Abstract: An example system includes a primary device and at least one auxiliary device connected in series with the primary device. The auxiliary device has an identifier indicative of a position of the auxiliary device in the series. The identifier is based on a resistance value associated with the auxiliary device, the resistance value being based at least in part on an upstream device in the series.

Abstract: A method of starting a camera, a user equipment and a storage medium are provided. A memory in the user equipment is additionally utilized to store calibrated OTP data therein so that the calibrated OTP data stored in the memory can be written directly into a register of an optical sensor of the camera each time the user equipment accesses the camera to thereby avoid OTP data calibration each time the user equipment accesses the camera, and shorten a period of time for the user equipment to access the camera and a period of time for the camera to start while avoiding an overly amount of calibration calculations, lowering a load on a kernel of the user equipment and improving the experience of a user.

Abstract: A method (50) for reprogramming a computer (10) by modification of the content of a non-volatile rewritable memory (104) of the computer via reprogramming software stored in the non-volatile rewritable memory (104). The reprogramming software includes a task sequencer and a plurality of software components, divided in advance into at least two sets, namely: a first set including each software component to be executed simultaneously with an operation of modifying the content of the non-volatile rewritable memory (104), and a second set including some or all of the other software components of the reprogramming software. During the reprogramming of the computer, the software components of the second set are executed from the non-volatile rewritable memory (104), and the task sequencer and the software components of the first set to be executed are copied in advance into a volatile memory (106) of the computer, and are executed from the volatile memory.

Abstract: A photographing device having a game function which determines win/loss of photographing devices based on information regarding image files, is provided with a first parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a first parameter regarding a first image file which was generated by the photographing device, a second parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a second parameter regarding a second image file which is stored in another photographing device, a score calculating unit configured to calculate scores regarding the first image file and the second image file based on the first parameter and the second parameter, respectively, a win/loss determining unit configured to determine win/loss of the photographing device and the other photographing device, and generate win/loss information, a recording unit configured to store the win/loss information, in accumulated manner, as intrinsic information which is intrinsic to the photographing device, and a notifying unit configured to output the accumulated win/

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera including a writer adapted to couple information to a film in use in the camera, the information relating to an ISO rating setting for a particular image captured by the camera. The invention also relates to photographic processing system, comprising reading means to identify from magnetic information stored on a film to be processed the ISO rating setting at which images on the film were captured and a developer stage to receive the film to be developed. The photographic processing system also includes a control unit to select a development time for the film in dependence on the identified ISO rating setting. The invention enables optimisation of image quality to be achieved.

Abstract: A sheet media system comprising an apparatus for utilizing sheet media; and a radio-frequency identification transceiver associated with said apparatus for communicating with a transponder associated with sheet media utilized by said apparatus.

Abstract: In the present invention, by using a light-responsive component which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from an indicated sensitivity, sensitivity information recorded at the light-responsive component by a photographing device can be read at a photo lab, and efficient printing operations can be carried out. While carrying out photographing on a film which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from the indicated sensitivity in a camera, sensitivity information showing a set sensitivity at a time of photographing is recorded on the film. The film is developed at a photo lab, and the sensitivity information is read by a scanner component of an inputting machine. Printing is carried out by an outputting machine in accordance with the sensitivity information, and the sensitivity information is reflected in printed results.

Abstract: In the present invention, by using a light-responsive component which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from an indicated sensitivity, sensitivity information recorded at the light-responsive component by a photographing device can be read at a photo lab, and efficient printing operations can be carried out. While carrying out photographing on a film which can be used in photographing with a sensitivity thereof set to a sensitivity different from the indicated sensitivity in a camera, sensitivity information showing a set sensitivity at a time of photographing is recorded on the film. The film is developed at a photo lab, and the sensitivity information is read by a scanner component of an inputting machine. Printing is carried out by an outputting machine in accordance with the sensitivity information, and the sensitivity information is reflected in printed results.

Abstract: A method of digitizing an image using a portable imaging system to produce an image product. The method comprises the steps of: a service provider transporting the portable imaging system from a first location to a second location; the service provider receiving the image to be digitized from a user at the second location; the service provider scanning the image at the second location using the portable imaging system to produce a digital image; the service provider receiving an order request associated with the digital image from the user; and the service provider providing the digital image to a fulfiller for fulfillment of the order request.

Abstract: A film unit has image capture media and a radio-frequency identification transponder affixed to the image capture media. The image capture media can be photographic film.

