Abstract: In a case that accommodates an instant film, a first claw opening portion and a second claw opening portion for inserting a claw into the case are provided. In a film cover that light-shields an exposure opening portion of the case, a notched portion continuous to the first claw opening portion is provided. In a case where the film cover is not removed in use, the first claw opening portion is used, and in a case where the film cover is removed in use, the second claw opening portion is used. By using the first claw opening portion, it is possible to avoid contact of the claw and the film cover, and to discharge only an instant film in a state where the film cover is mounted.

Abstract: In a case that accommodates an instant film, an exposure opening portion, a discharge port, and a claw opening portion are provided. The exposure opening portion is light-shielded by a film cover that is disposed to overlap the instant film. The film cover includes a notched portion connected to the claw opening portion. In a case where the film cover is not removed in use, a claw inserted through the claw opening portion is moved within a range of the notched portion. In a case where the film cover is removed in use, the claw is moved within a range that exceeds the range of the notched portion.

Abstract: An adapter to attach to a digital camera and a video camera simultaneously, the adapter including a first attachment portion to attach to a top portion of the digital camera, and a second attachment portion to attach to a bottom portion of the video camera.

Abstract: A case that accommodates a film unit and a film cover includes a pair of light shielding grooves formed in both sides of an exposure opening and an inner wall surface facing the film cover. The film cover includes outer light shielding ribs as a pair of light shielding ribs inserted into a pair of light shielding grooves. A transport roller pair that transports the film unit or the film cover discharged from the case includes a capstan roller including a pair of roller members and a rotational shaft which holds the roller members. A first distance which is a space between inner edges of the pair of roller members is greater than a second distance which is a space between outer edges of the pair of outer light shielding ribs.

Abstract: A video encoding apparatus used in encoding of a multi-viewpoint image. The apparatus generates a synthetic image for a camera used for obtaining an encoding target image, by using an already-encoded reference camera image having a viewpoint different from the viewpoint of the camera used for obtaining the encoding target image, and disparity information between the reference camera image and the encoding target image, thereby encoding the encoding target image. A predicted image for a differential image between an input image of an encoding target area to be encoded and the synthetic image generated therefor is generated, and a predicted image for the encoding target area, which is represented by the sum of the predicted differential image and the synthetic image for the encoding target area, is generated. A prediction residual represented by a difference between the predicted image for the encoding target area and the encoding target image of the encoding target area is encoded.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor for sensing an image; a card reader configured to read a removable data card carrying distortion information; a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the printer including a replaceable print roll carrying both the print media and ink to be printed upon the print media; and a controller for controlling the communication of the distorted images to the printer. The print roll includes an ink reservoir section and the ink reservoir section includes a plurality of bladder type containers for storing respective types of ink. A cavity is provided in the ink reservoir section for receiving an integrated circuit device storing information associated with the print roll.

Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. Elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.

Abstract: A case body containing instant photo films includes an exit slot for feeding out one instant photo film after another, and a claw path opening for allowing entry of a claw member ejecting the instant photo films. A pair of thrust preventing flaps is disposed inside the exit slot, for closing the lateral ends of the exit slot to prevent the instant photo film thrusting out. The claw path opening is closed by a light shielding plate and a light shielding skirt, which compose a light shielding member. The light shielding plate is moved to an open position by the claw member in the first advancing operation, and is moved to a full-open position in the second advancing operation.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises an image sensor for sensing an image; a card reader configured to read a removable data card carrying distortion information; a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the printer including a replaceable print roll carrying both the print media and ink to be printed upon the print media; and a controller for controlling the communication of the distorted images to the printer. The print roll includes an ink reservoir section and the ink reservoir section includes a plurality of bladder type containers for storing respective types of ink. A cavity is provided in the ink reservoir section for receiving an integrated circuit device storing information associated with the print roll.

