Optical Patents (Class 396/315)
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Patent number: 11378793Abstract: The invention relates first to a camera module for a microscope. The camera module comprises an optical interface for inserting the camera module into an imaging beam path of the microscope, which imaging beam path images a nominal intermediate image. Furthermore, the camera module comprises an electronic image converter and a functional element for changing an intermediate image plane, which functional element is arranged in a beam path of the camera module between the optical interface and the image converter. The camera module also comprises a first optical assembly having an optical power, which first optical assembly is arranged in the beam path between the optical interface and the image converter. According to the invention, a distance between the functional element and the optical interface along the beam path or a distance between the first optical assembly and the optical interface along the beam path can be changed. The invention further relates to a method for operating the camera module.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignees: CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH, SD OPTICS, INC., STEREO DISPLAY, INC.Inventors: Johannes Winterot, Michael Goelles, Alexander Gaiduk
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Patent number: 9250387Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber and an optical cable which can be used for a long term even under environments in which an oil content migrates into them, and the optical fiber has a glass fiber extending along a predetermined axis, and a coating. The coating is composed of a plurality of layers each of which is comprised of an ultraviolet curable resin or a thermosetting resin, and swelling rates of the respective coating layers are set so that they increase from an outer peripheral surface of the glass fiber to an outer peripheral surface of the cable jacket.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Itaru Sakabe, Yuya Homma
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Patent number: 8786714Abstract: A zoom lens includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group including a first sub-lens group having a positive refractive power, an iris, and a second sub-lens group having a positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first to fourth lens groups are sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, the distance between each of the first through fourth lens groups changes when zooming, the surface of the lens closest to the image side in the first sub-lens group is concave, the lens closest to the object side in the second sub-lens group is a meniscus lens concave towards the object side, and the lens located closest to the object side in the third lens group is an aspheric lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-woo Kim, Dong-ok Choi
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Patent number: 7801440Abstract: The invention includes a system for imparting at least one characteristic of photographic emulsion to an image. The system includes a light transmissible medium at least partially provided with photographic film emulsion, wherein the photographic film emulsion is capable of being exposed and chemically processed. Furthermore, light that is related to an image is projected through a selected portion of the photographic film emulsion. Moreover, a containment is included for providing the light transmissible medium in a position relative to the projected light, wherein the image is imparted with the at least one quality related to the photographic film emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Craig Mowry
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Patent number: 7584212Abstract: A digital camera (10) includes a CPU (46). When a power source is turned on, the CPU (46) determines an available area of a recording destination on the basis of an FAT recorded on a magneto-optical disk (44). Compressed image data created on the basis of an operation of a shutter button (48) is recorded on the determined available area. When succeeding in recording, the FAT is renewed. When failing in recording due to a defect of the magneto-optical disk (44), a message is displayed on a monitor (28). When a set key (50) is operated after displaying the message, a write protection is set on the magneto-optical disk (44).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junya Kaku
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Patent number: 7376345Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method to permit a photographer to take accurate portraiture pictures. There is provided a camera reference device for adjusting the settings on a camera comprising a reference member with qualitative indicia for determining picture sharpness and colour for adjusting the settings on the camera and which allows for the taking of a picture of the face and head of the subject within the same photographic image beside the reference member. Using the device, there is provided a method of taking a photographic image comprising: taking a picture of the subject in combination with an apparatus comprising a reference member with qualitative indicia for determining photographic image qualities for adjusting the settings on the camera and which allows for the taking of a picture of the face and head of the subject within the same photographic image beside the reference member.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Ferrand David Ernest Corley
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Patent number: 7346275Abstract: A camera is provided with media for creating a light signal with at least one of known spectral intensity distribution, chromaticity coordinates and brightness detectable by recording medium positionable within the camera. Processes for reconstructing and calibrating image information on a recording medium are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Franz Josef Gassmann
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Patent number: 6885817Abstract: A method for orienting a digital panoramic image obtained using at least one initial wide-angle image the image points of which are transferred into a three-dimensional coordinate system includes inserting an orientation mark into the initial image at the time of the exposure. The method further includes detecting the location of the orientation mark in the digital panoramic image, performed by an image analysis algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: 6115187 Canada Inc.Inventors: Jean-Claude Artonne, Christophe Moustier
