US6204877B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic image pickup system for transmitting image data by remote-controlling
Assignee: Olympus Corp
•
Filing: 1997-07-18
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Granted: 2001-03-20
•
Expires: 2017-07-18
Abstract
Abstract In order to provide an electronic image pickup system which can simplify the system arrangement, and can perform mutual transmission of image data and a remote-controlling operation, an electronic still camera on the master side transmits operation data for defining a photographing operation in accordance with an operation with respect to the camera on the master side to an electronic still camera on the slave side. The electronic still camera on the slave side receives the operation data from the master side, and performs a photographing operation corresponding to the operation data. The electronic still camera on the slave side transmits a picked-up image signal to the electronic still camera on the master side to display the image signal on the electronic viewfinder of the electronic still camera on the master side.
Inventors
- 👤 Izuru Kiyokawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:17
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/00127; H04N1/00347; H04N1/0035; H04N1/00405; H04N1/00408; H04N1/0044; H04N1/21; H04N1/2104; H04N1/2112; H04N1/2137; H04N1/2158; H04N23/00; H04N23/60; H04N23/66; H04N23/661; H04N23/662; H04N23/67; H04N23/695; H04N1/00281; H04N2101/00; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/0008; H04N2201/0013; H04N2201/0034; H04N2201/0048; H04N2201/0049; H04N2201/0062; H04N2201/0074; H04N2201/0077; H04N2201/0084; H04N2201/0086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
325 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: at least a first electronic still camera having an operation section said first electronic still camera being positioned on an operating side of said system, said first electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information when said operation section is activated; and at least a second electronic still camera being positioned on an operated side of said system, said second electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information with said first electronic still camera in response to activation of said operation section; wherein said first electronic still camera comprises control data transmission means for transmitting control data which defines at least one of photographing and recording operations of said second electronic still camera in response to an activation of said operation section; said second electronic still camera on the operated side comprising: control data reception means for receiving the control data transmitted by said first electronic still camera, and photographing operation control means for performing a photographing operation in accordance with the control data received by said control data reception means, and each of said first and second electronic still cameras comprising image data transmission means for transmitting image data obtained by one of said first and second still cameras upon photoelectric conversion and photography to the other of said first and second electronic still cameras; and a change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
325 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: at least a first electronic still camera having an operation section said first electronic still camera being positioned on an operating side of said system, said first electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information when said operation section is activated; and at least a second electronic still camera being positioned on an operated side of said system, said second electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information with said first electronic still camera in response to activation of said operation section; wherein said first electronic still camera comprises control data transmission means for transmitting control data which defines at least one of photographing and recording operations of said second electronic still camera in response to an activation of said operation section; said second electronic still camera on the operated side comprising: control data reception means for receiving the control data transmitted by said first electronic still camera, and photographing operation control means for performing a photographing operation in accordance with the control data received by said control data reception means, and each of said first and second electronic still cameras comprising image data transmission means for transmitting image data obtained by one of said first and second still cameras upon photoelectric conversion and photography to the other of said first and second electronic still cameras; and a change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises recording means for recording image data transmitted from said image data transmission means when no recording medium is arranged in said second electronic still camera.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises recording means for recording image data transmitted from said image data transmission means when a recording medium in said second electronic still camera undergoes a shortage of a remaining capacity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said second electronic still camera comprises check image data transmission means for, when a zooming operation is performed by said first electronic still camera, compressing image information to such an extent that an image having undergone the zooming operation can be checked, and transmitting the image information to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
123 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said second electronic still camera comprises specific area selection means for selecting a specific area to be subjected to a focusing operation by said second electronic still camera, said focusing operation being conducted in accordance with an activation of said operation section when a focusing operation is to be performed by said photographing operation control means of said second electronic still camera in accordance with the control data corresponding to a focusing operation in said first electronic still camera, and specific area information transmission means for compressing image information to such an extent that a focusing degree of the specific area can be checked, and transmitting the compressed information to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said second electronic still camera comprises photographing operation preference means for preferentially performing a photographing operation with respect to a transmitting operation upon reception of control data indicating depression of a trigger switch of said operation section of said first electronic still camera during transmission of image data to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
95 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said control data transmission means of said first electronic still camera adds identification information of said second electronic still camera to the control data, and transmits the control data to said at least second electronic still camera of the plurality of electronic still cameras on the operated side as an indication of at least one destination, each of said at least second electronic still cameras comprising self-recognition means for recognizing the control data corresponding to said second electronic still camera on the basis of the identification information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said change-over means comprises: a first change-over switch for switching between a master mode and a slave mode in a remote-controlling operation, and wherein the electronic still camera system operates as said at least the first electronic still camera in said master mode, and operates as said at least the second electronic still camera in said slave mode; and a second change-over switch for switching between a first position for causing said remote-controlling operation and a second position for causing another operation of the electronic still camera system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
