Abstract: In the embodiment of the film canister described in the specification, a motion detector detects rotation of a roller each time film is withdrawn from the canister and supplies a corresponding signal to a microprocessor. Since the same length of film is withdrawn each time film is used by the COM system in which the canister is mounted, the microprocessor can determine the total length of film withdrawn from the number of film motion signals it receives. The microprocessor deducts that length from the original film length in the roll to provide an accurate indication of the current length of film stored in the canister. The canister also includes data entry keys and a display panel for displaying information about the type of film in the canister and the remaining film length. In addition, the microprocessor generates signals corresponding to the rate of film roll rotation as the film is withdrawn from the canister for use with various COM systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the positioning of a filmstrip in a film scanning gate using signal states derived from a pair of spaced film sprocket holes or perforation ("perf") sensors on either side of the film scanning gate in conjunction with line scan counts and filmstrip drive, stepper motor half-step counts. The filmstrip is advanced by the stepper motor in a pre-scan operation through the film scanning gate for line scanning the image frames at a low resolution and advanced in the reverse direction back into the film scanning gate for high resolution scanning in a main-scan operation. A line scan array of line scan counts and half-step counts as well as first and second perf arrays of half-step counts and perf sensor states are generated in the pre-scan operation. Image frame borders are located in the pre-scan operation as border line scan counts and correlated in the line scan array to the half step counts to go to in the main-scan.

Abstract: A film feeding amount detection apparatus of a camera includes a roller device which rotates in a driven manner with respect to the movement of a film, a reflecting device which shares the use of the rotation shaft with the roller device and which is formed into a polygonal pillar shape such that a plurality of reflecting surfaces are formed on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft, and a light projection and receiving device, which is disposed at a position facing the reflecting surfaces formed on the reflecting device, for projecting light to the reflecting surface portion and receiving light reflected back therefrom.

Abstract: A one-time-use camera comprises a resistive heating element positioned to apply sufficient heat to a critical component of the camera, such as a plastic taking lens, to permanently damage the component when a battery in the camera is connected to the heating element, and a normally open switch which is closed to connect the battery and the heating element after the last available frame of a filmstrip in the camera has been exposed.