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Patent number: 6829435Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thierry Prigent, Michel M. Lemoine
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Patent number: 6816678Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Thierry Prigent, Michel M. Lemoine
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Patent number: 6767677Abstract: This invention relates to a silver halide photographic display element comprising a support, a front side which has at least one silver halide emulsion layer, and a back side, said front and back sides being on opposite sides of the support; wherein said photographic element further comprises printed on the back side a printing ink composition comprising coalesced hydrophobic polymer particles having associated therewith a squarine infrared absorbing dye represented by formula I: wherein: R and R′ independently represents an aromatic or a heteroaromatic group such that the resulting dye has an absorption max greater than 800 nm; X represents an oxygen or nitrogen atom, or a group containing an oxygen or a nitrogen atom as a heteroatom, wherein the group must be attached through the heteroatom; W is a monovalent counter anion to balance the charge on the dye and m is 0 or 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Kevin W. Williams
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Publication number: 20040071464Abstract: A camera has a body having an exposure frame surrounding an exposure opening. The exposure frame has a window. A mask core is mounted in the body. The mask core has an axis of rotation extending transverse to the exposure frame. The mask core has a plurality of sectors arranged about the axis of rotation. Each sector has an active position adjoining the window. Each sector shades the window differently in the respective active position. A drive is coupled to the mask core. The drive selectively rotates the mask core between the active positions of each of the sectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: David C. Smart
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Patent number: 6711355Abstract: A camera, used with photographic film, has a body having an exposure support surrounding an exposure opening. The body defines an encoder light path. An encoder is mounted in the body in alignment with the encoder light path. The encoder has an axis of rotation. The encoder has a marker occupying part of the encoder light path. The marker has a pair of subunits. The subunits are opposed relative to the axis of rotation. A drive is coupled to the encoder. The drive selectively rotates the encoder about the axis of rotation between a primary position and a plurality of secondary positions. The subunits are both disposed in the encoder light path in all of the positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David C. Smart, Craig A. Baker
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Patent number: 6689518Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic display element comprising a support, a front side which has at least one photographic imaging layer, and a back side, said front and back sides being on opposite sides of the support, wherein said photographic element further comprises applied on the front or back side a composition comprising coalesced hydrophobic polymer particles having associated therewith an infrared absorbing polymethine dye having covalently bonded thereto a phenylenediamine moiety.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Kevin W. Williams, Ruizheng Wang
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Patent number: 6625400Abstract: A Brownie film is wound about a spool such that a leader covers outside. A filmstrip has first and second lateral side portions. Upon manufacturing the filmstrip, film information is printed as latent images in the first lateral side portion. The first lateral side portion comes to upper side of the filmstrip when the filmstrip is pulled from the spool to leftward, viewed from a base surface side of the filmstrip. A data exposure head of the camera imprints photographic information as individual printing patterns.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Sanda, Taro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6584287Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jun Enomoto
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Patent number: 6574441Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: John W. McElroy
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Patent number: 6571067Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Kyoji Genda, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6509950Abstract: A preexposure apparatus comprises a film supply station ST1 for arranging a film cartridge 14 containing a film 12 accommodated therein, a film-drawing station-ST3 for automatically drawing the film 12 over its entire length, an exposure station ST5 for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film 12 with an image by the aid of an exposure section 32, a winding station ST6 for automatically rewinding the film 12 after the exposure into the film cartridge 14, and a withdrawing station ST8 for withdrawing the film cartridge 14. Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Nishizawa
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Patent number: 6507710Abstract: In an optical data recording device, an LCD panel, an aperture stop and a projection lens are arranged in this order from the object side, and a center of the LCD panel is displaced from an optical axis of the projection lens in a direction away from an optical axis of an taking lens, so an image of data displayed on the LCD panel is projected on a photo filmstrip at a position that is shifted from the projection lens optical axis toward the taking lens optical axis. Where the photo filmstrip is curved along its lengthwise direction for compensating for a curvature of field of the taking lens, the LCD panel is inclined to a perpendicular plane to the projection lens optical axis, so an image surface of the LCD panel is formed on the photo filmstrip parallel with its curve.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazumi Koike, Mitsuhiro Moriya
