Abstract: A method for providing positioning information related to image information presentation for a portable communication device, includes providing first image information to be presented (202), obtaining the first image information by the portable communication device under control of the user of the portable communication device, registering second image information by the camera of the portable communication device (206) and mapping presented first image information and registered second image information (208). The method may also include recognizing at least one image element of the presented first image information as being included in the registered second image information (210) and determining the position of a predefined area of the registered second image information in relation to the recognized at least one image element (212). The determined relative position of the predefined area may be used for controlling purposes of the first image information being presented.

Abstract: An adapter connected to a camera providing a rapidly movable support of a camera flash between flash positions favorable to a portrait and a landscape camera orientation, including a annular track, such as provided on a portion of an annular band mounted forward of the camera body, typically concentric with the lens axis. The arcuate portion provides a track on which a flash holder rides and is retained, wherein the flash holder includes opposing rolling members to engage parallel members of the arcuate portion therebetween and roll thereon as the flash holder moves from one location to another. By substantially surrounding the lens instead of the camera body, the present invention provides a flexible compact flash adapter which further protects the camera lens.

Abstract: A bracket suitable for supporting a flash.

Abstract: A camera mount, comprising a camera mounting portion, wherein a camera can be removably coupled to the camera mounting portion, such that a photographic plane of the camera is parallel to a photographic plane of the camera mounting portion; a rail portion, wherein the rail portion extends from the camera mounting portion substantially perpendicular to the photographic plane of the camera mounting portion; and a frame, wherein the frame is adapted to receive one or more reference scales such that a photographic plane of the one or more reference scales is parallel to a photographic plane of the camera mounting portion, and wherein the frame is coupled to the rail portion such that a photographic plane of the frame is parallel to a photographic plane of the camera mounting portion elements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photographic shelf that is highly controllable, adjustable and portable. A loading turntable of the shelf for loading a photographic subject has the functions of horizontal rotation for different angles and vertical angles switches while cooperating with a hand rod connected to a digital camera.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed, may include a mounting device for a piece of equipment having an accessory receptacle. The mounting device may include at least two arms connected together providing at least two rotation axes, a mounting stud for mating with the accessory receptacle and connected to one of the two arms providing at least one rotation axis, and a mount for mating with an accessory of the equipment and connected to the other one of the two arms providing at least two rotation axes.

Abstract: A focusing auxiliary device of an image-capturing apparatus includes a base and an extension rod. The base is arranged on the image-capturing apparatus. The extension rod is coupled to and movable relative to the base for sustaining against a supporting surface so as to keep the lens set of the image-capturing apparatus at a fixed distance from an object to be photographed. By marking graduations on the extension rod, the focusing distance from the image-capturing apparatus to the object can be realized at the same time.

Abstract: An accessory an accessory includes an apparatus-side detachably attaching portion including an accessory-side apparatus detachably attaching portion to be attached to the apparatus-side detachably attaching portion, the accessory-side apparatus detachably attaching portion including an attachment/detachment surface, an internally threaded portion open on the attachment/detachment surface, and an externally threaded member to be rotatably engaged with the internally threaded portion. The externally threaded member is positioned either in a retraction position by rotation of the externally threaded member in one direction or in an extension position by rotation of the externally threaded member in an other direction opposite to the one direction. The retraction position is a position in which a lead end portion of the externally threaded portion of the externally threaded member is retracted into the internally threaded portion and the externally threaded portion is exposed on the attachment/detachment surface.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible, shoulder mounted camera support assembly for carrying a camcorder or camera and holding the same steady during operation has a front and rear portion for mounting a battery to counterbalance the weight of the camera or camcorder mounted on the front portion. The front and rear portions are collapsible or detachable to aid in transporting and carrying the shoulder mounted camera support. The front and rear portions are offset in such a way as to match the centerline of the camera with the centerline of the shoulder and thus aligned with the operator's eye. The front portion has an angular extension on which the camera or camcorder is mounted and is adjustable in at least one axis relative to the horizontal established by the support assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for facilitating the mounting components of a modular system involving a plurality of separate components that are required operationally to interrelate relative to each other when in use so that the relative setting of such components in vertical, horizontal and/or annular orientations with respect to the datum direction is facilitated. A main unit is adapted for mounting to a column support, the main unit being adapted for mounting said components by way of a connection arrangement enabling relative displacement and relative angular setting of the components relative to the base unit.

