Abstract: A controller controls a termination time of an application of a voltage to an electro-developing recording medium such that an image can be recorded and developed with optimum contrast. The controller has a power source for applying a voltage to the medium, a transparency sensor for detecting a transparency of the medium, and a differentiator for differentiating a value of the detected transparency. The controller also has a comparator, a determiner, and a stopper. The comparator compares the differentiated value with a predetermined threshold level. The determiner determines whether or not the differentiated value is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold level. The stopper stops the application of the voltage to the medium when the determiner determines the differentiated value is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A foldable camera having a base housing containing a self-developing film unit, and an upper housing including an objective lens. The housings extend generally parallel to each other, and in the folded inoperative position, the upper housing overlies and engages the lower housing forming a compact unit. In moving between the folded and unfolded positions, the upper housing moves through planes generally parallel to the base housing, such action being provided by a linkage. A foldable flash unit is movable between a folded inoperative position extending over the upper housing and covering the objective lens, and an unfolded position projecting above the upper housing to expose a flash.

Abstract: A camera housing a strip of receiving sheet of self-developable film material; a strip of negative photosensitive film material of the self-developing type having discrete exposable portions spaced apart thereon. A pressure applying assembly e merges the strips into the superimposable relationship to form corresponding separated image forming subassemblies in response to pulling the strips from the camera. The assembly effects release of processing fluid in rupturable containers on the sheet to initiate processing of the film. A device is operative in one mode for allowing pulling of the strips and thereby the formation of an image forming subassemblies through the pressure applying device, and in a second mode for automatically stopping formation and processing of a successive one of the image forming subassemblies. In one embodiment, the device is connected to the shutter unit and is operated when the shutter is actuated.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device for use in sequentially producing an image composed of three separable color plane images including a light diffuser including a sheet of material having a front face and least three sides and which, when light passes through the sides into the diffuser, causes uniform illumination to be produced from the front face and a liquid crystal display disposed in relationship to the front face of the diffuser to receive light from such front face and responsive to electrical signals corresponding to an image to be produced and light from the diffuser to illuminate an image on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An image signal recording operation control device is provided in a still video camera. The control device has a photographing optical system by which an image is formed on an electro-developing recording medium, by which the image is electronically developed. The control device also has a scanner optical system by which the image developed by the electro-developing recording medium is formed on a sensor imaging plane. A line sensor is provided for scanning on the sensor imaging plane to read out the image. When the electro-developing recording medium is not mounted in the still video camera, i.e., when an aerial image formed by the photographing optical system is read by the line sensor, the scanner optical system is displaced by a predetermined amount along the optical axis, in comparison with a state in which the electro-developing recording medium is mounted, so that the scanner optical system can form an in-focus image on the sensor imaging plane.

Abstract: The principal embodiment of the present invention is a preloaded single-use instant camera. The single-use instant camera is provided with user-inaccessible film holding compartment in a sealed light-tight enclosure and a predetermined number of pressure-processable film units stacked in said compartment. The preloaded single-use instant camera is also provided with user operated manual means for sequentially withdrawing the preloaded pressure-processable film units, whereby withdrawal effect processing of said units.

Abstract: A usage control device is mounted in an electro-developing type camera with an electro-developing recording medium, by which an image is electronically developed. The electro-developing recording medium has an image recording area and a data recording area. The image is electronically developed and recorded in the image recording area. Data which indicates the number of times that a recording operation of the electro-developing recording medium has taken place, is magnetically recorded in the data recording area. The data recording area is composed of a magnetic recording medium, such as a magnetic tape.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved photographic apparatus of the self-developing type and method of operation which includes a film assemblage. The camera includes a housing assembly; strip of photographic film; a strip of self-developing photosensitive film; a foldable strip of carrier sheet material; a mechanism for taking up the photosensitive film strip past an exposure station for exposure thereof and for storage of the exposed photosensitive film strip. An advancing mechanism is provided for advancing the exposed photosensitive film strip from the taking up mechanism and the carrier strip through an exit.

