Abstract: A reading operation control device provided in an electro-developing type camera using a recording medium which electronically develops an image formed by a photographing optical system. When an electro-developing recording medium is mounted, it is determined whether or not the electro-developing recording medium has been recorded. If the electro-developing recording medium has not been recorded, and when a record mode is set and a release switch is turned ON, a recording operation is performed, and thus an image is recorded in the electro-developing recording medium. If the electro-developing recording medium has been recorded, and then a reading mode is set and a scanning switch is turned ON, a reading operation is performed, and thus the image recorded in the electro-developing recording medium is read.

Abstract: A camera having a microphone for detecting sound in a bi-directional manner. The microphone, for example a first order gradient microphone, is placed within a camera body and is in communication with two apertures extending from the front and rear surfaces of the camera body. Background noise is reduced and sound from the scene being photographed and the user of the camera is preferentially detected by the microphone. Preferably, the microphone is mounted in a substantially resilient and acoustically opaque material to reduce stray noises, such as from the motors of the camera.

Abstract: A video signal recording apparatus which records a video signal on a recording medium after separating a fixed time portion of an input video signal and extending the time axis of the separated video signal.

Abstract: An electronic still camera is provided with an electronic image sensor for generating an image signal corresponding to a still image of a subject and an orientation determination section for sensing the orientation of the camera relative to the subject. The orientation determination section provides an orientation signal recognizing either the vertical or the horizontal orientation of the camera relative to the subject. An image processor is responsive to the orientation signal for processing the image signal and correcting the orientation thereof so that the still image is output from the image processor in a predetermined orientation. In this way, the electronic still camera can be positioned in a variety of orientations relative to a subject, including both clockwise and counterclockwise vertical "portrait" orientations and a horizontal "landscape" orientation, without affecting the orientation of the images output by the camera.

Abstract: A camera system includes a photographing section, a reproduction section, and a memory card mounting structure for carrying a removable memory card. The photographing section maintains a taking lens and photoelectric conversion elements, such structure enables picking-up an image of an object and generating image data representative of such image. The memory card records the image data, wherein the memory card mounting structure is positioned between the photographing section and the reproduction section. The reproduction section reproduces the recorded image data.

Abstract: A camera-integrated VTR is arranged to detect an image shake according to a control error signal of a driving control system provided for recording or reproduction by moving a tape and a head relative to each other and to correct the image shake by supplying the result of detection to an image-shake correction circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recording and/or reproducing an image frame in plural blocks utilizes a memory for storing an image signal for one field. The image signal for one field is then divided into n blocks by reading the image signal from the memory n times where n is an integer equal to at least two. The n divided image signals are then subjected to one-channel signal processing, and the respective image signals subjected to the signal processing are then recorded on a recording medium sequentially in different tracks. During reproduction, if little time is available, only selected ones of the n blocks are read and the entire image is interpolated therefrom.

Abstract: An imaging parameter recording apparatus and an imaging apparatus are disclosed. The setting states of various parts of an imaging system 1 at the time of imaging are detected by a system controller 9 and routed as imaging parameters to a recording/reproducing system 2. These imaging parameters are recorded along with the imaging data on a video tape 17. This enables not only the picture corresponding to the imaging data but also the imaging parameters at the imaging time to be reproduced at the reproducing time, so that not only the past setting state-can be recognized, but also the past setting state can be newly set so that the picture of the same picture pattern can be imaged.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a display included within an image capture device including a display for producing an image captured by the image capture device; a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by an light image from the display; and a structure for controlling the display so as to produce a color image which is color balanced. The apparatus presents a photosensitive medium to be illuminated by the color balanced image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image recording apparatus for recording an image signal outputted from an image sensing device on a recording medium held in a cassette. The image recording apparatus comprises a reading device for reading information about control of the image sensing device from incident data stored in a memory device installed in the cassette, a supplying device for generating data for setting the image sensing device from the information read by the reading device and supplying the data to the image sensing device, a generating device for generating information about the control of the image sensing device based on data for setting the image sensing device and a writing device for writing the generated information into the memory device installed in the cassette. Since the generating device and the writing device are provided, the image recording apparatus can provide satisfactory ease of operation.

