Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a power semiconductor chip, a threshold setting unit and a breaker circuit. The power semiconductor chip is connected between an output terminal and an earth terminal, and is configured to be turned on or off according to a potential at a gate terminal thereof. The threshold setting unit outputs an interrupt signal upon detecting that a voltage of a control signal received at an input terminal is lower than a predetermined voltage. The breaker circuit is connected between the gate terminal and the earth terminal, and switches on upon receiving the interrupt signal to thereby turn off the power semiconductor chip. The threshold setting unit includes a feed circuit that is configured to supply an electric charge stored in gate capacitance of the power semiconductor chip to the threshold setting unit responsive to a sudden drop of the voltage of the control signal.

Abstract: An image-capture-scope indication device for an image-capture apparatus. The image-capture-scope indication device includes: a light source, fixed on a surface of the image-capture apparatus on which a lens of the image-capture apparatus is provided; a light ray selection member, which is provided in front of the light source and has a light transmission portion; and a drive member. The drive member is configured for moving the light ray selection member so that a scope surrounded by light rays emitted from the light source and passing through the light transmission portion of the light ray selection member is provided that is consistent with an image-capture-scope of the image-capture apparatus.

Abstract: A infrared camera includes: a camera module photographing a subject; a lighting module outputting light to the subject; a control module controlling the camera module to photograph the subject and outputting a lighting driving signal synchronized with an operation of the camera module; and a lighting driving module driving the lighting module based on the lighting driving signal output from the control module.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus includes an operating section having dual functions depending on being in an image capture mode or in a reproduction mode respectively. While one of the recording mode and the reproduction mode is being carried out, in response to start of the other mode, a controlling function of the operating section is switched to the function of the other mode, and in response to the completion of the other mode, the function of the operating section is switched to the function of the one mode.

Abstract: A film record comprises a film strip representing a plurality of frames. At least one of the frames includes at least one region wherein the optical density of the region is representative of a symbol from a constellation of symbols.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus includes an operating section having dual functions depending on being in an image capture mode or in a reproduction mode respectively. While one of the recording mode and the reproduction mode is being carried out, in response to start of the other mode, a controlling function of the operating section is switched to the function of the other mode, and in response to the completion of the other mode, the function of the operating section is switched to the function of the one mode.

Abstract: An optical data recording device has a data recording aperture on the right hand side of a sprocket in apposition opposing to a topside margin of a picture frame taking area of photographic film as positioned behind an exposure opening. A light guide is disposed along a top side of the image tunnel, to produce a data recording light path toward the data recording aperture. At the flash photography, the flash light is partly conducted through a light conducting device toward the data recording light path, so as to record a bit mark on photographic film by use of the flash light. At the photography without flash, external light is taken into the data recording light path, to record a bit mark by use of the external light.

Abstract: 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.

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: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 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 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.

Abstract: A system for recording and reproducing a color image of a scene includes an image recording apparatus including a body portion for containing components of the apparatus and for housing a roll of black and white silver halide emulsion film. The body portion includes a focal lens for focusing scene illumination to expose the film with the scene image. A color filter disposed in the body portion filters the scene illumination. The filter includes a color filter array having a plurality of adjacent pixel arrays, whereby the scene illumination is pixelated on the black and white film for each array as units of luminance and chrominance information.

Abstract: The camera of this invention can create a composite image on a frame of film that includes an image of an object whose picture is being taken by the camera and an image stored on a mask disposed within the camera. The mask is preferably disposed on a mask cartridge that can be inserted and removed from the camera. Disposed on the mask is a plurality of mask objects whose images can be created on a frame of film. The camera preferably includes a first and a second film exposing chamber. A first section of the mask is preferably disposed in the first film exposing chamber. In this first film exposing chamber, a first portion of a frame of film is preferably exposed and an object image of the object whose picture is being taken with the camera is created on the first portion of the frame of film.