Abstract: A data reading apparatus adapted for a film cartridge having a data recording part provided on a predetermined moving member includes a first data reading device which reads data from the data recording part moving, a second data reading device which reads data from the data recording part moving and which is disposed at a position different from that of the first data reading device with respect to a moving direction of the data recording part, and a data obtaining circuit which makes a comparison between data read by the first data reading device, and data read by the second data reading device and obtains, on the basis of a result of the comparison, data corresponding to data recorded on the data recording part, if the data read by the first and second data reading devices are identical.

Abstract: A film unit has image capture media and a radio-frequency identification transponder affixed to the image capture media. The image capture media can be photographic film.

Abstract: An objective lens 3 for taking a photograph of a subject is arranged on one end surface of a generally cylindrical electronic camera body 1. A display device 2 for displaying the taken image is arranged on another end surface. Zoom switches 5 and 6 for operating the electronic camera, and a shutter 7 are arranged in a position out of the center in a longitudinal direction of the side. Further, when carrying the camera, a strap 9 can be fixed to a strap fixing parts 8, and the camera can be carried by suspending from the neck. Therefore, there is provided an electronic camera which, even when the camera is miniaturized so as to be suitable for carrying, does not cause erroneous operations and is convenient to use.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a camera, includes a storage device which stores at least one of cartridge-identifying information for identifying each individual film cartridge and history information indicative of contents of a usage history of a film cartridge corresponding to the cartridge-identifying information, and a determination device which determines whether to leave the storage device storing at least one of the cartridge-identifying information of a film cartridge to be taken out from the apparatus and the history information corresponding to the cartridge-identifying information of the film cartridge.

Abstract: In a cartridge chamber of a camera is disposed a photoreflector to read a bar code formed on a disk attached to an end of a film spool. When a cartridge is loaded, the film spool is rotated more than one round in the direction to rewind the film. The photoreflector starts to read the bar code when supply of a driving force to rotate the spool is started. The leading part and the trailing part of the output signals of the photoreflector are compared in the reverse direction to find a point where signals corresponding to the constant rotation of the disk begin. The signals preceding the point are discarded and the initial position of the disk before it is rotated is determined based on the length of the signals truly representative of the bar code while the disk is rotating at the constant speed. Use condition of the film, unexposed, fully exposed, partly exposed or already developed, is judged from the initial position of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus having a film-cartridge-ID confirming funtion which is adapted to a film cartridge with an information recording portion includes a reading device that reads ID information for identifying the film cartridge from the information recording portion, an input device that inputs information from the outside, and an operation control device that performs an operation corresponding to whether or not the ID information read by the reading device and the information input to the input device is in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A camera and a cartridge indicator setting apparatus adapted to a film cartridge including an indicator operatively coupled to a film supply spool provided in the film cartridge. The camera and the cartridge indicator setting apparatus includes a storage device which stores information to be indicated by the indicator of the film cartridge; and a setting device for driving, in response to an operation for ejecting the film cartridge which has been loaded on the camera, the film supply spool of the film cartridge which has been stopped after completion of rewinding of a film, and for setting the indicator of the film cartridge in accordance with the information stored by the storage device.

Abstract: A camera is used with a photo film cassette of a predetermined type. The photo film cassette includes a spool about which photo film is wound. A cassette shell contains the spool in a rotatable manner. A data disk with a bar code is disposed on the spool in a manner readable externally outside the cassette shell for signaling photo film information. In the camera, a cassette containing chamber contains the cassette. A bottom lid closes the cassette containing chamber in an openable manner. A spool drive shaft rotates the spool of the cassette in the cassette containing chamber, the spool drive shaft being connected to the spool set at a first rotational angle when the spool drive shaft has the first rotational angle. A bar code reader reads the photo film information from the data disk rotated in the cassette containing chamber.

Abstract: A film cartridge comprising a housing having an outer array of electrically sensible areas which can be sensed by a similar array of electrical probes in a camera, is characterized in that a masking slide is supported on the housing for movement between a non-masking position not covering the outer array of electrically sensible areas on the housing, to permit the electrical probes to sense the respective areas, and a masking position covering at least a portion of the outer array of electrically sensible areas, to prevent the electrical probes from sensing the covered areas. Optionally, the housing has an outer exposed film indicator, and the masking slide covers the exposed film indicator when the masking slide is in its non-masking position and uncovers the exposed film indicator when the masking slide is in its masking position.

Abstract: A camera having curcuitry for detecting the type of loaded film has a processor for reading information from a recording portion of the loaded film. Detection circuitry is provided for detecting the type of film loaded in the camera, and an adjustment circuit is provided for adjusting a signal level of the information read by the processor. The adjustment circuit changes an adjustment characteristic on the basis of the film type detected by the detection circuit.

