Abstract: Modular photo storage assemblies are provided for storing photographic materials. Each modular photo storage assembly can be both individually displayed and interchangeably engaged as a module in a photo storage system.

Abstract: A personal safety alarm device is provided that is of specific applicability to children. The personal safety alarm is integrated into a watch to be worn by a child.

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: A viewfinder mechanism is provided for use with a zoom lens system. The viewfinder mechanism includes a set of pivoting levers driven by the linear motion of the zoom lens. In one particular embodiment, the pivoting levers drive the viewfinder lenses to approximate an apparent zoom corresponding to that performed by the zoom lens system.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided including more compact components to enable the fabrication of more compact image capture devices. In one particular embodiment, a compact shutter mechanism is provided that requires less space within the camera when the shutter is open. In another particular embodiment, a rotary to linear switch is provided to reduce the amount of real estate required by the switch on the outside housing of the image capture device.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A loyalty camera is provided wherein a particular tool is required to rewind the exposed film and assist in manipulating the film door latch. In one embodiment, the tool is inserted into a combined film advance/rewind mechanism to move a lever arm against a portion of the anti-reversal pawl to bias the pawl out of contact with the film advance wheel and permit film rewinding. Additionally, in some embodiments the particular tool is additionally used to move the door lever to open the film door.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided, a portion of which is insertable into an expansion slot of a handheld PC or PDA device, which is configured like a camera familiar to the user. In one embodiment, the image capture device includes a lens unit that is rotatable over about 180 ° degrees. The image capture device additionally includes an optical viewfinder rotatable with the lens unit. The image capture device advantageously includes an indicator visible from either side of the image capture device regardless of the lens position.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-loading film into a camera in non-darkroom conditions is provided. A fixture or tool is used to disengage the film metering system for pre-loading the camera with film. In one particular embodiment, the fixture is provided for simultaneously biasing the anti-reversal pawl away from the film advance wheel and disengage the release claw and striker from cams on the sprocket shaft to permit film pre-winding. The prongs of the fixture gain access to the assembled camera through a pair of holes through the front face of the camera.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-setting the counter wheel orientation in a camera pre-loaded with film is provided. Alignment indicia on the counter wheel are arranged during assembly to determine at various positions relative to the camera metering system whether the counter silk screen has been properly aligned and the counter properly preset.

Abstract: A door opening mechanism for an image capture device is provided which translates non-linear motion into a linear motion used to open or close the lens door. In one particular embodiment, rotary motion is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door. In another embodiment, the pendular motion of a door control grip is translated to the linear up and down motion of the lens door.

Abstract: A camera and method for promoting consumer loyalty for film developing services is provided. A promotional camera including a film door latch is provided to a consumer. The latch for opening the film door is available to the consumer on the outside body of the camera, but is rendered inaccessible by a deterrent mechanism, such as an adhesive label or the like. The promotional camera is returned to a retailer for servicing including, pre-winding of the film onto a film spool prior to use. In use, after each film exposure is taken, the film advance wheel is used to rewind a single frame of film into the original film cartridge. After all pictures have been taken, the consumer returns the camera with the rewound film intact to the retailer.

Abstract: A parallax compensation system and method is provided for a camera including an independent viewfinder. For close focus pictures, the camera's taking lens is shifted towards the viewfinder. In one embodiment, for far focus pictures the camera's taking lens is moved away from the viewfinder and is not centered on the image recording medium axis. The lens shifting is accomplished by mounting the taking lens eccentrically in a lens barrel. Rotation of the lens barrel shifts the taking lens towards the independent viewfinder for close focus shots. In one embodiment, the viewfinder axis is tilted towards the taking lens to help eliminate parallax in close focus pictures.

Abstract: method and apparatus for aligning an optical element in an optical sub-assembly is provided. Pivoting fine tuning plates connected to the main body of the sub-assembly are used to set the height and angle of the optical element. The optical element is connected on a pin through the optical element frame between two portions of the main body. Pivoting the fine tuning plate with a cam causes the optical element pin to cant, adjusting the position and/or angle of the optical element. In one embodiment of the present invention, a laser may be used to better align the optical element.