Abstract: A hand-held battery powered data transfer and repository device for transferring data between one or more flash memory modules and a large capacity digital storage device, which may be either external or internal to the device. The device includes one or more slots to accept a flash memory module into a housing which includes processing and logic circuitry disposed within the housing for transferring data between the flash memory module and the large capacity digital storage device. Ports are disclosed for transferring data between the repository and data transfer device to a host device, which may be a wide range of digital appliances including a digital computer, a digital camera, a camcorder or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A digital evidential camera system is for detecting the alteration of image data obtained by photographing an object. The system comprises the camera and an alteration detection unit. The camera includes an image pickup unit for picking up an image of the object and an encryption processing unit for generating the alteration detection data using an encryption key built therein from the image data obtained by the image pickup unit. The alteration detection unit decrypts the alteration detection data using a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key, and detects whether the image data is altered based on the result of decryption.

Abstract: A camera-printer system comprises a still video camera provided with a release switch, and a printer provided with a print start switch. The still video camera and the printer are connected to each other. By depressing either the release switch or the print start switch once, a photographing operation is started in the still video camera. By depressing either the release switch or the print start switch again, or by initially depressing the release switch or the print start switch continuously for more than a predetermined period, a printing operation of the printer is automatically started after the photographing operation of the still video camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved surveillance system, more particularly to a surveillance system having the function of driving the camera for the scanning and tracking automatically by using a control panel, a motor controller, and a driver to drive the motor. Such motor works together with a rotary disc and a camera lens as well as a sensor to compute and memorize the direction and angle of rotation of the motor by the sensing signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic still camera that has a printer section in addition to a camera section. The printer section prints an image on a self-developing type instant photo film unit in accordance with digital image data picked up and memorized through the camera section. A film pack containing a stack of instant photo film units is loaded in a loading chamber of the electronic still camera, such that the instant photo film units of the film pack are successively exposed through the printer section. A connector device for connecting a battery pack to the electronic still camera is provided in the loading chamber, whereas a charging circuit for charging a main power source with the battery pack is provided in the electronic still camera.

Abstract: A camera and method provide image cropping. The camera has a body and a capture unit mounted in the body. The capture unit has an imager and storage media operatively connected to the imager. The capture unit selectively captures an electronic image of a scene. A viewfinder optical system is aligned with the capture unit. The viewfinder optical system defines a viewfinder light path. A cropper is disposed in the body. The cropper has a pair of vanes. The vanes are selectively movable, relative to each other, between first and second positions and through a continuous sequence of intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The vanes, in each of the positions, delimits a rectangular cross-sectioned window in the viewfinder light path. A control unit is operatively connected to the capture unit and cropper. The control unit crops the electronic image to match the window.

Abstract: A CCD and CMOS image pickup module including a circuit main board on which an image sensor (CMOS, CCD) and relevant electronic elements are laid. A lens seat is disposed on an upper edge of a package of the image sensor. The lens seat has an image pickup cylinder correspondingly positioned above a coupling transistor of the image sensor. The lens seat covers and encloses the image sensor with the connecting section of the bottom of the image pickup cylinder sealedly attaching to the periphery of the top face of the package of the image sensor. With the profile of the outer periphery of the package of the image sensor serving as a normal standard for the axis of the lens, the axis of the lens being projected onto the sensor center of the coupling transistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for de-warping images of a developable surface, including developable curled surfaces, and in particular of images of curled documents (30). The system (1) includes a processor (25) linked to an image capture means (2) which: captures an image of the surface (30), said image having a warp corresponding to the non-planar surface; generates from the image a first set of points representing the three-dimensional profile of the non-planar surface relative (30) to a planar reference surface (12); fits to the first set of points a second set of points representative of a developable mesh; and uses the second set of points to texture-map the image (12) in order to de-warp the image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving data such as photographic or other color images. The apparatus includes a housing and a data entry module such as a number were keypad for dialing. It also includes a recording mechanism, for example a color printer for recording data received onto the fixed medium, for example to produce color photographs.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an image capture system and subsequently capturing an image of a document with an electronic camera by capturing a plurality of overlapping image tiles of the document at different locations over a support surface and with a predetermined degree of overlap, and joining the tiles into a composite image after correcting for expected distortion and overlap in accordance with transform data obtained by capturing a plurality of image tiles of a registration array having a plurality of individually identifiable location identification features with a predetermined orientation and spacing amongst the features and determining distortion for each tile from the identification features.

