Abstract: A camera system comprises a silver halide film camera, by which an object image is recorded on a silver halide film, and a digital camera, by which an object image is recorded in a CCD. The silver halide film camera has a first release button, a first zoom lever, and a light receiving unit. The digital camera has a second release button, a second zoom lever, and an infra-red light beam emitting diode. In a normal mode, by manually operating the first release button and the first zoom lever, a photographing operation and a zooming operation of the silver halide film camera are performed. In a remote control mode, by manually operating the first release button and the first zoom lever, a photographing operation and a zooming operation of the digital camera are performed. At this time, an infra-red light beam is radiated from the infra-red light beam emitting diode, so that a photographing operation and a zooming operation are performed in the silver halide film camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zoom lens apparatus used with a television camera and provides an apparatus constructed in such structure that, on the occasion of limiting an angle of view, a zoom state set and manipulated by a photographer is converted to information about an angle of view, the angle of view is compared with a limit angle of view, and the angle of view is prevented from exceeding the limit angle of view.

Abstract: A camera includes an exposure device for exposing an image of a subject on a silver halide film; a pop-up unit capable of popping up out of a camera body to a pop-up position; an image pickup contained in the pop-up unit and capable of picking up an image of the subject in a state in which the pop-up unit is popped up out of the camera body; a mode setting device which allows to selectively set a first operation mode of operating both the exposure device and the image pickup and a second operation mode of operating only the image pickup; and a detector for detecting the position of the pop-up unit. A controller is provided for operating the exposure device and/or the image pickup corresponding to the mode set by the mode setting device in response to a manipulation of a release. The controller operates only the exposure device when the first operation mode is set by the mode setting device and when the detector detects that the pop-up unit is not located at the pop-up position.

Abstract: This invention provides a photographing and electronic photographing camera capable of attaining energy saving without deteriorating the operability for the user. In the camera of this invention, an object image is converted into an electrical signal by an image pickup element, an image signal is formed based on the converted electrical signal by an image processing circuit and an image is displayed on a monitor. The monitor image is automatically turned OFF by specification from a control circuit. Further, the image signal is stored into an image storage circuit in the image processing circuit and the mode of the camera is set by an operation switch group. The monitor is turned ON again and the newest image stored in the image storage circuit in the image processing circuit is displayed on the monitor if the operation switch group is operated while the monitor image is kept in the OFF state by the control circuit.

Abstract: A dual purpose camera for alternative use with one of photographic film and a digital image capture module is described. The camera includes a camera body, an electrical interface means disposed within said camera body for interfacing the camera body with a digital image capture module; and a communication means disposed within said camera body for transferring data from the digital image capture module to devices external to the camera body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting digital images is provided. In one embodiment, a personal electronic handheld digital camera executes an application program that enables a user of the camera to send one or more digital images, formed by and stored in the camera, from the camera to a destination. One or more addresses describing one or more destinations are selected or identified. One or more stored digital images are selected and associated with the one or more addresses. Optionally, a voice message is recorded and associated with the one or more addresses. The camera is coupled to a data communication network, and a transport operation is initiated. Under control of the application, the camera sends the selected images to the designated destinations over the data communication network. When an address is a physical address, for example, a postal mail address, the selected images are automatically routed to a central server.

Abstract: A camera includes an exposure part arranged to cause a film loaded on the camera to be exposed to light, an image sensor arranged to convert an object image into an electrical signal, a signal processing circuit arranged to carry out predetermined processes on the signal outputted from the image sensor, the signal processing circuit being arranged to perform the processes for obtaining an object image which is nearly equivalent to an image of a picture to be obtained when a specific film is exposed to light under set exposure conditions, and a display device arranged to display the object image by using the signal processed by the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus includes: an image pick-up device for picking up an object image by converting the object image to an electric image signal; an image pick-up optical system having a variable aperture capable of changing an aperture value when an incident light beam on the image pick-up device is stopped down; a range-finder for measuring a distance to an object; an electronic flash mechanism for illuminating the object; and controller for determining an aperture value from the distance to the object measured by the range-finder and from a light emission capability of the electronic flash mechanism, and then for setting the variable aperture to the determined aperture value, when the controller makes the electronic flash mechanism to emit light so that the image pick-up device picks up the object image.

