Segmented Alphanumeric Indicia Patents (Class 396/318)
  • Patent number: 10634826
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a main body, at least one light source, a lens, and at least one first light shielding structure. The light source disposed at the main body is suitable for providing a light beam to an outside of the main body. The lens disposed at the main body is suitable for capturing a light entering the lens from the outside of the main body. The first light shielding structure is disposed at the main body. The light beam turns into an actual output light beam after being shielded by the first light shielding structure. The first light shielding structure shields the light beam in a vertical direction more than it shields the light beam in a horizontal direction, so an actual vertical light emitting angle of the actual output light beam is smaller than an actual horizontal light emitting angle of the actual output light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Sercomm Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Sheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 9787964
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including an acquisition unit that acquires incidental information, and a control unit that associates the incidental information with content, until a state is turned into a state in which a predetermined condition is satisfied after the acquisition of the incidental information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Komatsu, Nozomu Endo
  • Patent number: 9588412
    Abstract: The x-ray film image marker is a device that is adapted for use with an x-ray portable cassette in order to provide the image marker capability that is used in conjunction with taking an x-ray, but also enabling a technician the ability to locate a misplaced x-ray film image marker. The x-ray film image marker includes at least one light member that illuminates or flashes for a pre-determined amount of time upon depression of an on/off button. The at least one light member aids in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment. The at least one speaker may be used to play an audio file in order to aid in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jerusalmi Streete
  • Patent number: 9110277
    Abstract: A projection zoom lens is formed of the following lens groups sequentially arranged from the high magnification side: a first lens group fixed at the time of zooming and having negative power; a second lens group moved along the optical axis at the time of zooming and having negative power; a third lens group moved at the time of zooming and having positive power; a fourth lens group moved at the time of zooming; and a fifth lens group fixed at the time of zooming and having positive power. When the total lens system operating at the wide angle end has a focal length Fw, and the first lens group has a focal length F1, the following conditional expression is satisfied. ?0.5<Fw/F1<?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobutaka Minefuji
  • Patent number: 8942483
    Abstract: An image-based georeferencing system comprises an image receiver, an image identification processor, a reference feature determiner, and a feature locator. The image receiver is configured for receiving a first image for use in georeferencing. The image comprises digital image information. The system includes a communicative coupling to a georeferenced images database of images. The image identification processor is configured for identifying a second image from the georeferenced images database that correlates to the first image. The system includes a communicative coupling to a geographic location information system. The reference feature determiner is configured for determining a reference feature common to both the second image and the first image. The feature locator is configured for accessing the geographic information system to identify and obtain geographic location information related to the common reference feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Patent number: 7623661
    Abstract: Information is incorporated into motion picture film prints in the form of images or patterns that appear as unobtrusive defects or artifacts. The unique codes are used in association with the print number of the film and are reproduced in video copies of the film made by counterfeiters. This code can be read from the counterfeit copy and can be used to trace the source of the counterfeit. The digits of the print number are recorded in separate frames to increase the difficulty to counterfeiters in detecting and deleting them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Deluxe Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Clark, Joseph C. Wary
  • Patent number: 6938004
    Abstract: A management system and method of assigning credit for unprintable images provided by a customer. When unprintable frames are submitted for processing, such as scanning, printing or storage, the method allows the photofinisher to keep track of the number of image submitted for processing and assigns credit for to the customer's account for unprintable images. As an example of redeeming such credit, when the number of unprintable images equals a pre-set criterion, such as the number of frames in a roll, a free roll of film could be issued to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dale F. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6735389
    Abstract: In the data superimposing device, an aperture is provided in the narrowest position of the space formed between the arc-shaped outer wall surface of a take-up spool chamber and the outer wall surface of a photographic light path shielding cylinder, and an image-forming lens is installed immediately behind the aperture. It is thereby made possible to effectively suppress flare and clearly superimpose data on a film because the space, though it is limited in size, is expected before behind the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Manabe
  • Publication number: 20040062539
    Abstract: In the data superimposing device, an aperture is provided in the narrowest position of the space formed between the arc-shaped outer wall surface of a take-up spool chamber and the outer wall surface of a photographic light path shielding cylinder, and an image-forming lens is installed immediately behind the aperture. It is thereby made possible to effectively suppress flare and clearly superimpose data on a film because the space, though it is limited in size, is expanded before and behind the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Manabe
  • Patent number: 6571067
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Saito, Akira Nakanishi, Shunzi Obayashi, Kyoji Genda, Hideki Toshikage
  • Patent number: 6507710
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Koike, Mitsuhiro Moriya
  • Patent number: 6477331
