Abstract: A battery control device that controls a battery assembly includes a first determining unit that determines whether a voltage difference between minimum and maximum values of OCVs of battery cells constituting the battery assembly and having an SOC-OCV characteristic curve including a flat region is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage value, a second determining unit that determines whether the OCV of each battery cell is lower than a lower-limit voltage of the flat region, or is equal to or higher than the lower-limit voltage and lower than an upper-limit voltage, or is higher than the upper-limit voltage, a controller that executes control selected from SOC raising control, SOC lowering control, and SOC keeping control of the battery cells, based on determination results of the first and second determining units, and a processor that homogenizes the SOCs of the battery cells controlled by the controller.

Abstract: An air treatment device includes a casing, a drain pan provided in the casing, a camera configured to capture an inner surface of the drain pan to obtain image data, and a lighting device configured to apply, to a photographing target of the camera, visible light having a maximum peak wavelength in a wavelength band from 400 nm to 500 nm.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device includes terminals to couple with a battery arranged to supply power to the device. The device includes a first winding and a second winding that are arranged to be inductively coupled. The device includes a transistor. The first winding and the second winding are coupled to the positive terminal with opposite polarity. The device includes a light emitting diode (LED). The device is arranged to couple the LED being coupled in parallel with the second winding. The LED is arranged to be reverse biased with respect to the battery.

Abstract: A camera module for an imaging device includes a light sensing module, a control circuit, a mounting member, one or more external lens modules, and a magnetic sensing element. The control circuit sets photographic conditions for a certain external lens module according to a control signal, the control signal being prompted by the magnetic sensing element detecting the type of the external lens module by the arrangement of magnetic components therein, as detected by the magnetic sensing element. The magnetic components have configurations corresponding to the type of the external lens module and the magnetic components assist in aligning one external lens module to the body of the imaging device. The automatic detection and photographic settings applied can be disabled by a user.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing improved photographs suitable for measuring teeth whiteness with a handheld camera using a camera jig are provided. The camera jig includes a base that contacts a surface. The camera jig also includes a light shield made from a tubular structure defining an interior cavity. The camera jig further includes a slot in the tubular structure that supports the handheld camera at a predetermined distance from a target, which may be teeth of a user. The slot aligns a lens of the handheld camera with the target. Further, the light shield blocks substantially all ambient light, other than light of a light source of the handheld camera, from the target as it is photographed.

Abstract: Mounting systems and kits for video recording devices, including a housing partially disposed within a suspension element, the suspension element having a mounting bracket connected thereto, and one or more shock-absorbing elements positioned at an interface or disposed at least partially between at least a portion of the housing and the suspension element. The housing can also include one or more thermal management or temperature control elements, including one or more heating elements, cooling elements, thermal conducting elements, heat dissipating elements, and/or ventilation elements. A kit can include a plurality of thermal management elements, including a variety of interchangeable thermal management modules for selectively heating and/or cooling the video recording device.

Abstract: A case, for an electronic device such as a mobile phone, containing an insert located near a camera, still image recorder, or video recorder and a flash of the device is disclosed. The placement, material, color and properties of the insert helps reduce and/or eliminate problems associated with the case affecting the resultant flash/light from the camera, causing and adding erroneous colors, effects, and information on the resulting pictures, images, sensors, or videos.

Abstract: A server can efficiently distribute images for a web page as groups of images. The server receives a request from a client for a group of images associated with a web page. The request encodes an image group identifier and a retrieving function. The server executes the retrieving function with the image group identifier to obtain the group of images. In response to the request, the group of images are transmitted over a number of data communication connections between the client and the server that are less than a number of images in the group of images.

Abstract: A camera thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory, and an image capture system with network devices collaborating for the purpose of generating panoramic images and video sourced from network cameras thrown or projected in independent trajectories, and cameras capable of capturing stable image and video from spinning, spiraling and precessing apertures, and a throwable cameras streamlined in response to aerodynamic forces acting on respective housings.