Abstract: In the realm of professional photography, and those amateur wanting professional results, when photographing people, the illumination devices must be located directly above and on the centerline of the camera lens. This is the desired effect as not to have shadows behind the subjects. Changing from landscape to portrait modes, currently requires the re-adjustment of the illumination devices to bring them in line with the camera. In photographing people, the instant does not wait for the photographer to ready his equipment, rather the photographer must be able to adapt quickly. There exists many different kinds illumination devices that are necessary for proper illumination of photographic subjects, in particular people. There also exists cameras that utilize digital imaging technology that senses through the camera lens for exactitudes of distance and amount of ambient light.

Abstract: A hinge for an LCD monitor of a video movie camera is composed of a vertical axle, a barrel, a horizontal axle, a positioning disk, two resilient dished washers, and a seat. The vertical axle is secured on the camera. The barrel is pivotally mounted on the vertical axle. The horizontal axle is rotatably mounted on the barrel. The positioning disk and the resilient dished washers are provided on an end of the horizontal axle. The seat is mounted at the other end of the horizontal axle and the LCD monitor is installed on the seat. The LCD monitor can be smoothly turned about the vertical axle and the horizontal axle, and be stably positioned at any desired positions.

Abstract: A camera stabilizer having a base with an aperture in front and in back, and in alignment with one other. A shoulder support, removably attachable to the base, has an adjustable rod extending forward of it with a detent at its distal end. The adjustable rod inserts into the base through its two apertures with the detent passing through the front aperture to prevent rearward movement of the adjustable rod. A second support removably attaches to the base. It has two telescoping rods connected to each other at their bottoms from which they are pivotable. Adjustable straps on one telescoping rod are adapted to wrap around one's back and fasten to themselves for greater stability. Another strap at the bottom of one telescoping rod is adapted to loop around one's belt and fasten to itself thereby providing addition stability and vertical support.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camera rig suitable for handheld use comprising a frame and means to attach a camera inside of said frame. The present invention therefore provides a mobile support for a camera, such as a digital video camera by providing a larger grip than a small camera and hence it is easier to hold steady. Therefore the user may shoot film in a steady manner. It is thus an advantage of the present invention that camera shake is either prevented or substantially reduced.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for shielding a camera having an arm that is removably mounted to a body of the camera and a hand-grippable handle of an umbrella is removably mounted to the arm. The umbrella handle is preferably removably mounted in a housing attached to a finger at the end of the arm. The shield covers both the camera and the user of the camera.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible, shoulder mounted camera support assembly for carrying a camcorder or camera and holding the same steady during operation has a front and rear portion for mounting a battery to counterbalance the weight of the camera or camcorder mounted on the front portion. The front and rear portions are collapsible or detachable to aid in transporting and carrying the shoulder mounted camera support. The front and rear portions are offset in such a way as to match the centerline of the camera with the centerline of the shoulder and thus aligned with the operator's eye. The front portion has an angular extension on which the camera or camcorder is mounted and is adjustable in at least one axis relative to the horizontal established by the support assembly.

Abstract: A stabilizing platform for attachment to the bottom of a hand held camcorder to steady the filming of subjects with the use of fiber optics in the body of the platform to send remote control infrared signals to the infrared receiving port on the camcorder. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camera to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the base of the camera body thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. A second infrared receiving port is located on the bottom of the camcorder so that the user may send remote infrared signals to camcorder from behind the unit.

Abstract: A camera accessory case is mounted on a camera connecting plate of a camera stand, and includes a casing body and an anchoring unit. The casing body has a bottom wall, a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, and a casing axis transverse to the bottom wall. The anchoring unit has a plate connecting portion mounted on the camera connecting plate, and a casing connecting portion connected pivotally to the plate connecting portion and further connected to the peripheral wall such that the casing axis can be disposed in an upright position even when the camera connecting plate is tilted.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for use with a camera and a flash unit. The bracket comprises a base support member having a mounting portion adapted to engage with the bottom surface of the camera and a vertical support member having a first end portion engaged to the base support member and a second end portion. The bracket further comprises a horizontal support member having a first end portion engaged to the second end portion of the vertical support member and a second end portion.

Abstract: A motion detector camera includes a camera mechanism mounted inside a housing, a motion detector exposed on a surface of the housing, and a controller for controlling the camera mechanism in response to signals received from the motion detector. The motion detector camera can include a first power source connected to the camera mechanism and a separate, second power source connected to the motion detector. The camera can include an activity counter mounted to the housing. The controller activates the camera mechanism when the controller receives a triggering signal from the motion detector, or the controller activates the activity counter and does not activate the camera mechanism when a triggering activity occurs. The camera can include a shutter button located external to the housing to manually activate the camera mechanism. The camera can include digital camera electronics. A camera support can be used to removably mount the camera to an object such as a tree.