Abstract: A camera includes a number-of-prints designating device which selectively designates number of prints for each frame of an image recording medium, and a display device which makes it possible to know whether a frame of the image recording medium for which number of prints is to be selectively designated by the number-of-prints designating device is an exposed frame or an unexposed frame.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a camera having a single battery cell power source, a flash apparatus is provided in combination with an optical data recording circuit in which energy to illuminate an LED illumination device in the recording circuit is derived from charging current through the flash capacitor generated by a “one touch” self oscillating charging circuit. A resistor element is connected in circuit with the flash capacitor across the charge voltage output terminals of the charging circuit. An oscillation start terminal of the charging circuit and the illumination device of the recording circuit are coupled through respective normally reverse biased diodes to the normally open contact of a flash synchronization switch. Closure of the synchronization switch forward biases the diodes to start the charging circuit and to connect the illumination device across the resistor element to activate the illumination device during the brief period the flash synchronization switch is closed.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is provided with a data recording device, wherein a plastic light guide member has a flash light entering portion that is opposed to a front portion of a flash projector of a built-in flash device, and a light projection terminal facing an LCD panel of a data display module. The light guide member also has an external light entering surface that is exposed to a front portion of the film unit, to collect external light and conduct it to the light projection terminal. The light projected from the light projection terminal toward the LCD panel is used for recording data displayed on the LCD panel onto a filmstrip contained in the film unit. When the film unit is used in a dark place, the flash device is activated to project a flash light from the flash projector. So the flash light partly enters through the flash light entering portion, and is added to the external light entering through the external light entering surface.

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

Abstract: A data recording device 10 for a camera 1 uses a collecting plate 11 formed of a light transmitting resin with a fluorescent substance dispersed therein as a collecting element for collecting external light. The collecting plate 11 includes a vertically elongated flat light receiving portion 21 and a flat light emitting portion 22 protruding at a right angle from the back side of the light receiving portion, the end portion of the light emitting portion 22 constituting a light emitting surface 22a. External light incident on a surface 21a of the light receiving portion 21 enters the light receiving portion and is absorbed by the fluorescent substance, which generates fluorescence. The fluorescence is propagated through the collecting plate as it is reflected by the interface between the ambient air and the collecting plate before it is applied to a liquid crystal panel 12 for data recording from the light emitting surface 22a of the light emitting portion 22.

Abstract: An optical data recording circuit includes an optical recording device normally illuminated from a camera battery means in conjunction with initiation of flash illumination in the camera flash illumination circuit. The data recording circuit includes a first charging circuit path having a charging diode and an auxiliary charge storage capacitor for maintaining a charge voltage substantially equal to battery no-load voltage. The optical recording device, typically an LED, is connected to the charge voltage point of the first circuit and, through a switch device to a return terminal of the battery. When the switch device is closed in conjunction with initiating flash illumination, the LED is illuminated by the battery through the charging diode of the first circuit path.

Abstract: An optical film encoder for recording discrete data bits on a length of film, includes a single light source capable of receiving electrical current to produce artificial light; at least two light emission openings positioned to individually emit artificial light produced by the light source, to record respective data bits on the length of film; a light intensity-reducing filter positioned to reduce the intensity of artificial light that can be emitted from one of the openings, but not from the other opening; and a current limiting device capable of reducing the intensity of artificial light produced by the light source to allow the filter to reduce the intensity of artificial light that can be emitted from the one opening at least sufficiently to prevent the light from recording a data bit on the length of film, whereby only the light to be emitted from the other opening will record a data bit on the length of film.

Abstract: A variable format camera comprising a front cover part having a particular-format viewfinder opening, and at least one other-format mask movable beneath the front cover part into alignment with the viewfinder opening to change the format of the view through the viewfinder opening to that of the mask and out of alignment with the viewfinder opening, is characterized in that a format-encodement-on-film switch is actuatable to provide a format encodement on a filmstrip in the camera; the mask has a switch actuator for actuating the encodement switch; and a rigid support for the switch actuator maintains a gap between the switch actuator and the encodement switch when the switch actuator does not actuate the encodement switch, to prevent the switch actuator from accidentally actuating the encodement switch because the front cover part is pressed inwardly.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a shutter for providing photo film with an exposure to create a frame. A flash circuit emits flash light to a subject to be photographed. The flash circuit includes a blocking oscillator for converting low voltage of a battery into high voltage of an alternate current by oscillation. An optical data recorder device includes a timer circuit, which starts in response to actuation of the shutter operation. The timer circuit measures predetermined time of lapse, and starts the oscillation of the blocking oscillator. A light-emitting element illuminates with voltage obtained from the blocking oscillator during the predetermined time measured by the timer circuit. Data is recorded optically in a position on the photo film respectively for the frame.

