Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera including a writer adapted to couple information to a film in use in the camera, the information relating to an ISO rating setting for a particular image captured by the camera. The invention also relates to photographic processing system, comprising reading means to identify from magnetic information stored on a film to be processed the ISO rating setting at which images on the film were captured and a developer stage to receive the film to be developed. The photographic processing system also includes a control unit to select a development time for the film in dependence on the identified ISO rating setting. The invention enables optimisation of image quality to be achieved.

Abstract: A photographic system includes a photographic film having a film ID number thereon; a receipt provided with the photographic film, the receipt being imprinted with a uniform resource locator for acquiring an image on the film via the Internet, and an associated password; a scanner for scanning the film after processing to generate a digital image; means for associating the film ID number with the digital image; a digital image storage device for storing the digital image, a web server connected to the digital image storage device, having means for accessing the digital image using the uniform resource locator; a database accessible by the web server having stored therein the film ID number and the associated password; and wherein the means for accessing the digital image is password protected and accessible by use of the password.

Abstract: In the present invention, by using a light-responsive component which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from an indicated sensitivity, sensitivity information recorded at the light-responsive component by a photographing device can be read at a photo lab, and efficient printing operations can be carried out. While carrying out photographing on a film which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from the indicated sensitivity in a camera, sensitivity information showing a set sensitivity at a time of photographing is recorded on the film. The film is developed at a photo lab, and the sensitivity information is read by a scanner component of an inputting machine. Printing is carried out by an outputting machine in accordance with the sensitivity information, and the sensitivity information is reflected in printed results.

Abstract: Non-symmetric distortion generated by an imaging system producing a distortion predominantly in one image dimension is corrected by providing a distortion model capable of correcting the non-symmetric distortion in an image that is predominantly in the one image dimension, providing one or more correction parameters, wherein at least one correction parameter relates to the distortion predominantly in the one image dimension, and generating an image corrected for the non-symmetric distortion by using the distortion model and the one or more correction parameters.

Abstract: A self-annotating camera providing annotation relating to a photograph. The camera captures a desired field of view in a photograph, obtains information relating to the photograph via a plurality of information sources, produces annotation corresponding to the information obtained from the plurality of information sources, and utilizes the produced annotation to annotate at least one of a photograph and an electronic file associated with the photograph. At least one of the plurality of information sources is internal to the camera and at least one of the plurality of information sources is external to the camera.

Abstract: Non-symmetric distortion generated by an imaging system producing a distortion predominantly in one image dimension is corrected by providing a distortion model capable of correcting the non-symmetric distortion in an image that is predominantly in the one image dimension, providing one or more correction parameters, wherein at least one correction parameter relates to the distortion predominantly in the one image dimension, and generating an image corrected for the non-symmetric distortion by using the distortion model and the one or more correction parameters.

Abstract: A method of providing access to photographic images over a computer network wherein a photographic image hosting service provider predetermines network access information for a set of photographic images, including a network address, the network access information is conveyed to a user without receiving identifying information from said user, the user captures a set of photographic images and conveys the network access information to an intended viewer of the photographic images, the user transmits the images to the service provider along with information associating the images with the network access information, which service provider posts the photographic images on a server connected to the network, wherein the photographic images are accessible over the network at the network address of the network access information.

Abstract: A film handling apparatus having a carrier, wherein the carrier is provided with a film size sensor disposed near a film entrance opening, a transport path capable of changing a transport width while maintaining a constant center position, a mask provided with opening opposite a film and designed for use with various sizes of film and a controller for changing the transport path width and selecting the mask opening in accordance with the film size detected by the film size sensor.

Abstract: A system for capturing an image of an instruction provided on a card by a camera. The fixture includes support surface having a cradle for receiving a camera. A support member extending from the support surface for supporting the support surface a fixed distance from a surface on which the fixture is placed. The instruction card is placed in the fixtures. The photofinisher during scanning of the developed film automatically reads a coded instruction and fulfills the order in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: The image photographing, processing and providing systems as well as the photographing camera utilize a system which has a second communication device for transmitting photographing information of an object when at lease the object is photographed, a photographing device, a first communication device operated in association with the photographing device for receiving the photographing information transmitted from the second communication device and a storing unit for storing the photographing information received by the first communication device and the image data of the images of the photographed object which are related to each other. The image editing apparatus, the image order sheet and image ordering method for each object utilize the photographed result by the image photographing system and the photographing camera. These systems and the camera can effectively function even if many are installed in a wide site such as a theme park by the application of the transmitting/receiving function.

