Abstract: A camera includes a power supply, a microcontroller having a timer, and a multimode power button capable of being actuated for an actuation time. When the camera is off and the button is actuated, the microcontroller turns the camera on. When the camera is on and the button is actuated so the actuation time is shorter than a threshold time, the microcontroller changes a mode of the camera. And when the camera is on and the button is actuated so the actuation time is not shorter than the threshold time, the microcontroller turns the camera off.

Abstract: A specification-variable camera comprises a plurality of switches. A specification-change member renders a predetermined combination of the plurality of switches conductive. An operation member is used to select a mode of the camera. A detection switch serves to detect an operation on the operation member. A control means is compatible with a plurality of specifications. The control means sets a mode of the camera in correspondence with conducting states of the switches, when an output is supplied from the detection switch. The specification of the camera is changed by changing the combination of the conducting states of the switches.

Abstract: A camera body has grip portions for right-handed users and the left-handed users provided respectively on the right and left sides thereof. A release button to be operated by the right hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for right-handed users, and a release button to be operated by the left hand is mounted on the side of the grip portion for left-handed users. A ring member is rotatably mounted about a lens-barrel. When the ring member is rotated toward the release button for right-handed users, the release button for right-handed users is enabled, and when it is rotated toward the release button for left-handed users, the release button for left-handed users is enabled.

Abstract: A photographing device having an operation member to be operated by an external operation, a memory device for memorizing a plurality of control sequences to be conducted according to an operation of the operation member, a setting device for setting a requested control sequence among the plurality of control sequences by correlating the requested control sequence with the control sequence to be controlled by the operation of the operation member, and a control sequence execution device for executing the requested control sequence set by the setting means, according to the operation of the operation member.

Abstract: A camera is provided which enables the selection of a plurality of specifications in a simple structure and by a simple method. A first contact pattern, a second contact pattern, and a third contact pattern are provided at different positions, respectively. The mode of the camera can be optionally selected out of a derivative mode switch having a first mode setting button which enables conduction of the first contact pattern and the second contact pattern, and a derivative mode switch having a first mode setting button which enables conduction of the first contact pattern and the third contact pattern.

Abstract: A camera having a control dial/display panel unit includes a ring member which can be manually rotated about a first axis; a display panel which is surrounded by the ring member so as to be viewed through an aperture of the ring member from outside the camera; a rotational member which is rotatable about a second axis which is inclined with respect to the first axis; a transmission device for transmitting the rotation of the ring member to the rotational member; a detection device which is disposed on the rotational member to detect rotation information of the rotational member; and a controller which determines rotation information of the ring member via the rotation information of the rotational member, which is detected by the detection device, to indicate information corresponding to the rotation information of the ring member on the display panel.

Abstract: In a multifunction camera, an area selector is used both as an operation key in a first selection mode for selecting the focus detection area of the focus detection device, and as an operation key in a second selection mode for selecting the function setting of the camera. A mode selector is provided which is settable at three positions including a local position, wide position, and lock position. The focus detection area selected at the local position is locked when the mode selector is set at the lock position and has been moved from the local position to the lock position, whereas the wide position is locked when the mode selector has been moved from the wide position to the lock position.

Abstract: A camera has a camera body. A taking lens is disposed at a front face of the camera body, for introducing object light. A grip portion is disposed in the camera body and lower than the taking lens, and adapted to holding of the camera body. A release button is adapted for recording the object light from the taking lens by being depressed, and is disposed between the taking lens and the grip portion. In a preferred embodiment, the release button has a depression surface inclined with reference to the front face of the camera body. Furthermore, an instant photo film chamber is formed in the camera body, disposed behind a central portion of the front face, and contains an instant photo film. A printer unit with an exposure head records an image to the instant photo film.

