Abstract: The invention provides a wearable device, such as a watch, that provides a way to calculate an appropriate camera shutter speed and aperture setting for a given ISO speed setting to obtain settings that, when entered into a camera, will result in an appropriate photographic exposure. The devices of the invention provide a simple, fast, convenient way to calculate appropriate settings for the components of the photographic exposure triangle.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a main body, at least one light source, a lens, and at least one first light shielding structure. The light source disposed at the main body is suitable for providing a light beam to an outside of the main body. The lens disposed at the main body is suitable for capturing a light entering the lens from the outside of the main body. The first light shielding structure is disposed at the main body. The light beam turns into an actual output light beam after being shielded by the first light shielding structure. The first light shielding structure shields the light beam in a vertical direction more than it shields the light beam in a horizontal direction, so an actual vertical light emitting angle of the actual output light beam is smaller than an actual horizontal light emitting angle of the actual output light beam.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including an acquisition unit that acquires incidental information, and a control unit that associates the incidental information with content, until a state is turned into a state in which a predetermined condition is satisfied after the acquisition of the incidental information.

Abstract: The x-ray film image marker is a device that is adapted for use with an x-ray portable cassette in order to provide the image marker capability that is used in conjunction with taking an x-ray, but also enabling a technician the ability to locate a misplaced x-ray film image marker. The x-ray film image marker includes at least one light member that illuminates or flashes for a pre-determined amount of time upon depression of an on/off button. The at least one light member aids in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment. The at least one speaker may be used to play an audio file in order to aid in location of the x-ray film image marker in a poorly lit environment.

Abstract: A projection zoom lens is formed of the following lens groups sequentially arranged from the high magnification side: a first lens group fixed at the time of zooming and having negative power; a second lens group moved along the optical axis at the time of zooming and having negative power; a third lens group moved at the time of zooming and having positive power; a fourth lens group moved at the time of zooming; and a fifth lens group fixed at the time of zooming and having positive power. When the total lens system operating at the wide angle end has a focal length Fw, and the first lens group has a focal length F1, the following conditional expression is satisfied. ?0.5<Fw/F1<?0.

Abstract: An image-based georeferencing system comprises an image receiver, an image identification processor, a reference feature determiner, and a feature locator. The image receiver is configured for receiving a first image for use in georeferencing. The image comprises digital image information. The system includes a communicative coupling to a georeferenced images database of images. The image identification processor is configured for identifying a second image from the georeferenced images database that correlates to the first image. The system includes a communicative coupling to a geographic location information system. The reference feature determiner is configured for determining a reference feature common to both the second image and the first image. The feature locator is configured for accessing the geographic information system to identify and obtain geographic location information related to the common reference feature.

Abstract: Information is incorporated into motion picture film prints in the form of images or patterns that appear as unobtrusive defects or artifacts. The unique codes are used in association with the print number of the film and are reproduced in video copies of the film made by counterfeiters. This code can be read from the counterfeit copy and can be used to trace the source of the counterfeit. The digits of the print number are recorded in separate frames to increase the difficulty to counterfeiters in detecting and deleting them.

Abstract: A management system and method of assigning credit for unprintable images provided by a customer. When unprintable frames are submitted for processing, such as scanning, printing or storage, the method allows the photofinisher to keep track of the number of image submitted for processing and assigns credit for to the customer's account for unprintable images. As an example of redeeming such credit, when the number of unprintable images equals a pre-set criterion, such as the number of frames in a roll, a free roll of film could be issued to the customer.

Abstract: In the data superimposing device, an aperture is provided in the narrowest position of the space formed between the arc-shaped outer wall surface of a take-up spool chamber and the outer wall surface of a photographic light path shielding cylinder, and an image-forming lens is installed immediately behind the aperture. It is thereby made possible to effectively suppress flare and clearly superimpose data on a film because the space, though it is limited in size, is expected before behind the aperture.