Abstract: A recording apparatus capable of being connected to plural kinds of recording devices alternatively, comprising: connecting unit for connecting the plural kinds of recording devices alternatively; battery for supplying electrical energy to the connected recording device via the connecting unit; memory unit for storing a plurality of minimum potential values each of which is necessary for operating each of the plurality of recording devices; comparing unit for comparing the potential of the battery to be provided against each of the plurality of minimum potential values; and notification unit for notifying usable recording device or devices for recording out of the plural kinds of recording devices or devices on the basis of a comparison result by the comparing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a liquid crystal display included within an image capture device including a source of fluorescent light; a liquid crystal display responsive to fluorescent light from the source for producing an image captured by the image capture device; a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by the fluorescent light image from the liquid crystal display; and a filter disposed within the printer for correcting color error in the fluorescent light image prior to its illumination of the photosensitive media.

Abstract: A video camera, capable of being connected with a computer, for photographing animated images. The video camera includes: a camera main body for outputting image signals corresponding to the animated images; and a memory adapter, detachable from the video camera, for recording one of the animated images as a still picture. The memory adapter also sends back the image signals, corresponding to the still picture, to the video camera so that the video camera outputs the image signals corresponding to the still picture.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on photosensitive sheets including a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and a printer including light tight storage means for receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets. The images from the display are imaged onto a photosensitive sheet at the exposure position. The printer further includes a movable shutter member having a shutter aperture and the apparatus moves the movable shutter member across the displayed image for causing the shutter aperture to sequentially expose portions of the displayed image onto a photographic sheet until the entire displayed image is exposed onto such photographic sheet.

Abstract: A video signal reproducing apparatus is arranged to use a first video signal which corresponds to an image sensed state of an object and is obtained by sensing the object's image and a second video signal which is reproduced from a record bearing medium; and to form and produce at least one picture plane portion of a third video signal which includes and has the first and second video signals mixed therein in a time sharing manner.

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 video recording camera comprises image pick-up apparatus; recording apparatus including at least one recording head for recording on a record bearing medium an image signal obtained by the image pick-up apparatus, recording control apparatus for controlling the recording action of the recording apparatus, driving apparatus for driving the record bearing medium and the recording head relative to each other for recording the image signal; trigger apparatus, and timer apparatus responsive to the trigger apparatus for producing a control signal for actuating the driving apparatus after the lapse of a first predetermined period of time and producing a recording instruction signal at the recording control apparatus after the lapse of a second predetermined period of time which ensues after the first period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on photosensitive sheets includes an electronic camera having a display; and an image sensor means for producing a digital image of a subject. In response to the digital image, the electronic camera displays an image on the display. The printer includes a light tight storage structure for receiving the photographic sheets. The printer receives the electronic camera and includes optics for focusing the image on the display along a single optical path onto a photosensitive sheet at an exposure position. The printer further includes a shutter member having a shutter aperture for controlling the aperture to cause light from the display image to illuminate the photosensitive sheet.

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: 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: An electronic development type image pickup device includes an optical color separation system which separates an object image formed by a photographing optical system into different color light components and converges the latter onto respective image forming surfaces. An electronic development type recording medium is provided having a plurality of recording areas provided on the respective image forming surfaces to electronically develop the images formed therein and thereby record the developed images as optical images. An output device outputs a plurality of beams of light to the optical color separation system to be made incident upon the recording areas at positions outside of the optical images formed therein to form reference marks.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus comprises a recording medium; reproducing device for reproducing an image signal recorded on the recording medium; and image processing device for processing an image signal by using an image memory. In performing a specific action, the apparatus stores in the image memory a reproduced image signal obtained from a recording pause part of the recording medium; and records the reproduced signal again on the recording medium together with a given image signal in a composite state.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing image information in a recording medium, and outputting image information based on editing information includes dividing structure for dividing input image information. A memory is provided for storing each of the divided input image information. The memory includes a plurality of probes, each probe being arranged to oppose the recording medium. The memory also includes scanning structure for relatively moving the probes and the recording medium so that the probes scan a surface of the recording medium. The memory also includes recording and reproducing structure for recording the divided information on the recording medium by using the probes, and for reproducing the divided information recorded on the recording medium. Control circuitry is provided for controlling the scanning structure according to scanning procedures for each of the probes based on the editing information.