Abstract: The photographic method and apparatus take, at the same shooting position, a background image without a subject, a first principal image for outputting, and a second principal image whose shooting conditions differ from those of the first principal image with a camera for photoelectrically picking up an image, a changing device for changing shooting conditions and a shooting controlling device, and extract the subject based on a first difference between the background image and the first principal image and a second difference between the first principal image and the second principal image with an image processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording and generating images includes a printing unit. The printing unit includes a carrier that is dimensioned to approximate a PCMCIA memory card. A media supply is receivable in the carrier. A page width print head assembly is mounted in the carrier to print images on the media. The page width print head assembly includes at least one print head chip and a suitable printing microprocessor that is configured to control operation of the print head chip. An ink supply mechanism is operatively arranged with respect to the print head assembly to supply the print head assembly with ink. A media feed mechanism is positioned in the carrier to feed media to and from the print head chip. The apparatus includes an image recordal apparatus that includes a housing in which the carrier is received. The housing is dimensioned to define a sleeve for the carrier so that at least half the carrier is received in the housing.

Abstract: A photographic imaging apparatus includes a housing defining an interior cavity, an opening at one end of the housing to allow light to enter the interior cavity, and a photographic imaging substrate located within the interior cavity opposite from the opening for receiving the light entering the interior cavity through the opening, the photographic imaging substrate including a light passing substrate, a photosensitive agent capable of producing oxygen in the presence of light, and precursor gas, the photosensitive agent being supported on the light passing substrate away from the opening, and exposable to light that has passed through the light passing substrate from the opening, and an oxidizable surface positioned in close association with the photosensitive agent, the oxidizable surface is chemically reactive, the reaction being enhanced by electric current, to yield a visual change or image upon exposure to oxygen produced by the photosensitive agent upon.

Abstract: The transfer apparatus includes a light source, a light linearizing device for linearizing light from the light source, a transmission type image display device, and a photosensitive recording medium. The light source, the light linearizing device, the transmission type image display device and the photosensitive recording medium are arranged along a direction in which the light from the light source advances, and a display image transmitted through the image display device is transferred to the photosensitive image recording medium. The light linearizing device converts the light from the light source into linear and substantially parallel rays such that the linear and substantially parallel rays can be incident on a display screen of the image display device and scans relatively the display screen of the image display device with the linear and substantially parallel rays.

Abstract: An electronic camera utilizing a reflective flat panel display for printing and/or viewing images in disclosed herein. One such electronic camera comprises the following components: (a) an electronic image acquisition assembly for capturing an image and converting it into digital information; (b) a reflective liquid crystal microdisplay for producing a reflection image in response to said digital information; and (c) an optical system for directing the reflection image produced by the reflective liquid crystal microdisplay toward, and thereby imagewise exposing, photosensitive imaging film loaded in the camera. An advantage of employing a reflective flat panel display for exposing film in such an electronic camera is that the reflective flat panel display can be used also as a means for viewing or previewing digitally captured images.

Abstract: A camera body of an instant camera is provided with four light sources LED1 to LED4 for a display. The four light sources LED1 to LED4 flash on and off in mutually different display modes in accordance with the state of progress of a series of processing of an exposure operation, a developing operation and a delivery operation which is carried out in accordance with one time photographic operation. This feature makes it possible to exactly inform a user of the state of progress of a series of processing.

Abstract: A camera body of an instant camera is provided with four light sources LED1 to LED4 for a display. The four light sources LED1 to LED4 flash on and off in mutually different display modes in accordance with the state of progress of a series of processing of an exposure operation, a developing operation and a delivery operation which is carried out in accordance with one time photographic operation. This feature makes it possible to exactly inform a user of the state of progress of a series of processing.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing method which can adjust benefits between electronic device makers and expendables makers. In the method of the present invention, a cartridge which is detachably attached to an electronic device is used. The cartridge carries expendables of the electronic device and has a storage medium in which information that specifies a maker of the electronic device is written by the electronic device when the expendable is consumed by the electronic device. The method comprises the recovery step of recovering the cartridge with the storage medium in which the information is written from a user, the acquisition step of acquiring the information written in the storage medium of the recovered cartridge; and the totalization step of totalizing quantities of expendables consumed for respective makers on the basis of the acquired information.

