Abstract: A video tape recorder integrally combined with a video camera has a housing having a battery casing for accommodating a battery therein and a battery cover mounted on the housing for openably closing the battery casing. A display unit for displaying various pieces of information relative to the video tape recorder is mounted on the battery cover. The battery cover also supports various control keys thereon, and includes a battery storage area for storing a backup battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image pickup apparatus which outputs moving image information, obtained with an image pickup device of progressive scanning type, as video signals of two channels, compresses the amount of information of the video signals of the two channels with compressing units of two channels, and transmits the compressed video signals of two channels to a peripheral device in the compressed state.

Abstract: A signal reproduced from an ADV head, which is advanced a recording head is error corrected in the ECC decoder. The compression encoding process is decompressed in the compression decoder. The output signal of the ECC decoder is input to the selector. A reproduction signal of the CNF head reproducing a recording data just after recording is supplied to a selector through a ECC decoder and a compression decoder. A bypass signal from the ECC encoder of the recording side is supplied to the the ECC decoder as it's another input. In the ECC decoder, two types of data are written to two different areas of the memory. One of the data is read out selectively and supplied to the selector. The selector is switched from the output of the ADV head to the bypass signal at an in-point. The preview operation can be attained by the picture that has been compressed and decompressed.

Abstract: An image processing system is disclosed, wherein a demountable image pickup apparatus comprises operating means such as a keyboard, a portable computer having control means that is a CPU, image pickup means, and program storage means, which is a ROM or RAM, for storing programs to be run by the control means, and wherein imaging is effected with the image pickup apparatus mounted on an information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit for inputting an image signal, a signal processing unit for processing an output from the input unit to generate an image signal of a first format, a conversion unit for compressing an output from the signal processing unit and converting the same to an image signal of a second format and a digital interface unit for selectively transmitting the output from the signal processing unit and the output from the conversion unit to an external equipment.

Abstract: In this image recording apparatus, imaging sensor obtains two video signals of different signal charge accumulation periods, in a given signal charge accumulation period which is represented by a field or a frame of a video signal, and the two video signals are recorded on a record medium, whereby a video signal of an object having a wide luminance distribution can be recorded,and as for the image reproducing apparatus, a correcting circuit corrects standard-illuminance video information and high-illuminance video information which are reproduced by a reproducing circuit, the user designates an object illuminance range to be output, through an object illuminance range designating circuit, and a level converter converts the luminance into a luminance level which can be output by a display apparatus or a printer, thereby allowing portions which are largely different in object illuminance, to be selectively displayed or output in reproduction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for managing display formats for a peripheral display coupled to an digital imaging device. The system and method comprising the steps of detecting the coupling between the digital imaging device and the peripheral display; and automatically switching a first display format of the digital imaging device to a second display format for the peripheral display.

Abstract: A digital image capturing device which communicates through an input/output interface with an external processing device which monitors and/or controls the camera. The image capturing device communicates with the external device in order to output status information to the external device, receive commands from the external device and to transfer images and sound between the image capturing device and the external device. Various parameters describing the state of the image capturing device are transmitted to the external device including characteristics of the captured images, whether the flash is ready, the state of the device battery, whether the memory is full, or the parameters used when capturing images. The commands which can be sent from the external device to the image capturing device include commands to change any of the parameters of the image capturing device and a command to capture an image or a series of images, and whether or not sound is recorded.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for recycling an electronic-image recording apparatus such as an electronic camera, etc., which can be used again. The system includes a restricting device to restrict an image-capturing operation under a predetermined condition occurring after use of the electronic-image recording apparatus, a readout section to read a first image signal in the basis of an image signal stored in the electronic-image recording apparatus, a converting section to convert the first image signal, read by the readout section, into a second image signal, and a canceling section to cancel the image-capturing restriction set by the restricting device included in the electronic-image recording apparatus.

Abstract: Image data coded by a variable length coding module is output to an external R/W controller and an internal R/W controller. A determination module compares the amount of coded picture data to be recorded next with the amount of free space on an external recording medium. If there is enough free space, image data is written on the external recording medium. If free space is insufficient, subsequent image data is written into an internal memory. When image data is coded into variable length data, it is difficult to predict precisely a recording time of the external recording medium, which means that the external recording medium may become full before a desired amount of image data is recorded. However, image recording may be continued using the internal memory even after the external recording medium becomes full.

