Abstract: A method employing a multi nozzle inkjet printer for recording a photograph and/or additional data in a fault tolerant encoded form on the photograph itself uses infra-red ink permitting recovery of the photograph notwithstanding damage or part destruction of the photograph itself.

Abstract: To provide an information acquisition system that allows specific information related to an object item, etc., which is exhibited at an exhibition site, to be acquired concurrently with taking an image thereof by a picture taking device. An ID transmitter 30 provided to an object 20 transmits object ID that enables identification of the object. When an image of the object 20 is taken at a position where the object ID can be received, an image taking device 10 obtains the object ID together with the taken image. The image taking device 10 transmits the obtained object ID to an information server 40. The information server 40 returns source information (for example, a URL where information such as product performance and a price related to the object can be acquired) corresponding to the received object ID to the image taking device 10. The image taking device 10 stores the received source information together with the taken image.

Abstract: A watermark can be permanently and simultaneously added to image data, such as to a video data stream, produced by an image sensor. To produce the watermark in the image data, color filters of a filter array overlying pixels of a sensor array can be arranged in a watermark pattern different from the normal pattern of other color filters of the filter array. The color filters in the watermark pattern can have different colors than other color filters of the filter array. Alternatively or in addition to the watermark pattern of the color filters, a pattern can be formed in a microlens array overlying the filter array. The pattern in the microlens array can have regions devoid of microlenses, microlenses having different shapes, or microlenses having different colors.

Abstract: Systems for capturing and embedding high-resolution still image data in a sequence of video data are disclosed. An exemplar system comprises an image capture element for capturing a sequence of video data during a first mode of operation, the sequence of video data captured at a first resolution, a user interface for entering into a second mode of operation, the second mode of operation being at a second resolution, the second resolution being greater than the first resolution, and a memory for storing data captured at the second resolution. Corresponding exemplar methods and computer readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus displays images recorded by a camera. The apparatus includes a reading unit and an output unit. The reading unit reads information of focus areas used in image capture. The output unit outputs, based on the information read by the reading unit, signals for displaying the images.

Abstract: A method employing a multi nozzle inkjet printer for recording a photograph and/or additional data in a fault tolerant encoded form on the photograph itself uses infra-red ink permitting recovery of the photograph notwithstanding damage or part destruction of the photograph itself.

Abstract: In a camera, a setting system sets a photographic factor representing a proper exposure, and a measurement system measures an actual photographic factor, corresponding to the set factor during a photographing operation. A determination system determines whether there is a coincidence between the set factor and the actual factor, and a recording system records the actual factor on a photographed frame of a photographic film when the determination system determines that there is the coincidence between the set factor and the actual factor. The recording system is constituted such that an error message is recorded on the frame of the film when it is determined that there is a non-coincidence between the set factor and the actual factor.

Abstract: In a camera having a data setting device capable of setting data peculiar to a film to be imprinted on the film, when a film presence/absence detecting device has detected that a film is loaded in the camera, a data changing control circuit inhibits the data peculiar to a film from being changed. Accordingly, the unintended change of the data peculiar to a film by a photographer can be prevented. Further, when the film presence/absence detecting device has detected that a film is loaded in the camera, the data setting device is made to function for setting data other than the data peculiar to a film. Accordingly, the number of operation members of the camera can be decreased, thereby reducing the size of the camera.

Abstract: Emulsion media (e.g., photographic film or paper) is pre-processed to impart a steganographic pattern to the emulsion. The pattern is manifested when the media is exposed and developed by a user, and can serve device-control or other data-conveying purposes.

Abstract: A dual film image capture, electronic image capture camera is capable of electronic information editing after each substantially simultaneous film and electronic exposure, and it magnetically records the information adjacent each one of the exposed film frames after completed exposure of the entire film length.

Abstract: A method of printing digital data onto or with a photograph using infra-red ink and using an ink jet printing process is disclosed. The data can store the details of the image in an encoded fault tolerant form enabling the copying or recovery of the photograph notwithstanding damage thereto.

Abstract: The camera system comprises a camera and a data-recording device. The camera has a mount for attaching the photo-taking lens and this mount can also be used for attaching the data-recording device by way of the data-recording device's mounting member. The camera has a recording medium inside it for recording photo-taking information. When the data-recording device is attached, photo-taking information can be transmitted by communication members in both the camera and data-recording device to a recording medium contained in the data-recording device.