Abstract: In the disclosed picture recording device, an image pick-up arrangement converts an optical image into electric picture information and stores the information. A recording arrangement reads out the electric picture information on the image pick-up arrangement and records the information. A power supply control controls the power supply to the recording arrangement and a memory holds the electric picture information formed on the image pick-up arrangement at the start of the supply of power by the power supply control to the recording arrangement. This allows image information immediately to be picked up when the camera is turned on during the power up of the various camera circuits and thus avoids the loss of image information during the rise time.

Abstract: A still video camera using a solid-state memory device as an image recording medium and wherein outset image data exists for processing comprises a plurality of data compression circuits, wherein one of the plurality of data compression circuits is selected according to the amount of image data following processing of the outset image data. The plurality of data compression circuits may effect compression of data by a data compression method selected from the compression method group consisting of DCPM, ADPCM and discrete cosine transformation. The plurality of data compression circuits may effect data compression by the same data compression method with respective different compressing characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a receiver sheet includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and including alignment structure and an ink jet printer, an ink jet print head including a plurality of colored inks and a structure for providing relative movement between the ink jet print head and the receiver sheet. The ink jet print head further includes coupling the ink jet printer to the alignment structure to provide a unitary camera printer unit. Image signals are transferred to the ink jet print head to cause the ink jet print head to deliver ink to a receiver sheet to form an image corresponding to the stored image on the receiver sheet.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing devices for reproducing information recorded on a medium, a supplying device for supplying power to the apparatus, and a controller for maintaining the power supply by the supplying device until completion of an interval reproducing of a series of information recorded on the medium by the reproducing device.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for use in, for example, a camera, includes an image pickup device, an image pickup operation start switch, a recorder, a detector, an image pickup driver, and a controller. The image pickup device can be a CCD for converting an optical image to an electric signal. The image pickup operation start switch starts an image pickup operation in response to a manual operation. The recorder performs a predetermined signal processing of an electric signal provided by the image pickup device and records the processed electric signal on a recording medium driven with a predetermined speed. The detector detects whether a stable speed state of the recording medium is attained. The image pickup driver drives the image pickup device on the basis of a first reference signal for regular image pickup or a second reference signal corresponding to an operation state of the recorder.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera having a built-in memory for storing a plurality of frames of image data, and a removable memory for storing a plurality of frames of image data. At least one of the plurality of frames of image data stored in the built-in memory is selected.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and including an alignment structure, and a printer receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets and interleave cover sheets, with each cover sheet preventing exposure of an underlying photosensitive sheet. In order to image the display image onto photosensitive sheets, the apparatus is effective after an image is formed on the display for deactivating the display image and includes a sheet drive structure for causing a cover sheet to be removed from the stack and then reactivate the display image. Further, the apparatus has an optical arrangement for focusing the display area onto said photosensitive sheet and provides electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the printing area of said display is imaged on the uncovered photosensitive sheet.

Abstract: A video camera includes a first housing accommodating a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing video signals and having a recess defined therein on an upper surface thereof, and a second housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and housed in the recess of the first housing at its rest position at which the first surface of the second housing is opposed to the upper surface of the first housing. The second housing has a recess defined therein on the second surface thereof. The video camera also includes a monitor screen mounted on the first surface of the second housing and a support member having a first end to which the second housing is hingedly connected and a second end hingedly connected to the first housing. The support member is housed in the recess of the second housing when the second housing is in the rest position.