Abstract: A card-type image sensor used upon being inserted into the card slot of an external device such as a computer includes an image sensor head having image sensing device such as a CCD. A control panel having a zoom switch and a focus switch is provided on the image sensor head, which is rotatably attached to the rotary support portion of a card body having a main board. The control panel is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the image sensor head so that no portion of the image sensor head will project from below the lower side of the card body when the image sensor head is turned. In addition, a desk or the like will not interfere with the image sensor head when the head is turned. The results is improved operability. Further, the card body is provided with a finger catch used when the image sensor is detached from the external device.

Abstract: An information signal processing device comprises a data holding device which is removably attachable to an information signal generating device for generating a first information signal and which holds information data corresponding to a plurality of kinds of second information signal to be combined with the first information signal and which also holds control data for controlling the combining operation, whereby the second information signal can be combined with the first information signal without special operations.

Abstract: Charges are read out from a CCD n (where n is an integer or greater) times within 1 field period, under the control of a controller. Under the control of a memory controller, a VTR records the n images as a video signal for 1 field, based on the readout charges. When playing back, under control of the memory controller, the video signal for 1 field, which is read out from the VTR and which includes n images, is temporarily stored in a memory. The memory controller reads out the n images from the memory in time sequence, and displays each image on a display m (where m is an integer 1 or greater) times during period of m fields, thereby performing slow playback at a playback speed of 1/(n×m). Along with a video signal for each field, the VTR records information with regard to the number n of the images and the display positions thereof.

Abstract: An electronic still-video camera is provided capable of preserving image data having a quantity which is greater than the storage capacity of a memory cartridge (memory card) loaded in the camera. Besides being capable of receiving an external memory in a memory cartridge loaded in the camera, the camera incorporates an internal memory. Image data obtained as a result of photography is stored in either the internal memory or the external memory, depending upon which memory has been selected by a memory selection switch.

Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus having an image sensor which has photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a two-dimensionally offset manner and a signal processing part which is arranged to include a two-dimensional filter and a frame memory, a circuit is arranged to enable the two-dimensional filter which forms a luminance signal in recording to be used also for reproduction; and a sampling action for a reproducing operation is arranged to be performed in the form of sub-sampling for every field.

Abstract: A VTR with a monitor-equipped built-in camera includes a monitor/VTR portion and a camera portion. The monitor/VTR portion is integrally formed of a VTR portion holding a removable tape cassette and a monitor portion including a liquid crystal display device. A rotary mechanism attaches the camera portion to the monitor/VTR portion in a relatively rotatable manner. Furthermore, the monitor/VTR portion has a VTR driving substrate for driving the VTR portion, and a monitor driving substrate for driving the monitor portion. The VTR driving substrate and the monitor driving substrate are integrally sandwiched between the monitor portion and the VTR portion.

Abstract: In order to easily discriminate a recording mode of a magnetic tape even when the fast feeding/rewinding reproducing operation is set to the odd number times speed or even number times speed, a standard pilot signal for generating the tracking error signal is set to a fixed frequency when the fast feeding/rewinding reproducing operation is performed in the even number times speed of the ordinary reproduction speed and the standard pilot signal is set in the rotational frequencies when the fast feeding/rewinding reproducing operation is performed in the odd number times speed. Thus, the recording mode is discriminated by making reference to the time series pattern of an output obtained by sampling the tracking error signal obtained on the basis of the reproduced pilot signal and the standard pilot signal in the predetermined timing.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus equipped with an image sensor includes a camera portion having an A/D converter for converting a signal from an image sensor into a digital signal and a first digital processor for receiving an output of said A/D converter and for digitally processing thereof. A VTR portion of a helical scan type mounts at least two or more of magnetic heads for recording/reproducing a FM modulated luminance signal and a low band converted chrominance signal. A second digital processor processes a video signal of the VTR. A switching circuit is provided in a preceding state of said A/D converter. The signal from the image sensor, an external video signal and a reproduced signal from the magnetic heads are exchanged.

Abstract: An electronic video recording device has a video recording camera for converting optical information received through an object lens into electronic video information, a monitor screen for displaying electronic video information output from the video recording camera, and a main body having a monitor screen and a control panel for operating the video recording camera. The main body has the monitor screen on a rear face, control panel around a first side face, and a rotary shaft of the video recording camera on a second side face in which a rotary shaft is disposed in a direction approximately perpendicular to the second side face. An incident optical axis of the object lens on the video recording camera is approximately perpendicular to the rotary shaft of the rotary mechanism so that the object lens faces downward when in a housed configuration.

Abstract: In a fine photo mode, a camera photographs a series of frames from the same scene upon one depression of a release button, and records data of correlation between the frames of the same scene in association with the series of frames. When a printer reads the correlation data, the printer composes a high definition image from image data of the series of frames, and makes a print of the high definition image. A literal photo mode may be selected for a scene containing a literal image. The camera records data representative of the literal photo mode in association with the frame taken in the literal photo mode, so the printer processes image data to improve sharpness and resolution of the literal image of the frame, and makes a hard copy of the literal image from the processed image data.