Abstract: A multiple focal length folding imaging device includes a first and second housing which are operably joined together for movement relative to one another so that the second housing is movable relative to the first housing between at least a first position and a second position. The first housing is formed to at least partially receive therein the second housing, such that when the second housing is in the first position, the second housing is at least partially received within the first housing. The second housing includes an exiting aperture for allowing exiting of at least one image recordable unit therefrom when in the second position, and when the second housing is in the first position, the exiting aperture is at least partially disposed within the first housing so that the at least one image recordable unit cannot exit from the exiting aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a liquid crystal display included within an image capture device including a liquid crystal display; a source of fluorescent light which includes phosphors selected so that fluorescent light which passes through the liquid crystal display is modified to be daylight balanced; and a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by the light image from the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A self-developing camera is disclosed which comprises a housing assembly including a film exit opening. Provision is made for an objective lens assembly mounted on the housing assembly and which defines an optical axis for optically capturing images of a scene and directing the images to a focal plane. A mirror in the housing assembly redirects the scene light from the objective lens assembly to a film unit of the self-developing type adjacent the focal plane. The mirror is in an operative orientation generally below the optical axis when the camera is held in a generally horizontal image capture mode.

Abstract: A photographic apparatus combines an image capturing apparatus with an image rendering apparatus, where the image capturing apparatus operates as an electronic camera and has an integral liquid crystal display panel for viewing acquired images prior to printing the images onto a photosensitive medium. The images are individually selectable to adjust image properties prior to transmittal of the image to a high-resolution liquid-crystal display in the image rendering apparatus. The image rendering apparatus produces an image on the photosensitive medium by projecting illumination through the image present in the high-resolution liquid-crystal display, through a copy lens, and onto the medium.

Abstract: A development assisting apparatus is provided which can give a finish of uniform quality and in a short time, irrespective of changes in temperature due to regional temperature differences or changes with the seasons. A case side clamping face 6 is provided on a front face of a case body 2, and an openable lid 3 with a lid side clamping face 16 provided on an inner face thereof, is hinged so as to be openable relative to the case side clamping face 6. A heating device 7 is provided on the case body 2, and in this case the case side clamping face 6 rather than the lid side clamping face 16 is heated so that an instant camera film 1 pressed and held between the clamping faces 6, 16 is kept warm. Due to the film 1 being kept warm by the heating and heat retention, then uniform development without irregularities is possible.

Abstract: An image reader to optically and electronically read a developed image of an electro-developing recording medium, where the electro-developing recording medium has a reference zone exhibiting a substantially-constant transparency. An optical sensor senses light rays passing through the reference zone, and converts the sensed light rays into optical data. Correction data is prepared based on the optical data. Image data is read from the developed image of the electro-developing recording medium according to the correction data. The correction data is updated whenever the image data is read from the developed image of the electro-developing recording medium. The electro-developing recording medium includes an electrostatic information recording medium and an electric charge keeping medium, and the electric charge keeping medium has a reference zone exhibiting a constant transparency.

Abstract: A data transmitting device provided in an electro-developing type camera using a recording medium which electronically develops an image formed by a photographing optical system. A photographing optical system and an interface unit can be selectively attached to a lens mount of the camera body. The lens mount is provided with control data contact terminals and image data contact terminals. The control data contact terminals are used for transmitting first control data including lens information of the photographing optical system to the camera body, and for transmitting second control data between the camera body and the interface unit. The image data contact terminals are used for transmitting image data obtained by the electro-developing recording medium to the interface unit. The interface unit has an output terminal which can be connected to an external computer.

Abstract: An image erasing device mounted on an electro-developing type camera with an electro-developing recording medium, to erase an electronically developed an image. When the image recorded on the electro-developing recording medium is read therefrom, the electro-developing recording medium is illuminated by a light source which emits a laser beam. During this reading operation, the line sensor is moved with the light source along the electro-developing recording medium, so that the image is read. When the image recorded on the electro-developing recording medium is erased, the intensity of light outputted by the light source is controlled to have a value greater than in the reading operation, and the light source is moved along the electro-developing recording medium.