Abstract: To enable the user of the camera to select, using a simple mechanism, one of a function for simultaneously performing photographing and electronic image pickup, and a function for performing only one of the photographing and the electronic image pickup, the camera incorporates a release button at a position which, for example, the index finger of the right hand can reach, and another button, i.e. a digital button, at a location which the thumb of the right hand can reach. The camera is operated in accordance with a predetermined control program so that the above-described operations can be selectively executed by appropriately operating the release button and the digital button. In other words, the invention provides a camera that permits the user to easily select, using only one hand, only electronic image pickup, only film exposure, or simultaneous execution of both the operations.

Abstract: An imaging device for fitting to a standard camera body is provided. The device includes an imaging die mounted on a support element and a glass cover attached to the upper surface of the die. The imaging device is located along the optical axis of the camera body.

Abstract: An intermediate storage unit for use with electronic film of the type having a body in the shape of a film cartridge and a tab, extending from the body and bearing an image sensor adapted to be located in the film plane of a conventional photographic camera and having electrical contacts for interfacing the electronic film with another electronic device, such as a computer. The intermediate storage unit includes a data connector for connecting to the electrical contacts on the tab of the electronic film and a communication interface connected to the data connector. A non-volatile semiconductor memory capable of storing at least twice as many images as the electronic film is provided in the storage unit. A microcontroller connected to communication interface and the non-volatile memory controls the transfer of data from the electronic film to the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The invention includes a digital camera back accessory for use with a film-formatted camera of the type that includes a camera body and a film image plane. A solid state digital focal plane collects optical radiation and converts the radiation to digital signals representative of a digital image. A fiber optic taper has a first fiber array surface arranged at the camera film plane, and a second fiber array surface arranged at the digital focal plane, and provides magnification and/or demagnification between the film plane and the digital focal plane. A coupler couples the taper to the camera body such that an image at the film image plane is transferred and collected as a digital image at the digital focal plane. The focal plane can also be coupled to a computer so that camera images are collectable at the computer. Preferably, a solid state memory is included to store frames of digital image data.

Abstract: A camera for recording images on a photographic film in a cartridge and for recording selected ones of such recorded film images on a magnetic tape having tracks corresponding to image data files and image identification data for each image data file in a cartridge is disclosed. The camera receives a cartridge which can contain either photographic film or magnetic tape. Optics are provided for recording an image of a subject on the photographic film when a photographic film cartridge is disposed in the cartridge. A digital image of a subject is stored as an image is being exposed on the photographic film. The camera is adapted to receive a cartridge containing magnetic tape for selectively recording files representing selected images from the image storage means onto the image data file tracks and image identification data onto the image identification data tracks of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby generally matched exposures for at least first and second photoresponsive materials generally concurrently can be obtained, wherein the first photoresponsive material is more photoresponsive than the second.

Abstract: An imaging system which incorporates a gate (which can be implemented either in hardware or software) for gating video signals to a host PC. The present invention allows fixed frame cameras to be used in applications which would otherwise require the host PC to have prohibitively large amounts of random access memory. However, by selecting predetermined frames of video data from a fixed frame output camera, the present invention simulates the effect of a variable frame rate camera.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method that includes a photographic camera synchronized to a video camera with a computer and viewing monitors in a unique combination that allows professional photography customers to visually determine the appropriate size of a portrait photograph and matching picture frame by displaying upon a viewer a perspective view of a video image of the photographic image and the matching picture frame within a simulated room image.

Abstract: A camera is capable of both silver-halide shooting, through which object images are recorded on silver-halide film, and video shooting, although its distance measurement device is placed substantially in the same way and its mirror box has substantially the same size as in ordinary single-lens reflex cameras. In this camera, a pellicle mirror splits the light flux having passed through a taking lens into a first light flux and a second light flux, and a rotatable mirror switches the subsequent path of the second light flux between the optical path for a third light flux and the optical path for a fourth light flux. The pellicle mirror, through its light flux splitting function, directs the first light flux to a silver-halide shooting system, and directs the second light flux to the rotatable mirror. The rotatable mirror, through its optical path switching function, either directs the third light flux to an optical viewfinder system, or directs the fourth light flux to a video shooting system.