Abstract: An electronic image display apparatus includes an image sensor arranged to obtain an electronic image, an external memory arranged to store electronic image information related to identification information which identifies a photographic film loaded in the apparatus, a reproducing circuit arranged to reproduce the identification information recorded at a magnetic information recording part of the photographic film loaded, and a display device arranged to display, on the basis of the identification information stored in the external memory and reproduction information reproduced by the reproducing circuit, the electronic image information related to the identification information. The electronic image display apparatus is thus arranged to let the user know, without fail, what picture is taken on which of films by displaying an electronic image recorded on each film, even in a case where there are many exposed or partially exposed films.

Abstract: A keyed data-and-print album page has a receiver having an array of image spaces, a plurality of invisible printed encodements, and a visible key. The image spaces each have a visible boundary. The encodements each have a margin. The encodements each at least partially overlap at least one of the image spaces. The margins are each in registration with at least one of the boundaries. The key indicates the relative geometry of the boundaries of the visible image spaces and the margins of the invisible encodements.

Abstract: A photographic information storage device equipped with a memory, which is able to store photographic information regarding pictures taken by a camera. A control device is provided which executes writing of the photographic information to the memory and interrupts the writing of the photographic information when the memory is full. When the control device has interrupted writing, a second control device enables writing by automatically cancelling the interruption command.

Abstract: A film camera is disclosed which is equipped with a device for recording synchronizing data, for use in automated post processing, wherein, for example, timing data is exposed onto the film by means of an optical display element activated by an activator unit and with a rotary shutter positioned so that at a first half rotation of the shutter the light entering through the camera objective is deflected through the viewfinder and during the second half rotation of the shutter the light enters an image window and wherein the activator unit comprises a shutter drive which controls the actuation of the shutter over which the rotating shutter is held in an arrested position covering the image window during exposure of the film by the optical display element.

Abstract: A print having information associated with the print stored in a memory coupled to the print. A print, processed by an image processing apparatus, having an attached memory for storing detailed information about the print and allowing contactless access using an electromagnetic frequency signal. A transceiver, connected to a control logic device, communicates with a transponder that is attached to the print substrate and is integrally coupled to the memory. The transponder is capable of receiving a first electromagnetic field (frequency) from the transceiver and deriving power and address information from the first frequency, then generates a second electromagnetic field (frequency) in response, where the second electromagnetic field is characteristic of the data stored in memory.

Abstract: A camera system that determines the location of the image taken and records the location coordinates and/or name together with the date, time and/or other information selected by the user.

Abstract: A camera includes a receiving device capable of receiving a signal externally transferred, a recording device for recording, on a recording medium, information related to the signal received by said receiving device, and a control circuit which inhibits signal-receiving of the receiving device during a predetermined period of time from the preceding reception of the signal by the receiving device.

Abstract: The camera system comprises a camera and a data recording device that may be detachably mounted to the camera wherein the camera has a first mounting member to which the photo-taking lens may be detachably mounted, a first communication member that communicates with the photo-taking lens mounted on the first mounting member, and a first recording member that records photo-taking information and the data recording device has a second mounting member that may be detachably mounted to the first mounting member, a second communication member that reads out the photo-taking information recorded in the first recording medium of the camera through communication with the first communication member and a second recording member that records the photo-taking information that has been read out by the second communication member in a second recording medium.

Abstract: An image collecting system for collecting an image having a target character therein comprising a camera system that captures an image in which the target character is caught in a predetermined area; an image database that stores images captured by the camera system; a character information database that stores character information for identifying a person caught in an image as the target character; a character positioning unit for obtaining position information of the target character at a certain time; and an image collecting unit that connects to the image database and the character information database to identify images stored in the image database with the target character therein based on the character information stored in the character information database and the position information of the target character obtained by the character positioning unit, and collect images in which the target character is caught from the images stored in the image database.

