accordingly, an unintended rotation of the camera housing is prevented and thus a user can stably photograph an object by securing a photographing angle of the camera.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (100) with camera module includes a main body (10), a cover (30), and a connecting mechanism (20). The main body has a receiving cavity (16) defined therein. The cover has a camera module disposed thereon and facing the main body. The camera module is received in the receiving cavity of the main body. The connecting mechanism includes two connecting poles (22) each of which is arranged on its respective one of the two sides of the main body and the cover, each connecting pole is rotatably connected with the main body and the cover so that when the cover is driven upwards relative to the main body the camera module is removed from the receiving cavity as the cover slides relative to the main body.

Abstract: A digital video recorder connected to a DV camcorder sends, to the camcorder upon detecting camcorder mode change from a reproduction mode to a rewind mode, a stop command to forward a DV tape toward its end until a newest time code coincides with a time code at a reproduction end position. Thereafter, upon completion of the tape forwarding, and upon camcorder mode change from a reproduction mode to a stop mode, the recorder sends a reproduction command to, and receives a response from, the camcorder, and determines, based on the response, result of the reproduction by the reproduction command. If the recorder determines the result as successful, it determines reproduction of the tape to be interrupted, while if it determines the result as failing, it determines dubbing of DV stream from the tape to be completed. This prevents omission of dubbing of DV stream from the tape without fail.

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: An imaging apparatus which is thin in thickness and has enough strength to be able to be accommodated in the breast pocket of one's shirt or back pocket of one's pants or in a handbag without bothered by a feeling of strangeness is provided. The imaging apparatus is composed of an imaging unit and an operation unit, both units being connected rotatably relative to each other by a hinge mechanism and formed into a low-profile, rectangular shape in the normal state in which the units are positioned parallel to each other.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera and a portable telephone equipped with a digital camera in which while a user views one monitor screen, the user can selectively photograph an image located in the side of the face of the user and an image located in an opposite side to the face of the user without turning out the digital camera or the portable telephone having the digital camera under a state that the user holds the digital camera or the portable telephone having the digital camera. The digital camera and the portable telephone having the digital camera of the present invention include a first camera mounted on a first surface of a casing member, a second camera mounted on a second surface in the back side of the first surface of the casing member and a camera selecting unit for selecting a photographing camera.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an apparatus body, a monitor connected to the apparatus body, and a hinge mechanism including a support member. The supporting mechanism includes a mounting portion on a first end, the mounting portion being rotatably mounted on the apparatus body, and a supporting portion on a second end, the supporting portion supporting the monitor. The support member rotatably supports the monitor relative to the apparatus body. The support member of the hinge mechanism is disposed at substantially the same height as that of a viewfinder disposed on the apparatus body.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring an image and a method therefor. The apparatus is electrically connected to an image sensor for acquiring an acquired image and outputting an original image signal. The apparatus includes an image processor, a data reduction unit and a buffer. The image processor generates a first image signal according to the original image signal. The data reduction unit reduces a data amount of the first image signal to generate a second image signal. The buffer stores the second image signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video system for use in extreme sports videography, particularly skydiving. The video system includes a remote video head disposed on the headgear of a user in communication with a video camcorder disposed in a body pouch selectably attachable to the body of the user or an item being worn by the user. A wireless system transmits a video signal between the remote video head and the video camcorder.

Abstract: A camera-mounting device is provided that is inexpensive and resistive to vibration, and can generate a large coupling force with a small operation force. The camera-mounting device includes a ball shaft, a case main body provided with a ball-shaft receiver, a press plate that allows the ball shaft to be pressed onto the ball-shaft receiver and a cam that presses the press plate in a direction toward the ball shaft by a rotation of a lever, and in this structure, the rotation of the lever is made to have a multiplied force through the principle of the lever to push the press plate down so that the cam and a cam contact face are made in contact with each other on a flat face. With this arrangement, a large coupling force is generated by a small force so that the device is made resistive to vibration.