Abstract: Image data is stored on a removable external card together with previous printing information relating to printing of this image data. Accordingly, when printing identical with that executed previously is carried out, the need to make printing settings again is eliminated by performing printing based upon the stored information. By further storing printing paper information in the external card, information regarding a new type of printing paper can be registered in an image processing apparatus with ease. This makes it possible for the apparatus to print properly even on a new type of paper.

Abstract: A method of imaging in an imaging device includes optically mapping a surface area of media to be imaged by the imaging device and controlling the imaging device based on the mapped surface area such that imaging occurs only on the media. Preferably, the surface area includes substantially an entire area of the media associated with at least one given scan line of the imaging device. Mapping of the surface area includes identifying peripheral bounds of the media and voids, if any, in the media. In a laser printer employing the present invention, image development is controlled by enabling and disabling the laser beam based on image data in coordination with the mapped surface area of the media.

Abstract: A digital still camera having an organic image sensor for capturing an image; a lens having an aperture value F; and a shutter having a shutter speed T (sec).

Abstract: When images recorded in a memory card are read and reduced images of image files are displayed on a liquid crystal monitor in order, printing information of the image files is referred to. An image of which two or more prints have been designated is enclosed by a predetermined-colored (for example, yellow) frame, and a figure is displayed according the number of the prints that have been designated. An image of which any prints have not been designated is not enclosed by the frame. An image that has been printed is enclosed by an another-colored (for example, blue) frame.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method for facilitating a still image copying operation between a plurality of storage media. Under the control of the controller 67, a DV/digital video data converter 62, a digital video data/analog converter 63, and a digital video data/JPEG converter 64 convert input digital video data into a still image, convert the still image into digital video data or an analog video signal, and convert an input analog video signal into a still image. Under the control of the controller 67, a PC card interface 65 stores the still image into a PC card 9 and reads the still image therefrom. Under the control of the controller 67, a Memory Stick interface 66 stores a still image into a Memory Stick 10 and reads the still image therefrom.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus for reproducing an immediately preceding recorded image includes recording circuitry for recording an input image signal on a recording medium. Reproducing circuitry is provided for reproducing an image signal recorded on the median. Control circuitry is provided for causing, immediately after the recording of an image signal for a plurality of consecutive frames on the recording medium, the reproducing circuitry to reproduce a specific still image signal from among the plurality of frames without a manual instruction being provided to the reproducing circuitry.

Abstract: A device to encode motion and sound data directly into a computer recognizable format and save the encoded data on a hard disk drive in real time includes a housing having operator controls. A lens and at least one microphone are also on the housing. Processor circuitry within the housing communicates with the operator controls and the at least one microphone. The processor circuitry generates motion data in response to light entering the housing via the lens and captures sound data via the at least one microphone in response to user input made via the operator controls. The processor circuitry includes an encoder to encode the motion and sound data directly into a computer recognizable format. The encoded motion and sound data is saved on a hard disk drive within the housing in real time.

Abstract: An image recording device uses a first recording medium which stores image data photographed by an image photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, and uses a second recording medium which has a larger available storage capacity than the first recording medium. When the image data stored in the first recording medium is transferred into the second recording medium, history data corresponding to the image data to be transferred, is also transferred together. The history data is used for retrieval of the image data. Thus, the image recording device makes it possible to perform later image retrieval operations easily and conveniently. If available storage capacity of the first recording medium is not enough to record data from the second recording medium, the image recording device displays a message for indicating it. This system allows effective use of memory capacity.

Abstract: A hand-held battery powered device for transferring data between one or more flash memory modules and a mass storage device. The device includes one or more slots to accept a flash memory module into a housing which includes fixed or removable mass storage device and logic circuitry disposed within the housing for transferring data between the flash memory module and mass storage device. Ports are disclosed for transferring data from the resident mass storage device to the user's computer.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed comprising an image sensor and processing device for sensing and processing an image; a print media supply means provided for the storage of print media; a print head for printing the sensed image on print media stored internally to the camera system; the image sensor and processing device comprising a single integrated circuit chip including the following interconnected components: a processing unit for controlling the operation of the camera system; a program ROM utilized by the processing unit; a CMOS active pixel image sensor for sensing the image; a memory store for storing images and associated program data; a series of motor drive units each including motor drive transistors for the driving of external mechanical system of the camera system; and print head interface unit for driving the print head for printing of the sensed image.

