Abstract: An evaluation on image information is indicated before operating a shutter operating section. For example, a method of evaluating image information includes: (a) a step of converting an optical image of an object to be photographed into electrical image information; (b) a step of evaluating the image information that has not yet been stored in a non-volatile memory, wherein the image information is evaluated in a state in which a shutter operating section, on which a predetermined operation is performed when storing the image information in the non-volatile memory, is not being subjected to the predetermined operation; and (c) a step of outputting an evaluation result.

Abstract: A photo subject station used to capture information regarding a subject suitable for integration into a personalized, printed product and method of using same with children so that a personal identification of a child need not be saved to deliver a customized product to the child when the child takes part of a session, for example, at a school. The station uses a stool, a color background device, preferably two digital cameras and lights located at fixed positions in the station and a computer. The computer creates and stores a subject file for each subject that contains photographs of the subject (e.g., three frontal and three profile photographs with three different facial expressions, plus a rear photograph), an image data file associated with the photographs (which contains x-y coordinates used for scaling the photographs), a data file containing an identification related to the subject and a bit map skin file (derived from one of the photographs for use in fixing personalized skin color).

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for enabling even a person having no expert knowledge to adjust the direction of an optical axis easily with high precision. In a three-dimensional image processing apparatus having plural image capturing apparatuses, optical center of an image from an image capturing apparatus is stored for each of the image capturing apparatuses. A mark indicative of the optical center is superimposed on an image obtained from the image capturing apparatus. By referring to the mark for each of the image capturing apparatuses, the orientation of each of the image capturing apparatuses is adjusted so that all of the marks overlay on the same point on an object.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatically annotating pictures in an image-capture device. The system includes an image capture system that is configured to capture an image. A memory is coupled to the image capture system and is configured to maintain a user-specific database. A processor is coupled to the memory and is configured to annotate the image with a tag based on data from the user-specific database.

Abstract: An image-recording medium and methods and apparatuses for providing the image-recording medium are provided. In accordance with the method, the image-recording medium is segmented and at least one identifying mark that identifies each segment of the image-recording medium is provided in an image recording area of the image-recording medium. A tracking encodement is provided that has tracking data that identifies each segment, with each tracking encodement being provided in an area of the image recording medium that does not record images. Information is stored in a database that associates the tracking data in the tracking encodement with the identifying mark.

Abstract: Memory access bandwidth within a digital camera is allocated among several requestors by assigning each requester a “tokens per snapshot” (TPS) value. Each requestor has a DMA engine and a DMA entry queue. If the requester wishes to access the memory, then a DMA entry is pushed onto the DMA entry queue of the requester. An arbiter uses the TPS values to select DMA entries off the various queues for incorporation into a “snapshot”. The arbiter then selects DMA entries from the snapshot in an order for servicing such that memory access overhead in accessing the memory is reduced. Only after all DMA entries of the snapshot have been serviced is another snapshot of entries selected. Maximum latency in servicing a queue is controlled by assigning each queue a time out value (TOV). If a queue times out, then that queue is moved up in the order of servicing.

Abstract: A camera includes a housing. An image sensor is fixed with respect to the housing and is configured to capture images. A print roll unit is releasably mounted within the housing. The print roll unit includes an elongate core, in turn, including a plurality of ink supply containers. Each container contains a respective type of ink. A roll of print media includes a tubular former in which the core can be received and a length of print media which is wound upon the former. A casing includes a pair of molded covers which can be releasably fastened together to encase the roll of print media, and defines a print media exit slot. A printer is housed in the housing, in fluid communication with the core, and is configured to print the captured images on the print media with ink stored in the core.

Abstract: A method and system of capturing an image comprises extracting image characterization information from an image file, extracting digital image data from the image file, printing a visually perceptible image described by the digital image data on one side of a medium, printing a visually perceptible representation of the image characterization information on an opposite side of the medium, and retrieving the image characterization information from the visually perceptible representation of the image characterization information on the opposite side of the medium.