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 aspect of an exposure opening in the camera body and the film is fed for a length corresponding to the selected aspect by detecting a hole located in a marginal area of the film. The photographic camera magnetically or optically records at a location away from the hole an aspect information signal indicative of the selected aspect of the exposed frame on the photographic film, and the automatic printer automatically prints the photographic film using the magnetically or optically recorded aspect information signal detected from the photographic film.

Abstract: An exposure-condition setting device for a camera includes an Xv dial for setting an exposure compensation value, having a plurality of exposure compensation value indicia, the exposure compensation value indicia representing exposure compensation values; and an AEB dial provided coaxial to the Xv dial and relatively rotatable thereto, for setting an automatic exposure bracketing mode having at least one pair of range marks in the circumferential direction thereof, the pair of range marks representing an exposure compensation range in the automatic exposure bracketing mode when the automatic exposure bracketing mode is set by the AEB dial. An interval of the pair of range marks in the circumferential direction is determined so that the pair of range marks registers with a pair of exposure compensation value indicia on the Xv dial so as to indicate the exposure compensation range for the automatic exposure mode.

Abstract: A camera adapted to APS is equipped with an optical zooming feature and a feature of entering a demand of electronic zooming by which information regarding a zooming ratio readable to make a print from a frame of a negative film at a print magnification corresponding to a demanded zooming ratio by a printer is recorded on the film loaded therein.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having setting means for setting mutually contradictory functions, wherein the setting means comprises a pair of operation buttons, and the operation buttons are disposed on opposing surfaces of the body of the portable apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: A picture size switching mechanism for a variable picture size camera includes a stationary standard picture plane forming member and a pair of light interception frames having light interception portions which can obstruct upper and lower edges of the standard picture frame and are movable in the upward and downward direction to selectively define a standard picture plane or a laterally elongated picture plane. A light interception frame association mechanism moves one of the light interception frames symmetrically with the other light interception frame with respect to the center of the picture plane when the other light interception frame is moved in the upward and downward direction. A follower pin is provided on one of the light interception frames and a rotatable cam member is supported by the camera body to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the picture plane.

Abstract: A camera with a magnetic recording device that may record optional data on a magnetic recording layer of a photo filmstrip while the photo filmstrip is advanced by one frame after each exposure. The optional data is print number data designating the number of copies to print from a picture frame and/or caption data designating a content and a language of a caption to print with a picture frame. The optional data is selectable by photographers for each picture frame by operating a multi-operation button when the camera is put in a mode set-up standby stage upon a shift switch being turned on by pushing a shift button. The multi-operation button is virtually divided into four sections. The camera is put in a print number setting mode when one of the sections that is provided with a mark indicating the print number setting mode, is pressed in the mode set-up standby stage.

Abstract: To provide a camera configured to be supported by the hands of a photographer on the bottom surface of the body thereof whose operability is improved by allowing various settings to be easily made with the camera body supported reliably and allowing a set value to be stored and retrieved with a small number of operation members, a configuration is provided which includes a grip portion protruding in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of a photographic optical system provided in a predetermined position of a lateral surface of the body of the camera and an operating member for allowing input of information to cause execution of a predetermined operation, the operating member being provided in the vicinity of the grip portion.

Abstract: A camera having a rear cover with an operation member thereon, includes an electrical signal generation device and a mechanical operation device, provided in a camera body; a movable common operation member provided on the rear cover of the camera to actuate the electrical signal generation device and the mechanical operation device; a movable association member in the camera body, which is moved in accordance with the movement of the common operation member when the rear cover is closed, to actuate both the electrical signal generation device and the mechanical operation device; a biasing member on the rear cover, for holding the common operation member at a predetermined position when the rear cover is opened, regardless of the position of the common operation member when the rear cover has been closed; and a biasing member on the camera body, for holding the association member at a predetermined position when the rear cover is opened, regardless of the position of the common operation member when the rear

Abstract: A camera and a camera reset device comprises a liquid crystal display unit that displays the camera setting and/or control state, a mode dial operated to select at least one mode setting position at which a function (P, CSM, ISO or the like) related to or not related to a photographing operation can be selected and set, a command dial operated to select and set the function, a reset operation unit that resets the function to a specific initial state (by depressing an exposure compensation button and a bracketing button at the same time) and an arithmetic operation circuit that indicates a reset by temporarily turning off the display at the liquid crystal display unit or the like when the reset operation unit has been operated.