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Patent number: 6490418Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Kamata, Mitsuro Kamata
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Patent number: 6477330Abstract: There is described a data-imprinting optical system for use with a camera which is composed of a single meniscus lens having a positive refracting power and a brightness aperture, which can be applied to a low-cost unsophisticated camera of manual advance type by satisfying predetermined conditional equations, and which enables miniaturization of and space-saving in a camera. Specifically, the data-imprinting optical system includes a single positive meniscus lens and a brightness aperture disposed on the part of a data display member. The positive meniscus lens is a plastic lens having an aspherical concave surface on the part thereof facing the data display member. An image of display information appearing on the data display member is projected on a film surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Ohno
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Patent number: 6469771Abstract: A preexposure apparatus includes a film supply station (ST1) for arranging a film cartridge (14) containing a film (12) accommodated therein, a film-drawing station (ST3) for automatically drawing the film (12) over its entire length, an exposure station (ST5) for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film (12) with an image by the aid of an exposure section (32), a winding station (ST6) for automatically rewinding the film (12) after the exposure into the film cartridge (14), and a withdrawing station (ST8) for withdrawing the film cartridge (14). Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Nishizawa
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Patent number: 6456798Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John T. Keech, Gary W. Ahlquist, John P. Spence
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Patent number: 6442343Abstract: A first stop plate with a small stop opening is disposed behind a taking lens, and a second stop plate with a middle stop opening is disposed between a first and second lens, which comprise the taking lens. Upon moving a changeover knob to an ON position, a flash unit and the second stop plate are actuated such that the middle stop opening is retracted from an photographic light path PL. The small stop opening is retracted from the photographic light path PL when subject luminance is less than a predetermined value. In high-luminance condition, the small stop opening and the middle stop opening are set on the photographic light path PL, and in middle-luminance condition, the small stop opening is retracted. In low-luminance condition, the middle stop opening is retracted by operation of the changeover knob, so only a large stop opening is set on the photographic light path PL.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Kameyama, Shigeki Takahara, Yuji Mikami
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Patent number: 6438325Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6438326Abstract: An apparatus for the exposure of additional information into the film plane of a camera, is located in a data back. The data back has a two-column liquid crystal display. Control of the data back takes place directly through the printer output of a computer. The data to be exposed can be entered for this purpose by means of the computer keyboard. The computer is simultaneously connected via the printer output to the code transducer and to the path measuring system of the zoom system of the photomicroscope. The overall magnification is calculated from the data which is read in, by means of a computer program, and is exposed in the photograph by means of the data back.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventors: Günter Niederecker, Bernd Spruck
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Patent number: 6429924Abstract: A photofinishing method, including the steps of: exposing machine readable metadata and a scene image within an entire safe frame area on a filmstrip; processing the filmstrip to produce a visible image including the machine readable metadata and the scene image; scanning the safe frame area to produce a digital image; extracting the machine readable metadata from the digital image; extracting the scene image from the digital image; and processing the scene image according to the extracted machine readable metadata.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: James R. Milch
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Patent number: 6415108Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gakuzi Kamishima, Daikichi Morohashi
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Patent number: 6389234Abstract: There is described a camera incorporating a focal-plane shutter. The camera includes a lens, an image window having an aperture to bound a light coming through the lens in a plain perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, a focal-plane shutter and a photometry sensor to receive the light reflected by the focal-plain shutter and detect an amount of the light reflected by the focal-plane shutter after coming through the lens. In the camera, the photometry sensor is located at an outside of the aperture and resides on a plane, which is parallel with the optical axis and includes a line which is parallel to a long-axis of the aperture and passes substantially a center of a short-axis of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Jun Ikuyama, Taku Wagatsuma
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Patent number: 6374057Abstract: A data imprinting device for a camera is provided with a light shielding system that shields part of light incident on an imaging frame of a film when the frame is exposed to light from an object to form a data imprinting area which is an unexposed area in the imaging frame. The data imprinting device is further provided with a data imprinting system that forms an optical image of data, such as photographing data, on the data imprinting area in a form of an encoded symbol, such as a bar code.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masahiro Hayakawa
