Abstract: A sound recording system is used in conjunction with a conventional camera (C) that by itself cannot record sounds. A sound recorder (100) has a mounting device (120, 190), a microphone (110), and a sound record switch (130) that is placed adjacent the shutter button when the recorder is mounted on the camera. A removable “Sound Stick” (200) is inserted into the sound recorder (100) through an opening (170). The “Sound Stick” contains memories (230) that record sound segments. A playback device, which may be separate or combined with the recorder is provided, into which the “Sound Stick” plugs into for downloading and playback of the sound segments. The “Sound Stick” includes a reading head (270) that can scan a bar code that correlates the sound segments with the pictures.

Abstract: A printer 802 is adapted to produce a printed image with an associated sound passage stored on an electronic storage device. The printer 802 comprises an information input for receiving information to define a visual image and also information defining a passage of sound. The printer has a printer element 808 for printing the first information as a printed image 804, but also has a writing element 807 for writing the sound information into an electronic storage device 803 adapted for attachment to the printed image. An appropriate mechanism 805 for attaching the electronic storage device to the printer image is provided at the printer.

Abstract: The camera, which is put on a user, shoots and processes image into image data and records the same. The camera has two or more operation modes and is provided with a detector for detecting either the motion state or the physiological state of the user or both of them and a controller for selecting one mode from among the operation modes on the basis of the detection results by the detector.

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 sound segment recording system is used in conjunction with a conventional camera (C) that by itself cannot record sounds. A sound recorder (100) has a mounting device (120, 190) for mounting the recorder on the camera, a microphone (110) and a sound-record switch (130) that is placed adjacent the shutter button when the recorder is mounted. A “sound stick” (200) has a connector (210) on one end to transfer sound data from the recorder when the sound stick is inserted in an opening (170). It contains memories (230) that record sound segments, selectable to one minute long, when the switch is pressed. The juxtaposition of the record switch to the camera shutter button (SB) permits the user to start the sound recording before the taking of the associated picture. A separate playback device is provided, into which the sound stick also plugs for downloading the sound segment data, or else the recorder is made to double as a playback device.

Abstract: A photographic print includes a sheet, such as a sheet of photographic paper, having a front face and a back face, and one or more images printed on the front face of the sheet. The photographic print includes meta data in a human invisible format attached to the sheet of photographic paper, the meta data including information related to the photographic print. The meta data may be encoded digital data stored on magnetic material such as a sheet of magnetic material that is attached to the photographic print. The meta data may also be printed on substantially transparent optical material in a format that is invisible to the human eye. The meta data may also be a magnetic material or optical material that is mixed with the ink used to print the one or more images on the photographic print. The meta data attached to the photographic prints may be read using a meta data scanner capable of reading the meta data and displaying the meta data in a visual or audio format.

Abstract: A camera includes a microphone for generating audio signals, a memory separate from the film for storing the audio signals, a generator for generating for each film frame a unique identification signal that is synchronized to advance of the film in the camera, and a processor for embedding the unique identification signal with the audio signal in the memory. More specifically, the unique identification signal is a tone signal, and in particular a DTMF tone signal. Furthermore, a photofinishing system receives the audio signal together with the unique identification signal embedded in each audio signal that identifies the frame to which the audio signal pertains. A decoder decodes the unique signal embedded in each audio signal and a processor thereupon associates the audio signal with a particular frame of film by reference to the decoded unique tone signal. Finally, a transfer mechanism transfers the audio signal to an output product, such as a print, associated with each particular frame of film.

Abstract: The user a mode setting section to optionally set one of a first mode that enables a predetermined operation necessary for recording, on the printing medium, a voice code image based on the voice input by the voice input section, and a second mode that disables the predetermined operation necessary for recording, on the printing medium, the voice code image based on the voice input by the voice input section. The mode set by the mode setting section is displayed on a display section incorporated in an output section. The predetermined operation that can be executed when the first mode is set is, for example, a voice input operation by a voice input section, a conversion operation by a digital conversion section, and a compression operation by a voice compression section.