Abstract: A thrown or projected ball-shaped camera for capturing video and still images over the arc of its airborne trajectory is disclosed. Improvements include an orientation sensor for determining the camera's orientation in flight; an embedded processing unit for triggering an image capture in response to the camera's orientation; an embedded processing unit for rotating a captured image in response to the camera's orientation; and an embedded processing unit for stitching a plurality of captured images. Also disclosed is a ball-shaped camera having multiple embedded cameras for capturing a spherical panoramic image.

Abstract: An apparatus including a flashlamp; a lens member connected to the flashlamp; and a reflector connected to the lens member. The lens member is located between the flashlamp and the reflector. A method includes connecting the lens member to the flashlamp, where the lens member substantially surrounds the flashlamp, and connecting the reflector around an exterior side of the lens member, where an exit side of the lens member is not covered by the reflector.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a camera that includes a plurality of technical components including an optical system, an actuator device, and an energy source. The camera also includes a disposable housing for receiving said technical components.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a camera that includes a plurality of technical components including an optical system, an actuator device, and an energy source. The camera also includes a disposable housing for receiving said technical components.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprise a digital camera composed of modular units. The digital camera includes a main circuit board equipped with an image sensor or photo clip, and a lens arranged to project an image onto the photo chip. A display, a memory, a power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery), an on/off switch, shutter actuation buttons, and a flashlight are electrically connected detachably with the main circuit board.

Abstract: A recyclable device comprising a chassis supporting a pagewidth print head for printing an image, an ink supply means for supplying ink to the print head, and a supply of print media on to which said sensed image is printed. A casing surrounds and encases said chassis so that the ink supply means is unable to be accessed without destruction of the casing.

Abstract: A method of providing photofinishing services, includes the steps of: supplying a memory device for a digital camera and a commitment by a service provider to provide goods and/or services with respect to digital images stored on the memory device to a user of the memory device; taking and storing a plurality of digital images on the memory device; delivering the memory device containing the digital images to the service provider; the service provider providing the goods and/or services to the user; and the service provider returning the memory device to the user.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a camera with double cassette system (DCS) film. The camera and DCS film are configured to allow only a specific type of DCS film to be used in the camera and to prevent reuse of the secondary cassette of the DCS film. To such end, the second chamber of the camera can include one or more protrusions therein. The protrusions can extend from the upper and lower end walls of the second chamber. In one embodiment, there is a first protrusion associated with the upper end wall and a second protrusion associated with the lower end wall. In order to properly set in the second chamber, a secondary cassette of a DCS film system includes recesses that can receive at least a portion of a respective protrusion. To prevent reuse of the secondary cassette, it constituent shells can be welded together.

Abstract: A portion of a replaceable component of an imaging device is selectively deformed or melted.

Abstract: Provided is a film package assembly to be used within a camera such that conventional winding and rewinding components are eliminated. Provided is a film package assembly which includes a new light-tight film canister device, a roll of film and a film take-up cartridge. The film package assembly being designed so as to be loadable within a camera in non-darkroom or lighted conditions.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and systems in which a digital photography device includes a global shutter to control exposure time, a sensor array, and a flash illumination are described. The global shutter is in the optical path of light going to the sensor. The flash illumination generates a pulsed illumination. The shutter speed of the global shutter during a pre-flash illumination substantially matches the shutter speed during the flash illumination during the taking of a picture using the flash illumination based on the global shutter receiving a trigger signal from a controller.

Abstract: A method of supplying photofinishing services includes the steps of supplying a memory device for a digital camera to a photographer; the photographer taking and storing a plurality of digital images on the memory device; the photographer delivering the memory device containing the digital images to a photofinisher; the photofinisher producing prints of the digital images and returning the prints to the photographer; and the photofinisher erasing the digital images from the memory device and supplying the memory device to another photographer to repeat the steps of taking images and delivering the memory device to the photofinisher.

Abstract: A platen unit for a disposable camera. The platen unit is configured for guiding print media under a printhead of an ink supply mechanism of the camera. The platen unit includes a platen base, a pinch roller attached to said base, and a cuffing mechanism mounted to the base, the cutting mechanism having a cutting wheel operatively running on a threaded rod to cut media from a roll of print media housed in the camera.