Abstract: An operation device of a camera includes an indication member comprising a plurality of characters, an operation member which is movable relative to the indication member and includes an index mark for pointing at one of the plurality of characters when the operation member stops at a corresponding stop position thereof; and an illuminating device which illuminates at least one of the plurality of characters at which the index mark points. Also disclosed is a control device for controlling the illuminating device to be turned ON and OFF in a predetermined particular pattern immediately after the power of the camera is turned ON, wherein the control device does not turn the illuminating device ON and OFF in the predetermined particular pattern thereafter, in a power-ON state of the camera.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having setting means for setting mutually contradictory functions, wherein the setting means comprises a pair of operation buttons, and the operation buttons are disposed on opposing surfaces of the body of the portable apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: In a camera having a camera body and a film back that can be attached to and detached from a rear portion of the camera body, a backward protrusion which protrudes backward from a film back attaching surface and covers a top surface of the film back is provided to the camera body, and operation members are provided on this backward protrusion.

Abstract: An exposure compensation device for an automatic exposure camera which is able to easily perform exposure compensation setting regardless of an exposure control mode setting. A first setting unit sets the lens aperture. A second setting means sets the shutter speed of the camera. The camera CPU controls the aperture value and the shutter speed to the appropriate photometric values based on photometric values output by a photometric unit. An exposure compensation amount setting unit changes the shutter speed and the aperture value during picture taking according to an exposure compensation operation. The exposure compensation amount setting unit also sets an exposure compensation amount when exposure is to be compensated. It is possible to set the exposure compensation amount using the second setting unit during an automatic exposure mode in which a first setting mode is given priority.

Abstract: In a camera, a shutter release button is arranged on one surface on the top side of the external housing of the camera and a zoom operating button is arranged on a second surface, which is formed as a step relative to the first surface.

Abstract: A camera has a user-operable input device, e.g., a writing pad, attached to its body. A user inputs information to be superimposed on a photographic negative onto the user-operable input device. A processor is connected to the user-operable input device. A display is also attached to the camera body and is connected to the processor. The processor transmits the information entered onto the user-operable input device to the display. When the negative is exposed, the display information is superimposed with the image of the subject being photographed. Thus, a user may enter a caption describing the subject directly onto the photograph.

Abstract: Camera apparatus and method with provision for selection of image annotations to be recorded with captured images. Camera user initiated keywords associated with groupings of annotations are inputted to the camera via voice recognition or handwriting recognition to search for related annotations using group codes which may also include hierarchical rank classification codes. Annotations pre-recorded in memory and having codes matching those of the inputted keywords are displayed on a camera display device to allow the camera user to rapidly select a desired annotation for recording of the associated code in connection with the captured image. The code is then utilized in known manner during photofinishing to print the selected annotation on the front or back of the reproduced image print.

Abstract: A setting apparatus for a camera includes a first switch having a plurality of stop positions; a second switch; and a shutter speed setting device which can select a desired shutter speed from a plurality of shutter speeds set at predetermined steps in accordance with the stop positions of the first switch. The shutter speed setting device can modify the shutter speed (which has been selected via the stop positions of the first switch) by a step smaller than the predetermined steps via the operation of the second switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image blur correction apparatus wherein an image blur correction system is capable of being selectively set, at least, so as to operate in a first image blur correction characteristic or operate in a second image blur correction characteristic different from the first image blur correction characteristic, changeover between them is such that circular changeover is effected between the image blur correction characteristics every execution of a common predetermined operation on a predetermined control member (for example, every depression on a control member of a depression type), and the image blur correction system is forcibly reset so as to operate in the first image blur correction characteristic at start of power supply to the image blur correction apparatus, irrespective of which is the latest image blur correction characteristic set in response to the operation on the control member, whereby the image blur correction system is always set in the determined characteristic