Abstract: A camera for exposing a silver film to an image of an object uses a sensor to convert an object of the image into an image signal. The image signal is then stored in connection with an identification code of the film. The stored image signal is read out in accordance with the identification code of the film and a corresponding frame number, and an object image can be displayed on a monitor on the basis of the read-out image signal. A photographer can alter data recorded on a magnetic recording medium while watching the display on the monitor.

Abstract: A bar code is provided on a Brownie film roll by printing black bar elements on a high-reflective obverse surface of an adhesive tape that secures a leading end of a filmstrip to a light-shielding paper. Spacings between the black bar elements form white bar elements. A reflective photo sensor scans the bar code while the light-shielding paper and the filmstrip are advanced in a camera. Signal level of the photo sensor is sampled, and at least one maximum value and one minimum value of the signal level are held. The sampled signal level is compared to threshold values to detect a leading edge of the adhesive tape, a leading edge of a first black bar element and borders between the bar elements. The threshold values for detecting the leading edge of the first black bar element and for detecting borders between the bar elements are seriatim revised according to the held maximum and minimum values.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a camera, comprises a detection device which detects an index of a film cartridge, and a control device which performs predetermined control in accordance with the detection device detecting that the index of the film cartridge does not exist in indices of a recognized film cartridge for photography but is an admitted, predetermined index.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing the deviation of a focal plane shutter are disclosed. The apparatus has a back cover switch, a control unit and a shutter driver. The apparatus and method prevents the deviation of the focal plane shutter blade by opening the focal plane shutter when a back cover opens. The focal plane shutter is restored to an initial focal plane shutter state after the back cover is closed.

Abstract: A photographic film cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing with an outer surface, and a time and temperature integrating device for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure on the outer surface, wherein the time and temperature integrating device is thin enough so as to not interfere with performance of the cartridge in a photographic camera and comprises a thermally sensitive image-forming area and indicating indicia in association with the image-forming area for indicating when the film cartridge has been exposed to a predetermined cumulative thermal exposure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for reading photographic information for an advance photo system camera utilizes a single optical sensor to record the photographic information on a data disk contained in a film cartridge. The apparatus further includes an information reading device for reading the photographic information and for generating a signal according to the photographic information. A film transport device is also used for rotating a film spool to wind a film into and out of the film cartridge. The apparatus further includes a controller for determining the state of the film cartridge and for setting a stop position of the film spool according to the current state of the film cartridge. The recorded photographic information can be easily read, thus allowing the user to easily determine the state of the film cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus using a film cartridge in a system that a leading portion of a film contained in a cartridge is thrust to be conveyed from the cartridge, wherein an indicator showing an exposure condition is reset to an original state when an initial loading, which is executed on a film cartridge loading in an apparatus, is not executed normally, and the film is rewound, thus, it indicates "unexposed" when a new film cartridge is loaded. While, when a winding up operation is not executed normally during a photographing, a film is rewound and an indicator showing an exposure condition, is set so as to indicate that the film is exposed. Thus, it prevents from causing a double exposure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge. The image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.

Abstract: Adhesive label for an article to be labeled, in particular for a film cartridge, the adhesive label coding machine-readable properties of the article, in particular of a film in the film cartridge, by the position of at least one boundary between an electrically conductive layer and an electrically nonconductive layer lying thereover, wherein the conductive layer is covered by a further conductive, in particular oxidation-inhibiting, protective layer.

Abstract: A photo film cassette contains a photo film, which is exited from a cassette shell when a spool is rotated in an unwinding direction. A data disk is integrally rotatable with the spool. The spool, if the photo film is unexposed, is stopped in an unexposed position with the bar code portion located in a first opening and with the quiet zone located in a second opening. The spool, if the photo film is partially exposed, all exposed or developed, is stopped in one of other predetermined positions. In a camera at first, a spool drive shaft is set in a reference position. To discern a used status of the cassette, after the camera is loaded with the cassette, the spool drive shaft is rotated in reverse to the unwinding. The spool drive shaft is engaged with the spool being in the initial position, to rotate the spool further. While the spool is rotated, the black and white bars and the quiet zone are detected with two photo sensors respectively through the first and second openings.

Abstract: A camera is used with a photo film cassette of a predetermined type. The photo film cassette includes a spool about which photo film is wound. A cassette shell contains the spool in a rotatable manner. A data disk with a bar code is disposed on the spool in a manner readable externally outside the cassette shell for signaling photo film information. In the camera, a cassette containing chamber contains the cassette. A bottom lid closes the cassette containing chamber in an openable manner. A spool drive shaft rotates the spool of the cassette in the cassette containing chamber, the spool drive shaft being connected to the spool set at a first rotational angle when the spool drive shaft has the first rotational angle. An bar code reader reads the photo film information from the data disk rotated in the cassette containing camber.