Abstract: An EFP lens device is attached to a mount frame of a lens supporter, and an adapter-type vibration isolator is fixed to the back face of the mount frame. An ENG camera is attached to the back of the vibration isolator. The vibration isolator automatically checks information about the focal length of the attached lens device, information about an extender, etc. and adjusts the amplitude of the correcting lens according to the vibrations of the lens. A lens information setting switch is provided at the vibration isolator so that a user can freely enter and change the lens inherent information through the lens information setting switch. A vibration ON/OFF switch and a sensitivity setting means are provided at a manual control part.

Abstract: A motion detector camera including a housing having a mounting member in a bottom surface for mounting the housing to a tripod, the housing having an film advance mechanism for automatically advancing a film of the camera after each exposure. The camera includes a wide angle lens attached to a front surface of the housing, a motion detector attached to a front surface of the housing, and a flash attached to the housing and having a range of at least 23 feet. The camera also includes a controller for controlling the flash and a shutter of the camera, wherein the controller receives a signal from the motion detector indicating a triggering event and the controller causes the flash to flash if necessary and causes the shutter to form an exposure on the film.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for use with a camera and a flash unit. The bracket comprises a base support member having a mounting portion adapted to engage with the bottom surface of the camera and a vertical support member having a first end portion engaged to the base support member and a second end portion. The bracket further comprises a horizontal support member having a first end portion engaged to the second end portion of the vertical support member and a second end portion.

Abstract: A universal camera and flash unit mount having a camera mounting plate to which a handle may be detachably connected. A camera mounting plate is adjustably carried on the mount. The end of the handle, as well as the mount having ball joint to which flash arms may be selectively attached and adjustable to a wide range of lighting positions.

Abstract: This invention is related to a camcorder bracket, that may be held by either one or both hands of the user in a variety of positions, and which will support several camcorder accessories and can be disassembled into smaller parts for easy storage and transport. The invention can be configured into different relationships, based on the attached mounting plate, to fit the user's need.

Abstract: A system for digital photo management comprises: a harness; a digital camera; a computer control unit; a wireless data exchange component; a printer; and a battery. The computer control unit begins a process of printing a coupon associated with a digital photograph before the digital photograph has been completely downloaded from the digital camera.

Abstract: A system for digital photo management comprises: a harness; a digital camera; a computer control unit; a wireless data exchange component; a printer; and a battery. The computer control unit begins a process of printing a coupon associated with a digital photograph before the digital photograph has been completely downloaded from the digital camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for use with a camera and a flash unit. The bracket comprises a base support member having a mounting portion adapted to engage with the bottom surface of the camera. The bracket further comprises a vertical support member engaged to the base support member. The bracket further comprises a horizontal support member engaged to the vertical support member. The bracket further comprise a flash unit support arm moveably engaged to the horizontal support member. The flash unit support arm extends from a first end portion to a second end portion which is adapted to mount the flash unit. The flash unit support arm is rotatable from a first position where the flash unit support arm extends inward to the vertical support member to allow the person to orientate the bracket to take a horizontal photograph to a second position where the flash unit support arm extends outward from the vertical support member to allow the person to orientate the bracket to take a vertical photograph.

Abstract: A remote camera positioning system provides a camera on a positioner, such as an elongated boom, out of the operator's reach. The positioner provides an operator interface, such as grips and optionally a body harness, to enable the operator to support, control and maneuver the position of the camera. A monitor for displaying images generated by the camera is mounted to the operator to enable the operator to view and control the camera images in a self-contained manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a camera stand for use by a professional photographer in connection with a camera or a flash unit bracket having the camera mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the camera stand comprises a mounting surface adapted to securely engage with a camera or a corresponding mounting surface of a flash unit bracket having a camera and flash unit mounted thereon. The camera stand further comprises first and second leg members extending downward from the mounting surface. The camera stand further comprises a multi-purpose leg member extending downward from the mounting surface. The multi-purpose leg member comprises an upper portion connected to the mounting surface and a lower portion engageable with a work surface such as a table or desk. The multi-purpose leg member further comprises a hand grip portion positioned substantially below the mounting surface.

Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a casing in which a photographing section is accommodated; a rotating member mounted rotably to the casing; a plurality of light amount regulating members for regulating a light amount incident to the photographing section; a cover for covering the photographing section; and a rotating member mounted rotably to the casing; wherein the plurality of light amount regulating members and the cover are attached to the rotating member so that each of the plurality of light amount regulating members and the cover member is located at the front of the photographing section in the photographing direction by rotating the rotating member.