Abstract: A portable apparatus or camera is provided with: a basic date data generator for generating basic date data based on a standard time of a first place; a display device for displaying date data; a first memory for storing data on a second place and data on travel schedule for the second place; a second memory for storing data on time difference between the standard time of the first place and a standard time of the second place; a field date data generator for changing generated basic date data into field date data of the second place based on the time difference data stored in the second memory; a judging device for judging, based on the travel schedule data, whether generated basic date data corresponds to a traveling period of the second place; and a controller for controlling the display device to display the field date data of the second place when the generated basic date data is judged to correspond to a traveling period of the second place.

Abstract: A system and method for converting from a digital film development system color space to a standard color space using a lookup table divided into a polyhedron. In one exemplary embodiment, back, front, and through image data is obtained from the digital film development system by recording light reflected from and transmitted through a developing film. For each pixel in the data, a lookup table is consulted to determine a mapping between the back, front, through data and standard color space values. The lookup table datapoints are divided into polyhedrons and it is determined which polyhedron matches the pixel. Then, from this polyhedron, a standard color space value can be interpolated, extrapolated, or otherwise calculated, or chosen directly from the table.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus in which a test operation of each image can be executed smoothly by effectively utilizing magnetic information or optical information, which is recorded on a recording medium. During test processing, when the number of frame images to be displayed on a test image 204 is less than 28, a display mode of magnetic information to be displayed correspondingly to the frame images is altered to the form of words and phrases. Further, when the number of frame images to be displayed on the test image 204 is 28 or more, the display mode of magnetic information to be displayed correspondingly to the frame images is altered to the form of abbreviation (FFy).

Abstract: Recommended composition data, which represent composition images recommended at locations of photography, are stored in a recommended-composition storage medium in correlation with positional information which represents the photography locations. A GPS section receives radio waves from GPS satellites and inputs GPS information to a read-out section. Based on the positional information in the GPS information, the read-out section retrieves the recommended composition data stored in the recommended-composition storage medium. If recommended composition data is desired, it is read out and input to a superposition section. The image data obtained by an imaging section is also input to the superposition section. The desired, recommended composition data and the image data are superposed and displayed on a display unit. The image data is displayed on the display unit in real time so that photographing can be performed with the image data coincident with the desired, recommended composition data.

Abstract: A camera for exposing latent images on successive frames of a filmstrip having magnetic recording capacity, includes a memory that stores a count indicative of the film frames remaining to be exposed (including a count of “0” to indicate that the final frame was exposed), a magnetic head that magnetically records user-selected information on the filmstrip adjacent each film frame, and a motor that is actuated following exposure of each film frame to advance the filmstrip to permit the magnetic head to record the information on the filmstrip adjacent each exposed frame. A plurality of information selection switches can be manually used to select the information the magnetic head will magnetically record on the filmstrip adjacent the most-recently exposed one of the film frames including the final exposed frame.

Abstract: A Brownie film is wound about a spool such that a leader covers outside. A filmstrip has first and second lateral side portions. Upon manufacturing the filmstrip, film information is printed as latent images in the first lateral side portion. The first lateral side portion comes to upper side of the filmstrip when the filmstrip is pulled from the spool to leftward, viewed from a base surface side of the filmstrip. A data exposure head of the camera imprints photographic information as individual printing patterns.

Abstract: A camera is provided with a radio receiver for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from a given radio base station, a GPS receiver for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from each of a plurality of artificial satellites, a place information generator for generating place information based on one of electromagnetic waves received by the radio receiver and electromagnetic waves received by the GPS receiver, and a selector for selecting activation of one of the radio receiver and the GPS receiver, the selector judging whether the receptive state of the radio receiver is satisfactory, and selecting activation of the GPS receiver if the receptive state of the radio receiver is judged to be unsatisfactory.

Abstract: A camera includes a receiving device capable of receiving a signal externally transferred, a recording device for recording, on a recording medium, information related to the signal received by said receiving device, and a control circuit which inhibits signal-receiving of the receiving device during a predetermined period of time from the preceding reception of the signal by the receiving device.

Abstract: A camera, including a body, a lens barrel has a rotating ring, a rotational position detector, a character memory and a character information recorder. The rotating ring is rotatably provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel. The rotational position detector detects a rotational position of the rotating ring. Character information, associated with the object image and defined on the basis of the plurality of characters, is set by an operator. The character information recorder selectively reads characters, corresponding to the character information, from the plurality of characters stored in said character memory, and records the character information in the recording medium as additional data. Then, the rotating ring operates as a device for setting the character information. The character information to be recorded in a recording medium is set in accordance with the rotational position of the rotating ring.