Abstract: In a camera having a first image pickup device arranged to pick up a still image by using a silver-halide film, a second image pickup device arranged to electrically pick up a moving image by using a photoelectric conversion element, and an image pickup optical system arranged to guide an image light flux both to the first image pickup device and the second image pickup device, the image pickup optical system includes a fixed half mirror for guiding the image light flux both to the first image pickup device and the second image pickup device, a first light quantity adjusting device provided for the first image pickup device, and a second light quantity adjusting device provided for the second image pickup device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for observing, before and after fusion-splicing of optical fibers such as ribbon fibers each including a plurality of optical fibers in particular, the butting state of the tip portion of each of fiber ribbons in a wide range with a high accuracy. In the observation method in accordance with the present invention, while the optical fibers to be fusion-spliced together are disposed on a predetermined reference surface such that their end faces butt each other, at least a pair of cameras are independently or synchronously moved along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers so as to change the shooting areas of the respective cameras, thereby realizing the collective observation or local observation of the observation area. The observation apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a driving system for moving the pair of cameras along a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A camera includes a camera body and a detachable camera back. The camera body includes a guide section arranged in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis defined by a lens associated with the camera body. The camera back includes an imaging device and a biasing member which biases the imaging device such that, when the camera back is attached to the camera body, the imaging device is press contacted against the guide section. In particular, the guide section includes a pair of rails provided next to a photographing aperture of the camera body that defines an image forming plane for the camera. The imaging device may further include a glass plate provided in front of an image receiving surface that functions to shift an image plane along the optical axis of the camera.

Abstract: Combination head-protective helmet which includes a cap and an outwardly extending brim and thermal imaging apparatus which includes an infrared camera for producing an infrared image of a scene or object and a display system which generates a visible image of the scene or object from the infrared image, the camera is mounted underneath the brim of the protective helmet for protection against e.g. falling objects and the display system is mounted on the helmet in a position to permit a person wearing the combination to see the visible image.

Abstract: Combination head-protective helmet which includes a cap and an outwardly extending brim and thermal imaging apparatus which includes an infrared camera for producing an infrared image of a scene or object and a display system which generates a visible image of the scene or object from the infrared image, the camera is mounted underneath the brim of the protective helmet for protection against e.g. falling objects and the display system is mounted on the helmet in a position to permit a person wearing the combination to see the visible image.

Abstract: A digital image with improved performance characteristics is formed by producing a photographic image of a scene; producing a digitized electronic image of the same scene; scanning the photographic image to produce a digitized photographic image of a scene; and combining and processing the digitized electronic image and the digitized photographic image to produce another digitized image with improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: A camcorder integrally incorporating a still camera and using an automatic focusing device of the still camera or the camcorder is provided. A still camera main body and an optical viewfinder of the still camera are installed at the right front side of the main body of a camcorder, and a still camera lens, an infrared emitting element for measuring distance, an infrared receiving element for measuring distance, a flash and the like are installed at the main body of the still camera. Therefore, when a focus of an object is difficult to control, e.g., when the object is in the dark or when there is no contrast between the object and the background, the focusing direction of the camcorder lens is moved using the data of distance measured by a distance measuring device adopting an infrared mode installed in the still camera, so that a picture photographed by an instant camera function or a frash recording function can be stored in the picture memory of the camcorder.

Abstract: A convenient and practical apparatus for transporting digital images for display is achieved by incorporating an internally fixed base camera memory into an electronic or hybrid camera. Specifically, a camera includes a digital imaging system (16, 70) for generating a first digital image of first resolution in response to an exposure signal, a first storage memory (124) for receiving and storing the first digital image generated by the digital imaging system, a fixed memory or a removable memory interface connector (130) for receiving a removable memory device, and a processor (120) for controlling the transfer of the first digital image from the first storage memory to the fixed memory or removable memory interface connector for subsequent storage in a removable memory device, when a removable memory device is coupled to the removable memory interface connector.

Abstract: A parallax corrected image capture system and method for capturing images using such an apparatus. The system has a first camera and a second camera, at least one of which has a variable focus objective lens the focus of which can be adjusted by a first drive. A range finder supplies a distance signal indicating the distance from the capture system to an object in a scene to be captured while a parallax corrector adjusts the angle between an optical axis of the first camera and an optical axis of the second camera. A processor system controls the first drive and the parallax corrector in accordance with the range finder distance signal.

