Camera control unit

Abstract: A device, computer program product, and method control the operation of one or more cameras associated with a video conference endpoint in a video conference call. A camera control unit (remote control) includes a touch enabled end user component that presents to the user graphical objects representing video conference endpoints currently connected in a conference call, and/or one or more live video feeds currently captured by the video conference endpoint's cameras, and allows the user to manipulate a camera's pan, tilt and zoom using a touch screen display embedded in said camera control unit.

Abstract: A system including a self-powered, mobile camera unit is provided for displaying an area outside a normal viewing area to a vehicle driver. The camera unit includes a camera for generating images of objects, a camera control unit for controlling the camera, a camera transceiver unit coupled to the camera control unit for wirelessly transmitting the images and a first plurality of docking connectors coupled to the camera control unit. The system also includes a vehicle transceiver unit for wirelessly receiving the transmitted images, a vehicle control unit coupled to the vehicle transceiver unit, a display coupled to the vehicle control unit for displaying the received images inside the normal viewing area of the vehicle driver, and a second plurality of docking connectors removably interconnected, both physically and electrically, to the first plurality of docking connectors at a docking station and coupled to the vehicle control unit. The first and second plurality of docking connectors couple camera control signals from the vehicle control unit to the camera control unit when the first and second plurality of docking connectors are physically and electrically interconnected. The camera control signals are wirelessly transmitted by the vehicle transceiver unit and wirelessly received by the camera transceiver unit when the camera unit is removed from the docking station.

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system includes zooming capability to non-mechanically enlarge images of internal features of a body during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes a scope for insertion into the body, a camera head coupled to the scope, and a camera control unit coupled to the camera head. Video image data of internal features of the body are acquired through the scope by the camera head and transmitted to the camera control unit, which generates video images for display on a monitor. The camera control unit includes zoom circuitry for digitally zooming the video images in real-time. Operation of the zoom circuitry may be controlled by manual input or by voice commands. Voice commands may be used to set and recall preset zoom views.

Abstract: A camera control unit for processing a signal output from an imaging device incorporated in an endoscope is provided with an analog video signal output terminal through which a video signal is output to a monitor, and a digital video signal output terminal to which a still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit is coupled in a freely detachable manner. By handling a release switch, a still image or motion picture can be recorded digitally. Even when the recorded image data is edited or subjected to any other processing, deterioration of image quality can be prevented. An imaging system having these advantages can be realized on a small scale.