Abstract: A digital camera stores image data, which represent object images captured via a taking lens and a charge coupled device, in a built-in memory, which is provided in a camera body and which is able to store image data of plural object images. When the built-in memory is filled with the image data, a memory card is inserted into a card slot so that the memory card connects to a card connector, and then the image data stored in the built-in memory are automatically transferred to the memory card. In this case, more than ⅓ of the memory card in the insertional direction is exposed, and hence the camera can be small-sized without being restricted by standards of the memory card.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for outputting a video signal encoded in order to compress information amount of a photographed image. The apparatus includes: an image pickup device for outputting a digital video signal; a control unit to control the image pickup device; and an encoding apparatus for encoding the digital video signal which is output from the image pickup device. The control unit generates control information of the image pickup device. The encoding apparatus changes encoding characteristics on the basis of the control information. Further, the encoded digital video signal is recorded and/or reproduced onto/from a recording medium and the signal reproduced from the recording medium is decoded. Moreover, a motion vector of a hand vibration or the like is detected from the photographed video signal and is corrected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a digital camera in which a lens cover formed with a plurality of holes is attached to a lens barrel. Different items of the print conditions are assigned to the individual holes. The camera senses these holes formed on the cover, recognizes the print conditions based on the sensed image, and transmits the recognized condition to a printing apparatus as print condition data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for taking pictures and storing them in an applied storage device generates and outputs an image signal photoelectrically converted from an image incident thereon, transmits and/or receives image information generated in this apparatus or other equivalent apparatus, while an operation mode of the apparatus is set for operation, and stores the telephone number of a destination in a predetermined address of an applied solid state memory means in which the telephone number is capable of being maintained without any power source.

Abstract: An image processing system is capable of displaying, storing and printing an image from either of two video inputs. When one video input is selected, a real-time video image of a subject is displayed on a monitor. When a shutter-button is pushed, a still-frame image of the subject is displayed on the monitor and stored in a memory. A print out of the stored image can be requested following confirmation of the quality and desirability of the stored image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit for inputting an image signal, a signal processing unit for processing an output from the input unit to generate an image signal of a first format, a conversion unit for compressing an output from the signal processing unit and converting the same to an image signal of a second format and a digital interface unit for selectively transmitting the output from the signal processing unit and the output from the conversion unit to an external equipment.

Abstract: A portable personal computer having a display unit for displaying graphics, characters, etc. on a screen and an operation unit for inputting information, includes an upper panel having the display unit, a lower panel having the operation unit, an electronic camera which is at least partially designed in a spherical shape, and a mount recess portion having a curved-face support portion which is secured to a part of the upper panel and brought into contact with the spherical surface of the electronic camera to rotatably hold the electronic camera.

Abstract: A computer system is provided having an internal video cassette recorder incorporated therein in order to provide an effective means of recording/playing a moving picture produced in the computer system onto or from a video cassette usable for camcorders. The computer system include a video cassette recorder having a dimension of a conventional drive to be mounted on the computer case with front panel access, and a VCR control circuit for driving a cassette deck mechanism, as well as reproducing video signals recorded in a video cassette or recording the video signals fed from the computer onto the video cassette; and an interface board installed to connect the cassette recorder VCR with the system bus of the computer and to supply a command signal fed from the computer with the VCR control circuit and to transfer a status signal generated in the VCR circuit to the computer for controlling operation of the VCR.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adding sound to images in a digital camera, which includes a view finder for displaying a plurality of image cells corresponding to previously captured images. The method and system includes the ability to manually post-annotate a previously captured image. This is accomplished by placing the digital camera in a review mode, selecting the image cell in the view finder corresponding to the previously captured image, recording a sound clip; and then attaching the sound clip to the previously captured image.

Abstract: A solid-state camera includes a loading detecting unit for detecting loading of a detachable solid-state memory apparatus, a checking unit for checking the loaded solid-state memory apparatus, and a control unit for performing control of each section which includes predetermined display control in accordance with a check result of the checking unit.

Abstract: A video camera recorder (1000) has a plurality of operating modes, and comprises an imaging means (205, 200) which receives an image and generates an image representative video signal (Iv). A recording means (500) is coupled to the imaging means for recording the image representative video signal (Iv). The imaging means (205, 100), and the recording means (500) may be independently energizable for implementing a plurality of operating modes in which different ones and combinations of the imaging means (205, 200), and the recording means (500), are simultaneously energized. A microprocessor (4000) is controllably coupled to the imaging means (205, 200) and the recording means (500) for adaptively controlling power dissipation responsive to an external interface coupling (J1, J2, P1, S1, W1, 21). User control commands and external device coupling may be used for adaptively controlled power conservation in the video camera recorder (1000).