Abstract: A multipurpose image pickup device is disclosed to include a housing having a built-in storage battery and a memory card slot for receiving a memory card for storing digital image files, a swivel bracket turnable in and out of a top recess of the housing, a movable rack turnable in and out of an opening of the swivel bracket, a lens holder pivoted to the movable rack and holding an image forming lens for taking pictures, a lock release for locking/unlocking the swivel bracket and the movable rack, and a mode selection switch switching between a computer connection mode for enabling the multipurpose image pickup device to be used as a webcam and a business card shooting mode for enabling the multipurpose image pickup device to be independently used to take the pictures of business cards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adding in a device 1, which comprises a camera component 2, metadata to pictures. In order to extend the collection of metadata for such pictures, the method comprises in a first step taking a picture of an object by means of the camera component 2. In a next step, signals comprising information on the object are received via a wireless connection from a communication unit 6 which is associated to the object. In a last step, the received information is stored as metadata together with the data of the picture in a memory 5. The invention relates equally to an electronic device 1 comprising for realizing the proposed method and to a system comprising such a device 1 and moreover a communication unit 6 transmitting information on a device to which it is associated.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprising an LCD panel for image reproduction and an imaging device is disclosed, in which private information attaching a predetermined attribute to a designated photographed image can be input, and in accordance with the private information, the image reproduction on the LCD panel is prohibited by a command from a CPU.

Abstract: A method for tracking a segment of an image-recording medium and an image-recording medium are provided. In a first aspect of the invention what is provided is a method for distributing an image-recording medium. In accordance with the method, an identifying mark is encoded within a recorded image area on the image-recording medium. A tracking memory is associated with the image-recording medium with the tracking memory having information stored therein. The image-recording medium is distributed to users of the image-recording medium and tracking information from the tracking memory is read and stored in a database that associates the users to whom the image-recording medium has been distributed with the identifying mark recorded in the image area.

Abstract: A method for providing photography advice, such as in the use of a camera, is provided. The method includes storing image attributes associated with a plurality of images captured by the camera. Camera settings associated with the captured images are also stored. At least one of a plurality of photography pointers is provided based on the stored image attributes and the stored camera settings.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to execute position calculation processing based on data received from a satellite; a power supply controller configured to control power supply to the GPS device; and a device controller configured to monitor a state of use of the information processing device by a user, to calculate a use frequency of the information processing device per unit time, and to cause the power supply controller to intermittently supply power to the GPS device if the calculated use frequency is lower than a predefined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic information logging device for recording photographic information. The photographic information logging device includes a logging sheet that is removably attachable to a camera and further includes a transparent cover to protect information recorded on the logging sheet. The logging sheet includes pre-printed lines to facilitate the recording of photographic information.

Abstract: A method for generating an image object, performed by a mobile electronic device, comprises the following steps. The mobile electronic device comprises multiple shutter objects, and each shutter object corresponds to an orientation type. A signal generated by one of the shutter objects is detected. A orientation type is determined according to the shutter object generating the signal. The image object with the determined orientation type is stored.

Abstract: Annotations are associated with individual digital pictures that represent a characteristic of the pictures, such as their content, place of taking, etc. An annotation is directly entered into a digital camera and selected for association with pictures to be taken after that. The association of the selected annotation occurs automatically within the camera until another annotation is selected. An annotation is preferably entered into the camera by the voice of the user prior to taking pictures that are characterized by the annotation. The pictures may then be conveniently sorted by subject matter through use of the annotations. The same technique may be used to annotate audio segments.

Abstract: A photograph device not only takes a photograph but also displays a map of the place where the photograph is taken.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus connected to a display apparatus and an input apparatus includes an image recording part for recording image data, an input part for receiving a mark to be displayed under a condition of overlapping the image from the input apparatus, a mark recording part for recording data that represents the mark, an image data acquiring part for acquiring pixel information that represents a pixel group of a portion of the image overlapping the mark in a predetermined range from the image data, an adjusting part for calculating a value that represents an overlapping degree between the mark and a character, graphic, or picture contained in the image, using the pixel information, and obtaining a position or shape of the mark whose overlapping degree represented by the value is lowest, and an output part for allowing the display apparatus to display the mark in the position or shape obtained by the adjusting part under the condition that the mark overlaps the image.

Abstract: A photograph having coded image data disposed thereon is provided. The image data corresponds to a digital image of the photograph, thereby facilitating reproduction of the image from the photograph.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device for generating image data, a line-of-sight-direction/angular velocity detecting portion for detecting biological information, such as the direction of a line of sight of a photographer or the angular velocity of the head of the photographer, when the photographer observes a subject, and a controller/recorder. Among those elements, the image capturing device and the line-of-sight-direction/angular-velocity detecting portion are worn on the head of the photographer. The controller/recorder records, in a recording memory, the image data and the biological information in association with each other together with time information concerning a time at which the image data is obtained and a time at which the biological information is obtained. Then, based on the recorded biological information, the recorded image data is edited.

