Still-motion Camera Patents (Class 352/137)
  • Patent number: 8731396
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system configured to operate with a hand-held camera. The hand-held camera is configured to operate with a film cartridge. The film cartridge defines an opening to enable entry of a driven film-feeding member into engagement with film edge perforations, the film-feeding member being driven by the camera for movement in a rectilinear path whereby successive film edge perforations are engaged so as to intermittently move the film past the exposure aperture. The system comprises a housing configured to be moveably engageable with the camera, in place of the film cartridge; a detector configured to generate a first signal in response to detecting a movement of the film-feeding member; and circuitry configured to write signals from an image sensor into the memory, according to an addressing mechanism that is responsive to the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Yoshisuke Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 7632023
    Abstract: A camera comprising: a camera body on which an image taking lens and an image display portion are provided, and a grip portion connected to the camera body so as to be foldable and extendable, wherein the grip portion can be moved to a first position at which it is folded to cover the image display portion and to a second position at which it is extended to function as a grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Misawa
  • Patent number: 7557852
    Abstract: A digital still camera switches an image sensor between moving picture shooting and still picture shooting. The digital still camera includes a variable-magnification optical system having a plurality of lens groups of which four are movable. At least one of the movable lens groups travels different movement trails for magnification variation between during zooming in moving picture shooting and during zooming in still picture shooting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Hashimoto, Kazuaki Matsui, Hiroshi Mashima, Hideo Onishi, Mamoru Terada
  • Patent number: 6065015
    Abstract: An image file editing apparatus avoids duplicated display of image files when image files are being displayed from multiple recording medium that are removably insertable into the apparatus. A medium drive device writes and reads files stored in the removable recording medium. A list display device obtains or creates identification information of the image file in the recording medium and displays the image file in a list using identification information. A file selection device selects an image file displayed in the list corresponding to an external operation. An editing device executes an editing operation to one or a plurality of selected image files. The image file editing apparatus can also include a medium collating device that searches for identification information from a currently-installed recording medium, and that determines whether the recording medium has already been displayed in the list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kazami
  • Patent number: 5974272
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ronald H. Kiesow, Raymond E. Wess
  • Patent number: 4739411
    Abstract: A manually-focused video camera provides a movie image for an electronic viewfinder and a still image for recording apparatus. A diaphragm in the optical section of the camera determines the optical aperture presented to incoming image light, which coincidentally establishes the depth of field in which the subject remains in focus. When the aperture necessary for a still image exceeds the aperture used for the movie image by, e.g., three aperture stops, a warning system in the camera produces a control signal. The existence of this signal indicates a potential focusing problem due to the disparity between aperture values and the reduced depth of field in the corresponding still image. The signal is used, e.g., to illuminate a warning element in the viewfinder or to insert a neutral density filter into the path of incoming light, in the latter case forcing the movie aperture to approach the still aperture and thereby causing the movie depth of field to approach the still depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Bolton
  • Patent number: 4551764
    Abstract: A video camera capable of taking both still pictures and moving pictures yet having a size and weight substantially the same as a conventional video camera. The automatic aperture of the video camera is used as an aperture and shutter for still picture photographing operations. The lens body has a programmed exposure time control circuit for producing an exposure time control signal, while the camera body has a still control circuit for producing a still control signal which marks the start and finish of a still picture photographing operation. The camera body and lens body are provided with respective first and second signal control circuits for controlling the flow of a bidirectional signal, which is a composite of the exposure time control signal and still control signal. The bidirectional signal is passed between the camera body and the lens body over a single signal line in a time division manner during still picture photographing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimiaki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 4406528
    Abstract: A motion picture apparatus is provided which comprises a rotary disc shutter having a shutter sector and actuated by an electric drive device. A claw mechanism is controlled by the electric drive device and provides for transport of a film. An electromagnetic solenoid provides for stopping the film in position. A plunger for the solenoid is provided for disengaging the claw transport mechanism after a frame transport phase upon generation of an appropriate signal. A position signal generator provides a shutter position signal depending on the position of the shutter sector and a marking signal generator provides a signal depending on the detection of a marking placed on the film. The position signal generator is connected to a first input of an AND gate and the marking signal generator is connected to a second input of the AND gate. The output of the AND gate is connected to the solenoid.The apparatus and a corresponding method provide for stopping a film without interference in proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert AG
    Inventor: Horst Rossbach
  • Patent number: 4194817
    Abstract: The user of a motion-picture camera selects between motion-picture and single-exposure operation, and presses a release member to initiate shooting, letting go of it to terminate motion-picture shooting. Each time the user lets go of the release member, an internal device provides an interrupt-transport marking alongside the just exposed film frame, or phase shifted relative thereto. Alternatively, the interrupt-transport marking is provided the next time the user presses the release member. In this way, the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and each and every one of the interspersed single-exposure shots, is provided with an interrupt-transport frame marking. Thus, if the film is run through a reproducing apparatus provided with a marking detector, detection of each interrupt-transport marking during motion-picture reproduction causes the terminal frame of each motion-picture scene, and also each one of the still shots, to be persistently reproduced as a still image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert, A.G.