122 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data, or to another electronic circuit for supporting communication between the at least one of the plurality of electronic still cameras and another external device connected thereto.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit for inter-connecting at least two of a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras, a built-in memory, a first data input/output section, and a second data input/output section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises warning means for receiving warning information of a remaining battery amount of said second electronic still camera, and generating a warning signal in a form different from that of a warning signal of a remaining battery amount of said first electronic still camera.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 12 , wherein said first electronic still camera generates said warning signal of said remaining battery amount of said electronic still camera with a buzzer of said first electronic still camera.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
92 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises; an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one camera to a system controller for controlling overall camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one camera for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to various cards for supporting communication between the at least one camera and any other external device connected thereto.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 14 , wherein said card connector is adaptable for coupling to a card for supporting radio transmission/reception.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
58 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein said second electronic still camera comprises drive control means for controlling a driving operation of an imaging visual field changing device on the basis of the control data received from said control data reception means, said imaging visual field changing device being set to support said second electronic still camera.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 16 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises operation means for driving said imaging visual field changing device in a horizontal panning direction with telephoto- and wide-range operation elements and a driving operation in a vertical tilting direction with up and down operation elements of said first electronic still camera.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system according to claim 16 , further comprising data addition means for adding to the control data, data for supporting said first electronic still camera on an imaging visual field changing device similar to said imaging visual field changing device for supporting said second electronic still camera and for defining an imaging visual field corresponding to an operation of said imaging visual field changing device on the operating side.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second electronic still cameras includes a recording medium for recording image data which is to be photographed or transmitted.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 19 , wherein said recording medium is incorporated and fixed in a camera body of at least one of said electronic still cameras.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 19 , wherein said recording medium is detachably mounted in a camera body of at least one of said electronic still cameras.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system according to claim 19 , wherein the recording medium includes a first medium incorporated and fixed in a camera body and a second medium detachably mounted in said camera body, said first and second media being connected to each other via a data bus of the same signal form.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second electronic still cameras comprise a data input/output section for input and output of the control data and the image data.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 23 , wherein said data input/output section is a card connector.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 23 , wherein said data input/output section is a connector different from a card connector.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 23 , wherein said data input/output section includes a card connector and a connector different from a card connector.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
311 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: an electronic still camera on an operating side, said electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least one electronic still camera on an operated side, said at least one electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said electronic still camera on the operating side; wherein said electronic still camera on the operating side comprises control data transmission means for transmitting control data for defining at least one of photographing and recording operations to said electronic still camera on the operated side in response to an operation with respect to the operation switch of said electronic still camera on the operating side; said at least one electronic still camera on the operated side comprising: control data reception means for receiving the control data; and photographing operation control means for performing a photographing operation in accordance with the control data received by said control data reception means; each of said electronic still cameras on the operated or operating side comprising: image data transmission means for transmitting image data obtained by said respective electronic still camera upon photoelectric conversion and photography to the other of said electronic still camera; and a change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said electronic still camera on the operating side while said change-over means takes said first state thereof and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said electronic still camera on the operated side while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
311 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: an electronic still camera on an operating side, said electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least one electronic still camera on an operated side, said at least one electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said electronic still camera on the operating side; wherein said electronic still camera on the operating side comprises control data transmission means for transmitting control data for defining at least one of photographing and recording operations to said electronic still camera on the operated side in response to an operation with respect to the operation switch of said electronic still camera on the operating side; said at least one electronic still camera on the operated side comprising: control data reception means for receiving the control data; and photographing operation control means for performing a photographing operation in accordance with the control data received by said control data reception means; each of said electronic still cameras on the operated or operating side comprising: image data transmission means for transmitting image data obtained by said respective electronic still camera upon photoelectric conversion and photography to the other of said electronic still camera; and a change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said electronic still camera on the operating side while said change-over means takes said first state thereof and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said electronic still camera on the operated side while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
98 words
A system according to claim 27 , wherein said change-over means comprises: a first change-over switch for switching between a master mode and a slave mode in a remote-controlling operation, and wherein the electronic still camera system operates as the electronic still camera on the operating side in said master mode, and operates as the electronic still camera on the operated side in said slave mode; and a second change-over switch for switching between a first position for causing said remote-controlling operation and a second position for causing another operation of the electronic still camera in this system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system according to claim 27 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
122 words