Abstract: An instant photo film pack contains has a light-tight bag, which contains a stack of ten photo film units of a self-processing type in a light-tight manner. The light-tight bag has a bag component constituted by one belt-shaped sheet, and a tab projecting from the bag component. The bag component is formed by attaching one portion to another in a peelable manner. When the tab is pulled in one direction, attachment of the bag component is peeled, to strip the bag from the photo film units in a form of the belt-shaped sheet.

Abstract: An electronic development type camera using an electronic development type recording medium, having an electrostatic data recording medium and an electric charge holding medium. The electronic development type camera includes a detector for detecting whether an image has been recorded on the recording medium loaded in the camera, a mode changing device for changing a mode between a photographing mode and an image reading mode, and an actuator for driving the mode changing device to select the photographing mode when the detector detects the absence of the recorded image on the recording medium loaded in the camera, and the image reading mode when the detector detects the presence of the recorded image on the recording medium loaded in the camera, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a display included within an image capture device including a display for producing an image captured by the image capture device; a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by an light image from the display; and a structure for controlling the display so as to produce a color image which is color balanced. The apparatus presents a photosensitive medium to be illuminated by the color balanced image.

Abstract: An image recording and reproducing devices are mounted in a camera using an electro-developing recording medium by which an image is electronically developed. A color image and a monochromatic image can be recorded in the electro-developing recording medium. When recording the color image, red, green, and blue images are recorded in three image recording areas. A recognition area and a positioning mark recording area are formed adjacent to each of the image recording areas. A recognition mark indicating that the image recorded in the corresponding image recording area is red, green, or blue, is recorded in the recognition area. The positioning mark is recorded in the positioning mark recording area to indicate the relative position of each of the red, green, and blue images.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera having an electro-developing recording medium includes a photographing optical system for forming an optical image on an image-forming plane of the recording medium to record and develop the optical image therein. An image reader is provided for optically reading the image-forming plane to obtain image data from the recorded image of the recording medium.

Abstract: An electronic still video camera has an electro-developing recording medium. As soon as an optical image is formed on the medium, the image is recorded and developed as a visible image therein. The developed image is electronically read as image data by a line sensor, and the read image data may be stored in an IC memory card, a floppy disk, a hard disk or the like. Optionally, the read image data may be transferred from the camera to an external device such as a computer, a TV monitor or the like. The developed image can be thermally erased from the medium by using an electric heater. When one of: the formation of the optical image on the medium is carried out; the reading of the image data from the developed image of the medium: and the erasing of the developed image from the medium is carried out, the remaining operations are enabled.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing images from a liquid crystal display included within an image capture device including a source of fluorescent light; a liquid crystal display responsive to fluorescent light from the source for producing an image captured by the image capture device; a printer which includes photosensitive media which is adapted to be illuminated by the fluorescent light image from the liquid crystal display; and a filter disposed within the printer for correcting color error in the fluorescent light image prior to its illumination of the photosensitive media.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on photosensitive sheets including a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and a printer including light tight storage means for receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets. The images from the display are imaged onto a photosensitive sheet at the exposure position. The printer further includes a movable shutter member having a shutter aperture and the apparatus moves the movable shutter member across the displayed image for causing the shutter aperture to sequentially expose portions of the displayed image onto a photographic sheet until the entire displayed image is exposed onto such photographic sheet.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for photographic film which is used in conjunction with a camera that may be booth mounted. The apparatus includes a platform which is rotatably linked to a base, such as the booth structure or the floor of the booth. The platform includes a surface and a multiplicity of holders for film containers or cartridges which are located in side-by-side configuration. The platform is turned or rotated relative to the base member and is used in conjunction with an elevator mechanism for removing the film containers from the surface of the platform, to the vicinity of a portion of the camera for exposure, and back to the platform when the film has been exposed.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photographic system incorporating a photographic apparatus of the type including an exposure control system which senses and evaluates ambient and infrared spectral energy for controlling camera functions; as well as an accessory for use in combination therewith which compensates for attenuation of infrared energy underwater which infrared energy would otherwise be used in controlling the camera functions. Provision is made for a supplemental source of infrared energy that is directed to such system for a time period and in an amount based upon an evaluation of reflected visible spectral energy from the scene.