Abstract: A substrate having a digital photographic image and coded image data disposed thereon is provided. The image data corresponds to the digital photographic image, thereby facilitating reproduction of the image from the substrate.

Abstract: A flash memory module includes an integral indicator light. The module alternatively includes a plurality electrical contacts which electrically interface to a host digital device. The module includes a plurality of flash memory cells. The cells are controlled by an integral controller. The indicator light is controlled by the controller. The indicator light indicates whether the flash memory module is being accessed. Alternatively, the indicator light indicates that the flash memory module should be replaced. A housing for the module is preferably light transmissive material, and preferably a transparent plastic. A proximal end of the module includes the electrical contacts and is inserted into the host. The indicator light is preferably a surface mount LED and is positioned adjacent the distal end of the flash memory module to be seen through the transparent plastic. Alternatively, the controller generates an electronic signal which is coupled to the host.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus displays a realistic image depending on a user's viewpoint. A sensor control unit 41 detects a user's viewpoint and a point of interest based on signals from various sensors, and outputs the detected viewpoint and point to a depth-of-field adjusting unit. The depth-of-field adjusting unit reads, from the image database, a depth of field set beforehand (or designated each time) and image data of images captured from different positions according to user's viewpoints, and outputs the read depth of field and data to an image combining unit. The image combining unit combines a plurality of image data items output from the depth-of-field adjusting unit and displays a combined image on a display. The present invention is applicable to a television apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprising an LCD panel for image reproduction and an imaging device is disclosed, in which private information attaching a predetermined attribute to a designated photographed image can be input, and in accordance with the private information, the image reproduction on the LCD panel is prohibited by a command from a CPU.

Abstract: A digital camera for capturing images and for adding personal image metadata labels to the captured images, including an image sensor for capturing a plurality of images; an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the plurality of captured images, from the image sensor, to produce a plurality of captured digital images. Also, included in the digital camera is a memory location for storing the plurality of captured digital images; a display coupled to the memory location for displaying at least one of the plurality of captured digital images. The digital camera has a user control for selecting a personal image metadata label which corresponds to an emotional or aesthetic category as judged by a user; and a processor responsive to the user control for associating the personal image metadata label with the at least one of the plurality of displayed captured digital image.

Abstract: A method for rating images to facitilate image retrival that includes, storing a plurality of digital image files in a digital memory; displaying the plurality of stored digital image files; permitting a user to select ratings for each of the plurality of displayed images, wherein the rating indicates how much the user likes each displayed image. Whereupon being responsive to the user ratings, user image values are provided for each of the the plurality of displayed images. Additionally, the user image values are stored as metadata in each of the plurality of stored digital image files corresponding to the plurality of displayed images, wherein the user image value uses a multi-point scale and wherein a maximum point value corresponds to a best rating.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automating receipt of orders for additional printing of a photographic print, including order information relating to desired image processing. In a print order receiving machine, when a photographic print is inserted, an image of the photographic print is read and displayed on a monitor (steps 150, 152). When order conditions are inputted, an image which is processed on the basis of the order conditions is displayed on the monitor (steps 154 through 158). Further, when input of the order conditions is completed, the order conditions and order information based on the order conditions are set. The set order information is printed onto a photographic print as an invisible two-dimensional bar code. Copying processing of the photographic print is carried out on the basis of the order information which is read from the photographic print.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an area of importance in an archival image. In accordance with this method, eye information including eye gaze direction information captured during an image capture sequence for the archival image is obtained. An area of importance in the archival image is determined based upon the eye information. Area of importance data characterizing the area of importance is associated with the archival image.

Abstract: A positioning operation is performed to acquire a positioning result immediately before or immediately after a photographing instruction is given. GPS positioning is performed in response to a positioning start instruction (half depression of the shutter), after which the photographing instruction is issued. GPS positioning and photographing are carried out in order when an operation (full depression of the shutter) serves as both the photographing instruction and the positioning start instruction. When power is on, positioning is performed once and positioning information is held and stored in a saving memory in association with positioning information carried on a photographed image. Alternatively, photographing is performed first and when a power OFF switch is operated after the photographing operation is completed, positioning is performed and positioning information is stored in the saving memory in association with each photographed image.