    Abstract: 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 period 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 the correction time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6438326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Günter Niederecker, Bernd Spruck
  • Patent number: 6434340
    Abstract: In a method for traffic monitoring, data related to a traffic situation is measured. A picture of a traffic scene related to the traffic situation is generated on a photographic film. The data is recorded on the photographic film by converting the data to a first set of binary energizing signals which is energizing recording arrangements, so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of the data on the film in a first recording field thereof. The data is converted to a second set of binary energizing signals which energizes a recording arrangement, so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on the film in a second recording field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Robot Foto und Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Behrens
  • Patent number: 6434336
    Abstract: A data-imprinting apparatus for preventing the imprinting of incorrect dates in a lens-equipped film unit that lacks a monitor display unit for the confirmation of the date display. The lens-equipped film unit 1 contains a built-in data module 27 that lacks an external display unit that allows the confirmation of the date display from the outside. The data module 27 contains a transmission-type liquid crystal display unit 45 that automatically updates and displays dates based upon a pre-stored calendar. In the liquid crystal display unit 45, external light enters from the light collection window 15 on the front cover 12, thus creating a beam of data light. The data light, acting in concert with the shutter release operation, is guided into a dark box. The image-forming optical system that is provided in the dark box forms an image of the data light on a part of the photographic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Handa, Shinsuke Ito, Hisashi Tasaka, Yukitsugu Hata
  • Patent number: 6359837
    Abstract: A combination of a camera and wristwatch, and a new application of a wristwatch that comprises a display device. The camera has recording means for electronically recording an image of an object, and transmission means for transmitting the recorded image on a radio wave. The wristwatch has display means that can display the current time and image, reproduction means for receiving the radio wave from the camera located at a nearby position, and reproducing the image, and display control means for controlling the display means to display the reproduced image. The image sensed by the camera is transmitted to the wristwatch located at a nearby position by radio, and can be displayed on the display means of the wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6353713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Mikio Ogi
  • Patent number: 6334031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6195507
    Abstract: A data-projection device particularly suited for disposable cameras that offers high reliability without the need for a dedicated monitoring device affixed thereto. A dedicated battery is embedded in this data-projection device and an associated battery terminal extends over the entire surface of the data-projection device. One of the circuit board surfaces securing the electrical components of the data-projection device is covered with an anti-electrostatic copper foil pattern which is connected to the battery, thus providing a shield effect with the battery terminal and the copper foil pattern strobe. Further, preferably, the strobe unit and the data-projection device are separated from each other by at least 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Ito, Masaaki Handa
  • Patent number: 6157785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kawano, Yutaka Ohsawa
  • Patent number: 6081674
    Abstract: A camera is disclosed which includes a camera body, a mirror box formed inside the camera body, a film holder receiving portion formed at the rear of the camera body behind the mirror box, and an aperture frame having a photographic aperture for forming the limits of each frame exposed, wherein the aperture frame is positioned between the mirror box and the film holder receiving portion. The camera also includes a film holder for accommodating a Brownie film roll, wherein the film holder is detachably attached to the film holder receiving portion. A pair of film guide rollers is also provided in the film holder that extends parallel to each other so as to be respectively positioned along and adjacent to opposite ends of the photographic aperture, wherein the film holder is attached to the film holder receiving portion so that a film drawn out of the film roll is wound around the pair of film guide rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisashi Tatamiya
  • Patent number: 5968719
    Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e., with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5937207
    Abstract: A data-projection device particularly suited for disposable cameras that offers high reliability without the need for a dedicated monitoring device affixed thereto. A dedicated battery is embedded in this data-projection device and an associated battery terminal extends over the entire surface of the data-projection device. One of the circuit board surfaces securing the electrical components of the data-projection device is covered with an anti-electrostatic copper foil pattern which is connected to the battery, thus providing a shield effect with the battery terminal and the copper foil pattern strobe. Further, preferably, the strobe unit and the data-projection device are separated from each other by at least 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsuke Ito, Masaaki Handa
  • Patent number: 5933213
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for imparting a succession of predetermined machine readable latent images on a strip of unexposed light sensitive film having a series of frames, the succession of latent images being individually indicative each of the series of frames of the film. A light source is adapted to be controlled at a rate associated for a particular type of film, the light source produces imaging light to which the film is sensitive. A ferroelectric liquid crystal array receives the imaging light, the ferroelectric liquid crystal array having a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments being individually switchable between opaque and transparent, the plurality of segments being formed so that the ferroelectric liquid crystal array can produce all of the predetermined latent images. Focusing means for focuses the imaging light which has passed through the ferroelectric liquid crystal array onto the strip of light sensitive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Michael S. Siemer, Tommy A. Eddings