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Patent number: 6353713Abstract: A camera having a data imprinting function, includes a data imprinting device for imprinting data on film, the data imprinting device including a light emitter which emits light to the film from the film base surf ace side of the film in accordance with character information; a film-type identifying device for identifying the sensitivity of the film; and a controller for determining a quantity of light emitted by the light emitter in accordance with the sensitivity of the film identified by the film-type identifying device, and for adjusting the quantity of light in accordance with the sensitivity of the film.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Mikio Ogi
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Patent number: 6349171Abstract: A lens-fitted film unit with a preloaded filmstrip has a taking lens for forming an image on the filmstrip placed on an image surface that is curved in a lengthwise direction of the filmstrip and has a center of curvature on the object end so as to correct the curvature of field of the taking lens in the image surface. The taking lens comprising in order from the object end to the image end a meniscus first lens element having a convex object side surface and a meniscus second lens element having a convex image side surface satisfies the condition −10%≦Ds≦Db−0.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazumi Koike
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Patent number: 6349176Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Kyoji Genda, Hideki Toshikage
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Patent number: 6336005Abstract: A display control system for a camera, which is capable of forming an object image on a film and capturing electronic image of the object and generating image data of the captured image, controls a display device provided to the camera to display an object image and a superimposed image which correspond to the object image and an imprinted image on a photographing film such that a positional relationship of the object image and the superimposed image on the display device is substantially same as a positional relationship of the object image and the another image on the photographing film.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shunichi Miyadera
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Patent number: 6334031Abstract: A camera having a data imprinting function, includes: a sprocket-hole detecting device for detecting when each consecutive sprocket hole of a film passes a predetermined position while the film is wound or rewound, the film being loaded into the camera; a data imprinting device for imprinting data on the film between two adjacent sprocket holes thereof; a film speed detecting device for detecting the speed of the film; and a controller for controlling the position of commencement of imprinting the data on the film between the two adjacent sprocket holes in accordance with the time of detection of the sprocket-hole detecting device and the film speed detected by the film speed detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 6332059Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Kamata, Mitsuro Kamata
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Patent number: 6327438Abstract: A data imprinting device for camera is provided with a shaft that rotatably supports the sprocket which is rotated as a film is fed, a light emitting device that emits a plurality of light beams, and an optical system for converging the light beams on the film. The light emitting device is provided to the shaft. The light emitting device is provided at the top of the shaft, and an optical path is defined inside the shaft, along its central axis, from the light emitting device. The optical path is bent at the lower portion of the shaft such that the light beams are incident on the film, via an opening formed on the shaft, to form beam spots arranged in a width direction of the film.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hisashi Tatamiya
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Patent number: 6317567Abstract: In a camera system for exposing an image of an object in each frame on a film, an inherent film number is optically exposed in a predetermined region on the film which is disposed before a first frame and not exposed. Furthermore, all frame data such as shutter speed, aperture number, and so on with respect to all frames on the same film are recorded together in a file in a memory card. A name corresponding to the inherent film number is used as a name of the file.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Ichikawa, Hiroaki Minami
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Publication number: 20010038754Abstract: There is described a data-imprinting optical system for use with a camera which is composed of a single meniscus lens having a positive refracting power and a brightness aperture, which can be applied to a low-cost unsophisticated camera of manual advance type by satisfying predetermined conditional equations, and which enables miniaturization of and space-saving in a camera. Specifically, the data-imprinting optical system includes a single positive meniscus lens and a brightness aperture disposed on the part of a data display member. The positive meniscus lens is a plastic lens having an aspherical concave surface on the part thereof facing the data display member. An image of display information appearing on the data display member is projected on a film surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Applicant: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazunori Ohno
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Patent number: 6314245Abstract: A camera consists of a lens barrel unit, a spool chamber unit, a Patrone chamber unit, and a substantially plate-like linking member. The linking member has a photographic aperture, and guide rails for restricting the position of a film relative to the photographic aperture. The linking member links the spool chamber unit and Patrone chamber unit. A picture size switching mechanism realizing a picture size switching function for partly blocking the photographic aperture is mounted on the linking member. The camera further includes a viewfinder picture size switching mechanism for switching viewfinder picture sizes, and a switching control unit for controlling the photographic picture size switching mechanism and viewfinder picture size switching mechanism so that a photographic picture zone and viewfinder picture zone will be set to the same picture size.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Tanaka