Abstract: In the data superimposing device, an aperture is provided in the narrowest position of the space formed between the arc-shaped outer wall surface of a take-up spool chamber and the outer wall surface of a photographic light path shielding cylinder, and an image-forming lens is installed immediately behind the aperture. It is thereby made possible to effectively suppress flare and clearly superimpose data on a film because the space, though it is limited in size, is expanded before and behind the aperture.

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

Abstract: In an optical data recording device, an LCD panel, an aperture stop and a projection lens are arranged in this order from the object side, and a center of the LCD panel is displaced from an optical axis of the projection lens in a direction away from an optical axis of an taking lens, so an image of data displayed on the LCD panel is projected on a photo filmstrip at a position that is shifted from the projection lens optical axis toward the taking lens optical axis. Where the photo filmstrip is curved along its lengthwise direction for compensating for a curvature of field of the taking lens, the LCD panel is inclined to a perpendicular plane to the projection lens optical axis, so an image surface of the LCD panel is formed on the photo filmstrip parallel with its curve.

Abstract: This invention provides a camera with a data exposure function comprising: a dot LED; a film winding mechanism provided with a film feeding motor; a film winding operation detecting portion for outputting a motor pulse signal corresponding to a rotation of the film feeding motor; a perforation detecting portion for detecting a perforation to output a perforation signal; and a main microcomputer for determining a lighting interval pulse by counting the number of motor pulses during detection of plural perforations, calculating a correction time corresponding to a decimal portion of the lighting interval pulse with reference to the period of a motor pulse signal and controlling a lighting interval of the dot LED based on an integer portion of the lighting interval pulse and the correction time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the exposure of additional information into the film plane of a camera, is located in a data back. The data back has a two-column liquid crystal display. Control of the data back takes place directly through the printer output of a computer. The data to be exposed can be entered for this purpose by means of the computer keyboard. The computer is simultaneously connected via the printer output to the code transducer and to the path measuring system of the zoom system of the photomicroscope. The overall magnification is calculated from the data which is read in, by means of a computer program, and is exposed in the photograph by means of the data back.

Abstract: A data-imprinting apparatus for preventing the imprinting of incorrect dates in a lens-equipped film unit that lacks a monitor display unit for the confirmation of the date display. The lens-equipped film unit 1 contains a built-in data module 27 that lacks an external display unit that allows the confirmation of the date display from the outside. The data module 27 contains a transmission-type liquid crystal display unit 45 that automatically updates and displays dates based upon a pre-stored calendar. In the liquid crystal display unit 45, external light enters from the light collection window 15 on the front cover 12, thus creating a beam of data light. The data light, acting in concert with the shutter release operation, is guided into a dark box. The image-forming optical system that is provided in the dark box forms an image of the data light on a part of the photographic film.

Abstract: In a method for traffic monitoring, data related to a traffic situation is measured. A picture of a traffic scene related to the traffic situation is generated on a photographic film. The data is recorded on the photographic film by converting the data to a first set of binary energizing signals which is energizing recording arrangements, so as to generate a numeric or alphanumeric representation of the data on the film in a first recording field thereof. The data is converted to a second set of binary energizing signals which energizes a recording arrangement, so as to generate a neither numeric nor alphanumeric pattern on the film in a second recording field.

Abstract: A combination of a camera and wristwatch, and a new application of a wristwatch that comprises a display device. The camera has recording means for electronically recording an image of an object, and transmission means for transmitting the recorded image on a radio wave. The wristwatch has display means that can display the current time and image, reproduction means for receiving the radio wave from the camera located at a nearby position, and reproducing the image, and display control means for controlling the display means to display the reproduced image. The image sensed by the camera is transmitted to the wristwatch located at a nearby position by radio, and can be displayed on the display means of the wristwatch.

Abstract: A camera having a data imprinting function, includes a data imprinting device for imprinting data on film, the data imprinting device including a light emitter which emits light to the film from the film base surf ace side of the film in accordance with character information; a film-type identifying device for identifying the sensitivity of the film; and a controller for determining a quantity of light emitted by the light emitter in accordance with the sensitivity of the film identified by the film-type identifying device, and for adjusting the quantity of light in accordance with the sensitivity of the film.

Abstract: A camera having a data imprinting function, includes: a sprocket-hole detecting device for detecting when each consecutive sprocket hole of a film passes a predetermined position while the film is wound or rewound, the film being loaded into the camera; a data imprinting device for imprinting data on the film between two adjacent sprocket holes thereof; a film speed detecting device for detecting the speed of the film; and a controller for controlling the position of commencement of imprinting the data on the film between the two adjacent sprocket holes in accordance with the time of detection of the sprocket-hole detecting device and the film speed detected by the film speed detecting device.

Abstract: A data-projection device particularly suited for disposable cameras that offers high reliability without the need for a dedicated monitoring device affixed thereto. A dedicated battery is embedded in this data-projection device and an associated battery terminal extends over the entire surface of the data-projection device. One of the circuit board surfaces securing the electrical components of the data-projection device is covered with an anti-electrostatic copper foil pattern which is connected to the battery, thus providing a shield effect with the battery terminal and the copper foil pattern strobe. Further, preferably, the strobe unit and the data-projection device are separated from each other by at least 2 mm.

Abstract: A roll-film camera for receiving a roll-film is disclosed which includes: a pair of spool compartments, each of which the roll-film can be placed in; a reversible film winding mechanism which rotates a spool placed in one of the pair of spool compartments in which the roll-film is not placed to wind a film of the roll-film onto the spool when the roll-film is placed in the other of the pair of spool compartments, wherein a film winding direction of the reversible film winding mechanism can be reversed depending on which one of the first and second spool compartments the roll film is loaded into; a photographic-data imprinting device for imprinting photographic data on the film; and a controller for controlling the photographic-data imprinting device to imprint the photographic data on the film in different arrangements depending on the winding direction of the film.

Abstract: A camera is disclosed which includes a camera body, a mirror box formed inside the camera body, a film holder receiving portion formed at the rear of the camera body behind the mirror box, and an aperture frame having a photographic aperture for forming the limits of each frame exposed, wherein the aperture frame is positioned between the mirror box and the film holder receiving portion. The camera also includes a film holder for accommodating a Brownie film roll, wherein the film holder is detachably attached to the film holder receiving portion. A pair of film guide rollers is also provided in the film holder that extends parallel to each other so as to be respectively positioned along and adjacent to opposite ends of the photographic aperture, wherein the film holder is attached to the film holder receiving portion so that a film drawn out of the film roll is wound around the pair of film guide rollers.

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-projection device particularly suited for disposable cameras that offers high reliability without the need for a dedicated monitoring device affixed thereto. A dedicated battery is embedded in this data-projection device and an associated battery terminal extends over the entire surface of the data-projection device. One of the circuit board surfaces securing the electrical components of the data-projection device is covered with an anti-electrostatic copper foil pattern which is connected to the battery, thus providing a shield effect with the battery terminal and the copper foil pattern strobe. Further, preferably, the strobe unit and the data-projection device are separated from each other by at least 2 mm.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imparting a succession of predetermined machine readable latent images on a strip of unexposed light sensitive film having a series of frames, the succession of latent images being individually indicative each of the series of frames of the film. A light source is adapted to be controlled at a rate associated for a particular type of film, the light source produces imaging light to which the film is sensitive. A ferroelectric liquid crystal array receives the imaging light, the ferroelectric liquid crystal array having a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments being individually switchable between opaque and transparent, the plurality of segments being formed so that the ferroelectric liquid crystal array can produce all of the predetermined latent images. Focusing means for focuses the imaging light which has passed through the ferroelectric liquid crystal array onto the strip of light sensitive film.

Abstract: An information recording mechanism for recording information onto a film surface from the front side of the film provides a light emitter for emitting, as light, the information to be recorded on the film; a light emitter mounting substrate for mounting the light emitter thereon; an optical stop for narrowing the light emitted from the light emitter; and an optical member for causing the light narrowed by the optical stop to become incident on the film surface. The optical stop is integrally formed with the camera body part, while the light emitter mounting substrate and the optical member are directly attached to the camera body part without substantially generating positional shifts, thereby improving operability for assembling the camera.

Abstract: A camera back comprising a light emitting device for recording information on a filmstrip in conjunction with picture-taking, and a film support for ensuring the shape of the filmstrip when information is recorded on the filmstrip, is characterized in that the film support has a plurality of parallel curved film ribs integral with the camera back for shaping the filmstrip in a curve, a recording opening is formed in the camera back adjacent one of the curved film ribs, and the light emitting device has a flat light emitting face positioned over the recording opening at an acute angle with respect to the one film rib.

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: A data imprinting apparatus for a camera prevents image dropout and loss of image sharpness in the imprinted image even when the path length from the light source to the data imprinting LCD is shortened, or when the diffusion angle of the emitted light is increased. In a camera data imprinting apparatus 1 the relationship between the position of a segment 630 on the liquid crystal panel 604 and the position of a light transmitting segment 660 on the light mask 622 is determined with consideration given to the diffusion angle of the emitted light so that the corresponding light transmitting segment 660 of the light mask 622 is positioned within the illumination area 640 formed on the light mask 622 by light passing a segment 630 switched to the light transmitting state. The illumination area 640 is thus formed at a position which is not partially offset from the light transmitting segment 660 of the light mask. Partial dropout of the imprinted data image, or partial loss of sharpness, can thus be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting data on a traveling film surface by utilizing a seven-segment light emitting element, comprises a film winding mechanism including a film feeding motor. A film feeding control device controls the film feeding mechanism to wind up one frame of the film after an exposure operation has finished. A pulse signal output device outputs pulse signals in accordance with the rotation of the motor. A perforation detecting portion detects a perforation and outputs a perforation signal. A PI counter counts the number of the pulse signals outputted between the detection of first and second perforation signals. A determining device determines light emitting intervals for the present imprinting operation based on the number of the pulse signals counted at the time of the preceding one-frame winding.

Abstract: A data recording device is provided which is capable of preventing the recording of incorrect date and time data on photographic film due to malfunction of the time counter that generates date and time data for recording. Drive IC 31A of data recording device 30 is equipped with time counter 161 that generates date and time data for recording, and the count value of the date and time data generated by this time counter is stored in storage circuit 33. At the point immediately prior to the operation that changes the count value of the time counter, the date and time data in storage circuit 33 and the counter value of the date and time data from the time counter are compared in comparison judgment circuit 34, and if the two do not agree, malfunction detection signal 34S which indicates that the time counter has malfunctioned is output to driver 162 and the recording of date and time data by liquid crystal display panel 12 is stopped.

Abstract: A data recording camera utilizes a keyboard mounted to an access door associated with the camera, and the keyboard inputs information to a light emitting diode array positioned within the camera. The light emitting diode array is removably attached between the camera's shutter and a bottom edge of a film frame to be exposed. The light emitting diode array is magnetically attached within the camera so as to be easily removable, and it includes light shielding means which isolates the bottom edge of a film frame from the rest of the film to be exposed during a conventional picture taking operation. A unique access door hinge is utilized to allow an electrical connector to be directed from the keyboard to the light emitting diode array.

Abstract: A first timer unit generates a first time-measurement output by performing a first timer operation. A second timer unit generates a second time-measurement output by performing a second timer operation different from the first timer operation by the first timer unit. A printing unit prints at least one of the first and second time-measurement outputs generated by the first and second timer units on a film upon film exposure.

Abstract: An automated film encoding and decoding system for bringing photographic film from the state of exposure to subject matter through all of the processes required to produce finished photos and package the same. The system includes an encoder coordinately operative with a camera for the placement of a human and machine readable code on the film the decoder capable of reading the code for the control of production-processing equipment in laboratories provided with such equipment. The human readability of the code accommodates production-processing of the film by attendant personnel and also allows for quality control check of automated production-processisng equipment. The encoding includes film frame identification information, subject matter information and registration mark information all of which may be utilized on a single exposure situation.

Abstract: Camera image data transfer device 1 of the present invention allows for the assembly of its components, with one component on top of another from the bottom up in one direction: liquid crystal display device for data transfer 6 is mounted in recess 28 on the inner side of first base 2; then, circuit board 5 and second base 3 are placed on top of it in this order; next, liquid crystal monitor display device 7 is mounted on the outer side of the second base; and finally fixture 8 securely fixes the display device to the second base. The whole device is fixed by securing the ends of dowels 21-27 to second base 3 with going through the entire structure and being extended from first base 2. Thus, the structure of the present invention facilitates assembly and produces fewer defects.

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: A camera with a data imprinting device includes a generally triangular space adjacent a film spool. A roller, used to conform the film to the film spool is urged into the triangular space when the film diameter on the roller approaches a maximum diameter. A portion of an optical system for the data imprinting device is also located in the triangular space. The periods of film drive pulses are averaged to establish periods of data imprinting pulses. A plurality of the data imprinting pulses are generated for each film drive pulse. In a full size mode of operation, a first set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record imprinting data. In a panorama mode of operation, a second set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record the imprinting data. The second set of data imprinting pulses contains more data imprinting pulses than the first set of data imprinting pulses, whereby the data imprinted in panorama mode occupies a shorter length of the film than does the data imprinted in full size mode.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus for a camera includes a data module having a plurality of light emitting elements. The data module also includes a plurality of image forming optical systems which form images of bundles of light emitted from the data module on a film at different recording positions. The image forming optical systems comprise a single prism to refract light paths of the bundles of light.

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 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: In order that data indicating the allocation of ports for controlling light-emitting devices or the start year and the end year of a calendar can be arbitrarily rewritten, an imprinting control unit includes a calendar control unit for calculating the time and date, an imprinting output control unit for outputting imprinting patterns to an imprinting unit in order to perform data recording, and a memory. The calendar start year and end year data and the imprinting output patterns stored in the memory can be rewritten into arbitrary data through a communication line. This allows easy changes in the wiring to the imprinting unit and in the calendar specifications.

Abstract: To provide a data imprinting device for a camera which has a simple construction and does not make the main body of the camera large in size, a data imprinting device for a camera includes: an LED for optically generating data to be imprinted on a film surface; a prism for allowing data light generated by the LED to form an image on the film surface; a holder for holding the LED and the prism and disposed in such a manner as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis for photographing of the camera; and data-imprinting-position changing means for moving the holder in interlocked relation with a changeover of a photographing image size on the film surface, and for changing a position of imprinting data on the film surface.

Abstract: To provide a data imprinting device for a camera which has a simple construction and does not make the main body of the camera large in size, a data imprinting device for a camera includes: an LED for optically generating data to be imprinted on a film surface; a prism for allowing data light generated by the LED to form an image on the film surface; a holder for holding the LED and the prism and disposed in such a manner as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis for photographing of the camera; and data-imprinting-position changing means for moving the holder in interlocked relation with a changeover of a photographing image size on the film surface, and for changing a position of imprinting data on the film surface.

Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device includes a generally triangular space adjacent a film spool. A roller, used to conform the film to the film spool is urged into the triangular space when the film diameter on the roller approaches a maximum diameter. A portion of an optical system for the data imprinting device is also located in the triangular space. The periods of film drive pulses are averaged to establish periods of data imprinting pulses. A plurality of the data imprinting pulses are generated for each film drive pulse. In a full size mode of operation, a first set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record imprinting data. In a panorama mode of operation, a second set of the data imprinting pulses are used to record the imprinting data. The second set of data imprinting pulses contains more data imprinting pulses than the first set of data imprinting pulses, whereby the data imprinted in panorama mode occupies a shorter length of the film than does the data imprinted in full size mode.