Abstract: A print on demand camera system in which the camera unit incorporating a lens, image sensor, and image processing circuitry is connected to a detachable printer unit by way of a PCMCIA interface. The printer unit may incorporate a business card sized paper cartridge and have the overall dimensions of a PCMCIA type III card.

Abstract: A compact camera for producing images on self-developing film, said camera comprising an assembly including a light-tight main frame, a first housing member, and a second housing member; wherein said assembly is arranged to minimize the height of said camera.

Abstract: An electronic still camera of a printer built-in type is provided, in which an instant photo film pack for containing an instant photo film is used. A pack loading chamber is loaded with the instant photo film pack. A front opening is provided, through which the pack loading chamber is open in a forward direction. A taking lens is adapted for focusing of an image of an object to be photographed. A lens barrel accommodates the taking lens, is disposed to extend in the forward direction from the pack loading chamber, has a barrel rear end, and is inserted in the front opening. The barrel rear end is disposed in the pack loading chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of exactly displaying the number of residual films, even if there is concerned with such a situation that at the time when layered films remain in a film pack, the rear cover is opened and the film pack is re-mounted. The operational amplifier 236 is used to detect a current IM conducting through the feeding motor 214, and the detected current is subjected to the AD conversion by the MPU 220. The display unit 61 displays a predetermined number corresponding to the number of films layered within the film pack having the shielding plate, or a number in which one is subtracted from the number of residual films stored in the storage section 210, according as it is detected that now discharged one is the shielding plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-developing compact camera having a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a taking lens, shutter, a light-reflector, viewfinder, power source, actuator, a self-developing film compartment, and a spring biased exit flap. The present invention also includes a method of manufacturing said camera.

Abstract: The printer built-in electric still camera has a pack chamber for loading a film pack, and a pack chamber door for opening and closing the pack chamber. On an inner face of the pack chamber door, plural film pressing devices are attached. When the pack chamber door is closed, the film pressing devices enter in a pack case from access openings formed on the pack case. The film pressing device has a frame and two pressure levers. The frame has a channel-shaped form and its bottom face is fixed on the pack chamber door. First and second shafts are attached to side plates of the frame, and ends of first and second pressure levers are rotatably fitted on the shafts. The first and second pressure levers are rotated by the bias of a strong spring and a weak spring. Other ends of the levers press the film unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging apparatus which includes a housing that encloses, in a common cavity thereof, an arrangement comprising a pair of independent cameras constructed in combination with each other, said pair of cameras being a digital camera and a photosensitive film camera.

Abstract: A photographic processing fluid spread system, for use with integral type self-processable film unit, by which the thickness of a layer of processing fluid is controlled and restricted in a uniform manner as the processing fluid is spread across preselected portions of the film unit, while the film unit is also simultaneously being progressively exposed and advanced.

Abstract: A film assemblage of the self-developing type comprising a pair of upper and lower carrier sheets in juxtaposed relationship to one another. A pair of openings is provided in each of the carrier sheets. A photosensitive sheet and a positive receiving sheet are joined to outer surfaces of the upper and lower carrier sheets; respectively, so as to cover the respective openings. The pair of upper and lower carrier sheets is fixedly joined together in overlapping relationship, whereby the photosensitive and receiving sheets are in superimposed and spaced apart relationship thereby torming, in combination, an image area of the film.

Abstract: A compact camera for producing images on self-developing film, said camera comprising an assembly including a light-tight main frame, a first housing member, and a second housing member; wherein said assembly is arranged to minimize the height of said camera.

Abstract: In a digital instant camera, a fixed exposure head emits a printing light to an instant film contained in a film pack, and a spreading roller performs a developing process. While the instant film is conveyed by the spreading roller toward the outside of the camera, the exposure head emits the printing light in synchronism with the conveyance of the instant film. A conveyance speed of the instant film is suddenly increased at the moment that a developer pod provided on the instant film is broken by the spreading roller. A brake roller, however, prevents the conveyance speed from suddenly increasing. In virtue of the brake roller, the printing light may be surely emitted to the instant film.