Abstract: An external input/output device has a plug-in unit having the same shape as a photographic film cassette. The plug-in unit is insertable in a cassette chamber of a camera having a reflective photo-sensor for reading bar codes from a bar code disc of the photographic film cassette. The plug-in unit has a reflective photo-sensor whose light projecting element and photoelectric element are opposed to a photoelectric element and a light projecting element of the photo-sensor of the camera when the plug-in unit is inserted in the cassette chamber. After setting the camera in a data I/O mode, a keyboard of the input/output device is operated to enter control value data to be written in an EEPROM of the camera, or commands for monitoring control value data stored in the EEPROM. The data or command is inputted as light pulses in the camera through the light projecting element of the input/output device and the photoelectric element of the camera.

Abstract: A camera is loadable with a film cartridge having a rotary spool connected with a film and a bar code disk rotatable with the rotary spool and provided with a bar code for indicating photographing information of the film. While the rotary spool is being rotated, the bar code on the bar code disk is read by two readers to judge whether the film has been exposed. Code data is generated based on a read signal produced by the readers after the bar code disk rotates together with the rotary spool a predetermined rotation amount after the film is judged to have not been exposed, and is decoded into film information.

Abstract: A film magazine includes a spool which is supported for rotation in a magazine body and around which the roll film is wound, and a data disk which carries bar codes representing information inherent to the film magazine such as the ISO sensitivity, the number of exposure frames and the like of the film and is rotated together with the spool. The spool is held in a predetermined position when the film is completely in the magazine body so that the angular position of the spool relative to the magazine body represents the condition of use of the film. A photosensor is disposed in a fixed position to read the bar codes while rotating the spool and the condition of use of the film is distinguished on the basis of an angle by which the spool is rotated by the time the photosensor reads a predetermined particular point on the bar codes.

Abstract: A device (e.g., a camera) loaded with a film unit operates to detect a characteristic of the film unit, such as the state of an information part of the film unit. The detection result is used as a basis to control the performance of a further operation, such as a phototaking operation or a state-setting operation for the information part.

Abstract: An Indicator device for use with a web of material having perforations therein of a first pitch along an edge incorporates a wheel having a plurality of teeth that have a pitch that is less than the pitch of the perforations in the web of material. A spring urges the wheel into contact with the web of material such that at least one tooth on the wheel engages a perforation on the web of material. As the web and the wheel move relative to each other when a tooth is aligned with a perforation, the movement of the web of material then rotates the wheel until the tooth disengages with the aligned perforation. When a tooth is not aligned with a perforation on the web, the wheel and its teeth slide on the web of material until a tooth is aligned with a perforation. The diameter of the wheel and the associated teeth translating into the pitch between the teeth can thus be much smaller than a wheel with teeth having the same pitch as the perforations on the web material.

Abstract: A camera adapted to receive a film cartridge having a recording member on which is recorded information relating to a total number of available frames in a film is provided. This camera includes an information detector that detects the information relating to the total number of available frames that is recorded on the recording member, a display unit that displays the information relating to the total number of available frames, an abnormality judging unit that determines whether any abnormality is present in the information relating to the total number of available frames that is detected by the information detector, and a display controller that controls a display of the display unit according to a result of judgement made by the abnormality judging unit.

Abstract: A camera capable of automatic film rewinding into the magazine, comprises an information recording device for recording at least information on use in an information recording portion formed at a predetermined position of the magazine loaded in the magazine chamber of the camera, an information detecting means capable of detecting recorded information of the magazine when it is loaded, a prohibition device for prohibiting the photographing operation in response to a detection signal corresponding to information, indicating that all the film is already used, detected by the information detecting device and a control device for controlling the information recording device, information detecting device and prohibition device in such a manner that the detection by the information detecting device is conducted prior to the recording of information of use by the information recording device, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film i

Abstract: A film cartridge comprising a cartridge housing, a film spool rotatable inside the cartridge housing, and a film exposure status indicator capable of changing state to provide a visual indication of the exposure status of a filmstrip for the film cartridge, is characterized in that a ring having a radial slit coaxially engages the film spool to be rotated concurrently with the film spool, and the indicator is a flexible helix coiled around the film spool and extending through the slit, with one end portion of the helix fixed in place beneath the ring to be concealed from view and to prevent rotation of the helix when the ring is rotated with the film spool, and a further portion of the helix initially located above the ring to be visible but which is adapted to be compressed beneath the ring to disappear from view responsive to movement of the slit along the further portion when the ring is rotated with the film spool, to provide a change of state of the helix from being visible above the ring to being concea

Abstract: In a camera arranged to use a film cartridge having a rotary member which rotates in association with transport of a film and which is provided with a code indicative of information about the film, a rotating state of the rotary member is detected in rewinding the film, so that the film can securely be wound into the film cartridge.