A system according to claim 27 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data, or to another electronic circuit for supporting communication between the at least one of the plurality of electronic still cameras and another external device connected thereto.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 27 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit for inter-connecting at least two of a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras, a built-in memory, a first data input/output section, and a second data input/output section.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
92 words
A system according to claim 27 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one camera to a system controller for controlling overall camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one camera for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to various cards for supporting communication between the at least one camera and any other external device connected thereto.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 32 , wherein said card connector is adaptable for coupling to a card for supporting radio transmission/reception.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
303 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: a first electronic still camera on an operating side having an operation switch, said first camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least a second electronic still camera of the plurality of electronic still cameras on an operated side, said at least second electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said first electronic still camera; wherein said first electronic still camera comprises: control data generating means for generating control data based on which photographing operations are controlled in response to operations of predetermined operation switches; and control data transmitting means for transmitting the control data generated by the control data generating means to said at least second electronic still camera, thus permitting said first electronic still camera to work as a camera corresponding to said at least second electronic still camera, when said first electronic still camera is set in a state capable of transmitting data to said at least second electronic still camera and where the at least second electronic still camera has a photographing operation switch similar to that of the first electronic still camera; wherein each of sail first and second electronic still cameras comprises change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera system is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
303 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, the electronic still camera system comprising: a first electronic still camera on an operating side having an operation switch, said first camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least a second electronic still camera of the plurality of electronic still cameras on an operated side, said at least second electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said first electronic still camera; wherein said first electronic still camera comprises: control data generating means for generating control data based on which photographing operations are controlled in response to operations of predetermined operation switches; and control data transmitting means for transmitting the control data generated by the control data generating means to said at least second electronic still camera, thus permitting said first electronic still camera to work as a camera corresponding to said at least second electronic still camera, when said first electronic still camera is set in a state capable of transmitting data to said at least second electronic still camera and where the at least second electronic still camera has a photographing operation switch similar to that of the first electronic still camera; wherein each of sail first and second electronic still cameras comprises change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera system is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein at least one of said first and at least second electronic still cameras includes a recording medium for recording image data photographed or transmitted.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said at least one of said first and at least second electronic still cameras comprise a data input/output section for the control data and the image data.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises recording means for recording image data transmitted from image data transmission means of said at least second electronic still camera when no recording medium is arranged in said at least second electronic still camera.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises recording means for recording image data transmitted from image data transmission means of said at least second electronic still camera when a recording medium in said at least second electronic still camera on the operated side undergoes a shortage of a remaining capacity.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises warning means for receiving warning information of a remaining battery amount of said at least second electronic still camera, and generating a warning in a form different from that of a warning of a remaining battery amount of said first electronic still camera.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
97 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said control data transmitting means of said electronic still camera on the operating side adds identification information of said at least second electronic still camera to the control data, and transmits the data to at least the second electronic still camera of the plurality of electronic still cameras on the operated side as a destination, and each of the plurality of electronic still cameras on the operated side comprises self-recognition means for recognizing the control data corresponding to said electronic still camera on the basis of the identification information.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
90 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein said change-over means comprises: a first change-over switch for switching between a master mode and a slave mode in a remote-controlling operation, and wherein the electronic still camera system operates as said first electronic still camera in said master mode, and operates as said second electronic still camera in said slave mode; and a second change-over switch for switching between a first position for causing said remote-controlling operation and a second position for causing another operation of the electronic still camera system.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
122 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data, or to another electronic circuit for supporting communication between the at least one of the plurality of electronic still cameras and another external device connected thereto.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit for inter-connecting at least two of a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras, a built-in memory, a first data input/output section, and a second data input/output section.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
92 words
A system according to claim 34 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one camera to a system controller for controlling overall camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one camera for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to various cards for supporting communication between the at least one camera and any other external device connected thereto.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 45 , wherein said card connector is adaptable for coupling to a card for supporting radio transmission/reception.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
295 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, comprising: a first electronic still camera on an operating side having an operation switch and control data generating means, said first electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least a second electronic still camera on an operated side, said at least second camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said first electronic still camera; wherein said at least second electronic still camera comprises; control data receiving means for receiving control data generated by the control data generating means of said first electronic still camera and used for controlling photographic operations, thus permitting said at least second electronic still camera to work as a camera corresponding to said first electronic still camera, when said at least second electronic still camera is set in a state capable of receiving data from said first electronic still camera and where said second electronic still camera has a photographing operation switch similar to that of said first electronic still camera; and photographing operation controlling means for performing photographing operations determined by the control data received by said control data receiving means, wherein each of said first-and second electronic still cameras comprises change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