Abstract: A camera assembly includes an endcap assembly for closing off the bottom end of a second film chamber, which is sized to selectively receive a roll of film or a secondary film cartridge housing a roll of film. The endcap assembly can include a movable shutter blade enclosed between two plates. The endcap assembly can be removably secured to the camera assembly. At least a portion of the endcap assembly can be formed with the camera assembly. Embodiments further relate to a method of loading such cameras, especially in the daylight. The method involves bringing a sleeve into light-tight engagement with the endcap assembly and then inserting a winding rod through the sleeve and the endcap assembly and into a second film chamber of the camera. The winding rod can then be used to wind film out of a cassette in the first chamber and into a roll in the second chamber.

Abstract: The digital camera comprises a photoelectric conversion part configured to perform a photoelectric conversion of a field image and output a first image signal, a first processing part configured to perform a first signal processing of the image signal and output a second image signal, an encoding part configured to encode the second image signal and output a third image signal, a second processing part configured to perform a second signal processing to the second image signal and output a fourth image signal, a first memory configured to memorize a customer ID information, a code key used in the encoding part, and the third image signal, and a second memory configured to memorize the fourth image signal.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is preloaded with a roll of photo film whose film speed is ISO3200, and has a mode selection member that is manually operated to select one of a standard photography mode, an indoor photography mode and a night-view photography mode. In the standard photography mode, an exposure is made without flash with a small aperture size and at a high shutter speed. In the indoor photography mode, an exposure is made with a flashlight, with a middle aperture size and at a high shutter speed. In the night-view photography mode, an exposure is made with a flash light, with a large aperture size and at a low shutter speed.

Abstract: A mode selection member is moved to the lowest position for selecting a daylight mode, which is most frequently used, the middle position for selecting a middle mode for photographing outdoors under the overcast sky, or the highest position for selecting an indoor mode for photographing indoors. When the mode selection lever is in the middle position or the highest position, the upper end of a mode indicating plate protrudes from a unit body. When the mode indicating plate is pushed down into the unit body, the mode selection lever is forced to return to the lowest position to set the daylight mode.

Abstract: A film camera has a body enclosing a light-tight film space. A film unit disposed in the film space, includes a filmstrip having a longitudinally extending row of uniform perforations. The perforations each have at least one concavely-curved edge extending in a direction transverse to the filmstrip. The film space is substantially free of skives despite prewinding of the filmstrip in the camera, even if the prewinding is at a high-torque level.

Abstract: A switch is turned on when a shutter button is pressed down. An LED, provided on the front face of a unit body, is lit up to indicate a photographing moment in response to the turning of the switch on. When the shutter button is released, the switch is turned off and thereby the LED is turned off. In another embodiment, an indication member shifts to indicate the photographing moment in response to the shutter operation.

Abstract: In a reproduction method for lens-fitted photo film units, a roll of high-speed photo film of ISO1600 or more is loaded in a new film unit body, so as to produce a lens-fitted photo film unit that is improved in imaging characteristics for a low brightness scene with regard to its background. After being used up, the high-speed film is unloaded for development, and the emptied film unit body is recovered for recycling. In a recycling line, a roll of standard-speed photo film of ISO400 is loaded in a reproduced film unit body, so as to be sold as another type lens-fitted photo film unit that is improved in imaging characteristics in a background area of a high brightness scene.

Abstract: A stopper, a stop aperture and a lens support portion are integrally formed to a lens base. The stopper hits a shutter blade when the shutter blade swings in an open direction and the shutter speed is set. The stop aperture controls light amount of subject light that passes through the taking lens and reaches the photo film. The lens support portion positions the taking lens in an optical axis direction. Position of the stopper and size of the stop aperture and position of the lens support portion are different depending on model of a lens fitted photo film unit. Each model of the lens fitted photo film unit is manufactured by selecting the lens base.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit provides a daylight photography mode to select no flash emission and the small stop, a daylight synchro photography mode to select normal flash emission and the small stop, and a night view synchro photography mode to select reduced flash emission and the large stop. The small stop is composed of the small stop aperture of f/16 and an ND filter of transmittance of 25% to be attached to cover the small stop aperture. The shutter speed is set at 1/64 sec. in any modes. The photo film preloaded in the lens-fitted photo film unit has ISO sensitivity 3200. The stable photographing is achieved under the wide range of brightness by the changeover of the stop, without the change of the shutter speed. In brightness of EV 9 to 11, the exposure amount becomes proper either in the daylight photography mode and in the night view synchro photography mode.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a camera is provided. The camera has a photosensitive element; a light blocking expansion structure combined with the photosensitive element to form a light tight chamber there between. The light blocking expansion structure has an aperture to focus light from a scene to form an image on the photosensitive element; the light blocking expansion structure is adapted to automatically expand from an initial position to an extended position, with expansion of the expansion structure position in the aperture relative to the photosensitive element. Expansion of the expansion structure drives a shutter system to start and end an exposure of the photosensitive element to light from the scene. A trigger system is manually operable so as to initiate expansion of the expansion structure from the initial position.