Abstract: A digital electronic camera which can accept various types of input/output cards or memory cards. When an I/O card is inserted into and connected with the camera, a processor within the camera determines the type of I/O card which has been connected by reading a memory location within the card. A control program which is contained in the I/O card is transferred to a memory within the camera in order for the camera to perform I/O functions which correspond to the type of the inserted card. Different types of I/O cards which may be used include a modem card, a LAN card, a SCSI card, or an ISDN interface. Image signals and audio signals are transmitted between the camera and an external processor, information describing the status of the camera is transmitted from the camera to the external processor, and commands to control the camera are transmitted to the camera from the external processor.

Abstract: Audio and image data are recorded on a receiver by capturing audio information and converting it to digital signals; capturing an electronic image which corresponds to the captured audio information; recording the audio information on the receiver by applying a nonvisible ink to the receiver; and recording the electronic image by applying visible ink to the receiver.

Abstract: A video camera is provided with a detection circuit for detecting a state in which an interchangeable lens is mounted and a control circuit for stopping recording when the detection circuit detects that the interchangeable lens has not been mounted.

Abstract: An imaging and recording apparatus for electrically recording an optical image of a subject as an image information signal which facilitates memory access from an external device and prevents image information from being changed. Upon manipulation of a recording trigger switch, an image outputted from a camera signal processing circuit at that time is written into a semiconductor memory, then subjected to data compression in a data compression circuit, and stored in a semiconductor memory. It is now assumed that an external device not illustrated is connected to a connector and this external device orders taking in the image of the semiconductor memory. If at this time the semiconductor memory is writing an image, a state detection circuit detects the fact and inhibits the external device from taking in the image. Furthermore, while the external device is taking in the image of the semiconductor memory, the state detection circuit detects this fact.

Abstract: A system for generating a digest of a moving image includes a generating section for generating a moving image having a plurality of frames, and for generating an operation signal in response to an input received by the generating section during the generating of the moving image; a priority assigning section for assigning a priority to each of the plurality of frames as a function of the operation signal; a selecting section for selecting at least one image of a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of frames, based on the priority; and an output section for outputting at least one image selected by the selecting section.

Abstract: A portable, compact Fax Camera Device comprised of a still electronic camera circuitry and an image sensor especially adapted for facsimile, with integrated facsimile communication device, this invention is designed and built specifically for the acquisition and communication of facsimile images in such aspects as resolution, aspect ratios, optical design, mounting capability, tight integration of facsimile circuitry, and capability of receiving facsimile images. The Fax Camera allows easy capturing of fax images from books without the need for photocopying, easy photography type capture of real world objects, as well as convenient regular page image capture and transmission. For regular page and book images, the invention is equipped with collapsible mounting device constructed to allow easy and accurate focus and provides a frame for predetermined size documents. The invention also includes a display device to allow viewing and editing of captured fax images.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus having an editing function of performing editing by using another apparatus is arranged to, during the editing actions, output an information image signal indicating the status of progress of editing actions to the other apparatus during a period when the reproducing apparatus is searching for an information signal recorded on the recording medium, not to send the information image signal to the other apparatus during a period when the reproducing apparatus is reproducing the searched-for information signal, and to always display on a display of the reproducing apparatus an information image represented by the information image signal.