Abstract: A storage section stores voice data obtained by a digital conversion section and a voice compression section by processing a voice input from the voice input section to be imaged as a voice code image. A relating data generating section generates relating data for associating a photography still image recorded on a same printing medium and a voice code image, and stores the generated relating data to be associated with the associated voice data on the storage section. An output section outputs the voice data and relating data stored by the storage section to an external system for recording a still image and a voice code image on the printing medium.

Abstract: In an apparatus adapted to a photographic film having a magnetic recording part, a magnetic recording device continuously records magnetic information on an area of the photographic film extending from a leader part thereof to inside an image recording area thereof.

Abstract: A system for associating a prerecorded audio snippet with a photograph, includes: an audio data base containing a plurality of audio snippets, each snippet having a corresponding identification code. A scene identification display includes an identification code associated with the scene. A camera having a sensor for sensing the identification code on the display includes a memory for storing the identification code in association with a photograph of the scene taken by the camera. The audio snippet corresponding to the identification code is retrieved from the audio data base and reproduced in conjunction with the display of the photograph.

Abstract: An audio photograph or picture 2 made of a photograph or picture material 6 having an image area 12 for providing at least one photographic or picture image and further having an audio system 4 embedded within the photograph or picture material 6. The audio system 4 comprises a recording system for recording and storing audio information and a playback system for playing audio information. The components of the audio system 4 are made from ultra-thin, compact, and flexible materials, and these components are made paper-thin.

Abstract: A data sender is installed in a designated place where the probability of photography is high. The data sender sends out photo data relating to the designated place. A receiver for receiving photo data from the data sender and a data storage device for storing the photo data are incorporated into a camera. In association with an image photographed by the camera at the designated place, the photo data is written in the data storage device. The photo data is used for printing or displaying literal information about a scene or subject of the photographed image.

Abstract: A camera system is disclosed having a sensor for sensing an image; a processor for processing the sensed image in accordance with a predetermined processing requirement, if any; an audio recorder for recording an audio signal to be associated with the sensed image; a printer for printing the processed sensed image on a first area of a print media supplied with the camera system, in addition to printing an encoded version of the audio signal on a second area of the print media. Preferably the sensed image is printed on a first surface of the print media and the encoded version of the audio signal is printed on a second surface of the print media. The print media can be is supplied in the camera system on a detachable print roll and the printer means includes at least one ink jet print head for printing the processed sensed image and a second pring head for the encoded version of the audio signal. The encoding can include Reed-Solomon encoding of the audio-signal.

Abstract: An icon reader reads picture identification data from a data icon on an image print. This data is used to determine the location of a corresponding sound bite contained in a memory module and for playing the sound bite. The memory module contains sound bites recorded at the camera during picture taking. The icon reader includes a data reader module that optically scans the data icon from one location to read the picture identification data. The icon reader further includes a decoder for decoding the encoded picture identification data, and a data port for selective communication with the memory module. In one embodiment, the icon reader is structured to be a self-contained sound playback apparatus in which a sound IC card is docked to the data port and, in another embodiment, the icon reader is coupled with a wireless communication device for communicating the decoded picture identification data to a remote memory archive unit having built-in sound playback apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing/editing section visualizes still images input from an image medium on an image display section. While confirming the still images, the user selects, using an operation instructing section, a code image forming mode for forming, on a first medium on which one of the displayed still images is to be formed, a code image indicative of voice information made to correspond to the to-be-formed still image, or a code image non-forming mode for forming only the still image on the first medium.

Abstract: A camera has a user-operable input device, e.g., a writing pad, attached to its body. A user inputs information to be superimposed on a photographic negative onto the user-operable input device. A processor is connected to the user-operable input device. A display is also attached to the camera body and is connected to the processor. The processor transmits the information entered onto the user-operable input device to the display. When the negative is exposed, the display information is superimposed with the image of the subject being photographed. Thus, a user may enter a caption describing the subject directly onto the photograph.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adding sound to images in a digital camera, which includes a view finder for displaying a plurality of image cells corresponding to previously captured images. The method and system includes the ability to manually post-annotate a previously captured image. This is accomplished by placing the digital camera in a review mode, selecting the image cell in the view finder corresponding to the previously captured image, recording a sound clip; and then attaching the sound clip to the previously captured image.

