Abstract: A photographic film cartridge canister provided with an integrally formed, separate compartment for storage of a sound device, such as an IC sound card, used to record sound in association with still images captured on the photographic film stored in the canister.

Abstract: A method of interpolating a reference cumulative histogram for a source image located within an image sequence, the reference cumulative histogram to be used to adjust image pixel code values of the source image to remove unwanted variations in color or tone, e.g. "flicker", while preserving an intended variation, e.g. "fade to black" in the color or tone occurring during the course of the image sequence. The method employs conversion of cumulative histograms derived from reference image frames at opposite ends of the image sequence into inverse cumulative histograms and the weighted averaging of these inverse cumulative histogram values based on the time location of the source image frame in the sequence to derive an interpolated inverse cumulative histogram which is then converted into the reference cumulative histogram used for adjusting pixel code values, for example by histogram matching, to remove the undesired variation in color or tone without loss of the intentional variation in color or tone.

Abstract: A method of setting recorded data bit cell length on an APS film magnetic layer in a camera of the type having apparatus for normally setting bit cell length as a function of measured film transport velocity. The method comprises detecting the occurrence of an invalid film velocity measurement and substituting a default data recording frequency that results in a recorded bit cell length on the film which ensures that a maximum number of intended data bits are recorded in a given available length of data track which might otherwise not result if the invalid film velocity measurement were used to set the recorded bit cell length.

Abstract: A single touch flash capacitor charging circuit particularly useful in low cost cameras incorporating an oscillation timeout circuit to arrest self-sustaining oscillations for conserving battery consumption. The timeout circuit includes a reference voltage integration circuit coupled to the secondary of the oscillation transformer to develop a reference voltage that is independent of battery voltage. A timer charging circuit is coupled to the voltage reference circuit and determines the timeout period. Closing of a start charge switch resets the timer charging circuit to a fixed voltage differential from the integration circuit reference voltage. When the start charge switch is opened, the timer circuit begins charging to the voltage reference. Once initiated, the flash capacitor charger circuit continues charging the flash capacitor for the duration of the timeout period set by the timer circuit.

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

Abstract: A single use camera having an electronic flash assembly including a flash charging circuit and a flash illumination circuit is provided with one or more access openings in the camera cover. The access openings are aligned with contact terminals in the flash charging circuit to allow insertion of a shorting device that acts to disable operation of the flash charging circuit. This is useful during a film loading operation to prevent charging of the flash capacitor which might otherwise be caused by electrostatic start up of the flash charging circuit. Preventing operation of the flash charging circuit in preference to shorting of the flash capacitor directly preserves battery power and assures the flash charging transistors will not be damaged by attempting to charge into a short circuited flash capacitor.

Abstract: In photographic equipment for reading magnetically recorded data on a film strip, gradual degradation of the read data signal caused, for example, by material buildup on the magnetic read head is detected by monitoring the read data signal to indicate when the signal falls below a normal signal level but is still above a minimum threshold at which data loss would result. Apparatus useful for this purpose includes first and second comparators for sensing the decline of the data signal level into a range falling between a first predetermined normal signal level threshold and a second lower predetermined signal level preferably at or slightly above minimum detectable signal level. With such an arrangement, even though data is still capable of being read and decoded, the operator of the data read equipment is given advance warning of the incipient read data problem sufficiently in advance of read failure condition to allow corrective action, e.g. cleaning of the read head, before actual data read failures occur.

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

Abstract: A laser diode current drive control circuit including a drive circuit supplying a modulated laser diode current drive signal, a laser diode drive current source having a switch responsive to the drive circuit for controlling flow of drive current to the laser diode. The control circuit is further provided with one or more fault sensing circuits coupled to the diode current switch and responsive to a fault condition in the operation of the diode that would cause the diode power output to exceed a predetermined maximum safety limit to open the switch thereby terminating the flow of diode drive current. A feedback sensing circuit operating synchronously with the current drive signal is effective to open the switch when a normal feedback control signal is lost. A drive signal sensing circuit is effective to open the switch when integrated power output of the laser diode exceeds a safety related limit value.

Abstract: A spool-free film storage receptacle having circular elastic loops mounted at each end of a cylindrical inner chamber serving to form inserted film into a rotating coil. One end of each loop is secured to the receptacle housing. The other end of each loop is slidably captured within narrow, circumferential pockets formed at each end of the chamber to constrain the loops to a well defined line of contact with the outer circumference of the coiled film.