Abstract: A photographic printing method and apparatus are characterized in that negative films are provided with marks which are indicative of whether the printing of index pictures is desired prior to the process of printing, and index pictures are systematically printed when it is determined that the printing of index pictures are desired through examination of the marks.

Abstract: To cope with undefined codes of coded information, an information setting device is provided having a code read-in device, a memory device to store information corresponding to the codes, and an information reading device to read information from the memory device corresponding to the codes read by the code reading device. The memory device of the information setting device of a camera which sets information read from the information reading device in the camera can be an information overwritable memory device having an information storage area for undefined codes where information is not set.

Abstract: A camera adapted to use an image recording medium cartridge in which an image recording medium is contained or an apparatus adapted for this kind of camera includes a determination portion for determining whether the image recording medium contained in the image recording medium cartridge is already developed.

Abstract: A camera, which uses a film cartridge having a film exposure status display, comprises an E2PROM. The E2PROM stores the fact that the film status determination operation is underway when film status determination operation is underway. When a power supply is removed while the film status determination is operating and then the power supply is mounted, the camera operates an initial process. The film exposure status display is set in `exposed` because the E2PROM holds that the film status determination operation is underway. A camera is .provided that deems the film in the film cartridge to have been exposed and does not perform exposure if the power supply is cut off while the determination of the film status of the film in the film cartridge mounted in the camera is underway.

Abstract: A microcomputer and an EEPROM are mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. A land of the flexible printed circuit board is fixed to the upper wall of a cassette chamber. Provided on the bottom surface of this land are a reflection type photosensor for reading a bar code of a photographic film cassette and a plurality of contacts. The reflection type photosensor and the plurality of contacts are exposed in the cassette chamber via an opening formed in the upper wall. A data input apparatus has a connector and a console unit. As the connector is inserted into the cassette chamber, each connector pin of the connector contacts each of the plurality of contacts to electrically connect the microcomputer to the data input apparatus. By manipulating the console unit of the data input apparatus, various sets of data are written in EEPROM via the microcomputer of the camera. Data in EEPROM is read by the data input apparatus.

Abstract: In a photographic camera with information reading function, a bar code sensor having a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion is provided in a magazine chamber in which a film magazine having a bar code plate bearing thereon information on the film is loaded. Information on the film is read by the bar code sensor on the basis of reflected light from the bar code plate while camera control information is read also by the bar code sensor on the basis of light projected from a light projecting portion of an information input system opposed to the light receiving portion of the bar code sensor. The arrangement of a signal processing circuit of the light receiving portion of the bar code sensor for processing signals obtained from light received by the light receiving portion is switched according to which of the information on the film and the camera control information is to be read so that the signal processing circuit is adapted to the signal to be processed.

Abstract: A photographic camera system includes a photographic camera that can successively expose a photographic film in different frame sizes and an automatic printer for automatically printing the processed photographic film exposed with those different frame sizes. The camera varies the width of an exposure opening in the camera body in the film-feed direction and the film is fed a length corresponding to the width of the exposure opening. The photographic camera records an exposure opening position signal indicative of the size of the exposure opening on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the exposure opening position signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: A camera capable of automatic film rewinding into the magazine, comprises an information recording device for recording at least information on use in an information recording portion formed at a predetermined position of the magazine loaded in the magazine chamber of the camera, an information detecting device capable of detecting recorded information of the magazine when it is loaded, a prohibition device for prohibiting the photographing operation in response to a detection signal corresponding to information, indicating that all the film is already used, detected by the information detecting device and a control device for controlling the information recording device, information detecting device and prohibition device in such a manner that the detection by the information detecting device is conducted prior to the recording of information of use by the information recording means, and that the photographing operation is prohibited in response to the detection of information indicating that all the film i

Abstract: A camera in use with a photographic film in a cartridge.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a cartridge chamber for loading a film cartridge, a cartridge chamber lid for closing or opening said cartridge chamber, and switching means for switching a state of an operation portion formed on a surface of said film cartridge, said switching means interlocking with an operation of said cartridge chamber lid to switch the state of said operation portion of said film cartridge.