Abstract: A still camera is provided with an area image sensor for obtaining digital image data, an LCD viewfinder, components for photographing image frames on a photo filmstrip in response to a shutter release operation, and a memory for storing the image data. The image data of one frame is written in the memory synchronously with each shutter release operation. In association with the image data of one frame, an ID code of the filmstrip and a frame number of the photographed image frame corresponding to the image data are written in the memory. Based on the data written in the memory, the display device can display a still image of the image frame photographed on the filmstrip, accompanied with the frame number of the photographed image frame.

Abstract: A camera is presented which includes a first image taking portion for taking a picture of a subject as a digital image to be stored in a first memory and a second image taking portion for taking a picture of a subject as an image on a film. The camera further includes a controller for selectively performing one of first, second and third operations, in the first operation the first image taking portion is actuated independently of the second image taking portion to take a picture, in the second operation the second image taking portion is actuated independently of the first image taking portion to take a picture, and in the third operation both the first and second image taking portions are simultaneously actuated to take a picture of a common subject. The camera further includes a second memory for storing information about which of the first, second and third operations has been performed for which picture taken, and an indicating device for visually indicating the information.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a magnification of an image in a camera includes a first image forming lens which forms an image of an object, an image re-forming lens which re-forms the image formed by the first image forming lens on an image pick-up surface, and a device for moving the image re-forming lens and the image pick-up surface independently along an optical axis of the image re-forming lens.

Abstract: A hybrid camera includes a pair of imaging systems for capturing images on contained photographic film and an electronic imager, respectively, the film having a magnetic layer. An exterior imaging display allows the user to review the captured image and an input device allows the user to selectively input album related data onto the magnetic layer of the film. The album-related data allows the photo finisher to automatically produce the images in an album-like format. The camera also allows annotated text corresponding to the image to be selectively added to an album print.

Abstract: A single-lens reflex camera has a mirror movable between a non-photographic position where light from a subject is transmitted to a finder optical system and a photographic position where the light is transmitted to a film plane, a focal-plane shutter normally closed to prevent the light from reaching the film plane and moved to open so as to allow the light to reach the film plane, and a removable, ordinary photograph back panel. The camera is also provided for electronic still photography with an electronic still photographic adaptor substituted for the back panel and having an image pick-up device located near the film plane when set thereon, and with an optical low-pass filter located between the focal-plane shutter and the mirror to cut off high space frequency components in space of light.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens arranged on an optical axis for focusing an image upon a focal plane bounded by rails that define a reference for locating an imaging medium relative to the focal plane, an electronic image sensor, and an imager mounting plate supporting the image sensor against the rails in the focal plane. By including on one or more of the rails a plurality of alignment holes that are precisely located relative to the optical axis, and a like plurality of locating pins on the imager mounting plate, the pins on the mounting plate locate into the corresponding holes in the film rails to center the image sensor with respect to the optical axis at the focal plane.

Abstract: A combined electronic/silver-halide image capture system is capable of transmitting electronic image data using conventional cellular telephone transmission technology. The system includes a camera unit and a cellular telephone that can be electrically coupled to the camera unit. The camera unit has both a photographic film plane and an electronic image sensor. A mechanism is provided for directing scene light from a scene to be imaged to at least one of the photographic film plane and the electronic image sensor, wherein the electronic image sensor generates analog image signals in response to incident scene light. A processing unit receives the analog image signals generated by the electronic image sensor and generates digital image signals represented of the scene to be imaged. A memory unit is provided to selectively store the digital image signals generated by the processing unit.

Abstract: A camera system includes a photographing section, a reproduction section, and a memory card mounting structure for carrying a removable memory card. The photographing section maintains a taking lens and photoelectric conversion elements, such structure enables picking-up an image of an object and generating image data representative of such image. The memory card records the image data, wherein the memory card mounting structure is positioned between the photographing section and the reproduction section. The reproduction section reproduces the recorded image data.