Abstract: An imaging instrument includes a compact hand-held housing having an electronic imaging element supported within a housing, and a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads separably attachable to the housing. Each of the instrument heads includes an optical system disposed in alignment with the electronic imaging element along an instrument viewing axis. Preferably, the instrument further includes an integral display for displaying at least one captured or real-time video image as viewed through the instrument head of choice. The instrument includes a controller with sufficient programmable logic to capture and store a plurality of imaging images which can be transferred along with audio and/or annotation data relating to a captured image. Corresponding video and audio data can be then transferred using a receiving cradle to a computer which contains software which organizes the stored data for further processing.

Abstract: An image and an associated audio segment are recorded on a film negative. The information on the film negative can be printed as encoded sound data on photographic paper or the like. For displaying, the sound data is scanned, decoded to create an audio segment data stream, and the data stream is played, typically by a computer while a monitor displays the image at the same time. More realistic sound playback is achieved by recording audio segments with plural microphones and playing back the audio segments recorded by the microphones from one or more of the sources based on a user-selected area of interest on the corresponding visual image.

Abstract: A method of associating a sound record with a film image, including capturing a film image on a recording medium and unique identifying information corresponding to such film image; recording the sound record and electrically transferring such sound record to a predetermined memory location corresponding to the unique identifying information; printing the unique identifying information on the film image; and retrieving the unique identifying information from the printed image and associating such unique identifying information with the recorded sound record.

Abstract: A film supporting plate made of a plastic is formed with a window into which a head holder made of a metallic thin plate is inserted. The head holder has an opening for baring a magnetic head, and holds a head base on which the magnetic head is mounted. An adhesive is applied so as to extend from a peripheral face of the head base to a rear face of the head holder. When the adhesive is hardened, the head base adheres to the head holder and is fixed relative to the film supporting plate. A thickness of the head holder is thin in comparison with that of the film supporting plate. The head holder is fitted into a front portion of the window of the film supporting plate so that the head base enters the window. A protrusion amount of the head base toward the back side is reduced by an amount of the head base entering the window.

Abstract: Remotely operable electronic apparatus are applied to distance measurement and picture/sound recording wherein, for example, a remote unit may be equipped with a microphone and an active range finder coupled to an auto-focussing capability. In one embodiment a camera is adapted to transmit a signal to the remote unit which returns a signal enabling the camera to accurately calculate distance and adjust focus in accordance with time-of-flight. The transponder preferably forms part of a wireless microphone, with the signal transmitted by the camera being preferably acoustical in nature. The acoustical signal transmitted by the camera is preferably modulated onto a return RF signal, enabling at least a portion of the audio circuitry associated with voice modulation to be used for the purpose of modulating the ranging signal, thereby realizing a very efficient and economical approach to remote sound detection and active ranging finding.

Abstract: A self-contained device for recording data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on a medium, and for playback of data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on the medium, the device comprises a case for forming a self-contained housing for the device; a recording portion for recording either or both visible and invisible ink on the medium, or recording either or both visible and invisible dye; and a detecting portion for detecting either or both visible and invisible ink, or detecting either or both visible and invisible dye.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a housing and an audio transducer mounted on the housing for receiving and transmitting audio signals. A plurality of control buttons include a film button, a playback button, and record button mounted on the housing. A tape recording/applicator mechanism has a tape cartridge compartment for removably receiving a tape cartridge and is adapted to record an audio message from the audio transducer on a portion of the tape of the tape cartridge upon the depression of the record button. The recording/applicator mechanism is further adapted to adhere the portion of the tape to the photograph upon the depression of the film button. Further, a playback mechanism is positioned within the housing for playing back the audio message stored on the portion of the tape of the photograph upon the depression of the playback button.

Abstract: A camera having a microphone for detecting sound in a bi-directional manner. The microphone, for example a first order gradient microphone, is placed within a camera body and is in communication with two apertures extending from the front and rear surfaces of the camera body. Background noise is reduced and sound from the scene being photographed and the user of the camera is preferentially detected by the microphone. Preferably, the microphone is mounted in a substantially resilient and acoustically opaque material to reduce stray noises, such as from the motors of the camera.