Abstract: A group of two different variable format cameras comprise a viewfinder in each of the cameras; a single format mask supported for movement into and out of the viewfinder in one of the cameras, and an identical format mask supported for movement into and out of the viewfinder in the other camera; a format-encodement-on-film closeable switch in one of the cameras, and an identical switch in the other camera; and a closing actuator connected to the mask in one of the cameras to close the switch in that camera when the mask is moved into the viewfinder in that camera, and a different closing actuator connected to the mask in the other camera to close the switch in that camera when the mask is moved out of the viewfinder in that camera.

Abstract: A print format selection device for selecting one of different print formats to each picture frame of a filmstrip loaded in a camera or lens-fitted photo film unit, wherein an original field of view of a viewfinder corresponds to a picture frame defined by an exposure aperture of the camera. A rotatable view changing plate is provided to limit the original field of view in correspondence with the selected print format. The view changing plate is formed with two view windows of different aspect ratios from the original field of view. The centers of the view windows are on a circle which is coaxial with the rotational axis of the view changing plate and which extend across an optical axis of the viewfinder.

Abstract: An image recording device using an electro-developing recording medium by which an object image formed thereon is electronically developed. The recording medium has a first recording area in which the object image is recorded, and a second recording area in which information other than the object image is recorded. The first recording area has three recording portions in which red, green and blue images are recorded, respectively. The information may be a color temperature information. The red, green and blue images are read out from the first recording area in accordance with the color temperature information, so that an image having a natural color is obtained.

Abstract: A data printing device is provided which comprises a light emitting device that includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and an imaging optical system for forming light spots corresponding to the light emitting elements on the film. Preferably, the imaging optical system satisfies the following condition: 0.6<.vertline.m.vertline.<1.5, where "m" represents the magnification of the imaging optical system. The light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode in which a plurality of light emitting elements are included on a single substrate. The plurality of light emitting elements are aligned along a straight line perpendicular to a direction of film winding. The imaging optical system includes of a single imaging lens or a plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a date recording device and a display for showing at least the time. Also included is a device to display the time on the film. The display also indicates battery power and flashes to indicate when the battery has been replaced.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a film roll chamber, a cartridge chamber, and an exposure frame member provided between the film roll chamber and the film container chamber. The exposure frame member has an exposure aperture through which each picture frame is recorded in the same size on the filmstrip. The exposure frame member is rearwardly convex along a lengthwise direction of the filmstrip so as to support the filmstrip to be forwardly concave behind the exposure aperture, and has a forwardly concave wall portion on one margin of the exposure aperture. Data recording holes are formed through the forwardly concave wall portion, and a data recording lamp projects light toward the data recording holes at each exposure, to photographically record a number of dots on the filmstrip on one margin of the picture frame. A data switching blade mounted in the forwardly concave wall portion in front of the data recording holes.

Abstract: A data imprinting apparatus for a camera prevents image dropout and loss of image sharpness in the imprinted image even when the path length from the light source to the data imprinting LCD is shortened, or when the diffusion angle of the emitted light is increased. In a camera data imprinting apparatus 1 the relationship between the position of a segment 630 on the liquid crystal panel 604 and the position of a light transmitting segment 660 on the light mask 622 is determined with consideration given to the diffusion angle of the emitted light so that the corresponding light transmitting segment 660 of the light mask 622 is positioned within the illumination area 640 formed on the light mask 622 by light passing a segment 630 switched to the light transmitting state. The illumination area 640 is thus formed at a position which is not partially offset from the light transmitting segment 660 of the light mask. Partial dropout of the imprinted data image, or partial loss of sharpness, can thus be avoided.