Abstract: A head module contains a head motor, a reduction mechanism, and an optical head. The optical head is disposed behind an opening through which printing light is emitted toward an instant film. Both sides of the head module are provided with pinion gears rotated by the head motor via the reduction mechanism. A chassis is provided with rack gears respectively meshing with the pinion gears. The head module is reciprocated in a sub-scanning direction by the head motor. During the reciprocation of the head module, the printing light is emitted from the opening in accordance with image data to expose the instant film. A driving mechanism for the head module does not exist outside a movement range of the head module so that it is possible to downsize an instant printer using this head module.

Abstract: A head module contains a head motor, a reduction mechanism, and an optical head. The optical head is disposed behind an opening through which printing light is emitted toward an instant film. Both sides of the head module are provided with pinion gears rotated by the head motor via the reduction mechanism. A chassis is provided with rack gears respectively meshing with the pinion gears. The head module is reciprocated in a sub-scanning direction by the head motor. During the reciprocation of the head module, the printing light is emitted from the opening in accordance with image data to expose the instant film. A driving mechanism for the head module does not exist outside a movement range of the head module so that it is possible to downsize an instant printer using this head module.

Abstract: An electronic still camera of a printer built-in type is provided, in which an instant photo film pack for containing an instant photo film is used. A pack loading chamber is loaded with the instant photo film pack. A front opening is provided, through which the pack loading chamber is open in a forward direction. A taking lens is adapted for focusing of an image of an object to be photographed. A lens barrel accommodates the taking lens, is disposed to extend in the forward direction from the pack loading chamber, has a barrel rear end, and is inserted in the front opening. The barrel rear end is disposed in the pack loading chamber.

Abstract: A digital still camera has a print head for projecting printing light beams onto a mono-sheet type instant film. The instant films are stacked in a film pack which is loaded in the digital still camera. Since a processing fluid pod on the leading end of the instant film is thicker than a trap portion on the trailing end of the instant film, the rear surface of the film pack is inclined to fit the shape of stacked instant films. An LCD unit is incorporated in a pack loading door of the digital still camera. The LCD unit is inclined to fit the inclined rear surface of the film pack, so a vacant space between the film pack and the camera body may be decreased.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing method which can adjust benefits between electronic device makers and expendables makers. In the method of the present invention, a cartridge which is detachably attached to an electronic device is used. The cartridge carries expendables of the electronic device and has a storage medium in which information that specifies a maker of the electronic device is written by the electronic device when the expendable is consumed by the electronic device. The method comprises the recovery step of recovering the cartridge with the storage medium in which the information is written from a user, the acquisition step of acquiring the information written in the storage medium of the recovered cartridge; and the totalization step of totalizing quantities of expendables consumed for respective makers on the basis of the acquired information.

Abstract: A storage medium conveying apparatus includes a container for containing the storage medium; a conveying unit provided adjacent to the container for conveying the storage medium; a taking-out member for taking the storage medium out from the cartridge and executing reciprocating motion between a side of the conveying unit and a side of the container in order to transfer the storage medium from the container to the conveying unit; and a single motor for driving the conveying unit and the taking-out member.

Abstract: The printer built-in electric still camera has a pack chamber for loading an film pack, and a pack chamber door for opening and closing the pack chamber. On an inner face of the pack chamber door, plural of film pressing devices are attached. When the pack chamber door is closed, the film pressing devices enter in a pack case from access openings formed on the pack case. The film pressing device has a frame and two pressure levers. The frame has a channel-shaped form and its bottom face is fixed on the pack chamber door. First and second shafts are attached to side plates of the frame at a distance, and ends of first and second pressure levers are rotatably fitted on the shafts. The first and second pressure levers are rotated by bias of a strong spring and a weak spring. Another ends of the first and second pressure levers press the film unit in the pack case.