Abstract: A photographic camera is provided with magnetic recording means including a frequency selection circuit responsive to a controller to iteratively record data on a magnetic recording layer formed on photographic film with each iteration being recorded at a different recording frequency. Suitable selection of recording frequencies for a range of expected film speeds will result in a predetermined number of recorded iterations for which respective bit densities and cumulative recorded track length will fall within predetermined acceptable limits established for reliable reading of the data by subsequent data read circuits.

Abstract: In a digital image scanning system, dynamic testing of digital and analog channels is performed by injecting photosite-by-photosite variable test data to simulate imager signals. The test data is stored at photosite related addresses in random access memory means and are accessed by a pixel (photosite) counter for output to the channels under test.

Abstract: In a single use camera having a flash circuit and a film drive motor operated from a single battery source, a control circuit is provided with a diode that is coupled from a terminal on the motor control switch to the flash charging circuit to suppress operation of the flash charging circuit while the film drive motor is operating to advance the film after a picture taking event. The motor OFF position of the control switch is connected to battery positive terminal and the control circuit includes a capacitive connection from the switch to the flash charging circuit such that when the motor switch changes over from the motor ON to motor OFF position, a positive pulse is applied to restart operation of the flash charging circuit when the motor is turned off. This arrangement suppresses operation of the flash charging circuit while the motor is running, allowing full battery current to be applied to the motor.

Abstract: A flash control circuit for a camera flash circuit in which a scene ambient light sensing circuit is coupled to the main flash capacitor which serves as the sole energy source for the light sensing circuit independent of the battery source. The ambient light sensing circuit comprises a light sensing device and resistor coupled in series across a zener diode which serves as a fixed voltage reference device for the light sensing circuit. In a preferred embodiment, the ambient light sensing circuit is coupled in series with the flash sync switch across the flash capacitor such that activation of the light sensing circuit occurs only while the sync switch is closed.

Abstract: Film handling apparatus for a multipass scanner and printer system has film receiving chambers at opposite ends of the apparatus above the film track to receive and temporarily store the coiled film between forward and reverse film transport phases. Film diversion spring fingers are provided at least at the film entry end of the film track between the track and bottom opening to the chamber to allow insertion of the film in one direction and diversion of the film into the chamber when the film transport direction is reversed.

Abstract: In a highly accurate linear scan control for a CRT image display system useful for reproducing photographic images, distortion effects produced by system transients resulting from deflection drive amplifier circuits, are eliminated by introducing a step incremental increase in the input drive waveform at the start of the trace (scan) interval following the end of the retrace interval.

Abstract: A high bandwidth video output amplifier circuit suitable for driving a cathode ray tube for printing high resolution images on photographic stock with good tonal reproduction includes a high voltage amplifier comprising an emitter follower amplifier with a constant current collector load circuit inputing to an emitter follower buffer current amplifier circuit which drives an output load device such as a cathode ray tube. The constant current collector load provides desired high amplifier gain. A negative feedback path is coupled from the buffer output to the input of the high voltage emitter follower amplifier circuit via an intermediate emitter follower buffer at the input to the voltage amplifier transistor. The feedback provides stable, controlled overall voltage gain and the intermediate buffer amplifier isolates the video input and feedback path from the collector-base Miller capacitance of the voltage amplifier transistor thereby providing a significant extension of the amplifier bandwidth.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an automatic film winding camera for determining, during film loading, the presence of a film leader portion having a notch therein. First and second film perforation sensors positioned apart along a film advancing path of the film in first and second sensor positions are enabled and disabled in a sequence in which the first and second sensors successively detect the advancement of the film's leading edge at the first and the second sensor positions. The first sensor is then enabled for sensing the film perforations when the notch in the film leader portion is positioned between the first and second sensor positions.

Abstract: Camera autofocus apparatus and method employing an autoranging device to determine a lens destination focus position in terms of a target number of signal pulses from a lens motion sensor photo-interrupter. A lens drive motor is initially driven at maximum speed by a 100% pulse width modulated drive signal. At a fixed number of signal pulses in advance of the target, the average motor speed is calculated and a reduced pulse with modulated drive signal, determined based on the calculated motor speed, is applied to the drive motor to cause the lens to arrive at a uniform speed at a near destination focus position that is suitable for application of a standard motor stopping routine. During the motor stopping routine, the motor is initially "plugged" (reverse polarity drive signal) and the signal pulse period is monitored until a predetermined period is reached.

Abstract: Feedback control of a spatially distributed light source for a light integrating cavity in which the light acceptance angle of the light feedback device is expanded by means of a light diffuser at the feedback port so as to better average the localized light intensity variations on the internal surface area of the cavity caused by arc wander in the spatially distributed light source.