Abstract: In a case in which simultaneous printing is to be carried out, thumbnail image data is recorded onto an IC chip which is provided at a cartridge loaded in a camera. A control section reads the thumbnail image data from the IC chip and outputs the data to a personal computer via an I/F section. A user designates order information for each frame image while viewing an order information setting screen of the personal computer. Designated order information is transmitted to the camera via a serial port of the personal computer. The control section records received order information onto the IC chip. In a case in which reprinting is to be carried out at a laboratory, a printing process is performed on the basis of the order information recorded on the IC chip. With this arrangement, a customer need not designate order information at a shop.

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 case and film cartridge system that can be used with captioned film (i.e., film that has a pre-exposed caption such as “Happy Birthday” or “It's a Boy” on each film frame such that when the remainder of the film frame is exposed with the camera in the normal course, the each resulting picture will include the caption) in which the film cartridge is designed and constructed to use the standard 35mm film cannister (or any other standard film cannister) so that the film, once exposed in the normal course, can be developed at any retail or commercial developing facility that is equipped to handle the standard film cannister. The film cartridge includes a diffuser that partially shields the pre-exposed, captioned portion of the film from further exposure. Because the diffuser is incorporated into the film cartridge instead of the camera case, the same camera can be used with different captioned formats.

Abstract: A photographing system for speedily providing photographs meeting a customer's request at relatively low prices is provided. An image of a subject is recorded on a film by a film camera. A still image of the subject is take by an electronic camera in synchronization with the film camera. An identification code generated every photographing is written at a position other than the image on the film to make a one-to-one correspondence between the image and the identification code. The still image is recorded in a recorder with the identification code. The still images retrieved from the recorder are simultaneously displayed with the identification codes on a first monitor. A desired still image is selected, and displayed on a second monitor with the corresponding identification code. Then, the image on the film having the same identification code of the desired still image is printed.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a computerized automatic morphing photography booth for generating a synthesized composite or altered image from two or more initial images and a method therefor. The initial images to be converted may be real-time images taken on sight and/or stored images previously programmed into the memory of the computer. The computer maps out the essential characteristics of each image and converts the two images into the composite image by blending, merging and/or superimposing some or all of the characteristics mapped out for each initial image. The invention further teaches stationary or moving cameras which are capable of centering the composite in a picture frame.

Abstract: An icon reader reads picture identification data from a data icon on an image print. This data is used to determine the location of a corresponding sound bite contained in a memory module and for playing the sound bite. The memory module contains sound bites recorded at the camera during picture taking. The icon reader includes a data reader module that optically scans the data icon from one location to read the picture identification data. The icon reader further includes a decoder for decoding the encoded picture identification data, and a data port for selective communication with the memory module. In one embodiment, the icon reader is structured to be a self-contained sound playback apparatus in which a sound IC card is docked to the data port and, in another embodiment, the icon reader is coupled with a wireless communication device for communicating the decoded picture identification data to a remote memory archive unit having built-in sound playback apparatus.

Abstract: A print system comprising an acquisition device for acquiring identifying information, a memory in which the identifying information acquired by the acquisition device and information about image processing performed to produce a print reproducing image in each of a plurality of frames recorded on film are stored in corresponding relationship with one other, and a condition setting device which sets image processing conditions based on a recorded image when producing an original print, and which retrieves, from the memory, information about image processing which corresponds to the identifying information when producing a re-print of the recorded image, setting image processing conditions for the re-print which are identical to those used for the original print.

Abstract: In the case of a print order where the content of an order regarding print output is provided from a user to a laboratory in a digital form, necessity of printing or the like can be decided at the time of image data acquisition and the image data sets can be classified and stored before they are provided to the laboratory. Furthermore, an order of prints wherein a plurality of image data sets are used, such as printing of a composed photograph, can be placed easily. A portion of the order information, such as necessity of printing, is added to image data as tag information. The reset of the order information is described as order information in an order file. The image data to be printed is specified by image information in the order file, and an addition to flag showing that the tag information needs to be referred to is set to ON.