Abstract: A white balance adjusting device mounted in an electro-developing type camera in which an electro-developing recording medium, which electronically develops an image formed thereon, is used. A mask member, in which first and second color filters are provided, is disposed in front of an electro-developing recording medium. The electro-developing recording medium has a recording area, in which a color image is recorded, and a data area, in which optical information used for a white balance adjustment is recorded. The first color filter faces the recording area, and the second color filter faces the data area. In the camera body, a diffuser and a light leading member are provided at a position corresponding to the second color filter.

Abstract: A readily portable imaging system for use in the field and, more particularly, to an electronic camera and electronic printer housed and readily connectable with respect to each other in the field, and wherein the electronic printer comprises a photographic processing fluid spread system, for use with integral type self-processible film unit, by which the thickness of a layer of processing fluid is controlled and restricted in a uniform manner as the processing fluid is spread across preselected portions of the film unit, while the film unit is also simultaneously being exposed and advanced.

Abstract: An optical printer module has a film pack compartment that stores a film pack which stores an instant print film in a frame composed of a main frame, a subframe and a cover. The frame contains a claw mechanism and a spread mechanism that includes a pair of spread rollers. The claw mechanism feeds the instant print film out of the film pack while the instant print film is being exposed, and the spread rollers pinch the exposed instant print film fed out of the film pack by the claw mechanism to develop the exposed instant print film and feed the developed instant print film from the optical printer module. The whole surface of the frame shades the film, except for an opening for the film pack.

Abstract: An instant camera is used with a photo film pack, which includes plural photo film units of a self-processing type. Each of the photo film units includes a processing solution pod for containing processing solution. There is an exposure surface which is exposed by photographic subject light and on which the processing solution is spread for processing. A case contains a stack of the plural photo film units. A photo film outlet causes the photo film units to exit. The instant camera has a pack chamber loaded with the photo film pack. An exposure aperture is formed to open in one face of the pack chamber, and sets the exposure surface of the photo film units inside the photo film pack. A set of first and second spreader rollers press and convey an exposed one of the photo film units advanced from the pack chamber, and squeeze the solution pod to spread the processing solution on the exposure surface.

Abstract: A film advancement assembly for a self-developing and folding camera. The camera comprising a main frame assembly and a lens assembly. The lens assembly being pivotally mounted on the main frame assembly and movable between a closed position in which the lens assembly is disposed at least in part within the main frame assembly and an open position in which the lens assembly upstands from the main frame assembly. A gear train is mounted on the main frame member and is operative to drive a pair of spread rolls, and operative to drive a film pick to advance a film unit. A motor is mounted on the main frame assembly and is operative to power the gear train, the motor being disposed proximate a bottom surface of the main frame assembly.

Abstract: An instant camera is used with a photo film pack, which includes plural photo film units of a self-processing type. Each of the photo film units includes a processing solution pod for containing processing solution. There is an exposure surface which is exposed by photographic subject light and on which the processing solution is spread for processing. A case contains a stack of the plural photo film units. A photo film outlet causes the photo film units to exit. The instant camera has a pack chamber loaded with the photo film pack. An exposure aperture is formed to open in one face of the pack chamber, and sets the exposure surface of the photo film units inside the photo film pack. A set of first and second spreader rollers press and convey an exposed one of the photo film units advanced from the pack chamber, and squeeze the solution pod to spread the processing solution on the exposure surface.

Abstract: An electro-developing type camera using an electro-developing recording medium on which an image is developed while an electric voltage is applied thereto. The image is read out from the electro-developing medium by a scanning mechanism. A color separation filter is disposed in front of the recording medium, so that R, G and B images are recorded on first, second and third recording areas, respectively. The color separation filter and the recording medium are disks rotatably provided. A photographing optical system is disposed at a first position at which the optical axis thereof is positioned above the rotational axes. The scanning mechanism is disposed at a second position at which the scanning mechanism is positioned under the rotational axes of the electro-developing recording medium and the color separation filter.