  • Patent number: 5909599
    Abstract: An information recording mechanism for recording information onto a film surface from the front side of the film provides a light emitter for emitting, as light, the information to be recorded on the film; a light emitter mounting substrate for mounting the light emitter thereon; an optical stop for narrowing the light emitted from the light emitter; and an optical member for causing the light narrowed by the optical stop to become incident on the film surface. The optical stop is integrally formed with the camera body part, while the light emitter mounting substrate and the optical member are directly attached to the camera body part without substantially generating positional shifts, thereby improving operability for assembling the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Ito
  • Patent number: 5893652
    Abstract: A camera back comprising a light emitting device for recording information on a filmstrip in conjunction with picture-taking, and a film support for ensuring the shape of the filmstrip when information is recorded on the filmstrip, is characterized in that the film support has a plurality of parallel curved film ribs integral with the camera back for shaping the filmstrip in a curve, a recording opening is formed in the camera back adjacent one of the curved film ribs, and the light emitting device has a flat light emitting face positioned over the recording opening at an acute angle with respect to the one film rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Stanchus, William B. Salvas
  • Patent number: 5885759
    Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e, with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5884108
    Abstract: A data imprinting optical system that records a date, data, etc. on a predetermined surface, e.g. a film in a camera, uses a diffractive optical element to achieve savings in space and a reduction in cost. The data imprinting optical system has a display device (1a) and imprints an image displayed on the display device (1a) onto a predetermined surface (1c). The optical system has a diffractive optical element (1b). The diffractive optical element (1b) may have a plurality of different image-formation points to enable a plurality of data imprinting modes. The diffractive optical element (1b) may be integral with a part of another optical system, e.g. a photographic optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kamo, Hideyasu Takato, Yuji Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 5878293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5862421
    Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting data on a traveling film surface by utilizing a seven-segment light emitting element, comprises a film winding mechanism including a film feeding motor. A film feeding control device controls the film feeding mechanism to wind up one frame of the film after an exposure operation has finished. A pulse signal output device outputs pulse signals in accordance with the rotation of the motor. A perforation detecting portion detects a perforation and outputs a perforation signal. A PI counter counts the number of the pulse signals outputted between the detection of first and second perforation signals. A determining device determines light emitting intervals for the present imprinting operation based on the number of the pulse signals counted at the time of the preceding one-frame winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Yoji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5854950
    Abstract: A data recording device is provided which is capable of preventing the recording of incorrect date and time data on photographic film due to malfunction of the time counter that generates date and time data for recording. Drive IC 31A of data recording device 30 is equipped with time counter 161 that generates date and time data for recording, and the count value of the date and time data generated by this time counter is stored in storage circuit 33. At the point immediately prior to the operation that changes the count value of the time counter, the date and time data in storage circuit 33 and the counter value of the date and time data from the time counter are compared in comparison judgment circuit 34, and if the two do not agree, malfunction detection signal 34S which indicates that the time counter has malfunctioned is output to driver 162 and the recording of date and time data by liquid crystal display panel 12 is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Handa, Masao Akaiwa
  • Patent number: 5845162
    Abstract: A data recording camera utilizes a keyboard mounted to an access door associated with the camera, and the keyboard inputs information to a light emitting diode array positioned within the camera. The light emitting diode array is removably attached between the camera's shutter and a bottom edge of a film frame to be exposed. The light emitting diode array is magnetically attached within the camera so as to be easily removable, and it includes light shielding means which isolates the bottom edge of a film frame from the rest of the film to be exposed during a conventional picture taking operation. A unique access door hinge is utilized to allow an electrical connector to be directed from the keyboard to the light emitting diode array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Jonah Lee Hicks
  • Patent number: 5828912
    Abstract: A first timer unit generates a first time-measurement output by performing a first timer operation. A second timer unit generates a second time-measurement output by performing a second timer operation different from the first timer operation by the first timer unit. A printing unit prints at least one of the first and second time-measurement outputs generated by the first and second timer units on a film upon film exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Olympic Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Mizobuchi, Hitoshi Maeno
  • Patent number: 5812895
    Abstract: An automated film encoding and decoding system for bringing photographic film from the state of exposure to subject matter through all of the processes required to produce finished photos and package the same. The system includes an encoder coordinately operative with a camera for the placement of a human and machine readable code on the film the decoder capable of reading the code for the control of production-processing equipment in laboratories provided with such equipment. The human readability of the code accommodates production-processing of the film by attendant personnel and also allows for quality control check of automated production-processisng equipment. The encoding includes film frame identification information, subject matter information and registration mark information all of which may be utilized on a single exposure situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Photo Control Corp
