Camera capable of communicating with other communication device

• US 20050088530A1
• Filed: 11/19/2004
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nikon Corporation
• Original Assignee: Nikon Corporation
• Inventors: Ohmura, Akira, Homma, Itaru, Kuwata, Chiyuki
• Application Number:
  US10/991,998
• Publication Number:
  US 20050088530A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/207.990
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/005 Input arrangements through a video camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/642 storing speech in digital form
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6505 storing speech in digital form
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/047 Vibrating means for incoming calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/52 including functional features of a camera constructional features concerning the integration of cameras in portable phones H04M1/0264
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00307 with a mobile telephone apparatus constructional features of portable telephone sets H04M1/0202; mobile radio systems H04W84/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2007/145 Handheld terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0022 Selecting or switching between an image communication mode and a non-image communication mode H04N2201/002 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/60 Control of cameras or camera modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/667 Camera operation mode switching, e.g. between still and video, sport and normal or high- and low-resolution modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/60 for the sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

A camera having communication ability can switch a mode between a communication mode and a shooting mode. The camera combines features of a communication device and a digital camera. The camera comprises a communication device, an imaging device, and a switching device. The switching device switches the communication mode to the shooting mode responsive to completion of communication.

Claims

1. A camera capable of communicating with another communication device, comprising:

a communication device to communicate with another communication apparatus;

an imaging device to convert an object to an electronic image signal; and

a switching device to switch a mode between a communication mode in which communication is performed by said communication device, and a shooting mode in which shooting is performed by said imaging device;

wherein said switching device switches said communication mode to said shooting mode responsive to completion of communication in said communication mode.

2. A camera capable of communicating with another communication device, comprising:

a communication device to communicate with another communication apparatus;

an imaging device to convert an object to an electronic image signal; and

a switching device to switch a mode between a communication mode in which communication is performed by said communication device, and a shooting mode in which shooting is performed by said imaging device;

wherein said switching device switches said shooting mode to said communication mode responsive to completion of shooting in said shooting mode.

3. A camera capable of communicating with another communication device, comprising:

a communication device to communicate with another communication apparatus;

an imaging device to convert an object to an electronic image signal; and

a control device to control the camera to store a signal transmitted from another communication device during shooting with said imaging device.

4. A camera capable of communicating with another communication device, comprising:

a communication device to communicate with another communication apparatus;

an imaging device to convert an object to an electronic image signal; and

a control device to control said communication device to transmit a message to a caller upon receiving a communication from the caller during shooting with said imaging device.