Abstract: An input device by which a character or symbol is retrieved and determined using an irreducible minimum number of numeric keys 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in an address reference table of an information exchange code main memory. Ten bits of data corresponding to a column index and ten bits of data corresponding to a row index are alternately inputted through an input keyboard. When a first arbitrary numeral is inputted, a column of characters corresponding to the input numeral is held in an ON state, and is simultaneously displayed on a selected character confirmation display. When a second arbitrary numeral is inputted, a row of characters corresponding to the input numeral is selected, and a single character corresponding to the selected column and row is placed in an ON state, and all other characters are placed in an OFF state. This input device is mounted on a camera, and a bitmap display of a line of characters is provided on a press plate of the camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a select dial of a camera which includes a rotatable member and a click-stop mechanism for making the rotatable member stop with a click at any one of a plurality of click-stop positions of the rotatable member when the rotatable member is rotated. The click-stop mechanism includes: a positioning member having a plurality of holes which determine the plurality of click-stop positions; and a plurality of balls each being pressed against the positioning member to be engageable with any one of the plurality of holes. The plurality of holes and the plurality of balls are arranged so that one of the plurality of balls is disengaged from any of the plurality of holes when another ball of the plurality of balls is engaged with any one of the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A double dial mechanism for a camera includes two coaxially-arranged rotatable dials, and two dial rotational position detecting mechanisms. The two dial rotational position detecting mechanisms are respectively arranged at positions that differ in an axial direction and overlap in a radial direction.

Abstract: A roll photo film includes a photo filmstrip having an effective exposure region in which plural frames are formable one after another. Light-shielding leader and trailer are disposed on respective ends of the photo filmstrip. The roll photo film is pre-wound with the trailer wound inwards and with the leader wound outwards. A bar code is prerecorded between a front end of the leader and the effective exposure region, represents information of an auto input photosensitivity value. A camera is used with the roll photo film. In the camera, a bar code reader reads the bar code to detect the auto input photosensitivity value. A photosensitivity dial is externally operable, and inputs a manual input photosensitivity value. A mode selector, in combination of a pointer and a movable indicia, is externally operable, and selects one of automatic and manual modes. The auto input photosensitivity value becomes effective when selecting the automatic mode.

Abstract: An annotation system for a camera comprising at least one storage area capable of storing annotations, an input/output interface operatively connected to both the camera and the storage area, a sorting algorithm that is run by a microprocessor for reordering previously used annotations according to a predetermined set of parameters such as the number of times the annotation has been used or the frequency of use of an annotation; and a recall function run by the microprocessor for selecting parameters used by the sorting algorithm. A time recording mechanism is provided via a real time clock to denote annotation time, and a counting mechanism to count the times a particular annotation was used are provided to yield parameters for the sorting algorithm by which previous annotations can be reordered. A user selectable recall mode switch activates a menu on the display to enable user selection of the recall sorting method.

Abstract: A zoom ratio adjusting device includes a member movable between a telephoto end position and a wide-angle end position on opposite sides of a neutral position which is provided with a first and a second elastic arm, each arm being deformable while the zoom ratio adjusting member moves toward each of the telephoto end and wide-angle end positions to accumulate reactive force for returning the member to the neutral position and to hold the zoom ratio adjusting member in the neutral position.

Abstract: An image processing system and method for processing a source digital image with a first energy sensitivity parameter value and including first pixels of first pixel values into a target digital image with a selected second energy sensitivity parameter value and including second pixels of second pixel values, for enabling a photographer to adjust resolution and sensitivity of a digital image to correspond to the light sensitivity of a specific photographic film. Thus, the photographer can use a light meter to indicate pairs of exposure time and diaphragm settings for the electronic camera that will ensure a correct exposure of the digital image when the light meter is set to indicate correct pairs of exposure time and diaphragm settings for a camera.