Abstract: A single-use instant camera includes a main body, having the taking lens and the shutter mechanism. A film unit containing chamber is formed in the main body, and contains a plurality of instant the film units stacked on one another. The containing chamber is opened toward a rear and has a front wall. An exposure aperture is formed in the front wall, and receives the image-recording portion of the film units, to provide the film units with exposure to light a entered through the taking lens from an object to be photographed. A front cover is disposed in front of the main body to cover the main body. An advancing claw mechanism is disposed between the front cover and the main body, and advances an exposed one of the film units to be exited. A flash device is disposed between the front cover and the main body, and applies illuminating light to the object. A back lid is disposed behind the containing chamber, is engaged with the main body, and closes the containing chamber.

Abstract: A developing operation control device using an electro-developing recording medium on which an image is developed while an electric voltage is applied thereto. With starting the voltage application to the electro-developing medium, a voltage applied to a liquid crystal display included in the electro-developing recording medium is increased. When a predetermined time has passed since the voltage application to the electro-developing recording medium is started, an exposure onto the electro-developing recording medium is started. By starting the exposure, a bright portion occurs on the electro-developing recording medium, and the voltage applied to the bright portion of the liquid crystal display is quickly raised in comparison with a dark portion. The voltage application to the electro-developing recording medium is stopped at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A camera includes a photographic film having an exposure region and an audio recording region for recording the audio signal directly onto the film. The audio recording region may be a recordable/readable magnetic recording region or a chip having an internal or external power supply, and the recording region can store predetermined recordings, or it can store live audio signals. The external power supply may be in the form of a reading device integrally or detachably formed in a photographic album. The magnetic recording region includes first and second magnetic recording strips perpendicular to one another wherein the first magnetic strip is recorded to prior to exiting of the selected film frame and the second magnetic strip is recorded to upon the exiting of the selected film frame.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and including an alignment structure, and a printer receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets and interleave cover sheets, with each cover sheet preventing exposure of an underlying photosensitive sheet. In order to image the display image onto photosensitive sheets, the apparatus is effective after an image is formed on the display for deactivating the display image and includes a sheet drive structure for causing a cover sheet to be removed from the stack and then reactivate the display image. Further, the apparatus has an optical arrangement for focusing the display area onto said photosensitive sheet and provides electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the printing area of said display is imaged on the uncovered photosensitive sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet is disclosed. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and includes an alignment structure. The apparatus further includes a printer having a light tight storage receptacle for receiving a stack of photosensitive sheets and for imaging the display image onto photosensitive sheets including a transfer arrangement for transferring a photosensitive sheet from the light tight storage receptacle to an exposure position for receiving an image from the display. The apparatus further includes optics for focusing the display area onto said photosensitive sheet, and provides electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the printing area of said display is imaged on the photosensitive sheet at the exposure position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for capturing and printing images on a photosensitive sheet. The apparatus includes a camera for electronically storing an image of a subject and having a display for displaying such stored image and an alignment structure. A printer receives a photosensitive sheet which is driven to provide relative movement between a display area on the display and the photosensitive sheet. The printer further includes optics for focusing a the display area onto said photosensitive sheet and circuitry for providing electronic communication between the electronic camera and the printer so that the display area is imaged on the photosensitive sheet.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: A 3D printer that has a chemical processor in-line with the printer. The preferred printer is a single-stage printer that uses two video cameras with different magnification powers for acquiring images from 2D negatives for editing and key subject alignment. One video camera takes full view image for key subject selection and picture cropping, the other video camera which is used for acquiring image data for key subject alignment sees only an enlarged section of the image around the key subject. The single-stage printer uses an automated image matching algorithm to find the relative location of the key subject in each negative frame. The single-stage printer also includes a chemical processor so that photo processing can be part of an in-line printing process.