Abstract: Sound with still image film system, camera and cassette classifier apparatus wherein indicium such as a deformable tab on the film cassette is modified to indicate sound is or will be recorded in association with pictures taken on the film in the cassette. The camera includes a mechanism responsive to a control input such as actual recording of sound to cause the tab to be modified (bent inwards or broken off) to provide a visible indication that the cassette is to receive sound associated processing. Classifier apparatus at the retail order station includes a physical sensor to detect the modified tab condition and initiate a signal indicating a sound capable film cassette as well as possible order entry functions and recording of sound order associated on a film magnetic layer on the leader of the film.

Abstract: An image-audio print has either a single image or a set of images on a first side and an accessible audio data storage means preferably on its backside. The accessible audio data storage means contains an audio data segment associated with the image on single image prints and a set of audio data segments, one for each image on multi-image prints, for example, index prints. A player receives and locates the image-audio print with the accessible audio data storage means accurately positioned in electrical contact with the player apparatus. The player apparatus can play an audio data segment associated with the print from a single image print or by appropriate interaction with the user who selects a audio data segment associated with the selected image on multi-image prints. Preferably, a touchscreen is used to select the image for which the audio is to be played. The player also can record audio into the accessible audio data storage means and copy audio from one print to another.

Abstract: A recording transfer method and apparatus. In the method, an index print having an array of imagettes and a plurality of recordings is provided. The recordings are individually associated with respective imagettes. A set of digital image files is provided on a digital memory store. The digital image files each correspond to a respective imagette. The index print and an array of switches are aligned. The array of switches has at least one switch in registry with each imagette. The switches are allocated to an array of triggers. The triggers each have a uniquely associated imagette and have at least one switch in registry with the imagette. The array of triggers has at least one trigger associated with each of imagette. A plurality of switches are actuated to define a series of imagettes associated with respective triggers. Individual recordings are, in response, associated with individual digital image files corresponding to the series of imagettes.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes means for recording an image of a scene and means for recording audio information. The camera further includes means for determining that a request has been made for the recording means to record an image and means for ascertaining whether or not audio information has already been recorded for the requested image recordation.

Abstract: A method of processing photographic still image film orders having sound information recorded at the camera in association with one or more images captured on the film in which the sound information is downloaded at an order entry station to create a sound file for transfer to the photofinishing laboratory. Order identification data linking the recorded sound information to the film order is created and assigned to the sound file and the film order. The order identification data is employed at the photofinishing laboratory to create a sound recording medium from the sound file which is linked to prints produced from the film order, the sound recording medium then being attached to the image prints using the linking order identification data. Sound information associated with individual image prints may also be accumulated and recorded on a single sound recording medium for attachment to an index print produced from the film order.

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: Apparatus and method for printing sound code icons on photographic prints produced from filmstrips having images with varying orientation, size and or format. A sound-on-print print gate includes a pair of selectable LED icon printers for printing a binary coded sound icon on either edge of the photographic print depending on normal or inverted image orientation. The icon printers are mounted for translational movement lengthwise of the print paper, the positioning being determined by the format of the print: panoramic, normal or HDTV aspect ratios. A computer controlled system is disclosed which determines the orientation, size and format and positions the icon printers in response thereto at the print gate.

Abstract: A device and process for recording sound to an integrated circuit is disclosed at about the time a picture is being taken, in order to later review the sound while viewing the picture.

Abstract: In a camera and printer system, apparatus and methods for recording or storing voice messages in message memory associated with an exposed image frame for reproduction as an annotation with prints made from the exposed image frames. The messages may be recorded on magnetic film layers or stored in camera on-board memory or in detachable message memory modules or cards to be forwarded with the exposed film strip to a photofinisher for read out and printing on the prints. The printer includes a voice recognition system for voice recognition of words spoken by the user and stored in the memory means and provided to the photofinisher. The messages to be printed may be stored or recorded by the user in real time with each exposure or at an earlier time to be reproduced on each print made subsequently. Notes may be temporarily stored with the making of each exposure, read out at a later time and used in the composition and recording in the memory of the message to be printed after voice recognition.

Abstract: A system for incorporating electronic signals representative of at least audio information into still film slides and photographs. A data storage medium capable of retaining electronic signals is provided in association with a photographic print or frame in which a slide is mounted. Audio information is stored in the data storage medium and may be aurally reproduced by an audio reproduction device as the slide or photograph is being displayed. The system affords bi-directional compatibility with the existing art.