Abstract: A variable format camera comprising a front cover part having a particular-format viewfinder opening, and at least one other-format mask movable beneath the front cover part into alignment with the viewfinder opening to change the format of the view through the viewfinder opening to that of the mask and out of alignment with the viewfinder opening, is characterized in that a format-encodement-on-film switch is actuatable to provide a format encodement on a filmstrip in the camera; the mask has a switch actuator for actuating the encodement switch; and a rigid support for the switch actuator maintains a gap between the switch actuator and the encodement switch when the switch actuator does not actuate the encodement switch, to prevent the switch actuator from accidentally actuating the encodement switch because the front cover part is pressed inwardly.

Abstract: A zoom camera has a push button switch that is constituted of a single disc virtually radially divided into sections, and switches disposed behind the sections one by one. The single disc is supported in a center such that the single disc tilts in a different direction when pushed at one of the sections, and returns to a horizontal state by a spring force. One of the switches is actuated to output a signal when a corresponding one of the sections is pushed. The push button switch doubles as a mode setting operation member and a zooming operation member. When the mode setting operation is designated by a manually operable switch, the signals from the switches are used for the mode setting. Otherwise, the signals from the switches are used for zooming.

Abstract: A photographic camera having a halfway film rewind mode in which a cartridge having film with part of the frames exposed and part of the frames unexposed is rewound into the film cartridge. The camera also allows the user to set a mode in which data relating to the cartridge can be entered into the memory of the camera. The memory of the camera stores the user input cartridge data together with data representative of the member of unexposed film frames remaining on the film in the cartridge.

Abstract: First and second dials are coaxially and rotatably supported by a boss formed on an outer cover. An encoding plate having an encoding pattern formed on each of its upper and lower surfaces is fixed to the lower surface of the outer cover. A first contact which slides on one of the encoding patterns interlocking with the first dial is provided on the upper surface of a dial holding plate attached to a lower end of a shaft of the first dial. A second contact which slides on the other encoding pattern interlocking with the second dial is provided on the lower surface of a protrusion provided on the lower surface of the second dial.

Abstract: A camera having a touch sensitive control with first and second positions spaced apart along a surface of the camera, and a shutter. A processor is connected to the touch sensitive control and the shutter, so that as a user slides a finger from the first to the second positions, the shutter is operated. The sliding shutter control inhibits vibration during picture taking while allowing a two-position shutter control. The touch sensitive control may particularly be a touch sensitive screen and icons controlling other camera functions can be presented thereon. These camera control icons can be re-positioned or re-sized on the screen to suit user preferences and/or physical limitations.

Abstract: A setting of control information changing apparatus having first and second operational components, a setting change device, and a switching device. The setting change device changes the setting of the first control information, for example, in response to the independent operation of the first operational component, and changes the setting of the second control information in response to simultaneous operation of both of the first and the second operational components. The switching device switches the operation of the setting change device between a possible condition in which the setting change of the first control information is possible and an impossible condition in which the setting change of the first control information is not possible.

Abstract: A multi-function and high function photographic device having optional setting of only those functions desired by the photographer, thereby omitting complicated setting operations, such as the selection of unnecessary function mode settings or function ranges. The photographic device includes an LCD to display plural function operation elements which are operational modes relating to photography or numerical values indicating operation ranges relating to photography. The photographic device further includes a manual operation device to select optional elements from among the function operation elements which are displayed on the LCD. A control device inhibits operation of the optional elements which were selected by the manual operation device. Moreover, control device controls display or non-display of function operation elements on the LCD, to indicate operation or operation inhibition states.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a date recording device and a display for showing at least the time. Also included is a device to display the time on the film. The display also indicates battery power and flashes to indicate when the battery has been replaced.