Abstract: A method of authorizing the making of images on a receiver such as postage stamps by a receiving agency includes electronically transmitting a digital image file over a channel to the receiving agency and the digital image file includes at least one digital image and authorization information for making images on a receiver. The method further includes receiving the digital image file at the receiving agency, displaying at least one received digital image and examining the displayed digital image to determine whether its contents are acceptable for making images and examining the authorization information and printing at a designated location accepted digital images on a receiver corresponding to the transmitted digital image when the authorization information is approved.

Abstract: A secure manipulation archiving retrieval and transmission system for electronic multi media commerce, includes: a plurality of client devices having image communication capability; an image processing center, including an application server(s), and an image archiving and storage database containing multimedia files and associated meta data; a host server connected to client devices by a communication network, and to the image processing center through an electronic security mechanism, the host server providing the client devices indirect access to the image processing center through the electronic security mechanism, whereby the client devices are prevented from interacting directly with the image processing center to provide multiple levels of security to the image processing center; a commercial photo network including a plurality of image capture devices and image output devices connected by a communication network; an image clearinghouse connected to the commercial photo network for temporarily receiving

Abstract: An image capture apparatus (e.g., a digital camera, a digital camcorder, or a camera-equipped cell phone) automatically deletes predetermined additional information (e.g., information concerning captured images, a user, etc.) included in a stored image file before transmitting the image file to a destination. This prevents the additional information from being leaked.

Abstract: A print service support system for supporting print service for producing prints related to data while delivering the data among a plurality of agencies including a unit for accepting information for specifying the plurality of agencies, a unit for generating project information as information for specifying agencies to carry out a project to specify the plurality of agencies and remarkable machine information for specifying a given remarkable print output machine, a selection unit for selecting at least one piece of the information for specifying the agencies, which information is included in the generated project information, a unit for generating device link profile information for the agency including information for simulating color reproducibility of the remarkable print output machine using a print output machine, and information for specifying the agency, and a storage unit for storing the generated device link profile information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera including a writer adapted to couple information to a film in use in the camera, the information relating to an ISO rating setting for a particular image captured by the camera. The invention also relates to photographic processing system, comprising reading means to identify from magnetic information stored on a film to be processed the ISO rating setting at which images on the film were captured and a developer stage to receive the film to be developed. The photographic processing system also includes a control unit to select a development time for the film in dependence on the identified ISO rating setting. The invention enables optimisation of image quality to be achieved.

Abstract: An information-added imaging method includes an imaging step, a receiving step of an imaging device (105) receiving information through a communication line (112), an adding step of adding additional information to picture data on the basis of the information, a displaying step of displaying, in the imaging device (105), picture data to which the additional information has been added while picture data is being captured, and a recording step of recording the picture data to which the additional information has been added.

Abstract: A camera device comprises an optical system driven to a predetermined position upon initialization when a photographing mode has been set, a memory including an area for storing lens information inherent to the optical system, an area for storing a file management program, and a management area which is managed by using the file management program, the area for storing the lens information differing from the management area, and a controller which controls the initialization of the optical system based on the lens information stored in the memory.

Abstract: In a camera provided with image-pickup elements for receiving light to form an image of a subject, for converting the light into electric signals and for producing image information of the image of the subject by the electric signals; there are further provided a print information producing device to produce print information for printing the image information; and a transmitor to transmit the image information and the print information.

Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic display element comprising a support, a front side which has at least one silver halide emulsion layer, and a back side, said front and back sides being on opposite sides of the support; wherein said photographic element further comprises printed on the back side a printing ink composition comprising coalesced hydrophobic polymer particles having associated therewith a squarine infrared absorbing dye represented by formula I: wherein: R and R′ independently represents an aromatic or a heteroaromatic group such that the resulting dye has an absorption max greater than 800 nm; X represents an oxygen or nitrogen atom, or a group containing an oxygen or a nitrogen atom as a heteroatom, wherein the group must be attached through the heteroatom; W is a monovalent counter anion to balance the charge on the dye and m is 0 or 1.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprising an LCD panel for image reproduction and an imaging device is disclosed, in which private information attaching a predetermined attribute to a designated photographed image can be input, and in accordance with the private information, the image reproduction on the LCD panel is prohibited by a command from a CPU.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photographic printer and a method of printing in which the printer is interfaced with a defect detection or scanning system that is adapted to inspect photographic paper for defects as it is consumed by the printer. In the system and method of the present invention, when a defect is detected, the printer is enabled to either skip over the defect area or to reprint the affected image. With respect to the defect, when detected, the present invention provides either for the utilization of a defect marker, such as a hole punch, which provides a physical mark on the paper in close vicinity of the defect or an electronic device capable of transmitting the precise location of the defect to the printing section. The hole or electronic signal is recognized by the printer, to enable it to either skip the defective frames or reprint the images.