Abstract: A camera assembly includes an endcap assembly for closing off the bottom end of a second film chamber, which is sized to selectively receive a roll of film or a secondary film cartridge housing a roll of film. The endcap assembly can include a movable shutter blade enclosed between two plates. The endcap assembly can be removably secured to the camera assembly. At least a portion of the endcap assembly can be formed with the camera assembly. Embodiments further relate to a method of loading such cameras, especially in the daylight. The method involves bringing a sleeve into light-tight engagement with the endcap assembly and then inserting a winding rod through the sleeve and the endcap assembly and into a second film chamber of the camera. The winding rod can then be used to wind film out of a cassette in the first chamber and into a roll in the second chamber.

Abstract: An optical element comprises: an electromotive force-generating element that generates an electromotive force in response to electromagnetic wave; and an optical density-changing element that changes its optical density according to the electromotive force, the optical density-changing element comprising: at least one of metal sulfide and metal nitride; and a material that causes a change of the optical density and adsorbs to said at least one of metal sulfide and metal nitride.

Abstract: A camera cover assembly has a one-piece front cover and a one-piece guard. The front cover has an outwardly protruding lens hood and an inwardly recessed cup that has a slot defining a resiliently flexible tongue. The tongue has a free margin adjoining the slot and an outwardly protruding boss disposed in spaced relation to the free margin. The guard is mounted to the front cover and has a bezel and a ring. The bezel enshrouds the lens hood. The ring encircles the boss and covers the slot and free margin.

Abstract: A packaging bag contains a lens-fitted photo film unit in a pillow-type package. Optically transparent window sections are provided on front top and bottom portions of the packaging bag. And a belt-like shaped lightproof section is provided in a center portion of the window section. The window section is made translucent by printing a half-tone dot meshing with a white coating, so that the lens-fitted photo film unit is observable through the window section. The lightproof section is printed with a lightproof coating and covers the front of the taking lens. Opaque coating is printed on an opaque section, which is a portion except the window section and the lightproof section.

Abstract: In a lens module assembly method, a lens holder is placed in a receiver. The lens holder has a nest. A lens element is deposited in the lens holder. During the depositing, the lens element seats in the nest, if the lens element is in a forward-facing orientation. Entry of the lens element into the nest is interrupted, if the lens element is in a rearward-facing orientation.

Abstract: A digital camera having a limiting-use component to limit use of the digital camera to a single use-cycle.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus described herein provide a camera (or other electronic equipment) with one or more cold neon display areas. Each cold neon display area is illuminated by a neon powder layer electrically connected to a substrate layer via a power source. Each cold neon display area produces the effect of glowing words and/or images that are shaped by one or more mask layers and colored by one or more filter layers. In addition, the plane that each cold neon display area appears at may vary to create a three dimensional lighting effect.