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Publication number: 20010017980Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a main body pre-loaded 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Moriya, Kazuhito Iwase
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Patent number: 6280892Abstract: A preexposure apparatus comprises a film supply station ST1 for arranging a film cartridge 14 containing a film 12 accommodated therein, a film-drawing station ST3 for automatically drawing the film 12 over its entire length, an exposure station ST5 for exposing a predetermined portion of the drawn film 12 with an image by the aid of an exposure section 32, a winding station ST6 for automatically rewinding the film 12 after the exposure into the film cartridge 14, and a withdrawing station ST8 for withdrawing the film cartridge 14. Accordingly, the predetermined portion of the film can be preexposed with a desired image automatically and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Nishizawa
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Publication number: 20010010763Abstract: This invention provides a camera with a data exposure function comprising: a dot LED; a film winding mechanism provided with a film feeding motor; a film winding operation detecting portion for outputting a motor pulse signal corresponding to a rotation of the film feeding motor; a perforation detecting portion for detecting a perforation to output a perforation signal; and a main microcomputer for determining a lighting interval pulse by counting the number of motor pulses during detection of plural perforations, calculating a correction time corresponding to a decimal portion of the lighting interval pulse with reference to the cycle of a motor pulse signal and controlling a lighting interval of the dot LED based on an integer portion of the lighting interval pulse and correction time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventor: Naoki Matsuo
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Patent number: 6229964Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Cynthia S. Bell
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Patent number: 6205296Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for enabling the writing of a print format and a trimming magnification onto a film surface using a simple construction. Film information comprising a print format set using a format setting switch 10 and a trimming magnification set using a trimming setting switch 11 is converted into three-bit data by a data conversion circuit 26 inside a controller 25. This information is input to an LED light emission controller 27. Photoemitter elements 17 and 18 are located in the feeding path for the top and bottom edge areas of the film F, and a LED light emission controller 27 causes the photoemitter elements 17 and 18 to emit light during a series of image recording operations, whereby the film information is written onto the top and bottom edge areas of the film F. By optically writing the print format information and the trimming information onto the film F, both items of information can be easily written onto the film surface without making the device complex.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masataka Hamada, Yasuaki Serita
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Patent number: 6188848Abstract: A camera having a data imprinting function, includes: a motorized film transport device for winding and rewinding a film having consecutive sprocket holes; a sprocket-hole detecting device which detects that each of the sprocket holes passes a predetermined position; a memory in which photographic data of a frame of the film is stored at a shutter release; a data imprinting device which reads out one of the photographic data stored in the memory therefrom to imprint one character of the photographic data on a corresponding frame of the film between two adjacent sprocket holes of the corresponding frame; a film moving amount detector for detecting an amount of movement of part of the film which extends from the trailing edge of the last frame of the film to the end of the film, in accordance with detection of the sprocket-hole detector; wherein the amount of movement, which is detected by the film moving amount detector, is stored in the memory; a frame edge detector which detects the trailing edge of the lastType: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 6167205Abstract: A data-imprinting camera includes a winding mechanism for manually winding a film loaded in a camera body, a data imprinting device for imprinting patterns of data onto the film, the data imprinting device having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged such that light dots formed on the film are aligned in the direction perpendicular to the winding direction of the film, and a controlling device for controlling the emissions of the light emitting elements in synchronism with the winding of the film by the winding mechanism, the controlling device including a function to detect condition of the data imprinting and a function to repeat the data imprinting in one picture frame of the film when the detected result is faulty.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyoshi Kawano, Yutaka Ohsawa
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Patent number: 6157785Abstract: A roll-film camera for receiving a roll-film is disclosed which includes: a pair of spool compartments, each of which the roll-film can be placed in; a reversible film winding mechanism which rotates a spool placed in one of the pair of spool compartments in which the roll-film is not placed to wind a film of the roll-film onto the spool when the roll-film is placed in the other of the pair of spool compartments, wherein a film winding direction of the reversible film winding mechanism can be reversed depending on which one of the first and second spool compartments the roll film is loaded into; a photographic-data imprinting device for imprinting photographic data on the film; and a controller for controlling the photographic-data imprinting device to imprint the photographic data on the film in different arrangements depending on the winding direction of the film.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyoshi Kawano, Yutaka Ohsawa
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Patent number: 6151456Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Hideki Toshikage