Abstract: An electric camera has a camera body, a display portion for displaying information preset to the camera body, a tripod mounting screw portion provided in a bottom portion of the camera body and a cell containing portion having at least first and second stages, the first stage having a first plurality of cells so as to interpose the tripod mounting screw portion between the first plurality of cells, and the second stage having a second plurality of cells without interposing the tripod mounting screw portion between the second plurality of cells, wherein the second stage is disposed on top of the first stage, at least one side portion of the first stage is extended outwardly beyond one side portion of the second stage to be a projected portion, and the display portion is disposed immediately above the projected portion and adjacent to the one side portion of the second stage.

Abstract: A camera equipped with a date recording device which has a function switch selectively operative in two functions, an operation mode setting function for setting a specific operation mode of the camera and a display mode setting function for selectively setting display modes of the date/time display device, a function changing switch for causing the function switch to select one of the two functions. The date/time display device displays a time thereon when the function switch is operative with the operation mode setting function and flashes on and off at least one of figures of figures indicating the time when operative with said display mode setting function.

Abstract: The camera capable of displaying brightness distribution of the present invention is equipped with a photometric sensor which has a plurality of photoelectric conversion sub-elements which perform photometry on a plurality of regions into which the subject is divided, and a display device, having a plurality of display elements, which displays the brightness distribution over the subject as detected by the photometric sensor.

Abstract: An information setting apparatus includes a first operation mechanism reciprocally operatable in the first and second directions different from each other, first and second direction detection units respectively for detecting an operation in the first or second direction on the basis of the operation content of the first operation mechanism, a first information setting unit for sequentially setting first information in accordance with a detection output from the first direction detection unit, and a second information setting unit for sequentially setting second information in accordance with a detection output from the second direction detection unit.

Abstract: An information setting apparatus of a camera includes an information storage unit, a display unit, a selecting unit, a step altering unit, an information setting unit, and a control unit. The information storage unit stores photographic information values pertaining to photography. The display unit displays the information values stored in the information storage unit. The selecting unit selects an information value by sequentially changing the display on the display unit step by step. The step altering unit alters the display step for the value of the photographic information on the information display unit within a specific range of the information value while the selecting unit is selecting an information value. The information setting unit sets, as the photographic information, the information value selected by the selecting unit and displayed on the display unit. The control unit controls the camera on the basis of the information set by the information setting unit.

Abstract: A display panel is incorporated on the back of a camera body and a cover plate is pivotally attached to the side of the camera body. Operating buttons are provided on the inside of the cover plate. When the cover plate is closed, the operating buttons are contained in the camera body and covered with the cover plate. When the cover plate is opened, the inside of the cover plate faces substantially parallel to an indicating surface of the display panel. At this time, the operating buttons and the display panel are visible from a common vantage point.

Abstract: Malfunction is prevented in a camera which allows setting of print number at the time of photographing. In the camera, whether the film is a reversal film or not is determined. When the loaded film is a negative film, a print number is initially set to 1. If the loaded film is a reversal film, the print number is initially set to 0. However, when a select switch is ON, the set number is 1, similar to the case of a negative film. The setting is for a counter CPRT storing the print number data.

Abstract: A dial rotatably mounted on a camera is provided with at least two kinds of information, corresponding to variable settings, functions, or modes. The dial may be rotated to set one of the kinds of information at a time, when an index mark points to symbols on the dial representative of individual settings or of a setting change mode to be performed in combination with other operating members provided to the camera. An LCD provided on the camera displays changes in the information in response to the rotation of the dial. The dial can have the kinds of information provided to the dial in adjacent angular ranges, or alternatively in concentric form, the kinds of information switchable by an additional member.

Abstract: In the disclosed camera, an operation switch for entering information or controlling a function has an information setting button disposed on the camera's upper surface near the shutter release button. An externally directed display behind the information setting button indicates photographic information set by the information setting button.