295 words
An electronic still camera system including a plurality of electronic still cameras capable of mutually exchanging information through communication means, comprising: a first electronic still camera on an operating side having an operation switch and control data generating means, said first electronic still camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and initiating an exchange of information; and at least a second electronic still camera on an operated side, said at least second camera being selected from said plurality of electronic still cameras and exchanging information in response to an operation of said first electronic still camera; wherein said at least second electronic still camera comprises; control data receiving means for receiving control data generated by the control data generating means of said first electronic still camera and used for controlling photographic operations, thus permitting said at least second electronic still camera to work as a camera corresponding to said first electronic still camera, when said at least second electronic still camera is set in a state capable of receiving data from said first electronic still camera and where said second electronic still camera has a photographing operation switch similar to that of said first electronic still camera; and photographing operation controlling means for performing photographing operations determined by the control data received by said control data receiving means, wherein each of said first-and second electronic still cameras comprises change-over means capable of selectively taking a first state or a second state, and wherein the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said first electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said first state thereof, and the electronic still camera is exclusively assigned to operate as said second electronic still camera while said change-over means takes said second state thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein at least one of said first and at least second electronic still cameras includes a recording medium for recording image data to be photographed or transmitted.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein each of said plurality of electronic still cameras comprises a data input/output section for the control data and the image data.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
63 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said at least second electronic still camera comprises check image data transmission means for, when a zooming operation is performed by said first electronic still camera, compressing image information to such an extent that an image having undergone the zooming operation can be checked, and transmitting the image information to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
124 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said at least second electronic still camera comprises specific area selection means for selecting a specific area to be subjected to a focusing operation i said at least second electronic still camera in accordance with an operation of said first electronic still camera when a focusing operation is to be performed by said photographing operation control means of said second electronic still camera in accordance with the control data corresponding to a focusing operation in said first electronic still camera, and specific area information transmission means for compressing image information to such an extent that a focusing degree of the specific area can be checked, and transmitting the compressed information to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said at least second electronic still camera comprises photographing operation preference means for preferentially performing a photographing operation with respect to a transmitting operation upon reception of control data indicating depression of a trigger switch from said first electronic still camera during transmission of image data to said first electronic still camera.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said first electronic still camera comprises warning means for receiving information of a remaining battery amount of said at least second electronic still camera, and generating a warning in a form different from that of a warning of a remaining battery amount of said first electronic still camera.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
87 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said control data generating means of said first electronic still camera adds identification information of said at least second electronic still camera to the control data, and transmits the data to each of the plurality of electronic still cameras on the operated side, each of said electronic still cameras on the operated side comprise self-recognition means for recognizing the control data corresponding to a respective electronic still camera on the operated side on the basis of the identification information.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said at least electronic still camera comprises drive control means for controlling a driving operation of an imaging visual field changing device on the basis of the control data received from said control data receiving means, said imaging visual field changing device being set to support said second electronic camera on the operated side.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
90 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein said change-over means comprises: a first change-over switch for switching between a master mode and a slave mode in a remote-controlling operation, and wherein the electronic still camera system operates as said first electronic still camera in said master mode, and operates as said second electronic still camera in said slave mode; and a second change-over switch for switching between a first position for causing said remote-controlling operation and a second position for causing another operation of the electronic still camera system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
96 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
122 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras to a system controller for controlling overall electronic still camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to an IC memory card for storing image data, or to another electronic circuit for supporting communication between the at least one of the plurality of electronic still cameras and another external device connected thereto.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit for inter-connecting at least two of a card connector of the at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras, a built-in memory, a first data input/output section, and a second data input/output section.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
92 words
A system according to claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of electronic still cameras further comprises: an I/O data bus of PCMCIA scheme for providing a data stream conduit from a card connector of the at least one camera to a system controller for controlling overall camera system operation, or to another circuit in the at least one camera for data processing or storing, said card connector being adaptable to various cards for supporting communication between the at least one camera and any other external device connected thereto.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 60 , wherein said card connector is adaptable for coupling to a card for supporting radio transmission/reception.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-03-19 | 2004-09-18 | 2005-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-19 | 2008-09-18 | 2009-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-19 | 2012-09-18 | 2013-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |