Abstract: A camera for making pseudo-photographic images has a series of viewfinder masks that define various fields of vision and a series of light-pipe masks that selectively block the passage of light through two light pipes disposed within the camera. The selective blockage causes various patterns of encodement marks to be placed on the edge of the camera's photographic film. The masks are rotatably disposed around the optical axis of the camera's picture-taking lens. The masks are manually rotated by the camera user via a lever and gear assembly disposed on the camera's front cover.

Abstract: A compact camera has a built-in light-emitting display device which displays, as print information, a specific code. The specific code includes alphabetical characters when a print information set switch is operated. The device is alternatively allowed to display a six digit number. The alphabetical characters or number represents date information pertaining to exposure of a film frame, including a year, a month and a date. The print information appears as a visible image on developed film and is optically read by a photographic printer so as to automatically set the photographic printer to a printing condition determined by the print information.

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: A camera has a data imprinting device having an optical system focussing light from an LED array on a photographic film at first and second positions corresponding to full-size and panorama-size picture formats. In a first embodiment the optical system has two lens elements, at differing distances from the LED array, each aligned to imprint data at one of the two positions. In a second embodiment the optical system has a single lens element which moves from a first lens position to a second lens position at differing distances from the LED array. Amounts of light emitted by the LED array are modulated by a control system to produce correctly exposed imprinted data at both position. The control system compensates for differing numerical apertures of associated with the first and second positions. The control system also compensates for film speed. One embodiment of the invention modulates the amount of emitted light by adjusting a current level driving the LED array.

Abstract: A device is provided for recording information on an electro-developing recording medium by which an image is electronically developed. The electro-developing recording medium has first, second, and third recording areas in which green, red, and blue images are recorded, respectively. An information recording area is provided close to each of the first, second, and third recording areas. An information code, which is in a form of a bar code, is optically recorded in the information recording area while the electro-developing recording medium is moved.

Abstract: An optical film encoder for recording discrete data bits on a length of film, includes a single light source capable of receiving electrical current to produce artificial light; at least two light emission openings positioned to individually emit artificial light produced by the light source, to record respective data bits on the length of film; a light intensity-reducing filter positioned to reduce the intensity of artificial light that can be emitted from one of the openings, but not from the other opening; and a current limiting device capable of reducing the intensity of artificial light produced by the light source to allow the filter to reduce the intensity of artificial light that can be emitted from the one opening at least sufficiently to prevent the light from recording a data bit on the length of film, whereby only the light to be emitted from the other opening will record a data bit on the length of film.

Abstract: A piece negative feeding apparatus for successively feeding piece negatives to an exposing section. The apparatus includes a piece negative storage 10 for storing piece negatives 2 in a plurality of orders, as divided into the orders each consisting of at least one piece negative, a negative transport mechanism 20 for transporting the piece negatives from the piece negative storage 10 to the exposing section 8, and an order demarcation recognizing device 7a for recognizing demarcations between the orders based on order identifiers 3 storable in the piece negative storage 10 and transportable by the negative transport mechanism 20.

Abstract: An image recording device mounted on an electro-developing type camera using an electro-developing recording medium in which an object image obtained through a photographing optical system is electronically developed. The electro-developing recording medium has a first recording area in which the image is recorded, and a second recording area in which information other than the image is recorded. First and second electrodes are provided in the first and second recording areas, respectively, so that an electric voltage can be independently applied to the first and second recording areas. By exposing the first recording area while applying the voltage thereto, the image is recorded in the first recording area. By heating the second recording area without applying the voltage thereto, the information is recorded in the second recording area.

Abstract: A lens-fitted film unit has a date recording module which is disposed between an exposure unit and a front cover to project a calendar date onto the front emulsion layer of a film. The front cover is formed with an elevated platform which spatially encircle at least a taking lens, a lighting window and the date recording module as viewed from the front side of the film unit. The date recording module has a module base plate, a transmission type of liquid crystal display is mounted on the module base plate so as to position behind the lighting window formed in the front cover, and a battery attached to the back of the module base plate so as to position within a shadow of the module base plate. A single shutter blade is adapted to control light passage for both image formation and data recordation. Alternatively, two shutter blades are used which interact in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e., with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.

Abstract: A print format selection device for selecting one of different print formats to each picture frame of a filmstrip loaded in a camera or lens-fitted photo film unit, wherein an original field of view of a viewfinder corresponds to a picture frame defined by an exposure aperture of the camera. A rotatable view changing plate is provided to limit the original field of view in correspondence with the selected print format. The view changing plate is formed with two view windows of different aspect ratios from the original field of view. The centers of the view windows are on a circle which is coaxial with the rotational axis of the view changing plate and which extend across an optical axis of the viewfinder.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus for use in a camera having an imprinting device including a date information imprinting mode for imprinting date information, time information, or the like on a recording medium, and a message information imprinting mode for imprinting message information formed of alphanumeric characters, graphic designs or the like, or a message in the message information in one language being changed into a message in a different language if necessary, and an operating device for performing different operations on the imprinting device using the same operating member with respect to each of the date information imprinting mode and the message information imprinting mode.

Abstract: A camera, such as a video camera or other electrically recordable camera, has scale imprintable capabilities and a method for imprinting a scale onto memory storage media. The camera and method imprints, optically or electrically, a standard scale on memory storage media for the purpose of estimating the size of a subject image. A photographic magnification calculation circuit calculates the photographic magnification based on a subject distance, and a reference scale setting circuit sets a reference scale for the purpose of estimating the size of the subject image on the memory storage media regardless of the magnification during picture taking or print size. An imprinting circuit imprints, optically or electrically, the reference scale onto the memory storage media in accordance with the reference scale setting circuit, and only when needed or wanted. The reference scale can be imprinted in a vertical or horizontal direction in accordance with a mode selection switch.

Abstract: To achieve an object to imprint optical data by an appropriate amount of imprinting light, a data recording apparatus includes a correction device for preventing the amount of light for imprinting optical data from varying as a result of an image plane size or an imprinting area being switched. The correction device includes a device for varying the amount of light emission by varying a light emission time and intensity, and an electric current used for light emission, an optical device adjusted to an appropriate transmittance in an imprinting optical path.

Abstract: A data printing device is provided which comprises a light emitting device that includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and an imaging optical system for forming light spots corresponding to the light emitting elements on the film. Preferably, the imaging optical system satisfies the following condition: 0.6<.vertline.m.vertline.<1.5, where "m" represents the magnification of the imaging optical system. The light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode in which a plurality of light emitting elements are included on a single substrate. The plurality of light emitting elements are aligned along a straight line perpendicular to a direction of film winding. The imaging optical system includes of a single imaging lens or a plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A camera comprises flash circuit board, a shutter-flash synchronization contact conductively connected to the flash circuit board for synchronizing shutter opening and flash illumination, a shutter blade conductively connected to the flash circuit board and movable in a single direction against the synchronization contact as an incident of shutter opening to initiate flash illumination, and an optical film encoder conductively connected to the flash circuit board to receive electrical energy to provide film encoding illumination when the shutter blade is moved against the synchronization contact.

Abstract: A camera for recording images of subjects on a light-sensitive substance, including an output source for producing a particular output that provides blank areas without image content in the recorded images to make write-on spaces available on prints corresponding to the recorded images, is characterized in that the output source is able to have its actual output varied in order to vary the blank areas from one recorded image to another and provide similar varied write-on spaces on prints corresponding to the recorded images, and a multi-position selector is coupled with the output source for movement to respective positions to vary the actual output of the output source.

Abstract: A photo filmstrip includes two side portions extending in a longitudinal direction, and has a leader, a trailer, and a series of effective frame regions arranged between the leader and the trailer. A series of bar codes are recorded on one of the side portions optically in a predetermined exposing condition, i.e, with light of an intensity suitable for the film speed. The bar codes are associated with the series of the effective frame regions. A test dot is recorded optically in the predetermined exposing condition, disposed in each of the leader and the trailer, for inspection of the optical recording.

Abstract: A data imprinting optical system that records a date, data, etc. on a predetermined surface, e.g. a film in a camera, uses a diffractive optical element to achieve savings in space and a reduction in cost. The data imprinting optical system has a display device (1a) and imprints an image displayed on the display device (1a) onto a predetermined surface (1c). The optical system has a diffractive optical element (1b). The diffractive optical element (1b) may have a plurality of different image-formation points to enable a plurality of data imprinting modes. The diffractive optical element (1b) may be integral with a part of another optical system, e.g. a photographic optical system.

Abstract: Data bits representing different aspect ratio formats of film image frames are optically recorded on photographic film by means of light emitting devices energized from the flash charge storage capacitor. The light emitting devices are driven by a constant current source control circuit, the control circuit and light emitting devices being coupled to the capacitor by the flash sync switch. Data bit format selection is achieved by either user operated light emitting device selection switches or by means of an optical bit forming mask having plural aperture selectable by means of a movable slide shutter.

Abstract: A data printing device comprises a light emitting device that includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and an imaging optical system for forming light points on the film which correspond to the light emitting elements. The imaging optical system includes at least one imaging lens and at least three reflecting surfaces that reflect the light from the light emitting device to bend the optical path along an arc of a cylindrical wall of a film space, such as a spool chamber or a cartridge chamber.

Abstract: A camera and film for recording overlapping visual images and digital data is disclosed. The camera includes a structure for recording the region of a film with visible light to record a visible image in one or more record layer(s) sensitized to visible light; and a structure for recording in the region of the film with non-visible light to record digital data in one or more record layer(s) sensitized to non-visible light, whereby overlapping visual and digital data images are recorded in the same region.

Abstract: A camera back comprising a film support for ensuring the shape of a filmstrip, is characterized in that the film support has a plurality of parallel film shaping ribs integral with the camera back, an opening for a battery is formed in the camera back to be located across at least some of the film ribs, and a door for closing the opening has integral rib-extensions that are longitudinally aligned with the film ribs across which the opening is located.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

Abstract: A data transcribing device for a camera includes structure to adjust the threshold voltage of an external display to be higher than the threshold voltage of the transcribing structure to easily check the battery voltage through the external data display and to prevent data transcription failures when the battery voltage drops. The data transcribing device includes a battery power source, a data transcribing display, and an external display powered by the battery power source. When the data transcribing display includes a light emitting source powered by the battery power source and a component other than the light emitting source that is not powered by the battery power source, or when the data transcribing display consists of only the light emitting source (such as, e.g., an LED), the driving threshold level of the external display is set to be higher than the driving threshold level of the light emitting source.

Abstract: In a data imprinting device of a camera arranged to effect shooting either in a first shooting format in which a scene is recorded on a substantially entire area of a photosensitive zone of a film frame or in a second shooting format in which a part of the photosensitive zone of the film frame is shielded from light to form a light-shielded area thereof and a scene is recorded on a light-unshielded area of the photosensitive zone other than the light-shielded area, there are provided a data imprinting part for imprinting data on a film surface, and a data-imprinting control part arranged to vary a position where the data is to be imprinted by the data imprinting part according whether the shooting is effected in the first shooting format or the second shooting format, so that data imprinted in different shooting formats can be located always in adequate positions within printed pictures irrespectively of the difference in shooting format.

Abstract: A camera uses a photo-sensitive film as a recording medium. A light source is provided to selectively illuminate a photographing frame on which a latent image has been formed with light so that evenly distributed light is superimposed on the latent image to delete the latent image.

Abstract: An image recording system includes an image recording device and a developing device. When a latent image is formed by exposure in a frame on a silver halide photosensitive material, the image recording device records optically recognizable information relating to exposure at a position corresponding to the frame by light of an exposure amount which is sufficient to generate a silver image without developing. The developing device has a reading device for reading the information relating to exposure without photosensitizing the silver halide photosensitive material, and a developing device for developing the latent image in the frame corresponding to read information relating to exposure.

Abstract: A data recording device installed into a camera has a light image forming element for forming an image of data to be recorded on a film. It also has an optical system for focusing the data image on the film, with its exit end attached to a data exposure aperture formed in a film guide rail. The guide rail extends in a lengthwise direction on either side of a film exposure aperture at the back of the camera body.

Abstract: A photographic camera is provided with a light emission diode which emits light toward a photographic film loaded in the photographic camera in response to shutter release, and a mark recording mechanism which records marks on the film by light emitted from the light emission diode in a number which is changed in response to movement of an external control member which is operated to designate an aspect ratio of a print. The mark recording mechanism includes a light-shielding plate member which is provided with a plurality of windows and is fixed in the camera body with the windows opposed to the photographic film and a rotary light-shielding plate which is disposed between the light-shielding plate member and the light emission diode and is rotated to selectively close and open the windows in response to movement of the external control member.

Abstract: A camera uses an organic thin film of electroluminescent material to expose photographic film, in predetermined positions outside scene frames, to patches of light in three complementary colors, either additive or subtractive. According to one feature, the patches are exposed in predetermined locations interspersed with film perforations or located in a known relationship with the exposed frames, permitting a printer to establish the orientation of film relative to the camera during the exposure. The patches also confirm that a picture was taken.

Abstract: In data projection device, a liquid crystal display panel which forms a data pattern, such as the date, as a translucent area, is positioned in the middle of an optical path located between an ambient light inlet and a photographic film. A data projection shutter which can work in conjunction with a photographic shutter, is positioned on the side of the film relative to a liquid crystal display panel. Manual projection optical path switching device is arranged in a data projection shutter and switches between the state in which the data projection shutter operates in conjunction with the photographic shutter and a state in which an interlock between the data projection shutter and the photographic shutter is released.

Abstract: A camera for use with photographic film. The camera has a body and an exposure system disposed in the body for exposing the film on a frame-by-frame basis. The exposure system includes an exposure opening and a shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanism is momentarily displaceable from a closed state to an open state. A light emitting diode 14 is disposed in the body for directly illuminating one or more positions on the film. Momentarily closeable, normally open contacts 16 are mounted in the body. The contacts 16 are closed for a time period of from about 0.05 milliseconds to about 10 milliseconds, or preferably from about 0.05 milliseconds to about 2 milliseconds, when the shutter mechanism is in the open state. A circuit directly connects the battery unit 18 to the light emitting diode 14 when the contacts 16 are closed. During contact closure, a battery unit 18 powers the light emitting diode 14 at a current level beyond continuous use operating limits of the light emitting diode 14.

Abstract: In a camera and printer system, apparatus and methods for recording or storing voice messages in message memory associated with an exposed image frame for reproduction as an annotation with prints made from the exposed image frames. The messages may be recorded on magnetic film layers or stored in camera on-board memory or in detachable message memory modules or cards to be forwarded with the exposed film strip to a photofinisher for read out and printing on the prints. The printer includes a voice recognition system for voice recognition of words spoken by the user and stored in the memory means and provided to the photofinisher. The messages to be printed may be stored or recorded by the user in real time with each exposure or at an earlier time to be reproduced on each print made subsequently. Notes may be temporarily stored with the making of each exposure, read out at a later time and used in the composition and recording in the memory of the message to be printed after voice recognition.

Abstract: Light source 1 is mounted to camera body 10 via supporting member 2. The image from optical system 11 is recorded on the film inside photo-taking frame 12. The light beam from the light source is recorded in an area outside the photo-taking frame as its brightness or wavelength or both are made to change over time. Image processing is conducted at the time of development based on this recorded data in the area outside the photo-taking frame so that the information pertaining to shaking may be canceled out.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention has an arrangement that a film is discharged to a side toward a subject after a picture has been taken, the instant camera comprising a grip portion formed on a right portion of a camera body when viewed in a normal photography state and from a position of a photographer operating the camera, an optical system disposed on a left portion of the camera body when viewed from the said position of the photographer and including at least a photographing lens, and a film cartridge loading portion which is capable of loading a film cartridge into a position between the grip portion of the camera body and the optical system in such a manner that an exposure surface of the film accommodated in the film cartridge faces the optical system.

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, 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 is

Abstract: A photo film has a pair of edge portions (11, 12) extended in a longitudinal direction. Plural image frames (48) are photographable between the edge portions. Plural bodies of photo film information (21, 22) are recorded in at least one of the edge portions photographically in a predetermined arranging pattern (13, 14) in form of latent images. The photo film has a discriminating code (15, 29) associated with the arranging pattern (13, 14) and recorded photographically in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A data recording unit in use with a camera for recording information data, obtained through a GPS receiver, on a photographing film. The data recording unit includes: a selector for selecting a geodetic system from plural geodetic systems; a data converter for converting position information data, obtained through the GPS receiver, to converted position information data in the geodetic system which is selected by the selector; and a printing LED for recording the converted position information data on the photographic film together with images photographed by the camera.

Abstract: A system for incorporating electronic signals representative of at least audio information into still film slides and photographs. A data storage medium capable of retaining electronic signals is provided in association with a photographic print or frame in which a slide is mounted. Audio information is stored in the data storage medium and may be aurally reproduced by an audio reproduction device as the slide or photograph is being displayed. The system affords bi-directional compatibility with the existing art.

Abstract: A camera in which a photographic data is recorded on a photographic film, includes a plurality of light emitting sections aligned in a direction perpendicular to a film advancing direction. The light emitting sections conducting exposure on a photographic image plane, have a plurality of light emitting elements, the wavelengths of light emitted by the light emitting elements are different. The camera further includes a memory for storing photographic information to be recorded on the film surface and a controller for selectively turning on and off the light emitting sections in the process of advancing the film in accordance with the information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording data to a film, executing: both unchangeable recording such as optical recording, and changeable recording such as magnetic recording for relatively important data, which is required protection from data failure and is permitted to change such as date, date print mode, and trimming direction of printing area, and executing: only magnetic recording for relatively unimportant data, which is allowed some data failure and has few possibility of changing such as aperture value, shutter time value, photometric value, exposure compensation value, and object distance value; wherein the apparatus is housed in a detachable back cover of a camera, and data being transmitted from the main body of the camera to the back cover.

Abstract: An audio data recording/reproduction system including an independent, portable camera for respectively recording still image data on a silver salt region of a film and audio data on a magnetic recording region of the film. A silver salt film developing/printing device is provided for developing the still image data recorded in the silver salt region of the film, and for printing the developed still image data on a front surface of a photographic paper as visible data. A conversion device is provided for reproducing the audio data recorded in the magnetic recording region of the film, and for converting the reproduced audio data into an optically readable code. And a recording device is provided for printing the optically readable code produced by the conversion device on a rear surface or a blank section of the front surface of the photographic paper.

Abstract: A camera uses an organic thin film of electroluminescent material to expose photographic film, in predetermined positions outside scene frames, to patches of light in three complementary colors, either additive or subtractive. According to one feature, the patches are exposed in predetermined locations interspersed with film perforations or located in a known relationship with the exposed frames, permitting a printer to establish the orientation of film relative to the camera during the exposure. The patches also confirm that a picture was taken.

Abstract: A photographing mechanism for a moving body camera, namely a slit camera, utilized for judgement of arrival order in horse race, etc. A light array 18 consisting of vertically arrayed plural LEDs is located closed to film 4. A light emission control box 17 illuminates and unilluminates the LEDs in response to dot data of characters to be recorded. Hence, as the film 4 is rewound, the film 4 is exposed by the LEDs, so that the characters are recorded on the film.

Abstract: A film camera including an electronic display is provided with a driver for presenting moveable markers to frame and edit the electronically displayed image. Electronic manipulation of the markers provides for zooming and cropping the image, as well as changing the image format and horizontal or vertical orientation. The control then records editing data on the film in a predetermined position relative to the exposed scene image. The camera includes an input for selecting a print format from a predetermined set of print formats, each having a predetermined size and aspect ratio, and the control limits the frame formats to those that are consistent with the selected print format.

Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a plurality of encodement-on-film recording means adapted to receive electrical energy to provide various film encodements, an encodement-on-film selector movable to various selection positions to select one or more of the recording means to provide the film encodements, a flash charge storage capacitor, and a shutter-flash synch contact connected to the flash capacitor to enable the flash capacitor to supply electrical energy when a shutter blade impacts the synch contact. Respective ones of the recording means are coupled via the synch contact to the flash capacitor to receive electrical energy from the flash capacitor. The synch contact supports the selector for movement to its selection positions and is coupled to the selector to permit the selector to select one or more of the recording means to receive electrical energy from the flash capacitor. This arrangement provides a savings of parts desirable in a low cost camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting date information into given positions within the frames of film loaded in a camera. If it is impossible to modify the date, or if the user finds that the date is erroneous, the apparatus permits photographs with correct date to be printed. The apparatus has a CPU including a first RAM for storing the present date information. When frames of the film are used for photography, date information is inserted into the given positions, using a date information inserting LED array. When the present date information is modified by operating date switches, the difference between unmodified date information and modified date information is calculated and stored in a second RAM. The number of frames is also stored. When the film is rewound, the aforementioned difference and the number of frames are read out and inserted in the leader of the film. When the film used for photography in this way is printed, the date information, the difference, and the number of frames are checked.

Abstract: An audio data recording/reproduction system including an independent, portable camera for respectively recording still image data on a silver salt region of a film and audio data on a magnetic recording region of the film. A silver salt film developing/printing device is provided for developing the still image data recorded in the silver salt region of the film, and for printing the developed still image data on a front surface of a photographic paper as visible data. A conversion device is provided for reproducing the audio data recorded in the magnetic recording region of the film, and for converting the reproduced audio data into an optically readable code. And a recording device is provided for printing the optically readable code produced by the conversion device on a rear surface or a blank section of the front surface of the photographic paper.

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.