Abstract: A video signal recording and reproducing apparatus capable of recording and reproducing a video signal of a still picture. The video signal recording apparatus includes an image memory for storing a digital signal of a still picture, a memory controller for controlling the image memory, a parallel serial converter for converting parallel data of the digital signal of a still picture read out from the image memory to serial data, a digital data processor for processing the converted serial data, and a transducer for transducing the processed serial data to suitable form to be recorded on a predetermined recording medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital signal recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing a digital video signal. High efficiency encoding means encodes a digital video signal at a high efficiency, and recording means executes a predetermined encoding process for recording on the video data encoded at a high efficiency and records the video data obtained after the encoding process on a recording medium. On the other hand, reproducing means reproduces the video data recorded on the recording medium, executes a predetermined reproduced data processing for reproduction on reproduced video data and then outputs the video data obtained after the reproduced data processing.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is provided with a motion detecting part for detecting a motion of a video image on the basis of a video signal to be recorded, a recording part for recording the video signal on a recording medium, and a control part for controlling the recording action of the recording part according to the detection output of the motion detecting part.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device for use in sequentially producing an image composed of three separable color plane images including a light diffuser including a sheet of material having a front face and least three sides and which, when light passes through the sides into the diffuser, causes uniform illumination to be produced from the front face and a liquid crystal display disposed in relationship to the front face of the diffuser to receive light from such front face and responsive to electrical signals corresponding to an image to be produced and light from the diffuser to illuminate an image on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A signal processing system comprises a signal processing device which includes a connector and a plurality of kinds of external storage devices which are arranged to store respective different kinds of information signals. In this system, the plurality of kinds of external storage devices are selectively connectable to the signal processing device through the connector, the information signal is transmissable to the signal processing device through the connector from the external storage device connected to the signal processing device, and the signal processing device further includes a detecting circuit which is arranged to detect via the connector the kind of the external storage device connected to the signal processing device. The system thus allows the external storage devices having information of varied kinds to be connected through one and the same connector. Therefore, information of diverse kinds can be formed and processed without necessitating any complex system arrangement.

Abstract: An electronic imaging camera includes a printer assembly for providing instant images. Selected special effects may be applied to the images prior to printing. The printer assembly includes a thermal print head and a paper advance roller. A replaceable preloaded paper cartridge is provided for easy replacement of the paper. The housing of the paper cartridge acts as a printing platen for the print head, and rollers in the cartridge maintain friction between the paper and the paper advance roller of the printer assembly. A pivoting print head cover prevents a user from inadvertently coming into contact with the print head when the paper cassette is removed. A rotary encoder gear includes a plurality of spaced lugs which block emissions from a light emitting diode from reaching a phototransistor. As the encoder gear rotates in synchronization with the print head, the phototransistor produces a series of electrical pulses indicative of the print head speed.

Abstract: An attachable printer for use with a electronic camera having an image sensor which captures an image of a subject onto the image sensor is disclosed. The camera includes electronics coupled to the image sensor for storing a digital image of the subject; a display; and circuitry coupled to the display and responsive to the stored digital image and effective in a first condition for producing a correctly oriented image on the display and in a second condition for producing a mirror image on the display. The printer is effective when connected in operative relationship to the display and having a moveable carriage, and a scanner and an ink jet printhead mounted on the carriage, and being arranged so that as the carriage moves, the scanner scans the mirror image on the display and produces image signals; and the ink jet printhead being responsive to the signals produced by the scanner for producing a correctly oriented image onto the receiver sheet.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera has an electro-developing recording medium and a printer. An optical image is focussed and formed on the electro-developing medium by a photographing lens, and is directly recorded and developed thereon as as a visible image. The recorded image is photoelectrically read by a CCD image line sensor as a series of pixel data, and the series of pixel data is processed to thereby produce a printing data therefrom. A printing is successively made on a paper on the basis of the processed printing data.

Abstract: An electronic camera with an image reproducing apparatus which starts concurrently reproducing a plurality of motion images at the same timing includes a display which displays on a screen a plurality of thumbnails (symbols) respectively corresponding to a plurality of motion images recorded on a recording medium, and a selector which selects some of the thumbnails displayed by the display in accordance with an external selecting operation. A reproducing device starts reproducing a plurality of motion images respectively corresponding to the thumbnails selected by the selector at the same timing in accordance with an external reproducing operation. The motion images reproduced by the reproducing device are displayed in the form of an array on the screen.

Abstract: An electronic still-video camera is provided capable of preserving image data having a quantity which is greater than the storage capacity of a memory cartridge (memory card) loaded in the camera. Besides being capable of receiving an external memory in a memory cartridge loaded in the camera, the camera incorporates an internal memory. Image data obtained as a result of photography is stored in either the internal memory or the external memory, depending upon which memory has been selected by a memory selection switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a liquid crystal display included within an image capture device including a liquid crystal display; a source of fluorescent light which includes phosphors selected so that fluorescent light which passes through the liquid crystal display is modified to be daylight balanced; and a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by the light image from the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A camcorder having a characteristic adjustment function includes a key input unit; a functional unit for performing a camcorder function and having an adjustable characteristic and which outputs an adjusted characteristic signal containing characteristic-adjusted information when the adjustable characteristic is adjusted; a memory unit for storing characteristic adjustment information of the functional unit and the adjusted characteristic information; a display for displaying the characteristic adjustment information stored in the memory unit for said functional unit; and a main controller for controlling the display and the memory unit according to an input signal from the key input unit to display the characteristic adjustment information and to store the adjusted characteristic information in the memory unit.