Abstract: The present invention is in the photographic field, and is used to measure sensitometric characteristics of a photographic element. The present invention relates more particularly to a method that enables the production of a sensitometric control patch with exposure gradient, placed on a photographic element, and enables the measurement of the sensitometric characteristics of the photographic element. The sensitometric control patch is produced so as to obtain on the exposed photographic film strip, a single sensitometric control comprising a gradient of exposure areas, and enables all the sensitometric characteristics of the film to be obtained. The sensitometric control patch is produced from the nominal sensitometric characteristics of the film, and the instantaneous speed of relative movement of the film in front of the light energy source. The present invention has its application in the photography field and in particular the motion picture field.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of photography and is used to measure the sensitometric characteristics of a photographic element, such as a photographic film strip. The present invention relates more particularly to an exposure system that enables the production of a sensitometric control patch and the measurement of the sensitometric characteristics of the photographic element. The exposure system comprises a light energy source servo connected to a management module of the exposure parameters. The exposure system enables the production on the exposed film strip of the unique sensitometric control patch, so that this sensitometric control patch includes gradient of exposure areas that enables all the sensitometric characteristics of the photographic film to be obtained.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing correction of at least one of correction of chromatic aberration of magnification, distortion aberration, deterioration of marginal luminosity and defocusing on the image data is disclosed. The method and apparatus designates a lens type taking lens manually and then performs correction of the image quality deterioration using the designated lens type and a position information of the image.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is pre-loaded with photo film, and includes a viewfinder adapted for observing an object. A selector button is operable externally, for being shifted to a standard position and a telephoto position. A view region changer lever sets the viewfinder in a standard view field when the selector button is in the standard position, and sets the viewfinder in a telephoto view field when the selector button is in the telephoto position, the telephoto view field being included in the standard view field. An information exposure unit photographically records a telephoto discernment PAR code to an information exposure region in the photo film when the selector button is in the telephoto position. The telephoto discernment PAR code includes at least three dots, for designating production of a pseudo telephoto print from a region in an imaging frame in the photo film corresponding to the telephoto view field.

Abstract: A camera is used for recording information related to deterioration of image used for image processing in at least one selected from a photographic film, a film cartridge and a recording medium, provided with an information specifying unit which specifies at least one of image quality deterioration information related to image quality deterioration of the photographic image caused by a photographic lens of the camera and image quality deterioration correction information for correcting the image quality deterioration. An information recording unit records at least one of the image quality deterioration information and the image quality deterioration correction information, or at least one of the image quality deterioration information and the image quality deterioration correction information in combination with photographing information as related information.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal, a frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation and the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a taking lens of a fixed focal length, through which picture frames are photographed in respective exposure areas in a constant size on a photo filmstrip. Prior to loading the photo filmstrip in the lens-fitted photo film unit, three dots are prerecorded on each PAR code recording zone of the photo filmstrip, to indicating that a predetermined size photographic print is to be produced from a predetermined central fragment of each of the picture frames by enlarging at a specific print magnification. The lens-fitted photo film unit has an optical viewfinder that shows the photographer a subject at a corresponding magnification and a corresponding angle of view to an image contained in a photographic print of the predetermined size as produced from the central fragment.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: In a digital output service of photographs, smooth operation of an additional recording service is aimed at by letting a user or an operator of a service provider easily understand the number of photographs addable to a storage medium. The free space size of a storage medium is detected each time new or additional recording therein is completed, and information regarding the free space size is indicated to a customer by being recorded on a recording medium corresponding to the storage medium, such as index print for the storage medium. On this occasion, the free space size is indicated as the number of films or exposures such as “6 25-exposure films” (6 (25 Exp)) or “160 exposures” (160) so that a user who is not familiar with expressions in bytes can readily understand it.

Abstract: An image recording/reproducing system which includes an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium and an image reproducing apparatus for reproducing the image by using the image recording medium having the image recorded by the image recording apparatus. The image recording apparatus is provided with a photo-taking mode selecting part for selecting a photo-taking mode, a photo-taking condition setting part for setting a predetermined photo-taking condition in accordance with the photo-taking mode set by the photo-taking mode selecting part, and a photo-taking mode recording part for recording, on the recording medium, information of the selected photo-taking mode. The image reproducing apparatus is provided with an image processing part for performing processing to vary the image on the basis of the photo-taking mode information recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the life cycle of an electronic apparatus of the type that creates an output data record such as an exposed photographic film, or a digital data, sound or image file, includes a sensor in the electronic apparatus for monitoring the operation and condition of the apparatus to produce operational data; means in the electronic apparatus for appending the operational data to the data record; a data record utilization device that receives and operates on the data record; and a digital processor in the data record utilization device having a software agent that retrieves the operational data from the data record, processes the operational data and produces a message related to the life cycle of the product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus of correcting image picked up from a frame photographed on a photo filmstrip through a photographic device. An exposure correction amount is calculated by use of correction parameters predetermined with regard to decrease in illuminance on a focal plane of the taking lens with radial distance from an optical axis of the taking lens, and a curvature of the photo filmstrip relative to the focal plane. The exposure correction amount is calculated for a respective pixel of the picture with regard to a relative position of the respective pixel in the frame to an optical axis of a taking lens of the photographic device. The relative positions are defined on the assumption that the photo filmstrip is held flat in a focal plane of the taking lens with a center point of the frame located on the optical axis at the photography.