Abstract: An image system captures, along with the images, information defining both the position and the orientation of a camera along with the distance to the subject. A video camera is attached to three accelerometers, two gyroscopes, and a rangefinder. Data gathered from these devices and defining the pitch, yaw, and roll of the camera, the camera's acceleration, and the camera's distance to the subject is captured and recorded along with the video images. The video images are later stored within a computer's database along with data defining the position and the orientation of the camera, and the distance to the subject for each image. The images may then be presented to a user in a three-dimensional display in which the user can navigate through the images using a joystick or a mouse.

Abstract: A user takes in digital image data and photographing information added thereto into a personal computer, and instructs, on a printing instruction screen, a printing format such as whether or not the photographing information should be printed and where the photographing information is to be printed. The content of the instruction is added to the digital image data as printing information and transferred to a printer via a recording medium, for example. The printer prints the photographing information on a picture print based on the printing information when the picture print is generated.

Abstract: A camera includes a place information generator which receives identification information concerning an identification of a radio base station having a predetermined radio transmission zone, and generates place information concerning a place of picking up an image of an object based on received identification information. Generated place information is recorded on a record medium, or is displayed on a display unit. The camera has smaller size and power consumption and excellent portability in addition to recording of photographing place information.

Abstract: A camera has a body, an image capture assembly mounted in the body, and at least one radio-frequency identification transponder mounted within the body, said transponder is unshielded by the body. The transponder can be an inlay transponder.

Abstract: A camera includes a recording device which records image information and character information on a recording medium, a receiving device provided for the Global Positioning System, and a setting circuit which sets a language of the character information on the basis of position information obtained by the receiving device.

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 failure detection and storage device provided with a failure factor detection unit for detecting generation of a failure factor when the failure factor being capable of causing a failure of a camera is generated, a date-and-time information output unit for outputting date-and-time information which corresponds to a date and a time at which the failure factor is generated, a storage unit being capable of storing failure factor information representing the failure factor, the generation of which is detected by the failure factor detection unit, and date-and-time information outputted the date-and-time information output unit, a display unit being capable of displaying the information stored by the storage unit and a control unit for determining a level of the failure factor, the generation of which is detected by the failure factor detection unit, and for deciding whether or not at least one of the failure factor information, the generation of which is detected by the failure factor detection unit, and the da

Abstract: Camera module device (1), which can be mounted onto a camera main body and that is used in a state in which it is mounted onto the camera main body, is provided with a circuit for generating data to be written, and thus camera main body (2) need not be equipped with a function for generating data to be written or a communication function for sending the generated data to camera module device (1). Camera main body (2) simply issues pulse signal X1 for a write instruction, and then data is generated by camera module device (1). Therefore, the camera main body can be made inexpensively. Furthermore, camera module device (1) is provided with a self-check function, and signal RD1 from camera main body (2) places this function in the active mode during photographic film loading. In this mode, circuit board (16) reads the data that has actually been written and determines whether or not the writing operation was performed correctly based on the comparison result of comparison circuit (162).

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: A film supporting plate made of a plastic is formed with a window into which a head holder made of a metallic thin plate is inserted. The head holder has an opening for baring a magnetic head, and holds a head base on which the magnetic head is mounted. An adhesive is applied so as to extend from a peripheral face of the head base to a rear face of the head holder. When the adhesive is hardened, the head base adheres to the head holder and is fixed relative to the film supporting plate. A thickness of the head holder is thin in comparison with that of the film supporting plate. The head holder is fitted into a front portion of the window of the film supporting plate so that the head base enters the window. A protrusion amount of the head base toward the back side is reduced by an amount of the head base entering the window.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic camera is disclosed which checks the state of each of components operating to take a picture and, upon detecting the occurrence of an abnormal operation, stops the camera operation, reads a corresponding error code from an error code storage unit, and adds the error code to an error history storage unit through an add and update unit. When the storage capacity of the error history storage unit is reached, error codes already stored are transferred to the memory in the add and update unit. Address shift is then made to remove the least recently stored error code and add the most recent error code to the end. The updated error codes in the memory are written again into the error history storage unit. The error codes are read to outside as required.

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.