Abstract: A nearby photography adapter includes a photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame, a flashlight correcting auxiliary plate, and a distance knob interfering projection. The photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame is a member mounted on a base plate and collapsed from being erect and usable. The distance knob interfering projection is formed as an integral part of the base plate. When a distance knob on a photographic lens frame is set to a nearby photographic position and the photographic range and camera-to-subject distance indicating frame and auxiliary plate are standing erect, the photography adapter can be attached to a camera and nearby photography can be carried out. Advantageously, with the nearby photography adapter, the photographic range and the camera-to-subject distance can be indicated reliably. Furthermore, the nearby photography adapter can be put away neatly with the components stowed during normal photography.

Abstract: A print system comprises an electronic camera with an auto-power-off function, for taking in image formation of a subject image, and a printer for printing the image information taken in the electronic camera. The auto-power-off function is disabled during a process of printing the image information by the printer, and enabled after the process of printing the image information by the printer is finished.

Abstract: The present invention is a simple, rugged, preferably hand-held video camera and light source useful for inspection of a remote or obstructed field of view. The invention is particularly adapted for use by automobile mechanics and others, as a replacement for the mechanics' mirrors presently in use. The apparatus comprises a shaft, a support, a pivot, a miniature video camera, and a light source. The shaft has a handle at one end and supports the camera and light source on a support pivoted to its other end. The shaft can be bent to a particular shape readily, then substantially hold that shape as it is used. The light source can be at least one electric-powered illuminating lamp. The preferred light source includes two or more illuminating lamps distributed around the camera lens to reduce shadows. A preferred light source is a series of infrared LED's. The present apparatus has several advantages, particularly inexpensive, versatile construction and a superior, shadow-free light source.

Abstract: A compact configuration of a video camera was conventionally hindered by a control mechanism which required a large space in a casing of a VTR unit. In the present invention, a reference numeral 6 represents a rotating shaft of a monitor screen unit (2), which passes through a holding member (8) and a open/close load member (10), and has a tip having a section in a D-like shape. A reference numeral 7 designates a fixed plate which is fixed to the monitor screen unit (2) and to which a rotating shaft (6) is fixed by caulking. A reference numeral 8 denotes the holding member, and a reference numeral 9 represents an open/close shaft which is fixed to a recorder/reproducer unit (1) with a screw, and passes through the holding member (8) and a carting portion of the open/close load member (10), and is forcibly fitted into the carting portion to produce a torque for rotating the holding member (8).

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a portable video or other camera. The assembly comprises a rigid frame, having a front, and a rear. A pair of shoulder rests are connected to the frame and constructed to rest on the shoulders of an operator. A pair of hand grips are connected to the front of the frame. A camera mount is disposed on the front of the frame for releaseably holding the video camera. Lastly, an adjustable counterweight member is connected to the rear of the frame, for balancing the center of gravity of the frame substantially over the shoulders of the wearer, when the camera is held by the mount. The camera mount and counterweight are preferably relatively slideably adjustable to balance the center of gravity of the frame assembly over the shoulders of the operator. In one embodiment, the counterweight is replaced by a gyroscope member of equal weight in order to retain static balance and imparts added dynamic stability to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A camera flash bracket comprising a rotary bracket on which the camera may be mounted, an "L" arm rotatably connected to the rotary bracket, a flash arm fixedly connected to the "L" arm for supporting a flash, means, with at least a portion of said means connected between said "L" arm and said rotary bracket for rotating the flash arm relative to the camera and means, with at least a portion of said means interposed between said rotary bracket and said "L" arm, for fixedly securing the flash in one of two predetermined positions with respect to a camera.

Abstract: A video enhancement kit is provided for use with a support, a video camera, a magnification lens assembly, and a plurality of couples. The kit preferably includes an elongated base strip removably coupled to the support with the video camera removably coupled thereon at a user selected position along a length of the base strip. Also included is a mount removably coupled to the elongated base strip via one of the couples. The mount is further removably coupled to the magnification lens assembly via one of the couples for aligning the magnification lens assembly with the video camera.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for use by a person to orientate a camera in either a horizontal or vertical position while allowing the person to position the light source of a flash unit above the lens of the camera. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base member having a camera support portion adapted to secure the camera. The device further comprises a first handle member engaged with the base member and adapted to allow the person to orientate the camera in either a horizontal position or a vertical position. The device further comprises a first flash unit support member comprising a first mounting portion adapted to removably secure the flash unit. The device further comprises a second flash unit support member comprising a second mounting portion adapted to removably secure the flash unit. either location without interference.