Abstract: A camera for image pickup on a film and also for electronic image-sensing comprises an electronic image-sensing apparatus having an image sensing device for transforming a subject image into an electric signal, a monitor for displaying the subject image on the basis of an picture signal outputted from this electronic image-sensing apparatus, an apparatus for taking a picture on a film for exposing a silver halide film to the subject image, an image pickup lens for forming the subject image on the image sensing device and the silver halide film, a reflection type of movable mirror for guiding to an optical finder a subject light beam passing through the image pickup lens, and an optical guide, located between the image pickup lens and movable mirror, for guiding to the image sensing device a part of image pickup light beam.

Abstract: A rifle style camera supplied with power by an internal power supply for producing at least one of a photograph on a film material and digital data representative of an object. The rifle style camera includes a stalk and a barrel extending from the stalk and including a top side and a bottom side. A housing is connected to the bottom side of the barrel. A photographic camera for producing the photograph of the object on the film and a digital image processor including a memory device for capturing a digital image of the object, producing the digital data representative of the object from the captured digital image and storing said produced digital data in said memory device are positioned within the housing and connected to receive power from the internal power supply. An eyepiece and view finder are mounted to the top side of the barrel and connected to both the photographic camera and the digital image processor.

Abstract: A hybrid camera that includes imaging mode selector (23) for selecting at least one of a film mode of operation and a hybrid mode of operation; a removable memory interface connection (130) for receiving a removable memory device; digital imaging system (16, 70) for generating a digital image representative of an imaged subject scene in each of the film mode and hybrid mode of operation; a working memory (124) for storing the digital image generated by the digital imaging means as a working image; a photographic imaging system (14, 60) for imaging the subject scene onto a photographic film to generate a photographic film image corresponding to the digital image in the film mode and the hybrid mode of operation; and a control processor (68, 72) for generating a film mode digital image and a hybrid mode digital image from the working image, respectively, in the film mode and hybrid mode of operation.

Abstract: An image recordation and retrieval system and method of producing prints. The system includes a scanner for scanning an original image so as to obtain a digital record file of the image; a printer for printing a print from the original image so as to produce a print; and means for placing the digital record on the print.

Abstract: An improved hybrid camera is provided for capturing an image photographically on film and electronically on an electronic sensor in which the image captured by the electronic sensor may be electronically cropped to match the image captured on the film. The camera includes a first lens having multiple focal lengths and a second lens having two selectable focal lengths. The image is focused through the first lens onto the film to capture the image photographically, while the image is focused through the second lens on an electronic sensor to capture at least the image electronically. A controller in the camera selects the focal length of the second lens to maximize the resolution of the portion of the image captured on the electronic sensor which matches the image captured on the film. The image captured on the electronic sensor may be cropped by the controller to match the image captured on the film.

Abstract: To shoot a still picture and a moving picture simultaneously, a light beam having passed through a taking lens is split by a half-mirror into two light beams so that one of the split light beams is directed to silver halide film and the other is directed to a CCD. An image captured by the CCD is displayed on a viewfinder. Focus condition of an image on the silver halide film is detected by the phase-difference detection method and focus condition of an image on CCD is detected by the contrast detection method so that, based on detection results, the focus of the taking lens or of a relay optical system is adjusted to obtain a well-focused image. When focus condition detection by one method is impossible, results of focus condition detection by the other method are used to adjust the focus.

Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a shutter controller for sending a drive signal to the shutter of a camera loaded with a silver halide sensitive type of film. The drive signal is synchronous to a release signal generated when a release button is pressed, and causes the shutter of the camera with the film to open. The release signal is also applied to a dual shoot controller included in the electronic camera. In response, the dual shoot controller feeds release signals to a synchronizing signal generator and a system controller. In response, the synchronizing signal generator delivers to a solid-state imaging device a drive signal synchronous to the release signal fed to the synchronizing signal generator, without regard to the output signal of a reference oscillator. As a result, an electronic shutter included in the imaging device is opened, and charge is stored in the imaging device.

Abstract: A camera is provided with silver halide film, a CCD for shooting, a display device, a magnetic tape and a flash device, and shooting by the silver halide film is performed while shooting by the CCD is being performed. Pictures taken by the CCD are displayed in the display device and recorded on the magnetic tape. When shooting is accompanied with a flash, exposure of the silver halide film is synchronized with a predetermined cycle of photoelectric conversion of the CCD, or the photoelectric conversion of the CCD is synchronized with the exposure of the silver halide film by varying the cycle. The picture taken by the CCD with a flash is displayed for a while just after shooting as a release-view, and can be displayed later as an after-view.