Abstract: A camera has a movable lens barrel that is stowed in a camera body while the camera is inactive, and is protruded from the camera body to a near range focusing position or a far range focusing position by rotating a drive ring in one direction. The movable barrel returns to the stowed position by rotating the drive ring further in the same direction, because of a cam mechanism interconnecting the drive ring with the movable barrel. To rotate the drive ring, a rotational power of a motor in a first direction is transmitted to the drive ring through a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is switched over according to the rotational direction of the motor and transmits a rotational power of the motor in a second direction to another mechanism. A controller controls driving the motor in response to signals entered through manually operated members, including a power switch, a shutter button and a zone selector, with reference to detection signals from a barrel position detector.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method for use with a film assemblage strip of the self-developing type including an active matrix LCD for providing an area imaging means for exposing the film assemblage at an exposure station, wherein indexing the strip is accomplished by having indexing means of the strip selectively cooperate with pressure applying means, such that when one of the frames on the strip is processed the next successive film frame is simultaneously advanced to the exposure station to be exposed.

Abstract: In a camera, a stop lock mechanism has a locking click engaged with a driving gear of a peripheral portion of a collapse driving ring to which a driving force is transmitted when an electric motor forward rotates. When an electromagnet is enabled, an engagement of the locking click with the driving gear is released.

Abstract: An instant photo film pack to be loaded in a pack holder is constituted by a box-shaped pack case which contains stacked self-developing photo film units of a peel-apart type. The pack case has an exposure opening formed in an upper wall thereof and a passage opening formed with a front wall thereof. A pressure plate is disposed in the pack case, and provided with a pair of lateral walls so as to separate an inside of the pack case into upper and lower chambers. Each of the photo film units includes a photosensitive sheet contained in the upper chamber. An image receiving sheet is contained in the lower chamber. A withdrawing sheet has an edge connected with the photosensitive sheet. A developing solution pod is disposed on the withdrawing sheet, for containing developing solution. A mask sheet has an edge connected with the withdrawing sheet. A mask opening is formed in the mask sheet.

Abstract: A foldable multiple mode imaging acquisition apparatus, such as a camera, having a first and second housing assembly; an erecting assembly interconnected to and between the first and second housing assemblies for allowing movement of the housing assemblies between a folded first condition and an unfolded second condition; a pair of hand gripping sections to allow a user to easily and in a stable manner grip the apparatus in both the first and second conditions without having to remove hands from the first housing assembly and while the assemblies transition between the first and second conditions; a viewfinder assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the second assembly and oriented such that an operator can hold the apparatus in a generally vertical mode when the housing assemblies are in the first folded condition and view the scene, and in a generally horizontal mode when the housing assemblies are in the second unfolded condition and view the same scene.

Abstract: A view finder device has a Poro prism and a first optical system facing an emergent plane of the Poro prism. The first optical system is positioned beside the Poro prism and opposite to a recording medium passage through which an electro-developing recording medium is moved. A relay optical system is provided behind the recording medium passage, so that the eye point of the view finder is separated from the first optical system. A second optical system is provided behind the relay optical system, so that the image formed by the relay optical system is observed. Since the electro-developing recording medium can be moved between the first optical system and the relay optical system, the finder optical system can be disposed at a lower position.

Abstract: An image signal reading operation control device has an electro-developing recording medium to electronically develop an image formed by a photographing optical system. The image is read out by a line sensor with the electro-developing recording medium being illuminated by a light source. Namely, pixel signals arranged along a horizontal scanning line are read by the line sensor while the line sensor is set at a predetermined position, and then the line sensor is moved in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal scanning line by a predetermined amount. When the image is read out by the line sensor, the light source is displaced along the longitudinal direction of the line sensor.

Abstract: A marking device of an electro-developing type video camera having a color separation optical system to color separate an object to be photographed into a plurality of color components, and an electro-developing recording medium having a plurality of optical image recording areas that electrically develop optical images corresponding to the color components. The marking device has a marking mechanism that forms a positioning mark indicating a relative position of each of the optical images developed in the plurality of optical image recording areas. The positioning mark is formed outside the optical image recording areas.