Abstract: A hybrid camera (10) includes a camera housing (12); a first taking lens (16) for film photography; a second taking lens (18) for digital photography; a first lens cover (14) for movement between a first position in which one of the first and second lenses is covered by the first lens cover and a second position in which the one lens is uncovered by the first lens cover; a first aperture (20) in the first lens cover for revealing the other of the first and second lenses in the second position; a second lens cover (22, 90) supported by the first lens cover for movement between a third position in which the first aperture is covered by the second lens cover and a fourth position in which the first aperture is uncovered by the second lens cover to reveal the other lens in the second position; and a mechanism (74-84; 92-104) actuated by movement of the first lens cover to move the second lens cover between the third and fourth positions.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing system is provided with an image pickup element comprising a color filter having a plurality of colors. An image pickup device compresses the color image information obtained from the image pickup element to provide compressed image information. A recording device records the compressed image information on a recording medium. A reproducing device extracts and expands the compressed image information from the recording medium. The image pickup device compresses the color image information for the respective colors of the color filter, and the reproducing device forms color video signals after expanding the color image information.

Abstract: A photographic optical system and a viewfinder are disposed above a recorder casing for recording a signal obtained by photography. The photographic optical system and the viewfinder are disposed so as not to overlap each other in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the photographic optical system and so that an optical path of the photographic optical system and an optical path of the viewfinder overlap each other as viewed on an extended line of the optical axis of the photographic optical system. In addition, the photographic optical system is disposed above the recorder casing, and the recorder casing is arranged to eject downward a recording medium for recording of a signal obtained by photography. A grip is disposed on one side of the aforesaid recorder casing, and an operating part for driving a mechanism for varying the magnification of the photographic optical system is provided at the rear of the photographic optical system.

Abstract: An imaging parameter recording apparatus and an imaging apparatus are disclosed. The setting states of various parts of an imaging system 1 at the time of imaging are detected by a system controller 9 and routed as imaging parameters to a recording/reproducing system 2. These imaging parameters are recorded along with the imaging data on a video tape 17. This enables not only the picture corresponding to the imaging data but also the imaging parameters at the imaging time to be reproduced at the reproducing time, so that not only the past setting state can be recognized, but also the past setting state can be newly set so that the picture of the same picture pattern can be imaged.

Abstract: To provide an image pick-up device which provides high operability and high portability even when a large screen size monitor is mounted thereon, an electronic camera comprises an image pick-up device unit, a display device unit, a recording medium and a power supply. Holes for engaging with a locking pawl of the display device unit are formed in a cover of the image pick-up device unit. An LCD display device is arranged in front of a cover of the display device unit, the LCD display device functions as a view finder, a monitor and a display, and a touch panel is arranged in front of the LCD display device with a relative position being kept therebetween. When the display device unit is mounted on the image pick-up unit, manipulation keys corresponding to manipulation buttons of the image pick-up unit are displayed. The image pick-up device unit controls the switching of the image pick-up device unit based on an output signal from the touch panel.

Abstract: An electronic still camera device having an audio adapter selectively mountable to an electronic still camera unit. A time-base-compressed audio reproducing signal to be reproduced is outputted from a recording medium associated with the electronic still camera to the audio adapter. The audio adapter time-base-expands the time-base-compressed audio reproducing signal received from the electronic still camera unit.

Abstract: A camera-integrated VTR is arranged to detect an image shake according to a control error signal of a driving control system provided for recording or reproduction by moving a tape and a head relative to each other and to correct the image shake by supplying the result of detection to an image-shake correction circuit.

Abstract: An image signal recording and reproducing system for recording an image signal and an information signal corresponding to the image signal together on a recording medium and for reproducing these recorded signals from the recording medium is arranged to include a power supply circuit which independently supplies power to an information data generating circuit, to detect the power supplied from the power supply circuit to the information data generating circuit, to cause the information data generating circuit to output information data of predetermined contents according to a result of the detection, to record an information signal conforming to the contents of the information data generating by the information data generating circuit on the recording medium along with the image signal, and to make a display conforming to the contents of the information data.