Abstract: To realize a wireless imaging apparatus having excellent sensitivity to an environmental change, a wireless imaging device has an imaging unit with a function of imaging a subject and a communication unit with a wireless communication function. The imaging unit has, at least, an optical lens, an aperture 2 to limit incident light from the optical lens, an optical sensor 4 to convert the incident light passed through the aperture 2 into an electric signal, and an antenna for wireless communication, integrally formed with the aperture.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which feeds a placed original, reads image information on the original by a reading unit, and forms an image on the original by an ink-jet printing head arranged on a downstream side along the original feed direction has an add-on processing part for changing the image information read by the reading unit in correspondence with the image to be formed by the ink-jet printing head.

Abstract: A position information recording camera comprises a satellite position sensor connected to a conventional camera that would encode GPS information relative to the camera location on an encoded photographic image. A central processing unit is electrically connected to the satellite position sensor. A recorder is electrically connected to the central processing unit and is capable of recording an encoded position measurement derived from the satellite position data on a photographic impression.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic display element comprising a support, a front side which has at least one photographic imaging layer, and a back side, said front and back sides being on opposite sides of the support, wherein said photographic element further comprises applied on the front or back side a composition comprising coalesced hydrophobic polymer particles having associated therewith an infrared absorbing polymethine dye having covalently bonded thereto a phenylenediamine moiety.

Abstract: A self-annotating camera providing annotation relating to a photograph. The camera captures a desired field of view in a photograph, obtains information relating to the photograph via a plurality of information sources, produces annotation corresponding to the information obtained from the plurality of information sources, and utilizes the produced annotation to annotate at least one of a photograph and an electronic file associated with the photograph. At least one of the plurality of information sources is internal to the camera and at least one of the plurality of information sources is external to the camera.

Abstract: A digital film recorder for recording a digital image on a strip of photographic film includes a light tight housing; a cartridge chamber in the housing for receiving a cartridge of unexposed photographic film; a film receiver in the housing for receiving the film strip from the cartridge; a write head located in the housing between the cartridge chamber and the film receiver, the write head including a linear array of pixels for exposing the film strip a line at a time across the width of the film strip; a film transport for moving the film from the cartridge to the film receiver a line at a time; control electronics for receiving the digital image and controlling the film transport and the write head to write the digital image on the film strip as a plurality of color separations including at least one positive human readable image.

Abstract: An image retrieval method and an image retrieval apparatus are disclosed in which it is possible to identify in which image-information recording medium or in which group an image to be retrieved is included. The image retrieval apparatus has a recording controller for recording image information on a disk drive or a hard disk drive. A reduction/expansion controller generates an index picture of a predetermined group of the image information. A retrieval-information storage unit generates index picture IDs, medium IDs, and folder IDs while correlating the above different types of IDs with each other, and stores the IDs together with the index pictures. With this arrangement, a desired item of image information is retrieved by using the index pictures, the index picture IDs, the medium IDs, and the folder IDs. It is thus possible to obtain a target image by sequentially checking the index picture visually.

Abstract: A personal computer holds data of a plurality of types in a content storage unit and transfers items of data related across the types of data to a digital camera as group data. The digital camera stores the group data, which is received from the personal computer, in a content memory unit.

Abstract: A photographing system for speedily providing photographs meeting a customer's request at relatively low prices is provided. An image of a subject is recorded on a film by a film camera. A still image of the subject is take by an electronic camera in synchronization with the film camera. An identification code generated every photographing is written at a position other than the image on the film to make a one-to-one correspondence between the image and the identification code. The still image is recorded in a recorder with the identification code. The still images retrieved from the recorder are simultaneously displayed with the identification codes on a first monitor. A desired still image is selected, and displayed on a second monitor with the corresponding identification code. Then, the image on the film having the same identification code of the desired still image is printed.