Abstract: In a camera having a data setting device capable of setting data peculiar to a film to be imprinted on the film, when a film presence/absence detecting device has detected that a film is loaded in the camera, a data changing control circuit inhibits the data peculiar to a film from being changed. Accordingly, the unintended change of the data peculiar to a film by a photographer can be prevented. Further, when the film presence/absence detecting device has detected that a film is loaded in the camera, the data setting device is made to function for setting data other than the data peculiar to a film. Accordingly, the number of operation members of the camera can be decreased, thereby reducing the size of the camera.

Abstract: In a method and camera, a scene is captured as an original electronic image. The original electronic image is stored as an archival image in memory in the camera. A plurality of parameters of the scene are evaluated. The parameters are matched to one or more of a plurality of editorial suggestions to define a suggestion set. One or more editorial suggestion images are generated. Each editorial suggestion image is a copy of the original electronic image modified in accordance with a respective editorial suggestion. The editorial suggestion images are displayed. User input is accepted designating one depictions as a user selection. The user input is recorded for later use in preparation of a final image or the stored archival image is edited in accordance with the selected suggestion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pseudo-zoom camera and an image processing system using the camera in which any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number, or any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number in combination with the picture area are recorded as pseudo-zoom information.

Abstract: In cameras and methods, a plurality of image pairs are captured. Each image pair has an archival image of a scene and an electronic image of the same scene. The electronic images are stored in camera memory. Photofinishing metadata and image metadata is generated for the image pairs. One or more of the electronic images are downloaded to provide downloaded files. Photofinishing metadata is excluded from the downloaded files.

Abstract: In cameras and methods, a series of archival images are captured in a film unit in the camera. A series of electronic images corresponding to the archival images are captured in the camera. The electronic images are stored in memory of the camera. Unloading of the film unit from the camera is detected. Responsive to the unloading, selective clearance of the electronic images in memory is enabled.

Abstract: A camera, adapted for recording individual sound files to be re-recorded onto associated photographic prints, includes an operator interface for pre-selecting photographic print characteristics which would affect the amount of recording time available on an associated photographic print. An audio memory is adapted to store sound files to be re-recorded onto associated photographic prints. An indicator is adapted to provide an operator-recognizable indication of recording time available as a function of print characteristics pre-selected by an operator. The print characteristics may include a print's two-dimensional surface area, a print's shape, a sound file's type or sound quality.

Abstract: A method is provided for recording metadata elements using a predetermined portion of a photographic filmstrip. The method comprising the steps of recording a primary data field including the entire set of data elements using a first share of the predetermined portion; and recording at least two secondary data fields on a second share of the predetermined portion; wherein at least one of the secondary data fields contains less than all of the metadata elements associated with an image.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit incorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film. A telephoto selectable type indicia is imprinted previously on a first edge of the photo film outside imaging frames in an optical manner. An indicia recorder imprints a magnification indicia on a second edge of the photo film outside the imaging frames in an optical manner each time that one exposure is taken. A combination of the telephoto selectable type indicia and the magnification indicia designates a printing condition for each of the imaging frames.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photo-graphic camera that can successively expose a photo-graphic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal, a frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation and the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A system for capturing an image of an instruction provided on a card by a camera. The fixture includes support surface having a cradle for receiving a camera. A support member extending from the support surface for supporting the support surface a fixed distance from a surface on which the fixture is placed. The instruction card is placed in the fixtures. The photofinisher during scanning of the developed film automatically reads a coded instruction and fulfills the order in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A method of processing customer image orders, each of at least one image capturing an original scene. An image content identification in the form of an image content identification signal, is generated based on an identification of one or more scene objects, for at least one image of a customer order. The generated image content identification is compared with different image content identifications stored in a memory in association with respective predetermined customer certificate data. When at least a generated image content identification matches a stored image content identification, generating a customer certificate from the stored certificate data associated with the matching stored image content identification. The method can be used with customer image sets which may not be image orders. An apparatus and computer program product which can execute such a method, are also provided.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a main body preloaded with photo film. A front cover covers a front of the main body. An exposure unit is secured between the main body and the front cover, for providing the photo film with an exposure. A plate-shaped information imprinting module is secured between the main body and the front cover with the exposure unit. Positioning pins are formed in the front of the main body. Positioning holes are formed in a rear of the information imprinting module, and are fitted on the positioning pins. The information imprinting module is subsequently kept positioned between the front cover and the main body by fitting the front cover on the main body.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an-image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal. A frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation in the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: In a camera, an image correcting apparatus, an image correcting system, an image correcting method or a computer program product providing the image correcting method, an object image is recorded as a photo-taking image, and an object image obtained at a point of time different from a point of time at which the photo-taking image is obtained is recorded as a correction image to be used for correcting the photo-taking image.