Abstract: A flash device for a lens-fitted photo film unit pre-loaded with unexposed photo film is provided. A main capacitor stores charge. A flash emitter emits flash light. A flash circuit board charges the main capacitor, and drives the flash emitter by discharging the main capacitor in response to an exposing operation. A tightly closed flash case is secured to the lens-fitted photo film unit, for containing the main capacitor, the flash emitter and the flash circuit board. Also, the lens-fitted photo film unit includes a sync switch for generating a trigger signal in response to the exposing operation. Two switch contact points are disposed outside the flash case, for receiving the trigger signal from the sync switch. The two switch contact points disable discharge of the main capacitor while the flash case is away from the lens-fitted photo film unit, and are short-circuited for discharge of the main capacitor upon supply of the trigger signal while the flash case is secured to the lens-fitted photo film unit.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit comprises a main body, a bottom lid, and a photo film. The main body has an exposure chamber with a taking lens. The exposure chamber is provided with a plane mirror disposed in such a manner as to be inclined 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the taking lens. Since the plane mirror reflects light from a subject, a photographic optical path of the light is perpendicularly bent. Subject light forms an image on the photo film disposed in parallel with the optical axis. A side print is exposed in the manufacture on the lateral edge of the photo film. Since the orientation of the photographed image is the same as that of the side print, it is possible to easily confirm the orientation of the photographed image in the development and print processes.

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

Abstract: Provided is a film package assembly to be used within a camera such that conventional winding and rewinding components are eliminated. Provided is a film package assembly which includes a new light-tight film canister device, a roll of film and a film take-up cartridge. The film package assembly being designed so as to be loadable within a camera in non-darkroom or lighted conditions.

Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit contains a photo film cassette, which includes a spool for winding the photo film in a roll form thereabout. A body tube contains the photo film and the spool in a rotatable manner, has a first end with a first end opening, and a second end with a second end opening. A first end cap closes the first end opening, and has an outer diameter d1. A second end cap closes the second end opening, has an outer diameter d2, and satisfies a condition of: d2<d1. To contain the cassette, a cassette holder chamber in the lens-fitted photo film unit has a size corresponding to that of the cassette.

Abstract: Automated unattended film processing kiosk permits a customer to drop off a film unit, e.g., OTUC, and come back later to pick up the finished prints. The customer swipes a credit or debit card through a card reader, and inserts the exposed film unit. Inside the enclosure a mini-lab processor automatically processes the film and extracts images from the film, as negatives or as digital images. A digital printer makes prints of the customer's images. The photographic prints are packaged and labeled, and provided with an optional optical disk. A carousel stores the packaged prints for the customers. At pick-up, the customer swipes a card through for identification. An unload mechanism transfers the customer's finished prints from the carousel to a delivery bin. Print correction for color, density, and contrast can be carried out remotely.

Abstract: The video camera has an opening for removal of a cassette tape. The video camera includes a cassette detecting portion 2 detecting ejection of the cassette tape from the opening, and a cassette insertion preventing mechanism 5 preventing re-insertion of the cassette tape when the cassette detecting portion 2 detects ejection of the cassette tape. As such, a video camera for a recycling system can be provided where a recording medium or the like with a recorded content is easily and rapidly available to a user and a dedicated reproducing device is not required.

Abstract: A method for specialized photofinishing goods and/or services produced from a one-time-use camera, including providing a label on the one-time-use camera, with at least one area containing first instructional information, that identifies particular photofinishing goods and/or services to be applied to images captured by the one-time-use camera. Subsequently, displaying a second instructional information according to the first instructional information. Finally, capturing a second instructional information onto a film residing in the one-time-use camera and resulting in a latent image, the second instructional information for use by a photofinisher for producing the specialized photofinishing goods and/or services from latent images on the film.

Abstract: A camera frame assembly has a frame and a driver mounted to the frame. The driver is rapidly movable relative to the frame from a charged position to a discharged position. A first striker member is joined in fixed relation to the driver. A second striker member telescopes onto or into the first striker member, between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The camera of this invention has a film cassette compartment, a film spool (13), a film exposing area, and an interlock that prevents moving exposed film from the film cassette. With the camera, a film cassette (2) is loaded into the film cassette compartment. The film is then locaded by moving the film from the film cassette (2) compartment across the film exposing area and winding all but the first frame of film to be exposed around the film spool. After a picture taken, the exposed film is wound back into the film cassette and the next from of film to be exposed is moved into the film exposing area. The interlock prevents moving the exposed film out of the film exposing area. In an embodiment the interlock includes a lever that is engageable with the serrations of a film rewind wheel (22) to prevent movement of the film rewind wheel (22).

Abstract: This invention contemplates a prepackaged photographic unit containing a photographic element comprising a transparent polyester film support with improved tongue retrieval performance and acceptable cutting performance in photofinishing equipment.