Abstract: A data printing device comprises a light emitting device that includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and an imaging optical system for forming light points on the film which correspond to the light emitting elements. The imaging optical system includes at least one imaging lens and at least three reflecting surfaces that reflect the light from the light emitting device to bend the optical path along an arc of a cylindrical wall of a film space, such as a spool chamber or a cartridge chamber.

Abstract: A camera and film for recording overlapping visual images and digital data is disclosed. The camera includes a structure for recording the region of a film with visible light to record a visible image in one or more record layer(s) sensitized to visible light; and a structure for recording in the region of the film with non-visible light to record digital data in one or more record layer(s) sensitized to non-visible light, whereby overlapping visual and digital data images are recorded in the same region.

Abstract: An optical data recording device is mounted in a lens-fitted photographic film unit with a built-in flash device. The optical data recording device is provided for optically recording a number of dots on the photographic film, as print format data for designating a print format of photo-prints to be made from a picture frame of a constant size. A light source of the optical data recording device is mounted to a printed circuit board of the flash device so as to be supplied with a battery of the flash device and to be driven in synchronism with a shutter release operation. Light from the light source is transmitted through a light guide toward a plurality of openings which face the photographic film. The number of dots recorded per picture frame is changed by operating a format selection knob.

Abstract: A camera with a character mark display device is formed of a main body for a camera, and a light shielding wall inside the camera. The main body includes a dark box between a photographic lens and an exposure portion to locate a photographic film. The light shielding wall divides the dark box into a first dark section and a second dark section. The photographic lens is located in the first dark section for exposing an image of a subject passing through the photographic lens onto the photographing film. In the second dark section, there are disposed a character film for displaying a character mark, and a strobe flash tube as a light source for exposing the character mark onto a part of the photographic film. When a shutter for the lens is opened, the strobe flash tube is irradiated equally to expose the character mark onto the photographic film.

Abstract: Camera image data transfer device 1 of the present invention allows for the assembly of its components, with one component on top of another from the bottom up in one direction: liquid crystal display device for data transfer 6 is mounted in recess 28 on the inner side of first base 2; then, circuit board 5 and second base 3 are placed on top of it in this order; next, liquid crystal monitor display device 7 is mounted on the outer side of the second base; and finally fixture 8 securely fixes the display device to the second base. The whole device is fixed by securing the ends of dowels 21-27 to second base 3 with going through the entire structure and being extended from first base 2. Thus, the structure of the present invention facilitates assembly and produces fewer defects.

Abstract: A data recording optical system which is to be used in cameras each having a plurality of photographing modes; comprises a display member and a single imaging lens system or a plurality of imaging lens systems; and is configured so as to modify data recording locations and change magnifications by moving a portion of the imaging lens system or selectively using the plurality of imaging lens systems.

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

Abstract: A data recording apparatus for a camera includes a data module having a plurality of light emitting elements. The data module also includes a plurality of image forming optical systems which form images of bundles of light emitted from the data module on a film at different recording positions. The image forming optical systems comprise a single prism to refract light paths of the bundles of light.

Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.

Abstract: In a data print unit (40), a lower frame (50) and an upper frame (60) are assembled into a single unit by retaining tabs, shafts (71) and (81) of a year-month data indicator wheel (70) and of a day data indicator wheel (80) are inserted from the outside surface of upper frame (60), and print data plates (75) and (85) are fixed to the ends of shafts (71) and (81) from the outside surface of lower frame 50 by press fitting flanged insertion pins (78) and (88). A light-emitting diode (91) and a reflecting mirror that reflects the light beam emitted from light-emitting diode (91) and projects it on the rear surface of the film via light transmission holes (53a) and (53b) are built into the sandwich structure of lower frame (50) and upper frame (60). Translucent year-month data sections are formed on data plate (75) and translucent day data sections are formed on data plate (85).