Abstract: There is described a strobe device to which another electronic circuit or electronic element is added, and a lens-fitted film unit and a camera, which incorporates the strobe device. The strobe device includes: a strobe light-emitting tube to emit a strobe light; a main-capacitor coupled in parallel to the strobe light-emitting tube, so as to supply a luminous energy to the strobe light-emitting tube; a trigger-transformer to apply a trigger-voltage to a trigger-electrode of the strobe light-emitting tube; a trigger-section to activate a light-emitting action of the strobe light-emitting tube; a trigger-capacitor, coupled to the main-capacitor with a resistor, to store an electronic charge, which is discharged to the trigger-transformer when the trigger-section turns ON; and a semiconductor element driven by a part of an electronic charge stored in the main-capacitor, when the trigger-section turns ON to activate the light-emitting action of the strobe light-emitting tube.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal, a frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation and the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewed prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternating between two field frames in a camera viewfinder. The mask has a foldable mask with an aperture, with the mask being movable between two positions. In the first position, the mask is unfolded and interposed in the light-path of the viewfinder, thereby framing the viewfinder image in the shape of the aperture. In the second position, the mask is folded and stored compactly alongside the viewfinder, thereby not interfering with the image in the viewfinder.

Abstract: Images of film that has been developed are captured by image sensing, thereby being converted to original digital image data representing these images. The original digital image data is converted to reduced digital image data representing images that are reduced in size. The reduced digital image data is stored on a user's disk, and the original digital image data is stored on a laboratory recording medium together with an identification code identifying the roll of film. The identification code is applied to the film and to the user's disk on which the reduced digital image data has been stored. The original digital image data is read out of the laboratory recording medium and photographs of the images represented by this data are printed. The identification code may be recorded on the user's disk instead of being applied thereto. A program (hypertext) for reproducing the images also is stored on the user's disk.

Abstract: A method of placing a two-dimensional barcode symbol on a photographic element, the barcode symbol comprising collections of modules arranged in a regular array with a plurality of defined orientation directions, the photographic element exhibiting linear defects in a predominant direction and having a maximum width, includes the step of orienting the barcode symbol so that each defined orientation direction is rotated relative to the predominant direction sufficient so that no single collection of modules aligned in a defined orientation direction is completely obscured by the defect.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A digital reorder system and method is disclosed for making reprints from a negative strip. The strip advances toward a digital scanner which reads the bar code adjacent each frame to determine frame number and other parameters, and an image associated with each frame is scanned by a digital camera. Computer software manipulates the bar code information and the scanned image to place the image in a proper orientation. Consequently, the operator need not spend time orienting the negative strips prior to insertion into the feeder. The reorder system can include a multiple strip feeder which receives a stack of negative strips and automatically feeds the strips one-by-one into the reorder system.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding data onto a pictorial hardcopy print made by digital printing or digital record file of image so that the image may be reproduced or displayed as originally produced and/or captured and in accordance with a personal printing/display profile.

Abstract: A photographic and video image system for transforming an image on a frame of a photographic film includes a structure in the overall form of a photographic printer having an image transformation element that transforms an optical image from the film into a video signal, a frame position indicator, which can be a hole or an optical or magnetic signal, is recorded on the film along with aspect information relating to the size of the frame exposed on the film. The frame position indicator and aspect information are detected and used to control a film feeding operation and the optical image to video signal transformation operation. The user of the system can record order information on the film that is used to specify the aspect of the resultant photographic print, as well as the quantity of prints to be made. Such order information can be superimposed as a menu on a displayed video signal at the time the video signal is reviewer prior to producing a photographic print.

Abstract: In a method for traffic monitoring, data related to a traffic situation is measured. A picture of a traffic scene related to the traffic situation is generated on a photographic film. The data is recorded on the photographic film by converting the data to a first set of binary energizing signals which is energizing recording arrangements, so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of the data on the film in a first recording field thereof. The data is converted to a second set of binary energizing signals which energizes a recording arrangement, so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on the film in a second recording field.