    Inventors: Frank Staudacher, Otto Stemme, Peter Lermann, Werner Went, Volkmar Stenzenberger, Eberhard Herzig, Friedrich Stumpf, Thomas Scheller, Jurgen Sylla, Friedrich Winkler, Johann Zanner
  • Patent number: 4188099
    Abstract: An image projector apparatus, for cinematograph film or the like transparent frames, includes a programmable control for instance operable from magnetic tape which may include audio signals stored in synchronism with the intended speed of transport of the frames by the projectors; more than one series of images, e.g. on two cinematograph films for superposed projection, are described and the projection dwell period for each image, in a series alternating with transport from frame to frame, is sustained over a broad range of image series speeds, e.g. normal slow-motion or accelerated viewing speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Inventor: Phillip R. Hadden-Deering
  • Patent number: 4183635
    Abstract: A motor driving the shutter of a motion-picture camera is intermittently energizable under the control of two time-constant networks triggering respective pulse generators of the one-shot type, the first time-constant network including a photoresistor to measure an exposure interval dependent upon luminous intensity, the second time-constant network being adjustable to establish a selected recurrence period. With the shutter arrested in an unblocking position at the start of an operating cycle, which coincides with the beginning of an exposure interval, a pulse from the first generator releases the shutter for movement into a blocking position until a pulse from the second generator restarts the cycle by letting the shutter return to its unblocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Bolex International SA
    Inventor: Franz Dorig
  • Patent number: 4108543
    Abstract: The motion picture camera which is adjustable for taking individual pictures has a rotary shutter and means for locking this shutter in an open rest position thereof. This open rest position, at which the shutter passes the exposure light beam, is effected immediately upon the completion of the film advancement phase during one turn of the rotary shutter and can last for an arbitrarily long time period. This long time exposure is terminated by unlocking the rotary shutter simultaneously with the actuation of the release of the camera for taking the subsequent picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Braun AG.
    Inventor: Rudolf Leistner
  • Patent number: 4036555
    Abstract: An electromagnetic trigger device in a motor-driven camera capable of selection of continuous single-frame or time exposure mode. A latching lever latches a shutter driving mechanism in a shutter closed position in which a shutter is completely closed and in a shutter open position in which the shutter is fully opened. A preventing member prevents the latching lever from latching the shutter driving mechanism in the shutter open position when the continuous or single-frame exposure mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: Nippon Kogaku K.K.
    Inventor: Osamu Maida
  • Patent number: 4019814
    Abstract: A device on a film projector for copying movie films in combination with a movie camera which is equipped with a releaser for the exposure of single frames. Said device includes a speed-changing mechanism at the film projector for changing the speed of projection to less than the maximum exposure rate of the movie camera when operating the single-frame releaser. The film projector further comprises a pulse-generating switch, which is operated synchronously with the film feed mechanism of the film projector, such that a pulse is generated or transmitted at each change of frame of the projected film. Said pulses are used for releasing the single-frame releaser of the movie camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1973
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ludwig Blaschke
  • Patent number: 3980400
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electromagnetic trigger device in a motor-driven camera for effecting bulb exposure in which the shutter is kept open during depression of the shutter release button. By depression of the shutter release button, discharge current from a first capacitor directly or indirectly energizes a electromagnet to drive a shutter driving mechanism. A latching lever stops the shutter driving mechanism in an open shutter position. By release of the button, discharge current from a second capacitor directly or indirectly energizes the electromagnet to drive the shutter driving mechanism. The latching lever stops the shutter driving mechanism in a closed shutter position, thus accomplishing the bulb exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: Nippon Kogaku K.K.
    Inventor: Osamu Maida
  • Patent number: 3955886
    Abstract: In an improved motion picture camera capable of continuous shooting and one-frame shooting, by employing a novel circuit arrangement, the period of one frame shooting can be shortened, and the stability of operation against a wide range of the environmental temperature change can be attained, and also the electric power in the circuit can be conserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 3950084
    Abstract: A motion picture camera wherein a rotary shutter can be arrested in a first or a second angular position in which its blade respectively overlies and is out of register with the light-admitting aperture. In order to terminate a long exposure which is started with stoppage of the shutter in the second angular position, the user must close an auxiliary switch serving to energize an electromagnet which starts an electric motor for the shutter and simultaneously withdraws a tooth of a pivotable intercepting lever from the path of movement of two projections on the shutter. The first projection approaches and engages the tooth when the shutter is to be arrested in the first position, and the second projection approaches and engages the tooth in the second position of the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1972
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Photokino G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Herbert Reinsch