    Inventors: Dale R. DuVall, Jerry W. Lindenfelser, Larry D. McClellan, Patrick J. Gilligan, Roger M. Johnson, Charles Swanson
  • Patent number: 5721990
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Akaiwa, Haruyoshi Yamada, Hirohisa Nakano
  • Patent number: 5692225
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bryan David Bernardi, Dale Frederick McIntyre, Dana Whitney Wolcott
  • Patent number: 5678085
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device includes a generally triangular space adjacent a film spool. A roller, used to conform the film to the film spool is urged into the triangular space when the film diameter on the roller approaches a maximum diameter. A portion of an optical system for the data imprinting device is also located in the triangular space. The periods of film drive pulses are averaged to establish periods of data imprinting pulses. A plurality of the data imprinting pulses are generated for each film drive pulse. In a full size mode of operation, a first set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record imprinting data. In a panorama mode of operation, a second set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record the imprinting data. The second set of data imprinting pulses contains more data imprinting pulses than the first set of data imprinting pulses, whereby the data imprinted in panorama mode occupies a shorter length of the film than does the data imprinted in full size mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi
  • Patent number: 5678084
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakatsu Hori
  • Patent number: 5671452
    Abstract: A photo film has a pair of edge portions (11, 12) extended in a longitudinal direction. Plural image frames (48) are photographable between the edge portions. Plural bodies of photo film information (21, 22) are recorded in at least one of the edge portions photographically in a predetermined arranging pattern (13, 14) in form of latent images. The photo film has a discriminating code (15, 29) associated with the arranging pattern (13, 14) and recorded photographically in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Seikai
  • Patent number: 5655165
    Abstract: A camera in which a photographic data is recorded on a photographic film, includes a plurality of light emitting sections aligned in a direction perpendicular to a film advancing direction. The light emitting sections conducting exposure on a photographic image plane, have a plurality of light emitting elements, the wavelengths of light emitted by the light emitting elements are different. The camera further includes a memory for storing photographic information to be recorded on the film surface and a controller for selectively turning on and off the light emitting sections in the process of advancing the film in accordance with the information stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Konic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Nojima
  • Patent number: 5649248
    Abstract: In order that data indicating the allocation of ports for controlling light-emitting devices or the start year and the end year of a calendar can be arbitrarily rewritten, an imprinting control unit includes a calendar control unit for calculating the time and date, an imprinting output control unit for outputting imprinting patterns to an imprinting unit in order to perform data recording, and a memory. The calendar start year and end year data and the imprinting output patterns stored in the memory can be rewritten into arbitrary data through a communication line. This allows easy changes in the wiring to the imprinting unit and in the calendar specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kobayashi, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5617162
    Abstract: To provide a data imprinting device for a camera which has a simple construction and does not make the main body of the camera large in size, a data imprinting device for a camera includes: an LED for optically generating data to be imprinted on a film surface; a prism for allowing data light generated by the LED to form an image on the film surface; a holder for holding the LED and the prism and disposed in such a manner as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis for photographing of the camera; and data-imprinting-position changing means for moving the holder in interlocked relation with a changeover of a photographing image size on the film surface, and for changing a position of imprinting data on the film surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kato, Hiroyuki Ando, Yukihiko Sugita, Hideaki Ichikawa, Akira Inoue, Satoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5583592
    Abstract: To provide a data imprinting device for a camera which has a simple construction and does not make the main body of the camera large in size, a data imprinting device for a camera includes: an LED for optically generating data to be imprinted on a film surface; a prism for allowing data light generated by the LED to form an image on the film surface; a holder for holding the LED and the prism and disposed in such a manner as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis for photographing of the camera; and data-imprinting-position changing means for moving the holder in interlocked relation with a changeover of a photographing image size on the film surface, and for changing a position of imprinting data on the film surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co,. Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kato, Hiroyuki Ando, Yukihiko Sugita, Hideaki Ichikawa, Akira Inoue, Satoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: RE38541
    Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device includes a generally triangular space adjacent a film spool. A roller, used to conform the film to the film spool is urged into the triangular space when the film diameter on the roller approaches a maximum diameter. A portion of an optical system for the data imprinting device is also located in the triangular space. The periods of film drive pulses are averaged to establish periods of data imprinting pulses. A plurality of the data imprinting pulses are generated for each film drive pulse. In a full size mode of operation, a first set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record imprinting data. In a panorama mode of operation, a second set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record the imprinting data. The second set of data imprinting pulses contains more data imprinting pulses than the first set of data imprinting pulses, whereby the data imprinted in panorama mode occupies a shorter length of the film than does the data imprinted in full size mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Miyamoto, Isao Soshi