Abstract:
A feature expansion module is provided which includes a generally rectangular body (11) installable in a host device (1), a first connection terminal (13) provided at one side of the body (11) for electrical connection with the host device (1), a feature expansion unit (44) provided inside the body (11) and having one or more functions, one or more recesses (22) formed contiguously to an insertion slot (23) formed at the other side of the body (11) and through which an integrated circuit chip (27) incorporating integrated circuit elements is inserted, to receive the integrated circuit chip (27), a second connection terminal (25) provided in the recess (22) for electrical connection with a group of terminals provided at the integrated circuit chip (27), and a controller (9) built in the body (11) to control the integrated circuit chip (27) set in the recess (22).
Abstract:
A bulk storage system includes an autonomous portable bulk storage unit communicating with a remote emulator card. The card makes it possible to emulate a conventional detachable storage card of the PCMCIA, COMPACT FLASH, SMART MEDIA or MEMORY STICK type. This emulator card is designed to be inserted into a portable device provided with elements for managing the conventional detachable storage card. The communication between the storage unit and the emulator card can be carried out by hard-wire or wireless element, for example by a wireless transceiver plug connectable to the storage unit.
Abstract:
A printing apparatus includes a slot in which a PC card which stores image data is mounted, a terminal for connecting a digital camera, and an operation panel which is operated by the user and inputs an instruction and data. Whether the digital camera is connected via the terminal is checked. If connection of the digital camera is detected, input of image data from the PC card mounted in the slot and user operation on the operation panel are invalidated. Image data is input from the digital camera and printed in accordance with digital camera operation.
Abstract:
A secure storage device with the external dimensions of a PCMCIA card, for securing digital camera data at the acquisition stage. Original digital camera data is saved in the memory of the secure storage device which has the capability of performing one or more security functions, including encryption, creation of an authentication file, adding data to the image data such as fingerprinting, and adding secure annotations such as separate data included in an image header. The device prepares original authentication data from original digital camera data, and encrypts and stores both the original authentication data and the original image data. The use of the device includes downloading the original image data to a first computer, and encrypted original authentication data to a second computer. The second computer can be programmed with software whereby the encrypted original authentication data can be decrypted by a user having a key. The software then allows the user to prepare corresponding second authentication data from second image data of questionable authenticity. If the second authentication data is the same as the original authentication data, the questionable second image data is deemed to be an accurate copy of the original image data.
Abstract:
The cradle is capable of supplementing convenience of a portable information apparatus such as a digital camera of which functions including an image display function and a removable medium are omitted. If the camera is mounted on a camera mounting section of the cradle, a camera connector is electrically connected to a cradle connector in synchronization with a mounting operation thereof. The control circuit contained in the cradle detects a connection of the camera, and automatically starts communication between them. The image stored in the internal memory of the camera is sent to the cradle side, and is displayed on a liquid crystal display. The user can erase unnecessary images while checking the images. In addition, a variation is also desirable wherein a data storing device such as the removable medium is provided on the cradle side to transfer the image in the camera to the data storing device on the cradle side and then erase the internal memory of the camera.
Abstract:
A digital imaging device that utilizes a disk drive and a magnetic storage medium for transferring digital images. The device enables the user to transfer digital images from a flash card to a removable magnetic storage medium having high capacity. The device can also be used to view, edit or organize the digital images on a television, computer monitor or the like.
Abstract:
A digital imaging device that utilizes a disk drive and a magnetic storage medium for transferring digital images. The device enables the user to transfer digital images from a flash card to a removable magnetic storage medium having high capacity. The device can also be used to view, edit or organize the digital images on a television, computer monitor or the like.
Abstract:
A portable printer for printing out small, typically business card size, sheets using a pagewidth inkjet printhead. At one end of the printer there is provided a PCMCIA plug for interconnection with a PC card slot. In one form of the invention, the entire printer and paper supply cartridge are approximately the size of a PCMCIA type III card.
Abstract:
A digital electronic camera which can accept various types of input/output cards or memory cards. When an I/O card is inserted into and connected with the camera, a processor within the camera determines the type of I/O card which has been connected by reading a memory location within the card. A control program which is contained in the I/O card is transferred to a memory within the camera in order for the camera to perform I/O functions which correspond to the type of the inserted card. Different types of I/O cards which may be used include a modem card, a LAN card, a SCSI card, or an ISDN interface. Image signals and audio signals are transmitted between the camera and an external processor, information describing the status of the camera is transmitted from the camera to the external processor, and commands to control the camera are transmitted to the camera from the external processor.
Abstract:
An accessory module is used with an electronic camera having an image sensor for generating an image signal, and a card slot for accepting a removable memory card for storing the image signal. The accessory module comprises two parts: an adaptor unit that fits into the card slot of the camera and connects to electronics in the camera and an accessory unit that interfaces with the adaptor unit. The accessory unit includes an image memory for storing the image signal representative of the image captured by the camera, an operational section for operating on the image signal stored in the image memory, and an accessory card slot for receiving the image signal and interfacing with the removable memory card, whereby the memory card can be used with the camera through the accessory card slot despite the card slot in the camera being occupied by the accessory module. According to one embodiment, the operational section in the accessory unit provides for display of the image signal.