Abstract: A panoramic flash system is disclosed that filters out visible light (but not invisible light) from a flash unit that is directly connected to a camera equipped with a panoramic lens. The invisible light is then used to trigger a remote flash located in a blind spot of the field of view of the panoramic lens. The remote flash then illuminates the scene within the field-of-view of the panoramic lens. The visible-light filter can be an adhesive tape that is placed over the lens of a flash unit that is integral with the camera body. The panoramic lens can have the remote flash unit attached to the lens in the lens' blind spot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of storing and of progressively transferring a still image so that it can be conveniently previewed during the transfer and so that a user can terminate the transfer at an early stage if the image turns out to be undesirable. The methods of the invention include transforming the image into a plurality of decomposition levels using a discrete wavelet transform. Each decomposition level comprises a plurality of subimages which allow reconstruction of an image representation of the still image. The decomposition levels are transmitted beginning with a base decomposition level providing a low level of image resolution and then proceeding with decomposition levels providing increasingly higher levels of image resolution. Within each decomposition level, rows of the various subimages are arranged or interlaced together in contiguous blocks, so that all data for a single row, at a single decomposition level, is transmitted together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic picture taking system at a theme park. The system is passive, with guests photographed automatically from a plurality of cameras distributed throughout the theme park. When a picture is taken, the camera broadcasts a code signal that is associated with that picture or image. A code receiver carried or worn by the guest receives the code and stores it in a memory associated with the receiver. The system assumes that any guest that receives the code must have been in the picture when it was taken. At any time, a guest may elect to review the pictures taken so far of the guest by visiting a location for that purpose. When the pictures are taken digitally, for example, the pictures can be provided by a central server to any of a number of locations. The guest may elect to purchase some or all of the pictures that include the guest. In one embodiment, the images are photographs, while in others the images may be videos or a combination of photographs and videos.

Abstract: The arrangement of electric circuit boards and an optical unit including a CCD is optimized to minimize the volume of the electronic camera, and to shield the circuit boards from one another by utilizing the essential components of the camera themselves. A memory card chamber and an LCD unit are separately shielded with conductive walls. An analog circuit board, a power source circuit board, the memory card chamber, a digital circuit board and the LCD unit are arranged in that order, parallel to one another, and perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical unit. Thus, the digital circuit board that is the worst source of noises can be shielded by the memory card chamber and the LCD unit without any special shielding members, and a signal wire between the CCD and the analog circuit can be perpendicular to the circuit boards. A metal casing of the camera connects to the walls of the memory card chamber and the LCD unit in order to reinforce the ground.

Abstract: Method and system aspects for increasing storage capacity in a digital image capture device are described. Compression levels of saved image files are utilized to increase storage capacity by identifying a level of compression of a saved image file in the digital image capture device. The identified level of compression is compared with a predetermined level of compression, and the saved image file is compressed to the predetermined level of compression when the identified level of compression does not match the predetermined level of compression to free storage space in the digital image capture device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting image pickup signals and an apparatus therefor are disclosed. Image pickup signals of an object photographed by means of a digital still camera (digital electronic still camera) are transmitted to an image recording apparatus such as video cassette tape recorder or a video camera to be recorded there. That is, the digital electronic still camera is provided with an infrared ray transmitting section, and The image recording apparatus is provided with an infrared ray receiving section. When the digital electronic still camera reproduces the stored images to transmit them to the image recording apparatus, certain control signals are transmitted both to the infrared ray transmitting section and to the infrared ray receiving section. In accordance with the received control signals, the image recording apparatus is put to a momentary stop mode and then to a recording mode to record the images from the digital electronic still camera.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting key-frames to generate a content-based visual summary of video and facilitate digital video browsing and indexing, which provides a real-time approach for key-frame selection irrespective of the available computation power. A method for selecting key-frames according to one aspect of the present invention is based on quantifiable measures such as the amount of motion and behavior of curves defined statistically or non-statistically, i.e. by finding the monotonically increasing segments of a curve, instead of thresholding the statistically defined image dissimilarity measures.

Abstract: An image photographed by an electronic camera can be recorded in a recording medium in an optimal recording mode such that the quality needed is maintained and the space of the recording medium is used efficiently. Image data obtained by photographing are displayed on a monitor attached to the camera before being recorded in the recording medium so that a user can set the recording mode for the image being displayed. A resolution or compression rate can be specified directly in the setting of the recording mode. Alternatively, a recording mode corresponding to usage of an image (a printing mode, for example) is selected and the electronic camera automatically sets the recording mode optimal for the usage. After the setting, the image data are converted according to the recording mode having been set, and recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a VTR collecting system in which various data such as, for example, a representative still picture, start time, stop time, OK/NG flag, etc., of each scene is recorded as editorial base data to the memory card when collecting, and a position of each necessary scene can be searched for with references to the recorded editorial base data without reproducing the video tape from the start to the end at the time of editing, and therefore, the editorial work can be performed quickly and easily.

Abstract: The camera of this invention has a zoom optical system 21, 23 which forms an object image on silver-salt film 27; an image capture element 15 which captures an electronic image of the above object image; and an image capture optical system 2, 11, 13, 14 which forms the object image on the image capture element. The image capture optical system is provided separately from the zoom optical system, and has an angle of view which covers the broadest photography angle of view of the zoom optical system. The above camera also has memory which stores the image data of an image capture bounding frame; a signal processing circuit 45 which merges the electronic image captured by the image capture element and the image data of the photography bounding range stored in memory; and a monitor device 8 which displays the electronic image merged by the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: An electronic still camera of a printer built-in type is provided, in which an instant photo film pack for containing an instant photo film is used. A pack loading chamber is loaded with the instant photo film pack. A front opening is provided, through which the pack loading chamber is open in a forward direction. A taking lens is adapted for focusing of an image of an object to be photographed. A lens barrel accommodates the taking lens, is disposed to extend in the forward direction from the pack loading chamber, has a barrel rear end, and is inserted in the front opening. The barrel rear end is disposed in the pack loading chamber.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, which can expand a part of a function by the addition of software, enables the development of additional software that does not depend on the firmware version. The information processing apparatus has a startup routine that switches a startup task in accordance with a state of a specific input terminal of an input/output (I/O) port set in accordance with presence or absence of a problem in a flash ROM. An executable file in a memory incorporated in the information processing apparatus which has a specific name is loaded and executed at startup. After the file has been executed, an operation corresponding to an external event is started. The information processing apparatus may use a Next Fit memory allocation method to reduce memory fragmentation. A reduction in memory fragmentation may be performed before and after a photograph is taken in a camera using a flash memory, or before or after recording or erasing is performed.

Abstract: A camera has a camera body. A taking lens is disposed at a front face of the camera body, for introducing object light. A grip portion is disposed in the camera body and lower than the taking lens, and adapted to holding of the camera body. A release button is adapted for recording the object light from the taking lens by being depressed, and is disposed between the taking lens and the grip portion. In a preferred embodiment, the release button has a depression surface inclined with reference to the front face of the camera body. Furthermore, an instant photo film chamber is formed in the camera body, disposed behind a central portion of the front face, and contains an instant photo film. A printer unit with an exposure head records an image to the instant photo film.

Abstract: In an image sensing and recording apparatus capable of recording image data on plural types of removable recording media, a recording speed of a recording medium for recording image data is recognized, then image sensing modes, including-a single image sensing mode and a sequential image sensing mode, which are set in advance are classified into available image sensing mode and unavailable image sensing mode on the basis of the recognized recording speed. Further, image sensing parameters, including numbers of pixels per frame and frame rates for the sequential image sensing mode, which are set in advance are also classified into available image sensing mode and unavailable image sensing mode on the basis of the recognized recording speed of the recording medium.

Abstract: A portable camera and recording device capable of recording motion picture and still image signals on an erasable magnetic tape and, in an embodiment thereof, still images on hard copy as photographic images. A single assembly supports a television camera at one end, a videocassette recorder behind the television camera and an instant photographic camera below or to the side of the television camera. Still and motion picture images of image phenomena recorded as full-frame video picture signals on the magnetic tape and are displayable on a miniature electronic display screen within the housing. Controls on the housing permit select still images of frames of recorded picture information to be selectively displayed on the screen, viewed though an eyepiece and passed through an aperture of an instant photographic camera for photoghic reproduction. Methods for effectively operating the camera and producing magnetic recordings and hard copy recordings are also provided.

Abstract: In a system for file managing image data of an electronic camera, so long as the image data is recorded by the same image pickup apparatus, a peculiar file name which is not overlapped is generated and in order to prevent that a plurality of files of the same name exist, when an electronic camera is connected to a main body of a computer, a storage device in the electronic camera is examined from a host application of the computer, and when a file of a file name including numerical values exceeding a predetermined value is found, a message is displayed for the user in a manner such that after all of the files having the file names which had automatically been formed were transferred to the computer, all of the contents in the storage device are deleted or formatted.

Abstract: In a digital still camera equipped with a DAP (Digital Audio Player), the camera is so adapted that the camera can be used in a camera mode even when battery voltage declines owing to use of the camera in the DAP mode. The number of images to be recorded in the camera mode is set and so is a warning voltage necessary to record images of the set number. If battery capacity declines owing to operation in the DAP mode and the battery voltage reaches the set warning voltage, the user is notified of the fact that if use in the DAP mode is continued, it will not be possible to record the set number of images. By ceasing to use the camera in the DAP mode, a further decline in the capacity of the battery can be prevented. This makes it possible to reserve enough battery capacity to carry out the recording of the set number of images.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of shortening the reading processing time in image reading of high definition. In an image reading apparatus having a plurality of reading definition values, the state of a reading subject is monitored with first definition. On the basis of a result of the monitoring, image reading is conducted with second definition higher in definition than the first definition. A function of giving a stillness determination on an image of low definition is added. Switchover of the image to the high definition and read processing start are automatically carried out.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having setting means for setting mutually contradictory functions, wherein the setting means comprises a pair of operation buttons, and the operation buttons are disposed on opposing surfaces of the body of the portable apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: A size sensor detects a standard-size printing medium or a panorama-size printing medium. An image processing section selects image data for an area to be printed from the image data according to the detected size of the printing medium and subjects the image data in the printing area to an image process, such as enlargement, according to the size of the printing medium. A printer prints the processed image data on the printing medium.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention use a remote-control device to retrieve digital images from portable digital memory and transmit the digital image to a computer, a network, or another remote-control device. A user inserts the portable digital memory into a the remote-control device and browses the digital images stored in the portable digital memory. Upon the user's instructions, the remote-control device transmits the digital image, preferably using an infrared transmitter. The user can also receive digital images from a computer, a network, or another remote-control device. A user inserts the portable digital memory into the remote-control device and the remote-control device receives a digital image, preferably using an infrared receiver. Upon the user's instructions, the remote-control device stores the digital image into the portable digital memory.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a subject and generates first image data; a display device that displays an image; a display image generating device that generates second image data, which have a smaller number of pixels than the first image data and correspond to a display resolution at the display device, based upon the first image data; a recording device that records the first image data and the second image data into a recording medium; and a control device that first reads the second image data when reading the first data from the recording medium and displays on the display device an image based upon the second image data which have been read.

Abstract: Picture signals entering a picture input device 4 are compressed by a picture compression device 5 for storing the resulting compressed picture data in a secondary storage device 7 via a primary storage device 6. The picture compression system is switched for recording a moving picture and for recording a still picture by switching picture compression parameters of the picture compression device 5 by a picture compression system switching device 10 between those for moving picture recording and those for still picture recording.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes: a signal processing circuit for processing image sensing signals; a plurality of adjustment signal generating circuits for generating mutually different output signals for automatic adjustment by using part of the signals of the signal processing circuit; an interface for receiving the output of the plurality of adjustment signal generating circuits and outputting it through a common signal path.

Abstract: An information signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is arranged to receive, as an input, an information signal to temporarily store therein the input information signal and to temporarily store therein management information prepared during a recording of the information signal in the recording medium, thereby recording the temporarily stored information signal and management information in the recording medium. Accordingly, it is possible to record an information signal having a large amount of information in the recording medium without lowering a recording speed and it is also possible to easily reduce the size, weight and cost of the apparatus.

Abstract: An individual not accustomed to operating a computer can obtain, with comparative ease, a modified image that is the result of modifying an image obtained by an image sensing operation. A subject is photographed by a video camera, and an image representing the subject is displayed in a main display area of a display unit. A modification target area is set in the main display area in advance, and icons representing methods of modification are displayed in an auxiliary display area. When one of these icons is selected, the image within the modification target area is modified by the selected modification method. If necessary, the user may move so that the portion of the subject image that the user wishes to be modified will fall within the modification target area.

Abstract: A base portion of a camera is mounted on a side wall of a display unit of a personal computer by a mounting mechanism. The base portion is coupled with a first movable portion rotatable around a first rotation axis that extends perpendicular to the side wall. The first movable portion is coupled with a second movable portion rotatable around a second rotation axis that extends parallel to the side wall. The second movable portion is provided with an image pickup portion for picking up an image of a subject.

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: A geographical position/image capturing system stores object images and position coordinates as digital data. The system incorporates a geo-addressed map data base and geo-positioning device for relating the position of the system at the time the image is captured to the captured digital image data and the geo-addressed map. A point-of-interest feature data base is linked to the image data and the position data, by hyper-media links. Digital multi-media entities such as graphics, video clips, audio streams and the like can be digitally stored and retrieved based on hyper-media links coupling the entities to the object images, the map position and feature data base. A playback unit incorporating an image viewer communicates with the stored digital digital image data, the multi-media entities, the map data base, and the feature data base and allows modified images of selected portions of the images and other data to be viewed by a user.

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.