Abstract: An erasing apparatus that includes a supplying device for supplying power to the apparatus, an erasing device for collectively erasing information recorded on a medium, and a control device for continuing the supply of power from the supplying device during the erasing by the erasing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and includes an alignment structure. The apparatus further includes a printer having a light tight storage receptacle for receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets and for imaging the display image onto photosensitive sheets including a transfer arrangement for transferring a photosensitive sheet from the light tight storage receptacle to an exposure position for receiving an image from the display. The apparatus further includes optics for focusing the display area onto said photosensitive sheet, and provides electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the printing area of said display is imaged on the photosensitive sheet at the exposure position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and an alignment structure. A printer receives a photosensitive sheet which is driven to provide relative movement between a display area on the display and the photosensitive sheet. The printer further includes optics for focusing a the display area onto said photosensitive sheet and circuitry for providing electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the display area is imaged on the photosensitive sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on photosensitive sheets is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image, and a printer including light tight storage structure for receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets. The image display is directed onto a photosensitive sheet. The printer has a printer opening disposed relative to the camera display for permitting light images from the camera to pass through the opening and expose a photosensitive surface of a photosensitive sheet and a shutter member disposed relative to the printer opening and being movable between a first sheet covering position and a second sheet exposing position.

Abstract: A video camera having a taking lens of multiple focal lengths is provided with a separate, multiple focal length view finder lens. When power has been supplied to the camera via the "on" switch but a switch for video recording has not yet been closed, the focal length of the view finder is automatically made to coincide with the focal length of the taking lens so as permit the scene to be viewed in the same frame size as it will appear when recording, but without wasting power by supplying power to those circuits of the taking lens that form electrical signals of the scene or that record the scene. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, six different power level consumption states are provided so as to supply power only to the minimum circuitry required for each state.

Abstract: A camera includes an image receiver for capturing an image of an object, an optical section for directing image light from the object to the image receiver, and a viewfinder for viewing the object prior to capture together with a tile pattern for specifying active "hot spot" areas in the viewed image. The tile pattern in the viewfinder is composed of a plurality of individual tile areas that are visible through the viewfinder together with the image of the object. The camera further includes means for designating one or more individual tile areas as active areas of the image, and means for recording a location of the active areas in a memory location accessible to apparatus external to the camera. The camera is part of a system in which the apparatus external to the camera is a computer. A program in the computer is responsive to the recorded locations for enabling one or more specific actions to be assigned to the active areas of the recorded image when the image is accessed by the computer.

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 creating still image or video collections for guests of amusement parks and the like a) identifies individuals by a unique tag assigned to the individual, b) automatically records the images of the individuals while they are at various attractions, c) collects the images over a communications network, d) arranges the images in a collection, and e) presents a personal set of collected images to the guest. For example, cameras may be located throughout an amusement park. Each guest is associated with a unique identifier. This identifier may be contained within a readable tag, e.g., a card, badge or pendant. Tag readers identify guest when they are at a particular location and provide identification and location information to a control system. A communications network is used to interconnect the cameras, tag readers, control system and image recording devices. The control system controls the recording and storage of the appropriate image(s) associated with that guest.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which a panorama image is produced with a high degree of accuracy from an image signal are disclosed. An image signal produced by a CCD imaging element is recorded onto a video tape by way of a camera signal processing circuit, a recording signal processing circuit, a recording/reproduction amplifier and so forth. Meanwhile, a microcomputer calculates of a motion vector of an image from the output of a motion vector detector to which the image signal from the CCD imaging element is inputted, and controls a video subcode processor so that motion vector information may be recorded onto the video tape. The motion vector information is reproduced from the video tape together with the image signal, and a plurality of images are formed from the thus reproduced image signal and joined together in accordance with the motion vector information to produce a panorama image.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording a video signal while forming a multiplicity of recording tracks in parallel on a tape-shaped recording medium, wherein camera information representing the operating state of a camera when shooting each picture is recorded in a position corresponding to the recorded track of that picture so that the operating state of the camera at the time of taking the video signal which has already been recorded can reappear. Therefore, in a case where a video signal is recorded in continuity with this recorded portion, the camera operating state is controlled in a joint portion of these to improve the continuity in this joint portion.

Abstract: Method and display for training and other uses, which may be in the form of a special video, diorama, or print format. The preferred embodiment shows a bright visual image against a dark background. This invention is particularly useful in the Illusion Apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,312 and in an electronic system also disclosed.