Abstract: A camera module for a compact printer system. 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 camera portion pivotally connected to a base portion, where by the camera portion is pivotal between a first position where it is aligned with on a common axis on the base portion and a second position where there is no alignment. The base portion has a connector that connects directly to a corresponding connector on the printer module, providing both a physical connection and a logical connection. The logical connection is a serial bus that communicates power and data.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising: a main unit with a display device attached to a palm or back of a hand; an image-pickup section attached to any one of fingers; a detection device which detects bending of a plurality of fingers; and a control section which changes an operating mode of the image-pickup section or display device according to the state of bending of the plurality of fingers detected by the detection device.

Abstract: A pair of spectacles with miniature camera (122) includes a front frame (1), spectacle lenses (2) and side arms (3). The ends of the front frame (1) are extended backwards to form extending portions (11, 12) with cavities (111, 121), and an opening is formed on the front end of the extending portion (11, 12). The miniature camera (122) facing the opening is arranged on the front end of the cavity (111, 121). A shield (16) is associated to the opening for concealing and protecting the miniature camera (122). A pair of spectacles also includes a connection member (4) having two sides connect to the two spectacle lenses (2) respectively and an end portion have a groove (411) to clip columns provided on the bridge, so that the spectacle lenses (2) can be upturnable.

Abstract: A camera that is mountable in a mobile communications device is disclosed. The camera allows the user of the device to precisely adjust the acute rotational angle of the camera with respect to the body of the device and maintains the adjusted angle of the camera until the user deliberately adjusts it again.

Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus that can be manipulated to provide multiple views to a single camera module. The apparatus includes a cylindrical rotating prism assembly that can be rotated about its vertical axis. A first reflective surface reflects the field of view of a lens assembly 90° along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. The camera module is positioned beneath the cylindrical rotating prism assembly to capture an image reflected by the first reflective surface along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. An illumination source is positioned above the cylindrical rotating prism assembly and emits an illumination beam along the same vertical axis that is reflected by a second reflective surface through an illumination aperture that illuminates the field of view. The entire assembly can be rotated to take advantage of multiple lens assemblies.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes an exterior member which houses a main body of the apparatus and has an opening, a part of the main body being exposed through the opening; a lid which is attached to the exterior member so as to cover or uncover the opening; a hook which is provided in an area of the main body to be covered with the lid and on which a small loop for attachment of a strap is hooked; and a projection which projects from the lid and which comes in contact with a head part of the hook with the lid closed. A boundary surface of the covered area, the hook, and the projection forms a closed planar area with the lid closed.

Abstract: Mobile terminals, methods, and program products generate information for communication from a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal can include a camera device and a controller. The camera device is configured to capture image data based on incident light. The controller is configured to recognize characters in the image data, and to generate the information that is to be communicated from the mobile terminal based on the recognized characters. The controller may determine that the recognized characters are indicative of an Internet address, a message address, a telephone number, a street address, and/or contact information.

Abstract: Portable terminal equipment includes an upper chassis, a lower chassis, a connector therebetween, a camera holder, and a camera. The upper chassis includes the first obverse side and the first reverse side. The lower chassis includes the second obverse side and the second reverse side. The connector is operable to collapsibly interconnect the upper and lower chassis. The camera holder is slidable outward and inward with respect to either the upper chassis or the lower chassis. The camera is disposed on the camera holder in a relationship coextensive with the first obverse side. When the upper and lower chassis are opened up, then images taken by the camera are displayed on a first display. When the upper and lower chassis are folded up, then images taken by the camera are displayed on a second display. Thus the thinned portable terminal equipment including the single camera is operable to photograph both a user and any other subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a camera apparatus including an enclosure configured to enclose an imaging unit, a terminal arrangement unit arranged adjacent to a curved surface of an edge portion of the enclosure, and a cover member for covering the terminal arrangement unit, configured to move to open in parallel and along a straight guide groove provided near the terminal arrangement unit, and to turn along the curved surface of the edge portion when the cover has moved to open a prescribed amount along the straight guide groove.