Abstract: A hybrid camera (10) includes a camera housing (12); a first taking lens (16) for film photography; a second taking lens (18) for digital photography; a first lens cover (14) for movement between a first position in which one of the first and second lenses is covered by the first lens cover and a second position in which the one lens is uncovered by the first lens cover; a first aperture (20) in the first lens cover for revealing the other of the first and second lenses in the second position; a second lens cover (22, 90) supported by the first lens cover for movement between a third position in which the first aperture is covered by the second lens cover and a fourth position in which the first aperture is uncovered by the second lens cover to reveal the other lens in the second position; and a mechanism (74-84; 92-104) actuated by movement of the first lens cover to move the second lens cover between the third and fourth positions.

Abstract: To facilitate creating professional poses for a person to be photographed, a posing mask generating system is provided including a microprocessor having a video graphics board therein. The microprocessor also has a memory and a data input and output device. A video camera is interfaced with the video graphics board so that a video image of a model to be photographed can be viewed on a display terminal. Using the data input device, a professional photographer, experienced in posing subjects, enters graphics information into the system which is then overlaid with the video image and appropriately positioned to define a mask or template defining the location for prominent features of the subject within the frame of reference. This is repeated for a number of possible poses, with the graphics information being stored in the memory of the microprocessor.

Abstract: A single lens reflex camera including a mirror-slit unit provided between a photographing lens and a recording medium and being provided with a pair of mirrors which can be selectively moved onto an optical axis of the photographing lens, and a slit provided between the mirrors; a reciprocally sliding mechanism which reciprocally moves the mirror-slit unit with respect to the recording medium, so that the slit gives the light to a picture area of the recording medium; and a photographing control mechanism which controls the reciprocally sliding mechanism, so that upon viewing, the mirrors of the mirror-slit unit are selectively moved onto the optical axis of the photographing lens so as to make the light incident upon a finder optical system, and upon photographing, the slit moves with respect to the picture area of the recording medium to make light, of an object to be photographed, incident upon the recording medium. The invention is also directed to an exposure method in the single lens reflex camera.

Abstract: A camera for recording images on a photographic film in a cartridge and for recording selected ones of such recorded film images on a magnetic tape having tracks corresponding to image data fries and image identification data for each image data file in a cartridge is disclosed. The camera receives a cartridge which can contain either photographic film or magnetic tape. Optics are provided for recording an image of a subject on the photographic film when a photographic film cartridge is disposed in the cartridge. A digital image of a subject is stored as an image is being exposed on the photographic film. The camera is adapted to receive a cartridge containing magnetic tape for selectively recording files representing selected images from the image storage means onto the image data file tracks and image identification data onto the image identification data tracks of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A dual purpose camera comprising has an optical exposure system for exposing a scene to unexposed film loaded in the camera, thereby producing a latent image in the film, and has an electronic image capture system for producing an electronic image from a developed image on processed film loaded in the camera.

Abstract: A camera divides a light beam having passed through a taking lens unit into two light beams. One light beam forms an image on a silver salt film. Another light beam forms an image on a CCD. A light path for said another light beam is provided with an aperture diaphragm. The taking lens unit has an aperture diaphragm. Said two aperture diaphragms are correlatively controlled by a controller incorporated in the camera.

Abstract: In a camera capable of performing moving-picture recording and still-picture recording, if a still-picture recording operation is performed within a predetermined time period after an operation to stop moving-picture recording has been erroneously performed instead of a still-picture recording operation during moving-picture recording, the operation to stop moving-picture recording is cancelled.

Abstract: An interactive photo kiosk in which, in one embodiment thereof, presents an upright open face which enables a user to stand directly in front of the kiosk, which optically defocuses the background image and substitutes a selected computer generated image, and which enables the user to pose and freeze a selected image made visible to the user on a display screen. Users may choose from among a menu of different computer generated background images. In a preferred embodiment, the selected frozen image is in digital form and is processed electronically to form a single digital multiple image of the same image in a selected area format which, when delivered to a printing apparatus for hard copy print-out, produces a multiple image of the same frozen image on a single sheet wherein each of the multiple images can be peeled off the single sheet and used separately from each other.