Abstract: A body-conformable apparatus that includes a platform that is configured to removably and adjustably receive a photography device and maintain the device in an operative position for use by a user. The platform is removably and adjustably mounted on a flexible, resilient harness that is selectively securable on a user's shoulders and upper torso. The harness includes an annular portion conformable to the contours of a user's shoulders and upper torso and has a pair of laterally spaced shoulder regions, which are joined by a pair of spaced-apart transverse regions to collectively define an enlarged central passage for receiving a user's head when the harness is worn by a user. Each shoulder region includes a plurality of spaced-apart sockets that are each aligned with a corresponding socket on the other shoulder region, and the platform is pivotally and adjustably mounted on a pair of the mounting sockets.

Abstract: A camera comprising a taking lens, and a carry-strap and associated lens cap attached to the camera. The carry-strap is configured to be looped around the camera in order to position the lens cap over the taking lens and, alternatively, to be extended as a loop from the camera in order to serve as a wrist or neck strap. Engageable means secures the carry-strap looped around the camera and as a loop extended from the camera.

Abstract: A cartridge holder for a film cartridge to be used with a camera of the type having a built-in support socket, such as a tripod socket, is characterized in that the cartridge holder includes a fastener configured to be received in the support socket to attach the cartridge holder directly to the camera.

Abstract: A telescoping flash unit for a camera helps substantially reduce "red-eye" by extending the flash head to a position far enough away from the objective lens such that the angle of incidence from the flash unit to the subject's eyes is too great for the light to be reflected from the subject's eyes directly back into the objective lens. The compact nature of the camera is maintained when the flash unit is not being used, by either retracting the flash unit back into the body of the camera, or detaching it from the camera. The flash unit is easily separable from the camera body or the external bracket should the flash unit need to be repaired or replaced.

Abstract: A mounting system for supporting body mounted camera equipment. A three-axis gimbal supports a tube assembly which has provision for mounting a camera at the upper end thereof, a video monitor near the bottom and modular equipment associated with the lower end. The structural tube assembly has radially extending flanges to be received by a clamp which interlocks with the flanges and then may be tightened about the lower portion of the tube assembly. An electrical connection is also made at the lower end of the tube assembly. The modular equipment includes a junction box. A battery hanger or a universal gyro mount are disclosed in association with the lower junction box. The universal gyro mount includes a telescoping tube structure providing attachment flanges at either end as well as intermediate ends for flywheels. Many degrees of freedom are available for the mount position and extent as well as for the orientation of the flywheel units.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproducing device wherein a casing for a monitor image section is attached to a casing for a VTR section through a rotatable shaft mechanism. The device comprises a support shaft member and a rotatable member which do not require strict dimensional accuracy, and coil springs and shafts. The rotatable member is turnable relative to the support shaft member attached to the first casing. The support shaft member and rotatable member can be manufactured as inexpensive moldings. The support shaft member and rotatable member are centrally hollowed to allow a wire, which is used for electrical connection between the VTR section and the monitor image section, to be packaged such that it is drawn from the second casing through the hollow portions of the rotatable member and support shaft member into the first casing.

Abstract: A camera system is adaptable as for right-handed and left-handed users and is extendable and modifiable in a versatile fashion. The camera system includes a basic element connected to a lens, a recording housing, and a handle part. The basic element has a through-opening lying along the optical axis of the camera system, a first connecting point on a first side of the through-opening for receiving the lens, a second connecting point on a second side of the through-opening for mounting the recording housing, and a third connecting point whose central axis is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis for connecting the handle part. The basic element is rotatable about the first connecting point and is adapted to be locked into one of three positions, and the recording housing is rotatable about the second connecting point and is adapted to be locked into one of two positions.

Abstract: A camera accessory mounting and fixing device, having an outer periphery of a mounting foot member to be inserted into an accessory shoe of a camera to which a camera accessory is fixed. The camera accessory mounting and fixing device has a clamping member which is engaged with the mounting foot member and clamps the mounting foot member to the accessory shoe. A cam member is engaged with the clamping member and rotates during an initial rotation of the clamping member. While the cam member is rotated, a stop pin is urged toward or away from a stop hole formed in the accessory shoe.

Abstract: A shoulder support for a video camera includes a support body formed of two components. The components are adjustable relative to each other lengthwise and angularly to provide adjustable support for a video camera by videographers varying stature. A wedge-shaped cushion is provided for engagement with the videographer's shoulder for comfort and firm support. An accessory mount and handle are positioned on the support and may be interchanged in position, and alternative embodiments are provided to permit support of the camera in a forward or rearward position.